When it is called for
→ KKS Blog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 25 July 2013, Durban, South Africa, Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.6)

Talking about anger, Maharaja, how does one judge for oneself that our anger, or another’s, is not personally motivated?

fighting tigersWe have to be very careful with that. For example, I have many times been responsible for Prabhupada’s facilities in this movement, in various services. Sometimes, I saw that it was being misused or not properly cared for and sometimes, I became angry. I may have also committed some offences in the course of that anger by being unduly, inappropriately strong with people and so on…

Even if one is in management, talking about my own position really, I realized that one is not saved from reactions to offences that are committed in the course of duty. So, that is scary! In the course of duty, I am correcting these devotees for Prabhupada… I slapped him for Prabhupada (laughter); he deserved it!

I had a rascal devotee who wanted to drive the sankirtan bus and he had no license at all. We had a professional driver but he (the rascal devotee) was a muscle man so one day, he just threw out the driver of the bus and he started driving the bus himself and he totalled it – totally smashed it to pieces. I didn’t lose it… I was reasonable… I spoke with him, explained to him his mistake and so on… I didn’t blast him. A few hours later, he was outside beating up a devotee. I went to the spot and then lost it… I gave him a serious slap!

I wouldn’t do that anymore although it was very satisfying at that time.

 

 

When it is called for
→ KKS Blog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 25 July 2013, Durban, South Africa, Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.6)

Talking about anger, Maharaja, how does one judge for oneself that our anger, or another’s, is not personally motivated?

fighting tigersWe have to be very careful with that. For example, I have many times been responsible for Prabhupada’s facilities in this movement, in various services. Sometimes, I saw that it was being misused or not properly cared for and sometimes, I became angry. I may have also committed some offences in the course of that anger by being unduly, inappropriately strong with people and so on…

Even if one is in management, talking about my own position really, I realized that one is not saved from reactions to offences that are committed in the course of duty. So, that is scary! In the course of duty, I am correcting these devotees for Prabhupada… I slapped him for Prabhupada (laughter); he deserved it!

I had a rascal devotee who wanted to drive the sankirtan bus and he had no license at all. We had a professional driver but he (the rascal devotee) was a muscle man so one day, he just threw out the driver of the bus and he started driving the bus himself and he totalled it – totally smashed it to pieces. I didn’t lose it… I was reasonable… I spoke with him, explained to him his mistake and so on… I didn’t blast him. A few hours later, he was outside beating up a devotee. I went to the spot and then lost it… I gave him a serious slap!

I wouldn’t do that anymore although it was very satisfying at that time.

 

 

When it is called for
→ KKS Blog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 25 July 2013, Durban, South Africa, Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.6)

Talking about anger, Maharaja, how does one judge for oneself that our anger, or another’s, is not personally motivated?

fighting tigersWe have to be very careful with that. For example, I have many times been responsible for Prabhupada’s facilities in this movement, in various services. Sometimes, I saw that it was being misused or not properly cared for and sometimes, I became angry. I may have also committed some offences in the course of that anger by being unduly, inappropriately strong with people and so on…

Even if one is in management, talking about my own position really, I realized that one is not saved from reactions to offences that are committed in the course of duty. So, that is scary! In the course of duty, I am correcting these devotees for Prabhupada… I slapped him for Prabhupada (laughter); he deserved it!

I had a rascal devotee who wanted to drive the sankirtan bus and he had no license at all. We had a professional driver but he (the rascal devotee) was a muscle man so one day, he just threw out the driver of the bus and he started driving the bus himself and he totalled it – totally smashed it to pieces. I didn’t lose it… I was reasonable… I spoke with him, explained to him his mistake and so on… I didn’t blast him. A few hours later, he was outside beating up a devotee. I went to the spot and then lost it… I gave him a serious slap!

I wouldn’t do that anymore although it was very satisfying at that time.

