Planet ISKCON

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In the Lalita-mādhava, Rūpa Gosvāmī explains that the movements of Kṛṣṇa’s eyebrows are just like the Yamunā and that the smiling of Rādhārāṇī is just like the moonshine. When the Yamunā and the moonshine come in contact on the bank of the river, the water tastes just like nectar, and drinking it gives great satisfaction.Read More...

My dear godbrother Kshudi Das Prabhu posted this:

I had a wonderful dream.

In the dream I saw my spiritual master, guide, and teacher, A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He was talking with some important people. When he saw me, he came over to me. He took hold of both my hands. He looked right into my eyes like he used to do and said, “Do not worry. I am here for you. I will provide all the support and inspiration you need, just as I always have.” He touched my head and said, “I will stay in your mind.” Then he touched my heart and said, “I will stay in your heart.” Last he said, “When you die, I will come to get you and take you back to the spiritual world to be with me and Krishna.”

Yes, I had the most wonderful, vivid dream.

By Vijaya Dasa

After more than two years of Covid and three months of a war, we've got good news about book distribution in April in Russia and Ukraine. Moscow's Gita-Nagari temple did an astounding 23,359 book points, making it the No. 4 temple in the world. A second Moscow temple did 7,416 book points, and a small temple in Moscow, Nagornaya, did 3,253 book points, a 593% increase. The temple in St. Petersburg also had a great month, with 8,313 book points. Continue reading "WSN April 2022 – World Sankirtan Newsletter
→ Dandavats"

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Photo source: Time Magazine ‘Guns don’t kill people. People kill people.’ This is the worn-out phrase used by politicians who can’t offer solutions to curtail the level of violence in this country. When mass school shootings started, the politicians were probably hoping that it was just a fluke and that the problem would go away […]

The post The Never-Ending Tragedy of Mass Shootings appeared first on ISKCON News.

In the Padyāvalī of Rūpa Gosvāmī it is stated that when the gopīs hear the sound of Kṛṣṇa’s flute, they immediately forget all rebukes offered by the elderly members of their families. They forget their defamation and the harsh behavior of their husbands. Their only thought is to go out in search of Kṛṣṇa. WhenRead More...

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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 2 February 2020, London, United Kingdom, Bhagavad Gita 9.22)

We have information on the surface – Google. But if you get information from the Guru instead of Google, you go much deeper. Prabhupada was walking on the shore of the Pacific Ocean, and he was asking his disciples, “Why is the ocean so peaceful?” It is one of those questions, why is it so peaceful? Prabhupada then responded himself, “Because it is very deep.” So, if we go deep, we can become peaceful. If we live on the surface, that means we are dealing with things with the external energy, and our mind goes into the things and the things go into our mind and we get preoccupied with all of them and carry them around in our consciousness. If we would however instead search for the cause of things, for the cause for all the phenomena, for the cause of the phenomenal world, then we will come to Krsna. And that cause is very interesting because it is not an impersonal cause.

There are so many impersonal forces in this world which cause anxiety. For instance, there are these black holes in the universe and they eat matter, they suck it up and they are everywhere. So, all these things – so much anxiety out there. When I was a kid, there was a television series called “Twilight Zone”, and this was a spooky show. One time, it showed how these extra-terrestrial beings landed on Earth and they were very intelligent. They had very high heads and as a result, had a lot of brain, but they were very friendly and they came to Earth with good intentions. They were kind to humanity and they helped in so many ways. They brought medical knowledge and other goodness to humanity. So, everyone was happy and then they invited people to come on board of their spaceship and it was a huge thing, a huge dome and they would get an excursion to their planet. People signed up and they were ready to go. It was really good and they were going and they got nice cabins and all. Then, one man who was actually a scientist said that he wanted to go. As a scientist, his specialty was decoding texts somehow or other and that was what he was doing. He discovered some old unknown text on board the spaceship, and he tried to decipher it. After one point after the spaceship had taken off, he was locked in his cabin and the door was locked. Then after a while, some food came through a little opening in the wall and then the door closed again. Anyway, he was deciphering that book and eventually after hours, he figured it out. It was a cook book, and it had recipes of how to cook human beings!

