Harinama In Haifa
→ travelingmonk.com

Yesterday we did harinama in Haifa, Israel’s 3rd largest city. Israelis are celebrating their New Year and the beaches are crowded. As we experienced in Tel Aviv people spontaneously came forward to dance with us. I have never experienced this on such a scale in any other country of the world. In one sense it [...]

School of Life: How to Learn from Good and from Evil.
→ Matsya Avatar das adhikari




The Sacred Texts tell us that without receiving mercy from the Spiritual Master and from the Supreme God it's impossible to overcome for good the egoistic attachment toward mundane things. In order to succeed, not only we need to have received divine benevolence, we must have kept it too.
In which way we can receive mercy? Firstly by seeking it ardently, and behaving consequently, by dedicating ourselves with diligence and faith to spiritual practices and so awaken Love and Awareness.
And in which way we can keep it? By offering it to others. Then and only then, through constant and coherent efforts toward achieving Bhaktiin our lifespan, we will be increasingly able to discriminate reality from illusion, the essence from appearance, the eternal from ephemeral.
Mice see the cheese but not the trap. In the same way conditioned souls see the promises of pleasure in this world's things, but hardly can understand that this pleasure hides a trap. A mortal trap.
How to be detached from the world and its overwhelming beauties? How can we resist when we see something appealing, pleasing, good smelling and shining? We should think about it in connection to God. It is difficult to deny this world; the more we deny it the more we are attracted to it, risking to become hypocrites who refuse the world's attractions outwardly while inwardly craving them (Bhagavad-gita III.6). Therefore we should not refuse this material world's beautiful things, but to use them to serve God with Love, correlating them to our spiritual origin, and living them in the vision of eternity. Accordingly, in any circumstance of our life we can connect to the Lord and to our deepest spirituality. Even bitter experiences, the biting words we received, the mistakes we made, at the end can turn into gifts, only if we can learn from the lessons they offer us. Gratitude and appreciation can permeate everybody and everything appear in this world, because we make use of every experience to get closer to God.
This gratitude can be felt and can be expressed both when we receive "good things", and when we get "bad things", being conscious that the light of the day cannot be appreciated without the night's darkness.
As you would expect, it is necessary that we learn how to discriminate between vice and virtue, between good and evil, so we can choose once far all righteousness and be firm in sattva-guna, but also we must be aware that Reality is beyond. It is that pure spiritual dimension in which mundane good and evil are transcended, and they merge in the "sommum bonum": the supreme goodness beyond duality. And supreme goodness is unconditioned pure Love that change and purify everything. Such dimension can be reached when any desire we have becomes an offering to the Lord and all our perceptions are dedicated to His service.
By living in this perspective we will find treasures around each corner, hidden in any occurrence of our life. And we will walk toward death full of gratitude because we understood that by practicing Bhaktieven death leads us to life.

Tracey George, PTA Chairperson
→ TKG Academy

Tracey George is the mother of 4th grader Kalyani Rao. She is originally from Auckland, New Zealand and has been living in Dallas, TX for 7 years. She has been a member of the Hare Krsna community for 15 years. She was very involved in the gurukula last year and this year has accepted the role of PTA Chairperson, which includes organizing the parents in various activities and meetings.

Srila Prabhupada’s Palace News
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

Palace News

Many devotees worked very hard this summer serving Srila Prabhupada at his Palace. Following Srila Prabhupada’s Appearance Day we would like to thank them for all their wonderful service.

Lila, Gopa, Purnima, Srimati and Mukunda worked hard in the garden department. They planted many rows of jiva souls who appeared in the bodies of Blue Salvia and Vinca flowers. Two types of Vincas were planted, called “jellies” and “jams”, Numerous Day Lilies were planted as well. Unfortunately the deer came out at night to eat the Day Lilies so the devotees had to spray the plants with liquid fence. As always, Srila Prabhupada’s rose garden continues to attract and enliven our guests. Whenever you can please come say “Hare Krishna! Thank-you and Goodbye” to all these flowers before they leave us for the winter.

