Wednesday, April 13, 2021
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Ramsden Park, Toronto

 

Things to Ponder and Do

 

I would devote the day in my service to guru’s mission with a stride in the park. It was dark and some young men from the neighborhood just completed shooting basketball. I was on a bench fingering on my meditation beads and, as they walked by, they very respectfully nodded or made remarks such as, “Hi!” Or “Good night!” I was impressed. Decent people do exist.

 

In one conversation with a member of our community he expressed that people are having it tough, even amongst the devotional types, being so constrained in movement; restricted in activity. Aindra is from Oakville and he and I came up with a list of things people can do even amidst Covid concerns. While honoring distancing and masking where applicable we suggest:

 

1) Walking in a safe area

2) Birding (explore the world of birds as spring is the best time)

3) Get a pet (and take good care of it)

4) Observe and study your trees

5) Call a friend and make it a supportive talk

6) Be active and clean in and around the house

7) Plan a picnic (by water if possible)

8) Overall: Keep busy

9) etc.

 

Some devotees are hearing are delivering classes on Zoom. Some remark that it is sometimes an overkill. My response is to balance your bhaktiwith nature, people and practical responsibilities. Sit in the sunshine (which I also did today) and see it as Krishna.

 

Personally, I am missing my travels abroad but I try to buckle down with local obligations. I was sent a photo from our youth group in Mauritius when we staged our drama, “Gods and Demons.” it was so enjoyable, so bonding. The parents were so supportive. We performed two years ago.

 

May the Source be with you!

1 km


 

 

Tuesday, April 13, 2021
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Room at 243, Toronto

 

The Right Colour

 

Yes, I was in the room, but less than the last few days. I took to the park and, of course, to a bench, for serene chanting on my beads. I stopped abruptly because someone paid me a visit.

 

He was wearing my colour, at least his top was that soft but rusty orange. He hung around and kept staring at me, very curious. Don’t be mistaken, it wasn’t a human. With that silent stare I would consider him a lunatic if he was human. It was a bird, a Robin, a sure sign of spring. He was pecking away at the earth. When I pulled out my phone camera it looked as if he was posing. He was a beaut. He came quite close and halted his looking for a worm.

 

It was nice to have him around. He would get feisty, jump around, fly a distance and then return. I’ve noticed that type of behavior in birds. Robins are the kind to get fairly friendly, if not close. Black capped chickadees are about the most amiable. They will come and perch on your outstretched hand. Red winged blackbirds are territorial and can be aggressive if you’re anywhere near their nesting area.

 

In general birds are great; a great gift from Krishna. What would the world be like without their sight and sound? Quite empty.

 

This really is the time of year when you see the greatest variety of them and when they are visible with trees not yet full with leaves. Explore them and you’ll increase your appreciation of the creator. I’ m also appreciative of my new friend whom I like for his sound and colour.

 

May the Source be with you!

0 km


 

Monday, April 12, 2021
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Room at 243, Toronto

 

Walked and Read and Prayed

 

I walked around the block. It was a great victory going at it — three times in one day. Well-masked in the temple room, which I hadn’t visited in days, I offered my respects to the deities of Krishna. I sat down and read from the purport of the book, Bhagavatam: Canto 11, chapter 2, text 54. It was beautiful; worth sharing.

 

“When the moon rises, the expansion of its rays drives away the distress of the sun’s fierce heat. Similarly, the cooling rays emanating from the lotus nails of the Personality of Godhead’s lotus feet vanquish all distress for the Lord’s pure devotee. According to the Vaiṣṇava commentators it is to be understood from this verse that material lust, exemplified by uncontrolled sexual desire, is exactly like a blazing fire. The flames of this fire burn to ashes the peace and happiness of the conditioned soul, who perpetually wanders in 8,400,000 species of life, vainly struggling to extinguish this intolerable fire. The pure devotees of the Lord place the Lord’s cooling, jewellike lotus feet within their hearts, and thus all of the pain and suffering of material existence are extinguished.…The word uru-vikramanghriindicates that the Lord’s lotus his feet are quite heroic.”

 

That’s beautiful!

 

I wanted to ask you all a favour. My friend, Ajamil, A Bengali singer, has been hard hit with COVID-19. Pray for him. Although as of this morning he’s doing better with his lungs and breathing is improved, he still has a way to go to get normal again.

 

Hare Krishna!

 

May the Source be with you!

0 km


 

 

Sunday, April 11, 2021
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Room at 243, Toronto

 

11:59

 

11:59 PM was the exact time I was able to come out of isolation. So, at this time, as Monday mellowed down, I opened the door, descend the indoor stairs, then the outdoor steps to get to the street level on Roxsborough. Of course, it was a liberating feeling after almost three weeks of isolation.