Anyway, so because these creatures had so much more intelligence than human beings, they saw human beings as sort of lower creatures and therefore there was ethically nothing wrong with eating them – that was their philosophy. Anyway, as a kid, these things spooked me out for a long time. I was looking up at the sky and even my father could not calm me down. Because I basically said, “Give me one argument why it could not be true? This could be true!” And he said, “Well, it could be true but it is not likely that it is true.” And I said, “But you said it could be true!” Then I looked up at the sky again in anxiety because I did not know what was out there, and I knew that my father did not know what was out there. And this was the cause of my anxiety because not even the scientists knew what was out there. So, in this way, we live in a world which is unknown to us. It is a world of anxiety because we are limited in many ways and anything can come out at us at any moment out of anywhere. So, it is best to simply focus on the cause of all instead, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna!

The article " The unknown " was published on KKSBlog.

Moncton, New Brunswick

Something Going On?

It is quite obvious to Ryan and I that Moncton is ripe for a Krishna temple. During our walks we are encountering people who are asking, “Is something going on with Radha Krishna?” (Meaning are there gatherings for the Krishna chant?). For example, Akshay, from Madhya Pradish, India, studied in Moncton, got his degree, and is now delivering pizza for that money he needs. He was in his car when he spotted us, stopped and asked the question.

“We are working on it,” is our usual answer. Indeed, our dear and trusted Kadamba Priya, from Fredericton, has plans to visit Moncton monthly to encourage bhakti in this fine city. One more thing, a local woman by the name of Nancy is determined to see that a place of devotional service is established. By what means, I don’t know, but the other night at Louis’ she spoke passionately about it.

At Centennial Park, we converged with Ryan’s family – his Mum, brother and niece. It was sweet to see the reunion. Then, his bro led us to Victoria Park, where his friends were conducting what they call yoga aerobics. As usual, whenever devotees are present, there will be kirtan, chanting, so Ryan pulled out his drum. I led the kirtan while family and friends chanted together. This drew the attention of Vaishnavi, who came with her question, “Is there something going on in town, chanting-wise? I know Etienne who used to have weekly sessions.”

So, you see, Moncton is ripe.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

 

Moncton, New Brunswick

Perfect Saturday

Louis is a musician in town who holds mini-concerts in his home. For years he resided in Toronto’s “Little India,” where he purchased and played instruments traditional to Mother India – everything from mrdanga drums to sitar and ecktar. Tonight was our night to hold our concert, which included a book launch for The Saffron Path. It was after our music that Louis pulled out, one by one, his musical string pride in the form of instruments from origins in China, India, and Arabic lands.

We were packed in Louis’ living room, half with musicians and half with spiritualists and healers. All got charged up by the chants that our group of four projected through the mics and monitors. They were loving it. Some of the attendees dove in to our small boutique corner purchasing books and beads for the hands and beads for the neck.

You could not experience a better Saturday night. It was the ultimate party, not in a traditional wild sense, but in a “natural high” experience. The musicians were totally in sync with our groove. We were one.

For me personally, the warm up for the evening was the walk along the Petitcodiac River at low tide (here you can witness the world’s highest tide). Ryan and I took to the wind, the sun, and the smell of lilac. It was all good.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

 

Moncton, New Brunswick

Kindness is the Highlight

I do get overwhelmed by people’s kindness. For instance, Ravi opened up his house to us. We were fed, looked after, and he and his good wife also entertained us trough their six-year-old. Our whole troupe –Mahadeva, Anna Purna, Ryan – and I find children adorable, and this little one, Achintya, shows us both reverence and crankiness. Such is the way of childhood, and I might add that those traits may never leave us.

Enroute, we went to Moncton. I guess you could say it’s the place of monks. It’s the next province over that we ventured to, through the rain.

Once again, human sweetness eked out. Alicia and Eric gave us their whole house while they took a trip to the Ottawa region. On top of that, Jason and Nicole, their family, came forward with a load of groceries and gifts to hold us over for the next few days’ stay.

During some downtime for both our troupe and the rain, Ryan and I took to walking towards downtown. In the process, we met on foot Sharmaji carrying a bag. I introduced myself.

“I’m Bhaktimarga Swami. And you?”

“I am here to live. I arrived from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, I came six days ago…”

It was easy to make friends considering our cultural similarities. I noticed in his bag he carried a new cooking pot. He is truly just settling down. He was so excited to meet some people he could connect with.

Lastly, we met Patelji. He saw us walking and spun his car around.