 

 

Stumbling blocks are no blocks for mercy
→ The Spiritual Scientist

So eternally I want to remain your guide provided you want to accept me. You mentioned that your pathway has become filled with stumbling blocks, but there are no stumbling blocks, I can kick out all those stumbling blocks immediately, provided you accept my guidance. With one stroke of my kick I can kick out all stumbling blocks.

 (Letter to Krishna Dasa, 9 September 1972)

You Associate With God
→ Japa Group

"By chanting the holy name of God, you associate with God. God is absolute. He's not different from His name. So when you chant God's name means you immediately become in touch with God. And by chanting more and more, your association becomes more and more intimate. Then everything is disclosed to you."

Bhagavad Gita 2.13 public lecture
Hamburg - September 10, 1969

01.45 – Let the example of power come after, never before, the power of example
→ The Spiritual Scientist

“My way or the highway.” This is the conflict resolution mantra of the power-hungry. They sometimes rationalize their power-centric tactics with the Bhagavad-gita’s call for violence.

The Gita’s message is far greater and deeper than a mere call to arms. In fact, its essential message is a call to love, enlightened love directed towards Krishna and radiating through him to all living beings.

The greatest power that can inspire everyone towards this spiritual love is the power of example – the example of saintly individuals leading a life of devotion to God and service to all living beings.

The Pandavas exemplified such love through their personal lives, their just rule and their tolerant acceptance of the injustices inflicted upon them by the Kauravas. Arjuna’s readiness to even accept death for avoiding a bloody war, as expressed in the Bhagavad-gita (01.45), confirms that he was not at all power-hungry.

Krishna himself showed the power of example when despite being the most powerful warrior in the world he went to the Kauravas as a humble peace envoy. His example of humility coupled with his sound reasoning influenced many of the Kuru leaders, but not Duryodhana.

Some people like Duryodhana are totally blinded by their greed for power. Such people if they gain power can become monstrous misleaders who can harm millions.

To prevent such a calamity, they need to be taught in the only language they understand: the example of power. They can be silenced and subdued only by a display of power greater than theirs, as happened at Kuruksehtra after Krishna spoke the Gita.

What makes Gita wisdom enduring and endearing is not its contextual call for unleashing the example of power, but its universal call for unveiling the power of example.

**

01.45 - Better for me if the sons of Dhṛitarashtra, weapons in hand, were to kill me unarmed and unresisting on the battlefield.

 

 

 

 

 

Srila Prabhupada Vaysa Puja Offering (2013)
→ simple thoughts

Share

A little late posting due to unexpectedly being admitted to hospital, this is my humble offering:

Dear Srila Prabhupada
Please accept my Humble Obeisances

When Bhaktivadanta Manor first opened it’s doors I was only 2 it meant very little to me identifying with this body and then many things this material world offers.

My first clear memory was the song “my sweet lord” by the one close to you Srila George Harrison I heard these few words Hare Krishna who could not but want to sing it? Although my parents banned it’s playing as they viewed his song as dangerous a cult.

I heard first about Bhaktivadanta Manor as your devotees fought to keep it open, I could not understand the legal arguments but as Sebastian Poulter said their was many inaccuracy in the reporting that the devotees had to endure. Watching it appeared to me that all they wanted to do was sing and worship God, my parents and religious leaders disagreed seeing it as an act of god to close a cult. The singing of the maha mantra seemed at odds with the aggression being faced it made a small impression and reminded me of that sweet song “my sweet lord”

The biblical scripture that I pondered most simply said “seek and you shall find” my questions despite many years studying their was no answers; but one fine day I met a devotee who simply by love was sharing your books with the world, the sweetest of exchanges and I left with a book.

The answers were all their, my first visit to the Hare Krishna centre and as we sat a devotee started singing the Maha mantra and it reminded me of they joy singing the words I had picked up from the song “my sweet lord”

With each word and sentence read the clarity slowly revealed itself the answers I had been seeking were finally being revealed my love for the devotees grow with each visit, exemplifying and demonstrating the practicality of devotional life.

