Janmastami Celebrations – We Need YOUR Help!
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Blog!

The countdown begins for what is the BIGGEST festival we celebrate every year - Sri Krishna Janmastami! On Wednesday, August 28, 2013, the Hare Krishna Centre will be celebrating Janmastami in a grand fashion. There is so much activity packed in one night and it requires a lot of planning beforehand. It's not an easy task trying to pull off such a huge festival and that is why we need YOUR help!

Every year, we rely on the generous time many give up to be part of the celebrations. We need help in various areas like maintaining the crowds, organizing the shoe area and prasadam (vegetarian feast) distribution.

If you have some time to help, please fill out the form below.





We hope you can join us for this most auspicious occasion!

Does bhakti come from bhakti or from puny?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

n SB 10.12.11- ittham satam brahmasukhanubhutya.., there is the word krita punya punjah- which means those who have accumulated pious deeds- the verse is saying that such persons can play with the Supreme Lord. I have heard you explain that bhakti only comes from bhakti, not from punya? Does the word 'punya' here mean 'bhakti'?  BG 7.28 and its purport also seem to suggest that one's sins need to end first through pious activities before bhakti can begin.In general, there seems to be some confusion on this point. Some devotees talk about 'sukriti' in the context of bhakti, others say that sukriti is irrelevant, that it is the *causeless* mercy of the Vaisnavas and point to Srila Prabhupada's disciples who were hippies and led sinful lives before becoming Vaisnavas. It would really help to get a clear discussion of this point.

Answer Podcast

02.45 – Be flexible, but not fickle
→ The Spiritual Scientist

As students of the Gita, we may face this question. “How can we live according to the Gita’s ancient tradition in today’s world?”

By being flexible but not fickle.

Being fickle means changing our actions based on the moods of the mind, doing whatever recommendation of the Gita feels good and avoiding whatever doesn’t feel good. By being fickle, we stay stuck on the mental level without rising to the spiritual level.

Being flexible, on the other hand, means adjusting our behavior according to time-place-circumstance by clearly understanding what is essential and what is peripheral in the tradition.

The Bhagavad-gita points to such focusing on the essential when it urges Arjuna (02.45) to rise beyond the Vedic rituals that are material, being within the three modes. This verse concludes with a call to become atmavan – the possessor of the soul.

When we are ourselves the soul, what does being a possessor of the soul mean?

It means staying conscious of our spiritual identity and choosing our actions so that our spiritual consciousness becomes strengthened, not weakened. We don’t change the essential spiritual practices such as mantra meditation and scriptural study, because such monkeying with the tradition will injure our spiritual health. But that which is peripheral – certain cultural specifics, for example – can be adjusted so that we don’t exhaust our limited energy in fighting over externals, and so are left with no energy for the internals.

Being a possessor of the soul doesn’t imply mere abstract theoretical mentation about the soul. It implies concrete practical action in devotional service to Krishna, for such service is the real life of the soul. The more we internalize this attitude of service, praying, “Krishna, how can I serve you best?” the more we will gradually gain, by Krishna’s grace, the insight to focus on the essential.

**

The Vedas deal mainly with the subject of the three modes of material nature. O Arjuna, become transcendental to these three modes. Be free from all dualities and from all anxieties for gain and safety, and be established in the self.

No reason to be depressed
→ KKS Blog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 20 May 2012, Melbourne, Australia, Bhakti Bhavan Program)

Question: I feel that I suffer from depression. Can we please talk about it and do you have some solution?

15aug2013_3Well, it is good to be depressed about material life but one should be very optimistic about spiritual life. So, if we are depressed then we are one sided because in spiritual life, one is always optimistic as no one loses. In spiritual life, there are no losers! No one. Anyone who comes to the temple is getting benefit. It is not that some are always the lucky ones and I am always missing out. No, in spiritual life, no one misses out as everyone makes advancement, everyone gets blessings and for everyone there is improvement.

When we are depressed, it means that we are thinking about material life. I agree with you that there many reasons to get depressed about material life. I would be depressed also about material life, “Is this all there is, is this all there is, is this all there is? What the point of this?” That is material life – all reasons to be depressed. So, don’t worry about it. It is totally normal. You are healthy and all you have to do is take up some spiritual activity and the positive element will come into your life.

 

 

Please Chant Hare Krsna
→ travelingmonk.com

“We are going door to door: ‘Please chant Hare Krsna.” This is our only propaganda. But it is very difficult. Yet innocent children, they take part. Just now we went to some gentleman’s house. We began kirtan and small children immediately began responding. Children are not yet polluted. Krsna consciousness doesn’t require much education, intelligence [...]