“Hare Krishna. Is there some ISKCON program?” Once again, we were overjoyed, naturally, in finding friends. He gave us a ride to our vehicle some kilometres away. Kindness. Hopefully we meet again.

May the Source be with you!

3 km

 

Antigonish, Nova Scotia

To a College Town

Near the home of Ravi, in Stellarton, the Albion Trail begins, which changes its name to Samson Trail as you approach New Glasgow along East River. It is a well-maintained earth path, soft on the feet, superior to asphalt, and it goes for a mere five kilometres – a perfect length for a person (me) on physio recovery.

Our forty-five-minute drive to Antigonish ended up being more of a sit-down at a gazebo with a creek to our side and green all around. The local news “The Casket,” took interest in my marathon walking history and so a shooting session at that shelter occupied some of our time. It was Ryan who had the itchy feet and heart. He wants to share the wisdom. Armed with books, the Gita (his favorite) and Chant and Be Happy, he approached the trickle of people coming through. He’s quite a pro at getting this wisdom in their hands and charming them to take them home.

This is better than I can do. My desire to spread jnanam (knowledge) is strong, but my skills fall far behind in succeeding to the purchase.

Merely by sitting at that gazebo, Annapurna and Mahadeva – who carry a cool appearance – drew attention; and I suppose my saffron robes did the same. Driving along the road was Sumintra (sounds like Sinatra) and she was stunned to see me. She pulled over and leaped out to shout, “I knew you when I was just a kid.” Now, in the midst of completing her medical exams, she is exhibiting maturity.

“You must come to our program in New Glasgow. We will be chanting and enjoying Krishna prasadam (food).”

She came, so did Aaron, Lindsay, Barb and others. So satisfying.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

 

New Glasgow, Nova Scotia

Good in New Glasgow

At times I feel like I am imposing, along with whatever crew I travel with, when we stay at someone’s home. Afterall, there are four of us (Myself, Mahadeva, Annapurna and Ryan) and that might be hard to accommodate. It could be an inconvenience.

The feedback I get from our hosts, almost all the time, is that they really appreciate the stayover. It makes a difference to those benevolent hosts. I get remarks like, “Your staying with us has helped me to get up earlier.” Or, I hear them saying, “I take my chanting more seriously now.” Or, “I’m walking everyday. I make that commitment.” Or, “You guys are saving my life.”

Such is the appreciation we receive from folks who just roll over a bit to make space and who also end up feeding us. We appreciate all our hosts do. Thank you, Ravi and family.

It is in New Glasgow that Ravi set us up, in coordination with Anna Purna, to speak at the New Glasgow Library. We filled the seats. Attendees participated in the mantra. We dubbed our program as “A Monk, A Mantra, and Music.” It worked. We had a good talking session. We had laughs. They had questions about the trail experiences. Some of the folks had walked sections of the famous Camino in Spain. Our book sold. Mantra cards were taken.

It was a grateful bunch. We enjoyed a great Ekadashi meal at the end. No grains once every two weeks. Greens and potatoes filled our bellies. We are happy, in general, on the road.

May the Source be with you!

4 km

 

The parental love of mother Yaśodā for Kṛṣṇa steadily increases, and her love and ecstasy are sometimes described as intense affection and sometimes as overwhelming attachment. An example of attachment for Kṛṣṇa with overwhelming affection is given in Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Tenth Canto, Sixth Chapter, verse 43, where Śukadeva Gosvāmī addresses Mahārāja Parīkṣit in this way: “MyRead More...

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Final Day in Halifax

One of our local community members, Hiren, led us on a cool walk near his home on a trail along the Chain of Lakes. The sun was upon us, the water to our side, trees every which way, and pedestrians sharing the path. It made for a good morning experience.

Back at Hiren’s home, we enjoyed brunch and, as anyone who knows me knows, I will insist on using or cooking what edibles we have in abundance. That, of course, is the delicious fiddlehead produce. Sorry to bring up the name of this superfood once again. Offer these great forest veggies to Krishna and mercy will come.

For the afternoon, our travelling troupe engaged in kirtan at Halifax’s Harbourfront. When the sun shines, expect a flow of people – tourists and locals alike. Frankly, I believe the university crowd at Dalhousie to be more receptive at a place called Spring Garden.

Good-bye to the great bhakti-yogisof Halifax. Practitioners and seekers are found in all towns, cities, and villages. From a wedding to an initiation (Ambarish) and to shopping malls for the book launch, it was all a great visit to Halifax.