Their was struggle and recalling my first visit to Bhaktivadanta Manor my thoughts turned to this it was a place were you personally stayed and if I was going to make it in devotional anywhere then here was the place to be. My first minutes amazingly I was asked to perform arati at your lotus feet overwhelmed with tears it wasn’t that good but I knew then your love; each visit grows and each visit to Bhaktivadanta Manor becomes sweeter and sweeter.

This was your desire that by the love of your disciples and through reading the words found in your books material bondage is relieved; so a few words appear inadequate but as you simply served your spiritual master may we by your words and example simply follow our spiritual masters and inspire others to come and understand how sweet my Lord Kirishna really is.

Yours Humbly
Dhirabhakta Das

Bhaktivedanta Book Trust Vyasa-puja book of Homages to Srila Prabhupada downloadable as pdf
→ Dandavats.com

Each year, the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust publishes a limited number of copies of a Vyasa-puja book—a collection of homages to Srila Prabhupada from devotees and temples all over the world. Srila Prabhupada's unique position as the founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is significant in numerous ways. Essentially, he is the instructing spiritual master for everyone within ISKCON Read more ›

Upanishads in a New Light
→ The Vaishnava Voice

isaUpanishad1

Manuscript of the Isha Upanishad

Dear readers, you may well know that the Upanishads are the cardinal philosophical scriptures for those who follow the Vedic tradition. All of them are important, but the Sri Isha Upanishad, or Ishavasya Upanishad (also known as the Isopanishad) is particularly interesting – along with the Katha, Kena, and Swetashvatara – for the Vaishnavas. So I was particularly happy to see that a devotee artist is making the Isopanishad accessible to a new generation that might not otherwise discover it. He is rendering the entire 19 verses in different word media with accompanying videos. If any of you feel his project is worth your support, do please make a contribution. The benefit of ‘Kickstarter’ is that if the total is not reached, you won’t pay a penny, no matter how much you pledge. Have a look today. JUST CLICK HERE 


New Vrindaban’s Janmastami and Vyasa Puja Celebrations
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

Srila Prabhupada was seen “flying” into the temple room on an elegant swan carrier on his Vyasa Puja day, which followed a wonderful Janmastami celebration.

Radha Vrindaban Chandra looking effulgent on His birthday.

Radha Vrindaban Chandra looking effulgent on His birthday.

Devotees shower Srila Prabhupada with flowers on his Vyasa Puja day.

Devotees shower Srila Prabhupada with flowers on his Vyasa Puja day.

A True Paramahamsa, Srila Prabhupada. on his hamsa carrier.

A True Paramahamsa, Srila Prabhupada. on his hamsa carrier.

 

 

 

012 Krishna Conscious Rapper Mikey Jay
→ Successful Vaisnavas – Personal Development for Hare Krishnas

In this episode we interview Krishna conscious rapper Mikey Jay (http://www.mikeyjay108.org). Mikey is working on a project to create an album presenting the philosophy of Sri Isopanisad through rap and hip hop music. I have already watched some of the videos he has produced for the first two tracks and I am impressed. Here is Mikey Jay […]

The post 012 Krishna Conscious Rapper Mikey Jay appeared first on Successful Vaisnavas - Personal Development for Hare Krishnas.

012 Krishna Conscious Rapper Mikey Jay
→ Successful Vaisnavas

In this episode we interview Krishna conscious rapper Mikey Jay (http://www.mikeyjay108.org). Mikey is working on a project to create an album presenting the philosophy of Sri Isopanisad through rap and hip hop music. I have already watched some of the videos he has produced for the first two tracks and I am impressed. Here is Mikey Jay himself explaining the Sri Isopanisad Album project.

Mikey has set up a Kickstarter project to reward anyone who support his project. I have personally pledged something because I want to support this talented devotee, and I can see how this album can be a powerful tool for spreading Krishna consciousness and distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mikeyjay/sri-isopanisad-the-album-bhakti-yoga-music

Please visit the site and consider pledging. He has already generated quite a few pledges but still has some way to go to reach the goal. If it doesn’t reach the target, you won’t have to pay anything…

But your pledge could be the one that makes it successful!

