Preaching program in a school in Rajasthan with Bhakti Raghava Swami (Album 24 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Rajasthan, known as "the land of kings", is the largest state of the Republic of India by area. It is located in the west of India. It comprises most of the area of the large, inhospitable Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, which parallels the Sutlej-Indus river valley along its border with Pakistan to the west. Read more ›

Jaipur, a city steeped in culture and history! (Album 134 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Indradyumna Swami: The city of Jaipur is steeped in culture and history. Most important, it is the home of several important Gaudiya Vaisnava deities, including Radha Govindaji - the beloved deities of Srila Rupa Goswami. As our parikrama party visited the various temples and historic places in the Pink City we felt enriched in devotion and enlightened in the understanding of our Vaisnava history Read more ›

How can we avoid isolation when people around us misunderstand our intentions and hurt us?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

I have a question– what if your genuine care and concern (and intentions) without any ulterior motive is misconstrued? Would the hurt of being misjudged not be the cause of isolation? How do you feel Krishna’s presence in midst of misinterpretations and misunderstandings that arise in a scenario like this?
Thanks and kind regards

Charudeshna Radhika Dasi

Answer Podcast

Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-11-02 01:25:00 →

1967 November 2: "Anyone following the order of Lord Caitanya under the guidance of His bonafide representative, can become a Spiritual Master and I wish that in my absence all my disciples become the bonafide Spiritual Master to spread Krishna Consciousness throughout the whole world. I want it but he was too much puffed up."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

Love Makes You Feel
→ Load Film in Subdued Light

Camera: Polaroid Automatic 100 Film: Fuji FP-100C (reclaimed negative)

Camera: Polaroid Automatic 100
Film: Fuji FP-100C (reclaimed negative)

I can’t get enough of odd buildings, what to speak of a cluster of them turned into a motel. This is a product of its time. If someone were to build something like this now, it would be marketed as some kind of hunting lodge for rich weirdos so to speak).

If you’re ever in Holbrook, Arizona, you owe it to yourself to stay in the Wigwam Motel.

–

Flickr.


Cows who eat together…
→ KKS Blog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 8 September 2013, Johannesburg, South Africa, Home Program)

red-cows-grazingOne time, we were in Durban and Giriraj Maharaj was there. We were taking prasadam with the devotees and Maharaja suddenly said, “Its been scientifically proven that cows who eat together with other cows, give more milk.”

Bhuńkte bhojayate caiva (Nectar of Instruction, verse 4) So, I remembered that. So yes, like that, taking prasadam in the association of devotees, in the prasadam room always, will create a bond; it will bring us together.

It is very nice because it is not only about what has been cooked but it had been offered to Krsna and therefore it gives us eternal spiritual benefit. To me this point is so important, that in spiritual life, everything has that eternal dimension and that makes it different.

I mean, you can go somewhere Italian and (starts Italian accent) eat some pizza and it may be very Italian and in that way it may be full of pomodoros, tomatoes and have lots of mozzarella. It may be first class, made very nice but if it’s not offered to Krsna, then you don’t get any eternal benefit!(laughing) Tastes good for the tongue but after that, you know it is just finished, it’s gone, the benefit, if you know what I mean to say! Maybe you become Italian in next life and then you talk like this! Very tiring, very tiring to be Italian, you know.

villa-vrindavanaSo what’s the benefit. (Italian accent) We want to become Italian, huh? It’s not so bad. But then you have to become an Italian devotee. Italian devotees are very nice. They’re very nice. This summer, you know, I was in Italy. It was recently summer in Italy and I was in Villa Vrndavana. Very nice, they have peacocks in the garden in Villa Vrndavana and we had very sweet kirtan there. It was very nice. Also, some pizza but it was offered to Krsna. So the best of both worlds, Italian pizza and prasadam. And that way one gets the eternal dimension. It makes everything meaningful.

 

 

 

 

YUDHISTHIRA AND DOGS
→ Gita Coaching

Five brothers who were kings and their queen (this happened through a misunderstanding) after a long reign were embarking on their final journey - to heaven. To do so they had to trek up a mountain and along the way they were joined by a dog. The climb was so arduous they began to die off. Even the second oldest brother, the 'hercules' of his era, fell. However, the eldest, Yudhishthira and the

Join us this Saturday for the Grand Opening of the new location for ISKCON Brampton
→ ISKCON BRAMPTON



ISKCON Brampton
Grand Opening of New Location

6 George Street South, Brampton, ON, L6Y 1P3
November 2nd, 2013
12pm - 6pm



Saturday November 2nd, 6 George Street is opening its doors to the residents of Brampton to join in the grand opening of ISKCON Brampton's Vedic Cultural Learning Centre. The opening celebration will run from 2pm till 6pm. Visitors will enjoy a free sumptuous vegetarian feast. Along with a ribbon cutting ceremony there will also be ecstatic performances from local GTA musical bands, a play based on Vedic History, authentic Odissi dances and much more! Lots of fun for the whole family!

