Sri Purusottama Dasa Thakura
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Sri Purusottama Thakura had three main disciples: Sri Madhavacarya, Sri Yadavacarya and Devakinandana dasa, who were born in Kulina brahmana families. Madhavacarya married Nityananda Prabhu’s daughter, Ganga-devi. Devakinandana was the author of the book Vaishnav-vandane. Purusottama Thakura’s Sripat was previously at Sukhasagar. Now his Deities are at Candriya Gram.

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Approaching Radha Krishna through Gaura Nitai (video)
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By GBC SPT

In our Krishna conscious movement we should follow in the footsteps of Lord Caitanya and the six Goswamis of Vrindavan. They were always serving Krishna in the mood of separation, they never said now I've seen Krishna or last night I danced with Krishna no they were crying where is Krishna and they were always searching after Him wondering when they would finally be able to see Him we should also desire intensely to see and be with Krishna. But first thing is to become purified through devotional service, it is not possible otherwise so keep on helping me spread this Krishna conscious movement following the rules and regulations very carefully and your life will be perfect and you will see Krishna. Continue reading "Approaching Radha Krishna through Gaura Nitai (video)
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Deity Greeting and the “Govinda” Prayers
Giriraj Swami

HH Mukunda Goswami Maharaja relates:

There is an interesting story that I wrote about. It took place when “Govinda” first came out, when the recording was first released. I was in England, and Yamuna was in England, and we sent this recording to the devotees in Los Angeles to show how we were really preaching big time to the Beatles and had done this record. But the devotees in Los Angeles didn’t want Prabhupada to hear this, because they thought it was very strange that a woman’s voice would be leading the Hare Krishna mantra. And so they didn’t let Prabhupada hear it. So, one morning, just before the greeting of the Deities, Prabhupada was sitting on his vyasasana. When the Deity doors open in Los Angeles, there is a big billow of incense smoke from the charcoals. The devotees use a lot of incense, and when they open the doors, it kind of pours out like a big cloud coming out.

So, right before this, Prabhupada said, “What about that record that the devotees sent from London?” He had heard about it. So they told him, “It is just Yamuna singing; we don’t want you to hear it.” And they added, “There is no place to play it.” So he said, “Just play it on the system, the speakers.”

They said, “Okay” and very reluctantly went and fetched the recording and played it. And it was just at the right time, and the song is about five minutes long. As the Deity doors opened, Prabhupada was sitting on his vyasasana, and he didn’t say a word. He just listened with his eyes closed. And devotees got to see streams of tears coming down his cheeks. And that day Prabhupada ordered that the song be played in all temples all over the world at the time of greeting the Deities.

Exploring the many dimensions of Caitanya-caritamrita (video)
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By GBC SPT

I wanted to create places where after people received the book they could come and be cultivated and I perceive that for the non-Indian audience the temple seen as the first stop most of the time doesn't make it and so how did kind of a lounge or bhakti nightclub type of atmosphere a place that I as a New Yorker back in my non-devotee days would feel like "hey this is a cool place let me drop by", good food, good music, good people, nice books yeah, okay! I wanted to create that kind of scene and so I've over the years so many persons from all over the world have come to bhakti through these kind of centers. Continue reading "Exploring the many dimensions of Caitanya-caritamrita (video)
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8 Steps for Prayerful Reading of Srila Prabhupada’s Books
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By Payal Shah

In older civilizations, it was possible to conceive, understand and retain spiritual knowledge by simply hearing from a spiritual master. In today’s day and age, however, the majority of us need to read scriptures alongside hear in order to learn, digest and remember spiritual knowledge. The foundation of the Krishna consciousness movement is predicated on the principles presented by Lord Krishna in Bhakti literatures such as the Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam and Chaitanya Charitamrita. Continue reading "8 Steps for Prayerful Reading of Srila Prabhupada’s Books
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Sri Rasikananda Disappearance
→ Ramai Swami

Around 1590 AD (Sakabda 1512), on the first day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik, during the night of the festival Dipamalika, when the houses are decoratedwith rows of lamps, Sri Rasikananda Deva made his appearance in this world. His father was Sri Acyuta Deva, the king of Rohini.

At a very young age he became quite proficient in all of the scriptures. He was very devoted to his parents, especially his mother, whose name was Bhavani. His father married him at very young age. Murari’s wife Syamadasi was a treasure chest of good character who hailed from the village of Ghonta Sila, not far from Royni on the banks of the Suvarna Rekha, where in earlier ages the Pandavas had lived in exile.

