Monthly Media – May 2022
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Nrsimha Caturdasi: A Day of Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Appearance

Nrsimha Caturdasi is the divine appearance day of Lord Nrsimhadeva, Krsna’s half-man half-lion incarnation, who removes all obstacles on the path of devotional service out of His great compassion for His devotees. Hiranyakashipu, a demon controlling the three worlds, was extremely proud and he hated Lord Vishnu. But little Prahlada, his five-year-old son, was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Therefore, Hiranyakashipu tried to kill Prahlada in several ways, but failed in all his attempts because of the protection given by the Lord to His dear devotee. Finally, when Hiranyakashipu asked his little son where the Lord resides, Prahlada replied that the Lord resides everywhere. Mocking this response, Hiranyakashipu broke a pillar in his palace, and the Lord appeared from that pillar in His half-man half-lion incarnation – Nrsimhadeva. Lord Nrsimhadeva is therefore worshipped by the devotees as their Supreme protector and they also pray that He vanquishes all obstacles they may face on the path of devotional service. So it is with much enthusiasm that the devotees come together to worship the Lord on this day of His appearance in the material world. Anyone can offer pray to the Lord Nrsimhadeva on this occasion of Nrsimha Caturdasi. The reason behind this special worship is to request the Lord to guide all of us during the hard times just like he guided Prahlada.

Kadamba Kanana Swami started the month of May in Germany then flew to the United Kingdom where he had many programs. Please see the links to the classes below.

1 May 2022 – Srimad Bhagavatam 3.26.1

2 May 2022 – Srimad Bhagavatam 3.26.2

3 May 2022 – Srimad Bhagavatam 3.26.3

8 May 2022 – Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya Lila 8.81

8 May 2022 – Bhaktivedanta Manor Kirtan Night

12 May 2022 – Bhaktivedanta Manor, School of Bhakti Event

15 May 2022 – Nrsimha Caturdasi Event

19 May 2022 – Srimad Bhagavatam 1.6.11

22 May 2022 – Morning Program and Initiation Ceremony, Bhaktivedanta Manor

22 May 2022 – Crawley Program

https://www.facebook.com/ISKCONCRAWLEY/videos/385326426967171/?app=fbl

Kadamba Kanana Swami left the United Kingdom to go to the United States of America. He gave lecture in the New York City Temple and then went to the Sadhu Sanga Kirtan Festival in Utah. Please see the links below.

24 May 2022 – Srimad Bhagavatam 3.12.20

Weekly Zoom Meetings

6 May 2022 – Use Your Ability to Make a Contribution

13 May 2022 – Painting a picture of Jagannatha Puri and the CC

20 May 2022 – Caitanya Caritamrta Antya Lila Chp 1

27 May 2022 – Sri Caitanya Candrodaya Nataka

After spending a bit of time in the USA, Kadamba Kanana Swami will fly back to the United Kingdom. Please stay tuned in and follow his adventures.

The article " Monthly Media – May 2022 " was published on KKSBlog.

Krsna, the Reservoir of Pleasure
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Kṛṣṇa—this sound is transcendental. Kṛṣṇa means the highest pleasure. All of us, every living being, seeks pleasure. But we do not know how to seek pleasure perfectly. With a materialistic concept of life, we are frustrated at every step in satisfying our pleasure because we have no information regarding the real level on which toRead More...
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Srila Prabhupada, the Original TOVP Vedic Cosmology Model Designer
- TOVP.org

On November 7, 1974, an article about the Puranic Theory of Evolution appeared in the Times of India by a Mr. S.L. Dhani, a Vedic astronomer who was also organizing a conference. Being very keen on developing the proper conception for the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, Srila Prabhupada wrote him a letter requesting his expert assistance with the project, stating at the end:

“As you can appreciate, the work involved in this project will be gigantic, and the advice of many experts from all fields will be needed to make it come out successful. It will be a glorious exhibition of India’s Vedic culture that will attract visitors from all over the world.”