Second Diwali Invite attempt
→ simple thoughts

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Hare Krishna

As mentioned in a previous blog I’m putting together the second Diwali festival for the local community were I live; this year we will also advertise so this is my second attempt:

Thank you to the very eagle eyed devotee who spotted my mistake on the first flier, Yes the year does make a big difference it’s not quiet 2014 yet.

I will be at Bhaktivadanta Manor on the day of Diwali and so it is planned during the month of Kartika but when the community hall and groups I’ve been working with are available just incase anyone’s wondering about the dates on it

As always any humble corrections thought’s suggestions on how I can make it attractive to as many people as possible would be fabulous

A New Video For You From Villa Vrindavana
→ simple thoughts

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This arrived in my inbox today, I’m always pleased when receiving such wonderful devotee links; it also demonstrates why I feel more mataji’s should lead kirtan:

Hare Krishna Dear Devotees,

Please accept my humble obesiances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Below is a link of the kirtan I recorded on the last day of our trip together at Villa Vrindavana.

I pray I see you all at Janmashtami.

your servant,
dipak

Gopinath Kids Camp
→ ISKCON BRAMPTON'S BLOG

Imagine a day full of games, laughter, delicious prasadam, chance to make new friends and especially, NO PARENTS! ISKCON Toronto is providing just that and more for the younger members of our community with the 7th Annual Gopinath's Kids Camp!

This year, the 7th Annual Gopinath's Kids Camp will be held on Saturday, August 24th from 8:30am-6:00pm, strictly for kids aged 4-12 years. The purpose of this one-day camp is to provide an opportunity to ignite the spiritual spark in our children while doing fun and interactive activities that they enjoy. In addition to outdoor games, some of the primary activities being planned for the day are a Mega Scavenger Hunt, fun cooking classes, learning how to play different musical instruments, sumptuous prasadam and many fond memories.

 All this and much more for registration fees of only $25! You can register at the temple or use our online form by clicking here (last day to register is August 23rd). For further information, please don't hesitate to email us at info@torontokrishna.com. 

They can always go on the Toronto blog to sign up as well.


Thank you!

7th Annual Gopinath Kids camp at ISKCON Toronto on Saturday- August 24th 2013
→ ISKCON Scarborough



Hare Krsna!

Please accept our humble obeisances

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

The Gopinath Kid's camp will he held on Saturday August 24th for kids aged 4-12.

Please read the information below from ISKCON Toronto and register on-line through the hyper link below
Last day for registration is tomorrow- Aug 23rd 2013

Imagine a day full of games, laughter, delicious prasadam, chance to make new friends and especially, NO PARENTS! ISKCON Toronto is providing just that and more for the younger members of our community with the 7th Annual Gopinath's Kids Camp!

This year, the 7th Annual Gopinath's Kids Camp will be held on Saturday, August 24th from 8:30am-6:00pm, strictly for kids aged 4-12 years. The purpose of this one-day camp is to provide an opportunity to ignite the spiritual spark in our children while doing fun and interactive activities that they enjoy. In addition to outdoor games, some of the primary activities being planned for the day are a Mega Scavenger Hunt, fun cooking classes, learning how to play different musical instruments, sumptuous prasadam and many fond memories.

All this and much more for registration fees of only $25! You can register at the temple or use our online form by clicking here (last day to register is August 23rd). For further information, please don't hesitate to email us at info@torontokrishna.com.

Wonderful festivities this weekend at ISKCON Scarborough!
→ ISKCON Scarborough



Hare Krishna!

Please accept our humble obeisances!

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

Appearance day of Lord Balaram:

Lord Balaram's appearance day anniversary was on Tuesday 20th Aug 2013.

We at ISKCON Scarborough will be celebrating the Appearance day of Lord Balaram on Friday 23rd Aug 2013.

We are extremely honoured to announce that a special class on Lord Balaram will be given by HG Rupanuga das prabhu.

Program starts at 6.45 pm with Tulasi Arti on Friday 23rd Aug 2013


Who is Lord Balarama?

The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, is the fountainhead of all incarnations. Lord Balarama is His second body. They are both one and the same identity. They differ only in form. Balarama is the first bodily expansion of Krishna, and He assists in Lord Krishna's transcendental pastimes. He is the source of the entire spiritual world and is the adi-guru, the original spiritual master.


Descent of Lord Balarama

Whenever Krishna appears in the material world, He is accompanied by His associates and paraphernalia. Five thousand years ago when Krishna descended into the material world, He was first preceded by Baladeva.

