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The auspicious festival of Ram Navami (the divine appearance of Lord Ram on this earth) is celebrated on 10th April 2022. I personally don’t recall celebrating this festival as a child or teenager. The fondness and memory of any particular festival would be based on if it is ‘powerful’ enough to award a school holiday […]
The post Ram Navami – A reflection appeared first on ISKCON News.
This video showcases the planned development to address the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being needs in the local and wider community. It also reflects the dedication of the community and sets the example for yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and wellbeing facilities. Our aim is to provide accessible services to help you make positive lifestyle choices […]
The post A Well-being Sanctuary for All appeared first on ISKCON News.
By Lilasuka dasi On many occasions, Srila Prabhupada indicated that these children were special. By Srila Prabhupada's request, they had been brought from higher dimensions to spread Lord Chaitanya's mission. One of the most important things we can do is to let the children know how much Srila Prabhupada counts on them; how much he cares about them; and how important they are to him. Whatever has happened is unfortunate. Srila Prabhupada loved the children and wanted to teach them everything. Continue reading "April is Child Abuse Prevention Month
→ Dandavats"
South Scarborough
Not Mundane
It was good to see my dear godbrother. He’s a successful real estate agent. We had travelled together in the ’70s, engaged in sankirtan; the sharing of high consciousness to others. I stayed a monk. He got married and went into business.
I had called him up two days ago, letting him know that we desperately need a facility for an expanding community in Scarborough. “We are looking for a place to gather where people of the bhaktiyoga tradition can hold chanting sessions, hear classes on the culture, and also have space for Sunday School.”
“I’ll try my best to help.” he replied.
So, I received a call the next day. “I found a church, a school, lots of parking. Good neighbours. No taxes. Perfect zoning!” is what my friend had to say.
Immediately I got exited when I was forwarded the images of the place; externally and internally. I called our management team. We got together – had a look. We were inspired but the price is too steep, unless some benevolent and generous person comes forward. If this location doesn’t work, we’ll keep looking. We need space we can call our own, desperately.
Anyway, what my friend was able to do, in showing us this building, is called bhakti or spiritual service. Even though one may be tied to the world of business, it doesn’t mean the endeavour is devoid of devotion. Let us all keep that in mind. When the intent is for God, no effort is mundane.
May the Source be with you!
Rosedale, Toronto
One Day
On our brief walk, through residential Rosedale, our walking team of Gabriel, Mahadeva, Annapurna and I noticed one interesting thing that gives life to people’s front yards. After the season of snow leaves us, there grows this galanthus plant, commonly known as snowdrop flowers. They really do look cheery. And also droopy. They resemble the tulip but the petals, are white and bent over at the neck in a rather sad or at least humble pose.
You know, it really was the first time I noticed them. They are practically the first flowers to peek out from the ground in the spring.
Our walking continued through Ramsden Park, where there is this dilapidated tree trunk, still standing, with guts rotted out. Someone took the liberty to incorporate a magical village within its belly. Count Dooku is seen zip-lining through the air.
Pedestrians come this way regularly and stop over to take a glance at any new features presented by the creator of this charming sensation.
Further on, our group met a young seeker sitting on the grass. His name is Connor, from Hamilton. He’s 23 and has been reading the Gita. I would consider him a “free spirit.” After a few minutes of chatting with him, we decided to invite him to the temple ashram, offer him prasasdam, and then attend our 7 pm kirtan followed by my weekly Zoom “Gita Chat.” I gave him enough money for a decent night’s rest in a motel of his choice. He’s been sleeping in the park the last two nights. I believe in him, and that’s why I’m helping him.
May the Source be with you!
3 km
Scarborough/Hamilton
Double Header
Ananda, once again, officiated an amazing fire ceremony at which two special people from Scarborough took progressive steps towards Godhead. First of all, Ganapati, the local treasurer for the ISKCON centre there, accepted his second initiation or brahminicalinitiation. He is a very “grounded” person, as Ananda put it. I asked Ganapati if he would consider taking some lessons on counselling, which, to a large extent, is the type of service a brahmin offers to a community. He accepted.
Now what are issues that might tax an individual or challenge a household or community? Drugs? Teenage pregnancy? Depression? Addictions? Gender confusions? Serious stuff. All of the above.
We do need to react to such concerns in a community. At least it is my suggestion; that some persons be trained in helping people who need to be heard. In confidence.
The other person to receive diksha, or initiation, is Diane. It’s her first initiation and she accepted the name Damayanti Dasi. She is a very sincere soul and I wish her the best on this journey of bhakti.