Comment below and let me know what you think and let me know if you pledged.

Transcription: Podcast Introduction SelectShow

Transcription: Interview SelectShow

Mikey Jay Krishna conscious Rapper

Golden Oat Cookies
→ Bhakti Lounge - The Heart Of Yoga in Wellington

Chewy, crispy, sweet and wholesome… these cookies will satisfy all cookie monsters!

PREPARATION TIME: 30 minutes
YIELD: about 36 cookies

100gm oil
1 Tbsp Golden syrup
1/2 C Sugar
3/4 C Coconut
3/4 C Rolled oats
3/4 C Plain flour
1 tsp Baking soda
1 Tbsp Hot water

1. Mix oil, golden syrup, sugar, coconut, rolled oats and flour together.
2. Dissolve baking soda in water and mix in.
3. Make the dough into cookie size balls & flatten onto a greased oven tray.
4. Bake @ 180 degrees for 15 min or until golden.
5. Say Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare!


New Issue Of Sri Krishna Kathamrita Magazine
→ Dandavats.com

Prasada, the sacred food remnants of the Lord, are revered by devotees everywhere. However, in Jagannath Puri that tradition reaches heights that are not found anywhere else. This issue of Sri Krishna Kathamrita examines the culture surrounding prasada in general and particularly sheds light on many little-known details of the ancient tradition of mahaprasada in Jagannath Puri. Read more ›

Sri Krishna Janmastami, August 28, San Jose, California
Giriraj Swami

Six_Swamis_of_ISVimage-(5)——————
Giriraj Swami read and spoke on Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.33.36 at Lord Krishna’s Appearance Day festival.

“When we hear these stories, we should think, ‘Krishna is so kind to His devotees.’ Even in the midst of the worst calamity, if you just take shelter of Krishna — just surrender to Krishna — He will protect you.  ’I could have that facility if I surrender to Krishna. Why am I missing out — puttering around with my little toys and sense gratification and fallible soldiers? I am wasting my time. I should surrender to Krishna and get the real benefit.’ So, Krishna appears for this reason. And we can make the purpose of His appearance successful by hearing about His pastimes and dedicating ourselves to Him.”

Giriraj Swami
Vaisesika Dasa

Thursday, August 29th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

Honouring our guru

Regina, Saskatchewan

Last night we engaged in a celebratory event, Janmastami, in Regina, until 1:30 AM. After a good rest, I conducted a program to honour our guru, Srila Prabhupada. I had the good fortune to put in 10 kms on the road to a place near Horizon. Here is my offering of devotional sentiment to the guru.


You never did leave us

Your books contain your spirit

Your apparent departure

A myth without merit.


You are alive as ever,

Mortality has no place

For the voice of truth

Within time and space.


Your teachings bear power

Thrusting “real” enjoyment

And tightening controls

To sensual amazement;


They are for all times

Nothing relative

But relevant, teaching

The art that, “we give”.


No truth superior,

Science of the self

Most secret of secrets

Not to stay on ones’ shelf.


To live in this realm

Entities do cry

Deprived of peace

And Maya being dry.


Examining the real / surreal

What to conclude?

That life is constant?

The Force to include?


The cosmic clock ticks

Wearing us away

‘Til we look to sport

With Him and to play.


We thank you for that

All mentioned above.

There is no repay

For this genuine love.


We have you and Him

Making it all whole

Our final exam

Is to reaching this goal.


10.5 KM

Wednesday, August 28th, 2013
→ The Walking Monk

On His Birthday

Ogema, Saskatchewan

I wanted to tell the world that today is Krishna’s birthday. The strange thing was that not one motorist, not one soul stopped to talk. There were the regular honks and hand waves, but no one came to a standstill to offer congratulations on the marathon trek, or inquire about wellbeing or offer some water to drink.

