Amogha gave Justin a couple of Back to Godhead magazines and walked with him to his car. Justin expressed his mind -- he had found Prabhupada's arguments thought-provoking and convincing -- especially those concerning the connection between contemporary problems and the bodily concept of life. As he was leaving he turned to Amogha and smiled. "Now I have to go back to my fourth-class life." Amogha related this to Srila Prabhupada, who was happy to hear the news. "This means he has understood," Prabhupada said. "He is better than so many clergies."
The quote above is taken from a conversation between Prabhupada and Justin. It was to a certain degree long winded going back and forth. Finally Justin had to leave Prabhupada’s association. The quote above is during his exit talking to Prabhupada’s disciple Amogha.
If you notice at the end, although Justin acknowledged everything Prabhupada said, still he indicates going back to “fourth class life”. So did Prabhupada’s preaching succeed or fail because if Justin went back to fourth class life then did his preaching make any lifestyle difference? Prabhupada expresses happiness that Justin intellectually understood the subject in comparison to numerous clergies who cannot even understand the basics.
So Srila Prabhupada sowed the seed of spiritual knowledge. The hope is this seed will fully fructify into love of God, in time. However, at the current instant, Prabhupada was satisfied with the seed. This shows his patience and detachment from fruits despite his laborious efforts.
We should also aspire to follow in Prabhupada's footsteps. We may preach to so many people with all our heart and mind but no one may take up Krishna consciousness, some may appreciate the philosophy and some may not care…regardless of the result we should be detached from the fruits of our labor. This detachment can come within us only if we fully understand that Krishna is the Supreme controller (and not I) and ultimately He is the one who inspires people (from within) to be Krishna Conscious.
Hare Krishna
Preaching with patience and detachment
Preaching with patience and detachment
→ Servant of the Servant
Amogha gave Justin a couple of Back to Godhead magazines and walked with him to his car. Justin expressed his mind -- he had found Prabhupada's arguments thought-provoking and convincing -- especially those concerning the connection between contemporary problems and the bodily concept of life. As he was leaving he turned to Amogha and smiled. "Now I have to go back to my fourth-class life." Amogha related this to Srila Prabhupada, who was happy to hear the news. "This means he has understood," Prabhupada said. "He is better than so many clergies."
The quote above is taken from a conversation between Prabhupada and Justin. It was to a certain degree long winded going back and forth. Finally Justin had to leave Prabhupada’s association. The quote above is during his exit talking to Prabhupada’s disciple Amogha.
If you notice at the end, although Justin acknowledged everything Prabhupada said, still he indicates going back to “fourth class life”. So did Prabhupada’s preaching succeed or fail because if Justin went back to fourth class life then did his preaching make any lifestyle difference? Prabhupada expresses happiness that Justin intellectually understood the subject in comparison to numerous clergies who cannot even understand the basics.
So Srila Prabhupada sowed the seed of spiritual knowledge. The hope is this seed will fully fructify into love of God, in time. However, at the current instant, Prabhupada was satisfied with the seed. This shows his patience and detachment from fruits despite his laborious efforts.
We should also aspire to follow in Prabhupada's footsteps. We may preach to so many people with all our heart and mind but no one may take up Krishna consciousness, some may appreciate the philosophy and some may not care…regardless of the result we should be detached from the fruits of our labor. This detachment can come within us only if we fully understand that Krishna is the Supreme controller (and not I) and ultimately He is the one who inspires people (from within) to be Krishna Conscious.
Hare Krishna
The quote above is taken from a conversation between Prabhupada and Justin. It was to a certain degree long winded going back and forth. Finally Justin had to leave Prabhupada’s association. The quote above is during his exit talking to Prabhupada’s disciple Amogha.
If you notice at the end, although Justin acknowledged everything Prabhupada said, still he indicates going back to “fourth class life”. So did Prabhupada’s preaching succeed or fail because if Justin went back to fourth class life then did his preaching make any lifestyle difference? Prabhupada expresses happiness that Justin intellectually understood the subject in comparison to numerous clergies who cannot even understand the basics.
So Srila Prabhupada sowed the seed of spiritual knowledge. The hope is this seed will fully fructify into love of God, in time. However, at the current instant, Prabhupada was satisfied with the seed. This shows his patience and detachment from fruits despite his laborious efforts.
We should also aspire to follow in Prabhupada's footsteps. We may preach to so many people with all our heart and mind but no one may take up Krishna consciousness, some may appreciate the philosophy and some may not care…regardless of the result we should be detached from the fruits of our labor. This detachment can come within us only if we fully understand that Krishna is the Supreme controller (and not I) and ultimately He is the one who inspires people (from within) to be Krishna Conscious.
Hare Krishna
House Warming, Retirement from House Building, Birthday
→ View From a New Vrindaban Ridge
Dry Wall Raising
60th Birthday Party
Saturday, June 8th. from 11 am to 5 pm.
(Rain Date Sunday, June 9th)
My house (yellow house at the end of Peaceful Lane)
Please do not bring presents.
Rather bring prasadam dishes, drills (with phillips head bits), and razor knives.
Donations of 1 hour of dry wall raising: measuring, cutting, raising and screwing in drywall will help me complete my part in finishing this house.
Please let me know if you will be able to participate. Thank you very much.
Any questions about the details, please call me at 304-843-2334.
Gratefully, Sukhavaha d
Filed under: News, Ramblings or Whatever
TEXAS FAITH 101: Should Americans boycott sweatshops in places like Bangladesh?
→ 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.
Should we Americans boycott sweatshops in places like Bangladesh?
That’s the question many people are facing after a horrific fire in a Bangladesh sweatshop recently killed more than 1,100 workers. But it isn’t always an easy one to answer.
As New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof explains in this link, workers in some underdeveloped nations see a sweatshop as preferable to conditions they otherwise might work in. Here’s how Kristof put it in a 2009 column:
“I’m glad that many Americans are repulsed by the idea of importing products made by barely paid, barely legal workers in dangerous factories. Yet sweatshops are only a symptom of poverty, not a cause, and banning them closes off one route out of poverty. At a time of tremendous economic distress and protectionist pressures, there’s a special danger that tighter labor standards will be used as an excuse to curb trade.”
In essence, sweatshop employees may be making a rational decision to work in places most Americans would not set foot in. The demand for their goods leads to jobs that pay better than in other parts of a developing nation’s economy. And in better conditions, as hard as that might be to imagine
On the other hand, our demand for their goods is why sweatshops exist. And while those facilities may be better than others in a country, they also can be exploitative and even deadly.
I am also including a link to an interview that ran in The Dallas Morning News Points section. The Q&A is with Texas Tech professor Benjamin Powell, author of the forthcoming Sweatshops: Improving Lives and Economic Growth. He explains why he thinks Americans should not boycott sweatshops.
What do you think?
NITYANANDA CHANDRA DAS, minister of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), Dallas
The exploitation is a symptom of a greater spiritual problem. Sharing on a practical level how one can get rid of the exploitive nature through spiritual realization is more productive than fighting the symptoms. Don't blow on the boil, operate!
To see all responses of the TEXAS Faith panel click here.