From the ceremony in Scarborough, Mahadeva, Annapurna, and I headed for the yoga studio at Hess Village in Hamilton. Once again Monica, the owner, and Chris, the facilitator, allowed us to use the space to send enchantment through the ether. In the not-too-distant future-weather will invite us to the out-of-doors; where more souls can benefit. It was great having Varun on the drum when we dedicated the kirtanin his dad’s honour. He was a cancer patient and passed away in February. We hope that our mantras will send him to Godhead.
May the Source be with you!
Brampton, Ontario
A Killer Kirtan
It was a bit unfortunate that Lajput Prasher, the sponsor for today’s big kirtan at the Hindu Sabha Temple, just couldn’t attend. The event, which attracted 300 plus people, and which had kirtan leader, Ajamil and my humble self doing our thing, experienced the absence of Laj’s family. Unfortunately, some of his family is struck with Covid.
Yes, the nasty little virus is still lurking around. The pandemic is not over just yet.
Nevertheless, a fine kirtangrabbed the crows. Everyone sang. Clapped. Even danced! It was something different for the community here. There is a special flavour delivered, especially when Ajamil gets behind the mic; it takes on that Bengali spirit. Explosive! Emotional! The bigger gatherings are coming back to life.
We certainly worked up a sweat. Hunger came naturally, so the prasadam served was popular. What a fantastic program!
After the program our driver, Gabriel, dropped me offat Cedarvale Ravine in Toronto, at my request. I decided to get some kilometres in on foot. Despite the evening’s darkness and mud puddles galore, I made it through. The night walk paid off in terms of healthy outcome. I had the best sleep in months. There is a good amount of moisture in the air. Perhaps that accounts for the good rest.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Ekadasi is the 11th day of the Moon’s lunar phase, and Kamada Ekadasi falls on the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase) in the month of the Chaitra (March-April). This day is also called ‘Chaitra Shukla Ekadasi.’
This Ekadasi is especially auspicious for disciples of His Holiness Jayapataka Swami whose 73rd Vyasa Puja will be celebrated on this day. Jayapataka Maharaja will be flagging off the official launch of the TOVP 2024 Marathon to open the TOVP in 2024 and relocate our beloved Deities into Their new home. Several new seva opportunities are available to sponsor. Please visit the TOVP 2024 Marathon Page on the TOVP website for more information.
NOTE: Kamada Ekadasi is observed on April 12 worldwide. Please refer to your local calendar through www.gopal.home.sk/gcal.
View, download and share the TOVP 2022 Calendar.
The glories of Kamada Ekadashi are found in the Varaha Purana in a conversation between Maharaja Yudhishthira and Lord Krishna. Referring to this conversation while speaking to some great sages of the universe:
Sri Suta Goswami said, “Oh sages, let me offer my humble and respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Lord Hari, Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki and Vasudeva, by whose mercy I can describe the fast day that removes all kinds of sins. It was to the devoted Yudhisthira that Lord Krishna glorified the twenty-four primary Ekadasis, which destroy sin, and now I shall recount one of those narrations to you. Great-learned sages have selected these twenty-four narrations from the eighteen Puranas, for they are truly sublime.
“Yudhishthira Maharaja said, ‘Oh Lord Krishna, Oh Vasudeva, please accept my humble obeisances. Please describe to me the Ekadasi that occurs during the light part of the month of Chaitra [March-April]. What is its name, and what are its glories?’
“Lord Sri Krishna replied, ‘Oh Yudhishthira, please listen to Me attentively as I relate the ancient history of this sacred Ekadasi, a history Vasishta Muni once related to King Dilipa, the great-grandfather of Lord Ramachandra.
‘King Dilipa asked the great sage Vasishta, “Oh wise brahmana, I wish to hear about the Ekadasi that comes during the light part of the month of Chaitra. Please describe it to me.”
‘Vasishta Muni replied, “Oh king, your inquiry is glorious. Gladly shall I tell you what you wish to know. The Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of Chaitra is named Kamada Ekadasi. It consumes all sins, as a forest fire consumes a supply of dry firewood. It is very purifying, and it bestows the highest merit upon one who faithfully observe it. Oh king, now hear an ancient history which is so meritorious that it removes all one’s sins simply by being heard.
“Once, long ago, there existed a city-state named Ratnapura, which was decorated with gold and jewels, and in which sharp-fanged snakes would enjoy intoxication. King Pundarika was the ruler of this most beautiful kingdom, which was inhabited by many Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and Apsaras among its citizens. Among the Gandharvas were Lalit and his wife Lalita, who was an especially lovely dancer. These two were intensely attracted to each other, and their home was full of great wealth and fine food. Lalita loved her husband dearly, and likewise Lalit constantly thought of her within his heart.