 

I enjoyed the peace. Some plants are abloom. Trees are budding. Winter chill is behind me. I can’t wait to see the daytime and see it all up close.

 

Yesterday I watched with envy one of our devotees, a family man, Mahabhagavat, reach our temple steps after a four and a half hour walk from his home, “It took a little longer than usual because I had him with me,” as he was pointing to his seven-year-old (my guess).  I was proud of both of them. Heroes for sure.

 

Today I spoke of the heroism of Ram. On a Zoom call, with a Boston Krishna group, we relayed the tales of Ram. I couldn’t resist reading, “Ram,” my poem. I quoted from Canto 9 of the book, Bhagavatam. We touched on the part where Ram becomes liberated from the fourteen year exile. He was homeward-bound to Ayodya after defeating the villain Ravana.

 

Of course, we understand Ram is not a conditioned person, not human, but superhuman; free from worldly issues. He’s God, essentially.

 

May the source be with you!

0 km


 

[Interview] with His Grace Radheyshyam Prabhu: Books are the Basis (video)
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“Regarding my books, everyone should read. I am also reading. Everyone should be engaged 24 hours. That is the sum and substance. How much you should read and how much you should do other types of service, that has to be decided by each individual devotee.” Srila Prabhupada Letter to Govardhana -- Mexico City, 15 February 1975

Read More...

(This post has been viewed 330 times so far)

RAM – A Poem (video)
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By Bhaktimarga Swami

Fourteen thousand aggressive ogres assail, adding aggravation Ram single-handedly put their lives to completion The ogress reaches her cannibal king, Ravan, to petition In revenge, this ten-headed villain uses trickery and hoax A mystic becomes a golden deer who goes to coax Fair Sita away from the guard of her husband Ravan's plot triumphs, stealing Sita, Ram's diamond To Isle Lanka he flies with captive Sita by his side Devastated is Ram with his love companion denied Continue reading "RAM – A Poem (video)
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A transcendental virtual journey into Lord Rama’s pastimes (video)
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By GBC SPT

The glories of Pancavati-tirtha at Nashik are enumerated in Valmiki's Ramayana in the Aranya-kanda and in Sri Garga Samhita, “Twice as sacred as the mud of the Ganga is the dust of Citrakuta. Ten times more sacred than that is the dust of Pancavati-tirtha”. Lord Balarama and Lord Nityananda came to this place and visited all of the Tirthas. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu during His South Indian tour also came here to Panchavati, Nashik and He went along the river Godavari back eastwards. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu did wonderful kirtan, chanting, dancing, transforming everyone into Krishna prema while He was here, visiting all the holy places. The footprints of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu are in the Balaji Temple near Rama Kunda. ISKCON has a beautiful centre here. Continue reading "A transcendental virtual journey into Lord Rama’s pastimes (video)
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How should we respond when sacred characters from our tradition are criticized?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

For example, a politician-lawyer recently criticized Lord Rama as being a lousy husband for abandoning Sita. We also know that they wouldn’t dare to criticize characters of other religions like this? Is it our weakness due to which they are getting away with such criticism?

Answer Podcast

Answer Podcast Hindi

 

Transcription: Sri Amit Agrawal and Smt Nidhi Agrawal (Noida)

प्रश्न – जब हमारे धर्म के पवित्र चरित्रों की आलोचना की जाती है, तो हमें कैसे उत्तर देना चाहिए?

उत्तर – हाल ही में एक वकील ने भगवान राम को अनैतिक बताया क्योंकि उन्होंने सीता माता का त्याग किया था। हमें ऐसे लोगों की अशिष्टता पर बहुत क्रोध आता है। हम यह भी जानते हैं कि ऐसे लोग अन्य धर्म के किसी व्यक्ति, गुरु या भगवान की आलोचना करने की हिम्मत नहीं करते। तो क्या अपने धर्म के पवित्र चरित्रों की आलोचना सुनना हमारी कमजोरी है?