TEXAS FAITH 101: Should Americans boycott sweatshops in places like Bangladesh?
→ 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.
Should we Americans boycott sweatshops in places like Bangladesh?
That’s the question many people are facing after a horrific fire in a Bangladesh sweatshop recently killed more than 1,100 workers. But it isn’t always an easy one to answer.
As New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof explains in this link, workers in some underdeveloped nations see a sweatshop as preferable to conditions they otherwise might work in. Here’s how Kristof put it in a 2009 column:
“I’m glad that many Americans are repulsed by the idea of importing products made by barely paid, barely legal workers in dangerous factories. Yet sweatshops are only a symptom of poverty, not a cause, and banning them closes off one route out of poverty. At a time of tremendous economic distress and protectionist pressures, there’s a special danger that tighter labor standards will be used as an excuse to curb trade.”
In essence, sweatshop employees may be making a rational decision to work in places most Americans would not set foot in. The demand for their goods leads to jobs that pay better than in other parts of a developing nation’s economy. And in better conditions, as hard as that might be to imagine
On the other hand, our demand for their goods is why sweatshops exist. And while those facilities may be better than others in a country, they also can be exploitative and even deadly.
I am also including a link to an interview that ran in The Dallas Morning News Points section. The Q&A is with Texas Tech professor Benjamin Powell, author of the forthcoming Sweatshops: Improving Lives and Economic Growth. He explains why he thinks Americans should not boycott sweatshops.
What do you think?
NITYANANDA CHANDRA DAS, minister of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), Dallas
The exploitation is a symptom of a greater spiritual problem. Sharing on a practical level how one can get rid of the exploitive nature through spiritual realization is more productive than fighting the symptoms. Don't blow on the boil, operate!
To see all responses of the TEXAS Faith panel click here.
Four Marital Relationship Tips Meant to Improve Your Life
→ Karnamrita.das's blog
(this blog is recorded on the full page: quick time player needed; works best with Firefox or Explorer)
My wife and I are traveling to the devotee farm community, Gita Nagari, near Port Royal, PA this Thursday to assist other members of the Grihastha Vision Team facilitate a couples' retreat this weekend (June 7-9). In preparing for our part of the retreat, I’m naturally thinking of what makes a successful marriage and relationship. What might be some helpful tips, like sutras or codes, seeds to plant, that will ideally give rise to reflections on how to grow, nurture, and implement them? In many people’s experience, solutions to life’s varied problems are often simple to explain, but more difficult to carry out. However, where there is a will, there is a way, combined with prayer and a good support system.
Before I explain them in a little detail, let’s cut to the chase, by listing all four tips:
Tip 1: Be committed to personal growth work and the introspection it fosters in order to become the best person you can. Work on letting go of those parts of your conditioning that are unfavorable for having happy, healthy, and meaningful relationships. In short, “Know thyself,” or your strengths and weaknesses, and strive to improve for everyone's benefit.
Four Marital Relationship Tips Meant to Improve Your Life
→ Karnamrita.das's blog
(this blog is recorded on the full page: quick time player needed; works best with Firefox or Explorer)
My wife and I are traveling to the devotee farm community, Gita Nagari, near Port Royal, PA this Thursday to assist other members of the Grihastha Vision Team facilitate a couples' retreat this weekend (June 7-9). In preparing for our part of the retreat, I’m naturally thinking of what makes a successful marriage and relationship. What might be some helpful tips, like sutras or codes, seeds to plant, that will ideally give rise to reflections on how to grow, nurture, and implement them? In many people’s experience, solutions to life’s varied problems are often simple to explain, but more difficult to carry out. However, where there is a will, there is a way, combined with prayer and a good support system.
Before I explain them in a little detail, let’s cut to the chase, by listing all four tips:
Tip 1: Be committed to personal growth work and the introspection it fosters in order to become the best person you can. Work on letting go of those parts of your conditioning that are unfavorable for having happy, healthy, and meaningful relationships. In short, “Know thyself,” or your strengths and weaknesses, and strive to improve for everyone's benefit.
Why are we lonely?
→ Matsya Avatar das adhikari
The search of love usually starts with a feeling of loneliness, it is not just a problem of physical company, rather of awareness and inner power. Loneliness originates from a fragmented psychological image which as a consequence produces a kind of separation of a person from other people, from all the creatures, from the world and its Creator.
The solution of the problem of loneliness is not to be found in a partner, so as to compensate the fear of being alone, nor it can be found through the greedy possession of luxury items, nor through holidays as an “escape from reality”, nor by diving into a crowd of people, nor by burning out through a job that does not bring any satisfaction, nor by following religious principles in a conservative and passive sort of way. It will work instead, by starting to love people around us sincerely, without any selfish interest, with an attitude to expand even more the circle of love – never secluded to a single exclusive species – and in doing so gradually heal our feelings of loneliness, uncertainty and frustration.
The charming prince or the fairy with turquoise hair of the fairy tales, that will love and trust us, will unlikely appear unless we start to appreciate and love everybody else. After all love is not something that lands on us accidentally: we experience and grow it with the attitude and the behavior of our daily life. By learning to relate with the persons around us with love, and making this mind-set a life practice - since to feel affection is a potential capability of all living beings - by practising love this quality develops and becomes an effective ability to love.
Paradoxically enough, if nowadays couple relationships do not last it is because love is not considered as a priority any more, but other aims are being focused on: useful and comfortable means like gratification of senses, social and economical status. But love requires respect of the beloved as a spiritual essence, as a unique person; only in this way we may be able to help the others to realize their potential values, and find deep satisfaction by rediscovering and expressing the best version of themselves. For this reason love means knowing the other deeply.
Love and thus the solution of the problem of loneliness, is the ripe fruit of a conscious, active and dynamic effort towards reaching our deep self until we experience a real feeling of communion and reunion within diversity, by appreciating the peculiarities of each person, without falling in affectionate dependency or strong attachments. We can share something with the others only when we really possess it.
Love relationship, when thoroughly experienced, reaches its height in the realization of our relationship with God, the unique source of the variety of human beings and all that exists, being the source of love itself.
Love is a universal and indispensable quid, an intrinsic modality of the being, that must be neither denied nor repressed, rather oriented and gradually elevated towards constructive evolutionary levels. Within love, the female and male features try to unite in order to find again the fulfilment and deep satisfaction in order to integrate themselves. By reaching maturity such integration may be conceived on the individual level as well.
Why are we lonely?
→ Matsya Avatar das adhikari
The search of love usually starts with a feeling of loneliness, it is not just a problem of physical company, rather of awareness and inner power. Loneliness originates from a fragmented psychological image which as a consequence produces a kind of separation of a person from other people, from all the creatures, from the world and its Creator.
The solution of the problem of loneliness is not to be found in a partner, so as to compensate the fear of being alone, nor it can be found through the greedy possession of luxury items, nor through holidays as an “escape from reality”, nor by diving into a crowd of people, nor by burning out through a job that does not bring any satisfaction, nor by following religious principles in a conservative and passive sort of way. It will work instead, by starting to love people around us sincerely, without any selfish interest, with an attitude to expand even more the circle of love – never secluded to a single exclusive species – and in doing so gradually heal our feelings of loneliness, uncertainty and frustration.
