Planet ISKCON

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Two days after my birthday was my fathers’, or June 24th. This year I wanted to share some snapshots in my relationship with him, in the hope that it might be useful to you in our journey of self-exploration, using that as a balanced platform for spiritual practice. Dear reader, I am indebted to you for taking the time to read this, and to think about your own relationship with your parents. What does it tell you about the nature of the material world of (re)birth, disease, old age, death and disappointment, and the importance of receiving the saving grace of spiritual knowledge and bhakti practices to uncover the eternal life of the soul?

I was running a preaching center on O Street in Washington D.C. in 1986. After leaving Baltimore with Maha-nidhi Swami to travel and preach, after some time I felt it would be a natural move to stay there. I had a small staff which fluctuated between 1 or 2 devotees. I also received some morale boosting, and financial support from the near-by Potomac MD, Temple from which devotees sometimes visited to chant, preach, or help cook. We held three feasts a week, mainly attended by college students and young people in the area. All was going fine for a few months after I settled in, and then, one afternoon between feasts, I felt like something ominous was in the air. It was a typical August sunny, muggy day, nothing unusual but this feeling. Although I couldn’t put my finger on the possible reason, I prayed for clarity to understand. As I was lost in thought, the ringing of the phone startled me. It was Barbara, my father’s current wife. She told me that my father had committed suicide by shooting himself in the head.

A long silence ensued. I didn’t have a personal reaction, being in shock, and besides, I wasn’t very good at dealing with others in such matters of intense sorrow. I was at a loss for words, thinking more about her, than for myself. Even today, it seems so inappropriate and trite to say things like “sorry for your loss,” or any number of socially correct statements. Finally, I was able to thank her for letting me know, and told her how sorry I was. Our conversation was awkward,

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Verse 3.34: There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion pertaining to the senses and their objects. One should not come under the control of such attachment and aversion, because they are stumbling blocks on the path of self-realization.

On any path one follows, there are challenges and obstacles. Identifying these challenges is a key step to becoming successful in any endeavor we choose to pursue.

Now I don't know about you, but I've always felt that life should come with an instruction manual. That manual would contain clear guidelines as to how we can lead happy lives; as well, it would include a listing of all the unexpected trials, tribulations, twists and turns we are to encounter.

Imagine my surprise when I first read the Gita - I had found it! My guidebook for life! Within its pages, the Gita speaks at length as to how we can become happy. Equally important, it warns us of the problems we may face as living souls inhabiting a temporary body.

Now the Gita doesn't get into specifics...although sometimes it certainly does seem like it's been written specifically for me! Instead, it does one better.

The Gita empowers an individual.

For most of us, our issue is that we tend to look outside instead of looking in. In other words, we think we are so many "external" things - I am male, female, my mind, my body, my intelligence, my senses etc etc... We neglect who we really are- the soul.

In order to successfully live a happy life, we need to become cognizant of those things that can prevent us from achieving the goal of self-realization. After all, if we don't know who we are, how can we relate to anything/anyone else properly? Two such obstacles are identified today - the senses and their objects.

In a previous post we spoke at length discriminating between regulating and repressing one's senses. In concluding that topic, this perspective was offered:

Regulation isn't a lack of freedom. A lack of freedom is being bound by the dictates of our mind and senses and constantly succumbing to them. True freedom is being able to make a choice.

That being said...it doesn't just end there. See it's not just about the senses and their objects, it's how we relate to them. As today's verse describes, we can essentially categorize our interaction with them via these two adjectives - attachment and aversion.

Now, as many of you might have noticed, the Gita doesn't give everything away all at once. It slowly builds on points so that we get an opportunity to digest it all.

From the senses and sense objects that we can perceive and easily relate to, we now are moving on to a more subtle sphere. After all, it's easier to control our hands, tongue, ears, eyes and nose, but it's much harder to control whether we become attached to or averse of something.

That takes more than just knowledge. Knowledge may help us in practicing regulation, but it is only realization that can release us from the control of these two characteristics.

And what is that realization? That we are not this body. After all - attachment and aversion arises as a result of how something, someone or a situation affects or interacts with the body. It has nothing to do with the soul which is eternal and spiritual.