Electricity was out at the Palace during the summer for almost three weeks. Tejomaya, Gopisha, Gopal and Gaurashakti Prabhus worked diligently to replace the defective transformer. Tejomaya is pleased to announce that the Palace has been hooked up to city water. Tripad, Bhakta Josh and Gopish Prabhus were busy throughout the summer water proofing the Palace domes.

Hladini,  Kimberely and Shyamala Kishori Prabhus were busy giving Palace tours as well as applying gold leaf on the Palace. Shyamala Kishori, a second generation devotee, (daughter of Batu Gopal das) was so inspired she wants to help start a campaign to help raise awareness about the Palace, Srila Prabhupada’s only pushpa samadhi in the west. If any is interested in collaborating with her on this project please call 304-843-1778.

Chaitanya Bhagavat Prabhu steadily toke care of the puja services at Srila Prabhupada’s Palace and was a source of inspiration to the many guests who come to see Srila Prabhupada.  The guests who come to visit Srila Prabhupada are truly special souls. Last month a guest came out who is working on his Phd. in Theology. Even though he is a Catholic he said because of his association with New Vrindaban devotees he has become a vegetarian. He said one of his friends grew up on Irish Ridge (across from the Palace). His friend told him as a small child when he woke up in the morning he could look out his bedroom window and see the Palace sparkling like a gem in the distance, and he could hear the chanting of Krishna’s holy name floating through the valley from the Palace. What a beautiful way to start your day.

your servants

Krishna Bhava and Kripamaya das

56 photos: ISKCON Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand program
→ Dandavats.com

Lakshman Poddar: ISKCON PHUKET is a small effort to serve the mission of HIS DIVINE GRACE SRILA PRABHUPAD. SRILA PRABHUPAD extensively travelled through the world to spread the Holy names of the LORD. Infact when LORD KRISHNA appeared in this world 500 years ago as SRI CAITANYA MAHAPRABHU, HE himself confirmed that HIS Holy name will be preached in every town and village of the earth. Read more ›

Innumerable wonderful memories of Janmashtami
→ Dandavats.com

With every ISKCON centre celebrating it on a large scale, it is always full of keertans, cultural programs, loads of service and loads of prasadam. I have innumerable wonderful memories of Janmashtami - waking up early for managal aarti, fasting whole day, performing Bharat Natyam with friends and welcoming and interacting with guests dressed up in wedding attire Read more ›

12 min vid: A visit to Iskcon Toronto
→ Dandavats.com

Toronto's Hare Krishna Centre (ISKCON Toronto), has always been the hub of a rich, vibrant and enthusiastic community. Whether it be grand festivals, programs at local universities and yoga studios, philosophical discussions, cooking sessions, or singing and dancing on the streets, there are events taking place for everyone's interest. Read more ›

66 photos: Prabhupada’s books at the XXV-th Moscow International Book Fair. Does God need advertisement?
→ Dandavats.com

Will the future be a religious book, "competition" fiction and children's fairy tales? The issue date and controversial. God does not need advertisement. Still, a lot depends on how these priceless gifts are perceived by those who would like to still live by the laws of the spiritual world . After all, the holy book - not a dogma. And in order to present it to a secular society, it takes a special vision ... Read more ›

18.58 – Empower your thoughts to break free from their tired and tiring avenues
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Life is never easy; every day brings new obstacles and some days bring major reversals.

We don’t have the power to make life problem-free, but we do have the power to maximize or minimize those problems. Often our thoughts become dominated by problems. We keep fretting over them without thinking constructively. Our energy gets dissipated in resenting the problems instead of in resolving them. Our thoughts keep going over again and again on the tired and tiring avenues of frustration, self-pity, resentment and the like.