The charming prince or the fairy with turquoise hair of the fairy tales, that will love and trust us, will unlikely appear unless we start to appreciate and love everybody else. After all love is not something that lands on us accidentally: we experience and grow it with the attitude and the behavior of our daily life. By learning to relate with the persons around us with love, and making this mind-set a life practice - since to feel affection is a potential capability of all living beings - by practising love this quality develops and becomes an effective ability to love.
Paradoxically enough, if nowadays couple relationships do not last it is because love is not considered as a priority any more, but other aims are being focused on: useful and comfortable means like gratification of senses, social and economical status. But love requires respect of the beloved as a spiritual essence, as a unique person; only in this way we may be able to help the others to realize their potential values, and find deep satisfaction by rediscovering and expressing the best version of themselves. For this reason love means knowing the other deeply.
Love and thus the solution of the problem of loneliness, is the ripe fruit of a conscious, active and dynamic effort towards reaching our deep self until we experience a real feeling of communion and reunion within diversity, by appreciating the peculiarities of each person, without falling in affectionate dependency or strong attachments. We can share something with the others only when we really possess it.
Love relationship, when thoroughly experienced, reaches its height in the realization of our relationship with God, the unique source of the variety of human beings and all that exists, being the source of love itself.
Love is a universal and indispensable quid, an intrinsic modality of the being, that must be neither denied nor repressed, rather oriented and gradually elevated towards constructive evolutionary levels. Within love, the female and male features try to unite in order to find again the fulfilment and deep satisfaction in order to integrate themselves. By reaching maturity such integration may be conceived on the individual level as well.
Program with HG Vijaya das prabhu on 1st June 2013
→ ISKCON Scarborough
Program with HG Vijaya das prabhu on 1st June 2013
→ ISKCON Scarborough
Program with HG Jagannath Misra das prabhu on 31st May 2013
→ ISKCON Scarborough
Program with HG Jagannath Misra das prabhu on 31st May 2013
→ ISKCON Scarborough
Wannabe pastor
→ Servant of the Servant
Today I had an opportunity to meet a wannabe pastor of the baptist christian faith. In a week's time, he is leaving for Manila, Philippines. One thing that struck me is how the christians in general are so organized to preach the message of Jesus all over the world. Although I feel the religious system does not fully explain the complexity of creation, life, sustenance and destruction, still many christians travel and preach the word of Jesus.
In our brief conversation, I was sort of introduced to the doctrine of baptism. The baptist doctrine states that salvation can happen purely by the grace of Jesus Only. In their belief system, God's grace does not require one to behave in a saintly manner. In other words, as long as we strongly believe and adhere to Jesus, then, by His power and grace, one attains the Kingdom of God. So my question to the wannabe pastor was how does Baptism account for misbehavior or bad behavior of man? He said a true christian will imbibe the values of Christ within him and will act in accordance to Christ's will. He said although we may fall down multiple times in our life for our bad behavior, still we will be saved, as long as we believe in Jesus Christ. In simple terms, baptist doctrine stresses more on being "baptised" to become a "christian" than following a spiritual and saintly life. It is something like if a devotee in Krishna consciousness stress more on getting initiated (something like baptised) and not care so much about chanting 16 rounds or follow the four regulative principles etc. Initiation becomes meaningless if we are not following the instructions of the spiritual master. But in Baptism, they value being a baptised christian more than following proper spiritual codes and conduct.
My main purpose to connect with the wannabe pastor was to give him a Bhagavad Gita. I gave him the book and spoke few words about the Gita. I talked about reincarnation, karma, vegetarianism etc. Perhaps he may not read but I urged him to read the introduction and strongly recommended to give up meat eating especially cows.
All said and done, I wish him luck in his future as a pastor. But truth be told, if he goes beyond the surface of studying baptist doctines and actually connect with Jesus in a spiritual sense, then, I am confident he will be attracted to the message of Krishna given in the Bhagavad Gita. Bhagavad Gita is an advanced science about God and whoever is serious to know God beyond religious indoctrination will surely appreciate the philosophical presentation given by Krishna about Himself, the living beings and this world.
Hare Krishna
In our brief conversation, I was sort of introduced to the doctrine of baptism. The baptist doctrine states that salvation can happen purely by the grace of Jesus Only. In their belief system, God's grace does not require one to behave in a saintly manner. In other words, as long as we strongly believe and adhere to Jesus, then, by His power and grace, one attains the Kingdom of God. So my question to the wannabe pastor was how does Baptism account for misbehavior or bad behavior of man? He said a true christian will imbibe the values of Christ within him and will act in accordance to Christ's will. He said although we may fall down multiple times in our life for our bad behavior, still we will be saved, as long as we believe in Jesus Christ. In simple terms, baptist doctrine stresses more on being "baptised" to become a "christian" than following a spiritual and saintly life. It is something like if a devotee in Krishna consciousness stress more on getting initiated (something like baptised) and not care so much about chanting 16 rounds or follow the four regulative principles etc. Initiation becomes meaningless if we are not following the instructions of the spiritual master. But in Baptism, they value being a baptised christian more than following proper spiritual codes and conduct.
My main purpose to connect with the wannabe pastor was to give him a Bhagavad Gita. I gave him the book and spoke few words about the Gita. I talked about reincarnation, karma, vegetarianism etc. Perhaps he may not read but I urged him to read the introduction and strongly recommended to give up meat eating especially cows.
All said and done, I wish him luck in his future as a pastor. But truth be told, if he goes beyond the surface of studying baptist doctines and actually connect with Jesus in a spiritual sense, then, I am confident he will be attracted to the message of Krishna given in the Bhagavad Gita. Bhagavad Gita is an advanced science about God and whoever is serious to know God beyond religious indoctrination will surely appreciate the philosophical presentation given by Krishna about Himself, the living beings and this world.
Hare Krishna
Wannabe pastor
→ Servant of the Servant
Today I had an opportunity to meet a wannabe pastor of the baptist christian faith. In a week's time, he is leaving for Manila, Philippines. One thing that struck me is how the christians in general are so organized to preach the message of Jesus all over the world. Although I feel the religious system does not fully explain the complexity of creation, life, sustenance and destruction, still many christians travel and preach the word of Jesus.
In our brief conversation, I was sort of introduced to the doctrine of baptism. The baptist doctrine states that salvation can happen purely by the grace of Jesus Only. In their belief system, God's grace does not require one to behave in a saintly manner. In other words, as long as we strongly believe and adhere to Jesus, then, by His power and grace, one attains the Kingdom of God. So my question to the wannabe pastor was how does Baptism account for misbehavior or bad behavior of man? He said a true christian will imbibe the values of Christ within him and will act in accordance to Christ's will. He said although we may fall down multiple times in our life for our bad behavior, still we will be saved, as long as we believe in Jesus Christ. In simple terms, baptist doctrine stresses more on being "baptised" to become a "christian" than following a spiritual and saintly life. It is something like if a devotee in Krishna consciousness stress more on getting initiated (something like baptised) and not care so much about chanting 16 rounds or follow the four regulative principles etc. Initiation becomes meaningless if we are not following the instructions of the spiritual master. But in Baptism, they value being a baptised christian more than following proper spiritual codes and conduct.
