Websites from the ISKCON Universe
ISKCON of Washington D.C. held a three-day Bhumi Puja (ground-breaking) event from August 20th to 22nd, preceding a new 22,000 square-foot temple for Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan, Sita Rama Lakshman Hanuman, and Gaura Nitai. The event took place at the current D.C. temple property, which is situated on eleven acres of rolling wooded terrain […]
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ISKCON of Washington D.C. held a three-day Bhumi Puja (ground-breaking) event last weekend, from August 20th to 22nd, for a new 22,000 square-foot temple.
“This year, Janmastami Goes Digital,” reads the massive billboard that can now be seen all over Mumbai. The billboards are advertising “Krishna Fest,” presented by ISKCON Chowpatty and Govardhan Eco-Village from August 22nd to 31st. The ten-day event is an ingenious way of celebrating a massive Janmastami festival with thousands of people during the pandemic […]
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“This year, Janmastami Goes Digital,” reads the massive billboard that can now be seen all over Mumbai. The billboards are advertising “Krishna Fest,” presented by ISKCON Chowpatty and Govardhan Eco-Village from August 22nd to 31st.
Sequestered by millions of miles, Yet closer to the heart lies. Instructions that mold our lives, On them, our devotional creeper thrives. Never have our eyes met, To read my mind and interpret. But the knowledge that penetrated, Changed the way, my thoughts crowded. Had we not met you ever, Only would increase […]
The post You Changed the Way We Think appeared first on ISKCON News.
A poem to Srila Prabhupada on his 125th birthday
Over the Bank holiday weekend Saturday 28th through to Monday 30th August Bhaktivedanta Manor will be holding its annual Janmashtami festival, celebrating the birth of Lord Krishna. The Temple management has been working closely with local Health Authorities and Hertsmere Council to deliver a safe event, given that Coronavirus cases are not going down. The festival will be […]
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Three-day ticketed event for Janmashtami with an expected 35,000 people visiting over the weekend.
One of the most important contributions of Bhakti Charu Swami is in the form of Abhay Charan, the 45-part series, which he offered on the 100th Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada in 1996. He worked for 10 years to produce this video epic to glorify his spiritual master. On the 125th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada, the […]
The post Abhary Charan: Video Series of Srila Prabhupada’s Life by Bhakti Charu Swami – Released on Pendrive appeared first on ISKCON News.
The anticipated release of the video series of the life of Srila Prabhupad: Abhay Charan, is released, including in pendrive. Available in Hindi, English, Tamil, Bangla.
ISKCON Communications and the Srila Prabhupada 125 Committee are happy to announce that the Honourable Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi Ji has kindly consented to officially inaugurate Srila Prabhupada’s 125th Appearance Anniversary celebrations, and also release the commemorative Prabhupada coin on September 1st, 2021 at 4:30 PM.
Keeping in line with the Covid protocol of the Government, this historic event will be broadcast live via video conferencing. The details of the link and participation process will be shared soon for up to 125,000 participants to view.
The TOVP has acquired 108 of these unique commemorative coins for donors that wish to receive one.
To reserve a coin for you and your family members and also support TOVP construction please go to the TOVP website TODAY as these will go fast and supplies are limited. Payments are available through a two-year installment plan.
SRILA PRABHUPADA 125TH APPEARANCE ANNIVERSARY YEAR KI JAYA!
“I have given you the Kingdom of God. Now take it, develop it and enjoy it”
Srila Prabhupada, Mayapur, 1973
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Bhadra Purnima Sept 20, 2021 Please take advantage of this upcoming Bhadra Purnima on September 20th. Is it stated in the Srimad Bhagavatam that if you give the gift of Srimad Bhagavatam on this day, you achieve the supreme destination Goloka Vrindavan. SB 12.13.13 “If on the full moon day of the month of Bhādra […]
The post 𝗕𝗵𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗮 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗴𝗻 A𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁! appeared first on Mayapur.com.
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According to a Gallup poll, about 6% of Americans believe that man never went to the moon; they endorse conspiracy theories in which these landings were supposedly staged in a studio. This post is not about such conspiracy theories.
I will discuss why we cannot go to the moon, although we can have the experience of going to the moon, based on a fractal space in which there is a ‘moon’ within the earth (because the whole is represented in the part), but it is not the real moon. I will discuss how fractal space is evidenced in Sankhya when space is described as a tree rather than a box. Since modern science treats space as a box rather than a tree, we can interpret the arrival on the earthly moon to be the arrival on the real moon—assuming such a journey is undertaken. Thus, regardless of whether the moon landings were staged or not, we cannot go to the real moon, but we could go to the moon within the earth space. To understand the real moon, we will have to revise the model of space from a box into a tree.