The best way to avoid such unnecessary aggravation of our problems is to direct our thinking towards something constructive. Many constructive things may present themselves as potential candidates for engaging our mind. But the most constructive thing is fixing the mind on Krishna. That’s because remembrance of Krishna is infused with a mystical power that not only redirects but also rejuvenates our thinking. Krishna is our greatest well-wisher, he is supremely powerful and he is the wisest of all – and he is fully and perennially accessible through his remembrance. By cultivating devotional remembrance of Krishna, we connect with the benediction, the power and the wisdom of Krishna.

Do problems magically disappear by thinking about Krishna?

What magically disappears is not the problem but our negativity that makes the problems seem so menacing and overwhelming. The Bhagavad-gita (18.58) specifically states that we cross over problems when we become conscious of Krishna. The precise word tarishyasi conveys the idea of floating over, as in an ocean or scaling across, as in a hurdle race.

Understanding this frees us from the disempowering delusion that remembrance of Krishna is irrelevant to our pressing concerns. When we diligently cultivate the remembrance of Krishna, we gain his supreme empowerment and march confidently through life’s obstacles and reversals.

***

18.58 - If you become conscious of Me, you will pass over all the obstacles of conditioned life by My grace. If, however, you do not work in such consciousness but act through false ego, not hearing Me, you will be lost.

 

Wednesday, September 4th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

Fresh Cut Wheat

Cadillac, Saskatchewan

The smell of fresh cut wheat hits the nostrils as soon as I open the door to Daruka’s car and make my entrance to the highway. He drives me to the spot from where I left off on the previous day.

It’s a whole new world of exploration. Will I walk through communities that might socially be classified as ghost towns as in the case of some places I’ve been to? I’m referring to boarded up businesses, sometimes also homes that have fallen into the hands of creepers and bushes. I would say that I’ve not yet trekked through a full blown ghost town yet, but some of these places seem to be getting there. You can only imagine the life that was once there. I guess job opportunities are better in the city so these once thriving communities start to fall into decline. There is always the chance for action to spring back and for a place to blossom again. Hmmm… land must be dirt cheap here.

I proceeded on with today’s adventure and heard to my left side coyotes howling. Once they completed their chorus, a choir began to my right side, stereo. A second community of coyotes had vibrated their awesome sound. I was rather close to their proximity. The sun hadn’t really come up yet. The sound of the choir sent a shot of goose pimples up my back. I just chanted some mantras more intensely, I had to make my sound as meaningful as the coyotes.

Now the day was in full swing, the sun had come up. Greg and Lilly from the Boom Town Booster, came for an interview, and so did Matthew from the Prairie Post. And for presentations at schools now that the summer is over, Daruka and I drove our way east and then west along Highway 13 to meet our appointments in Assiniboia and Lafleche. The gymnasiums got filled up in no time. The kids were marvellous. Educators love it when we inspire kids to be more outdoors. And secondly, hearing about travel encourages kids to think outside of the box.

One thing that I wanted to share was, you know how churches often have a caption to read outside their building? Here is one that applies to attitudes:

“A pessimist needs a good kick in the cans.”

24 KM

Is Courses And Exam’s the Only Way?
→ simple thoughts

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One thing about Janmastami is that it gives you an opportunity to catch up and see how devotees you know are getting on, although their for a short time before being admitted to hospital I did catch up with some who are relatively new to Krishna Consciousness.

Sadly some were speak in terms I’ve sadly heard before and one had indeed been initiated by a sampradaya other than ISKCON, the story was the same they love and are inspired by Srila Prabhupada have learnt much from reading his books but are disillusioned or feel that they do not have a place or have a chance of getting initiated within ISKCON.

There is also a perception that initiation within ISKCON is simply a money grading exercise, yes you can but first pay for these courses and then may be we will consider it; so seeing other’s who use Srila Prabhupada books and have a more open forum that they view fairer and more personal take shelter of them. Saying that they still keep some affection seeing that the first book and association was within ISKCON.