My main purpose to connect with the wannabe pastor was to give him a Bhagavad Gita. I gave him the book and spoke few words about the Gita. I talked about reincarnation, karma, vegetarianism etc. Perhaps he may not read but I urged him to read the introduction and strongly recommended to give up meat eating especially cows.
All said and done, I wish him luck in his future as a pastor. But truth be told, if he goes beyond the surface of studying baptist doctines and actually connect with Jesus in a spiritual sense, then, I am confident he will be attracted to the message of Krishna given in the Bhagavad Gita. Bhagavad Gita is an advanced science about God and whoever is serious to know God beyond religious indoctrination will surely appreciate the philosophical presentation given by Krishna about Himself, the living beings and this world.
Hare Krishna
In our brief conversation, I was sort of introduced to the doctrine of baptism. The baptist doctrine states that salvation can happen purely by the grace of Jesus Only. In their belief system, God's grace does not require one to behave in a saintly manner. In other words, as long as we strongly believe and adhere to Jesus, then, by His power and grace, one attains the Kingdom of God. So my question to the wannabe pastor was how does Baptism account for misbehavior or bad behavior of man? He said a true christian will imbibe the values of Christ within him and will act in accordance to Christ's will. He said although we may fall down multiple times in our life for our bad behavior, still we will be saved, as long as we believe in Jesus Christ. In simple terms, baptist doctrine stresses more on being "baptised" to become a "christian" than following a spiritual and saintly life. It is something like if a devotee in Krishna consciousness stress more on getting initiated (something like baptised) and not care so much about chanting 16 rounds or follow the four regulative principles etc. Initiation becomes meaningless if we are not following the instructions of the spiritual master. But in Baptism, they value being a baptised christian more than following proper spiritual codes and conduct.
My main purpose to connect with the wannabe pastor was to give him a Bhagavad Gita. I gave him the book and spoke few words about the Gita. I talked about reincarnation, karma, vegetarianism etc. Perhaps he may not read but I urged him to read the introduction and strongly recommended to give up meat eating especially cows.
All said and done, I wish him luck in his future as a pastor. But truth be told, if he goes beyond the surface of studying baptist doctines and actually connect with Jesus in a spiritual sense, then, I am confident he will be attracted to the message of Krishna given in the Bhagavad Gita. Bhagavad Gita is an advanced science about God and whoever is serious to know God beyond religious indoctrination will surely appreciate the philosophical presentation given by Krishna about Himself, the living beings and this world.
Hare Krishna
Boxes
→ Clouds.
A single word etches an indelible opinion
Impressions, opinions formed with barely a glance
What chance is there when
you are boxed and judged?
As children,the biggest mistakes written on air
to be blown away by laughter
As adults, the smallest misstep written on stone
to be lodged deep in minds
Innocence ? What's that?
Ulterior motive is a must
Charade it is since
good character does not exist
Dear dear gaura,
Let me break free of the boxes created around me
Let me love and serve indiscriminately
Let me see myself for the soul I am
Let me see others for the souls they are...
Impressions, opinions formed with barely a glance
What chance is there when
you are boxed and judged?
As children,the biggest mistakes written on airto be blown away by laughter
As adults, the smallest misstep written on stone
to be lodged deep in minds
Innocence ? What's that?
Ulterior motive is a must
Charade it is since
good character does not exist
Dear dear gaura,
Let me break free of the boxes created around me
Let me love and serve indiscriminately
Let me see myself for the soul I am
Let me see others for the souls they are...
Boxes
→ Clouds.
A single word etches an indelible opinion
Impressions, opinions formed with barely a glance
What chance is there when
you are boxed and judged?
As children,the biggest mistakes written on air
to be blown away by laughter
As adults, the smallest misstep written on stone
to be lodged deep in minds
Innocence ? What's that?
Ulterior motive is a must
Charade it is since
good character does not exist
Dear dear gaura,
Let me break free of the boxes created around me
Let me love and serve indiscriminately
Let me see myself for the soul I am
Let me see others for the souls they are...
Impressions, opinions formed with barely a glance
What chance is there when
you are boxed and judged?
As children,the biggest mistakes written on airto be blown away by laughter
As adults, the smallest misstep written on stone
to be lodged deep in minds
Innocence ? What's that?
Ulterior motive is a must
Charade it is since
good character does not exist
Dear dear gaura,
Let me break free of the boxes created around me
Let me love and serve indiscriminately
Let me see myself for the soul I am
Let me see others for the souls they are...
The Offense of Inattention
→ travelingmonk.com
We have to be very attentive to avoiding any offenses to the Holy Name, which may slow our progress down or in some cases take away all the benefits that we have gained through chanting Hare Krishna. So we should hear attentively everyday, meditate on this and try to free ourselves of all these offenses.
05 June 2013 – Appearance Day of Srila Vrndavana Dasa Thakura
→ ISKCON Desire Tree
No Rain, No Gain
- TOVP.org
Despite the wild weather Mayapur has been hosting, the construction of the TOVP has not halted. The dedicated staff make their way each morning to the site and main offices of the project, often times braving sheets of rain and fierce winds. While it is clear the storm season has begun, it does come as a relief from the common scorching heat.
The progress of the main dome has been steady. The first of ten segments has reached completion and now the second is underway. The towers are also taking shape and the intricate delicacies of the arches are becoming visible. The third focal point has been the ornamentation of the inner features of the temple. This has been diligently attended to by the art department. After much anticipation, the final sample of the pillars has been approved. It was carved out of brick and cement though it will later be demolished to make room for the actual pillars which will be sculpted from beautiful marble. The template served as a visual for the artists to finalize any changes or enhancements in the nuances in the design.
As the focus shifts from the super-structure to the aesthetic drama of the new temple, the sophistication of this architectural marvel continues to inspire amazement at the power of Srila Prabhupada’s vision. Every attempt forward marks victory, with each step ushering in deepened appreciation for the profundity of his commanding view.
Mother’s day function and Narasimha Caturdasi celebrations
→ ISKCON Scarborough
Mother’s day function and Narasimha Caturdasi celebrations
→ ISKCON Scarborough
04 June 2013 – Apara Ekadashi
→ ISKCON Desire Tree
Second Generation Drift From Hare Krishna Movement
→ Seeking The Essence
Second Generation Drift From Hare Krishna Movement Many In The U.S.-born Second Generation Are Leaving The Cloistered Life For More Mainstream Pursuits.
By Kristin Holmes, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER
Posted: January 16, 1995
Gabe and Rupa Deadwyler, brothers born and raised in the Hare Krishna movement, recall their first unsteady steps outside the tightly prescribed lifestyle demanded by their faith.
Rupa, now 17, endured the taunts of his elementary school mates, who couldn’t understand a child who had never experienced television and did not know the words to “Jingle Bells.”
As a teenager, Gabe, now 24, hid his background from classmates and co- workers, retreating to the company of other Krishna children with whom he experienced a series of firsts – first cigarette, first beer, first “high.”