This registered to me that this is the way it’s meant to be. Perhaps solitude was a theme to live by on this special day until social interaction would pick up in the evening in Regina at the ISKCON centre.

In any event, solitude, I achieved, especially when at one moment at about the middle mark of 15 kms I was dragging feet with fatigue. Some pranayam breathing also didn’t help much. I just needed forty winks as I believe is the expression, or a cat nap. So where do I have such a snooze in a desert like place where there’s hardly a tree about, and where soft grasses means bugs unlimited? I’ve taken a nap on a bale of hay before, but the ones that I see that are in my purview are all too close to the road. God knows, someone will notice me lying there and honk their horn or call the police.

I settled for a space on a plowed field and tucked myself behind a clump of grass. This was perfect for a spot to nap. Yes, one of those grasshoppers did come to terminate the great doze by jumping on my chest. His timing was perfect though, I proceeded on foot. Personally, I would give anything to live like this, in the freedom of nature’s bedroom choices over the fanciest suite in a five star hotel.

The sun was hot by the time I reached Ogema, a small town that apparently wished to name itself Omega, but the name was already taken so a juggle of letters solved that problem. In fact, the sun was a blast with 35 degrees Celsius temperature. I craved for shade like I craved for Krishna. With some ground work done by Daruka and the charm of our princess parrot, the few downtowners were out to break the solitude with their individual greeting. It started with a welder who spotted me and invited me into his shop for a cold water. What a sweet experience it was given the fact that it’s a full day fast until midnight, Krishna’s actual time of His divine birth.

At the next town over, Pangman, Daruka and I couldn’t resist but to enter the local outdoor pool. No one was there except for Bernie, the lifeguard. Slowly the place filled up with dads, moms and kids, breaking a supposed solitude. Happily, we were able to tell as many as we could that it’s Krishna’s birthday.

30 KM

Distinctly Pronounced And Heard
→ Japa Group


Recently I have had to remind myself of this basic truth....when chanting only listen to the mantra and not to the mind. The mind will always fill us with unnecessary thoughts - past, present and future. During Japa we don't have to entertain the mind's ramblings - we simply need to hear the Hare Krsna mantra and that's all.

Here is a nice quote from Srila Prabhupada about this.

"One should note in this connection that chanting involves the activities of the upper and lower lips as well as the tongue. All three must be engaged in chanting the Hare Krsna maha-mantra. The words “Hare Krsna” should be very distinctly pronounced and heard."

Caitanya Caritmrta Adi 17.32

TEN EXCELLENT QUESTIONS
→ Gita Coaching



Jump-start your every day with these Excellent Questions:

1. What am I most grateful for in my life?
2. What am I happiest about in my life?
3. What am I most enthusiastic about in my life?
4. What I would like to focus most in my life?
5. Who and what am I most committed to in my life?
6. Who do I love? Who loves me?
7. What great ideas can help me succeed?
8. What are my best strengths, talents, skills and abilities?
9. What would my ideal life? What is my dream?
10. What's the best in me that I can offer to people I love and to the world?

stepping out of the comfort zone…
→ everyday gita

Verse 4.18: One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is intelligent among men, and he is in the transcendental position, although engaged in all sorts of activities.

I remember exactly how I felt when I first read this verse - confused! It seemed so convoluted and complicated. What exactly is Krsna trying to say here? That being said, my confusion also lead to appreciation as it was only then that I realized how important it is to learn the teachings of the Gita from one who is trying to practice it.

Breaking it down, this verse is giving the secret to performing akarama, or performing actions that result in no karma. That's what "seeing inaction in action" means. Although one may be performing so much work, because their internal consciousness is one of detachment to the results and one of offering them in gratitude to the Divine, they don't incur any karma.

