Websites from the ISKCON Universe
The TOVP Communications Department has collected a large number of Srila Prabhupada’s known quotes relating to the Mayapur project and the TOVP taken from lectures, conversations, morning walks, his books and other books. It covers a wide range of topics and illustrates how important and dear ISKCON Mayapur, the World Headquarters of the Hare Krishna Movement was to him. He personally said of Sridham Mayapur, “Mayapur is my place of worship.”
There are over sixty quotes in the current collection and they are inspiring to read and instructive for our further understanding of the practical application of Krishna consciousness and the establishment of Prabhupada’s mission. We hope devotees will read them with great eagerness and joy. And if they inspire you to help the TOVP project and support the TOVP 2024 Marathon to open the temple and relocate our beloved Mayapur Deities into Their new home by 2024, please go to the Seva Opportunities Page to find out how.
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March 29–As the conflict in Ukraine enters its second month, Niranjana Swami, GBC representative for Ukraine, addressed the Governing Body Commission (GBC) of ISKCON with a report on Ukraine, the devotees affected, and future planning. The following information is drawn from that report. For the purpose of this report, Niranjana Swami explained that due to […]
The post Niranjana Swami’s Ukrainian Report to the GBC appeared first on ISKCON News.
ISKCON Mayapur is happy to inform you that the Government of India, through its National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) program, has approved the construction of Prabhupada Bathing Ghat in Mayapur, for which they have sanctioned nearly Rs 15.5 crores (USD 2 million). The project would be built by Engineering Projects India Limited, one of […]
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The presence of Srila Prabhupada in the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium in his murti form offers another wonderful opportunity to serve His Divine Grace and simultaneously help finance TOVP construction. The TOVP Fundraising Team is very pleased to announce the new Prabhupada Murti Nitya Seva campaign to our ever-growing list of Seva Opportunities.
Through this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you can sponsor either a monthly or one-time puja, garland and prasadam offering to Srila Prabhupada. You can select the specific day of your sponsorship and the name in which you would like it offered. A second seva option is to sponsor a full silk outfit to be worn by Srila Prabhupada.
Srila Prabhupada is now sitting in the TOVP waiting for us to complete his most cherished project for world preaching and dissemination of Krishna consciousness. Serve him in his murti form and support the construction of the TOVP by going to the Prabhupada Murti Nitya Seva page TODAY!
Hare Krishna!
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Govinda Ghosh was one of the three brothers Govinda, Vasudev and Madhav, who were all dear associates of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu. According to Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika (188), Sri Govinda Ghosh is a sakhi named Kalavati in Goloka Vrindavan, who beautifully sings songs composed by Srimati Vishakha Sakhi.
Govinda Ghosh, in Mahaprabhu’s lila as well, was a celebrated singer with melodious voice. He, along with his brothers, was present in the kirtans at Srivas Angan, in the kirtan party which went to the Kazi’s house, in the kirtan’s at Raghav Pandit’s house and in the 4th sankirtan party during Rathayatra, the main dancer of which was Vakreshwar pandit.
He was also present in the party which accompanied Mahaprabhu on his journey to Vrindavan. Once, during the travel, Mahaprabhu wanted some Haritaki, a mouthfreshner, after his lunch. Govinda immediately gave one Haritaki to Mahaprabhu.
Knowing that he sometimes saved some Haritaki for later, Mahaprabhu got upset and said that he should remain at that place and establish a deity and worship Him. This was done by the Lord just to instruct the sadhakas that one should not hoard anything, having faith that Krishna will provide for all our necessities.
Although greatly distressed, Govinda followed the instructions of the Lord and stayed at Agradwip. There he established the deity of Gopinath in accordance with Mahaprabhu’s directions. He then got married and also had a son. He, along with his family always engaged in affectionately serving Gopinath.