“Once, at the court of King Pundarika, many Gandharvas were dancing and Lalit was singing alone, without his wife. He could not help thinking about her as he sang, and because of this distraction he lost track of the song’s meter and melody. Indeed, Lalit sang the ending of his song improperly, and one of the envious snakes who was in attendance at the king’s court complained to the king that Lalit was absorbed in thinking of his wife instead of his sovereign. The king became furious upon hearing this, and his eyes turned crimson with rage.
“Suddenly he shouted, ‘Oh foolish knave, because you were lustfully thinking of a woman instead of reverently thinking of your king as you performed your court duties, I curse you to at once become a cannibal!’ “Oh king, Lalit immediately became a fearful cannibal, a great man-eating demon whose appearance terrified everyone. His arms were eight miles long, his mouth was as big as a huge cave, his eyes were as big as the sun and moon, his nostrils resembled enormous pits in the earth, his neck was a veritable mountain, his hips were four miles wide, and his gigantic body stood a full sixty-four miles high. Thus, poor Lalit, the loving Gandharva singer, had to suffer the reaction of his offense against King Pundarika.
“Seeing her husband suffering as a horrible cannibal, Lalita became overwhelmed with grief. She thought, ‘Now that my dear husband is suffering the effects of the kings’ curse, what is to be my lot? What should I do? Where should I go?’ “In this way Lalita grieved day and night.
Instead of enjoying life as a Gandharva’s wife, she had to wander everywhere in the thick jungle with her monstrous husband, who had fallen completely under the spell of the king’s curse and was wholly engaged in terrible sinful activities. He wandered aimlessly across the region, a once-beautiful Gandharva now reduced to the ghastly behavior of a man-eater. Utterly distraught to see her dear husband suffer so much in his dreadful condition, Lalita began to cry as she followed his mad journeying.“By good fortune, however, Lalita came upon the sage Shringi one day. He was sitting on the peak of the famous Vindhyachala Hill. Approaching him, she immediately offered the ascetic her respectful obeisances.The sage noticed her bowing down before him and said, ‘Oh most beautiful one, who are you? Whose daughter are you, and why have you come here? Please tell me everything in truth.
“Lalita replied, ‘Oh great age, I am the daughter of the great Gandharva Viradhanva, and my name is Lalita. I roam the forests and plains with my dear husband, whom King Pundarika has cursed to become a man-eating demon. Oh brahmana, I am greatly aggrieved to see his ferocious form and terribly sinful activities. Oh master, please tell me how I can perform some act of atonement on behalf of my husband. What pious act can I perform to free him from this demonic form, Oh best of brahmanas?
“The sage replied, ‘Oh heavenly maiden, there is an Ekadasi named Kamada that occurs in the light fortnight of the month of Chaitra. It is coming up soon. Whoever fasts on this day has all his desires fulfilled. If you observe this Ekadasi fast according to its rules and regulations and give the merit you thus earn to your husband, he will be freed from the curse at once.’
“Lalita was overjoyed to hear these words from the sage. Lalita faithfully observed the fast of Kamada Ekadasi according to the instructions of the sage Shringi, and on Dvadasi she appeared before him and the Deity of Lord Vasudeva and said, ‘I have faithfully observed the fast of Kamada Ekadasi. By the merit earned through my observance of this fast, let my husband be free from the curse that has turned him into a demoniac cannibal. May the merit I have gained thus free him from misery.’
“As soon as Lalita finished speaking, her husband, who stood nearby, was at once freed from the king’s curse. He immediately regained his original form as the Gandharva Lalit, a handsome heavenly singer adorned with many beautiful ornaments. Now, with his wife Lalita, he could enjoy even more opulence than before. All this was accomplished by the power and glory of Kamada Ekadasi. At last the Gandharva couple boarded a celestial airplane and ascended to heaven.
“Lord Sri Krishna continued, ‘Oh Yudhishthira, best of kings, anyone who hears this wonderful narration should certainly observe the holy Kamada Ekadasi to the best of his ability, such great merit does it bestow upon the faithful devotee. I have therefore described its glories to you for the benefit of all humanity. There is no better Ekadasi than Kamada Ekadasi. It can eradicate even the sin of killing a brahmana, and it also nullifies demoniac curses and cleanses the consciousness. In all the three worlds, among movable and immovable living entities, there is no better day’
Thus ends the narration of the glories of Kamada Ekadasi from the Varaha Purana.