Conversely, one may mistakenly think that by sitting still and doing nothing that they will incur no karma. If only it were that easy! That's what the phrase "seeing action in inaction" means. Although it may seem that nothing is going on externally, we may forget that what goes on inside has a direct effect on what happens outside. Meaning, although we may be able to sit still for sometime, the mind which is so demanding will ultimately force us to act, even if it's against our will. At that time, if our attitude is self-centered, those actions will naturally result in good or bad karma.

Readers may be reflecting that these concepts of unattachment and attitude keep coming up over and over again. You're not alone! Although I've read the Gita before, I too am struck by how often these themes are highlighted.

But the time comes where the reading ends and the application begins. Be sure that if you are sincere at heart and are reading the Gita that you will be tested. I give fair warning! Since yoga is ultimately about connecting to the Divine, He takes special notice. Situations will arise and your mettle will be tested.

The good (bad?!) thing is that no matter how many times you fail, the opportunities will keep on coming.

In fact, if you think about it - the opportunities are coming right now.

That's the beauty of the Gita. It puts into perspective how we can positively transform the challenging situations that we face on a daily basis. Just these two things:

1. Detachment to the results of our activities and
3. Transforming our consciousness to offering everything we do with affection and gratitude to the Divine...

can work miracles in our lives.

Instead of seeing everything through the lens of "Why is this happening to me?" this shift promotes a sense of "Wow! I'm getting a chance to practically apply spiritual knowledge that I've gained." Granted, those feelings may not come soon...but it will! It may come sporadically at first - maybe once in a couple of years or every couple of months! LOL. That's ok. It will come though. It just takes practice.

Life is a series of lessons and bhakti is the path of self-empowerment. We can choose to learn from the lessons that surround us and benefit or continue to fight the lesson and drown in self pity. So join us as we step out of our comfort zones and into the stretch zone. You can change your consciousness today!

15.10 – Strive not to look good in the eyes of the world; strive to get good eyes to look at the world
→ The Spiritual Scientist

People often worry whether they look good in the eyes of the world; they fuss about being in tune with the latest fashions.

However, the world’s eyes are ever changing. What it cheers today, it jeers tomorrow. Fashions are notoriously short-lived.

Moreover, the world has many eyes – different people consider differing, even opposing, things as good. Looking good in everyone’s eyes is impossibly frustrating.

The obsession to look good sentences us to perpetual insecurity – we never know whether the world will find us good enough or what it will demand next. Worse still, under the spell of this obsession, we drag ourselves away from ourselves. We become disconnected from our core values, our inner essence, our true identity.

Situating ourselves in our actual identity is the only way to lasting security. For that, we need to get good eyes to look at the world. These good eyes are the eyes of knowledge (jnana-chakshu) provided by Gita wisdom, eyes that show us reality as it is. The unchanging reality is that we are souls meant for an eternal life of love and joy with Krishna. This world is but one station in our multi-life journey towards Krishna. People trying to ape the latest fashions are simply deluded souls dancing to the tune of the three modes, as the Bhagavad-gita (15.10) indicates.

The eyes of knowledge revise our vision of the world: It’s not a judge we need to satisfy, but a practicing ground we need to use for reviving our real life as devoted souls. Once we start serving Krishna and get a taste for the resulting fulfillment, then the obsession to look good ends – and we become free to live for our ultimate good.

**

15.10 - The foolish cannot understand how a living entity can quit his body, nor can they understand what sort of body he enjoys under the spell of the modes of nature. But one whose eyes are trained in knowledge can see all this.

Tangible Proof
→ Tattva - See inside out

Every year we offer some heartfelt words of appreciation to our founding spiritual teacher. For me, the lives of the saints settle all the doubts. Their stories are tangible proof that God really does exist.