Up the 102 Highway we went to our next stop, which is Stellarton in Pictou County, where we were greeted by Ravi, employee at Sobey’s Headquarters. This is a massive food chain enterprise that keeps the economy in the area alive.

May the Source be with you!

3 km

 

Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia

Kirtan Here, Kirtan There

Angiras, who is our gracious host, accepted diksha or initiation this morning. He took on the name Ambarish. He invited many of his friends to the ceremony, conducted by Kadamba Priya, and they were curious about this rite of passage. “Do you change the name on your passport now?” asked one comrade. As I mentioned in my talk at the event, which was a packed crowd in our host’s basement, “It doesn’t really change anything too much except that the candidate picks up speed in his/her spiritual endeavours.”

After the initiation, and after a kirtan in a new devotee’s home in the nearby Timberlea neighbourhood, our group headed for the Mic Mac Mall in Dartmouth, to Decathlon, the sportswear shop, for kirtan once again. The shop is, of course, designed to get people fit in the out-of-doors, and some how or other it viewed our project of mantrameditation as fitting into people’s wellness. They also liked the notion of the Walking Monk speaking about his new book The Saffron Path, which is all about the benefits of introspective walking. Books sold.

From the sports centre we ventured off to Peggy’s Cove, a favorite spot for tourists and peace-seekers alike. There, we converged with another set of devotees, including the newly married couple from yesterday, and we again engaged in kirtan. We pulled out guitar, harmonium, and djembe to serenade seagulls and humans; lovers of the oceanfront and lighthouses. It’s all about getting lit or getting enlightened.

May the Source be with you!

4 km

 

Bedford, Nova Scotia

Wedding Bells at the Ocean

The Bedford Basin Yacht Club was the perfect venue for the marriage of local Haligonian Marshall Daley (a.k.a Mangalananda) and Ratri Saha (originally from Bangladesh). You have these still waters protected by Halifax harbour’s rock formations. It is a picturesque Maritime place.

The wedding, in Sanskrit it’s called vivaha yajna, attracted family and friends from both sides of the bride and groom. Rituals were performed outside, right next to ocean water, and the meal was inside the club. Ananda Gauranga flew in from Toronto to function as a priest, something he does so expertly. And our group provided the chanting for ambiance and purification.

The groom looked great, especially with a towering head dress, while Ratri the bride was beautiful, as only a bride can be. And it’s always great to meet the parents of both.

My message to the couple, and the attendees, in bullet point:

1) There are three important events in people’s lives – birth, partnering, and death – called hatch, match, dispatch.

2) I met the groom four years ago – he was then in his dreadlock incarnation

3) The world is a mess, so, my dear couple, have lots of babies – we need more good people

4) I met the bride, Ratri, at the Hindu temple and I was accompanied by Mangalananda at the time – it seemed that cupid also came to visit.

Overall, it was a charming wedding. Good chanting and good food.

 

May the Source be with you!

2 km

 

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Folks and Fiddleheads

One generous donor left us four hefty bags of the local fiddleheads from New Brunswick. The province boasts being the capital of this delicious forest edible. We had some for breakfast and some for dinner.

A sweet treat. Healthy. Green.

It was also our pleasure to make it to Sunnyside Mall in the next province over – Nova Scotia. Just north of Halifax is the community called Bedford, and it was advertised at this shopping centre that the Walking Monk, along with the dream team of musicians – Mahadeva, Annapurna, and Ryan – would be conducting a walk-talk and meditational music.

The mall was dead for a Saturday, due to it being a long weekend (Victoria Day is Monday) and the weather was nice. However, those who did come to hear, see, and sing were quality folks. I must admit, there were some real seekers in that mall. Ryan has gifts with bringing people in to our space, a former clothing shop. Indeed, the public is interested in pilgrimage, journey and self-discovery. Here in the Maritimes people take the time to stop and talk, unlike the mega cities.

I must give a special thanks to Angiras, Kadamba Priya, Savyasacin and others in the Maritimes for arrangements made. We all feel a special connection to our guru, Prabhupada, who has so kindly given us a way of living that is soul-satisfying.

May the Source be with you!

 

Fredericton, New Brunswick

Happy Sign

That happy sign “Trans Canada Trail” became visible as Ryan and I tread along the creek in a residential section of Fredericton. Its name is actually “The Great Trail.” It’s an old sign. In any event, when I see either signage it lightens my heart and I want to make use of the well-maintained trail, which is more than I can say for the roads.