Verse 3.34: There are principles to regulate attachment and aversion pertaining to the senses and their objects. One should not come under the control of such attachment and aversion, because they are stumbling blocks on the path of self-realization.

On any path one follows, there are challenges and obstacles. Identifying these challenges is a key step to becoming successful in any endeavor we choose to pursue.

Now I don't know about you, but I've always felt that life should come with an instruction manual. That manual would contain clear guidelines as to how we can lead happy lives; as well, it would include a listing of all the unexpected trials, tribulations, twists and turns we are to encounter.

Imagine my surprise when I first read the Gita - I had found it! My guidebook for life! Within its pages, the Gita speaks at length as to how we can become happy. Equally important, it warns us of the problems we may face as living souls inhabiting a temporary body.

Now the Gita doesn't get into specifics...although sometimes it certainly does seem like it's been written specifically for me! Instead, it does one better.

The Gita empowers an individual.

For most of us, our issue is that we tend to look outside instead of looking in. In other words, we think we are so many "external" things - I am male, female, my mind, my body, my intelligence, my senses etc etc... We neglect who we really are- the soul.

In order to successfully live a happy life, we need to become cognizant of those things that can prevent us from achieving the goal of self-realization. After all, if we don't know who we are, how can we relate to anything/anyone else properly? Two such obstacles are identified today - the senses and their objects.

In a previous post we spoke at length discriminating between regulating and repressing one's senses. In concluding that topic, this perspective was offered:

Regulation isn't a lack of freedom. A lack of freedom is being bound by the dictates of our mind and senses and constantly succumbing to them. True freedom is being able to make a choice.

That being said...it doesn't just end there. See it's not just about the senses and their objects, it's how we relate to them. As today's verse describes, we can essentially categorize our interaction with them via these two adjectives - attachment and aversion.

Now, as many of you might have noticed, the Gita doesn't give everything away all at once. It slowly builds on points so that we get an opportunity to digest it all.

From the senses and sense objects that we can perceive and easily relate to, we now are moving on to a more subtle sphere. After all, it's easier to control our hands, tongue, ears, eyes and nose, but it's much harder to control whether we become attached to or averse of something.

That takes more than just knowledge. Knowledge may help us in practicing regulation, but it is only realization that can release us from the control of these two characteristics.

And what is that realization? That we are not this body. After all - attachment and aversion arises as a result of how something, someone or a situation affects or interacts with the body. It has nothing to do with the soul which is eternal and spiritual.

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Srila Sivarama Swami Maharaja Vyasa-puja address – New Vraja-dhama 2013.05.26

A sure sign that the annual Festival of India (Ratha-Yatra) is just around the corner is the annual Snana-Yatra festival (Sunday, June 30, 2013)! Snana-Yatra, a wonderful festival, wherein Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balarama and Lady Subhadra will be bathed amidst amazing kirtan and chanting!

After this bathing ceremony, all three fall ill and go into seclusion in order to get better.  After two weeks, They will re-emerge for Festival of India (Ratha Yatra).  It is important that the temple is clean for when Lord Jaganatha makes His appearance after recuperating from being ill for two weeks.

Thus, as tradition every year, we will be cleaning the temple as part of Gundica Clean Up.  This is following the example set by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who held the first Gundica Clean Up some 500 years ago. Please join us at 11:00am on Sunday, June 30th to help clean a part of the temple!

During the Ratha-Yatra Festival on July 13-14, Lord Jagannātha will once again come before the public. Thus, for thirteen days after the bathing ceremony, Lord Jagannātha is not visible to any visitors! Don't miss out this last opportunity to see Lord Jagannatha before His grand festival!

The schedule for the day will be as follows (subject to change):

   11:00am - Gundica Clean-Up Begins
   6:00pm to 6:30pm – Kirtan (Arati)
   6:30pm to 6:45pm – Welcome & Announcements
   6:45pm to 8:00pm – Bathing Ceremony (Snana-Yatra)
   8:00pm to 8:30pm  - Kirtan (Arati)
   8:30pm to 9:30pm – Vegetarian Feast (Prasadam)

A sure sign that the annual Festival of India (Ratha-Yatra) is just around the corner is the annual Snana-Yatra festival (Sunday, June 30, 2013)! Snana-Yatra, a wonderful festival, wherein Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balarama and Lady Subhadra will be bathed amidst amazing kirtan and chanting!