To read the full essay: https://blog.shabda.co/2018/03/03/did-we-land-on-the-moon/
For more information about Ashish Dalela (Rsiraja Das) visit his website at: https://www.ashishdalela.com/. Visit the TOVP Book Marketplace to purchase his books.
Go to Vedic Science Essays page to read more articles.
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A Facebook report from August 18th states that the most viewed post by American users was not political or misinformation, but a post from ISKCON Mumbai’s own Gaur Gopal Das. Gaur Gopal Das’s Viral Post Gaur Gopal Das has more than 7 million people following him on Facebook due to his motivational approach to social […]
The post Breaking News: Facebook Reveals Gaur Gopal Das as Most Viewed Content in the US! appeared first on ISKCON News.
A Facebook report from August 18th states that the most viewed post by American users was not political or misinformation, but a post from ISKCON Mumbai's own Gaur Gopal Das.
Source: The Print A Facebook report from 18 August says the most viewed post by American users was not hate speech or misinformation, but a post from a Mumbai-based ISKCON monk Gaur Gopal Das. Regina Mihindukulasuriya takes a look at what the viral post said, and who Gaur Gopal Das is.
The post Gaur Gopal Das — The tech-savvy Indian monk whose Facebook post is the most-viewed in US appeared first on ISKCON News.
Source: The Print
A Facebook report from 18 August says the most viewed post by American users was not hate speech or misinformation, but a post from a Mumbai-based ISKCON monk Gaur Gopal Das. Regina Mihindukulasuriya takes a look at what the viral post said, and who Gaur Gopal Das is.
High Park, Toronto
Blue Moon
What keeps me sober these days is my physio sessions, shiatsu treatment, composing the blog, chanting and most indeed the outdoor kirtan sessions. Today the kirtan was at our usual Hyde Park location. The fruit or result of this endeavor is the attention drawn by the public.
Nicol came to join us for the first time. She just slid right into our kirtan circle. A young family, with origins from Bangalore, also cozily sat on the grass to partake in this positive sound. Of course, Anna Purna and Madhava are a real plus to our team — musically. Madhava is attached to his guitar playing for Krishna. Also, Billy returned from Philly to prove his dedication to the weekly cause. I was also impressed with Nick’s musical ability. He’s shifting from kartals (hand symbols) to mridanga drum and harmonium.
In regard to the use of the harmonium, it really drew the attention of one young cyclist. “What is that? It sounds so exotic.” He was glued to the shape and the sound of this lovely instrument.
People with their baby strollers stopped by for a mystical moment. For babies, well, they usually become stilled or stunned at the mellow, collective sound.
As I complete this writing, I catch a glimpse of tonight’s blue moon. This moon falls on the birthday of Balarama, Krishna’s brother. Now, that disc is mystical.
May the Source be with you!
3 km
The Annex, Toronto
Pet Peeves and Soft Spots in the Temple
Listing here my personal annoyances (pet peeves) and also listing what I like (soft spots) at the temple/ashram.
Pet Peeves
When:
1) … the temple and washroom are not clean
2) … a poor brand of incense is being used for the deities
3) … there is dissension amongst resident monks
4) … we lag behind in building repair
5) … the front yard is overgrown by weeds
6) … classes are delivered without eye contact and in monotone
7) … shoes are not placed in the designated area
8) … bugs enter and we don’t address quickly enough
9) … an enthusiastic newcomer is not well looked after
10) … the prasadam is too spicy or oily
Soft Spots
When:
1) … fresh veggies from our garden get offered to Krishna
2) … Govinda’s Dining Room is in full, smooth operation
3) … devotees encourage, complement and praise each other
4) … meaningful seminars are being conducted
5) … the kirtan chanting is sweet and invigorating
6) … lots of Prabhupada’s books are being sold
7) … arati ceremonies are regulated and viewing maximized
8) … things are clean and orderly
9) … people come from many different demographics
10) … everyone reflects the smiles of Radha and Krishna
Today I am suddenly celebrating the one month anniversary of my knee surgery.
May the Source be with you!