ऐसा बिल्कुल भी नहीं है।

आजकल लोग अपने धर्मों के प्रति कट्टर हो गए हैं, और इस कट्टरता का कारण है अन्यों और अपने धर्म के बीच के अंतर के प्रति असहिष्णुता। कुछ व्यक्ति ऐसे है जों हिंसा द्वारा अपने धर्म के प्रति की गई आलोचना को दबा देते हैं किन्तु यह समस्या का झूठा और बनावटी हल है। ऐसी प्रतिक्रिया अकसर ऐसे व्यक्तियों द्वारा की जाती है जो कट्टरतावादी होते हैं। वर्तमान समय में ऐसे कट्टरतावादी धर्मों को आदर नहीं मिलता। लोग खुले रूप में नहीं तो गुप्त रूप से ऐसे धर्मों की निंदा करते हैं। बुद्धिमान और सुसंस्कृत लोग ऐसे धर्मों से किनारा करने लगते हैं।

इसके विपरीत कृष्णभावनामृत एक ऐसी विचारधारा है जो अन्य धर्मों की विचारधाराओं का आदर करती है। इसकी विचारधारा में कट्टरतावाद के लिए बिल्कुल कोई स्थान नहीं है। यह न केवल एक विचारधारा है बल्कि एक व्यापक वैश्विक दृष्टिकोण है जो अन्य विचारधारओं को अलग-अलग स्तरों पर अपने अंदर समायोजित करती है। कृष्णभावनामृत के अनुसार अन्य धर्म भी लोगों की चेतना को निचले स्तर से उठाकर ऊपर की ओर ले जा सकते हैं, अतः अन्य धर्म भी लोगों के जीवन को सुखमय बनाने में अपना बहुमूल्य योगदान कर सकते हैं।

भगवान की निंदा सुनना हमारे सिद्धांतों के विरुद्ध है पर यदि कभी ऐसी परिस्थिति उत्पन्न हो जाए तब तीन विकल्प हैं –
(i) निंदा या आलोचना करने वाले की जिह्वा काट लें
(ii) आत्महत्या
(iii) अथवा वहाँ से चले जाऐं।

पहला विकल्प प्रतीकात्मक (symbolic) है। यहाँ जिह्वा काटने को अक्षरशः नहीं लेना है। यहाँ जिह्वा काटने का अर्थ है अपने तर्कों द्वारा निंदा करने वाले को अनुत्तर करना। आलोचना हमें प्रेरित करती है कि हम अपने शास्त्रों की गहराई में जाएं और उन्हें बेहतर समझें। कलियुग में आलोचना स्वाभाविक है। आलोचना होने पर एक विवाद का वातावरण बनता है और ऐसे में सामान्य जन जिज्ञासु हो जाते हैं। अतः हमें आलोचना को एक अवसर के रूप में देखना चाहिए। अपनी संस्कृति को गहराई से समझकर बुद्धिमत्ता एवं संवेदनशीलता के साथ उसे लोगों के साथ बाँटें।

दूसरे विकल्प का उदाहरण देवी सती हैं। इन्होनें अपने पति भगवान शिव की आलोचना सुनकर आत्महत्या कर ली थी जिसके कारण काफी उत्पात मचा था। किन्तु यह विकल्प एक अत्यंत कड़ा कदम है जिसका परामर्श नहीं दिया जा सकता।
तीसरा विकल्प यह है कि हमारे पास यदि तर्क करने के लिए पर्याप्त धैर्य, ज्ञान और बुद्धि नहीं है तो हमें उस स्थान को छोड़कर चले जाना चाहिए जहाँ इस प्रकार निंदा हो रही हो।

जब आक्रामकता होती है तो उसका परिणाम विनाशकारी होता है। उदाहरण के लिए दक्ष के यज्ञ के समय जब शिव की निंदा की गई थी तो शिव भक्तों के लिए अपने गुरु की निंदा सुनना गुरु अपराध था। उनका श्राप देना स्वाभाविक था, परंतु उसका परिणाम भी विनाशकारी हुआ।

जब राधानाथ महाराज से यह प्रश्न पूछा गया कि दक्ष के यज्ञ का परिणाम विनाशकारी था तो इसका उत्तरदायी कौन था? किसने गलत किया? और क्या गलत किया? उत्तर में महाराज ने कहा कि दक्ष प्रजापति का व्यवहार एकदम अनैतिक था। सिद्धांत तो यह है कि हमें निंदा नहीं सुननी चाहिए। पर वास्तव में हमारी प्रतिक्रिया ऐसी होनी चाहिए जिससे परिस्थितियां सुधरें हो न कि बिगड़ें।

निंदा के विरोध के जो तीन नियम हैं वे पत्थर की लकीर नहीं है। जब गलत विचारों का प्रचार होता है तो उनका विरोध होना चाहिए। यदि ऐसे विचारों का विरोध न हो तो इससे समाज में भ्रांतियाँ बढ़ती हैं। कई बार सही उत्तर मिलने पर आलोचना करने वाला व्यक्ति स्वयं को सुधार भी सकता है।

कई बार जब हम आलोचना का सही ढंग से प्रतिकार न कर पाऐं तो हमें ऐसे में वहाँ से चले जाना चाहिए। श्रील प्रभुपाद का उदाहरण यहाँ दिया जा सकता है। किसी ईसाई प्रोफेसर ने एक बार कर्म के र्सिद्धांत की आलोचना करते हुए कहा कि इस बात का कौन साक्षी है कि किसने क्या कर्म किए। प्रभुपादजी इसका उत्तर जानते थे (कि परमात्मा सभी कर्मों के साक्षी हैं) परन्तु प्रभुपादजी ने इसका उत्तर नहीं दिया। तो क्या प्रभुपाद जी ने वैदिक धर्म का पालन नही किया?