Rue Sainte-Catherine, Montreal
Where We Started
It was back in 1968 that Hare Krishna devotees first appeared on Canadian soil, at Phillips Square. The popular world Expo, which began the year before at Canada’s 100 year celebration, was extended over from ’67. Well, faithfully you will still see the Krishnas at that corner, the juncture of Sainte-Catherine and Union. Due to renovations, the Square is blocked off, hence our lively chanting troupe of today went kitty-corner in front of a heritage church.
What is really appealing about recent renos on the street is that pedestrians now enjoy a beautifully widened street. Formerly, there were four lanes on this one-way thoroughfare. Now, you have three. It means that the sidewalk is broadened, making way for a city that has a vision for pedestrian-friendliness.
This latest change also makes it easier for any chanting that we stage. Traffic also moves slower. Indeed, we could see motorists roll down windows just to hear our tap on the drum and the voices projecting. The public received us well. We had all the right ingredients. Spring is in the air. The sidewalk interlocking looks classy. It’s Friday afternoon. Covid restrictions are being relieved in this province.
It’s all good. All favourable for some spirituality on the street. Sweet it is when the externals and internals are synchronized. 54 years later.
May the Source be with you!
ISKCON Montreal, Quebec
To Montreal
It used to take a clear six hours drive to Montreal from Toronto, then add a half-hour for a refreshment/bio break. These days you can knock off one hour because the standard motorist moves at 110 to 120 km per hour up the Highway, known by commuters as the 401.
Gabriel was kind to use his fire-engine red car to take me to Pie IX Boulevard and the temple for ISKCON Montreal. It was a real pleasant cruise, so time flew by. We even managed to get a full hour Gita Chat in with host Vaishnavi from Gainesville, Florida; our weekly discussion coordinated by yours truly. Just that lively hour alone sped up time like anything.
The verse with purport was 11.54, and it addresses how Krishna becomes the swift deliverer for those who give undivided attention to His love. I found it interesting that He is understood through service, which allows the participant to enter into the mysteries of Krishna Himself. At this point in the Gita’s conversation, the Lord revealed His extraordinary Cosmic Self, then His Vishnu form, and then finally His human-like self – all adjustments within a matter of minutes. That in itself is mystical.
One who is devotional is content to dwell on Krishna’s original form and does not need to dwell on alternative forms. That was one of the take-aways from our Chat session. Try to put yourself into Arjuna’s shoes and see the firm stance of Krishna before him as He offers His love.
May the Source be with you!
243 Ave. Rd., Toronto
The Things I read Today
What did I learn today from sastra(scripture) or from the words of the guru?
In the Bhagavad-gita, Arjuna asks Krishna appropriate questions, with all of them being answered, of course.
Another item that I read from the book Chasing Rhinos, by Shyamasundar, left me satisfied:
“Sometimes, just like the wild tiger, you have got to control by repression. But when the tiger is under control, there is no question of repression. You can play with the tiger; he becomes your friend. So, repression is not always bad.”
I also found it interesting, in reading one of Prabhupada’s letters where he gives guidance to artist, Ekayani, in 1970. “Regarding the colour of Balaramji, He is coloured like milk; white with little bluish tint and rosy lustre. Our idea of whiteness is of the milk foam.”
I also opened the book Bhagavatam(which we do every morning for a class) and browsed through several purports, one of which (11.9.19) expresses, “the King need not worry because, as a staunch devotee of the Lord, he is able to subdue the real enemies of life, namely lust, anger and greed, which make one a prisoner in maya’skingdom.”
Taking a few minutes to peruse through the first and second chapters of the Gita outline it lists some names of God, such as: Vibhu-atma (the super soul), Yajna-purusa(the beneficiary of all sacrifices), and Govinda (the giver of pleasure to the cows and senses).
May the Source be with you!
3 km
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 10 December 2021, Radhadesh, Belgium, Zoom Disciple Meeting)
If we are honest, then we must admit that we are not perfect.
If we are honest, then we must admit that we are not perfect. And if we are not perfect, then we must admit that we have some faults. Maybe we can write down some of our faults. Three days later, we are still not finished writing! So, the more honest we become about our own limitations and shortcomings, the more humility sets within us naturally.