3 km
Come Down My Trail
Dr. Sunil Sachdev decided he wanted to fly in, from his home in Vancouver, for a visit to help me during my rehab. He is a specialist with eyes. He had a vision and a heart to see how he could pitch in. So, this morning we phoned an Ayurvedic clinic which offers natural healing through a system of panca-karma. He also booked me in for shiatsu. I do have friends in this field but you have to know Sunil. He gets over excited with service; either that or most other people I know usually under achieve in this department.
Anyway, Sunil, nice job! You’re only here for five days. Enjoy your stay and learn or pick up on a few things for improving your bhakti, loving service.
In the evening Sunil and I went for a stroll. We started just after sundown and, for him, being a visitor, the neighborhood is all so new to him. We entered Ramsden Park and then residential Rosedale. It’s all so peaceful and quiet. We came to a finish at 10 PM and I concluded that we trekked 2 km — that’s my estimation but Sunil countered, “No, it’s more like 3.”
It was not worth arguing over. In truth we are happy to be walking and my companion just happened to be so kind hearted. I will admit as such that good people often come down my trail. Such is my karma. I am so fortunate.
May the Source be with you!
2 km
Making the Three Mark
Adam was coaching me once again as my physiotherapist and said, “You’re doing really good.” He gave some more exercises to add onto the regimen I already have. At one point he cautiously grabbed the weakened left leg and held it to a certain angle which caused some mild spasms to arise. I knew he knew what he was doing, being an expert in the field. I’m grateful.
He knew that my home (the ashram) was 3 km away because I mentioned it last week. “Are you doing three a day?”
“I’m not there yet but building up to it,” I said.
I went on my merry way with my walking cane, convincing myself that I’ll tackle the distance, which, on long marathon days this would be a cinch. I was thinking about the couple, Mahadev and Annapurna, who dropped me off and I was dwelling on their evolution. Their story is that they were once graduates of the Sivananda Yoga Society and gradually their interest led them to bhakti. A big part of that growth came from the purchase of Sapta Rsi, seven books by Prabhupada.
I eventually caught up to them at the ashram and had a meal with them in Govinda’s. “We have been searching and we have found something very definite and to the point in the Bhagavad-Gita: As It Is. We now follow his lectures and hear bhajans from devotees.”
Looks like they are on to something.
May the Source be with you!
3 km
Third Leg
We hear that we have a third eye. We may also hear that some of us (myself included) have a third leg. I graduated from two crutches to two walking poles and now to one single walking cane —my third leg. Progress is being made in the healing department. There’s hope for sure.
I must say I envy those who can walk the Camino in Spain for pilgrimage purposes. I hear of people championing the Bruce Trail, that rocky up-and-down arduous foot path that runs through southern Ontario. In the US enthusiasts tackle the Appalachian trail; on the west it’s the Pacific Trail. And where I took to the national trail in Israel, we came to some real challenging, almost impossible, trekking trails.
It is definitely in my plans to challenge a trail again; on two new knees, when that happens. Pilgrimage or parikrama, as they say in Hindi, it’s so much a sleeping giant in our world. I’m wondering if COVID-19 has affected an increased number of pedestrians? I don’t know.
One thing I can say about expanding the experience is that both this and last summer we have increased the number of procession festivals. Places like Moncton, Fredericton, Scarborough, Kingston, Stratford, Milton, Brampton, Vancouver and Toronto have enjoyed great summer social events in the form of Ratha Yatra, all in the northern zone, where I serve. To those managers, hats off!
May the Source be with you!
1 km
Ramsden Park, Toronto
A Slight Mix Up
I had myself set up at a picnic table with a majestic blue spruce to my back. I was just beginning with a Zoom call and connecting with our Ottawa admins. I popped my two-day-old walking cane on the table. Like all meetings, virtual included, we start by reciting prayers to the guru, our founder, Srila Prabhupada.
That was completed and then a decent looking man appearing to be in his 60’s came over to grab for my cane. He thought it was his. I placed my grip on it.
“Oh!” He looked back and saw his actual stick where he left it before picnicking with his friends. Anyway, they look alike.
“I’m sorry!” He said.
“Think nothing of it!”
“Now you’re a monk?” He inquired.
“Yes, I am.”
“It was bad enough karma to take someone’s possession, what to speak of taking from a monk. I can’t imagine.”
Pulling away from my phone and the meeting in session, I suggested to the gentleman, “Sir it’s nothing to worry about. We all make mistakes.”
He clutched his own cane and helped himself down the hill to the street level. Come to think of it, more people use walking canes or sticks than are willing to admit. The cane is a third leg that helps support any imbalance. It’s like life. You have a guru that keeps you from a falldown.
May the Source be with you!