When Baladeva appeared as the seventh child in the womb of Devaki, she could understand that this was a divine child and this made her all the more concerned about His safety. Even Kamsa could sense His potency and he became fearful, thinking he may have been tricked by the prophecy that he will be slain only by the eight child of Devaki. At this time Krishna instructed Yogamaya, His internal potency, to transfer the unborn child from the womb of Devaki to that of Rohini, one of the other wives of Vasudeva, who was hiding from Kamsa in the house of Nanda Maharaja in Gokul.

In this way Balarama was born in Gokul under the protection of Nanda Maharaja.

Garga Muni the venerable kulaguru (family priest) of the Yadu dynasty revealed “ This child, the son of Rohiṇī, will give all happiness to His relatives and friends by His transcendental qualities. Therefore He will be known as Rāma. And because He will manifest extraordinary bodily strength, He will also be known as Bala. Moreover, because He unites two families — Vasudeva's family and the family of Nanda Mahārāja — He will be known as Saṅkarṣaṇa”.

Snan Yatra:

ISKCON Scarborough's 1st Snan Yatra will take place on Sunday 25th Aug 2013.

This grand Snan yatra is a precursor to ISKCON Scarborough's 1st Annual Jagannath Cultural program that will take place on Saturday- September 7th 2013 at Milliken Park.

Program for Sunday - 25th Aug 2013

10.30 am to 11am - Tulasi Puja/Guru Puja

11 am to 12 noon - Grand Abhishek on Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladev and Subhadra Devi

12 noon to 12.30 pm- Arti

12.30 pm to 1 pm - class on Lord Jagannath's Snan Yatra by HG Bhakti Yoga das prabhu

1 pm to 1.15 pm- Group chanting

1.15 pm- Grand Vegetarian prasadam

The Snan yatra bathing ceremony has been going on since the time of the carving of the 'Dharu-brahman' Deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram, and Subhadra Devi in Sri Purushottam Kshetra (Jagannath Puri) thousands of years ago, commemorating Their sacred appearance for the devotees

We warmly welcome you, your family and friends to join us for the auspicious programs this Friday/Sunday

With best wishes from,

ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:
www.iskconscarborough.com

06.18 – Illusion means that the content of our experience blinds us to its context
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Sometimes we get so caught up in watching a movie that we forget where we are, even who we are. The content of our experience, the hopes and horrors of the movie characters, make us oblivious to the context of that experience: the reality that we are observers seated on a chair, distinct from the happenings in the movie.

When the content of an experience blinds us to its context, that blinding effect is the essence of illusion. Similar is the illusion that traps us souls in material existence. We get so caught up in the pleasures and pains of the body that we forget who we are – the experience makes us oblivious to the experiencer, the source of consciousness, the soul.

The difference between a movie and material existence is that in the latter we are not just spectators but also actors. Tragically however, as actors we are not victors but victims. The actions we do to gain pleasure and avoid pain bring karmic consequences that incriminate us further in material existence, thereby subjecting us to greater illusions.

To come out of this illusion, we need philosophical education and personal introspection. The Bhagavad-gita (06.18) indicates that those who bring their consciousness under control by rejecting sensual desires become situated on the spiritual platform, free from illusion.

Intriguingly, not all illusion is bad. In the highest level of existence in the spiritual world, Goloka Vrindavana, devotees relish such exciting and fulfilling experiences in loving Krishna that the content makes them forget the context; they become oblivious to the supreme position of Krishna and their subordinate position. They delight simply in the reciprocation of love. That divine illusion is existence’s supreme achievement – the perfection of pure and perennial love.

**

When the yogi, by practice of yoga, disciplines his mental activities and becomes situated in transcendence – devoid of all material desires – he is said to be well established in yoga.

Gopinath’s Kids Camp – August 24, 2013
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Blog!

Imagine a day full of games, laughter, delicious prasadam, chance to make new friends and especially, NO PARENTS! ISKCON Toronto is providing just that and more for the younger members of our community with the 7th Annual Gopinath's Kids Camp!

This year, the 7th Annual Gopinath's Kids Camp will be held on Saturday, August 24th from 8:30am-6:00pm, strictly for kids aged 4-12 years. The purpose of this one-day camp is to provide an opportunity to ignite the spiritual spark in our children while doing fun and interactive activities that they enjoy. In addition to outdoor games, some of the primary activities being planned for the day are a Mega Scavenger Hunt, fun cooking classes, learning how to play different musical instruments, sumptuous prasadam and many fond memories.

 All this and much more for registration fees of only $25! You can register at the temple or use our online form by clicking here (last day to register is August 23rd). For further information, please don't hesitate to email us at info@torontokrishna.com.