After this bathing ceremony, all three fall ill and go into seclusion in order to get better.  After two weeks, They will re-emerge for Festival of India (Ratha Yatra).  It is important that the temple is clean for when Lord Jaganatha makes His appearance after recuperating from being ill for two weeks.

Thus, as tradition every year, we will be cleaning the temple as part of Gundica Clean Up.  This is following the example set by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who held the first Gundica Clean Up some 500 years ago. Please join us at 11:00am on Sunday, June 30th to help clean a part of the temple!

During the Ratha-Yatra Festival on July 13-14, Lord Jagannātha will once again come before the public. Thus, for thirteen days after the bathing ceremony, Lord Jagannātha is not visible to any visitors! Don't miss out this last opportunity to see Lord Jagannatha before His grand festival!

The schedule for the day will be as follows (subject to change):

   11:00am - Gundica Clean-Up Begins
   6:00pm to 6:30pm – Kirtan (Arati)
   6:30pm to 6:45pm – Welcome & Announcements
   6:45pm to 8:00pm – Bathing Ceremony (Snana-Yatra)
   8:00pm to 8:30pm  - Kirtan (Arati)
   8:30pm to 9:30pm – Vegetarian Feast (Prasadam)

I Allowed Myself

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Once again I allowed myself to be pulled off the road for an engagement in Manitoba’s major city, Winnipeg. On the previous night, Daruka, Billy, Daniel and I went to The Forks to attend events for Aboriginal Day.

When I walked the Prairie trail, on what can be a boring straight line, I daily think about how the indigenous people executed their travels. They likely followed a meandering river or curvy valley or creek. Their lifestyle and outlook was circular, unlike the white man’s square and linear approach. The land they shared and was for everyone. They demonstrated hospitality to the newcomers and showed them how to survive. Those of the European stock, the newcomers, came in great numbers, did not reciprocate so well with hospitality, cheated the custodians and robbed them of use of land. The new ‘owners’ killed the food supply, the bison, drew lines and squares for lots, saying ‘do not trespass’. They spread new diseases and fire water where there was no intoxication before. They, the first people, were cheated of their land and were given left over reserves, a raw deal for sure.

Not a day goes by when I wonder how life would be to trek a trail that the aboriginal people had done before there was a grid.

After spending an hour with Greg along what to me was a new section of Red River, I met Dennis at a street juncture. Dennis is an aboriginal handicapped person. He asked me if I had time, I said, “Yes, depending on how long.” Dennis is wheelchaired with impaired legs and needed to be taken to the other side of the river by way of bridge, and then a couple of blocks to destination, Holy Rosary Catholic Church for coffee with a priest.

“Fine,” I agreed.

As I was pushing the wheelchair he told me about how he prays to the Lord asking Him if one day he can walk again. “Sometimes I think God doesn’t listen,” he said.

“You can’t blame God for your weak legs. This is karma you have inflicted upon yourself from some time in the past. Be grateful always for what you do have. “

Dennis asked me to wheel him into the Starbucks Coffee shop. Both inside and outside the shop many people seemed to know him. Here he makes a daily visit and requires an antique cup for his coffee. From here I wheel him out and on to the edge of the church yard. Mass had just finished and here too he seems to be known.

I figured that helping him was the least I could do considering the mistreatment of his people in the past. I felt I owed him one.

Our day came to a close when I spoke at 108 Chestnut from a Bhagavatam verse 1.8.30 regarding the bewildering nature of this world, its Creator and their correlation.

12 KM

Breaking

Mather, Manitoba

Breaking into new shoes isn’t always the funnest thing. A minor case of blisters and blood came my way at the feet. Several consecutive warm days has also encouraged heat rash and again minimal blood. Such things occur as part of the pilgrim’s package.