Watch the full lecture below or on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BU0qH0qoEY
The article " Honesty & Humility " was published on KKSBlog.
Srimad Bhagavatam class given by HH Ramai Swami at ISKCON New Govardhana Temple.
Read More...The Melbourne ISKCON devotees living in the western suburbs of Melbourne Australia have for years participated in the annual local Hindu Holi festival in which they have incorporated a mini Ratha Yatra parade. Many hundreds of people from the culturally diverse community attended the festival and the devotees engaged them all in the festivities. […]
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Ukrainian Refugees in Tiszabecs-Tas Balogh, Hungary Russia’s invasion of Ukraine produced one of the world’s largest refugee crises in history. We are now one month into the conflict and more than 3.7 million Ukrainians have had to leave their home country. There are now almost as many Ukrainian refugees as there were Afghan refugees […]
The post In One Month: Ukraine Ranked One of the World’s Worst Refugee Crises appeared first on ISKCON News.
Based on the book Japa Affirmations by His Grace Mahatma Dasa Sound has the ability to affect our consciousness in a very profound way. The quality of sound vibration that goes into our ears determines the quality of our consciousness. The Hare Krishna Maha-mantra, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare […]
The post Japa Affirmations Part 2 appeared first on ISKCON News.
ISKCON devotee, monk, and artist Haridas Thakur Das displayed a collection of astounding artwork of painting of His Divine Grace, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada at one of India’s most prestigious Jehangir Art Gallery from 15 – 22 March 2022. The inauguration of the art exhibition was followed by a grand launch of the book “Illustrations […]
The post Illustrations & Illuminations: An Artistic Glorification of Srila Prabhupada appeared first on ISKCON News.
A POWERFUL NARASIMHA PUJA to invoke blessings of the Divine Protector Join us on April 3, 2022 for 3 Pujas: Puja 1: Ahobhilam (India) 6:30pm IST Puja 2: Simhachalam (Germany) 8pm CET Puja 3: New Vrindaban (USA) 8pm EDT Pray for Ukraine and the world invoke auspiciousness receive blessings Hosts: @sacinandanaswamiofficial and @thegodofyoga Esteemed Guests: […]
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ISKCON Law Department – Calling all law professionals If you are a budding lawyer, seasoned attorney, solicitor, barrister, or paralegal we invite you to join our community of devotee attorneys. The ISKCON Law Department has over 100 devotee attorneys around the world. We hold a sangha every fortnight (two weeks) to introduce international legal talents […]
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We are in that phase of the project where the architectural drawings, although complete, are entering their next re-construction phase. This phase (often referred to as the ‘Invisible Phase’) is to ensure that the minutest inch increase in the brick and plaster is re-constructed in the drawing, because it has a domino impact on the flooring, then the ceiling, and eventually on the entire gamut of services and aesthetical layers which are shortly underway.
You will also be relieved to know that as the building is reaching completion, the Architecture Team is constantly at their desks coordinating closely with the Construction Team and Cushman & Wakefield to ensure that there is a similar movement of spaces in the drawing, as is on the site… For some years down the line, accurate and holistic drawings will be available for any kind of maintenance.
Hare Krishna!
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Papamocani Ekadasi falls on the 11th day of the Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of moon) in the month of Chaitra as per the North Indian calendar. However, in the South Indian calendar this Ekadasi is observed in the Vedic month of Phalgun. In the English calendar this corresponds to the months of March to April. Papamocani Ekadasi is the last Ekadasi observance of the 24 Ekadasis in the Vedic calendar. It falls between the celebrations of Holika Dahan and Chaitra Navratri.
This is an auspicious time to contribute financially towards the TOVP Marathon to open the temple in 2024 and offer our beloved Mayapur Deities Their new home. There are many different types of sponsorships available and most are pledges which can be paid over several months or years. Visit the Seva Opportunities page for more information.
NOTE: Papamocani Ekadasi is observed on March 28 worldwide. Please refer to your local calendar through www.gopal.home.sk/gcal.
View, download and share the TOVP 2022 Calendar.
