This video of HG Jananivas Prabhu was made in 2020 in preparation for the planned installation of the new Prabhupada murti in the TOVP in February of this year. Due the pandemic, the installation was rescheduled for October this year, but again has been postponed to 2022.
Instead, we are observing a Grand Welcome Ceremony to greet His Divine Grace to the TOVP on October 14 & 15. The video still reflects the mood we are trying to maintain with the Prabhupada Is Coming! theme, and the planned abhishekas will still be performed at the Welcome Ceremony.
This video of HG Pankajanghri Prabhu was made in 2020 in preparation for the planned installation of the new Prabhupada murti in the TOVP in February of this year. Due the pandemic, the installation was rescheduled for October this year, but again has been postponed to 2022.
Instead, we are observing a Grand Welcome Ceremony to greet His Divine Grace to the TOVP on October 14 & 15. The video still reflects the mood we are trying to maintain with the Prabhupada Is Coming! theme, and the planned abhishekas will still be performed at the Welcome Ceremony.
“Don’t let any opportunities go by! What if you are missing out in life? You may never get that opportunity again!” This is a common worldview, whereby this life is all there is considered to be. There is nothing after it and everything that you want to possibly experience has to be experienced in this one little life. Time is moving and you have to be quick. And that creates anxiety. You now have choices to make, and they better be the right ones because if you make the wrong choice, then, you may spoil your whole life. Midlife crisis, what is it about? It is simply the approach of old age and the approach of losing it. “Help me, I am going to lose the chance to enjoy!” Midlife crisis, “Let me enjoy now before it is too late!” America is an interesting country because there, even old people are trying to be young. They act as if they are young but there is no such thing. It is more like a mature European thing. People nowadays dress like they are young and they do all the things they used to do when they were young. They do not know how to relate to it. But yes at seventy, it is still young. (laughter). At eighty, still going strong. But that also does not work. I am experiencing that myself. That does not work since we go from being young to being totally incapacitated. Yesterday, we were on the bicycle and then the next day we are in the wheelchair. There is nothing in between. So, spiritual life is about realism.
Hare Krishna dear devotees, Please accept our humble obeisances.All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Re: Health update of H.H.Bhakti Chaitanya Swami Maharaj Maharaj had a Doppler ultrasound today which showed that he has Deep Vein Thrombosis(DVT) of his left lower limb (blood clots in the veins of the lower limbs). There are various contributing factors. The […]
ISKCON’s annual “MAN-tra Retreat” is coming to your computer screen in mid-November. The theme of this year’s virtual event is The Hero’s Journey! Men, 18 years of age and older, are invited to transform their lives by participating in this unique event. You are the hero and your journey is distinct and extraordinary. The […]
A new code defines expectations for all devotees. After two years of research, writing, and debate, the GBC recently ratified and voted into ISKCON law a Code of Ethical Behavior. We spoke with the Code’s author, Yogesvara dasa, about the background to the Code and what changes he hopes to see in Srila Prabhupada’s movement […]
It’s not always easy to find rock music that tackles spiritual themes, much less Krishna conscious ones. But Australian alternative funk rock band Supersoul does just that, wrapping deep philosophical concepts in funky rhythm sections, soaring harmonies and ripping guitar solos. Hailing from ISKCON New Govardhana in Murwillumbah, the band consists of four devotees, all […]
The long-awaited new book, “Yamuna Devi: The Study of Seva-Puja,” is here. The work presents and expands upon the original “Deity Book,” a parchment-paged binder about deity worship and dress which Yamuna Devi, a much-loved ISKCON pioneer, and early Prabhupada disciple, created and brought with her to each ashram she resided in. Guests frequently asked […]
“The soul is dyed the color of its thoughts. Think only on those things that are in line with your principles and can bear the light of day. The content of your character is your choice. Day by day, what you do is who you become. Your integrity is your destiny.” -Heraclitus Every moment I make […]
His Grace Rohinipriya Prabhu is a BACHELOR in MEDICINE & a BACHELOR in SURGERY (M.B.B.S) from BYRAMJEE JEEJEEBHOY GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE AND SASSOON GENERAL HOSPITALS (B.J.M.C), PUNE, INDIA. In the early 90s, he came in contact with ISKCON and consequently, joined the ISKCON Pune temple as a fulltime brahmacari. In 1995, he moved to ISKCON Chowpatty, Mumbai, India. He served as the Director of ISKCON YOUTH FORUM (IYF), ISKCON Chowpatty for many years. Then, he served as a Temple Management Committee(TMC) Member at ISKCON Chowpatty. He also served as a Member of the Committee for Spiritual Vision(CSV) at ISKCON Chowpatty. From 1996, he started travelling to Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India, in addition to his services in Mumbai. He fills the lives of people with the joy of Krishna Consciousness, by his practical, mesmerising, scriptural discourses. He also counsels & guides many people, specially, the youth. He currently serves as the General Manager at ISKCON Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. Under his able guidance ISKCON Aurangabad is a dynamic and flourishing offering & tribute to Srila Prabhupada’s legacy and glory.