Highway 3 is very quiet on Saturdays. The occasional motorist stops, as does the newspaper delivery woman from yesterday. In fact, she did it twice today, asking a little more each time as to how I’m faring, where do I hope to get to at the end of the day, and inquiring about my mode of life. Friendly they are here in the prairie. Even their license plate says so, ‘Friendly Manitoba’. Some folks today offered some financial help, I didn’t ask, they just gave. One highlight of the day was meeting Art, and then later, Elaine, his wife, from Mather, Manitoba. They invited Daruka and I for lunch. We agreed, but we told them of our dietary restrictions. In all frankness, it’s hard for me to have the heart to eat what I see goes by me as I pass a herd of beef cattle. They tend to be so personal as they follow me along at my pace right to the very lengths of the pasture until reaching the barrier, the fence. They then stand there as if frozen staring at me until I disappear.

Art runs a local seed company, and also plays a major role in running the village. The lunch was great along with some herbal Bengal Spice tea. The conversation entailed comparing notes – their Mennonite faith to our consciousness in Krishna. Hence, friends were made with exchange of literature. Perhaps the climax of the visit was Art playing on the piano. The piece ‘Obladi, Oblada, Life Goes On…’

Hey, if life could be so easy, simply singing Obladi Oblada, that would be great. Why do we karmically complicate matters so?

26 KM

I Can See The Mist

La Riviere, Manitoba

From Pemdina Valley I could see the mist with rainbow tones rising as I was approaching. It was as if the sun god was pulling up with his hands the moisture and dispersing it into thin air. It resembled a hint of virat rupa, the cosmic form as described in Bhagavad Gita.

Daruka joined and we were pacing along. We passed by the location where ‘The Passion’ play is annually presented in the outdoors attracting people from far and wide. Then we caught the attention of a group of people having breakfast in the town restaurant. Dennis, the retired school teacher, pulled out of the group and came outside to invite us for some early morning breakfast. Daruka and I accepted the offer of cranberry juice and the company of district farmers. We all hit it off well, chanting while sitting at a round table. Being with Dennis, an educator whom everyone in the district seemed to have been taught by (so it seems) set a tone for the day.

Daruka and I eventually backtracked to Manitou and the elementary school. There, 130 students assembled in the gymnasium to hear about a monk’s lifestyle and his associates and to view a blue front Amazon parrot. The principle Deb Morrow, was most gracious, while the reception by the students was quite overwhelming. The applause made us feel like rock stars. There also appeared to be no end to questions regarding life as a monastics. In truth, the kids questioned about Billy as well, but I’ll give it a 50/50 attention to both topics.

Further on in the walk westbound on Highway 3, many motorists came to congratulated me for the trek and for visiting their neighbourhood. Two more journalists from different papers came to interview, also Jackie and Maryanne, local farm girls I guess you could say, cycled from their endless prairie laneways to meet and talk.

Finally, where the educational element became interwoven in our day once more is when Alix, the local art gallery coordinator, joined me for a stretch to Crystal City when along with Daruka and Billy we accidentally stumbled upon a graduation ceremony. Grads and friends were gathered in the street. Gals in pretty dresses and guys in suits took notice of the unusual team that we were. It then became an exchange of mutual congratulations.

What a glorious day. The last few kilometres I tackled solo, but I wasn’t alone, a trillion mosquitoes accompanied me.

32 KM

It's a situation we all find ourselves in at one time or another....when we are trying to chant with attention but it becomes unconscious or inattentive - like a drone in the background of the mind's many thoughts.

The alternative is to be conscious of the sound of Krsna....to be conscious of each and every syllable and word of the mantra. By doing this we can become unconscious of the mind's ramblings and be fully focused on Krsna in the form of the Holy names.

Now all of my books, both the American versions, those published in India, and all of the Kindle E-book versions, are available at the Amazon.in website, available in rupees, at:

http://www.amazon.in/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1/276-3108029-1774103?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Stephen+Knapp#/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Stephen+Knapp&rh=n%3A976389031%2Ck%3AStephen+Knapp

Click the link or paste it in your browser.