In 1966, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Srila Prabhupada established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness "ISKCON" in order to make Vedic teachings accessible to everyone across the globe. Today, ISKCON is comprised of more than 350 centres, 60 rural communities, 50 schools and 60 restaurants worldwide.

ISKCON Brampton will offer a wide array of learning opportunities for those throughout the Peel Region interested in Vedic Studies. The Learning Centre offers the following classes for children and adults: Yoga, Vegetarian Cooking, Dance, Vedic scripture study (Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, Bhakti Sastri), Health and Well Being and Instrumental Music.

On Sundays the Centre is open to the public and provides a wonderful free vegetarian feast, kirtan, Vedic discourses by ISKCON guest speakers and a Sunday School for children (ages 5-15).

Please join us in celebrating the Grand Opening on Saturday, November 2nd at 2pm - 6pm. Lots of parking available, we are located beside Brampton City Hall.


Wednesday, October 30th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

A Tenor

Toronto, Ontario

Dustin Hiles sings opera and has expressed an interest in going to India.  I told him I know a place where his voice could be well utilized.  He has sung for the Queen and other dignitaries.  Recently he played around with the maha mantra, applying it to the classic rendition, melody wise, to Ave Maria.

Dustin has also run for office for the political party, the Liberals.  He currently resides in the country’s capital, Ottawa, and had just made a stopover in Toronto.  He’s fond of our temple and ashram, the residents and the prasad (the blessed veggie food).

I took the opportunity to walk with him to meet his aunt Marilyn.  We went en route to the music conservatory.  Inside are exhibits of old time musical instruments.  One piano, Chopin had played. I was intrigued with a serpent flute as well as a walking stick flute, both from another era for sure.

Dustin was getting me updated on what’s going on with his life; quite positive.  He also inquired about how to advance spiritually.  I was eager to suggest the following:

“You have a great voice.  Why not learn some sacred Sanskrit mantras?  Chant mantras of hope, sing them out and deliver them to access the ears of the world. “

I also indicated that there is a super sacred place in India where the acoustics are likely very conducive for an opera voice.  Dustin has an incredible set of lungs as a tenor, and I personally believe that he could help with what is called the Pushpa Samadhi with stone ceiling, and offer an enhanced purposeful space.  Thousands of pilgrims come there every day.  It is a sublimely attractive place.  I go there every year and spend hours in the downstairs auditorium.  I do feel the samadhi itself could be more than what it is.  Instead of it being a seemingly museum type of space, if its ether is more regularly infused with meaningful sound, emphasis on voice rather than on musical instruments, it would be a magnet of a place.

The Earth could do with more sacred space and less factories, what do you think?

May the Source be with you!

7 KM

Monday, October 28th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

Coming Down

Tel Aviv / Amsterdam / Toronto

Flight 462 on KLM was super intense. Coming in for a landing into Amsterdam was not easy. Powerful wind currents had struck before the cloud level. The English woman next to me seemed calm, cool and collected during this turbulence but I could see a host of people adjusting their individual vents from above, response to wooziness. The plane maneuvered in circles. Some passengers were poised with their disposal bag to their mouths. Any chatter going on had ceased while the pilot in the cockpit held his focus on what to be done.

The English woman said, "The pilot must be working up a sweat. I know because my husband was a pilot and an uncle as well."

For me, my fidgety legs that wanted to do no more than be on the ground, quieted by the upstaging of the wavering plane. I mention to the woman that as a kid I used to get motion sickness being in the car (one reason for me to sleep in them). Just looking at solid ground below seem to anchor my equilibrium somehow. Any moment that I set my eyes to the inside the shakiness within sent dizzy impulses.

Gradually with time, minutes, we landed which was also a rough one. But we made it! I had been up to my protective mantras during the process, which is the grace of the Guru. Perhaps I wasn't the only one praying. In my mind I thought, "this could be it."

It was just before the turbulence that I picked up the major story in the New York Times. It was about President John F Kennedy who himself encountered a fragile, shattered and perhaps heroic life. Soon to come will be the 50th anniversary of his assassination. Some 40,000 books have been published about the man whose death traumatized a generation. The article brought to light with one new book (I forgot the name and author now) that delta still lingers on the character and contribution of the person. Despite all written on him he remains a mystery.

I couldn't help but parallel a concept from the sound Gita. Krishna Explains that many people (seekers) give consideration to the nature of the soul. Gyanis, the wise, speculate as to its nature. They ponder its existence and are still left with questions.