“A lot of people assumed that by us growing up in it, it would be such a great thing because we were exposed to it so young, and we would stay in it forever,” said Gabe, a Navy ensign whose parents live in Mount Airy. “But among the kids I know, a lot of them aren’t doing the temple thing.”
For the first time, the 29-year-old United States-based Hare Krishna movement is facing a dilemma confronted by many religions – how to keep its youngest members from losing faith.
It is likely to be one of the most sobering challenges of the movement’s short history in this country, a problem that is particularly acute because the Hare Krishna movement remains very much outside the mainstream of U.S. culture and religious beliefs.
“For all very marginal groups, it becomes very difficult when kids realize that there is a society out there and if they remain in the group, they remain outside of the society,” said Stephen N. Dunning, associate professor of religious studies at the University of Pennsylvania.
Hare Krishna is a monotheistic branch of the Hindu religion that was brought to the United States from India in 1965 by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Devotees believe that Krishna is God and seek to purify their bodies and minds to allow a spiritual relationship with God.
In the mid-1970s, there were between 5,000 and 10,000 devotees who lived a monastic life in U.S. and Canadian temples. Followers became known for their shaved heads, saffron-colored robes, drum- and cymbal-backed chanting on street corners, and solicitation in airports. Currently, there are about 50,000 devotees.
Most are congregational members who live and work outside the temple. They are less visible than in the past, choosing to forgo religious robes and shaved scalps. Many are immigrants from India.
The movement directs adherents to not eat meat; to avoid gambling and using intoxicants, including alcohol, drugs, cigarettes and caffeine; to engage in sex only within the confines of marriage, and then only on the day of the month when a woman is most fertile.
Strict devotees chant their mantras 1,728 times daily or 16 times on each of 108 japa beads, which are similar to rosary beads.
“As long as it’s expected that the stricter lifestyle is the only standard, it will be hard for the movement to keep a majority of its young people,” said Chaitanya Mangala dasa, former editor of a publication aimed at second-generation devotees.
There are approximately 500 to 1,000 second-generation Hare Krishnas ranging in age from 16 to 30 in the United States and Canada, Chaitanya said.
Most are in college, getting jobs, starting new families, and minimally involved in temple life.
Gabe and Rupa Deadwyler describe their participation as marginal.
Neither has taken the vows of the Hare Krishna movement, as their father, Ravindra Svarupa dasa, and mother, Saudamani, did 24 years ago as a young married couple living in Germantown. Yet both young men say that many of the faith’s teachings are deeply ingrained.
“I don’t think I believe that chanting ‘Hare Krishna,’ shaving your head and moving into a Krishna temple is the best and only way, but I also know that I’m not an average American. I’m definitely in the counterculture,” said Gabe, whose Sanskrit name is Yudhisthira, meaning “steady in battle.”
Gabe and Rupa’s parents, whose given names are William H. and Constance Jean Deadwyler, live in the Mount Airy temple that is the Philadelphia headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Ravindra, who joined the movement while studying for his Ph.D. in religion at Temple, is a member of the group’s international Governing Body Commission, and supervises temples in the east/central zone of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.
The couple are strict devotees who wear traditional Krishna garb. Their sons are indistinguishable from most of their non-Krishna peers, right down to the holes in their jeans and socks.
“Like any parent, the idea is to raise a child, teach them slowly to be more and more independent, and that involves making their own choices,” said Saudamani. “When they are in our buildings, they have to follow the rules of ISKCON, but they are free citizens.”
Rupa, a student at Saul High School for Agricultural Science in Roxborough, lives in the temple with his parents. Gabe is stationed in Mayport, Fla.
His decision to join the armed forces was more practical than anything else – he wanted to get an ROTC scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania. Besides, he had seen the movie Top Gun and wanted to fly jets. The fact that his grandfather was an Army colonel probably had something to do with his choice, but Gabe isn’t sure how much.
“It’s very difficult to say you’re joining the Navy,” Gabe said. “I know some kids who started doing stuff that wasn’t necessarily part of being a devotee and their parents flipped out, and their relationship just fell apart. My parents haven’t done anything like that.”
As for following Krishna tenets, Gabe says that although he is vegetarian, in general, he “doesn’t follow the rules or go to temple,” but adds that he is on a spiritual quest.
Both Gabe and Rupa attended gurukulas, Hare Krishna boarding schools.
Typically, Krishna children are sent to same sex-schools at age 5, and live there most of their adolescent and teen years, said Burke Rochford, a sociology professor at Middlebury College, and author of Hare Krishna in America. Students have little contact with their parents during their years at the gurukulas.
During the 1980s, when many of the second-generation Krishnas were attending school, the movement went through its darkest times in the United States. It was plagued by internal political disputes, a dogged anti-cult movement, scandals and allegations of abuse that focused on the schools themselves. The result was a short-term loss of faith for some and a more lingering disillusionment for others.
“We had a lot of problems that were the product of immaturity of people who joined the movement,” said Ravindra, who helped to lead a reform movement that took over the Governing Body Commission in the late 1980s.
Neither of the Deadwyler brothers says he is disillusioned. They describe their boarding-school experience as a lesson in austerity – students lived in bare rooms with little more than a clothes trunk and a straw floor mat for sleeping in summer and a quilt for winters.
Students rose at 3:30 a.m. for a program of chanting, meditation and lecture, followed by breakfast, chores, academic and religion classes, and vocational training.
“It gave me a real foundation,” Gabe said. “A simple life is the best life. Contrary to popular opinion, you don’t need Nintendo to be happy.”
Gabe attended the school until he was 16.
Rupa left earlier, having grown tired of the rigor and constant fighting with his schoolmates. He rejoined his parents and began his secular school life in the third grade.
The transition from gurukula to life outside the faith was made with varying degrees of success, second-generation members say.
Gabe and Rupa’s adjustment was marked by periods of being ostracized, or feeling the need to hide their background. At 24, Gabe has never had a steady girlfriend. He isn’t sure if it is his upbringing or “dumb luck.”
But once introduced to pop culture, neither could get enough. Gabe says he overdosed on television and Madonna. A friend of Rupa’s gave him his first television, and his first movie, Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom, scared him to death.
The brothers are uncertain about their spiritual future. They value the Krishna consciousness with which they were raised, but neither is sure where they will end up.
Scholars, second-generation Krishnas and the movement’s leaders say the challenge is to provide alternatives and programs for young people.
“If you ban offer jobs and culture within the movement, they won’t want to go somewhere else. And right now, the choices are limited,” Ravindra said.
But many see hope in the evolution of the Krishna movement. Economic difficulties have forced followers out of the temple and into the workforce. The movement is based less on a communal, monastic temple life and more on a congregational one, where devotees live and work in a secular world and come to temple to worship. That could be, Chaitanya says, more attractive to young people.
“If there is a religion I choose, this will be it,” Rupa said. “I think it’s superior to others out there. But I don’t know if I’ll follow it the same way my mom and dad do.”
Who’s the Bhakti Buster?