The venerable glories of Papamocani Ekadasi are given in the Bhavisyottara Purana, during a conversation between Sri Krsna and Maharaja Yudhisthira.
The eldest of the Pandavas, Yudhisthira, asked Lord Krsna. “O Lord, You have kindly narrated the glories of Amalaki Ekadasi. Now please describe unto me the details of the Ekadasi which occurs during the waning Moon in the Chaitra month (March/April) What is this Ekadasi called, and what is the procedure for observing it?”
Lord Krsna replied: “O unrivalled King, this Ekadasi is known as Papamocani, please listen carefully as I describe its glories unto you. In the dim recesses of the misty past this Ekadasi was discussed between the Sage Lomasa and King Mandata. This Papamocani Ekadasi falls during the waning Moon in the month of Chaitra. By carefully observing this Ekadasi day all one’s sinful reactions will be nullified, one need never fear taking birth as a ghost; it can also award eight kinds of mystic perfection.
“The great sage known as Lomasa said to King Mandata: ‘In an ancient time, Kuvera, the treasurer of the demigods, boasted a heavenly forest known as Caitraratha. The weather was always pleasant there, and exhibited an eternal springtime atmosphere. Many heavenly society girls such as the Gandharva’s and Kinnaras would come to that celestial forest to enjoy sporting in its blissful surroundings. King Indra and many other demigods would also come there to enjoy many varieties of exchanges.
‘There was also a sage known as Medhavi residing in the forest. He was a staunch devotee of Shiva and was engaged in performing great austerities. The Apsaras, or heavenly dancing girls tried to disturb the sage in various ways. Of all the Apsaras one was most celebrated and famous. Her name was Manju Ghosh and she devised a cunning plan to captivate the mind of the sagacious saint. She built a house situated just near to the sage’s ashrama and began to sing sweetly whilst playing enchanting melodies on a Vina. Upon witnessing Manju Ghosh’s salubrious beauty, adorned as she was with sandalwood pulp, fragrant garlands and divine ornaments, Cupid, who is the forsworn enemy of Lord Shiva, tried to conquer the sage by way of revenge against Lord Shiva. Cupid had once been burnt to ashes by Lord Shiva and thus remembering this previous insult conspired to humiliate Shiva’s devotee.
‘He entered the body of the sage Medhavi just as Manju Ghosh approached him playing on her vina, singing sweetly and casting seductively arrowed glances from the quiver of her eyes. The sage Medhavi became intoxicated with desire and enjoyed with the beautiful Apsara for many years. So absorbed he was in enjoying in this way he lost all sense of time, even the ability to discriminate between day and night.
‘Henceforth, when Manju Ghosh grew tired of the sage Medhavi, she decided to return to her own abode. She said to Medhavi, “O great sage, please allow me to return to my home in the heavenly planets.”
‘The sage replied: “O beauty incarnate, you have only arrived here in the evening, at least stay until morning and then depart.” Upon hearing these words Manju Ghosh became frightened and stayed with Medhavi for a few more years. In this way although she stayed with the sage for fifty-seven years, nine months and three days, it still only appeared to the sage to be half a night. Manju Ghosh asked again for permission to leave but the sage replied, “O attractive one, this is only morning, please wait until I have completed my morning rituals.” The beautiful Apsara then smiled and said, “O great sage, how long will your rituals take? Have you still not finished yet? You have been enjoying with me for many years, please consider the actual value of time.” On hearing these words, the sage came to his senses and realized the length of time that had passed. “Alas, O beautiful lady, I have simply wasted fifty-seven years of my valuable time. You have ruined my life, spoiled all of my austerities and condemned me to madness!” The eyes of the sage Medhavi filled with tears and his body convulsed as he cried. Raising his head, his eyes turned red with anger, and in a fearsome voice he cursed Manju Ghosh with the following words, “O evil one, you have behaved with me exactly like a witch. Therefore you will immediately become a witch, O sinful unchaste Lady! Shame on you.”