He visits North America regularly, especially, the USA & Canada and shares the message of the Bhagavad Gita & the Srimad Bhagavatam. He, also, travels worldwide for serving the people of all denominations. He has been actively distributing the message of the Bhagavad Gita to 1000s of Engineering & Medical students and other professionals all over India. He is an inspiration to many professionals & youth all over the world. He presents the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita & the Shrimad Bhagavatam in a very attractive, eloquent and practical manner.
This is the third Sampradaya Acharya video, by Pujya Shri Shri Vishwaprasanna Tirtha Sri Padru of the Madhva Sampradaya. Vishwaprasanna Teertha was born on March 3, 1964 at Pakshikere, Haleyangady. He is the successor of Vishwesha Teertha and is 34th in the lineage of the Pejavara Mutt, starting from Sri Adhokshaja Tirtharu, who was one of the direct disciples of Sri Madhvacharya.
Vaishnavism is not a new religion or recently invented philosophy. It is actually the oldest religion and philosophy of all, and even more so, it is the eternal function of the jiva in relation to the Supreme Lord, sanatan dharma. That function is loving devotional service in one of five primary relationships, neutrality, servitorship, friendship, parental affection and conjugal love.
This transcendental knowledge, sambandha jnana, has been carried throughout time from guru to disciple in the parampara disciplic succession by four main Vaishnava sampradayas, Sri (Lakshmi), Brahma, Rudra and Kumaras. Within the last 5,000 years these are represented respectively by Ramanuja, Madhvacharya, Visnuswami and Nimbarkacharya.
There are four sects of worshipful devotees of the Lord, and the chief amongst them are the Brahma-sampradaya, Rudra-sampradaya and Shr-sampradaya, descending directly from Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and the goddess of fortune, Lakshmi, respectively. Besides the above-mentioned three sampradayas, there is the Kumara-sampradaya, descending from Sanat-kumara. All of the four original sampradayas are still scrupulously engaged in the transcendental service of the Lord up to date, and they all declare that Lord Kṛṣṇa, Mukunda, is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and no other personality is equal to Him or greater than Him.
Srila Prabhupada SB 1.18.21, Purport
That parampara should be followed. Evam parampara-praptam imam rajarshayo viduh (BG 4.2). If we want to understand really Vedic literature, then we must follow the parampara system. There are four sampradayas, parampara: the Ramanuja Sampradaya, Madhvacarya Sampradaya, Vishnu Svami Sampradaya, Nimbarka Sampradaya. So, we belong to the Madhvacarya Sampradaya.
Srila Prabhupada lecture on BG 13.8-12 — Bombay, 9/30/73
As Srila Prabhupada says, ISKCON is a branch of the Madhva Sampradaya, and specifically it is called the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Sampradaya coming from Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. And it should be clear that, while there are slight differences in the moods of worship, all four sampradayas affirm Krishna, Narayana and Vishnu as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and all jivas as His eternal servants.