The progress of the main dome and that of the art department’s projects are often the focal points of discussion at the TOVP. However, there are several other aspects of construction and planning equally significant to the poignancy of the architectural and landscaping arrangements.

Last summer the TOVP began a nursery near the Jagannath mandir. It is home to thousands of various types of trees and shrubs. They will spend the next few years growing in the nursery so they will be full and lush at the time of transplantation. The greenery will frame and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the new temple while simultaneously offering shade to pilgrims and Mayapur residents.

The three domes of the new temple are its signature features. Sometimes overlooked are the towers punctuating their grandeur. The architectural nuances of these towers underscore the magnificent drama of the domes. Their construction is underway and their delicate beauty is already recognizable.

Each feature of the TOVP is important, from the curved arches to the marble pillars, from the landmark domes to the robust trees. The combination of parts creates a rhapsody of movement and color, a climax of havens for spiritual seekers. The TOVP is more than a building, it’s an expression of feeling.

There is a solution to every problem, if you see the problem as an opportunity.

There is a solution to every problem, if you see the problem as an opportunity.

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS Founder-Ācārya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda Lecture By His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami On “Cooperation” Malaga, Spain, 25 June 2013 Initially kīrtan for 10:55 minutes His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami: nāma oṁ viṣṇu-pādāya Kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale śrīmate bhaktivedānta-svāmin iti nāmine namas te sārasvate deve gaura- vāṇī-pracāriṇe nirviśeṣa-śunyavādi-pāścātya-deśa-tāriṇe Hare Kṛṣṇa. So […]

Verse 3.33: Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature, for everyone follows the nature he has acquired from the three modes. What can repression accomplish?

Why bother fooling yourself? It's a question I've asked myself a lot. We all have our nature and working with our tendencies and proclivities is so much easier than always trying to fight against them.

Yoga is all about personalism. There's none of this "Oh...I wish I was someone else!" Sure, we might aspire to follow in the footsteps of others so we too can also gain realization, knowledge and skills - but that's it. There's no merging or becoming someone else!

After all...where's the fun in that? If everyone was exactly the same, it would be so boring...

In fact, this reminds me of a story that one of my role models, Radhanath Swami, once narrated and which I would like to share with you here. If you've never read his story of how he came to bhakti yoga, I highly recommend it. He's written a book called The Journey Home.

Once, he was giving a talk on bhakti yoga to bunch of students at a University. At the end of the talk he opened it up for questions and one student stood up and obnoxiously said, "That's all well and good you speak of bhakti yoga. But if all of us were renounced monks like yourself then how would this world run?" Smirking, he sat back down to the applause of his fellow classmates. Radhanath Swami asked this boy, "What are you studying to become?" The boy stated he was to be an accountant. Always witty, full of good humour and no malice, the Swami replied "Well....what would happen if the world was full of accountants like yourself?" To this, the audience roared with laughter. Radhanath Swami concluded by saying that everyone is needed whether they be monks, accountants, businessmen etc...

The point of the story is this - we are all individuals. The soul, although a part and parcel of the Supreme, is also separate. Just like a drop of water has the properties and consistency of the ocean, similarly we too possess divine characteristics, but in a limited amount.

As one bhakti yogi put it:

Bhakti yoga is about discovering your personality as lover of God.

I can't tell you how relieved I felt upon hearing that. Although we may face challenges and strive for personal improvement, it's not at the cost of losing our personality.

There's no one like you in this world...it's true. In fact, it's confirmed here. There's no need to repress our nature; instead we transform it so that we can do the most good with it.

So the next time you find yourself comparing yourself to others, just remember: we are all like diamonds in the rough. We just need some polishing and bhakti yoga is the process by which we can discover who we really are and shine.

Verse 3.33: Even a man of knowledge acts according to his own nature, for everyone follows the nature he has acquired from the three modes. What can repression accomplish?

Why bother fooling yourself? It's a question I've asked myself a lot. We all have our nature and working with our tendencies and proclivities is so much easier than always trying to fight against them.

Yoga is all about personalism. There's none of this "Oh...I wish I was someone else!" Sure, we might aspire to follow in the footsteps of others so we too can also gain realization, knowledge and skills - but that's it. There's no merging or becoming someone else!