‘After being cursed by the sage, Manju Ghosh humbly replied, “O best of the brahmanas! Please withdraw your heavy curse, I have spent many years in your company, bringing you pleasure beyond your wildest dreams! Surely for this reason you can forgive me. Please be kind to me.”‘The sage replied, “O gentle one, what will I do now? You have destroyed my wealth of austerity. Still, I will give you a chance to free yourself from this curse. The Ekadasi that falls during the waning Moon of the Chaitra month is called Papamocani. If you observe this Ekadasi very strictly, all your sinful reactions will be destroyed and you will be free of this crippling curse.”
‘After speaking these words, Medhavi returned to the ashrama of his father, Cyavana Rsi. As soon as Cyavana Rsi saw his pathetic son he became extremely disappointed. He said, “Alas, alas my son, O what have you done? You are ruined and should not have spoiled yourself in this way.”
‘The young sage Medhavi replied, “O father, I have committed great sins in the company of a beautiful Apsara, please instruct me how I can be freed from the sinful reactions.”
‘Cyavana Rsi replied, “O my son, there is an Ekadasi that falls on the waning Moon of the month of Chaitra. This Ekadasi will destroy all your sinful reactions. Therefore, you should follow this Ekadasi, but you should know that I am most disappointed in you!”
‘Thereafter, the sage Medhavi observed Papamocani Ekadasi and regained his elevated status as a sage of great repute. At the same time Manju Ghosh carefully observed Papamocani Ekadasi and got liberated from her accursed form, regained her bodily attractiveness and returned to the heavenly strata.’
“After narrating this story to King Mandata, sage Lomasa concluded as follows: ‘My dear King, anyone who observes this Ekadasi will have all his sinful reactions annihilated.’
Sri Krsna concluded, “O King Yudhisthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamocani ekadasi obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, or having sex with his guru’s wife. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamocani Ekadasi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious.”
Thus ends the narration of the glories of Papamocani Ekadasi from the Bhavisyottara Purana.
This article has been used courtesy of ISKCON Desire Tree
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Yorkville, Toronto
SOME GOOD RULES
I belong to the road, at least the trail. That was the mood and spirit of our troupe that returned from the weekend Festival of India roadshow. We were reflecting on the fabulous time, grateful that we could be part of the journey. How can one ever repay the good opportunity given to us by the Supreme.
I sometimes wonder what or where I would be if not for those considerate monks I met, fifty years ago, on Elm St. in Sudbury. They changed my life, gave it purpose, principles and procedures. The other passengers in the vehicle felt the same way; expressing the joys and securities of conscious living.
Vallabha Hari, Mahadeva and Annapurna, all were saying they liked the break from routine. As we passed by through pristine nature; admiring lakes, rivers, trees, and rock, our tanks became fueled with optimism.
We took a break from the long drive to walk on a suspension snowmobile bridge at French River, experiencing super rejuvenation. There are Seven Rules of Life that assist in building the right attitude.
Here are the rules:
1. LET IT GO. Never ruin a good day by thinking about a bad yesterday.
2. IGNORE THEM. Don’t listen to dog’s bark.
3. GIVE IT TIME. Time heals everything.
4. DON’T COMPARE. The person you should beat is you.
5. STAY CALM. Know that time will sort things out.
6. IT’S ON YOU. Only you are in charge of your happiness.
7. SMILE. Life is short. Enjoy it while you can.
May the Source be with you!
4 km
Check out “Play, Pray, Walk, Laugh,”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VODhCmb670M
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Snow Deep
Vallabha and I headed for Sault Ste. Marie’s waterfront, which has a trail starting from the Sleep Inn Motel where we rested and dreamed for the night. The trail along the St. Mary’s River is not detectible. You cannot see it for the snow banks, but we tried anyway and so we sank into the white stuff, which was hard on the surface but soft underneath. I sank first, knee-deep. He began to come to my rescue but he sank all the same. It was a good laugh.