From start to finish Srila Prabhupada describes in the letter his entire conception of the temple, detailing the cosmological model from top to bottom to be hung from the interior of the main dome, as well as the escalators to bring visitors up and down the viewing verandas to see the Vedic chandelier. He also mentions the exhibits to be displayed through dioramas, charts and films and other details.

Prabhupada knew exactly what he wanted, and the TOVP is striving to bring this model to reality in the coming years of construction. Below we reproduce the original letter to Mr. Dhani for the pleasure of all Vaishnavas so they may relish the great transcendental genius of the empowered representative of the disciplic succession, His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.

Currently, our construction is focused on completing the entire Nrsimhadeva Wing of the temple by the Fall of 2023. This is another crucial milestone in our progress to the Grand Opening of the temple in 2024. Interested readers may donate towards this important work through the ongoing Give To Nrsimha Fundraising Campaign by sponsoring a Nrsimha Brick to be inscribed with their name and placed under Lord Nrsimha’s altar, or by giving a general donation.

Visit the Give To Nrsimha Fundraising Campaign page today and help complete Lord Nrsimhadeva’s hall and altar in 2023!

 

 

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Wednesday, June 8, 2022
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The Annex, Toronto

What Is A Hoser?

 

A cool and fairly wet season either curses or blesses the region. In my maturing years, I actually don’t mind so much the more moderate temperatures with the morning hovering around fourteen degrees Celsius. I recall doing exams in high school in early June when it was hot and sweaty. In any event, it is what it is, weather-wise, and we can accept it as Krishna’s mercy.

My evening was reserved for that daily needed walk when Vallabha, Ryan and I took to Bloor St. and were lucky to meet with a light sprinkle. No one among the pedestrians seemed to mind the light shower, even those sitting at outdoor cafes. Everyone was cool and casual, not exactly demonstrating the spirit of a peaceful yogi, but there was a kind of pleasant serenity. Very welcoming. I was wishing that all folks could enjoy our walkers’ joy of ambling, chanting, chatting and laughing.

I overheard Ryan, who was quite intent on hearing his mantras, while Vallabha insisted on talking the most. At one point, one of the boys uttered the word “hoser,” which is practically the equivalent to “rascal” in Canadian parlance. It was a comedy routine by two actors from the early ’80s. If you look up the meaning of “hoser” you’ll find that it’s informal and refers to an uncultured simpleton.

Our dear Srila Prabhupada used the word rascal in terms of atheists, corporate monsters, and scientists with agendas. One can laugh at the word just like we can get a chuckle out of “hoser.” In what context my walking partners used it, I’m not sure. One thing that may be true about all of us members of Kali yuga: we are all hosers.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


 

Tuesday, June 7, 2022
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Rosedale, Toronto

Starting Over

The class this morning was graciously handed over to me and, being that we have now begun the Bhakti Academy training course for novices, it means a few changes have been implemented. We have left Canto 11 behind and restarted Canto 1 of Srimad Bhagavatam. This great literary masterpiece of Vyasadeva is an encyclopedia of Vedic wisdom. It was felt that our crew of the young and old could merge and sit together to hear the nectarean words of the great Bhagavatam book.

Today’s verse was 1.1.10, and the theme of it is “how to survive in the dark age of what we call Kali?” One of the words that describe the current age is “mandah” which means “slow.” This is particularly in reference to the pursuit of self-realization. Boy, are we ever a materialistic lot.

It takes some determination to be on the spiritual path; and to stick by it. One of the newer students with the Academy asked, “Given that the odds of staying disciplined, even on a modest degree, are against us, how can we develop determination to overcome the ‘slowness’ of this age?”

The simple answer lies in seeking out the best company possible. In Sanskrit it’s known as sangha or sacred association. Stay with the determined; the encouragers. That will spell success without a doubt.

I took a photo of our bright group, whom I would declare “NOT SLOW” because they have chosen the way of enlightenment.

May the Source be with you!

3 km


 

Monday, June 6, 2022
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Montreal/Toronto

In Two Cities

I delivered a final class to the residents at Iskcon Montreal and the subject was “Observing the Good Character of King Ambarish.” He is so adored.