1 km
Scarborough, Ontario
A New Way?
This weekend the Scarborough ISKCON team held their Ratha Yatra, starting at 6:30 AM on Saturday and completing near midnight. What I’m hearing from some of the different centres we have is that the Covid approach to this festival may be better than the usual way of doing things. Several items make the event more favorable such as:
1) It reaches more people as a vehicle with Jagannatha inside, goes to the neighborhoods where people get curious
2) Less-to-no permits required
3) Easier to organize
4) A better fund and friend raiser
5) There may be more arguments.
The managers of the various centers need to collaborate and to analyze the situation. I’d be curious to know the end result.
Normally I would be attending the Vancouver Chariot festival on this weekend but Covid has changed that, besides I’m still going through a knee healing. Also, enthusiastically the place of Shakespearean theater in Canada, Stratford, was also seeing this event in the suburbs by masked men and women. Again, a plus for this approach is that if you can’t go see God, then God (Jagannath) will come to see you.
It looks like Jagannatha, the Lord of the universe, likes to get around. Can’t blame Him. He also doesn’t care for lockdowns. He likes His freedom.
Freedom is such a magical word and it can be put into practice.
May the Source be with you!
0 km
Temper Highs and Lows
Walking poles are what I lean on for a brief trek. I took those happy moments to use them after an evening Gita sangha at a household in Oakville.
“Are there oak trees in this town?” I asked one of its residence. They weren’t so sure. Who really knows their trees these days? But, in this Indian household, they know their different cuisine items. It’s been a year since our Oakville group physically got together. As everyone knows this virus has kept us apart.
What a great reunion it was to sit down, all together, and have that scrumptious meal! Hats off to the cooks, Prema Gaurangi and Panchami. I hope I didn’t leave anyone out.
In addition to food, we had kirtan and also Gita discussion from chapter 18. I cannot imagine a genuine spiritual gathering without illuminating any of these three items. It all started with our guru, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who, with humble beginnings, began this well-rounded program for fun. His formula was to render good, clean fun and Krishna Consciousness.
Drugs, meat, gambling and casual sex are taboo; if you want results. Those stipulations may sound rigid but it’s actually good to take some self-discipline.
Someone in the group asked about dealing with high emotions. My answer was to read chapter 6, which is all about tempering highs and lows.
May the Source be with you!
1 km
Radha Govinda Jhulan Yatra Mahaotsava takes place in the month of Sravana from Ekadashi till Baralama Purnima. Radha Govinda are deities of abideya or the process of devotional service. The festival is a special opportunity for the devotees to render some personal service to Them. Service is the medium to express our love for the Lord. This […]
The post Swing Festival in Full Swing! appeared first on ISKCON News.
Radha Govinda Jhulan Yatra Mahaotsava takes place in the month of Sravana from Ekadashi till Baralama Purnima. Radha Govinda are deities of abideya or the process of devotional service. The festival is a special opportunity for the devotees to render some personal service to Them. Service is the medium to express our love for the Lord. This festival is similar to Ratha Yatra where the Deities come down from the altar to receive service from everyone.
Source: NIMAINITAI Lord Balaram’s Pot Breaking Contest during Sri Sri Radha Madhava’s Jhulan Yatra Festival Video editing, rendering by Shyamsundar dasa.
The post Lord Balaram’s Pot Breaking Contest during Sri Sri Radha Madhava’s Jhulan Yatra Festival appeared first on ISKCON News.
Source: NIMAINITAI
Lord Balaram's Pot Breaking Contest during Sri Sri Radha Madhava's Jhulan Yatra Festival Video editing, rendering by Shyamsundar dasa.
On this date in 1965, at the age of sixty-nine, Srila Prabhupada left India on a steamship bound for the United States, with the intention of bringing the teachings of Krishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to the English-speaking world. With him was a trunk full of his translations and commentary on the First Canto of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, and about forty rupees in cash. […]
The post Srila Prabhupada departs for the USA, 1965 appeared first on ISKCON News.
On this date in 1965, at the age of sixty-nine, Srila Prabhupada left India on a steamship bound for the United States, with the intention of bringing the teachings of Krishna and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to the English-speaking world. With him was a trunk full of his translations and commentary on the First Canto of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, and about forty rupees in cash.
Source: HH Bhakti Charu Swami Balaram Appearance Day | HH #BhaktiCharuSwami | 20-08-2013
The post Lord Balaram Appearance Day | Bhakti Charu Swami appeared first on ISKCON News.