I continued on my own down the main street. These mining towns truly get challenged by drug addiction. It hurts to see the homeless as well. The downtowns are not what they used to be. A plaque set to a rock tells of the location of internment of “enemy aliens” in reference to Ukrainians and other Europeans who came to Canada, escaping the Russian Revolution. That was a bit over a hundred years ago. History spells out much darkness. Prejudices prevail in the accounts of human interactions.
Before departing for Toronto I met Ravi, who is attending college here. He decided to go to school in the north (Canada), has started a Yoga and Meditation club on campus, and is working part time harvesting chaga, medicinal fungus. “How did you get so adventurous?”
“I learned it from you and your walking,” he said.
Our trip back was great. Great scenery, but no bears – only a frozen moose (probably hit by a car) and who’s now a feast for flitting and landing ravens. French River was a delight.
May the Source be with you!
2 km
Check out “Play, Pray, Walk, Laugh,”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VODhCmb670M
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Good in the Soo
“I had been on the snowmobile for quite some time today. The sun and snow combined turned me red,” said the Chief of Police, Officer Hugh Stephenson, shortly after we met at the Marconi Banquet Hall at our second Festival of India for the weekend. And so it was before the show that I made a new friend in him. He was as curious about Krishna Consciousness as I was about his orthodox evangelical upbringing. We compared notes. When he was asked to come to the podium as an honoured guest, he expressed appreciation for the event and also took the time to ask everyone for moments of silence for the people of Ukraine and Russia implicated in war.
I also had the opportunity to speak between music and dance numbers. I opened up telling of what it’s like being on a long road, walking, from my experience. Then I pulled out my poem, “The Prostitute,” recently written, based on a story of a woman from the book, Bhagavatam.
Now what does a monk have to do with a prostitute? Absolutely nothing! But here is the story in any event…
Wat was really magical about this story is that this woman eventually went on to become self-realized. There was pin drop silence. I didn’t have to give a big discourse to the crowd. That they wouldn’t have. No sermon for me, Swami. The message, poetically delivered, was accepted. The prostitute found Mr. Right – God.
Once again tables and chairs were full. 200 capacity here (in the Soo, they call it) and yesterday 250. They loved the meal. Entertainment was good. Thanks to Prem.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Check out “Play, Pray, Walk, Laugh,”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VODhCmb670M
Sudbury, Ontario
Good in Sudbury
Not much time to walk today. Driving north consumed a bit of time. Destination, the Caruso Banquet Hall in Sudbury. Our little troupe consisting of Mahadeva, Annapurna, Vallabha Hari, Gabriel, Alec and myself were keen to hit a trail at gorgeous French River. The sky’s spitting rain along with mud and melting snow made it all somewhat restrictive. However, our day, and in particular the night, was fruitful.
The hall was venue to a Festival of India, which was filled up in no time. Advanced tickets were sold before doors opened. The Pariwar group from Toronto highlighted the stage as the multi-talented family showed their stuff in the form of dance, song, and music. It was a mixed crowd. Caucasians came timely and left after enjoying. The Indian crowd showed up and stayed for an extended period.
I had the pleasure to spend time at Table One with Jamie West, MPP for Sudbury. What a decent human being. And also sharing the table was Richard Denton, MD Emeritus, also a Rotarian who usually attends our India fest outdoor at Belle Park. The Chief of Police was also with us for the duration and who had good greetings voiced from the microphone. Jamie expressed that this was the first social event with significant numbers that he attended in two years.
Thank God we can say more about the word “Govind” instead of “Covid” from here on, hopefully. The food was tasty.
Thanks to Prem Kishor of Thunder Bay who pulled off another successful event. People were truly happy and it showed by the dancing at the end.
May the Source be with you!
Check out “Play, Pray, Walk, Laugh,”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VODhCmb670M
Ramsden Park, Toronto
Special Friday
What’s so good about Friday’s around the temple? Well, extra work is put into food preparation and the end result is 10 women receive delicious prasadam at the YWCA, all packed professionally and devotionally.
What else happened today, Friday? I opened the window of the second floor just for that good fresh spring weather and in comes an invisible cloud of marijuana. Someone down below got busy.
