Rediscovering the Magic of Krsna Consciousness All Over Again
→ kirtaniyah sada hari

As an aspiring bhakti practitioner, I'm well aware of how easy it is to start seeing everything I do in my day to day life as routine. Chanting, deity worship, reading, associating with devotees- all of it can become mundane if we don't go deeper than the superficial coverings. Sometimes we may feel that Krsna consciousness has lost the "freshness" and have to seek ways to rediscover that feeling.

Recently, I was fortunate to go on a retreat facilitated by HH Devamrta Swami and HG Bada Hari prabhu. The retreat was for newcomers offering an escape from the rigamaroles of everyday material life and an opportunity to discover the great jewels bhakti has to offer in the forms of kirtan, prasadam and deep devotion-centric discussions.

Upon hearing about the retreat, I immediately wanted to invite three people. Two of them were ladies I had distributed books to and had developed friendships with. The other was a student who regularly attends the Bhakti Yoga Club at the University of Ottawa.

Upon inviting Marcelle and Geoff, both immediately said yes. Unfortunately, Nadia, whom I have the great honour of regularly reading the Gita with, was unable to make it.

The weekend of the retreat came upon us and I was both trepedatious and excited. The potential for this trip being a life transforming journey for both these individuals was unbelievable. How many relative newcomers to Krsna consciousness get an opportunity to get one-one time with devotees of the highest caliber such as HH Devamrta Swami and HG Bada Hari prabhu for two and a half days? Not only that, but to have the association of like-minded individuals with a genuine thirst to dive deeper in bhakti can be rare.

Although I was happily engaged either in kirtan or cooking for most of the retreat, two moments stand out for me during those two and a half days. Those moments allowed me to fall in love with Krsna consciousness all over again. One morning, over half the participants got up early out of their own volition and chanted japa. The main room where the programs were being held became completely surcharged with the vibration of the holy name. In that space, I'll never forget looking over the participants, and in particular Geoff and seeing him with eyes closed, a look of determination on his face chanting the holy names of Krsna.

The second moment was during the final kirtan. HH Devamrta Swami simply took us out of the material world with his kirtan. Every single participant, was dancing. It was as though no one had a say in the matter! Everyone had to dance. After dancing and dancing and dancing, finally the kirtan came to conclusion and sitting down everyone sang in unison, hands outstretched and a look of complete bliss on their faces.

That is what Krsna consciousness is all about. Feeling a sense of connection to the holy names and the devotees. Although I may have passed along the message and invited both Geoff and Marcelle to come, they gave me the greatest gift during this retreat. Watching their experiences allowed me to rediscover the magic of Krsna consciousness all over again.





Rediscovering the Magic of Krsna Consciousness All Over Again
→ kirtaniyah sada hari

As an aspiring bhakti practitioner, I'm well aware of how easy it is to start seeing everything I do in my day to day life as routine. Chanting, deity worship, reading, associating with devotees- all of it can become mundane if we don't go deeper than the superficial coverings. Sometimes we may feel that Krsna consciousness has lost the "freshness" and have to seek ways to rediscover that feeling.

Recently, I was fortunate to go on a retreat facilitated by HH Devamrta Swami and HG Bada Hari prabhu. The retreat was for newcomers offering an escape from the rigamaroles of everyday material life and an opportunity to discover the great jewels bhakti has to offer in the forms of kirtan, prasadam and deep devotion-centric discussions.

Upon hearing about the retreat, I immediately wanted to invite three people. Two of them were ladies I had distributed books to and had developed friendships with. The other was a student who regularly attends the Bhakti Yoga Club at the University of Ottawa.

Upon inviting Marcelle and Geoff, both immediately said yes. Unfortunately, Nadia, whom I have the great honour of regularly reading the Gita with, was unable to make it.

The weekend of the retreat came upon us and I was both trepedatious and excited. The potential for this trip being a life transforming journey for both these individuals was unbelievable. How many relative newcomers to Krsna consciousness get an opportunity to get one-one time with devotees of the highest caliber such as HH Devamrta Swami and HG Bada Hari prabhu for two and a half days? Not only that, but to have the association of like-minded individuals with a genuine thirst to dive deeper in bhakti can be rare.

Although I was happily engaged either in kirtan or cooking for most of the retreat, two moments stand out for me during those two and a half days. Those moments allowed me to fall in love with Krsna consciousness all over again. One morning, over half the participants got up early out of their own volition and chanted japa. The main room where the programs were being held became completely surcharged with the vibration of the holy name. In that space, I'll never forget looking over the participants, and in particular Geoff and seeing him with eyes closed, a look of determination on his face chanting the holy names of Krsna.

The second moment was during the final kirtan. HH Devamrta Swami simply took us out of the material world with his kirtan. Every single participant, was dancing. It was as though no one had a say in the matter! Everyone had to dance. After dancing and dancing and dancing, finally the kirtan came to conclusion and sitting down everyone sang in unison, hands outstretched and a look of complete bliss on their faces.

That is what Krsna consciousness is all about. Feeling a sense of connection to the holy names and the devotees. Although I may have passed along the message and invited both Geoff and Marcelle to come, they gave me the greatest gift during this retreat. Watching their experiences allowed me to rediscover the magic of Krsna consciousness all over again.