Now, for the first time in ISKCON history and to honor the 125th Appearance Anniversary Year of Srila Prabhupada, the TOVP management is organizing a Sampradaya Samelan (discussion). On October 14, during the first day of the Welcome Ceremony of Srila Prabhupada’s new murti to the TOVP, a ZOOM call will ensue for this purpose, which will also be broadcast by Mayapur TV as part of the two-day welcome event. All four acharyas as well as other sampradaya representatives will participate in a panel discussion to talk about the state of Vaishnavism in the modern world, organized and monitored by His Grace Gauranga das.
We are very pleased and excited to present these four videos to all ISKCON members to commemorate Srila Prabhupada’s 125th Appearance Anniversary Year and his Grand Welcome Ceremony to the TOVP on October 14 & 15. With the above in mind, we hope our readers, recognizing the importance of this Samelan and these glorifications of Srila Prabhupada, will take this opportunity to sponsor an abhisheka of Prabhupada’s murti for this historic occasion. Visit the Welcome Ceremony page on the TOVP website for more information.
Read more about the content and schedule of the Sampradaya Samelan. It will be broadcast live on Mayapur TV during the October 14 ceremony.
This video of HH Bhakti Purushottama Swami was made in 2020 in preparation for the planned installation of the new Prabhupada murti in the TOVP in February of this year. Due the pandemic, the installation was rescheduled for October this year, but again has been postponed to 2022.
Instead, we are observing a Grand Welcome Ceremony to greet His Divine Grace to the TOVP on October 14 & 15. The video still reflects the mood we are trying to maintain with the Prabhupada Is Coming! theme, and the planned abhishekas will still be performed at the Welcome Ceremony.
For the first time in ISKCON history, and to honor the 125th Appearance Anniversary Year of Srila Prabhupada, the TOVP management is organizing an online Sampradaya Samelan (summit) that includes the head acharyas of the four Vaishnava sampradayas. On October 14, during the first day of the Welcome Ceremony of Srila Prabhupada’s new murti to […]
This video of HH Indradyumna Swami was made in 2020 in preparation for the planned installation of the new Prabhupada murti in the TOVP in February of this year. Due the pandemic, the installation was rescheduled for October this year, but again has been postponed to 2022.
Instead, we are observing a Grand Welcome Ceremony to greet His Divine Grace to the TOVP on October 14 & 15. The video still reflects the mood we are trying to maintain with the Prabhupada Is Coming! theme, and the planned abhishekas will still be performed at the Welcome Ceremony.
In the first Sampradaya Acharya video by Shri Cheena Jeeyer Swami, head of the Sri Sampradaya of Ramanujacharya, he stated that, “in recent history I could not think of anyone except A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada as the acharya of the modern times.”
This second video by Sri Dwarkesh Lal Ji Maharaj, Head of Shatha Peethadheesh of the Rudra Sampradaya in Baroda for the Pushtimarg, is an appreciation of Srila Prabhupada and his great accomplishments in promoting Vaishnavism worldwide. Please note that the video is spoken in Hindi.
From Wikipedia:
Pushtimarg (lit. ’the Path of Nourishing, Flourishing’), also known as Pushtimarg sampradaya or Vallabha sampradaya or Pushti Bhakti Sampraday, is a subtradition of Rudra Sampradaya (Vaishnavism). It was founded in the early 16th century by Vallabhacharya (1479–1531) and is focused on Krishna.[1][2] A bhakti (devotional) school, Pushtimarg was expanded by the descendants of Vallabhacharya, particularly Gusainji. Its values are derived from and its universal-love-themed devotional practices center around the legendary amorous plays of youthful Krishna, such as those found in the Bhagavata Purana and those related to Govardhana Hill.
Sri Dwarkesh Lal Ji Maharaj is the 14th Gadipati from Shrimad Vallabhacharya, enthroned at Shashthpeeth Vadodara.
