Snakebites of Separation
→ The Enquirer

tvad-alokana-kalāhi-daṁśair eva mṛtaṁ janam
tvat-padāmbja-milal-lakṣa-bheṣajair devi jīvaya

Someone is so near death, from the bites of the black snake of not seeing you. O Goddess, revive that person with the antidote: a meeting with the red-lac that adorns your lotus-feet.

This exquisitely beautiful poem is the 9th verse of Śrīla Raghunātha dāsa Goswāmī’s Vilāpa-kusumāñjali. The entire book is full of such beauty. Those who read and appreciate this book destroy the limits of their good fortune.

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Ten Topics of Bhāgavatam
→ The Enquirer

There are ten facets, ten topics, in Śrīmad Bhagavatam. 2.10.1 lists them. The next verse explains that the first nine serve to clarify the tenth and main topic. Then five verses elaborate on what the titles of the topics mean. Here are the ten topics:

  1. The origin of things (sarga)
  2. The creation of things (visarga)
  3. The existence of things (sthāna)
  4. The maintenance of things (poṣaṇa)
  5. Enjoyable deeds (ūti)
  6. Spans of time (manvantara)
  7. Affectionate discussion of the Master (īśa-anukathā)
  8. Death and the destruction of things (nirodha)
  9. Liberation (mukti)
  10. The ultimate shelter and refuge (āśraya)

 


TEXAS FAITH 113: Are people of faith better off focusing their attention on education to schools that reflect their own tradition?Where should people of faith put their focus on education, especially in our big cities? How would you try to move the needle, as the expression goes?
→ Nityananda Chandra Das' Blog, ISKCON Dallas

Dallas Morning News,

Each week we will post a question to a panel of about two dozen clergy, laity and theologians, all of whom are based in Texas or are from Texas. They will chime in with their responses to the question of the week. And you, readers, will be able to respond to their answers through the comment box.

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings convened a group at the George W. Bush Institute last Thursday to discuss the role faith-based schools play in American cities. The group drew upon representatives from various traditions, including Catholic, Islamic and evangelical educators.

Later, Rawlings said one of the first big words he learned in Sunday school as a kid was “omniscient.” He said he went on to learn “omnipresent,” which led him to think that if God was indeed everywhere, then he is in schools, too. Rawlings, who identifies himself as a Democrat and Protestant, summed up his feelings this way:

“Surely we can create a new way to educate, to fund the best and the brightest in this country,” Rawlings said. “For me, it starts with God being omnipresent in lives across this country.”

So, here’s what I would like to hear you all discuss:

Are people of faith better off focusing their attention on education to schools that reflect their own tradition?

Of course, I imagine most of you think that public schools are valuable. Many of us probably attended them.

But if you really want to make an education dent, especially getting students to discuss God and larger issues of moral consequence, couldn’t one argue that schools that represent the values of a particular faith tradition are the better place to start?

Certainly, Catholic schools have produced strong results. Speaking at the Bush Institute conference,Father Tim Scully of Notre Dame claimed that 99 percent of students in Catholic high schools graduate. Eighty-five percent of those graduates, he said, attend college. And Latino and African-American students who attend Catholic school are two-and-a-half times more likely to graduate from college.

What do you think?

Where should people of faith put their focus on education, especially in our big cities? How would you try to move the needle, as the expression goes?

NITYANANDA CHANDRA DAS, minister of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), Dallas 

Educational institutions are not simply meant to create industry and employment but rather education is primarily for the purpose of character development. The ancient Vedic aphorism states that the sign of an educated man is that:

1. He sees all women, except for his wife, as one would view their own mother.
2. He does not covet other people's property, no more than one would covet garbage in the street.
3. He sees the pains and gains of others as his very own and therefore is compassionate towards other's distress and happy for other's happiness.

This wisdom is naturally developed when one studies and practices the science of the soul. In America we have so many educational institutions, yet how many institutions discuss the nature of consciousness? How many institutions can clearly explain the difference between a dead body and a living body?