A student from Seneca College came today. I was scheduled for Friday to do an interview for his film class. For this, I definitely closed the window to block out sounds, and smells. His questions rolled out quite fluidly. Amongst them he wanted to know some of the pillars or tenets of our lifestyle. I began with “We serve. It is intrinsic in us.” For restrictions, I expressed that Krishna followers demonstrate more commitment to avoid eating animals, fish and eggs. We also say no to drugs and drinking. Gambling is out. And for sex, family planning is favorable. Another positive injunction is to love God, the world, and His creatures.
After the interview, I decided to take in the Friday energy by going outside to the park. It was busy at the tennis courts and at the dog park. At one juncture of a trail, I stopped and became captivated by an old vintage photo from year 1900. It was an image of two kids standing at a creek, which is now buried where I walked. It was touching.
As I ambled back to the ashram with the window, my eye caught two red cardinal love birds. How auspicious is this Friday?
May the Source be with you!
Check out “Play, Pray, Walk, Laugh,”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VODhCmb670M
Rosedale, Toronto
Sound Through the Masks
The flood gates of love of kirtanare opening up. While St. Patrick’s Day is important to many, another saint by the name of Chaitanya also has his birthday celebrated today and that is done with meaningful chanting. After two long, drawn-out pandemic years, finally the restraint broke out today – at least at Iskcon Toronto.
I was one of the lucky people to be there for the joyful sound. I had been on a Gita Chat Zoom call and our theme for the hour was, “how do you see God?” A collective effort came from the voices of our group – messages such as perceiving God through nature and the elements, through the sun and moon, through scripture, through people, through serving, through praying, through guru, through food (prasadam) etc. And then there was sound and mantra. That’s what the explosion of sound was all about when I stepped into the room. There was a God presence.
Everyone was masked but they made the loudest sound possible through those nose and mouth gags. They were happy being together again. The energy was high and liberating.
That power of pleasure lingered on. When the event of the return subsided, Mahadeva, Annapurna, and I took to the sidewalks in Rosedale in spring weather. The thaw is on. We were loving it.
I think the explosion and the calm thereafter was felt throughout many parts of the world. It is the kindness of Chaitanya and Patrick.
May the Source be with you!
4 km
Check out “Play, Pray, Walk, Laugh,”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VODhCmb670M
Queen’s Park, Toronto
Going Directions
It had been a long day. Tomorrow is special – Gaura Purnima. It was a littler after 8 pm, early for my evening walk. I realized it was my first moment for the outside to hit my face. It seemed like a coastal fog, something like London; grey and damp but moderate in temperature.
Down I went from the steps, and freedom bounced at me. I could choose my direction – east, west, north or south. And so, the first impulse took me south, but then that had to change. After 1.5 kilometres, I swung east to come to a street I’ve been on for years, 49 to be exact. That’s Yonge St. where I’ve done a lot of book distribution over the years.
Unrecognizable? It’s nighttime and the fog was cutting off high rises not to mention I came from an angle I’m not used to. Anyways, I was now northbound, but then went west to my home, 243 Ave. Rd.
Where is my home? Anywhere and everywhere. As a monk I should be content just anywhere. Right? But I do have my place where I keep my belongings and my books and the special space that was visited by our beloved guru, Prabhupada, back in ’76. I will always hold this space as dear to me.
So, Gaura Purnima is the birthday of Sri Chaitanya, born in 1486 in West Bengal, India. He became a monk who travelled on foot in all directions, paving the way for the sankirtanmovement; a culture that praises Krishna through song, dance, philosophy, food, and service to the soul.
May the Source be with you!
4 km
Downtown Toronto
A New Film
Krisztina Danka is an award-winning film maker and she sent me a message today, on behalf of “Karuna Productions,” that a short film (eleven minutes) was released, hoping I’d like it. It’s called “Play, Pray, Walk, Laugh,” subtitle “The Journey of Bhaktimarga Swami.”
I wrote back to her team saying I really liked it. Frankly, I forgot about the interview she conducted in February 2020, just around the time Covid was starting to make inroads.