Vaishnavism is not a new religion or recently invented philosophy. It is actually the oldest religion and philosophy of all, and even more so, it is the eternal function of the jiva in relation to the Supreme Lord, sanatan dharma. That function is loving devotional service in one of five primary relationships, neutrality, servitorship, friendship, parental affection and conjugal love.
This transcendental knowledge, sambandha jnana, has been carried throughout time from guru to disciple in the parampara disciplic succession by four main Vaishnava sampradayas, Sri (Lakshmi), Brahma, Rudra and Kumaras. Within the last 5,000 years these are represented respectively by Ramanuja, Madhvacharya, Visnuswami and Nimbarkacharya.
There are four sects of worshipful devotees of the Lord, and the chief amongst them are the Brahma-sampradaya, Rudra-sampradaya and Shr-sampradaya, descending directly from Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and the goddess of fortune, Lakshmi, respectively. Besides the above-mentioned three sampradayas, there is the Kumara-sampradaya, descending from Sanat-kumara. All of the four original sampradayas are still scrupulously engaged in the transcendental service of the Lord up to date, and they all declare that Lord Kṛṣṇa, Mukunda, is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and no other personality is equal to Him or greater than Him.
Srila Prabhupada SB 1.18.21, Purport
That parampara should be followed. Evam parampara-praptam imam rajarshayo viduh (BG 4.2). If we want to understand really Vedic literature, then we must follow the parampara system. There are four sampradayas, parampara: the Ramanuja Sampradaya, Madhvacarya Sampradaya, Vishnu Svami Sampradaya, Nimbarka Sampradaya. So, we belong to the Madhvacarya Sampradaya.
Srila Prabhupada lecture on BG 13.8-12 — Bombay, 9/30/73
As Srila Prabhupada says, ISKCON is a branch of the Madhva Sampradaya, and specifically it is called the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Sampradaya coming from Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. And it should be clear that, while there are slight differences in the moods of worship, all four sampradayas affirm Krishna, Narayana and Vishnu as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and all jivas as His eternal servants.
Now, for the first time in ISKCON history and to honor the 125th Appearance Anniversary Year of Srila Prabhupada, the TOVP management is organizing a Sampradaya Samelan (discussion). On October 14, during the first day of the Welcome Ceremony of Srila Prabhupada’s new murti to the TOVP, a ZOOM call will ensue for this purpose, which will also be broadcast by Mayapur TV as part of the two-day welcome event. All four acharyas as well as other sampradaya representatives will participate in a panel discussion to talk about the state of Vaishnavism in the modern world, organized and monitored by His Grace Gauranga das.
We are very pleased and excited to present these four videos to all ISKCON members to commemorate Srila Prabhupada’s 125th Appearance Anniversary Year and his Grand Welcome Ceremony to the TOVP on October 14 & 15. With the above in mind, we hope our readers, recognizing the importance of this Samelan and these glorifications of Srila Prabhupada, will take this opportunity to sponsor an abhisheka of Prabhupada’s murti for this historic occasion. Visit the Welcome Ceremony page on the TOVP website for more information.
Read more about the content and schedule of the Sampradaya Samelan. It will be broadcast live on Mayapur TV during the October 14 ceremony.
This video of HH Lokanath Swami was made in 2020 in preparation for the planned installation of the new Prabhupada murti in the TOVP in February of this year. Due the pandemic, the installation was rescheduled for October this year, but again has been postponed to 2022.
Instead, we are observing a Grand Welcome Ceremony to greet His Divine Grace to the TOVP on October 14 & 15. The video still reflects the mood we are trying to maintain with the Prabhupada Is Coming! theme, and the planned abhishekas will still be performed at the Welcome Ceremony.
On October 14 and 15 ISKCON devotees worldwide will celebrate and participate in the most auspicious and historic occasion of the Grand Welcome Ceremony of the new Prabhupada murti to the TOVP: Srila Prabhupada Vaibhava Darshan Utsava.