One day, Murari was sitting in a lonely place, wondering when and where he might become so fortunate as to get shelter at the lotus feet of a spiritual preceptor. Just then a voice from the sky addressed him, “Don’t be in anxiety, you will become the disciple of Sri Syamananda.” Having heard this proclamation, Rasik Murari became very jubilant, and began to repeatedly murmur the name Syamananda, as though chanting japa.

After some time Syamananda approached from the distance, looking as effulgent as the sun and surrounded by his disciples like Sri Kishora dasa and others. His smiling face was like the lotus flower that opens to greet its friend- the sun, and his chest was as broad as a door. His captivating appearance was made all the more irresistable by the sweet sounds of ‘Sri Krsna Caitanya-Nityananda’ emanating from his lotus mouth.

Absorbed in intense love he moved along the path like the clouds move in the sky. When Rasika caught sight of this divine form, he fell down in front of him to touch his lotus feet. In great ecstasy Shyamananda embraced him and began to bathe him with his tears of ecstatic love.

Sri Rasika Murari then felt himself to be one of the most fortunate living beings within this universe. On an auspicious day Syamananda initiated Rasika and his wife in Radha-Krsna mantra. After that, Rasikananda began to travel with his guru, during which time he became a very intimate disciple. Syamananda then bestowed upon him the service of Sri Radha- Govinda Deva at Sri Gopiballabhapur. Rasikananda became totally engaged in their Lordships service, and the devotees were charmed by his excellent services. 

Accepting the order of his guru, Sri Syamananda, on his head, Rasikananda preached the message of Sri Gaursundar in the world for approximately 16 years. Thereafter he entered into his eternal pastimes through the lotus feet of Gopinatha at Remuna.

On the first day of the bright fortnight in the month of Phalguna, Sakabda 1574 (1652AD), Rasikananda quietly slipped out of the village Santa without anyone’s notice and walked to Remuna. Arriving there, he discussed Krsna-katha with the devotees there for a while and instructed everyone to serve Sri Krsna with devotion. T

Then, after requesting them to begin sankirtana, he entered the temple of Sri Gopinatha, and after touching Kshira-chora Gopinatha’s lotus feet, which bestow complete fearlessness, he entered into their ultimate shelter.

Saturday, March 13, 2021
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243 Avenue Rd., Toronto

 

If We Were Prisoners

 

Some folks know how to spend time during the lockdown. One real nice Punjabi family forwarded me their little kirtan, rendered with keyboard, mrdunga drum and voices to the maha mantra. It’s very nice and I’m sharing it. Nanda Maharaj Das, Ananda Mayi and family put some time into showing their uptime during downtime. Thank you!

 

It was today at 12:30 p.m. that our group of three, Dwarkanath, Karuna Sindhu and I, got into the groove for an hour-long chanting session; for a Kirtan Mela. Since the pandemic began, many such chanting programs have been afloat throughout the globe. It really is the superlative way to spend time when movement and interaction is restricted. Imagine you are in prison, what would you do to keep sanity intact? The best method is that the prisoners organize song, music and dance. There is no better way to pass the time. I sometimes reflect on how our indigenous people up north would pass hours in darkness, during winter months. They actually would tell of ancient stories, legends, and even break into singing.

 

I should not fail to mention that one fine lady, Indulekha, in her middle-age, came forward to accept her second, or Brahminical, initiation. She is from our Milton community and her guru, Krsnadas Goswami, had passed away, therefore I did the honours at her request. Congratulations!

 

May the Source be with you!

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Please view our new film, Rolling the Dice:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF3legHdMgI


 

 

 

Friday, March 12, 2021
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243 Avenue Rd., Toronto

 

A Clean Chaitanya

 

Yesterday the temperature reached an all-time high for Ontario at 16° C for March 11th. The mercy of Shiva. Today, however, it turned a bit nippier, which deterred my trip to the park. I am on crutches still, and David was going to be a walking companion, a necessity, although the green space is only across the street. The chill would aggravate my condition for the time being.

 

For now, those of us who are within the Vaishnava culture are gearing up for the coming birthday of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a most noteworthy walker and dancer from the 15th to early 16th century. For us he is the most important avatar there is. The big event ahead of us falls on the 28th of this month. Normally the program features kirtan, chanting sessions of an exuberant nature. However, due to restrictions on people gathering, that will not happen this year; at least in many parts of the world.