How to transform a rebellious mind into a Wonderful Mind (2/2). By Matsyavatara das (Marco Ferrini)
→ Matsya Avatar das adhikari

The act of offering the Supreme all that we possess is defined by Shri Caitanya as the highest form of renunciation: yukta vairagya. The bad weed of ego is uprooted by the constant and humble practice of sadhana bhakti in a spirit of loving service. Authentic humbleness comes from the awareness of our nature, which means to be God’s servants; it’s the humbleness of the part which stands in relationship with the whole, with the Creator, with the creatures and with the creation. Humbleness grows by learning to respect and to value the good qualities of every being, no matter which body it temporarily wears. Having such an attitude, thanks to divine mercy, the mistakes and the offences which hinder spiritual realization cease, and our journey towards the supreme Destination, param gatih, goes on rapidly. Freedom, justice, serenity, wisdom, happiness and love. The more we care about spiritual teachings, the more we stick to them and bring them inside our everyday life, the more our inner voice awakens and grows stronger. This inner voice is our inborn wisdom concerning discernment, and in the Krishna-bhakti tradition, in the Gaudiya-Vaishnavism, it is called tattva-viveka, discerning awareness. If we start to distinguish the inexistent, tempting as well as deceitful voices of the false self - which indeed has no ontological existence - from the truthful voice of the real self - immortal reality, and if we deliberately and irrevocably choose to let us guide by the latter, the real self will clear us the way to freedom, to salvation, to joy and Love. Only then the bright memory of our authentic nature - the spiritual one, which is undivided from the Whole - starts to reveal itself in all its splendour and divine truth. At this point the ravings of the false ego don’t thwart anymore the right vision and even the last doubts, together with the whims of the once rebellious mind, cease. As a rebellious mind is the real obstacle to spiritual realization, once it is subdued and turned into a docile instrument controlled by the soul, we can promptly experience an ineffable ecstatic bliss. The psychological experience of hell precedes the ascent to Heaven, almost unavoidably going through the intermediate stage of the purgatory. The first, concrete step on this path is to surrender to God, formally carried out through the initiation rite (Hari-nama diksha). Besides, life blessed by initiation is a divine gift that allows us to turn our mind into a pure diamond - requires clearness, honesty, courage and steadiness. Indeed, when we have sufficiently practised and strengthened in our personality these basic qualities, Divine Mercy descends upon us and everything becomes enlightened; the once overshadowed mind assumes golden dazzling colours, the soul is released from the slavery of matter and hovers in Heaven… Only then spiritual evolution proceeds rapidly and turns into a concrete reality, even in the tridimensional world.

From a Love of God Perspective.. free write.
→ the world i know

On Farming and stuff...


I overhear and sometimes take part in discussions on the need of developing farm communities so that we can be well sustained in times to come. Mostly the energy in such conversations become tense because most of us don't feel ready to move into that sort of space and change our lifestyles. It takes a lot of work. There's often complaint of it not being practical, or not matching one's nature, or too complicated.
Over the last few weeks, as I prepare a seminar on making new devotees, this topic pops up many times. The reason is not just to feed people and give them a nice place to stay in the country away from the cities, but more on the question of quality. Quality breeds quality. The vedic purpose for samskaras is to produce quality people; quality living, and quality development of one's dormant relationship with Krsna. Regardless of how hard it may be, the quality work we put into something will ensure a quality result.
Evert parent wants the best for their child, and for that, they insure them, send them to carefully picked schools, scrutinize their association, worry about them, etc etc. Love is something that forces a person to act on a quality platform. I've even heard that Mother Yashoda has a special breed of cows that are fed special grass for producing the best milk which will be churned into butter for Krsna. So if we think of Krsna as our child, and we want to give him the best, knowing well that giving Krsna the best in any situation will mean, ultimately, the best for us, then we should consider farming and cow protection a means for giving the best to Krsna. This requires contemplation; and contemplation on service to Krsna means contemplation on Krsna. So from a love of God perspective we should have farms. We can learn from those who have proper farms, regardless if they happen to be devotees or not. When we begin to express our care for Krsna in this way, I think we can develop deep affection for Krsna, which also means for Krsna's devotees. Would I rather give Krsna, my son in the form of the deity, fresh milk from the cow, or milk bought from the store; tomatoes, potatoes or whatever fruits and vegetables bought with harmful chemicals sprayed on them, or one picked from the garden? And as far as hard work is concerned, would I rather work hard for eternal purposes, or for temporary needs? Remember, Krsna lives in a village, not in a sky scraper town. Wouldn't it be nice if we can prepare ourselves for life there, by practicing here? OK, you live in the city, and according to your psycho-physical nature you cannot live on a farm; I suggest supporting a farm, or those who wish to develop one. After all isn't it a duty thing for those who hold houses? And you can come on weekends to the beautiful farm, get your vegetables, get a peace of mind from the city, and show the example for those who have similar aspirations.
Not an essay, just a few thoughts in my mind put on paper.

One more thing before I go... Our Spiritual Master asked for it. Isn't it said somewhere, someplace, in some verse, that by satisfying the Spiritual Master, one satisfies Krsna? And who does it benefit? Us. No one but us. So basically we are becoming lackadaisical in our own self realization and growth.  

Oh Oh Oh.. and...



It doesn't have to be some huge thing. Start simple, start small. But start.

From a Love of God Perspective.. free write.
→ the world i know

On Farming and stuff...