प्रभुपाद जी एक विद्यार्थी के रूप में वहाँ बैठे थे। ऐसी परिस्थिति में बोलना शिष्टाचार का उल्लंघन होता। इसलिए वे शांत बैठे रहे और सुनते रहे। इसके बाद उन्होंने अपने द्वारा लिखित पुस्तकों द्वारा प्रोफ़ेसर की बात का विरोध किया।

सारांश में, एक भक्त होने के नाते हमें आलोचना होने पर क्रोध आएगा और दुख भी होगा। पर हमें हिंसक नहीं होना चाहिए बल्कि ऐसी बातों को अवसर मानकर अपनी संस्कृति को और गहराई से जानना चाहिए और अन्यों के साथ बाँटना चाहिए जिनकी जिज्ञासा ऐसी परिस्थितियों में बढ़ जाती है।

End of transcription.

ISKCON Scarborough – Virtual multimedia class – HG Dravida das – Sunday 18th April 2021 – 11 am to 12 noon- Prayers in Krsna Consciousness – part 2
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!

Please accept our humble obeisances!

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!


Date: 18th April 2021

Day: Sunday

Time: 11 am to 12 noon

Topic: Prayers in Krsna Consciousness - part 2

Speaker: H.G. Dravida das


Link to join the class from your desktop or laptop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9150790510?pwd=Wk5GYXVRMkJmdk84MzZJRXBKYUgwUT09 


H.G. Dravida das

A disciple of Srila Prabhupada, Dravida dasa joined ISKCON in 1973 and has served as an editor and proof-reader for the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust for over 45 years. From 1983 to 1989 he was part of the team that completed Srila Prabhupada’s magnum opus: a commentated English translation of India's jewel of Vedic wisdom, the 18,000-verse Srimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana). He also helped produce the revised editions of Srila Prabhupada’s Isopanisad, Krsna Book, Caitanya-Caritamrta, and Teachings of Lord Caitanya, and he is part of the team that produces Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa-puja book every year. In addition to his editing work, he teaches Bhakti Yoga classes at ISKCON’s San Diego temple and other centres in North America.


Throughout all this immersion in transcendental literature, Dravida Dasa developed a love of the Sanskrit language, and especially the elaborate verses of the Bhagavatam and other works of bhakti literature.


His devotion and expertise in chanting form a marvellous combination. He has a been Brahmacari throughout his devotional career.


ISKCON Scarborough

3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,

Scarborough, Ontario,

Canada, M1V4C7

Website: www.iskconscarborough.org

Email:

iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

scarboroughiskcon@gmail.com

Gita Nagari Eco Farm & Sanctuary
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New video-project filmed for Gita Nagari Farm. Oriented for students from colleges and universities around the East Coast. Gita Nagari EcoFarm and Sanctuary provides a safe platform for team build among the students during alternative breaks. High fives to Rana Mohamed Kate Sweeney & Helen Mendenhall from Penn State for sharing their experience for this […]

The post Gita Nagari Eco Farm & Sanctuary appeared first on ISKCON News.

Loving the Body of God
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The Srimad Bhagavatam depicts the universe as the body of God. “This vast universe is distinctly the body of the Supreme: all matter; all energy; all phenomena of past, present, and future.”[1] Outer space constitutes His eye sockets, these scriptures say. The power of sight constitutes His eyes. The mountains are the stacks of His […]

The post Loving the Body of God appeared first on ISKCON News.

Ramanujacharya – A Powerful Acharya (video)
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By Sri Radha Govinda dasi

In the year 1017 A.D. Sripad Ramanujacarya, a partial incarnation of Lord Ananta Shesha and Laxman appeared on the ‘sasthi’, sixth lunar mansion of the light fortnight in the month of Chaitra, (April-May). He made his appearance in South India, Tundiradesha, at Sriperumbudur, about half way between Kancipuram and Madras. His fathers’ name was Asuri Keshava Somayaji, also known as Sarvakratu Diksitar, who it is believed was either an advaitin, or a smarta. His mother was Kantimati, the grand daughter of the great Vaisnavacarya Yamunacarya. Continue reading "Ramanujacharya – A Powerful Acharya (video)
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Krishna Conscious Agriculture
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Source: Nava Vraja-dhama Krishna Valley is the largest and most well organized ecological community in Hungary, and of Central-Europe.  It has been established since 1993.  In our farm communities like Krishna Valley we offer an alternative toward a more sustainable, carefree, happy and peaceful future.   Krishna Valley’s 110 acres, which used to be pasture land for […]

The post Krishna Conscious Agriculture appeared first on ISKCON News.