The film is informative (“touching,” said a person who viewed it). It tells a little about my childhood walks to school and rising early to milk our family cow, on the farm. You get to know where the title “The Walking Monk” came from. Yes, I’ve been walking. Walking has always been my downtime.
The film also features the drama I was working on in Mayapura, India, at the time, with a team of young enthusiasts. It was the story of one of my Vedic heroes, Bhisma. It also covers the joy that is derived from the collaboration of these young artists. It becomes such a learning curve for all of us in the productions. Between admin meetings that I attend, I’m always making my way to the Samadhi building, going to and fro, playing the role of director. That happens every year. Only recently Covid has put a hiccup to that routine.
Fortunately, though, I’ve been producing my own dramatical films during this time of lull. I’ve kept busy. In 2020 we released “Rolling the Dice,” and yet to be released is “The Embassy,” both based on stories of the Mahabharat.
To access “Play, Pray, Walk, Laugh,” check out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VODhCmb670M
May the Source be with you!
3 km
243 Ave. Rd., Toronto
Gita Discuss
I was in touch with our west coast Gita Chat group. It is a thoughtful team. We are seeking more
takers. We have room. It runs for one hour every two weeks, not much time really.
Here are some of the points we discussed tonight:
1) The Bhagavad-gita: As It Isdiscusses five subjects: God (isvara), soul (jiva), nature (prakriti), time
(kala), and activity (karma).
2) Of the five subjects only one is temporary – karma.
3) Isvara and jivaare conscious. Prakriti is not.
4) The jiva can be overtaken by three modes. Not isvara.
5) Prakriti is comprised of twenty-four elements beginning with the elements and also includes mind and ego.
6) Isvara expands as Supersoul situated next to the jiva, in the heart.
7) The human body is compared to a city and a field.
8) Both the isvara and jivaare conscious. Isvara is conscious of all beings, whereas jiva is only conscious
of his/her own sphere – the body.
9) The practice of bhaktican initiate our change of karma.
10) Mukti is liberation from the birth/death cycle, but bhakti is greater and denotes service and love.
11) There are 9 processes that constitute bhakti. They are a) introspective listening, b) introspective chanting, c) positive recollection, d) menially serving, e) honouring sacred imagery, f) power praying, g) declaring servitude, h) befriending God, and i) sweet surrender.
Note: My right knee surgery is cancelled for the 6 th of April.
May the Source be with you!
Hamilton, Ontario
Steel Shaking
I like visiting Hamilton, known by some as Steeltown. The reason I like visiting is because every time we bring bhakti around the response is really good. We were set for a sangha, or gathering, at 3 p.m. Some participants were running a little late, but eventually all showed up. Mahadeva was on guitar, Annapurna on harmonium, Dhruva on mrdanga drum, Steve also on drum – a brand new slick one, yellow and shiny enough to blind you – and then there was my driver, Gabriel, who plays a mean tambourine.
Gabriel’s dad came, by the way. His first time. Dan really liked everything we did – the chant and the dance. I think he was proud of his son, Gabriel, who sprang upon Krishna Consciousness.
Speaking of “sprung” or “spring,” the time changed today by one hour. As they say, “You spring forward, and you fall back,” meaning one hour is adjusted. How that time adjustment helps anyone, I don’t know. It’s a big debate. Today we lost one hour. But those of us who participated in the kirtan, we gained or scored lots of punya, or pious credits, by chanting that all-powerful name. Besides, it is so much fun. This is how it is. It is a party – clean, wholesome and pure.
It was great to see individuals from Stoney Creek, St. Mary’s, Woodstock, Bolton, Barrie, Oakville, Hamilton – of course – and even Toronto. That covers a good area. Indeed, we all felt our souls cleansed. The steel was shaking.
May the Source be with you!
3 km
I'm pleased to let you know that today Karuna Productions has released the documentary short about a journey I took back in February 2020 (along with a drama titled "Bhishmadeva").
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VODhCmb670M
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