To commemorate Srila Prabhupada’s 125th Appearance Anniversary Year, we have invited His Divine Grace to reside in the TOVP and inspire and guide us in its completion and opening. From his room where he will be worshiped daily, he will be able to view all the construction activities from a private CCTV screen.
The TOVP festival management team has arranged for a wonderful two-day event consisting of kirtan melas, talks by ISKCON leaders and Prabhupada disciples, yajnas, a 5 item abhisheka ceremony, as well as the first-ever Sampradaya Samelan (summit) with representatives of the four Vaishnava Sampradayas. The complete schedule is now available to download and view below, and the entire program will be broadcast live on Mayapur TV and other social media platforms.
We also encourage our readers to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime event by sponsoring an abhisheka for Srila Prabhupada as part of our worldwide $1 million Guru Dakshina offering to His Divine Grace to help complete the temple.
A large group of devotees gathered in Dharamshala, a beautiful and refreshing city located on the slopes of the Dhauladhar mountains. This place boasts of being home to the Dalai Lama and the Tibetan government-in-exile. It is also one of the wettest places in the region. The atmosphere here is cool and pleasant for the most part of the year Continue reading "Report of Krsna Balaram Shobha yatra, Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh → Dandavats"
For the first time in ISKCON history, and to honor the 125th Appearance Anniversary Year of Srila Prabhupada, the TOVP management is organizing an online Sampradaya Samelan (summit) that includes the head acharyas of the four Vaishnava sampradayas.
On October 14, during the first day of the Welcome Ceremony of Srila Prabhupada’s new murti to the TOVP, a ZOOM call will ensue for this purpose and also be broadcast by Mayapur TV as part of the two-day welcome event. All four acharyas as well as other sampradaya representatives will participate in a panel discussion on the state of Vaishnavism in the modern world, organized and monitored by His Grace Gauranga das.
See the Summit Overview for schedule timings. The names and photos of all participants are below.
There are four sects of worshipful devotees of the Lord, and the chief amongst them are the Brahma-sampradaya, Rudra-sampradaya and Shri-sampradaya, descending directly from Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and the goddess of fortune, Lakshmi, respectively. Besides the above-mentioned three sampradayas, there is the Kumara-sampradaya, descending from Sanat-kumara. All of the four original sampradayas are still scrupulously engaged in the transcendental service of the Lord up to date, and they all declare that Lord Kṛṣṇa, Mukunda, is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and no other personality is equal to Him or greater than Him.
Srila Prabhupada SB 1.18.21, Purport
That parampara should be followed. Evam parampara-praptam imam rajarshayo viduh (BG 4.2). If we want to understand really Vedic literature, then we must follow the parampara system. There are four sampradayas, parampara: the Ramanuja Sampradaya, Madhvacarya Sampradaya, Vishnu Svami Sampradaya, Nimbarka Sampradaya. So, we belong to the Madhvacarya Sampradaya.
Srila Prabhupada lecture on BG 13.8-12 — Bombay, 9/30/73
Vaishnavism is not a new religion or recently invented philosophy. It is actually the oldest religion and philosophy of all, and even more so, it is the eternal function of the jiva in relation to the Supreme Lord, sanatana dharma. That function is loving devotional service in one of five primary relationships, neutrality, servitorship, friendship, parental affection and conjugal love.
This transcendental knowledge, sambandha jnana, has been carried throughout time from guru to disciple in the parampara disciplic succession by four main Vaishnava sampradayas, Sri (Lakshmi), Brahma, Rudra and Kumaras. Within the last 5,000 years these are represented respectively by Ramanuja, Madhvacharya, Visnuswami and Nimbarkacharya.
There are four sects of worshipful devotees of the Lord, and the chief amongst them are the Brahma-sampradaya, Rudra-sampradaya and Shr-sampradaya, descending directly from Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva and the goddess of fortune, Lakshmi, respectively. Besides the above-mentioned three sampradayas, there is the Kumara-sampradaya, descending from Sanat-kumara. All of the four original sampradayas are still scrupulously engaged in the transcendental service of the Lord up to date, and they all declare that Lord Kṛṣṇa, Mukunda, is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and no other personality is equal to Him or greater than Him.