I overhear and sometimes take part in discussions on the need of developing farm communities so that we can be well sustained in times to come. Mostly the energy in such conversations become tense because most of us don't feel ready to move into that sort of space and change our lifestyles. It takes a lot of work. There's often complaint of it not being practical, or not matching one's nature, or too complicated.
Over the last few weeks, as I prepare a seminar on making new devotees, this topic pops up many times. The reason is not just to feed people and give them a nice place to stay in the country away from the cities, but more on the question of quality. Quality breeds quality. The vedic purpose for samskaras is to produce quality people; quality living, and quality development of one's dormant relationship with Krsna. Regardless of how hard it may be, the quality work we put into something will ensure a quality result.
Evert parent wants the best for their child, and for that, they insure them, send them to carefully picked schools, scrutinize their association, worry about them, etc etc. Love is something that forces a person to act on a quality platform. I've even heard that Mother Yashoda has a special breed of cows that are fed special grass for producing the best milk which will be churned into butter for Krsna. So if we think of Krsna as our child, and we want to give him the best, knowing well that giving Krsna the best in any situation will mean, ultimately, the best for us, then we should consider farming and cow protection a means for giving the best to Krsna. This requires contemplation; and contemplation on service to Krsna means contemplation on Krsna. So from a love of God perspective we should have farms. We can learn from those who have proper farms, regardless if they happen to be devotees or not. When we begin to express our care for Krsna in this way, I think we can develop deep affection for Krsna, which also means for Krsna's devotees. Would I rather give Krsna, my son in the form of the deity, fresh milk from the cow, or milk bought from the store; tomatoes, potatoes or whatever fruits and vegetables bought with harmful chemicals sprayed on them, or one picked from the garden? And as far as hard work is concerned, would I rather work hard for eternal purposes, or for temporary needs? Remember, Krsna lives in a village, not in a sky scraper town. Wouldn't it be nice if we can prepare ourselves for life there, by practicing here? OK, you live in the city, and according to your psycho-physical nature you cannot live on a farm; I suggest supporting a farm, or those who wish to develop one. After all isn't it a duty thing for those who hold houses? And you can come on weekends to the beautiful farm, get your vegetables, get a peace of mind from the city, and show the example for those who have similar aspirations.
Not an essay, just a few thoughts in my mind put on paper.

One more thing before I go... Our Spiritual Master asked for it. Isn't it said somewhere, someplace, in some verse, that by satisfying the Spiritual Master, one satisfies Krsna? And who does it benefit? Us. No one but us. So basically we are becoming lackadaisical in our own self realization and growth.  

Oh Oh Oh.. and...



It doesn't have to be some huge thing. Start simple, start small. But start.

KulimeLA 2009: Bhima Karma Performs “Turned Around” at the Ford Theater in Hollywood
→ Seeking The Essence

A 3 minute video of Bhima-Karma Saragrahi‘s dramatic, uplifting and introspective rendition of his poem “Turned Around.” He delivered it during the KM09 Gala Evening at the Ford Theatre in Hollywood.

In the ancient Sanskrit language, “Kuli Mela” is “A Celebration of Community.”

The main theme for KulimeLA 2009 was to “Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present & Envision the Future.”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles Gurukuli Reunion, the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, nestled in the Hollywood Hills, was chosen as an ideal location for Kulis to come together to acknowledge their collective history and appreciate the many accomplishments of the pioneer Gurukulis throughout the past two decades.

Dressed in formal and elegant attire, approximately one thousand Vaishnavas gathered to walk the red carpet and participate in an amazing evening that beautifully showcased “A Mosaic of Our Generations.”

CLICK HERE to check out the growing Kuli Mela video and audio selections on Krishna.com.

The Kuli Mela Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to connect our diverse and dynamic global community. We believe that by encouraging each other along our individual paths and by serving together in our shared goals we can make a positive difference in the world.

For more information please visit our KMA Facebook Page.


Fully Present
→ kirtaniyah sada hari

Have you ever had someone's full attention? I'm not talking about the few flashes of eye contact you get while the person you're talking to you is simultaneously trying to have a bbm conversation with someone else. No. I'm talking about full on 100% attention.

It's so rare. The natural tendency of a living entity is to to love and be loved. In the process of trying to be loved and not attaining success, oftentimes the living entity tries to find some way to seek attention. Whether it's through laughter, dramatic story telling, looking beautiful etc etc, my realization is that all of these things we pursue are really for one thing alone- to be loved. We feel as though by doing something extraordinary then somehow the world we live in will wake up and finally pay us the attention that we're due.

But what happens when despite doing nothing at all, someone gives you that attention so freely and without any expectation in return? It becomes overwhelming. I had such an experience this weekend. HG Vaisesika prabhu and his wonderful wife Nirakula prabhu are two examples of individuals who give you their undivided attention.

When they speak to you, it's as though no one else exists. They fan any small spark or dying ember of any good quality that may be buried inside you and magnify it a million fold. It's actually unbelievable until you experience it for yourself.

What a gift! Persons who have been so fortunate to experience this type of undivided attention are often at a loss to describe what it feels like. It's so deep, so profound and gives a glimpse of how things must be in the spiritual world.

It also serves as a great inspiration as to what we should aspire for. We all should strive to ensure every interaction we have with every living entity leaves an indelible impression upon them.

All we need to do is remember Srila Prabhupada. Whether it was months of association, a one sentence instruction or even just a smile, those who came in contact with Srila Prabhupada have described how they'll never forget how they felt a deep sense of love and connection with him. It is our duty to not imitate but follow in his footsteps. After all, it's part of our family business to be fully present and conscious. :)

Fully Present
→ kirtaniyah sada hari

Have you ever had someone's full attention? I'm not talking about the few flashes of eye contact you get while the person you're talking to you is simultaneously trying to have a bbm conversation with someone else. No. I'm talking about full on 100% attention.

It's so rare. The natural tendency of a living entity is to to love and be loved. In the process of trying to be loved and not attaining success, oftentimes the living entity tries to find some way to seek attention. Whether it's through laughter, dramatic story telling, looking beautiful etc etc, my realization is that all of these things we pursue are really for one thing alone- to be loved. We feel as though by doing something extraordinary then somehow the world we live in will wake up and finally pay us the attention that we're due.

But what happens when despite doing nothing at all, someone gives you that attention so freely and without any expectation in return? It becomes overwhelming. I had such an experience this weekend. HG Vaisesika prabhu and his wonderful wife Nirakula prabhu are two examples of individuals who give you their undivided attention.

When they speak to you, it's as though no one else exists. They fan any small spark or dying ember of any good quality that may be buried inside you and magnify it a million fold. It's actually unbelievable until you experience it for yourself.