Ryan and I then took the Via Rail train ride to Toronto. It was his first journey on a train, which somewhat surprised me. After all, he is 35 and you would think he would, by that age, have experienced all things.

Once arriving at Iskcon Toronto, I had the pleasure to meet up with two monks from the States who have ignited the wonderful Bhakti Academy at the temple. Brhat Mrdanga and his 17-year-old monk assistant are doing an exceptional job at restoring a training initiative for young men and women. Some life has been added to the temple/ashram atmosphere; all for the best. I am so indebted to these two young men for their valuable service. We are looking at an experience for future leaders. What a need there is for such a beneficial insertion into today’s crazy world. Our plan is to duplicate this initiative into other regions of northern North America.

An excursion in the downtown put my walking partners and I in the splendid wetness of a rain shower. And while walking there is always chanting on our japa meditational beads. So, rain or shine, walking entails remembering the Creator. Soaked like anything, this evening we were not deterred from giving a final class with our west coast Vaishnavas and discussing the three levels of God realization.

May the Source be with you!

4 km


 

Sunday, June 5, 2022
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Montreal, Quebec

To the Personal

 

People are important. I realize that people need attention and they are not getting enough of it. Genuine love, a bonding-type, is hard to come by, yet humans crave for it like anything. The people in our community, although devotional by nature, are no exception.

That’s why I spend hours each day, on a personal level, with people. I admit to not being watchful over all details of management, systems, structure and all that there is to do with governance. Others fill those gaps while I steer in the direction of spending time with people. And, of course, being a monk, I maximize the time with the guys.

A fellow in his twenties wanted to talk, another one in his forties wanted to talk, another in his sixties wanted to talk, so, I gave all the time. Where there was a need to listen, I gave. Where there was a shared dilemma, we discussed possible solutions. Where there was a weakness, I offered encouragement.

From the time given to human concern I get inspired. I was also inspired by the Montreal temple’s Open House, which is currently wide open, with covid restrictions removed and which includes a marvelous, what we used to call, Sunday Love Feast.

My talk today, to the congregation, was focused on the subject of personalism. In Chapter Twelve, verse Twenty of the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna clarifies that the approach to a personalized Deity is superior to the mayavad (impersonal) angle of transcendence. People listened well to the message.

May the Source be with you!

5 km


 

Saturday, June 4, 2022
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Montreal, Quebec

Joy in Quebec

 

While it was June 4thin Noida, India, the morning, I was delivering a class to students during my evening, several hours behind the day before. It was my second time giving a Zoom call to this group in what they say is an “Energy Class” and the topic was “Who Is Crazy?” It was fun, and the simple answer to the question is that we allare more or less crazy; based on the premise that we believe we are the body when in fact my identity is that of a spirit soul. Let’s leave it at that.

Mahadeva and Annapurna drove us all to the city of Montreal, to our temple on PIE IX Boulevard. They departed towards Toronto, while Ryan and I stayed back for a Yoga Fest of sorts at Mount Royale Park. The participation for the kirtan was fabulous.

A second kirtan occurred at Nandagram Farm, outside of Montreal. Again, the inclusiveness of chanting involvement was sublime. The whole idea of drawing people in to the dance/chant dynamic was initiated by the great monk Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, in the early 16th century, in India.

We feel obliged to carry on the tradition of joyful chanting wherever we go. It is only a dream to think that any of us could execute kirtan with purity, as Chaitanya had projected. Getting clean is a work in progress.

May the Source be with you!



 

Friday, June 3, 2022
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Quebec City, Quebec

Culture?

 

It was a very scenic, long drive to the area of Quebec City. A gracious host, Priya Radha, invited our troupe to her home for chanting and a talk. There was food and fun.

On the way to her home, at I’sle de Neige, I read to our troupe a recent poem I wrote about some observances of the world. This does not reflect on Radha Priya and her program. This is a first draft of “Culture? Do We Have One?”

 

Culture? Do We Have One?

 

Culture? Do we have one?

With waterways spoiled

And precious air done

The indigenous we foiled

 

We frequent and huddle

At cannabis, liquor, adult stores

A darkness veiled so sweetly subtle

Have junk food pass through our doors

 

The super-sensitive have a voice

Say nothing about nothing

A politically-correct selective choice

F-talks, rampant like anything

 

Offspring? Who needs them?

