Study Bhāgavatam With Your Whole Heart and Mind, and you will have No More Confusion or Doubt
→ The Enquirer

The text below presents Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 2.10.8-9. The entire Bhāgavatam is full of such profoundly deep knowledge and realization. Please devote your heart and mind to study of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam.

Parīkṣit: Then the soul is not the ultimate refuge, the Supreme Soul is?

Śuka: The soul is the refuge of three treasures, but is not its own refuge.

Parīkṣit: Please explain! What are the three treasures the soul possesses?

Śuka: Individuality, divinity, and substance are the three treasures sheltered in the sanctuary of the soul.

Parīkṣit: How are they related?

Śuka: Where there is individuality there is a person, and a person certainly is also divine, but it is the person’s substance which stands between the two.

Parīkṣit: To understand this, it might help if I knew the tangible nature of three qualities.

Śuka: Individuality is tangible as consciousness – the awareness of things from a point of view.

Parīkṣit: Divinity?

Śuka: Divinity is tangible as the power of perception – the superior position of observer rather than the observed.

Parīkṣit: And substance?

Śuka: Substance is tangible as the senses which constitute a physical body.

Parīkṣit: In what sense does the body (substance) “stand between” consciousness (individuality) and perception (divinity)?

Śuka: In one sense as a conduit or interface: The bodily senses allow the consciousness to exercise its perception. In another sense as a divider, a blockage: Investing your individuality into an unreal substance cuts you off from your full divine nature.

Parīkṣit: Now I understand that the soul is the refuge of three treasures. Please explain why the soul is not its own refuge, and what the soul’s refuge is.

Śuka: These three qualities of the soul are relative to one another. The existence of one depends on the existence of the other. If one is absent, the others cannot manifest.

Parīkṣit: I understand. Conscious perception cannot manifest without sense organs, but sense organs are useless without consciousness and the divine power of perception.

Śuka: A fourth entity possesses and utilizes these three, she is the “soul” – the true self. That true self is a treasure in turn possessed by the supreme self. So, three treasures are sheltered in the soul, and the soul is an entity sheltered by a being who is his own shelter. Thus the ultimate refuge of everything is the Supreme Soul.

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KKS in Mayapur, November 2013
→ KKS Blog

kks_ausKadamba Kanana Swami is currently in Sri Dham Mayapur! On Sunday,17 November 2013, which is also the last day of the month of Kartik, Maharaja will be giving the morning Srimad Bhagavatam class at the temple.

A live-stream will be available on www.mayapur.tv so please tune-in. The class will begin at 8 am Indian time (GMT+5.5). If you are residing in a country that is west of India then it’s going to be an early morning for you!

For the following cities, the starting time of the class is given:

London (GMT+0) 2:30 am
Amsterdam (GMT+1) 3:30 am
Johannesburg (GMT+2) 4:30 am
Delhi (GMT+5.5) 8:00 am
Sydney (GMT+10) 12:30 pm

 

In case you miss it, we will post a recording later!

 

Srila Prabhupada
→ Ramai Swami

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On November 14, 1977, at 7:25 p.m., Prabhupada opened his eyes, which were very clear, more so than in many months.  His mouth opened, his tongue moved, and then he became still.  The kaviraja took Prabhupada’s pulse and held a cotton swab to his nostril, detecting no movement of air.  Our beloved Srila Prabhupada had departed.

Surrounded by his loving disciples, who were chanting the holy name of Krsna; lying very peaceful in his bed in Vrndavana-dhama, the holy land of Krsna’s birth; his head directed toward the Deities of Krsna-Balarama; surrounded by photos of all the Deities and his Guru Maharaja; decorated with candana and a big tulasi leaf on his forehead; and holding tulasi in his right hand, he departed and returned to the lotus feet of Krsna, from whence he came.
This year, at our Brisbane temple, the devotees gathered to offer homage to our Srila Prabhupada, Founder Acarya of the International Society for Krsna Consciousness and my spiritual master.
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If we keep on trying
→ KKS Blog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, September 2013, Cape Town, South Africa, Srimad Bhagavatam 8.20.12)

Question: We might try to do something to elevate our consciousness and pray for the mercy but then the result does not instantaneously manifest, as a quick result. So how can one remain fixed in that determination when not being able to perceive anything…

prabhupada_favouriteAs long as one is still attached to immediate results, it means that we are so attached to the result of our activities and we think, ’Oh, it does not work!’ Then try again. Even with simple things in the material world, like when you try to close the door and somehow the doorknob does not work very well. Well, try it again and after three times of trying, it might work. But if it was the first time and you say, ‘Oh, I cannot…’ Then nothing will work! So one has to pursue it, it may not work the first time.