The Real Mother Earth
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In honor of Earth Day, we would like to give respect and reverence to Mother Earth, Goddess Bhumi Devi. The following is an article written by HG Hare Krsna devi dasi for Back to Godhead.  From the Srimad-Bhagavatam we learn that the earth is controlled by the goddess Bhumi Devi, who sometimes takes on the form of […]

The post The Real Mother Earth appeared first on ISKCON News.

Why I Decided that Getting Vaccinated Against COVID-19 Was the Right Choice for Me
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Last month I received my second vaccination against Covid-19. Many advanced devotees have gotten vaccinated. Among others, Indradyumna Swami and B.B. Govinda Swami eloquently explained their decision to be vaccinated. You can read their personal statements here: https://iskconnews.org/why-i-decided-that-getting-vaccinated-against-covid-19-was-the-right-choice-for-me,7713/ https://iskconnews.org/why-i-decided-that-getting-vaccinated-was-the-right-choice-for-me,7728/ My conviction is the same as theirs. The preponderance of medical evidence favors vaccination. My body […]

The post Why I Decided that Getting Vaccinated Against COVID-19 Was the Right Choice for Me appeared first on ISKCON News.

Krishna Kids Keeps Young Children Entertained and Learning
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Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Andrea Suarez has been offering a much-needed service for devotee families – her Krishna Kids Youtube videos and Instagram page provide Krishna conscious stories, songs, and arts and crafts lessons that will keep young children entertained and learning. Andrea tells the story of Lord Nrismhadeva during her time teaching Sunday School […]

The post Krishna Kids Keeps Young Children Entertained and Learning appeared first on ISKCON News.

Bhadra Campaign Aims to Distribute 25,000 Bhagavatam Sets This Year
→ ISKCON News

The Bhadra Campaign, flooding the world with spiritual wisdom in the form of full sets of Srimad-Bhagavatam, keeps going from strength to strength. Launched in 2017, the campaign is inspired by the Srimad-Bhagavatam verse 12.13.13, which states, “If on the full moon day of the month of Bhadra one places Srimad-Bhagavatam on a golden throne […]

The post Bhadra Campaign Aims to Distribute 25,000 Bhagavatam Sets This Year appeared first on ISKCON News.

Srila Prabhupada Murti Installation Ceremony Planned for TOVP in October
→ ISKCON News

In honor of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, 125th appearance anniversary year, the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) plans to install in October, a one of kind worship-pose murti of Srila Prabhupada, thereby fulfilling his wishes to be personally present to see to it that the temple is built smoothly under his watchful […]

The post Srila Prabhupada Murti Installation Ceremony Planned for TOVP in October appeared first on ISKCON News.

News Brief: River Recognized as Legal Person
→ ISKCON News

For the first time, a river in the Canadian province of Quebec has been granted the designation of a “legal person” by the city council.  This initiative is part of a global movement – particularly active in New Zealand, the United States, and Ecuador – to recognize the rights of Nature. The Magpie River, (Muteshekau-shipu in the Innu language) […]

The post News Brief: River Recognized as Legal Person appeared first on ISKCON News.

ISKCON Latin America and Caribbean – Joint Kirtan Event – May 22nd
→ ISKCON News

ISKCON Latin America and the Caribbean would like to invite you to join them in a first-ever online kirtan event: “Nama Sankirtan.” The online event will take place all day on May 22nd.  In a dynamic effort to join together to glorify Srila Prabhupada and Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the devotees from Colombia, Peru, Panama, Mexico, Guyana, […]

The post ISKCON Latin America and Caribbean – Joint Kirtan Event – May 22nd appeared first on ISKCON News.

Earth Day, 2021: Virtual Events & Environmental Films
→ ISKCON News

Earth Day, 2021: Virtual Events & Environmental Films Earth Day is an annual worldwide event on April 22 to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First held on April 22, 1970, it now includes a wide range of events coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG (formerly Earth Day Network) including 1 billion people in more than 193 countries. This year, the […]

The post Earth Day, 2021: Virtual Events & Environmental Films appeared first on ISKCON News.

Meeting with Krsna in progress!
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 2 April 2021, Simhachalam, Germany, Zoom Disciple Meeting)

Japa meditation – Do not disturb. Personal meeting with Krsna in progress!