 

It was very gratifying to see the area on the balcony where I sometimes pace, that some water and soap was applied to the Chaitanya display we have under the alcove section. I managed to hobble along (without the crutches) to see the exceptional cleaning job of our man, Cameron. I say “exceptional” because it is my experience that many people I know have a cleaning-phobia. It’s true. That wish to clean up an area in need may be there, however, the application is somewhat weak. I would say that today’s addiction to screen viewing has made us all creatures of less physicality. Anyways, thank you Cameron.

 

May the source be with you!

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Please view our new film, Rolling the Dice:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF3legHdMgI


 

 

 

Thursday, March 11, 2021
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243 Avenue Rd., Toronto

 

Remembering Shiva

 

I was told that today marks the anniversary of when the spread of the Corona-virus was declared a pandemic. This is not a day to celebrate, to have a toast over, or to hold a pizza party as a triumphant moment. It may be, however, a time to tip our hats off to health-workers worldwide.

 

Today is also a day to honour a hero of sorts — Mahadeva Shiva. Generally, he portrays himself in a role as a pacifist. Under a Banyan tree he sits meditating quietly at the summit of a mountain. Yet, when the world runs amuck, he becomes agitated and moves from being passive to passionate. At the time of the universal disaster, at hell’s peak, he releases a wildness in the form of dance and music to his damaru drum. It must be incredible to see this display of madness and yet creatures of the universe won’t have a posh seating arrangement to view the spectacle. They will all struggle to survive. No time for entertainment. They will be flushed out and only he will survive.

 

He’s just extraordinary. My favorite pastime of his involves the Shiva-Sati-Daksha triangle. It is a story of deep commitment in love and dedication between his consort, Sati, and himself, along with his very disruptive father-in-law, Daksha. This tale is most captivating and we will talk about it on Sunday, 5 PM EST, on Zoom.

 

I find it interesting that Shiva comes to eradicate that which has gone wrong. In that regard we should adopt the Shiva factor and act to eliminate the virus of lust, anger and greed within us.

 

May the Source be with you!

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Please view our new film, Rolling the Dice:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF3legHdMgI


 

 

 

Wednesday, March 10, 2021
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243 Avenue Rd., Toronto

 

Blessed

 

Cameron, who comes over to check on me quite regularly, took a lotus position and within that safe six foot distance, mentioned to me, “This room has a powerful energy.”

 

I agreed. “Why sure. This is the place where our guru, Prabhupada, stayed. Right where I am laying now (recovering) was the location of his bed. To my left is the washroom and tub he used and next to us, behind you, was the greeting room.”

 

“The vibes are good,” Cameron reiterated in his Aussie accent.

 

It has been a week since I’ve been camped out in these three rooms and I’m inclined to say that everything I could ever want is here. For a guy with itchy feet, who likes to get out and about, that might sound strange, but whatever a pure devotee (Prabhupada) has touched, has a special power. I’m lucky to be in that power.

 

I know, also, that I’m not meant to be bound in one spot forever. When I get back to walking I’ll trek those streets and parks. That’s what monks are obliged to do — to connect with nature and people and God even, if you’re lucky.

 

Is there any such thing as “lucky?” Perhaps fortunate? Blessed by the best, maybe? It will certainly take a great amount of surrender on my part before I get to have darshan, a view of the Lord. However, I feel blessed being in the space that I am, for now, and in the company of those sweet souls who poke their heads in and check on me once in a while.

 

May the Source be with you!

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Please view our new film, Rolling the Dice:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF3legHdMgI


 

 

 

[Interview] with H.G. Gauranga Prabhu: Books are the Basis (video)
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By ISKCON Ministry of Education

“Has anyone ever become convinced in Krishna Consciousness by listening to this record? No. He will simply think it is nice magical sounds, that's all. But, if he reads one book, he will be convinced about spiritual life. That is our success” Letter to Brahmananda -- Bombay January 07, 1975 Continue reading "[Interview] with H.G. Gauranga Prabhu: Books are the Basis (video)
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The magical Caitanya Caritamrita publishing marathon (video)
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One of them today, who I’m very happy to introduce to you is His Grace Ramesvar Prabhu, who was the head of the BBT. A confidant of Srila Prabhupada, especially in book publication and who was right there on the ground with all the proceedings that took place before, during and after this Chaitanya Caritamrita marathon. He is privy to many of the things Prabhupada said and expressed about the importance of the Chaitanya Caritamrita, so historically his presentation will be very important.
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Tuesday, March 9, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

243 Avenue Rd., Toronto

 

Life in the Building

 

Our roofer, Victor, did make it up above me. I could hear his clumping on the flat roof overhead, the very place where squirrels race back-and-forth; never on a schedule. It’s just frivolous, whimsical play. Their footsteps are light compared to Victor’s firm and less speedy moments.