Everyone in this world wants to be happy, however to be happy one must know the self and how to please the self. Because of mis-identifying the temporary body as the self, people in general look at the opposite sex or same sex as objects of their enjoyment.
Other people's property is seen with envy. And the pains and gains of others are something to take advantage of and exploit. Therefore, if there is no higher knowledge of the self, the modern educational institutions often can increase materialism and unhappiness within society.

To see all responses of the TEXAS Faith panel click here.

Chanting Together
→ Japa Group

Recently I received a very nice email which made me realise the importance of chanting together with quality. Here is the message:

My partner and I live in different countries for now and so naturally difficulties in our relationships are manifest. Sometimes though, when we call each other on skype, we just chant a few rounds together and naturally feel better and forget our silly problems. It becomes easier to talk about our relationship in Krsna consciousness and what we can do together in service than focus on how we can ¨fix¨ our problems in our relationship.

Of course, I am always in the nectar of tidbits from japagroup and so am hoping this feeling of thankfulness for the holy name serves someone else.

Hare Krsna,

Your servant,
Bh. D****

Vrindavan is my home!
→ KKS Blog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 03 November 2013, Vrindavan, India, Lecture: Damodar Lila)

KB templeWhenever I come to this Krsna Balaram mandir, I get excited because I am coming home. Like yesterday, Mother Daiva Shakti said, “Welcome home!” And I said, “Yes, Vrindavan is my home!”

She said, “Yes, because you took birth here!” Well, it is true; I started my spiritual life here in Vrindavan. Anyway, whatever may be, when I come to this town, it is wonderful because in Vrindavan, Krsna is so present. Practically everywhere, you just feel like he was there a few minutes ago, maybe he went around the corner somewhere. Krsna is very close in Vrindavan. So that certainly is wonderful.

 

 

Just Like Henry
→ Load Film in Subdued Light

Camera: Mamiya C3 Film: Kodak EktaChrome 64x (EPX) (expired 10/94)

Camera: Mamiya C3
Film: Kodak EktaChrome 64x (EPX) (expired 10/94)

This is not the second time I posted this photo, but it is the second photo I’ve posted of the Pecos Ruins taken with the Mamiya C3 using Kodak EktaChrome 64x. This other one was here.

I’ll repost it here to show the differences:

Camera: Mamiya C3 Film: Kodak EktaChrome 64x (EPX) (expired 10/94)

Camera: Mamiya C3
Film: Kodak EktaChrome 64x (EPX) (expired 10/94)

Since these photos were taken within twenty minutes of each other using the same exact camera and the same brand of film, why would there be such a difference? My guess would be the film. The rolls I was using both expired in September 1994 – interestingly, the month that I moved from Pennsylvania to Columbus, Ohio. Film degrades over time, and it’s clear that it degrades in differing ways.

Another reason for the contrast between the two shots could possibly be the processing. I develop my own film and while the C-41 process (in this case, cross-process) is pretty standard, I’m not always as careful as I should be when it comes to times and temps (the former much more so than the latter).

I’m not sure which I like better, but, as I was mentioning yesterday, I’m not sure I like either.


COOL FRIENDS: AUDARYA CANDRIKA – LIFE COACH AT STUDIO UMA
→ Gita Coaching

What is Studio Uma and what is coaching? Studio Uma is a warm and safe place were one can realize that there is no limit for living his life to the fullest potential – with more love, peace and connection to his inner self. No matter how his life is successful at the moment. And it is a warm and safe place were one can openly admit that his life doesn't work! The purpose of coaching is to

Philippines Typhoon Appeal
→ Dandavats.com

The Lotus Trust – the welfare arm of ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor – is working with the UK Hindu community to assist with the huge relief effort that is required. We have partnered with ISKCON Food for Life volunteers in the Philippines who are travelling to the area to assist in the food relief efforts Read more ›

Mahabharata On the Move
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das



Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest, has received a tremendous response from readers, including great endorsements from professors, some of whom plan to use the book in their classrooms. As you may know, there is much controversy in academia  as to who Sri Krishna is and His role in the Mahabharata.  