→ Devamrita Swami's Facebook notes
When Krishna seems unattainable, and advancement in His service seems light years away, frustration and resentment may subtly slip into our heart.
"Why is this process, which makes so much sense, so hard?" we cry out.
Then we read verses like the following:
"Devotional Perfection is very difficult to attain for two reasons. First, unless one is attached to Krishna, he cannot attain devotional perfection even if he renders devotional service for a long time. Second, Krishna does not easily deliver perfection in devotional service." (Cc. Madhya 24.172)
"Just see!" we tell ourselves, downcast and downhearted. "I'm justified in my discouragement. Real bhakti is the greatest treasure, but almost impossible to attain."
A deeper meaning, however, resides in this verse.
It's telling us that Krishna, the supreme expert in love, knows what He wants from us.
And He knows how to get it.
What He wants is to see that we are genuinely sincere, serious, and without ulterior motives. Wouldn't you want someone to love you in that way? Doesn't your heart long for that?
So then why blame Him, the supreme connoisseur of real love, for knowing exactly how to easily produce the greatest love affair?
Srila Prabhupada explains in the purport that when bhakti endeavors radiate sincerity, seriousness, and freedom from submerged material agendas, then devotional success is easily achieved. I repeat, easily achieved.
Let's admit it: we are the ones who bust up our bhakti and impede it. And we can be the ones to make it all so easy, especially as happy-hearted servants of the servants of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Bhakti Ease-maker.
Who’s the Bhakti Buster?
→ Devamrita Swami's Facebook notes
When Krishna seems unattainable, and advancement in His service seems light years away, frustration and resentment may subtly slip into our heart.
"Why is this process, which makes so much sense, so hard?" we cry out.
Then we read verses like the following:
"Devotional Perfection is very difficult to attain for two reasons. First, unless one is attached to Krishna, he cannot attain devotional perfection even if he renders devotional service for a long time. Second, Krishna does not easily deliver perfection in devotional service." (Cc. Madhya 24.172)
"Just see!" we tell ourselves, downcast and downhearted. "I'm justified in my discouragement. Real bhakti is the greatest treasure, but almost impossible to attain."
A deeper meaning, however, resides in this verse.
It's telling us that Krishna, the supreme expert in love, knows what He wants from us.
And He knows how to get it.
What He wants is to see that we are genuinely sincere, serious, and without ulterior motives. Wouldn't you want someone to love you in that way? Doesn't your heart long for that?
So then why blame Him, the supreme connoisseur of real love, for knowing exactly how to easily produce the greatest love affair?
Srila Prabhupada explains in the purport that when bhakti endeavors radiate sincerity, seriousness, and freedom from submerged material agendas, then devotional success is easily achieved. I repeat, easily achieved.
Let's admit it: we are the ones who bust up our bhakti and impede it. And we can be the ones to make it all so easy, especially as happy-hearted servants of the servants of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Bhakti Ease-maker.
Govindas Burleigh
→ Ramai Swami
New Govardhana temple began renting a premises in Smith Street Burleigh Heads on the Gold Coast a few years ago for a restaurant.
They called it Govindas and right from the very beginning it was a great success, so much so that the temple was able to buy it outright.
The area is home to a mix of people ranging from families, businesses, alternates and surfers. It is also a popular destination for tourists who go there on holiday.
The restaurant, even though small in size, is always packed up, right from when it opens at 11am to closing time around 8pm. It trades 7 days a week. The menu is a mix of 3 or 4 salads, hot curries and savouries, nice sweets and drinks. The customers seem pretty happy and the clientele keeps growing every month.
Uddhava-gītā US Retreat – Day 3 – Concluding Lecture
Bhakti Charu Swami
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS Founder-Ācārya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda Day 3 – Concluding Session, Given By His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami - Uddhava-gītā Retreat – Gita-Nagari US, 1 June 2013 His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami: Hare Kṛṣṇa. Today is the last day of our retreat and the last session of our seminar. […]
Uddhava-gītā US Retreat – Day 2 – Evening Lecture
Bhakti Charu Swami
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS Founder-Ācārya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda Day 2 – Evening Session, Given By His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami - Uddhava-gītā Retreat – Gita-Nagari US, 31 May 2013 Chapter 17 Description Of The Varṇāśrama System His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami: So now Kṛṣṇa will speak about varṇāśrama. You first want […]
Uddhava-gītā US Retreat – Day 2 – Mid-morning Lecture
Bhakti Charu Swami
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS Founder-Ācārya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda Day 2 – Mid-Morning Lecture, Given By His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami - Uddhava-gītā retreat – gita-nagari us, 31 may 2013 nama om visnu-pādāya krsna-presthāya bhūtale śrīmate bhaktivedānta-svāmin iti nāmine namas te sārasvate deve gaura-vānī-pracārine nirviśesa-śūnyavādi-pāścātya-deśa-tārine śrī-krsna-caitanya prabhu nityānanda śrī-advaita gadādhara śrīvāsādi-gaura-bhakta-vṛnda hare […]
Sunday Feast, June 2nd @ 11:00am with His Grace Vijaya Prabhu
→ ISKCON BRAMPTON'S BLOG
Harinama Sankirana Saturday June 1st, 10:00am @ Gage Park, Brampton
“This sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.” Sri Siksastakam
Please join us for this Harinama at Gage Park on Saturday morning. If you've never been on sankirtan before, or if you've always wanted to go but never had the time to this is the opportunity to get started. There are various ways to serve; playing drum or kartala, kirtan singing, dancing, distributing books, cards or candies. For more information, please contact Rajneesh Prabhu - rsalwan@ryerson.ca.
Sunday Feast, June 2nd @ 11:00am with His Grace Vijaya Prabhu
We are pleased to invite you to the Sunday Feast with His Grace Vijaya Prabhu. After joining the Krsna consciousness movement in 1978 in Miami Florida, Vijaya prabhu was soon asked to distribute books. He did this well and became the number one distributor. In 1983, he was asked to be the sankirtan leader, which he did and the result was that the Miami temple became a top book distribution center in the country. In 1990, the temple president wanted to do another service, so the administrators asked Vijaya prabhua to be the president. He did so reluctantly, on the condition that he would do it only until they found someone else. As president, he didn't decrease his book distribution, and after nine months they found someone to replace him. In 1991, he went to Los Angles to distribute books because the areas in Miami had become very difficult to work in. In 1995, inspired by His Holiness Ganapati Swami, Vijaya prabhu started distributing from a book table at universities, and this proved to be very successful, so he is still doing it. In 2002, the GBC asked Vijaya prabhu to be its international minister of book distribution and travel worldwide. Seeing this as an opportunity to increase his service, he accepted, and fortunately book distribution has increased worldwide.
Check out his wonderful website www.ISKCONbookdistribution.com
The program consists of arati, kirtan (devotional chanting), philosophical discussion and prasadam. Please come, get inspired and inspire others through your desire to share Krsna Consciousness!
