Planet ISKCON

1975 November 6: "You immediately go and take back whatever books of ours that he has. You may inform him that we do not require his editing, neither should he correspond with our men. He wants to become more important."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

Continuing from verse one, I will try to explain in English as clearly and simply as possible the second of the four verses that are the essential core of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam.

ṛte ‘rthaḿ yat pratīyeta
na pratīyeta cātmani
tad vidyād ātmano māyāḿ
yathābhāso yathā tamaḥ

Brahmā: I want to understand how your potencies create reality.

Hari: My magic can make the unreal seem real, and the real seem unreal. It hides reality from anyone whose heart dislikes it, granting unreal perceptions instead.

Brahmā: So, you create “reality” by generating illusions?

Hari: That is how my magic creates the unreal, “material” world.

Brahmā: How do you manifest the real world?

Hari: My same magic reveals the truth of real things and the falsity in unreal things, for those whose who are so inclined.

Brahmā: I see! By māyā you create an illusory reality for those who desire illusion, and by yoga-māyā you manifest factual reality to those who so desire.

Hari: Not only is this how I create the “worlds,” it is also how I create your sense of individuality. For those who require illusion, my magic hides their true identity and reveals the false self they desire. For those who embrace truth, my magic hides any false individuality and reveals their true identity.

Brahmā: Your magic seems to be like both light and darkness.

Hari: My magic is like light because it reveals things to the consciousness. When light shines directly on an object, you see it as it is. But when light glares nearby, the object is cast into shadow and cannot be perceived as it is. This darkness is made all the more impenetrable by the dazzling glare nearby, misdirecting the consciousness and contracting the pupil. Thus the light of my magic can both reveal and hide reality; it can both create and dispel illusions.

Large text, above, represents direct translation, smaller text represents useful explanatory comments or setup.

Many travelers along Route 66 have stories about Harley and Annabelle, the “Mediocre Music Makers” from Erick, Oklahoma. Thousands have searched them out to experience a drop of their outlandishness – and for good reason. But when I rode through Erick on an incredibly rainy day in 2008, I had never even heard of them.

I saw their building and tried to take a few pictures through the downpour. A frail blond woman peeked her head out and asked if I wanted to come in an warm up. I said no at first, but her smile convinced me otherwise. We talked for an hour, interviewing each other about the road, life, spirituality and general vulgarity. And then they sang for me – which you can watch here (I was tired and shy).

On my most recent trip through Erick, they weren’t around. I know that Annabelle has been sick lately, and anything she needs to do to get better is worth it, but still, it was a bummer to miss them.

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Flickr

Our strength is in following the regulative principles and chanting sixteen rounds japa. Then Krsna will give you protection.

Letter to Visvadharini dasi
12th January 1977

The later half of this month will be spent investing some remodeling love and devotion into to the Krishna Lounge. We will be expanding the main room of the lounge, installing all new flooring, lights, bathroom, ect. We’re stoked about it- Look forward to sharing the space with you.

Due to the remodel Krishna Lounge will be closed November 21st & 28th

KRISHNA LOUNGE is run and operated completely by volunteers and donations. If you are inspired to contribute your time/energy into this endeavor or other endeavors – we warmly welcome your progressive disposition, insight and support:

DevotionalService.at.gmail.com
eightfiveeight.200.5380

ISKCON Los Angeles Govardhan Puja Read more ›

Diwali Celebrations at Bhaktivedanta Manor Read more ›

1967 November 5: "I offer you my sincere most blessings for the most kind words you have sent me. This attitude of service will help you progress in Krishna Consciousness and perfect Krishna Consciousness will help us to go back to home, back to Godhead."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

Salem is a town in Tamil Nadu with almost a million (”ten lakhs”) residents and is a reputed business center, with a large retail market in gold ornaments and jewelry. The anglicized word “Salem” comes from the Samskrita word “Shailam”, or “hill.” There is a well-known “hill station” that was popularized during the days of British rule, Yercaud, located twenty-five kilometers from Salem at a height of just under four thousand feet. It remains a popular place for summer visitors Read more ›

The post Radha-vallabha asks what the meaning of the Vaisnava-pramana is and to whom does it apply? appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Indra had become proud of his post, and Krsna does not like to see false pride in His devotee. False pride is like a cancerous tumour that destroys devotion. Krsna thus made an arrangement to rid Indra of this anartha. Read more ›

Click here to visit the following Galleries: Govardhan Puja Celebrations Daily Darshan Photos Govardhan-puja, the worship of Govardhan Hill is a tradition begun by Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Nanda Maharaj, as the head of the cowherd community of Gokul, was making arrangements to worship Lord Indra. Although He is the Supreme Knower, Krsna […]

The post Glories of Govardhan Hill appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Please view the following Gallery: Divali Festivities This commemorates the return of Ramachandra to Ayodhya after He had conquered over Ravana and rescued Sita-devi. The Ramayana states: Lord Ramachandra entered Ayodhya in the midst of a great festival. He was greeted on the road by the princely order, who showered his body with beautiful, fragrant […]