What a gift! Persons who have been so fortunate to experience this type of undivided attention are often at a loss to describe what it feels like. It's so deep, so profound and gives a glimpse of how things must be in the spiritual world.

It also serves as a great inspiration as to what we should aspire for. We all should strive to ensure every interaction we have with every living entity leaves an indelible impression upon them.

All we need to do is remember Srila Prabhupada. Whether it was months of association, a one sentence instruction or even just a smile, those who came in contact with Srila Prabhupada have described how they'll never forget how they felt a deep sense of love and connection with him. It is our duty to not imitate but follow in his footsteps. After all, it's part of our family business to be fully present and conscious. :)

KulimeLA 2009: Ananta Vrindavan Performing A Capella at the Ford Theater in Hollywood
→ Seeking The Essence

Video of Ananta Vrindavan singing an a capella combo of “Je Anilo Prema Dhana” & “It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” during the KulimeLA 2009 Gala Evening at the Ford Theater in Hollywood. He dedicated his performance to “the memory of loved ones we’ve lost as a way to invoke their presence in our hearts.”

In the ancient Sanskrit language, “Kuli Mela” is “A Celebration of Community.”

The main theme for KulimeLA 2009 was to “Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present & Envision the Future.”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles Gurukuli Reunion, the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, nestled in the Hollywood Hills, was chosen as an ideal location for Kulis to come together to acknowledge their collective history and appreciate the many accomplishments of the pioneer Gurukulis throughout the past two decades.

Dressed in formal and elegant attire, approximately one thousand Vaishnavas gathered to walk the red carpet and participate in an amazing evening that beautifully showcased “A Mosaic of Our Generations.”

CLICK HERE to check out the growing Kuli Mela video and audio selections on Krishna.com.

The Kuli Mela Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to connect our diverse and dynamic global community. We believe that by encouraging each other along our individual paths and by serving together in our shared goals we can make a positive difference in the world.

For more information please visit our KMA Facebook Page.


Album #30: HH Bhaktividya Swami
→ Bhakti Centre Gold Coast

Date: 1st June 2011

His Holiness Bhaktividya Purna Swami has been living in Sridham Mayapur for many years overseeing the training of students in Vaisnava Brahminical traditions. He is often referred to as Gurukula Maharaj. He generously shares his broad knowledge of Culture and Vaisnavas Behaviors in all his classes. He has been a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) since 1973 and, since 1974, his chief domicile has been India.   A disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Bhaktividya Purna Swami is recognized internationally as an erudite scholar of Vedic studies.

Bhaktividya Purna Swami is renowned for his knowledge of ancient Vedic scriptures including Srimad Bhagavatam, Bhagavad Gita, the Upanisads and the Puranas. Particular fields of expertise include the study of philosophy; Vedic psychology; relationship development; Vedic rites; and importantly the application of Vedic culture in day to day life.  Bhaktividya Purna Swami leads the simple life of an austere monk in Mayapur, West Bengal, and occasionally travels to the West to present seminars and workshops.

Swami Ji did various programs around in Australia during his recent visit.  The videos will be uploaded soon on this website.  Hare Krishna!

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Criss-Crossing Across the GTA for Kirtan! Oh, What a Day!
→ Gaura-Shakti Kirtan Yoga

On Saturday, April 16th, 2011 Gaura-Shakti was invited to be part take in three different kirtans on the same day... that's right three different kirtans! As if this wasn't crazy enough, the three programs would have us criss-crossing the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)! How could we say no the three programs: some close friends who invited us to lead kirtan at a private function at a west-end banquet hall, we were scheduled to lead kirtan at the Annual Yoga Show & Conference at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and, finally, we were invited to lead kirtan at drama evening back in Mississauga.

Wow... it was definitely a wild experience when you put everything together!

The day began as we headed out to a banquet hall in Mississauga in the morning. One of our dear friend's father had a gathering and he decided to celebrate it in a spiritual way. At first, we thought that we were being invited to a formal event and didn't really expect people to respond to our kirtan! But we were mistaken! Guests of the function were really enjoying themselves. They were clapping and chanting with all of their hearts! :) Thanks to our dear friends, Shashank and Satyabama, who invited us to chant! After honouring a mouth-watering lunch, we decided to split up in order to be on time for the other kirtan events. Keshava, Radha, myself and Arusha drove to the Yoga Show right away and Milind and Dhira went to the drama hall to set up the sound system for us for the night time event.

A little tired, but still enthusiastic, we left for the Convention Centre. There, we were surprised to see so many people attending the Yoga Show! There were so many different booths with the most interesting "yoga" things! We also met our friends, like mother Demi at the Govinda's booth, Andrea Olivera, Pat, Maie and more! Keshava started working out the sound requirements right away as we waited for the incredible moment to unite in kirtan with all the participants!

After some time, Dhira and Milind arrived and soon we all went on the main stage. The experience of sharing kirtan with others cannot be described in simple words! When I saw hundreds of people chanting, clapping and dancing my breath stopped for a moment. I felt like ALL of us were part of a spiritual sphere where the Divine was the only source in the centre and we were all connected, like parts and parcels of the Divine! Kirtan can give everyone an eternal spiritual high that cannot be experienced by anything else! Alas, our Yoga Show experience was soon over and I woke up from the dream and we were suddenly off to our last kirtan of the day!

It was a little bit more relaxing when we got to the hall where drama evening was taking place. Our friends greeted us as we got ready and started off the evening with a mellow kirtan! The experience was different than the Yoga Show, though. It was similar to a concert, where lights blind your eyes and a big stage physically separates you from the audience. But still, it was very sweet! Finally, after going on the stage for the second time and concluding the evening with a rocking kirtan at around 10pm, we were out of energy! We all got samosas packed for home and, with satisfied souls that got reconnected to the Divine through the chanting, we drove back home.