Program Schedule:
11:00 am - 11:30 am Guru Puja
11:30 am - 12:00 pm Arati & Kirtan
12:00 pm – 12:05 pm Narasingadev Prayers
12:10 pm - 1:00 pm Vedic Discourse by His Grace Vijaya Prabhu
“This sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.” Sri Siksastakam
Please join us for this Harinama at Gage Park on Saturday morning. If you've never been on sankirtan before, or if you've always wanted to go but never had the time to this is the opportunity to get started. There are various ways to serve; playing drum or kartala, kirtan singing, dancing, distributing books, cards or candies. For more information, please contact Rajneesh Prabhu - rsalwan@ryerson.ca.
Sunday Feast, June 2nd @ 11:00am with His Grace Vijaya Prabhu
We are pleased to invite you to the Sunday Feast with His Grace Vijaya Prabhu. After joining the Krsna consciousness movement in 1978 in Miami Florida, Vijaya prabhu was soon asked to distribute books. He did this well and became the number one distributor. In 1983, he was asked to be the sankirtan leader, which he did and the result was that the Miami temple became a top book distribution center in the country. In 1990, the temple president wanted to do another service, so the administrators asked Vijaya prabhua to be the president. He did so reluctantly, on the condition that he would do it only until they found someone else. As president, he didn't decrease his book distribution, and after nine months they found someone to replace him. In 1991, he went to Los Angles to distribute books because the areas in Miami had become very difficult to work in. In 1995, inspired by His Holiness Ganapati Swami, Vijaya prabhu started distributing from a book table at universities, and this proved to be very successful, so he is still doing it. In 2002, the GBC asked Vijaya prabhu to be its international minister of book distribution and travel worldwide. Seeing this as an opportunity to increase his service, he accepted, and fortunately book distribution has increased worldwide.Check out his wonderful website www.ISKCONbookdistribution.com
The program consists of arati, kirtan (devotional chanting), philosophical discussion and prasadam. Please come, get inspired and inspire others through your desire to share Krsna Consciousness!
Program Schedule:
11:00 am - 11:30 am Guru Puja
11:30 am - 12:00 pm Arati & Kirtan
12:00 pm – 12:05 pm Narasingadev Prayers
12:10 pm - 1:00 pm Vedic Discourse by His Grace Vijaya Prabhu
1:05 pm - 1:20 pm Tulasi Puja
1:20 pm - 2:00 pm Prasadam (Vegetarian feast)
1:20 pm - 2:00 pm Prasadam (Vegetarian feast)
Sunday Feast, June 2nd @ 11:00am with His Grace Vijaya Prabhu
→ ISKCON BRAMPTON'S BLOG
Harinama Sankirana Saturday June 1st, 10:00am @ Gage Park, Brampton
“This sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.” Sri Siksastakam
Please join us for this Harinama at Gage Park on Saturday morning. If you've never been on sankirtan before, or if you've always wanted to go but never had the time to this is the opportunity to get started. There are various ways to serve; playing drum or kartala, kirtan singing, dancing, distributing books, cards or candies. For more information, please contact Rajneesh Prabhu - rsalwan@ryerson.ca.
Sunday Feast, June 2nd @ 11:00am with His Grace Vijaya Prabhu
We are pleased to invite you to the Sunday Feast with His Grace Vijaya Prabhu. After joining the Krsna consciousness movement in 1978 in Miami Florida, Vijaya prabhu was soon asked to distribute books. He did this well and became the number one distributor. In 1983, he was asked to be the sankirtan leader, which he did and the result was that the Miami temple became a top book distribution center in the country. In 1990, the temple president wanted to do another service, so the administrators asked Vijaya prabhua to be the president. He did so reluctantly, on the condition that he would do it only until they found someone else. As president, he didn't decrease his book distribution, and after nine months they found someone to replace him. In 1991, he went to Los Angles to distribute books because the areas in Miami had become very difficult to work in. In 1995, inspired by His Holiness Ganapati Swami, Vijaya prabhu started distributing from a book table at universities, and this proved to be very successful, so he is still doing it. In 2002, the GBC asked Vijaya prabhu to be its international minister of book distribution and travel worldwide. Seeing this as an opportunity to increase his service, he accepted, and fortunately book distribution has increased worldwide.
Check out his wonderful website www.ISKCONbookdistribution.com
The program consists of arati, kirtan (devotional chanting), philosophical discussion and prasadam. Please come, get inspired and inspire others through your desire to share Krsna Consciousness!
Program Schedule:
11:00 am - 11:30 am Guru Puja
11:30 am - 12:00 pm Arati & Kirtan
12:00 pm – 12:05 pm Narasingadev Prayers
12:10 pm - 1:00 pm Vedic Discourse by His Grace Vijaya Prabhu
“This sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.” Sri Siksastakam
Please join us for this Harinama at Gage Park on Saturday morning. If you've never been on sankirtan before, or if you've always wanted to go but never had the time to this is the opportunity to get started. There are various ways to serve; playing drum or kartala, kirtan singing, dancing, distributing books, cards or candies. For more information, please contact Rajneesh Prabhu - rsalwan@ryerson.ca.
Sunday Feast, June 2nd @ 11:00am with His Grace Vijaya Prabhu
We are pleased to invite you to the Sunday Feast with His Grace Vijaya Prabhu. After joining the Krsna consciousness movement in 1978 in Miami Florida, Vijaya prabhu was soon asked to distribute books. He did this well and became the number one distributor. In 1983, he was asked to be the sankirtan leader, which he did and the result was that the Miami temple became a top book distribution center in the country. In 1990, the temple president wanted to do another service, so the administrators asked Vijaya prabhua to be the president. He did so reluctantly, on the condition that he would do it only until they found someone else. As president, he didn't decrease his book distribution, and after nine months they found someone to replace him. In 1991, he went to Los Angles to distribute books because the areas in Miami had become very difficult to work in. In 1995, inspired by His Holiness Ganapati Swami, Vijaya prabhu started distributing from a book table at universities, and this proved to be very successful, so he is still doing it. In 2002, the GBC asked Vijaya prabhu to be its international minister of book distribution and travel worldwide. Seeing this as an opportunity to increase his service, he accepted, and fortunately book distribution has increased worldwide.Check out his wonderful website www.ISKCONbookdistribution.com
The program consists of arati, kirtan (devotional chanting), philosophical discussion and prasadam. Please come, get inspired and inspire others through your desire to share Krsna Consciousness!
Program Schedule:
11:00 am - 11:30 am Guru Puja
11:30 am - 12:00 pm Arati & Kirtan
12:00 pm – 12:05 pm Narasingadev Prayers
12:10 pm - 1:00 pm Vedic Discourse by His Grace Vijaya Prabhu
1:05 pm - 1:20 pm Tulasi Puja
1:20 pm - 2:00 pm Prasadam (Vegetarian feast)
1:20 pm - 2:00 pm Prasadam (Vegetarian feast)
Uddhava-gītā US Retreat – Day 2 – Morning Lecture
Bhakti Charu Swami
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS Founder-Ācārya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda Day 2 – Morning Session, Given By His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami – Uddhava-gītā Retreat – Gītā-Nagarī US, 31 May 2013 oṁ namo bhagavate vāsudevāya oṁ namo bhagavate vāsudevāya oṁ namo bhagavate vāsudevāya nārāyaṇaṁ namaskṛtya naraṁ caiva narottamam devīṁ sarasvatīṁ vyāsaṁ […]
Irish Brown Soda Bread
→ Servant of the Servant
Last few days I was hankering for some bread not made of yeast. So I did some research and decided to make Irish Brown Soda Bread. Baking soda is the leavening agent along with buttermilk or liquefied yogurt. Anyways, below are the pictures and a brief description about the recipe.