After all...where's the fun in that? If everyone was exactly the same, it would be so boring...

In fact, this reminds me of a story that one of my role models, Radhanath Swami, once narrated and which I would like to share with you here. If you've never read his story of how he came to bhakti yoga, I highly recommend it. He's written a book called The Journey Home.

Once, he was giving a talk on bhakti yoga to bunch of students at a University. At the end of the talk he opened it up for questions and one student stood up and obnoxiously said, "That's all well and good you speak of bhakti yoga. But if all of us were renounced monks like yourself then how would this world run?" Smirking, he sat back down to the applause of his fellow classmates. Radhanath Swami asked this boy, "What are you studying to become?" The boy stated he was to be an accountant. Always witty, full of good humour and no malice, the Swami replied "Well....what would happen if the world was full of accountants like yourself?" To this, the audience roared with laughter. Radhanath Swami concluded by saying that everyone is needed whether they be monks, accountants, businessmen etc...

The point of the story is this - we are all individuals. The soul, although a part and parcel of the Supreme, is also separate. Just like a drop of water has the properties and consistency of the ocean, similarly we too possess divine characteristics, but in a limited amount.

As one bhakti yogi put it:

Bhakti yoga is about discovering your personality as lover of God.

I can't tell you how relieved I felt upon hearing that. Although we may face challenges and strive for personal improvement, it's not at the cost of losing our personality.

There's no one like you in this world...it's true. In fact, it's confirmed here. There's no need to repress our nature; instead we transform it so that we can do the most good with it.

So the next time you find yourself comparing yourself to others, just remember: we are all like diamonds in the rough. We just need some polishing and bhakti yoga is the process by which we can discover who we really are and shine.

Why if Bhagavatam says that there is no need for any other scripture other than itself, do we need to read books like Bhagavad-gita and Nectar of Devotion?

"The Hari's Unlock Cosmic Henge Hub"
The Epic ALL NIGHT CHANTING PARTY!
http://youtu.be/cToOs-ArgGE


The Hari's Unlock Cosmic Henge Hub | Stonehenge 2013
www.youtube.com
News Headlines after the event: Hare Krishna's unlock secret cosmic hub at Stonehenge! All night Chanting Party! Angels Appear at the henge! Soul Power at th... Continue reading →

Indradyumna Swami BBGovinda Swami Bada Hari Prabhu

From Bhajan Kutir #483
by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami

Stonehenge 2013
Hare Krishna Rathayatra Festival
http://youtu.be/ZGgp5vfimrQ


Hare Krishna Rathayatra Festival at Stonehenge 2013
www.youtube.com
Boy was I in for a surprise! My first time to the Holy Henge and it was something else! I've long last had such an amazing chanting experience with fired up ... Continue reading →

Giriraj Swami and Indradymna Swami awarded first and second initiation to devotees prior to the Panihati festival at the Laguna Beach temple on Friday. During the ceremony, Giriraj Swami initiated Srila Tamal Krishna Goswami’s brother and sister-in-law, Bhakta Carl and Bhaktin Stella Herzig, as well as Saroj Wadehra. Now  Saroj will be known as Tulasi Manjari dasi, Stella as Shraddhanjali dasi, and Carl as Kalachandji das.

“We have a particular relationship with our diksa-guru, and that must be maintained and respected. But we also have other relationships with spiritual aunts and uncles and older brothers and sisters, and all our spiritual family members cooperate for that same purpose — to help the individual become purified and advanced in Krishna consciousness, engaged in the mission of Srila Prabhupada and the Pancha Tattva.”— Giriraj Swami

——————————————————————————

Initiation talk by Indradymna Swami
Initiation talk by Giriraj Swami

Moving story of Sindhutai Sapkal – Radhanath Swami @ Narayan Mandir June 4th 2013

Here's the Croydon Rathayatra festival from 16th June 2013!
http://youtu.be/3p3xJIg0CZ8


Croydon Rathayatra | Hare Krishna Chariot Festival 2013
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Chant: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare and your life will be sublime! PS: Croydon Typo! sorry to ... Continue reading →