Too expensive, an excess

A “no kidding” program

But I must have my sex

 

A perplexed gender gen

Directions go every which way

What to do? And when?

Guru device knows what to say

 

Abuse? So much on the loose

Protection would be heaven-sent

Life is a neck to a noose

On our short-term body rent

 

Entitlement? I have my rights

Not working on my wrongs

I choose my battles, my fights

And listen to bashing songs

 

“Attitude” is a cynic’s spine

In a world of depleted values

With moral fibres on decline

It is the time of cultureless fellows

-          Composed by Bhaktimarga Swami, The Walking Monk©

 

May the Source be with you!

2 km


 

More Nirjala Ekadasi
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By Dravida Dasa

With some further research and help from His Holiness Bhanu Swami, we have concluded that there is really no basis in either 1) the scripture, specifically the Hari-bhakti-vilasa, the guidebook for devotional practices compiled by Sanatana Gosvami, or 2) Srila Prabhupada's instructions, for the idea that if one performs a full nirjala fast on Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi, that will negate any ill effects from having broken Ekadasi over the previous year Continue reading "More Nirjala Ekadasi
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Pandava-nirjala Ekadasi
Giriraj Swami

Ekadasi is one of the regular celebrations in the Vaishnava calendar. It is observed eleven days after the full moon and eleven days after the new moon of every month. Even in the thirteenth,

or leap, month, called adhika-masa, or purusottama-masa, which comes every three years, during which no other festivals are celebrated, Ekadasi is observed. Ekadasi is known as the day of Lord Hari and is said to be the mother of devotion. Keeping the fast on Ekadasi is one of the sixty-four items of devotional service listed in Srila Rupa Gosvami’s Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu. In fact, it is one of the first ten.

The Nectar of Devotion, Srila Prabhupada’s summary study of Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, states, “In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on Ekadasi

day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase one’s faith and love for Govinda, or Krsna. The real reason for observing fasting on Ekadasi is to minimize the demands of the body and to engage our time in the service of the Lord by chanting or performing similar service. The best thing to do on fasting days is to remember the pastimes of Govinda and to hear His holy name constantly.”

Later in The Nectar of Devotion, Srila Prabhupada cites the observance of Ekadasi as a stimulus (uddipana) for ecstatic love: “Some things which give impetus or stimulation to ecstatic love of Krsna are His transcendental qualities, His uncommon activities, His smiling features, His apparel and garlands, His flute, His buffalo horn, His leg bells, His conchshell, His footprints, His places of pastimes (such as Vrndavana), His favorite plant (tulasi), His devotee and the periodical occasions for remembering Him. One such occasion for remembrance is Ekadasi, which comes twice a month on the eleventh day of the moon, both waning and waxing. On that day all the devotees remain fasting throughout the night and continuously chant the glories of the Lord.”

The importance of the Ekadasi fast is also seen in the history of King Ambarisa and the sage Durvasa. Maharaja Ambarisa had observed the fast without even drinking water up until the appointed time to break the fast, called the Ekadasi-parana. Durvasa Muni was to have returned before the time of the parana, and because he was playing the part of a brahman and Ambarisa Maharaja the part of a kshatriya, proper etiquette dictated that Durvasa break the fast first. However, because Durvasa did not come in time, Ambarisa was in a dilemma. If he did not break the fast punctually, the whole observance would be spoiled. At the same time, if he did not wait for Durvasa, he would be guilty of an offense, because the etiquette demanded that he wait for the sage to break the fast first. King Ambarisa consulted his advisors, but none could resolve his problem. Finally, the king himself determined the solution: he would take water. Taking water would break the fast and at the same time not break it.

So, Ekadasi is an important observance. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu personally observed Ekadasi, and He ordered all of His followers to do the same. And of all the Ekadasis, Pandava-nirjala Ekadasi, Bhima Ekadasi, is the most special.