Srila Prabhupada SB 1.18.21, Purport
That parampara should be followed. Evam parampara-praptam imam rajarshayo viduh (BG 4.2). If we want to understand really Vedic literature, then we must follow the parampara system. There are four sampradayas, parampara: the Ramanuja Sampradaya, Madhvacarya Sampradaya, Vishnu Svami Sampradaya, Nimbarka Sampradaya. So, we belong to the Madhvacarya Sampradaya.
Srila Prabhupada lecture on BG 13.8-12 — Bombay, 9/30/73
As Srila Prabhupada says, ISKCON is a branch of the Madhva Sampradaya, and specifically from Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. And it should be clear that, while there are slight differences in the moods of worship, all four sampradayas affirm Krishna, Narayana and Vishnu as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and all jivas as His eternal servants.
Now, for the first time in ISKCON history and to honor the 125th Appearance Anniversary Year of Srila Prabhupada, the TOVP management is organizing a Sampradaya Samelan (discussion). On October 14, during the first day of the Welcome Ceremony of Srila Prabhupada’s new murti to the TOVP, a ZOOM call will ensue for this purpose, which will also be broadcast by Mayapur TV as part of the two-day welcome event. All four acharyas as well as other sampradaya representatives will participate in a panel discussion to talk about the state of Vaishnavism in the modern world, organized and monitored by His Grace Gauranga das.
This video by Shri Cheena Jeeyer Swami, head of the Sri Sampradaya of Ramanujacharya is the first of four by the current acharyas of the four sampradayas in which Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON and the TOVP are glorified. The Maharaja is quoted saying:
“In the past we had Sankaracharya. Then we had Ramanujacharya. In recent times I could not think of anyone except A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada as the acharya of these modern times.”
From Wikipedia:
Chinna Jeeyar (born 3 November 1956) is an Indian ascetic known for his spiritual discourses on Sri Vaishnavism. He subscribes to Thenkalai tradition of Sri Vaishnavism. He operates spiritual centers in the US. He is the designer and planner of the Statue of Equality, a statue dedicated to Ramanuja, in Hyderabad, India.
Jeeyar was trained in the Vaishnava tradition. At the age of 23 he took the oath to become an ascetic. He has been visiting the United States since 1994, where he taught a large number of people. He has also visited London, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Canada, where he performed Yagnas.
We are very pleased and excited to present these four videos to all ISKCON members to commemorate Srila Prabhupada’s 125th Appearance Anniversary Year and his Grand Welcome Ceremony to the TOVP on October 14 & 15. With the above in mind, we hope our readers, recognizing the importance of this Samelan and these glorifications of Srila Prabhupada, will take this opportunity to sponsor an abhisheka of Prabhupada’s murti for this historic occasion. Visit the Welcome Ceremony page on the TOVP website for more information.
Read more about the content and schedule of the Sampradaya Samelan. It will be broadcast live on Mayapur TV during the October 14 ceremony.
This video of HH Jayapataka Swami was made in 2020 in preparation for the planned installation of the new Prabhupada murti in the TOVP in February of this year. Due the pandemic, the installation was rescheduled for October this year, but again has been postponed to 2022.
Instead, we are observing a Grand Welcome Ceremony to greet His Divine Grace to the TOVP on October 14 & 15. The video still reflects the mood we are trying to maintain with the Prabhupada Is Coming! theme, and the planned abhishekas will still be performed at the Welcome Ceremony. Hare Krishna!