 

Below me, on the main floor, is Sri the Pea (that’s what he calls himself) getting already for Govinda's take out. It Involves mostly the use of water, the washing of trays and laying out of the day’s spread of tasty entrées. When his use of water is on it makes it hard for me to shower. It all runs on the same pipeline. When Sri is on the phone it’s so obviously him with a rather high tone voice, but not soprano.

 

The lower deck is the actual basement where our main cook, Dwarkanath, is cooking up a storm in the presence of Cameron, who tackles the pot washing. With two floors down it makes it hard to hear the cleaning of pots. Yet I do know they are busy because of the finished product — the meal itself. With today being a grain-fast, called ekadasi, the preps are lighter and are felt as such when portions land in the stomach. Happy cooking and cleaning, you guys. Great prasadam — blessed food.

 

Finally, in the most remote section of the basement, workers have been at the job, which is getting closer and closer to completion, of renovations on the west side of the building. I’m on the east side, laying down, mostly hearing and perceiving all the vibrancy in the rest of the edifice, a former church. I must not fail to mention one of the most important functions of the place. From the temple room my ear catches the bells for the aratiservice. It’s ever so sweet.

 

May the Source be with you!

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Please view our new film, Rolling the Dice:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF3legHdMgI


 

 

 

Monday, March 8, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

243 Avenue Rd., Toronto

 

Spent Some Hours

 

I spent some hours on this day assembling a PowerPoint presentation for Sunday’s class on the qualities of Shiva. That kept me busy, along with the help of Sarthak, who is just a great assistant when it comes to technical things. In any case, engagement is the best means to get one’s mind off of any discomfort.

 

I will be highlighting the power of wholesome relationships. The great bond between Shiva and Sati demonstrates whole-hearted commitment despite all odds. The one major oddity between the divine couple was Sati’s father. Daksha was his name and he was against their marriage from the beginning. Publicly he ridiculed Brahma for the marriage arrangement. He certainly went overboard in his criticism on many counts. What he did not realize is that the connection between his son-in-law and Sati was inseparable and so attempting to wedge a block in the relationship proved disastrous. I will spare the details of that story until Sunday, via Zoom, from 5-6 p.m. (check thewalkingmonk.net).

 

To this day in India, many young women pray to Shiva for a good husband like him while young men ask for some benefit when it comes to a good wife. I suppose asking for a good mate is natural.

 

One issue I see is that not a lot of young folks are seeking relationships as it used to be, hence birth rates are low in many countries of the developed world and thus we end up with a major portion of our populations fast approaching old age. That is a big topic but I would say it is a real scare.

 

May the Source be with you!

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Please view our new film, Rolling the Dice:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF3legHdMgI


 

 

 

Sunday, March 7, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

243 Avenue Rd., Toronto

 

No Miler, Getting Smiles

 

I am sorry but I won’t be able to report any kilometres (or miles) these days. I’m off my feet. My mind still races, though, and in merely a flash, I’ll be in Mayapura, India, hurriedly moving from my room to the Samadhi Auditorium and back, or walking on a trail by the Assiniboine River in Manitoba. I am covering many miles, mentally, each day but I would have difficulty nailing down an actual record, really.

 

In any event, one of the physician friends of our ashram, Jagannath Misra, came over to see my condition. He observed my knees and gave his diagnosis. “What you’ve got is shingles.”

 

Okay.

 

And just as the doctor recognized my shingle situation our roofer, Victor, came in from outside, after a look at the leaky roof above my room. The word “shingles” resonated with him.

 

So now both areas of concern need to be addressed — the ceiling and my legs. We are getting at it and at the same time I’m catching up on more rest (which you cannot do standing up or while the legs are in motion), some reading, some viewing and some communicating, via phone.

 

It’s all so wonderful but I must admit I miss the trails and trees, the people and the parks.

 

Time is on my side. No miles but getting smiles.

 

May the Source be with you!

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Please view our new film, Rolling the Dice:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF3legHdMgI


 

 

 

TOVP Book of the Week #4
- TOVP.org

Bhagavata Cosmology – Vedic Alternative to Modern Cosmology

By Pavaneshwar Das

BHAGAVATA COSMOLOGY Consolidates and summarizes the descriptions of universal geography presented in Srimad Bhagvatam, Bhugola Varnanam, Surya – siddhanta, Ramayana,Mahabharat, Visnu Purana, Vayu Purana and other books. This book reconciles the scriptural understanding and the modern understanding by drawing parallels between them.