The problem is that we have a round hole and expect everyone to fit into it, there is no personal assessments so if your square, triangle or any other shape it’s never going to work. Their is a growing feeling that there is a greater emphasis on academic accomplishment rather than how the person is progressing in a more practical level; I’ve used the analogy before that for many it feel’s ISKCON has reduced initiation to nothing more than an impersonal tick box exercise.

A perception that some disagree with stating the need to make sure that there is a minimum standard and that these courses ensure that this is so; whilst acknowledging that given the time taken to bring people into an understanding of Krishna that many leave for other sampradaya’s.

We seem to have missed a small point, mentor-ship is good as long as it allows a more personal plan, that we look closely at individual circumstances; those of an academic inclination love courses live for courses it’s good and stimulating. But what if your not academic? Struggle in the class environment? Is the inability to do these courses mean instant disqualification? Or can we look at a more practical route, those who struggle in this area have much to offer that the devotee community will benefit from do we nurture this and progress them through first and second initiation without a course.

One thing that those who speak about their anxiety of loving Srila Prabhupada and some of the devotees they have met, is that they cannot find a place within the society; I wonder if we can through mentor-ship develop a more personal spiritual development plan rather than a single this is the route the only one.

I wonder what the thought’s are of others who have spent time listening and talking to those who have sadly left ISKCON and make it a home were everyone can feel they can make progress?

…the company one keeps
→ everyday gita

Verse 4.22: He who is satisfied with gain which comes of its own accord, who is free from duality and does not envy, who is steady in both success and failure, is never entangled, although performing actions.

One's desires and ambitions develop according to the company one keeps

For regular readers, you might recognize this phrase. It's one of my favorites and one that I quote often.

Today though, I viewed this phrase in a whole new light which caught me off guard. Ever feel like you've gotten all you can out of something? That you just can't learn anymore? Well...I definitely used to think that about the above mentioned phrase. So you can imagine my surprise when a new insight suddenly came to me.

I always used to think that "the company one keeps" referred to individuals. Reflecting upon the fact that lately I've been experiencing the words of the Gita come to life, suddenly a whole new context to the words "company" unveiled itself:

"The company one keeps is not only limited to the people we associate with; it also includes the books we read and the environments we expose ourselves to."

That's how subtle the soul is. When we are constantly exposed to something, we naturally become affected by it. Reading and writing about working without attachment has become such a constant fixture in my life, that I can't help but think about it more frequently!

I invite all of you to perform an experiment. Make the time for the next five days to absorb yourself in reading about one topic that uplifts you. Perhaps it can be on a quality that you hope to develop or a habit you would like to form. Spend ten minutes reading about it and at the end of the five days, take note of how often you think about it. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that you've already made some positive progress.

Crossing the Ocean of Nescience, August 31, ISKCON Silicon Valley, Mountain View, California
Giriraj Swami

FirstRathaYatraPrabhupadaSittingGiriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.2.31 for the continuation of Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa-puja celebration, on Saturday morning.

“One could argue that the devotee should be equal to all. But Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura explains that if we examine the qualities of the preacher, the intermediate devotee, we find that he makes distinctions: he gives his love to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, he makes friends with other devotees, he gives mercy to the innocent, and he neglects the envious. So, the function of giving mercy belongs to the preacher, and it is not exercised without discrimination: mercy is given specifically to the innocent. And then, when the devotee gives his mercy, the Lord gives His.                                                                                                                                                       .

brahmanda brahmite kona bhagyavan jiva
guru-krsna-prasade paya bhakti-lata-bija

First the guru gives mercy and then Krishna gives mercy, and thus the candidate receives the seed of devotional service. Krishna is partial to His devotee; if the devotee gives mercy, Krishna gives His mercy, being partial to the desire of His devotee. But, Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura explains, Krishna’s partiality to His devotee is not a fault — dushanam —  but is Krishna’s most glorious quality— bushanam. This verse describes how the spiritual master gives mercy to the candidate and Krishna’s mercy follows.”

Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.2.31

SRI SIDDHA-BAKULA Bhajana Kutir of Namacarya Srila Haridasa Thakura at Sri Ksetra Jagannatha Puri Dhama
→ Dandavats.com

Sri Siddha-Bakula is located near Gambhira Temple on Bali Sahi road in Sri Jagannatha Puri Dhama. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu personally arranged for Srila Haridasa Thakura to reside at this place. This is the place where he performed his daily bhajana of chanting 192 rounds (3,00,000 names) of Hare Krishna maha-mantra Read more ›

Good News Update
→ Life With the Cows and Land


ISCOWP September 2013 E-newsletter


CONTENTS: Old Cows Sheltered, Cow Protection in Alachua, Garden Bounty, Clearing Pastures for the Cows

You can sign up to receive the e-newsletters in your mailbox here.


Old Cows Sheltered


John using his backhoe bucket as a work platform to install supports for the rafters.

The best price on lumber for us is to go directly to the sawmill where we can get rough cut lumber right off the blade. It is wet so it is heavy, but when it is dry it is very strong. On this building we used poplar. We had the option to use oak, but it was more expensive and the poplar would be just fine for our needs. All of the beams were fastened with lag bolts which gave added strength.


John and Mikey building the tin roof. 

  
Cow Protection in Alachua Keshihanta and Devaki have been taking care of the cows at ISKCON Alachua for 25 years. They have a program Save the Cow for the remaining seven cows.They are exemplary cowherds and an inspiration to all with their steadfast dedication to cow protection. With their extensive experience, they will help guide the ISKCON Alachua temple's proposed new endeavor to create an eco/village cow protection project. Mathura makes friends with a prospective member of Alachua's eco/village cow protection project.  
ISCOWP was sponsored by the ISKCON Alachua temple to go to Alachua to counsel the beginning development of their eco/village cow protection project. It was enlivening to hear of the concept of teaching the practical as well as the cultural and spiritual benefits of cow protection to the youth in the community which is the largest Hare Krsna community in the USA. All our best wishes to Chitralekha dasi who will be the project's main cowherd. 
    Krsna Bhakta saved a herd of Black Angus cows from slaughter on his farm near Alachua temple.
Krsna Bhakta and family bought a 30 acre farm close to Alachua temple. A herd of Black Angus cows were already on the farm. If Krsna Bhakta and family did not buy the herd, the owner would sell all the cows for slaughter. Compelled to save the cows, Krsna Bhakta and family bought the herd and are now caring for twenty-two cows!
  Garden Bounty
 A thirty pound watermelon grown in the ISCOWP garden was sweet.
Shelter for Old Cows Completed 

It has been a good growing season for watermelon. Last year all our melons were killed by some disease. Broccoli is also growing well whereas in previous years it would be ruined by bugs. Although a late harvest due to the weather patterns this growing season, our harvest is bountiful.


Broccoli, Bitter Melon, Kale, peppers, sunflowers,pole beans,marigolds and Brussels sprouts all grow well in cow manure as the only fertilizer.
A school project, this sunflower was grown from 1 seed in Balaji's classroom and then transplanted as a seedling into the cow manure fertilized earth in the ISCOWP garden.
 Big heads of broccoli on all the plants.

Clearing Pastures for the Cows
Thanks to your support we are able to mow hilly rough pastures without endangering the oxen. 

At the end of last year and the beginning of this year we had a campaign to help us purchase an ATV and brush hog attachment for the purpose of mowing the pastures regularly to keep the maximum grass growing for the cows by cutting the weeds before seed germination. Much of our land is hilly and rough. By rough we mean rocky and with holes from groundhogs and other critters. Balabhadra did not want to risk utilizing a team of oxen on this terrain.  Now we have found out that the equipment works really well and seems to cut all weeds down. It is a rough ride and we found that hills can not be mowed horizontally but mowed vertically and gone around in a circle formation. Even then there are some spots that have to be let alone as the ATV and brush hog almost tipped over when nearing them.