In MahaTEQ I bring to bear my life’s work in theater and storytelling and tell the story in a cinematic, fascinating and thought provoking way.Without being didactic, the book offers an authentic Vaisnava perspective in the understanding of who Krishna is, of dharma, of real leadership qualities, and of the foreboding nature of our age, the Kali-yuga. All this as the story moves steadily forward, and in under 280 pages (a comfortable read for a college or even high school course).

My hope is that MahaTEQ  will eventually replace William Buck’s ambiguous rendition that so many professors are accustomed to using and that the book will be used in discussion groups, for dramatic readings, and ultimately as the basis for a film. This is what the Mahabharata Project is about.   

In this respect, I ask the help of the devotees. We are upon the season for gift giving and MahaTEQ would make a great gift for scholars, professors or for those special people you are cultivating. I request that you get copies for  these contacts or  encourage them to order a copy themselves.

I have a sale of MahaTEQ going on now which I am extending until the end of the year.  If you happen to be coming to New Vrindaban the book is only $11 (cover price $16). To read reviews or order copies (Free shipping) through Paypal go to www.Mahabharata-Project.com   OR  contact me directly at story108@juno.com

Thank you.  



Sunday, November 10th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

Contemplating
 
Buenos Aires, Argentina
 
Once again, Sebastian lead me on a trek through some of the streets, noisy and quiet. I had contemplated during this time my advantaged life as a sannyasi, a position I had taken since ‘84 which was a formal vow as a lifelong monk. The eleven years prior I had been committed to the stage of brahmachari with the option to be married at any period. The ‘84 solemn promise nailed the coffin shut to any worldly pursuits, at least for this life.
 
Yesterday I spoke from Canto 3 of the book "Bhagavatam" to the local group of Krishnas, bhakti-yogis, and how sannyasa is both free and grave at the same time. My translator to Spanish is Veda Vyasa, who’s part German, Spanish and a few other things. His destiny, glorious as you could imagine, is to take those vows of celibacy entering into sannyasa in four months from now when he verbalizes the commitment in India.
 
Here’s a very stable person, devoted to teaching the devotional arts. He’s in the 60’s range of age, he dedicated himself as a husband to one woman and bred two great kids. With their consent he’s taking that bold step. It’s rare. It’s inspirational for others to see this kind of spiritual loyalty.
 
For myself, I could not have enjoyed the freedom to travel as I do, had it not been for the single life, so I bathed my consciousness into moments of gratitude for this. It’s not a matter of becoming a tourist or sight seer, it’s more a matter of travelling about and contributing to people’s personal detachments from the world and readying themselves for the final exit from this life.
 
The great universal truths such as learning detachment are taught by Sri Krishna in His delivery of the Gita. For the entertainment, or rather, enlightenment that was presented on the stage at Plaza Francia, a combined effort by actors from Canada and Argentina presented at Obra de Teatro. Krishna and Arjuna were portrayed by Miarianno Sobodia and Marcello Brushetti. The message was one of learning the gradual disconnect from this world and making a growing bond to the Great Spirit.
 
May the Source be with you!
 
9 KM

Saturday, November 9th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

I Remember
 
Beunos Aires, Argentina
 
I remember reading that our guru, Srila Prabhupada, had a good feeling when he was a student and would sit on a clean seat at a clean desk at school. The sensation is the same when you walk on the street that’s just been hosed down. With spring being what it is in Argentina, trees drop their blossoms, buds and leaves. I hate to say it but dogs leave their doo-doos all over the place (can’t blame the pet really).
 
Sebastian is a 23 year old and was great enough to take me around through the streets. At one park a few party goers took us to be Arabs judging be their innocent remarks. More enlightened were a couple of guys in a fast car who spotted us and suddenly came to a halt to talk to us. “I had been to south Asia – Thailand - and I really got to know some of the monks there. I really like their vision on life,” said the driver. He shook hands with Sebastian and I a few times over, all in good spirit.
 
Vision is something that many people are cut short of, referring to the inner vision or penetrating into your actual self. I spoke with Louis from the news paper in Argentina later at the temple at the second day where a 12 hour Kirtan took place. Louis is a very respected journalist whose forte is spirituality when it comes to writing. He views a spiritual teacher as a kind of doctor who diagnoses the world and after due analysis, offers a medicine. He asked me what my take on the world condition is and what my prognosis would be.
 