That is what you see in Srila Prabhupada. He had this amazing quality that he would not give up! When everyone just gave up, ’Oh, it is impossible! It does not work. It cannot be done. No, I have tried it.’ And they always gave up. Prabhupada just never gave up and kept on trying and then in the end, it worked beyond expectation…

 

Catching Up
→ simple thoughts

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I’ve finally had chance to catch up on things after my October visit to the Manor their was a lot to do between work planning for the community Diwali so hadn’t uploaded these fantastic classes recorded

HG JayKrishna Das

HG Krypamoya Das

HG Sruti Dharma Das

As always I upload them to free space on the phone and using the cloud it’s much nicer to allow others to enjoy also

The spiritual struggle is always the best
→ simple thoughts

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It’s amazing how easily I’ve end up falling into the easiest of traps by looking at the actions of one or two individuals and then transposing that onto a whole group.
It’s been the downfall of many devotees over the years allowing ill feeling grow, allowing the mind to run free and becoming a hindrance in spiritual life.
In this age of kali we are even on a spiritual path come across some sort of quarrel and disagreements, we come into devotional circles with ideology of a utopia and then when problems come (and they will) we immediately become disillusioned.
My mistake allowing the actions of just a couple of disciples cloud my feelings for their Guru Maharajah whom has due to his podcasts kept me plugged in and my mind focused on spiritual matters whilst away from devotee association.
In many ways we see this repeated time and time again, we have what we personally see as a unsavoury interaction with a devotee and it becomes a huge hurdle that hurt is transferred till it eventually clouds the mind to the many amazing and beautiful devotees. Our judgement clouded like the fly we head for the open sores we see the inadequacies of those around us, spiritual suicide, we fester and eventually become spiritually sick and leave the devotee community.
Srila Prabhupada talked about how as devotees we need to develop the more beautiful and spiritually healthy honey seeking mentality, this especially applies to those we have the greatest problems with which is in many ways easier said than done. Their is an upside to persisting in this and trying to develop this side of myself.
Spiritual development means we struggle with the real self a point my own guru maharaja reminded me of, in other walks of life we simply point and blame others but as we chant and read we see the real self, including the self critical fault finding self which is unattractive but in this age of kali the norm.
The spiritual life is not always the easiest but is always the most rewarding.

Shyam Has Come To Nadia
→ travelingmonk.com

1. He whose body was dark now has a fair complexion. Leaving Gokula He came to Nadia. Putting down His flute He sings the holy names. 2. Leaving the Yamuna He enjoys pastimes on the Ganga’s banks. Relinquishing His yellow garments He wears the saffron cloth of a sannyasi. 3. Sweet-faced Radha is no longer [...]

it’s all around you…
→ everyday gita

Verse 4.26: Some of them sacrifice the hearing process and the senses in the fire of the controlled mind, and others sacrifice the objects of the senses, such as sound, in the fire of sacrifice.

We are bombarded by sound. It's sad to say, but it's actually hard to find a quiet place these days because the environment is filled with pings, ring tones and email notifications!

With so many competing sounds vying for our attention, it's no wonder that people are finding it harder and harder to focus. There are just too many things that are "calling us."

Interestingly, the process of bhakti yoga begins with hearing. Not distracted hearing, but focused and attentive hearing. After all, hearing is one of the most powerful ways by which we can learn.

The challenge that many of us face is that it's all too easy to forget to about the soul within. Its cries for attention and need for care get drowned out by all the external noise.

This is one of the biggest obstacles the modern yogi faces.

The way to overcome it is by making a sacrifice - the sacrifice of looking within and ensuring that time is made to hear about the needs and interests of the soul. This type of sound vibration is what gives energy and inspiration. In fact, setting aside dedicated time everyday to engage in such hearing from great bhakti texts as the Gita provides the necessary strength to deal with all the other sounds that constantly surround us.

It's a small sacrifice, but one that will bring great results.

Devotees of ISKCON Philippines Safe and Planning Food Aid After Typhoon Haiyan
→ Dandavats.com

According to a report from ISKCON Philippines Communications Director Sridama Das, ISKCON devotees in the Philippines remain safe and unharmed in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan, and are planning relief efforts to aid the less fortunate. ISKCON’s main temples in the Philippines -- the Sri Sri Madhava Mandir located at Makati City in Metro Manila, and the New Navadvip Eco Village in Alaminos, Laguna, were spared any major damage, however. Read more ›

New Vrindaban’s Gopal’s Garden School – Quarterly Newsletter, November 2013
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

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Gopal’s Garden Home School Co-op began its seventh year this September.  Two new students joined us from the Philippines and we are very happy to have them as part of our class.  Every morning we begin our day at 9:30 with chanting Hare Krsna and Bhagavad-gita verses.  The students hear stories about Krsna and the philosophy of Krsna Consciousness.  The rest of the morning is devoted to writing and reading.  After lunch and recess, we spend the afternoon studying history, science and math.