The experience of that day made me more grateful to the Divine (Krishna) for giving us such brilliant opportunities to share kirtan with others and to have so many beautiful friends in life who give us these opportunities! Hare Krishna!

--Tara

Criss-Crossing Across the GTA for Kirtan! Oh, What a Day!
→ Gaura-Shakti Kirtan Yoga

On Saturday, April 16th, 2011 Gaura-Shakti was invited to be part take in three different kirtans on the same day... that's right three different kirtans! As if this wasn't crazy enough, the three programs would have us criss-crossing the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)! How could we say no the three programs: some close friends who invited us to lead kirtan at a private function at a west-end banquet hall, we were scheduled to lead kirtan at the Annual Yoga Show & Conference at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and, finally, we were invited to lead kirtan at drama evening back in Mississauga.

Wow... it was definitely a wild experience when you put everything together!

The day began as we headed out to a banquet hall in Mississauga in the morning. One of our dear friend's father had a gathering and he decided to celebrate it in a spiritual way. At first, we thought that we were being invited to a formal event and didn't really expect people to respond to our kirtan! But we were mistaken! Guests of the function were really enjoying themselves. They were clapping and chanting with all of their hearts! :) Thanks to our dear friends, Shashank and Satyabama, who invited us to chant! After honouring a mouth-watering lunch, we decided to split up in order to be on time for the other kirtan events. Keshava, Radha, myself and Arusha drove to the Yoga Show right away and Milind and Dhira went to the drama hall to set up the sound system for us for the night time event.

A little tired, but still enthusiastic, we left for the Convention Centre. There, we were surprised to see so many people attending the Yoga Show! There were so many different booths with the most interesting "yoga" things! We also met our friends, like mother Demi at the Govinda's booth, Andrea Olivera, Pat, Maie and more! Keshava started working out the sound requirements right away as we waited for the incredible moment to unite in kirtan with all the participants!

After some time, Dhira and Milind arrived and soon we all went on the main stage. The experience of sharing kirtan with others cannot be described in simple words! When I saw hundreds of people chanting, clapping and dancing my breath stopped for a moment. I felt like ALL of us were part of a spiritual sphere where the Divine was the only source in the centre and we were all connected, like parts and parcels of the Divine! Kirtan can give everyone an eternal spiritual high that cannot be experienced by anything else! Alas, our Yoga Show experience was soon over and I woke up from the dream and we were suddenly off to our last kirtan of the day!

It was a little bit more relaxing when we got to the hall where drama evening was taking place. Our friends greeted us as we got ready and started off the evening with a mellow kirtan! The experience was different than the Yoga Show, though. It was similar to a concert, where lights blind your eyes and a big stage physically separates you from the audience. But still, it was very sweet! Finally, after going on the stage for the second time and concluding the evening with a rocking kirtan at around 10pm, we were out of energy! We all got samosas packed for home and, with satisfied souls that got reconnected to the Divine through the chanting, we drove back home.

The experience of that day made me more grateful to the Divine (Krishna) for giving us such brilliant opportunities to share kirtan with others and to have so many beautiful friends in life who give us these opportunities! Hare Krishna!

--Tara

KulimeLA 2009: Mela Video Montage Shown at the Ford Theater
→ Seeking The Essence

A video montage featuring highlights of KM06 – New Vrindaban, KM07 – Alachua, KM07 – Moscow & KM08 – Radhadesh, shown during the KulimeLA 2009 Gala Evening at the Ford Theater in Hollywood. 

In the ancient Sanskrit language, “Kuli Mela” is “A Celebration of Community.”

The main theme for KulimeLA 2009 was to “Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present & Envision the Future.”

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles Gurukuli Reunion, the John Anson Ford Amphitheater, nestled in the Hollywood Hills, was chosen as an ideal location for Kulis to come together to acknowledge their collective history and appreciate the many accomplishments of the pioneer Gurukulis throughout the past two decades.

Dressed in formal and elegant attire, approximately one thousand Vaishnavas gathered to walk the red carpet and participate in an amazing evening that beautifully showcased “A Mosaic of Our Generations.”

CLICK HERE to check out the growing Kuli Mela video and audio selections on Krishna.com.

The Kuli Mela Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to connect our diverse and dynamic global community. We believe that by encouraging each other along our individual paths and by serving together in our shared goals we can make a positive difference in the world.

For more information please visit our KMA Facebook Page.


Belonging
→ kirtaniyah sada hari

Ever get the feeling that you just don't belong? Maybe the last time was during your teenage years where you walked into a social gathering knowing no one at all. We all long for a sense of belonging, a sense that "we fit in".

For some time now I feel that I just don't belong. I have wonderful friends, a loving family and so many well-wishers that one might suggest that my problem is due to the fact that I'm not grateful for the gifts that have been given to me. That's very true. I'll admit I'm not a grateful person and it's something I need to work on, but lately I feel as though it's something more.

Deep down I believe this sense of "not belonging" is due to a lack of permanency. Not only the lack of permanency in my own life but the constant change that is constantly surrounding everyone and everything I am associated to and with. I know many others I have spoken to have also shared that they experience this. The material world is said to be real yet impermanent. My realization is that it is hard "to belong" to anyone or anything when an expiration date is part of the package deal.

Relationships, situations, perspectives....they all change. I guess that's the lesson that Krsna is trying to teach me and that I don't want to accept. That despite whatever I am experiencing, He is the one permanent person that will never change, never leave and will always be there. Theoretically the concept is locked into my brain but on the basis of faith, I think I have a long way to go. Ultimately that is the lesson, isn't it?

So despite feeling as though I don't belong and I'm not connected, I aspire to embrace these feelings so that I can depend on Krsna more. On the most Krsna conscious perspective (which unfortunately is not the one I'm operating on :P) this is the greatest blessing. Most of the time our problem lies in the fact that we feel that the material world is our home and that all our pastimes here is what can sustain us. Although I feel like a small ship that is being tossed about in the rough seas and winds of change and upheaval, I pray that the steady anchor of Krsna's mercy will provide a safe haven keeping me safely enveloped in His merciful glance.