It is devotional service that is opening up the spiritual dimension for us. In devotional service, every activity we do here is in the material world however simultaneously it has eternal spiritual benefit, or one can say that it is simultaneously connecting us to Krsna. Not only is there eternal benefit, but Krsna Himself is giving us that benefit. Krsna is personally getting involved in our lives and reciprocating with us. So we make this effort and in return, Krsna gets deeply involved with us. Krsna is not typically involved directly with material conditioned souls, but He is certainly directly involved with His devotees, and isn’t that so nice! So the more we engage in devotional service, the more we can have these personal meetings with Krsna.

Check out the full lecture below on our YouTube channel:

The article " Meeting with Krsna in progress! " was published on KKSBlog.

Traveling Monk 2021-04-17 08:54:27
→ Traveling Monk

Dearest Srila Prabhupada: Once again I find myself sitting not far from you, just off to the right here, meditating on your transcendental form. I wanted to tell you that that is where I want to be forever. Forever serving your mission, wherever you are. Eternally.

Ramesvara dasa: Prabhupada, if the spiritual master has a mission, is it proper for the disciple to think that he can take many births to help the mission of the spiritual master?

Prabhupada: When the spiritual master goes there, somewhere, his nearest assistants, they automatically go there to assist him. When Kṛṣṇa comes, the demigods also come to help Him.That is there in the Srimad-Bhagavatam.

[ Srila Prabhupada morning walk conversation, New York, July 11, 1976 ]

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10219515131011863&set=a.3707173840886

TOVP Book of the Week #8
- TOVP.org

Return of the God Hypothesis: Three Scientific Discoveries That Reveal the Mind Behind the Universe

By Stephen C. Meyer

The New York Times bestselling author of Darwin’s Doubt and Intelligent Design scholar presents groundbreaking scientific evidence of the existence of God, based on breakthroughs in physics, cosmology, and biology. Meyer uses three scientific points to refute popular arguments put forward by the “New Atheists” against the existence of God:

  • The evidence from cosmology showing that the material universe had a beginning.
  • The evidence from physics showing that, from the beginning, the universe was been “finely tuned” to allow for the possibility of life.
  • The evidence from biology showing that since the universe came into being, large amounts of genetic information present in DNA must have arisen to make life possible.

Author: Stephen C. Meyer
Published: March 30, 2021
Book size: 576 pages
Formats: Kindle, Hardcover

 
BUY ON AMAZON  

  Residents of India will have to search for this book on www.amazon.in

 

TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH

Visit: www.tovp.org
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Email: tovpinfo@gmail.com
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TOVP Launches Spanish Facebook Page
- TOVP.org

Although we’re writing this announcement in English, it should be especially exciting news to all Spanish speaking devotees that the TOVP Communications Department has launched a dedicated Spanish Facebook Page: Templo del Planetario Védico: TOVP – Español

We will post most of our articles on this Page with links to the translated pages on the website. This is in synch with our recently making the TOVP website available in over seventy languages.

Go to the link below and Like our new Spanish Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/tovpespanol

Isnt the Pandavas’ killing their own relatives over a property dispute immoral?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Wouldn’t such killing lead to chaos today? Isn’t Krishna’s insisting on in in the Gita also immoral?

Answer Podcast

Answer Podcast Hindi

 

Transcription: Narmada Shorewala Mataji (Kaithal)

प्रश्न: सम्पत्ति विवाद को लेकर लड़ा गया महाभारत का युद्ध क्या अनैतिक नहीं था? भगवान श्री कृष्ण का अर्जुन को अपने संबंधियों की हत्या के लिए कहना क्या अनैतिक नहीं था? इस प्रकार यदि सब संपत्ति के लिए अपने संबंधियों की हत्या करने लगें, तो क्या इससे अव्यवस्था नहीं फैलेगी?

उत्तर: सर्वप्रथम, कौरवों और पाण्डवों के बीच जो विवाद था, वह केवल संपत्ति के लिए नहीं था- वह एक धार्मिक विवाद था। आरम्भ में संपत्ति अवश्य ही एक कारण था, लेकिन मुख्य कारण धार्मिक था। कौरवों और पाण्डवों की धर्म के प्रति निष्ठा अलग-अलग थी, जिसके कारण युद्ध हुआ।

इन सभी प्रश्नों का उत्तर धर्म के तीन अलग-अलग स्तरों पर समझा जा सकता है –
(i) एक क्षत्रिय का अपने लिये धर्म
(ii) एक क्षत्रिय का अपने नागरिकों के प्रति धर्म
(iii) एक क्षत्रिय का भगवद्भक्त के रूप में धर्म।