Recipe
Recipe
Whole wheat flour - 3.5 cups
All purpose flour - 0.5 cups
Buttermilk or liquid yogurt - 2 cups or as much necessary to make a slightly wet dough
Sugar - 5 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
Salt - 1.5 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Baking Soda - 1.5 teaspoon
Organic raisins - 1 cup (optional)
- Preheat the oven to 350 deg Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, add in the dry ingredients. Blend nicely
- Create a well in the middle and add the wet ingredient that is the buttermilk
- Mix nicely but DO NOT knead long like a regular dough. It is important not to knead too much as the bread will become hard and stiff. Just incorporate the ingredients nicely together and add flour till the dough is not sticking. Make the dough into an oval like ball.
- Move the dough to a pan with parchment paper.
- Make an "X" on top of the dough so when the dough rises it will expand nicely.
- Leave the dough on the table top for around 30 minutes so the ingredients start to chemically react with each other. Some recipes skip this step. However, I allowed the dough to rest for 30 minutes.
- After resting for 30 minutes, bake the bread in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes.
- Remove from oven. It can tested by inserting a toothpick in the center and if it comes out clean then it is cooked. Another way is to tap the base for a hollow sound. I tested using both methods.
- Very important: Leave the bread to cool completely for at least 2 hours. Then cut it into slices otherwise the bread will crumble and become powdery which will not be nice.
- Finally I applied some butter on top and offered to Lord Krishna.
The bread came out nicely for me and I had a peanut butter and jelly slice. I also had a cheese and olive slice.
Hare Krishna
Irish Brown Soda Bread
→ Servant of the Servant
Last few days I was hankering for some bread not made of yeast. So I did some research and decided to make Irish Brown Soda Bread. Baking soda is the leavening agent along with buttermilk or liquefied yogurt. Anyways, below are the pictures and a brief description about the recipe.
Recipe
Recipe
Whole wheat flour - 3.5 cups
All purpose flour - 0.5 cups
Buttermilk or liquid yogurt - 2 cups or as much necessary to make a slightly wet dough
Sugar - 5 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
Salt - 1.5 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
Baking Soda - 1.5 teaspoon
Organic raisins - 1 cup (optional)
- Preheat the oven to 350 deg Fahrenheit.
- In a large mixing bowl, add in the dry ingredients. Blend nicely
- Create a well in the middle and add the wet ingredient that is the buttermilk
- Mix nicely but DO NOT knead long like a regular dough. It is important not to knead too much as the bread will become hard and stiff. Just incorporate the ingredients nicely together and add flour till the dough is not sticking. Make the dough into an oval like ball.
- Move the dough to a pan with parchment paper.
- Make an "X" on top of the dough so when the dough rises it will expand nicely.
- Leave the dough on the table top for around 30 minutes so the ingredients start to chemically react with each other. Some recipes skip this step. However, I allowed the dough to rest for 30 minutes.
- After resting for 30 minutes, bake the bread in the preheated oven for 60 to 70 minutes.
- Remove from oven. It can tested by inserting a toothpick in the center and if it comes out clean then it is cooked. Another way is to tap the base for a hollow sound. I tested using both methods.
- Very important: Leave the bread to cool completely for at least 2 hours. Then cut it into slices otherwise the bread will crumble and become powdery which will not be nice.
- Finally I applied some butter on top and offered to Lord Krishna.
The bread came out nicely for me and I had a peanut butter and jelly slice. I also had a cheese and olive slice.
Hare Krishna
Uddhava-gītā US Retreat – Day 1 – Evening Lecture
Bhakti Charu Swami
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS Founder-Ācārya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda Day 1 – Evening Lecture, Given By His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami - Uddhava-gītā Retreat – Gita-Nagari US, 30 May 2013 His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami: So everyone is nicely situated? Everyone is nicely fed? Prasādam was alright? And did you get some […]
Nrisimhadeva, Every Day, Everywhere
→ Karnamrita.das's blog
(this blog is recorded on the full page: quick time player needed; works best with Firefox or Explorer)
Shri Nrisimhadeva's appearance is one of my favorite holy days. His lila is so illuminating and important. Though I wanted to prepare this offering by the actual day, it wasn't meant to be--occurrences and other duties diverted me--and yet, that is also part of the teaching: to see everything in relationship to God and to keep a humble service mood throughout. Whether pulling weeds and planting, or having one's car battery die--everything is instructive. In this case, reminding me to keep my devotional creeper free of "weeds", and that I must recharge my batteries with spiritual practice. May the fire of spiritual life burn brightly in our hearts and souls!
Unusual life events
intersect with special days
strange creatures prepare us
emerging from the ground
shedding their skins to fly
teaching us to transform
if we want to dwell in the sky
realizing our true self
keeping our purpose in mind
always vibrating the primal sound
the great chant for deliverance
17 year cicada’s ballad serenades
Lord Nrisimhadeva’s appearance.
Eerie sounds like alien starships
reminding us of the extraordinary
half man, half lion incarnation
Nrisimhadeva, Every Day, Everywhere
→ Karnamrita.das's blog
(this blog is recorded on the full page: quick time player needed; works best with Firefox or Explorer)
Shri Nrisimhadeva's appearance is one of my favorite holy days. His lila is so illuminating and important. Though I wanted to prepare this offering by the actual day, it wasn't meant to be--occurrences and other duties diverted me--and yet, that is also part of the teaching: to see everything in relationship to God and to keep a humble service mood throughout. Whether pulling weeds and planting, or having one's car battery die--everything is instructive. In this case, reminding me to keep my devotional creeper free of "weeds", and that I must recharge my batteries with spiritual practice. May the fire of spiritual life burn brightly in our hearts and souls!
Unusual life events
intersect with special days
strange creatures prepare us
emerging from the ground
shedding their skins to fly
teaching us to transform
if we want to dwell in the sky
realizing our true self
keeping our purpose in mind
always vibrating the primal sound
the great chant for deliverance
17 year cicada’s ballad serenades
Lord Nrisimhadeva’s appearance.
Eerie sounds like alien starships
reminding us of the extraordinary
half man, half lion incarnation
Radhanath Swami – Stories of Inspiration & Hope for Women and the World
→ Gouranga TV - The Hare Krishna video collection
Radhanath Swami – Stories of Inspiration & Hope for Women and the World
Uddhava-gītā US Retreat – Day 1 Mid-Morning Session
Bhakti Charu Swami
INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS Founder-Ācārya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda Day 1 – Mid-morning Lecture Given By His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami – Uddhava-gītā Retreat – Gita-Nagari US, 30 May 2013 His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami: So everyone is nicely situated? Ready for the second session? Did you all have nice breakfast? […]