I cannot claim to be a great luminary by any stretch of the imagination but I did offer this, “ We live in a world with many social ills, relationship issues, so much discord and a submission to things that harm. Emphasis is on the urges of the body. The atma (spirit) is neglected.”
 
What is the cure? A practical cure?”
 
“Secure a small space, have a powerful drumming mantra session. Dance and sing. Have nice food, ahimsa vegetarian food. Stipulate "no drugs!" Encourage one and all to come. Let them have a higher taste. Watch the results!” I suggested these events to be a regular feature. See the culture transition. I then had to dismiss myself to lead some kirtan which becomes a hot sweaty experience.
 
May the source be with you!
 
1 KM

Friday, November 8th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

Here Again!
 
Buenos Aires, Argentina
 
It`s great to see that the Krishna community here is growing. There’s Prema, an Argentinean who himself is a monk heading up the rest of the crew of monks. You won’t find a more jovial fellow who’s musical and who lead the greeting party with a kirtan when Maha Mantra and I arrived at Templo Hare Krishna Ciudaddelapaz. There`s also Mahahari, the local leader, and his American wife, Gandharvika, super talented cook and Govinda’s manager. I see many familiar faces. You have diehards, or core members, loyal and committed. There’s always new seekers of course.
 
Maha Mantra and I were given accommodations in a former private school building which now serves as an ashram, temple and restaurant. Being that some areas are under construction the place is one of simple circumstance. It takes two flights of stairs to get to a busy washroom. Renovation goes on during the day, making lots of noise, but when you consider all the new space coming together, the sound is really music to the ears.
 
To contribute to the upcoming weekend Chariot Festival, Maha Mantra, Philippe, also from Canada, myself and a group of devotees from Mar de Plato work hard on a Spanish rendition of the drama ‘Gita: Concise’. As author of this paraphrased view of the Gita, I’m also the director. Between rehearsals many of our drama crew take advantage of the 12 hour kirtan taking place. I was given an hour slot at which to lead a session. The Argentineans give their true fullness to the chanting dynamics which I think is in part thanks to their Latino blood which is always happy for song and dance. My Bengali friend, Ajamil, is also present to lead his usual rousing version of Kirtan. I’m Just surprised that the neighbours aren`t complaining. But then it appears to me that a party atmosphere is a regular feature, not a bad program necessarily for the young at heart. It might be the reason I keep coming back every year.
 
May the Source be with you!
 
5 KM

Not Hungry for GMOs
→ 16 ROUNDS to Samadhi magazine

gmos1

Back in May of 2013, Hungary government officials incinerated 1000 acres of genetically modified corn, a product made by the agro-chemical conglomerate Monsanto. Hungary, a maverick among the EU on the issue of genetically modified crops (GMOs), has taken a strong stance by banning it from being used by Hungarian farmers. This comes at the same time massive protests were conducted here in the United States in response to The Monsanto Protection Act (see May issue of 16 Rounds for more information on Monsanto and The Monsanto Protection Act).

There is a worldwide countervail against Monsanto’s biopiracy and hegemony. Farmers in Mexico conducted a hunger strike and protest march in Mexico City to decry GMO corn; Chileans have rallied against a bill that would put multinationals at the helm of controlling Chile’s seed market; in Haiti, 10,000 farmers burned Monsanto seeds in Papaye, asserting the preeminence of keeping seeds organic and local. Indian farmers have taken a univocal stand to oust Monsanto after being cheated since 2001 with promises of soaring crop yields.

Now is a watershed in food production. Chemical manipulation of food is deleterious to health, toxic to the environment, and an impractical, unrealistic remedy to world hunger – as evinced by batteries of lab tests and case studies conducted by third-party researchers for years.

Bhagavad Gita, a text of profound wisdom from ancient India, teaches that whatever action a great person performs, common people follow and whatever standards such a person sets by exemplary acts, the entire world pursues. Indeed history repeats itself, and teaches us about the consequences of not fighting back to malign influences.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” ― Edmund Burke

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