Belonging
→ kirtaniyah sada hari

Ever get the feeling that you just don't belong? Maybe the last time was during your teenage years where you walked into a social gathering knowing no one at all. We all long for a sense of belonging, a sense that "we fit in".

For some time now I feel that I just don't belong. I have wonderful friends, a loving family and so many well-wishers that one might suggest that my problem is due to the fact that I'm not grateful for the gifts that have been given to me. That's very true. I'll admit I'm not a grateful person and it's something I need to work on, but lately I feel as though it's something more.

Deep down I believe this sense of "not belonging" is due to a lack of permanency. Not only the lack of permanency in my own life but the constant change that is constantly surrounding everyone and everything I am associated to and with. I know many others I have spoken to have also shared that they experience this. The material world is said to be real yet impermanent. My realization is that it is hard "to belong" to anyone or anything when an expiration date is part of the package deal.

Relationships, situations, perspectives....they all change. I guess that's the lesson that Krsna is trying to teach me and that I don't want to accept. That despite whatever I am experiencing, He is the one permanent person that will never change, never leave and will always be there. Theoretically the concept is locked into my brain but on the basis of faith, I think I have a long way to go. Ultimately that is the lesson, isn't it?

So despite feeling as though I don't belong and I'm not connected, I aspire to embrace these feelings so that I can depend on Krsna more. On the most Krsna conscious perspective (which unfortunately is not the one I'm operating on :P) this is the greatest blessing. Most of the time our problem lies in the fact that we feel that the material world is our home and that all our pastimes here is what can sustain us. Although I feel like a small ship that is being tossed about in the rough seas and winds of change and upheaval, I pray that the steady anchor of Krsna's mercy will provide a safe haven keeping me safely enveloped in His merciful glance.

Album #29: Madhudvisa Prabhu
→ Bhakti Centre Gold Coast

Date: 18th May 2011

“The Emperor of Kirtan”

Madhudvisa Prabhu who was the GBC for Australia in the early 70′s performed the Kirtan at Bhakti Centre whom Srila Prabhupada named ”Emporer of Kirtan”.   He shared the stories he heard from Srila Prabhupad about Lord Nrsimhadev.  The Nrshimha Chaturdasi was also celebrated on Wednesday (actual date: 16/5/11). 

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Agro Retro in the USA
→ Smile of Krishna

Sivarama Maharaja advised me to read the likewise entitled article in the The New York Times. It speaks of the tendency that nowadays in a couple of hundred minor farming projects people return to ox-power. In several various kinds of works, which beforehand they conducted by tractors, now they work with oxen. However, not only the continuously rising petrol prices have a beneficial effect on the advancement of this trend. A few decades ago, farmers who worked with animals have been considered old-fashioned, obstinate, blockhead people. Children born in these families were ashamed of their kin, when they met with fellow kids whose parents ran their farm with modernized equipment. The joint spread of industrial revolution and consumerist society has led the world to an ecologic disaster. As a consequence of the recognition of the above-mentioned phenomena and the positive social feedback to it, traditional agricultural methods are not considered old-fashioned anymore, but on the contrary, are reflected on as progressional. As a matter of fact, this attitude gives inspiration, strength and self-esteem to all those farmers, who willingly turn back to the farming tradition of their great parents and elders.

This positive process is going to strengthen, if we, consumers are willing to look for produces grown in such farms. As, eventually, organic farms need not only an emotional support, but a financial one as well that can be realized by buying off their products, which comprise a lot of hours of hard work. The success of organic revolution depends on the mutual cooperation of the economic sector and consumers.

The volunteers and supporters of the village of Krisna Valley as well as the Eco Valley Foundation all work on the success of this process.

Album #28: Hari Sauri Prabhu
→ Bhakti Centre Gold Coast

Date:  14th May 2011

“The Living Bhagavatam” by Hari Sauri Das

HG Hari Sauri Prabhu is a disciple of Srila Prabhupada who was blessed to be his personal servant while Srila Prabhupada was on this planet. He is the author of Transcendental Diary – a multi-volume rendering of his memories of intimate pastimes with Srila Prabhupada.  He is currently working on archiving, restoring and digitalizing literature of our previous acharyas for the benefit of the world, in Kolkata India.

On Saturday 14th May at the Bhakti Centre, he showed a powerpoint presentation titled “Srila Prabhupada The Living Bhagavatam” and also a slide-show of the Vedic Planetarium that is being built in Mayapur.  

He also spoke about the “Bhaktivedanta Research Centre” in Kolkata.  The project needs your help, the Endowment Fund of US$220,000 would be sufficient to cover the ongoing operation costs from it’s interest rate, like Webmaster US$2,200 and other overhead costs.  He also has books on sale for A$30.  Please read more about his special project on the link below and you may contact him to make donations towards his project: http://www.vaishnava.me/iskcon-devotee/hari-sauri-dasa/2011/02/brc-quarterly-report-october-%e2%80%93-december-2010/ 

Hari Sauri Prabhu also did Bhagavat Gita classes in Brisbane and other locations during his stay in Australia.  Hare Krishna!