This book systematically presents the process and purpose of the creation of universe and variety of living entities populating it. it briefly outlines the structure of the universe, with its horizontal and vertical divisions, as presented in the Bhagvata Purana, the 2D and 3D pictorial representations, flow charts and summary tables in the book reveal the working of the universe by explaining the passing of day and night, the phase of the moon, the passing of seasons and the eclipses and many more.

Author: Pavaneshwar Das
Published: 2019
Book size: 340 pages
Formats: Paperback
 
BUY ON AMAZON  

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

Srila Jagannatha Das Babaji Disappearance
→ Ramai Swami

Srila Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Maharaja lived for one hundred forty-four years. He took diksha from Sri Madhusudana Dasa Babaji and did bhajana for many years at Surya Kunda in Vrindavana. Thakura Bhaktivinoda received valuable instructions on pure devotional service from Jagannatha Dasa Babaji.
 
His practice was to live six months in Shri Navadwipa dhama and six in Vraja mandala. “During his time,” said Thakura Bhaktivinoda, “Sri Jagannatha Dasa Babaji was the.most advanced rasika Vaishnava in Gaura and Vraja mandalas, and Purushottam Kshetra (Jagannatha Puri).” Bhaktivinoda Thakura gave him the title Sarvabhauma, the chief of the Vaishnavas.


 

Reflections on the Older Brother (5 min. video)
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HH Tamal Krishna Goswami played the role of the older brother to so many godbrothers and godsisters in ISKCON, and he played it exceedingly well. He was loving, caring, expert, and resourceful in many, many ways. He could give expert advice and practical support on the physical plane—medical, architectural, financial; on the emotional plane—psychological, social, marital; and on the spiritual plane—chanting japa, singing bhajanas and kirtana, studying and teaching sastra, associating with devotees, worshiping deities, going on parikrama, preaching, distributing books, writing books, engaging different kinds of people, and so much more.

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Hare Krishna Movement-One person’s vision, explosion into a revolution (video)
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By GBC SPT

Visakha Prabhu is such a well-known devotee because of her contribution to this movement in her so many various different capacities, as a writer as Srila Prabhupada's photographer, as a co-producer and co-director for this wonderful movie "The Hare Krishna Movement", her book "5 years 11 months" is one of my favorite books I like to go back to that it's so beautiful, her sharing, I actually visualize most of whatever you share there makes me feel so close to Srila Prabhupada. Thank you so much for your lifetime of devotion Vishaka Prabhu, it's such an honor and such a wonderful example for us to follow, so thank you for joining us and our topic for today is the "Hare Krishna Movement - One person's vision, explosion into a revolution" so it's amazing that what should a visioned sitting in a small room in Sri Radha Damodara Temple with the intense prayers has now exploded into this Hare Krishna movement help us reflect and take us back into the time when Srila Prabhupada actually walked the planet, thank you. Continue reading "Hare Krishna Movement-One person’s vision, explosion into a revolution (video)
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Ultimate social work-sharing KC as enunciated by Lord Gauranga (video)
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By GBC SPT

Kripamoya Prabhu: As part of my preparing for this class, I did a lot of reading. And I kept seeing this word "Āliṅgana" and it means that wherever Lord Chaitanya went, He was embracing the people, so it wasn't just the chanting of Hare Krishna. It wasn't just the, you know, a high philosophy, but He made friends with people and when he asked me the question, how do we keep people in Krishna consciousness for a lifetime? I must say I'm gonna embrace them and make them friends! Continue reading "Ultimate social work-sharing KC as enunciated by Lord Gauranga (video)
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Why I Decided that Getting Vaccinated Against COVID-19 Was the Right Choice for Me
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By Vaisesika Dasa

While getting vaccinated against COVID-19, I remembered these words from Āyurveda-śāstra: auṣadhi cintayet viṣṇum. When taking medicine, one must remember Viṣṇu because ultimately He is the active ingredient that makes any medicine potent. More prominent in my mind, however, was my recollection of Śrīla Prabhupada's mood when it came to vaccinations, or for that matter, his approach to life in general. Srila Prabhupada once nonchalantly commented “All right, let us have,” when getting vaccinated against the Hong Kong flu. Perhaps he got vaccinated due to his need to travel internationally for preaching, or perhaps at the behest of his disciples. For whatever reason, he got vaccinated and moved on with his mission. Continue reading "Why I Decided that Getting Vaccinated Against COVID-19 Was the Right Choice for Me
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