The bittersweet aesthetic of “My Sweet Lord” touched the hearts of millions. Love in separation is one of many aesthetic qualities in Vaishnava theology, and some of these qualities are illustrated in George’s other lyrics. In making observations about George’s songs, I am not arguing that he attained the highest states of bhakti, nor do I want to pass judgment on anyone. George was seriously spiritual-minded. The Vaishnava journey to Krishna, in progressive stages of love, is reflected in his songs. He struggled in life, found some balance, and never departed from his convictions. Westerners especially can easily learn something about the theology of bhakti as George expressed it. Continue reading "The Vaishnava Path in George Harrison’s Songs → Dandavats"
🎊🌟🍁 ISKCON Mayapur Presents First Ever Kathik Puri Yatra 🍁🌟🎊 We are very happy to formally announce and invite you to the very first ever Kartik Puri Yatra that will take place from 29th-31 Oct 2021. Its a 3 days of pure immersion in Jagannatha consciousness in the auspicious month of Kartik. You will have […]
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once wrote “The soul that sees beauty may sometimes walk alone.”
I see beauty in quiet and being solo can calm me down. It brings out the best in me. I believe also in more walking/less squawking.
There was an awesome number of people in the park today. Lots of activity. Picnics. Soccer balls chased by young boys and dogs. Basket ball hoops busy and guys dribbling, making popcorn sounds. Whatever happened to baseball? There’s a baseball diamond but that’s empty. Elderly folks are out catching the sun as they go at steady, slow pacing. The tennis court is full while the dog park area is full of running canines. Lots of motion, no commotion.
Everyone seems happy. No bickering.
That’s what parks are supposed to do – calm the passion in you. They are doing their dharma, duty.
I’m walking through this and feeling quite at home. I’m a monk and different in life-style, but I’m also one with this human fun. I see these folks, young and old, just moments, seconds away from the sport of kirtan. Simply the God-Presence needs inserting. What will it take to bring the more joyful aspect of Krishna in this green space? No, I really wouldn’t want to impose. For now, I’m content to walk through all this joy and let people get used to and love a monk and appreciate what he stands for.
Once a week I get to see godbrothers (go bros for short) and godsisters (I prefer no abbreviation here) on Zoom. These souls I have the greatest reverence towards. Many of them are pioneers of Krishna Consciousness. That makes them very special.
This call occurs every Wednesday. To me it’s administration day because the discussion involves amazing challenges that they take on. At least in my context of thought I perceive them as heroes because they tackle some overwhelming issues at times. You can say It’s dirty work. They discuss and plan through incredible hurdles.
Their age? Many of them are in their seventies so they are not the most photogenic looking folks but they possess beautiful hearts. They are a blessing, being children of the guru, Prabhupada, either through diksha or shiksa; initiation or being a good student respectively, or both.
What brings people to such an illustrious status is their great ability to share ideas, to listen to other’s ideas, come to a decision and consensus and then implement.
Although I’m part of the group, I cannot claim to be on their level of intelligence or surrender. I became part of the team by luck, by chance, by mercy. I am fortunate to be the observer of great minds coming together.
One of our members expressed an apprehension about cleaning but my argument on the point goes like this: “Our whole culture is about cleaning, whether it be the heart, your temple, your house or your car. As Vaishnavas we spend, or should spend, at least a small portion of our day in cleansing.” In the context of a traditional ashramor mandir (temple), cleansing becomes a major component. Monks give considerable time to clearing and cleaning, even if it means the backyard and front yard.
And why not do it?
Look at the marvelous workout it provides. Look at the outstanding therapy it offers. So, from the standpoint of body, mind, and spirit; cleaning, purging, ablution, washing, dusting, sanitizing and sterilizing are a big part of claiming success in life.
Our guru, Prabhupada, used to say that his guru (Bhaktisiddhanta) would have new monks wash pots. (That’s what I did yesterday due to shortage of staff. I loved it.)
There is nothing lighter and brighter to life than getting rid of clutter. Clutter, chaos and crap are easy to have fall in place, but it takes strong will and intent to remove that which blocks the way.
I recall, on my first Canada walk, a trucker carrying logs had lost control and the timber was strewn all over that portion of the TransCanada Highway. So I, and others (motorists), pushed them to the side so traffic could flow again.
I would like to bring to your attention the story of Chaitanya and his cleaning ecstasy program.
By Aseem Krsna Das
By Premanjana Das
By Gauri Dasa