Picture BHAKTI CENTRE Hari Sauri Das 14-05-2011 001 Picture BHAKTI CENTRE Hari Sauri Das 14-05-2011 002 Picture BHAKTI CENTRE Hari Sauri Das 14-05-2011 003 Picture BHAKTI CENTRE Hari Sauri Das 14-05-2011 004 Picture BHAKTI CENTRE Hari Sauri Das 14-05-2011 005 Picture BHAKTI CENTRE Hari Sauri Das 14-05-2011 006 Picture BHAKTI CENTRE Hari Sauri Das 14-05-2011 007 Picture BHAKTI CENTRE Hari Sauri Das 14-05-2011 008 Picture BHAKTI CENTRE Hari Sauri Das 14-05-2011 009

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Book distribution in Istanbul
→ Smile of Krishna

Many come up with the question how is the new ecclesiastical law, which is in preparation, going to make freedom of religion more difficult especially in relation to preaching activities. A fundamental element of this is the freedom of book distribution. If you would like to experience some travel in time and try what it is like when one cannot distribute books on streets at all, then you should visit Istanbul for a couple of days. When I preach there, this phenomenon is not something we have to be afraid of, but it is true reality. However, it was not clear to me either that one cannot distribute even leaflets on the street, but after the first fine of approximately HUF 50,000, we learned the lesson quickly.

Therefore, we distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books to our guests in the restaurant. In the photo you can see a guest getting acquainted with the Vedic literature in the Govinda Istanbul Café after the Rama Navami festival program.

Kirtan on Boat Cruise?! Wow!!!
→ Gaura-Shakti Kirtan Yoga

We are excited to announce that the Walking Monk, Bhaktimarga Swami along with Gaura-Shakti will be taking part in a special kirtan on a boat that will take us on the cruise on Lake Ontario! An amazing vegetarian feast will be served on the boat as well!

If you would like to be part of this fun-filled event, please let us know by contacting us and we will book a ticket for you!  Tickets are selling fast and are expected to sell out, so please contact us within the next two weeks!

Tickets are $40 and the cruise begins at 11:45am and will go until 4:30pm.
More details regarding the event are coming soon.

After the boat cruise, Gaura-Shakti will then hit the highway and head west as we will be taking part in the 25th Annual Guelph & District Multicultural Festival!  We'll be chanting on the main stage from 7:45pm to 8:15pm (and we hear that there will be fireworks afterwards).  Everyone is welcome to join us in Guelph for this special kirtan as well!

Kirtan on Boat Cruise?! Wow!!!
→ Gaura-Shakti Kirtan Yoga

We are excited to announce that the Walking Monk, Bhaktimarga Swami along with Gaura-Shakti will be taking part in a special kirtan on a boat that will take us on the cruise on Lake Ontario! An amazing vegetarian feast will be served on the boat as well!

If you would like to be part of this fun-filled event, please let us know by contacting us and we will book a ticket for you!  Tickets are selling fast and are expected to sell out, so please contact us within the next two weeks!

Tickets are $40 and the cruise begins at 11:45am and will go until 4:30pm.
More details regarding the event are coming soon.

After the boat cruise, Gaura-Shakti will then hit the highway and head west as we will be taking part in the 25th Annual Guelph & District Multicultural Festival!  We'll be chanting on the main stage from 7:45pm to 8:15pm (and we hear that there will be fireworks afterwards).  Everyone is welcome to join us in Guelph for this special kirtan as well!

Mridanga Music Video to Premiere May 19th
→ Mayapuris.com

 

MRIDANGA MUSIC VIDEO TO PREMIERE ON YOGAJOURNAL.COM MAY 19TH

Cross-over world music sensation and performance art troupe, The Mayapuris are to release a music video to showcase the title track of their hit album Mridanga (2010) which reached #7 on the iTunes world music chart the first week of its release. The video imbibes the dual nature that makes the Mayapuris unique: spunky and youthful with a new spin on the centuries-old chant culture of ancient India, kirtan. Their instrument of choice: the mridanga drum, a hand instrument invented over five hundred years ago as a portable and powerful alternative to the inner sanctum temple drums .

“Why the obsession with the mridanga?” asks Krishna Kishor (vocalist, flutist, drummer), “It was invented by Chaitanya, who revolutionized kirtan by bringing it out from the temples and into the streets for everyone to take part in. Through him we want to keep the revolution going. So…got to keep drumming.” In the video The Mayapuris are joined by The Temple Dancers consisting of Visvambhar’s wife Vrinda and his sister Ganga both of whom studied the ancient art of Bharatnatyam in South India.

The band’s ties to mridanga and kirtan run deep. All three of them attended boarding school in India where they learned the fundamentals of mantra music. Naming their group after the holy village of Mayapur, where the kirtan movement started, the Mayapuris returned home to Florida before signing to Mantralogy, a division of Equal Vision Records, in 2009. The title track of their first release, “Mridanga,” is the rhythmic instrumental composition that, when performed live, is a dance as well as a drum ensemble. It was an aspect that the band wanted reflected in their video.“We wanted it to have the energy and impact of our live performances,” says Kishor, “But with a twist.”

Gaura Vani and Rasa Acharya, who are both longtime friends of the band members and co-owners of their record label, Mantralogy, had ties to the movie industry and were eager to bring a fresh visual representation of the artform to the Mantra Music scene.“The Mayapuris are vibrant and fun people,” says Acharya who, alongside Vani, produced and directed the video, “It would be hard to not capture their spirit on camera.”

Visvambhar, lead-vocalist and drummer says, “I believe in kirtan. I believe people naturally want to give something–to sing and partake in mantra chanting. I see the Mantra Music scene growing every day in a big way. The video will add a new dimension to all of it as we begin to recognize chant culture as something much bigger than music.”

The video will premiere May 19th on YogaJournal.com and will later be viewable on YouTube, Facebook, Mayapuris.com and Mantralogy.com.