This also can hold true for studying the nature of the Absolute. You can spend a lifetime --or lifetimes-- in attempting to penetrate the inconceivable. You may have reached an epiphany, but in the end the mystique prevails.

Whatever we may conclude with realization on life will be what they are. The question is tiered for leaving?

May the Source be with you!

2 KM

Sunday, October 27th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

See A Bigger World

Harish, Israel

The day started off with a few of us exploring a trail at Aeriels' perimeter. With fence and barbed wire top, it was assumed it's out-of-bounds, a security road only. But no, it was confirmed by a local body that it is a route that walkers generally take.

The view is pleasing to the eyes with valleys of cream-to-beige coloured rock. The vista reminds me of the backdrop of a Charlton Heston 50's film. The sun is ever present and air is dry while condensation, and morning dew, is prevalent on most services, a desert dynamic. Temperatures are in the mid 20's by midday.

Friday is the day for the Muslims. Saturday is the day for the Jews. Sunday, today, is the day for the Christians. And, of course, everyday is special if you see it from an enlightened perspective.

Radhikatma and I drove to Caesarea, a town of ancient Roman ruins by the sea where we dipped in before the ride to Harish. I have a theory that mid afternoon should meet with a splash, a quick one. It's a great wake-up to challenge the grogginess as the day wears on.

Finally we made it to Harish, a moderate sized city where you will find a community of bhakti yoga adherents. This group is mostly of Israeli descent. I thought to conduct a Nine Devotions Workshop here. Part of the session involves an ice-breaking few minutes. "What's your favorite color?" for instance is a question asked. It was remarkable how many of these participants like "blue". Is it a Jewish trait? As the minutes rolled on we all could see Chaitanya's doctrine or principle that there's uniqueness and commonality in any sphere of existence. We are one and different at the same time.

We had a jolly good time making our way through the nine devotions that bring us closer to the Devine. I always ask for feedback after the sessions are over. I think it was put nicely by one of the women who said, "It Really helped me and the group to open up and see a big world."

May the Source be with you!

8 KM

Proud of a Personal Debt Burden
→ Devamrita Swami's Facebook notes

Who relishes drowning in debt? Held captive, whether financially or emotionally, chained and bound by outstanding payments, is not how we want our merry life to proceed. 

Soaking in the imaginary security of the illusory energy, conditioned souls cherish the maya consciousness of "born free and living easy—no holds on me." 

Debts of whatever type mean we are not in control—someone or something else has us under the gun. Fearing financial slavery as well as someone emotionally putting the screws on us, we want our life unfettered. Especially in the West, we have been trained to resist relationship blackmail. 

The Age of Darkness standard demands we think that our personal existence resides fully in our own hands: "I don't owe anyone anything—I'm not obligated to even tell you the time of the day!" The supposed peace formula: "You live your life, I live mine."

While visiting Shantipur, in the Gaura-mandala, a deeper realisation of my eternal indebtedness to our spiritual preceptors enveloped me. I am inalterably insolvent, permanently behind in payments.

Where Adwaita Acharya worshipped and begged for the descent of Lord Chaitanya, I now sit, partnering in reading and kirtan with HH Niranjana Swami, Acyuta-priya Prabhu, and a few other devotees. 

Here, at the site of Adwaita Acharya's house, immeasurably extraordinary personalities converged in full ecstasy of love of Krishna. Lord Chaitanya, Lord Nityananda, and their associates gathered here for chanting, dancing, and feasting. As described in Caitanya-caritamrta, at this spot Mother Sachi saw Lord Chaitanya for the first time after He accepted sannyasa.

The seed of ecstatic love of Krishna, Madhavendra Puri, visited this place too. That seed sprouted into the tree of ecstatic love, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Before leaving India to come to the West, Srila Prabhupada would take the train up from up Kolkata, to visit Adwaita Acarya's homesite and meditate on executing the order of his spiritual master.

Owing to all this superlative bhakti, this heritage of pure love of Krishna, my lowly self can chant the mahamantra today. With all the gravity and gratitude my lowly self can command, I wholeheartedly accept the burden of divine debt for which there will never be relief.

Govardhana Puja episode from the Little Krishna animated movie (3 min video)
→ Dandavats.com

The tenth Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam relates many of Krishna’s amazing pastimes. Of these, “The Lifting of Govardhan Hill” is one of the devotees’ favourites. It tells the story of how Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill in Vrindavan for seven days and seven nights, balancing it on the tip of his small finger and thus providing a huge umbrella under which all the residents and animals of Vrindavan could find shelter from the devastating rainstorm sent by Lord Indra (god of rain and king of heaven) upon their village. When Lord Indra realized that only the Supreme Lord could defeat him in such a mystical way, he surrendered to Krishna. Read more ›