This article has been used courtesy of ISKCON Desire Tree
Visit: www.tovp.org
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The TOVP Team is pleased to announce our annual matching fundraiser, the #GivingToNrsimha 12 Day Matching Fundraiser from May 3 (Akshaya Tritiya) till May 15 (Nrsimha Caturdasi). This year Ambarisa prabhu has doubled his matching commitment to a total of $250,000! Every donation will be matched, every pledge payment matched, dollar for dollar.
There are several new seva options available such as Prabhupada Medallions, Prabhupada Awards and Prabhupada Trophies, as well as Nrsimha Bricks and a General Donation.
This is a crucial time as we run the last lap of the race to open the TOVP in 2024 and relocate our beloved Mayapur Deities into Their new home. Srila Prabhupada sits in his room in the TOVP now awaiting that historic moment in ISKCON’s progress and in the future of the sankirtan movement. The TOVP 2024 Marathon races forward.
Please make a sankalpa to support this important fundraising event by sponsoring one of the seva options or making a general donation and visit the #GivingToNrsimha Page today or during the 12-day fundraiser. This is the final lap in the race to open the TOVP and with your help we can accomplish this. Our motto is WE RUN, YOU WIN! We’ll do the running to get the temple open and you’ll be the winner by going back to Godhead.
“If you all build this temple, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur will personally come and take you all back to Godhead.
Srila Prabhupada to Giriraja Swami
Visit: www.tovp.org
Support: https://tovp.org/donate/
Email: tovpinfo@gmail.com
Follow: www.facebook.com/tovp.mayapur
Watch: www.youtube.com/c/TOVPinfoTube
View at 360°: www.tovp360.org
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOVP2022
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Store: https://tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/
Gaura Purnima – Appearance Day of Caitanya Mahaprabhu
This festival celebrates the appearance day of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. It is observed annually (in February – March) by devotees all over the world, especially in the area of Mayapur in India, the place where Mahaprabhu appeared in the year of 1486. Caitanya Mahaprabhu is the Supreme, Lord Krsna Himself, appearing as His own devotee, to teach us that we can gain full enlightenment simply by chanting the holy names of the Lord. Those who witnessed Mahaprabhu’s pastimes saw Him dance and chant with ecstatic love for God. He encouraged everyone to follow this same process. He taught that anyone, regardless of background or spiritual qualification, could develop their innate love of God and experience great spiritual pleasure by chanting the Hare Krsna mahamantra.
To the present day, ISKCON continues the work begun by Lord Caitanya, who predicted that the chanting of the holy names of Krsna would spread all over the world. Gaura Purnima means the ‘golden full moon’ signifying that Lord Caitanya was born during a full moon, and the Lord blesses everyone with soothing, moonlike rays of His sublime teachings. Hopefully, those of you who observed this festival, managed to fast and chant the holy names all day.
Kadamba Kanana Swami spent this month in South Africa, where he visited many places, gave initiations, led harinams, kirtans and gave lectures. Please see links to these programs below:
12 March 2022 – Initiation Ceremony in WuSa House
https://www.facebook.com/savyasaci.das/videos/494000312178167/
13 March 2022 – ISKCON Lenasia – Sunday Love Feast
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=753017698978211&id=1069732548&sfnsn=scwspwa
18 March 2022 – ISKCON Sandton – Caitanya Caritamrta Gaura Purnima Morning Class
20 March 2022 – ISKCON Pretoria – Embassy of the Spiritual World, kirtan and lecture
https://www.facebook.com/iskconpta/videos/4224583787643909
21 March 2022 – ISKCON Durban – Kirtan Festival
https://www.facebook.com/DurbanKrishna/videos/780686726243365
26 March 2022 – River Ranch program
https://www.facebook.com/shobhamayi.devidasi.5/videos/501678154753562
29 March 2022 – ISKCON Cape Town – Kirtan and Lecture
https://www.facebook.com/kamlasan.naidoo/videos/639199820506995
30 March 2022 – Cape Town – Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam 3.7.21
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1035597837030246&id=100009635618987&sfnsn=scwspwa
30 March 2022 – Cape Town – Spirit Matters – lecture
https://www.facebook.com/100009635618987/videos/1129128711262836/
or
31 March 2022 – Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam 3.7.22
Weekly Zoom Meetings
4 March 2022 – Brihad Bhagavatamrita
11 March 2022 – Sri Sri Sad Goswami-astaka
18 March 2022 – Sri Gaura Purnima evening
25 March 2022 – House Program in Umhlanga
Kadamba Kanana Swami will be in Europe in April 2022. Keep tuned in for more fabulous kirtans and lectures for this month.