Tuesday, August 20th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

Re-Start

Carievale, Saskatchewan

I landed in Regina. My marathon support man, Daruka, and the lovely, vivacious Billie, the blue front amazon parrot were there to see me in anticipation to re-start the prairie portion of a 4th walk across Canada.

It took a three hour drive to reach the Manitoba/ Saskatchewan border and the extension to Manitoba's Hwy 3, now turned to Hwy 18.

It didn't take long for the thrill of walking and recieving greetings to begin. Firstly, a fellow, a chef actually, and looking like one of those jolly types, pulled over. Other motorists followed thereafter.

When I reached Gainesborough, Daruka had already "worked the town" so to speak. He went around asking for information from locals. He even ventured up one of those old abandoned grain elevators.

Outside the Riverside Hotel several employees who Daruka had met, came out to meet a monk, their first perhaps. Employees from the grocery store also came to "check it out."

"What's the walk about?"

"To promote walking culture and all that goes along with it- therapy, inner peace, health both physical and mental," I responded.

Darren was amongst the group. He didn't ask questions. He loves to talk and not to stop. . He was gracious enough to trek my last kilometer with me and even to help Daruka set up the tent at the Carievale Campground, and all the while his conversation went one way. Daruka and I didn't mind. somehow or other you end up loving the guy as he inserts humour into the picture.

Yes, Humour, it's one of the greatest gifts ever that comes to us and makes a world that would otherwise be bland and stale.

22 KM

Monday, August 19th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

His Work

Vancouver, British Columbia

Before a flight, I love to walk. I took to some of the streets in San Jose alongside the commuter train. It was early- too early for any pedestrians. Only a cat was a stir. And then another one. Hunting could be good. Cats don’t herd but these two seemed to be on the prowl together.

Then a flight to Denver before Vancouver, would be my wing travel for today. A young seminarian boarded. Here he was all in black except for the exposed white collar. He sat right behind me. I was curious.

“Where are you stationed?”

“Minnesota. I’m a seminary there but on my way to Virginia.”

“I’m rather surprised. You don’t see many young men joining the mission these days. Am I right about that?”

“Where I’m learning, the seminary is growing.”

I felt compelled to congratulate him. “Well it’s great to see young guys like yourself doing God’s work. God bless!”

“God bless!”

We had parted ways.

In Vancouver I was picked up by Hadai Pandit, a Swiss-born devotee, excited about his Brahminical initiation. A fire ceremony for the occasion was set up outdoors off of Marine Drive at the ISKCON Center. This is the second initiation one formally takes. The first one ushers a candidate into the order of Krishna Consciousness. The second one welcomes one to the privilege of the more intense work for God.

For the ritual I decided to balance the modest event, held on the grass, by speaking from 4.35 of the Gita. At initiation #1 you capture the essence of 4.34 wherein you take lessons and guidance from the guru and render personal service to the guru. The following verse sends the message that you assimilate the philosophy. It’s a kind of maturation.

As the verse indicates, “Now that you’ve absorbed the message, understand that all things are in Him and that they are His.” This ends my detour from the southern Prairie Highway. I’m itchin’ to get my feet back on the road.- Highway 18.

6 KM

The right time to pray
→ KKS Blog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 30 June 2013, Vrindavan, India, Srimad Bhagavatam 6.16.34)
merciful MahaprabhuUltimately, the mercy of Mahaprabhu is what we are hoping for but only after we have given it our everything - not before and not while lying on our back saying, “Can someone bring the grapes? Oh gosh, I really hope for the mercy of Mahaprabhu.” 

Not exactly like that but instead, after we have given it our everything and we have reached our limits by trying hard. When we reached our limit that is when we start hoping, that is when our prayers begin.

If you pray before that then what is the meaning of your prayer? If you have not reached your limits (of endeavour) and you pray already, then how would you feel when someone is says, “Aaahh, please help me to get up from bed!” 

“Oh, do it yourself,” we may say. How do you think Krsna feels if we do not make any endeavour ourselves. When we have tried everything to conquer the unconquerable Krsna then yes, miracles can happen by mercy.

 

 

How we lose our natural spiritual bliss
→ The Spiritual Scientist

The Supreme Personality of Godhead expanded Himself into many for His ever-increasing spiritual bliss, and the living entities are parts and parcels of this spiritual bliss. They also have partial independence, but by misuse of their independence, when the service attitude is transformed into the propensity for sense enjoyment, they come under the sway of lust. This material creation is created by the Lord to give facility to the conditioned souls to fulfill these lustful propensities, and when completely baffled by prolonged lustful activities, the living entities begin to inquire about their real position.

Bhagavad Gita As It Is 3.37 purport