प्रथम दृष्टिकोण के अनुसार क्षत्रियों का धर्म है शासन प्रदान करना। वैदिक शास्त्रों के अनुसार यदि समाज के सभी वर्ग (ब्राह्मण, क्षत्रिय, वैश्य, शूद्र) अपना-अपना कर्तव्य निभायें, तो समाज का विकास सुसंगत और संतुलित होता है। इसी दृष्टिकोण से यदि एक क्षत्रिय अपने वर्ण के अनुसार शासन न करे और उनके पास शासन हेतु छोटा सा भी क्षेत्र न हो, तो उनका अपने धर्म के प्रति उल्लंघन होगा। हम जानते हैं कि पाण्डव युद्ध टालने के लिए अपने अधिकार की सारी संपत्ति त्यागने को तैयार थे। उन्होंने मात्र पांच गाँवों की ही मांग की थी। इससे स्पष्ट होता है कि पाण्डव भूमि और संपत्ति के लोभी नहीं थे। यदि ऐसा होता तो वे एक विशालकाय राज्य की तुलना में मात्र पाँच गाँव लेने के लिये कभी तैयार नहीं होते। साथ ही साथ श्रीकृष्ण को यदि सम्पत्ति के विषय को लेकर युद्ध के लिए उकसाना ही होता तो वे शांति दूत के नाते स्वयं पाँच गाँवों का प्रस्ताव कभी नहीं रखते।

दूसरे दृष्टिकोण के अनुसार, क्षत्रियों का धर्म है कि वे अपने नागरिकों को सुरक्षा प्रदान करें। महाभारत में हम देखते हैं कि युद्ध टालने के लिए पाण्डव अपनी ही पत्नी के प्रति किये गए अत्यंत शर्मनाक और अपमानजनक व्यवहार को भी क्षमा करने के लिए तैयार थे। किन्तु दुर्योधन, हालाँकि उसमें कुछ लक्षण क्षत्रियों के थे, पर मुख्यतः वह एक आसुरी स्वभाव का व्यक्ति था। ऐसा राजा यदि नागरिकों को कभी न्यायपूर्ण शासन नहीं दे सकता। अतः एक क्षत्रिय होने के नाते पाण्डवों का यह कर्तव्य था कि वे अपने नागरिकों को एक न्यायपूर्ण राजा प्रदान करें।

महाभारत में दिए गए श्लोकों के आधार पर कुछ विद्वानों व इतिहासकारों का मत दुर्योधन को लेकर अलग-अलग हैं। कुछ के अनुसार दुर्योधन एक अत्यंत बुरा राजा था, किन्तु अन्यों के अनुसार ऐसा नहीं था। यह दूसरा विचार उन श्लोकों पर आधारित है जिनमें युधिष्ठिर स्वयं अपनी आलोचना करते हैं। युद्ध जीतने के बाद जब युधिष्ठिर रणभूमि में लाखों शवों को देखता है, तब वह अपनी आलोचना करने लगता है और कहता है कि – “दुर्योधन एक अच्छा शासक था और सिंहासन पाने के लिए इतने लोगों के रक्तपात की आवश्यकता नहीं थी।“ यहाँ इस प्रकार के कथनों से इस बात का संकेत कतई नहीं मिलता है कि युधिष्ठिर और दुर्योधन नैतिकता के दृष्टिकोण से एक ही स्तर पर थे। यदि हम महाभारत का पूर्णता से विश्लेषण करें तो नैतिकता और धर्मपरायणता में युधिष्ठिर और दुर्योधन की तुलना करना कतई न्यायसंगत नहीं होगा। निश्चित रुप से युधिष्ठिर दुर्योधन से कई कई गुना अधिक धर्मपरायण राजा थे। अनेक विद्वानों और इतिहासकारों ने भी इन बातों की पुष्टि की है कि युधिष्ठिर का शासनकाल अत्यंत धर्मपरायण था और दुर्योधन का अत्यंत दुर्दांत।