Dear Srila Prabhupada

I close my eyes and picture the scene. It’s April 1966. Homeless, penniless and alone, you’ve relocated to the Lower East Side in search of “better opportunities” to preach. This is Skid row; the lowest of the low. Here you live, worship, study and teach. Its early evening, and your new residence, the rat-ridden 94 Bowery, is filled with buzzing acidheads, bearded bohemians, ruined alcoholics and disillusioned dropouts. The assembled participants have wandered into this makeshift temple in living protest against America's good life of materialism. Sex, music, LSD, and meditation is what makes them tick. Half-a-dozen unconscious bums block up the foyer. A few of them have urinated on the floor while one is actually dead. You nonchalantly step by them, enter the room and seat yourself at the front. These confused souls are looking for real love, real happiness and real spiritual experience. Your expression exudes bottomless depth. You are not phased in the slightest. You know your mission. You know you have what they’re looking for. You know Krishna is on your side.

What a historic scene! Absolutely incredible! This has to be the ultimate exhibition of compassion, conviction and courage. Could such a thing ever be repeated? Srila Prabhupada, if you do embark on such a transcendental adventure again, please permit me to tag along. I’m ready to do whatever it takes.

On the order of your spiritual teacher, you shed 200 gallons of blood to help people find true happiness. No amount of social commentary, historical analysis or academic reasoning can account for the miracle of your life. If there was any doubt that God exists, your story well and truly puts it to rest.

Now all that’s left is to share that story with the world. This is the real adventure, the real business, the real purpose in life. There is so much work to do – towns, cities, countries and continents that are waiting to hear about Krishna and His pure devotee. I’m grateful beyond belief to be part of your glorious mission. I hope I’ll do something in this life to make you smile.

Begging to remain at your transcendental disposal,

Sutapa das

New Vrindaban Working with our Local Community – A Win-Win Situation
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

by Lilasuka dasi

ISKCON New Vrindaban, home of the Palace of Gold, has been actively participating in the Marshall County Tourism Board since April 2012.   There are a wide variety of tourist attractions in the Marshall County area of West Virginia, including the former WV Penitentiary, Grand Vue Park, the Grave Creek Mound, Fostoria Glass Museum, the Marx Toy Museum, and of course the Palace of Gold, which was listed this year on CNN Travel as one of the eight religious wonders to see in the U.S.A.

In Front of the temple at New Vrindaban

In Front of the temple at New Vrindaban

Different tourist entities came together and formed the Marshall County Tourism Board for the purpose of helping each other attract more visitors to the Moundsville area.  The representatives of the attractions on this committee co-operate and brainstorm ways to improve tourism.  Based on a proposal of the Marshall County Tourism Board, there has recently been a hotel tax introduced to collect funds for further promoting the local destinations. Workshops have also been organized to train the staffs of each attraction to inform visitors about all the other Marshall County attractions.

The staff members of the attractions work together.  As a matter of fact, staff people have free entrance to each other’s attractions, so that they can get more familiar with all of the destinations. The different attractions have contributed to a fund that promotes advertising on T.V., in certain travel magazines, and other kinds of ads. The Marshall County Tourism Board is especially working with the Palace of Gold for their Bus Tour marketing.

The current representative for the Palace of Gold tourist attraction is Bhakta Josef Lauber. Working together with our local community is always a win-win situation.

6 Hour Kirtan – TONIGHT!
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Blog!

The festivities don't end yet as we celebrate our first 6 Hour Kirtan tonight!  Starting at 4pm, we will officially begin 6 hours of blissful chanting. Get off work early and come have a spiritual evening with your local Toronto kirtan talent. It will surely be a night to remember as we end the night off with your favourite Gaura Shakti Kirtan Yoga Band. Dinner prasadam (vegetarian feast) will be served. 

Check out the schedule below:

4:00 - 4:30: Dharma Prana Das
4:30 - 5:00: Uttamananda Krishna Das
5:00 - 5:30 - Nicole
5:30 - 6:00 - Julia
6:00 - 6:30 - Sing Lung
6:30 - 7:00 - Sukhavak  Das
7:00 - 7:30 - Yura
7:30 - 8:00 - Rukmini Devi Dasi
8:00 - 9:00 - Jettu 
9:00 - 10:00 - Gaura Shakti

We hope to see you tonight!