The story behind this special Ekadasi is recounted in the Brahma Vivarta Purana. Five thousand years ago, during the time of the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s elder brother Bhima admitted that he had great difficulty fasting. (In those days everyone would fast completely from all food and water.) So the Vedic authority Vyasadeva gave Bhima permission to observe the full fast (nirjala, “without water”) only once a year, in the early summer, and to derive the same benefit as if he had observed all the other twenty-three Ekadasis. Thus, devotees who are unable to properly observe Ekadasi during the year, or who by chance happen to miss an Ekadasi, can get the benefit of fully observing all the Ekadasis if they properly observe the Pandava-nirjala Ekadasi. Strictly observed, the fast begins before sunset the evening before Ekadasi and continues until the parana, about the time of sunrise, the morning after Ekadasi. Many devotees try to chant at least sixty-four rounds on Ekadasi, especially the Bhima Ekadasi.

Once, when we were

with Srila Prabhupada in Amritsar, Yamuna-devi read to him from the newly published Nectar of Devotion: “One such occasion for remembrance is Ekadasi, which comes twice a month on the eleventh day of the moon, both waning and waxing. On that day all the devotees remain fasting throughout the night and continuously chant the glories of the Lord.” Then she asked, “Should we also observe Ekadasi like that?”

“No,” Prabhupada replied. “We have too much service to do for Krishna.”

Still, Srila Prabhupada said, “Ekadasi is most auspicious. And chanting is more effective.” And to a disciple who asked, “Should we chant twenty-five rounds on Ekadasi?” Srila Prabhupada replied, “Why only twenty-five rounds? You should chant as many as possible.”

So, the basic observance of Ekadasi, as prescribed by Srila Prabhupada, is to refrain from eating grains and beans and to chant as many rounds as possible. Although most devotees in ISKCON do not perform nirjala on every Ekadasi, many do on Pandava-nirjala Ekadasi. They also try to chant at least sixty-four rounds. And by the mercy of Ekadasi, they make great spiritual advancement: they are blessed by spiritual strength and realization and so continue their service to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission with renewed vigor—enthusiasm and inspiration.

Hare Krishna.

 

What is the most valuable thing in the world?
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Lord Caitanya next asked Rāmānanda Rāya, “What is the most valuable thing in the world?” Rāmānanda Rāya replied that he who has love for Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa possesses the most valuable jewel and the greatest riches. “And out of all songs, what song do you think is the best of all?” Caitanya Mahāprabhu asked. And Rāmānanda repliedRead More...
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The Anatomy of the Self by Visakha Devi Dasi
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The textbooks are missing a chapter. Visible Man I remember my friends and I played for hours, taking him apart and piecing him back together. In the process we were learning about our own bodies the heart, lungs, brain, muscles, veins, arteries, and the rest. But we never asked ourselves, “Which part is it that makesRead More...
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How Much Are You Worth?
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“What we are caught in is more than just the inflation spiral.” “Thanks to inflation,” says a recent release from the Associated Press, “you are now worth 5 ½ times more than you were just a few years ago. “The calcium, magnesium, iron and other chemicals in an adult’s body were worth 98 cents inRead More...
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Killing the Demons Of Talavana Forest by Drutakarma Dasa
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It was a sweet-smelling, fruit-filled forest, but the demons threw terror into all who came near. Except Krsna and His brother. Fifty centuries ago, in the north Indian village of Vrndavana, Krsna the Supreme Personality of Godhead played just like a cowherd boy. Yet there were times when He performed wonderful, superhuman activities. One day, as usual,Read More...
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Two Reflections: Healer, Heal Thyself by Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami
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In recent years thousands of religious figures have taken up faith healing. They use all kinds of approaches, but basically they claim that through their charismatic prayer and laying on of hands, God acts: He cures everything from cavities to brain tumors, releases sexual inhibitions, and even increases earning capacity. The faith healers have gainedRead More...
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On a Society Without Brains
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The following conversation between His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and Raymonde van den Heuvel, of the International Labor Organization, took place in Geneva during the summer of 1974. Van den Heuvel: I work for the International Labor Organization, which is a part of the United Nations family. We’re concerned with the protection and welfareRead More...
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