अब हम इस विषय को तीसरे अर्थात एक भक्त के दृष्टिकोण (आध्यात्मिक दृष्टिकोण) से देखते हैं। इस दृष्टिकोण के अनुसार जीव का परमधर्म है कि हर परिस्थिति में भगवान श्रीकृष्ण की भक्ति करे। भगवद्गीता हमें इसी परोधर्म की शिक्षा देती है। युद्ध रोकने के लिए कृष्ण और पाण्डवों ने अपने भरसक प्रयास कर लिए थे। द्यूत-क्रीड़ा के बाद जब पाण्डव वनवास चले गए और उनसे मिलने वहाँ कृष्ण-बलराम आए, तब बलरामजी काफी क्रोधित थे। उन्होंने कहा कि चूँकि द्यूत-क्रीड़ा एक छल था, पांडवों को तुरंत लौटकर अपना राज्य संभाल लेना चाहिए। यदि कौरव राज्य न लौटाऐं तो उन्हें आक्रमण का भी अधिकार है। युद्ध टालने की दृष्टि से, बलराम जी के इस प्रस्ताव को युधिष्ठिर ने स्वीकार नहीं किया था। द्यूत-क्रीड़ा में छल यह था कि खेल रहे व्यक्ति को ही पाँसे फेंकने थे। लेकिन दुर्योधन की ओर से उसके मामा शकुनि पाँसे फेंक रहे थे और दुर्योधन संपत्ति लगा रहा था, जोकि गलत था। और भी कई बातें गलत हुईं थीं, जो अपनेआप में एक अलग विषय होगा। लेकिन यहाँ यह कहना पर्याप्त होगा कि पाण्डवों का अपना राज्य लेने का अधिकार होते हुए भी उन्होंने ऐसा नहीं किया। उन्होंने तेरह वर्षों का वनवास और एक वर्ष का अज्ञातवास भुगता! अज्ञातवास में तो उन्हें चाकरों की भाँति जीना पड़ा जो क्षत्रियों के लिये एकदम लज्जाजनक था। लेकिन शांति बनाये रखने के लिए उन्होंने ऐसा किया। इस सबके बाद भी श्रीकृष्ण शांतिदूत बनकर कौरवों के पास गए और मात्र पांच गाँवों की मांग की। इतना सब प्रयास करने पर भी दुर्योधन नहीं माना। अतः युद्ध आवश्यक हो गया।

महाभारत का युद्ध मात्र एक संपत्ति विवाद नहीं था। भीम को विष देना, लाक्षाग्रह षड्यंत्र, द्रौपदी का वस्त्रहरण – ये सब संपत्ति विवाद नहीं था। आधुनिक तथा वैदिक नैतिकता के दृष्टिकोण से भी यदि कोई हत्या की मंशा से आए तो अपने बचाव में शत्रु की हत्या कर देना गलत नहीं माना जाता। कौरवों ने पाण्डवों की हत्या के अनेक प्रयास किए थे।

वैदिक संस्कृति में छह प्रकार के आततायी बताये गए हैं, जिन्हें मारने में कोई दोष नहीं है। पाण्डवों ने महाभारत का युद्ध आत्मरक्षा के लिए किया था। उपरोक्त वर्णित कई कारणों से उनका युद्ध करना उचित था किन्तु उन्होंने अपने पर संयम रखा। कृष्ण भी युद्ध के पक्ष में नहीं थे किन्तु यह दुर्योधन ही था जो युद्ध चाहता था और उसीके कारण युद्ध हुआ।

यह वास्तविकता कि युद्ध तेरह साल तक टला, यह पाण्डवों के संयम का प्रमाण था और दुर्योधन ने तेरह वर्षों के बाद भी पाण्डवों का राज्य भी उन्हें नहीं लौटाया, यह उसकी दुर्लज्जता का प्रमाण था। महाभारत के युद्ध का उदाहरण हर किसी के साथ युद्ध करने के लिए नहीं दिया जा सकता।

इन सब बातों से स्पष्ट है कि पाण्डव किसी भी दृष्टिकोण से अनैतिक नहीं थे। युद्ध टालने के लिए उन्होंने अपना सर्वश्रेष्ठ प्रयास किया। जब सभी प्रयास विफल हो गए, तब उन्होंने युद्ध करने की ठानी। धर्म के किसी भी दृष्टिकोण से यह अनैतिक नहीं था।

End of transcription.

Srila Ramanujacarya Appearance
→ Ramai Swami

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 is one of the greatest teachers of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta. 

His father was Keseva Samayaji and his mother name was Kantimathi. He married Rahshambal in around 1033. After the few days of wedding, his father died and he left alone with lot of grief. 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 the worldly life for religion. Ramanuja’s cousin, Govina Bhatta was his closest friend. He played an important role in Ramanuja’s life.

Under the teacher Yadavaprakasha, he learnt so many things in the school. Later, he had a vision of god Vishnu. Then, he started doing worship of Vishnu Narayana daily. He became a priest in the temple Varadaraja at Kanchi 

He was also associated with Ranganatha temple where he establish the teaching that the worship of god and the soul is an essential part of the doctrines of the Upanishads on which the system of Vedanta is built, therefore the teachings of the Vaishanavas and Bhagavatas are not heterodox. He returned to Shrirangam after 20 years and organised the temple worship, founded around 74 centres to disseminate his doctrine. And at the age of 120, he passed to the spiritual world.