The article " Monthly Media – Mar 2022 " was published on KKSBlog.
Ramanujacharya is also known as Ramanuja. He was born in 11th century around 1017 in a Tamil Brahmin family in Sriperumbudur village of Tamil Nadu. His birth name was Lakshmana and was also referred as Ilaya Perumal, that is, ‘the radiant one’.
His legacy as a theologian, teacher and philosopher remains alive. He was one of the greatest teachers of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, which is one of the six classical systems of Indian philosophy.
His father was Keseva Samayaji and his mother name was Kantimathi. He married Rahshambal in around 1033. Not long after the wedding, his father died. He with his mother and wife went to Kanchipuram and settled there.
It is said that Ramanuja’s marriage life lasted until he was thirty, when he gave up worldly life. Ramanuja’s cousin, Govinda Bhatta was his closest friend. He played an important role in Ramanuja’s life.
Ramanujacharya’s birthplace is now commemorated by a temple in Sriperumbudur and also in an active Vishishtadvaita school. His religious practices and the doctrines that he had promulgated are also carried in two most important Vaishnava centres: the Ranganatha temple in Shri Rangam, Tamil Nadu and the Venkateshvara temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh in South India.
Today is the appearance anniversary of Sripada Ramanujacharya, the principal acharya in the Sri, or Lakshmi, sampradaya. In a letter dated November 22, 1974, Srila Prabhupada wrote, “We find great shelter at the lotus feet of Sri Ramanujacharya because his lotus feet are the strongest fort to combat the Mayavadi philosophy.” And in the early days of ISKCON in India, before we had Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad-gita As It Is in Hindi, Prabhupada would refer people to read the Hindi edition of the Gita with Sri Ramanujacharya’s commentary.
Srila Prabhupada often told a story about Sri Ramanujacharya’s merciful, compassionate nature. As he related it in Ahmedabad in 1972, “The servants of Krishna take all risk for Krishna’s sake. Just like Ramanujacharya. Sri Ramanujacharya’s spiritual master said, ‘My dear son, the mantra which I am giving, you chant silently and you will be delivered. It is so powerful. Don’t chant this mantra loudly so others can hear.’
“Ramanujacharya thought, ‘If this mantra is so powerful that if others hear it they’ll also be delivered, then why not?’ He immediately went to the market and began to chant the mantra. So, his spiritual master became very angry, that ‘I told you not to chant loudly, so that others may not hear.’ And Ramanujacharya replied, ‘My Lordship, I have done offense unto you. That’s all right. For this I am prepared to go to hell. But if this mantra is so powerful, I must speak it to everyone.’ ”
In this mood, following in the footsteps of Sripada Ramanujacharya, Srila Prabhupada broadcast the Hare Krishna maha-mantra and the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita everywhere, to everyone.
We pray and aspire to follow in their footsteps.
Hare Krishna.
Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami
On April 12, 2022, the auspicious Kamada Ekadasi, disciples and well-wishers of His Holiness Jayapataka Swami around the world will celebrate his 73rd Vyasa Puja anniversary. To illustrate his desire to complete the TOVP for Srila Prabhupada’s pleasure, Maharaja will flag off the official launch of the TOVP 2024 Marathon to open the temple in 2024 and relocate our beloved Mayapur Deities into Their new home by lighting and carrying a TOVP Victory Torch.
There will also ensue a live TOVP fundraising event at Maharaja’s Vyasa Puja for the above purpose, and we would like our readers to be aware of this campaign. You can participate and offer your financial support to the TOVP on this appearance day and Ekadasi combination by sponsoring one of several new seva options such as the Prabhupada Medallion, Prabhupada Award and Prabhupada/TOVP trophy. This can be considered as your personal guru dakshina offering to Jayapataka Maharaja to fulfill his service to Srila Prabhupada.
Go to the TOVP 2024 Marathon Page today and sponsor one of the above seva options in honor of His Holiness Jayapataka Maharaja and help open the TOVP in 2024. This is the final lap in the race and with your help we can accomplish this. Our motto is WE RUN, YOU WIN! We’ll do the running to the finish line to get the temple open and you’ll be the winner by going back to Godhead.
“If you all build this temple, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur will personally come and take you all back to Godhead.
Srila Prabhupada to Giriraja Swami
Visit: www.tovp.org
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