On How to Become More Kind…
→ Gaura-Shakti Kirtan Yoga

It's so simple to purify your own heart and become more kind by considering the six loving exchanges mentioned by the great 15th-century scholar and devotee of Lord Krishna, Rupa Goswami:
(1) Sharing gifts with others
(2) Accepting gifts        
(3) Revealing your mind to others in confidence
(4) Inquiring confidentially
(5) Accepting spiritual food
(6) Offering spiritual food to others

Gaura-Shakti will be presenting some of these beautiful aspects of bhakti this weekend at Moksha Yoga Downtown. We will be sharing some of these aspects with others in the forms of mantra meditation, kirtan, and the association of like-minded people. This is what our "Evenings of Bhakti" are all about!  We're looking forward to the amazing evening that hopefully will give us a sweet taste of bhakti. Stay tuned for a report on the event! :)

On How to Become More Kind…
→ Gaura-Shakti Kirtan Yoga

It's so simple to purify your own heart and become more kind by considering the six loving exchanges mentioned by the great 15th-century scholar and devotee of Lord Krishna, Rupa Goswami:
(1) Sharing gifts with others
(2) Accepting gifts        
(3) Revealing your mind to others in confidence
(4) Inquiring confidentially
(5) Accepting spiritual food
(6) Offering spiritual food to others

Gaura-Shakti will be presenting some of these beautiful aspects of bhakti this weekend at Moksha Yoga Downtown. We will be sharing some of these aspects with others in the forms of mantra meditation, kirtan, and the association of like-minded people. This is what our "Evenings of Bhakti" are all about!  We're looking forward to the amazing evening that hopefully will give us a sweet taste of bhakti. Stay tuned for a report on the event! :)

Auntie Mary
→ Smile of Krishna

We meet quite often with our neighbour, aunt Mary, when gardening. She tells us stories of her family and the good old times. Hladini wanted to visit her one morning, so they took her some tarhana (Turkish soup powder) as a gift. Naturally, auntie Mary reciprocated their kindness and gave us home-made tomato sauce and jam from pear and plum. During the summer the girls will make the preserving for winter together with her.

Deafening silence
→ Clouds.


I was just going through some old notes and came across an old piece that I wrote way back in 2007. Thought I'd share...



Deafening silence
Ah! The vast infinite road of life I traverse
a wistfulness overcomes me as I ponder
a wish for a straight uninterrupted road

Wistfulness morphs not into reality
Reality whispers about a fork
Even as I exclaim my protest
The dreaded split enters my vision

Clear and bright as the sunny sky
is my goal on one path
Yet the unknown tugs at my heart
"Have you not learnt the lesson yet?" mocks my mind
"Are you worthy enough" pricks my conscience

One dainty step towards the unknown
a hoard of conflicting voices overwhelm
A faint echo I hear, an echo of my soul
lost amongst a myriad of thoughts
Wisps of the echo floats away
as I grasp to hear it

Speak louder my dear soul,
Will this unknown path ever converge?
Will I see the dear familiars of my road?
Uncertainity holds me still but
Time does not pause, I ask you
"What should I do?"

I ponder on as I listen to
the deafening silence.

Deafening silence
→ Clouds.


I was just going through some old notes and came across an old piece that I wrote way back in 2007. Thought I'd share...



Deafening silence
Ah! The vast infinite road of life I traverse
a wistfulness overcomes me as I ponder
a wish for a straight uninterrupted road

Wistfulness morphs not into reality
Reality whispers about a fork
Even as I exclaim my protest
The dreaded split enters my vision

Clear and bright as the sunny sky
is my goal on one path
Yet the unknown tugs at my heart
"Have you not learnt the lesson yet?" mocks my mind
"Are you worthy enough" pricks my conscience

One dainty step towards the unknown
a hoard of conflicting voices overwhelm
A faint echo I hear, an echo of my soul
lost amongst a myriad of thoughts
Wisps of the echo floats away
as I grasp to hear it

Speak louder my dear soul,
Will this unknown path ever converge?
Will I see the dear familiars of my road?
Uncertainity holds me still but
Time does not pause, I ask you
"What should I do?"

I ponder on as I listen to
the deafening silence.

A visit to Izmir
→ Smile of Krishna

On my last visit to Turkey I had the chance to visit Izmir as well. Izmir is Turkey’s third biggest town, a commercial and tourist centre, which has about 3.5 million residents. Nrsimha Krishna prabhu arranged everything about the trip, which takes 2 hours by ferry plus a 4-hour drive from Istanbul. The journey did not seem long as on our way there we were talking about our preaching plans. At the same time, I became familiar with the country also. I learned where they produce the Yörsan diary products, the Vestel household appliances and which area produces 50% of the world’s raisin output. :)

Firstly, we went to Alacati, where we met Nrsimha Krishna’s acquaintance, who welcomed us in an orange and lemon grove. I even took a genuine organic lemon for Hladini.

Afterwards we went to Izmir, where we visited a nice family of devotees. Madhu Madhavi is Azeri, who met her husband, Engin, a captain of a ship in Odessa. Their son, Artun is 5 months old. We spoke a lot about the practices of Krishna-consciousness in relation to family life, whereas, the grandmother had more questions on the philosophy. Next day, before departing we went to the city and looked for a nice spot for the to-be Govinda restaurant. On the photo we were walking on the promenade, which by Krishna’s grace could be a great place for the restaurant.

What a Kirtan!
→ Gaura-Shakti Kirtan Yoga

Check out this amazing video that represents the perfect kirtan. A kirtan wherein everyone attentively listens to the chanter and then participates in the kirtan by clapping enthusiastically and responding soulfully to the chanting!

Such beautiful instruments accompany this amazingly inspiring kirtan that is led by world-famous kirtaneer-monk, Bhakti Bringa Govinda Swami. I hope you will enjoy this video!

What a Kirtan!
→ Gaura-Shakti Kirtan Yoga

Check out this amazing video that represents the perfect kirtan. A kirtan wherein everyone attentively listens to the chanter and then participates in the kirtan by clapping enthusiastically and responding soulfully to the chanting!

Such beautiful instruments accompany this amazingly inspiring kirtan that is led by world-famous kirtaneer-monk, Bhakti Bringa Govinda Swami. I hope you will enjoy this video!