* * *

Compassionate Communication Class With Sukhavaha

Gerald the Giraffe – by Brinda Turner

Mother Sukhavaha has been doing a weekly class with the students of Gopal’s Garden. She has been talking about compassionate speaking feelings, and emotional boundaries.  The class now has its very own Gerald the giraffe puppet because a giraffe has the biggest heart on the planet.  Gerald is there to help the children learn to speak nicely and use compassionate communication.  When they feel troubled they simply come to Gerald for help.  Mother Sukhavaha has been teaching the children how to talk about what they are feeling and why they are feeling that way.  The class has worked together to create a list of agreements to help them act and speak compassionately.  The students have not had many sessions but it is already helping to transform the classroom.

* * *

Trip To Varsana Swami’s Temple

The Lucky Day  by Brinda Turner and Shemaella Rivera

On the morning of Radhastami,  we painted wooden frames and decorated them using stencils.  At the time we wondered what picture to put inside the frames.  Later in the morning we piled in the car and hurried to Varsana Swami’s temple.  Although it had been raining really hard, as soon as we arrived the rain turned into a light sprinkling. Taking off our shoes, we entered the temple where Varsana Maharaja gave us a picture of his deities – a perfect picture to place inside the newly decorated frames.  When we returned to the class, we decided to put the beautiful framed pictures on the altar.  The frames looked beautiful!  We were so lucky and blessed to have found the perfect picture.

* * *

 

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Art Class With Krsna Bhava

Learning to Draw What They See

By Ruci DD
Every Tuesday morning the students enter the classroom enthusiastic and ready to draw and paint with Krsna Bhava. This school year they have studied color theory, three dimensional art, and how to recognize the simple shapes and lines in objects in order to draw what they see. In creating their art the students have used acrylic paints, oil pastels, pencils, and markers. Krsna Bhava has been teaching art at Gopal’s  Garden for seven years.  Her ability to teach and inspire basic art concepts can be seen in her students completed projects (attached) as well as the year-end class project where the students publish their art and writing.

* * *

Student Writing Project With Sankirtana das

By Ruci DD

Sankirtana comes in once a week and has started the school year reading and writing poetry. He is introducing the students to the poetic elements of imagery (‘painting a picture with words’),  use of strong words and the way words sound together, expression of  feelings, and trying to show that poems are often about common, every day things and moments in life.  He starts with role modeling by writing a poem on the spot and helping them write a collective poem which he puts on the blackboard. Then they settle in to write their individual poems. The kids take turns in reading their poems as Sankirtana offers encouragement and constructive criticism.

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Poems by Students

Awesome – by Josh Fintel

I’m a fun guy

right after a day of school.

I bring my friends

to the school playground.

We bring our water guns and balloons.

We soak each other to be cool.

I see a red, orange, and green leaf pile move.

I throw a water balloon.

It ends with a splash.

The leaves slide down and my friend starts to laugh.

 

Living In This Moment – Brinda Turner

Although the leaves are falling

And it is almost Monday

I try to concentrate on this moment

I don’t let myself think

About by feet pounding

Down the hallway to our classroom

I try not to think that it is

Almost winter

I laugh as I fly into the air

Then giggle as I fall back

To the floor of the bouncy house

I am having fun right now

And that is all that matters

As I live in this moment

Not worrying about tomorrow

 

Poem About Writing

Writing – Josh Fintel

 

Writing is fun

Writing is story making

Making stories is easy & hard

But stories are entertainment

And learning

I’m an entertainment story guy

 

Poem About Art

 

Art – Shemaella Rivera
Since I was a young kid

I wanted to draw something

I kept on thinking how to draw

Painting, drawing, coloring –

The rainbow that makes

My heart happy!

 

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Poems About Math

 

Math – Josh Fintel

 

Math is good

Math is food for my brain

Math can be easy like 1 – 1

And math can be hard like 35 x 52

But for me it’s just right

 

Math – Shemaella Rivera
I don’t care if it’s hard

I don’t care if it’s easy

I’ll just do my best

I’m not gonna give up

Till I get it

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Reading – Shemaella Rivera

 

Peace and quiet

Inside the classroom

You can read

Whatever you love or like

But you can’t read nothing

Come on ! Show me what you’re reading!

 

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Lost in a World of My Own – by Brinda Turner
As soon as I pick up a book

I get sucked in

I despair at difficult situations

Laugh at the funny parts

And sometimes even cry

I forget where I am

About the people around me

All I think about is my book

It is beautiful to see

The words on the page

As they make an image in my

mind

I see every detail

I love the feel of a new book

The crisp white pages just begging to be read

And when the book ends

I reach for another

It amazes the people around me

But to me it is natural

Completely normal

I can read books so thick

My hands can’t even fit around them

In one day without rushing at all

It offers me another world

And that is why reading

Is so important to me

If I have a bad day

I can pick up a book

And forget why I was even upset

I can get lost in a world

Where anything can happen

Anything at all

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