The post Divali in Mayapur appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Aldenham's Hare Krishna Temple hosted an evening of celebration for Diwali, the festival of light traditionally celebrated by Hindus, on Sunday. About 10,000 people flocked to Bhaktivedanta Manor, in Hillfield Lane, Aldenham, to enjoy the annual Hindu new year festivities. Read more ›

If you start parikrama on the main road in front of the ISKCON temple and the parikrama path near the Krishna Balarama Temple, you will walk about six minutes (440m) and you then reach the Krishna-Balarama tree. Most devotees circle this tree and then continue on the path. Read more ›

If you are attracted and enthused by the sweet chime of ringing bells, the mystic sound of conch shells, echoes of cooing birds at sunrise, exotic flowers & fruits, a culture woven with divinity, and a sublime touch of pure Ganges water, then mark Mayapur at the top of the list for your next holiday destination. Read more ›

Krishna-valley / New Vraja-dhama is more than 250 hectares of typical Mid Europian rural area, located in Hungary about 30 Kms from the well known tourist place Lake Balaton, in a beautiful natural environment. New Vraja-dhama is the transcendental realm of the world’s most beautiful deities Sri Sri Radha-Syamasundara. Please visit Krishna-valley for a spiritual journey. Read more ›

H.H Kadamba Kanana Swami (JAS) – Damodar Lila

Leaving Impressions

Toronto, Ontario

Nature likes to show off and leave an impression.  I wasn’t the only one to notice.  There were lots of outdoor enthusiasts strolling through Chorley Park and the adjoining ravine as I was.  Sunday, today, was sunny, revealing rusty-red and glowing-yellow trees.  People took their time to absorb by ambling along or taking a seat on a log or clicking their cameras to register something worthwhile.

If I could just dwell on this theme of impressions then I will share.

Today is Diwali, the festival of lights, the New Year.  At this time you can take a fresh look at you.  It’s review time in addition to living in the moment through a unique celebration.  There’s colour, sounds, and great tastes.

Diwali is a recall of King Ram’s homecoming at the optimistic times of Treta Yuga.  After 14 years of a fateful exile.  Ram returned to the kingdom of Ayodhya along with his wife, Sita, brother, Lakshman, and a whole set of new friends, a simian race.  They were greeted very regally.  They were so much missed and loved.

A few days prior I had been asked to see what I can insert for the festival held at the temple, so quickly, in a matter of three days, we pulled together a presentation of monologues, excerpts from a recent book, ‘Rama Smarana’, produced by Krishna Ksetra.  The delivery of the reading and miming by actors left an impression.  I’m usually set out to do that.  It is the veritable obligation of a monk to leave an inspirational spiritual impression.  I thought a bit about what fuels impressions and it seems to me the answer is other impressions.

At the program was our chief guest, city counselor, Kristyn Wong-Tam.  She wowed the crowd and then stayed on after her allotted time to chant with a few of us after feasting.  Here we have a very accessible person who’s a good listener and as a rep of the city she offered the various services that her post provides.  It clearly was not just an official visit, she happens to be an official who is really a friend.  We were impressed.  Let us all try to impress with a selfless cause.

May the Source be with you!

7 KM

1967 November 5: "If possible the persons involved must be requested to send a letter of regret and apology for the mistake they have done. This incident of separation from our society is accidental. The fact is that once combined in Krishna Consciousness, one cannot be separated at any time."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

1967 November 5: "I have given you a list of good behaviors for the devotees. The person who is a devotee must develop those good qualities. The provocation was set in motion by his uncalled for behavior but in future we shall be very much careful to deal in such provocative situations."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

1972 November 5: "All these things are nonsense inventions. Simply perform our kirtana. Such inventing spirit will ruin our movement. People may come to see, some will become devotees, but such devotees will not stay because they are attracted by some show and not by the real thing."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

1972 November 5: "Another change, another change, every day another change. Gradually the Krishna Consciousness idea will evaporate. Our standard is to have kirtana, start temples. Don't manufacture ideas."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

1975 November 5: "This is very funny thinking. You want to spend for a boat and he wants to take sannyasa. First, there is no sanction to purchase this boat. And is sannyasa so cheap? This is nonsense. He is not fit. He will become a victim."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

1975 November 5: "If somebody does not go in one line with the rest of the godbrothers, he can remain separately, but it does not mean that he may disobey the principles that I have laid down. So long as one follows the principles, he continues to be my disciple."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

1975 November 5: "Why are you always calling on the telephone? Are you such important men that you have to call all over the world? We are poor men sons, what can I do?"
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

Dear Devotees & Friends,

We would like like to inform you all that we will be having the association of two senior Sanyasis ( Disciples of Srila Prabhupada) who will be visiting Perth . Thew details are as follows:

HH Devamrita Swami

Arriving on Thursday 07 November  will be here till Saturday 09 November

Programme:

Thursday 07 November – Disappearance day celebration of HDG Srila Prabhupada

Friday 08 November — Srimad Bhagavatam class at 7.30 AM

Special Class on Balancing material and spiritual life with examples of devotees from Gaura lila at 7.30 PM
Saturday 09 November — Srimad Bhagavatam class at 7.30 AM

Special Class on Balancing material and spiritual life with examples of devotees from Krishna lila at 7.30 PM

 

HH Ramai Swami

Sunday 10 November till Tuesday 13 November

Maharaj will be participating in the Fremantle Parade Rathayatra in Fremantle

 

Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 November

 

Srimad Bhagavatam class at 7.30 AM and

Damodarstakam at 7.20 Pm and  a Short class after that

 

Pleease come and take advantage of their association and hear about Krishna Consciousness and clarify any doubts one may have.

 

Thank you

This album gives us a glimpse into the material and spiritual opulences of India that are quickly disappearing. We were in awe visiting both Nathdwar and Udaipur, where Ananta Vrindavan das expertly captured the emotions of people and places with his camera.

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Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.7.32.

“For His devotees, the Vraja-vasis, who were fully surrendered to Him and completely dependent on Him, the seven days that Krishna held Govardhana Hill aloft were the greatest transcendental festival. Generally, during the daytime when He went with the cowherd boys to pasture the cows, He would be together with them, but the devotees in the Vrindavan village would be in separation. Then when Krishna returned in the evening and entered the home of Nanda Maharaja and Mother Yasoda, the friends who were with Him during the day would be in separation. In Krishna’s pastimes in Vrindavan, every day there was always meeting and separation. But for the seven days of the Govardhana lila, all the residents of Vrindavan were with Krishna continuously. So it was a great festival. They did not lose at all; rather, they gained immensely. This demonstrates the principle that if we surrender to Krishna we don’t lose, but we gain many times over.

Govardhana-puja talk

If you know any of my writing, you know I like to put things as clear and simple as possible. But when the entire Śrīmad Bhāgavatam gets summarized in four short verses… even putting it as simple as possible is still going to bend our brains. Still, I hope that if you apply your human intelligence (it doesn’t have to be Einsteinian) to this English rendition – you’ll discover for your self many things that are the treasure you deserved to discover as a result of thousands of lifetimes of effort.

Today, here is the first verse of the four-verse original kernal of Bhāgavatam, translated from Canto Two, Chapter Nine, Text Thirty-Three according to the guidance of the sampradaya of Śrī Caitanya.

aham evāsam evāgre
nānyad yat sad-asat param
paścād ahaṁ yad etac ca
yo ‘vaśiṣyeta so ‘smy aham

Hari: Only I exclusively exist – at the very beginning, at the end, and throughout the duration of everything else.

Brahmā: What exactly do you mean by “everything else”?

Hari: Every effect, and every cause. I am the causeless cause of all causes, the beginningless beginning of all beginnings, existing before, after and during everything else.

Brahmā: What do you mean by “exclusively exist”? Why do you use the word exclusively?

Hari: My existence is unique because it is self-effecting. I am beyond all cause and effect. I exist without dependence on any other circumstance. I exist simply as the self-manifesting experience of blissful existence.

Brahmā: Then, in the very beginning, are you all alone – a singular entity without plurality displayed in names, forms, qualities, and active expressions?

Hari: It can be poetically said that I was singular. But actually all pluralities of individuality eternally exist within my singular existence – as the mechanisms essential for the self-manifest experience of blissful existence.

Brahmā: If you are the only factuality before, after and during everything – then everything we see and everything we don’t see is actually you?

Hari: Yes. You asked to know my natural or material form – it is everything you will see during the manifestation of the universe. You also asked to know my supernatural or spiritual form – it is beyond cause and effect, existing before the beginning and after the end of everything else.

In the above, large text represents direct translation, small text represents clarification of the meaning, via Śrīdhara Swāmī, Jīva Goswāmī, Viśvanātha Cakravartī, and Swāmī Prabhupāda.

Very nice Japa questions and answers with Giriraj Swami and Sacinandana Swami. Email subscribers please click the large blue post link to hear the audio.

If I remember right, this was from my first time using FujiChrome Provia 100D (RDP), which was the first Provia 100, I believe. I grabbed a bunch of this expired stock off of Ebay last spring, rerolled several rolls onto 620 spools specifically so I could shoot it in the Imperial Savoy. I’m not sure really what I was thinking aside from wanting to use expire 100iso slide film. I’m pretty happy with the results though. The color shifts aren’t incredibly drastic, but the saturation is fantastic. Look at that sky, people!

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Flickr.

Mahabaleshwar is a holy place about 240 Kilometres south east of Mumbai on top of the Sahyadri Mountain Range. Srila Prabhupada visited this place in 1976 and stayed at one life member’s house.