“This is part of my physio,” I explained to Ryan. “Walking is the best exercise.” And while I was feeling the right knee to be more nimble and agile than in previous weeks, I know that the process of simply walking works.

This stretch of the 22,000-kilometre-long trail was a former railway line. Plenty of white pine lines the trail. Mosquitoes are out in abundance. They are not lined up but mystically they appear from anywhere.

For this east coast trip, our first engagement was held in the “Maritime Gita Bhavan.” This entailed chanting with guitar, harmonium, djembe, and tambourine. Our group had our hands on them all while voices were activated. We were pleased to hear attendees join us so enthusiastically. “Lots of new young families here,” I said upon observation of the attendance.

Actually, we made this event in addition to kirtan as a launch to the book, The Saffron Path. People easily scooped up copies, for a fee, as I autographed. In this way, I got to meet just about everyone on their way to the delicious prasadam, blessed food.

The program, this post-walking event, was a success.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

 

Grand Falls, New Brunswick

Going More East

 

Mahadeva pushed it hard, driving us all the way to Levi, Quebec. Today we intended to go easier on the road and took a beautiful break at Grand Falls. These kinds of tourist attractions are not bad for us to pass some time at. We converge or rather bump into other travellers, make friends, and in some cases leave them with something spiritual to dwell on.

Spending time by running water (and in this case “spraying water”) amidst trees and people is so vital. It ensures good sleep as well. Our walking was limited, but by a gorgeous gorge.

We do find ourselves chained to machines and devices, though our group likes to boast “we’re nature lovers.” You can use all things to convey messages to others. We sat by the cascading water and set up tripod and phone for a Zoom class with the regular Thursday crew. Our topic on the Gita Chat was “Thrilling like the Waterfalls.” Very interactive. Very relevant. Chapter 12 of the Gita addresses the flexibility and inclusive nature of God. He is so accommodating.

We were somewhat disappointed that the local food store couldn’t supply the popular fiddleheads which New Brunswick is known for at this best of natural harvests. We settled for wraps with delicious plant-based goodness. Olives and humus made it complete.

With my quota of mantrasdone, breathing in great air and having the best company, the best rest was provided. 

May the Source be with you all!

 

 

Levi, Quebec

Off to a Wedding

Back at my home base, 243 Avenue Road, Toronto, I delivered a brief class from Canto 11 of the book Bhagavatam. The conversation was between two luminaries, Krishna and Uddhava. The class incorporated an ishtaghosti, which you might define as a spiritual pep talk; discussing the wishes of the guru. We actually spoke about some practical matters and how some changes will take place with the formation of the Bhakti Academy, a training program for men and women to be spiritual leaders. A monastic experience. The program commences at the tail end of this month when ten more people will populate the ashram to learn sastra, scripture, and learn about Krishna and life itself.

Some changes will be implemented, such as adjusting the morning schedule (moderately) and the style of study. We will leave Canto 11 and go back to Canto 1. There will be travels or outings; a number of growth programs.

Just after the “pep,” I went for the “prep.” The prep I’m referring to is getting ready for a major trip to Halifax. There will be a wedding to attend, places to launch my book, The Saffron Path, and plenty of kirtan while selling books and beads.

Mahadeva, Annapurna, and Bhakta Ryan got all poised for the big venture. We drove east to Whitby to pick up a Ford Transit Winnebago, a recreation van, compliments of a super kind lover of chanting. We hit the road, the love-to-hate- road, highway 401, and headed east for the province of Quebec and beyond – towards sacred Vrindavan, actually.

May the Source be with you!

 

This weekend we are celebrating our Sadhu Sanga Retreat after a two year break because of the pandemic. The festival is taking place in Spanish Fork, Utah on the gorgeous property of the Sri Sri Radha Krsna temple built by Charu Dās and Vaibhavi Dasi. Over 1,500 devotees are in attendance. These are photos from the first day. Part 2 coming soon!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=indradyumna&set=a.10221571413657644

Hearing the song of Kṛṣṇa’s flute, the peacocks dance, and all the other creatures become stunned when they see them. Demigoddesses traveling through the sky in their airplanes are vexed by Cupid, and their garments become loose. The ears of the cows stand on end as they drink the nectar of this flute-song, and theirRead More...