When Larry King interviewed Anuttama Dasa (16 min. video)
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Anuttama Dasa recalls: "Larry King struck me as a real gentleman when I was on his show. He was a well-known and powerful media personality. I was there representing the Hare Krishnas, whose reputation wasn't so great in those days, and who had just lost a Supreme Court case. And, at that time our presence in the airports wasn't appreciated by a lot of people. None-the-less, King was open-minded and fair. He gave me ample opportunity to tell our side of the story.

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Centralization vs Organization (video)
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By Nrsimhananda Das

ISKCON Leadership Sanga, Sri Dham Mayapur. Gaurapurnima 2020, Day 2. HG Nrsimhananda prabhu seminar: "Centralization vs Organization". Definition of bureaucracy: a system for managing an organization that is operated by a large number of officials employed to follow rules carefully; complicated rules, processes, and written work that make it hard to get something done. Continue reading "Centralization vs Organization (video)
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Larry King, Who Asked on CNN ‘Why Are Krishnas in the Airports,’ Passes Away
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Larry King, the well-known host of Larry King Live, a nightly interview program that was carried on CNN for 25 years and produced 6,000 episodes, passed away on January 23. He was 87.   Among the thousands of interviews he recorded during his long career, was one held in 1996 wherein he interviewed Anuttama Dasa, then […]

The post Larry King, Who Asked on CNN ‘Why Are Krishnas in the Airports,’ Passes Away appeared first on ISKCON News.

Saturday, January 23rd, 2021
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Queen’s Park, Toronto

 

Getting Around by Zoom

 

My first Zoom for today was with a new group from Windsor, Ontario headed by Kadambha Kanana, who resides there but is employed in Detroit. It is a nice group, or sangha, that gets together regularly. I was asked to speak on chapter 9 of The Gita, and concentrate on the term Mahatma. The definition according to The Gita is “one who is absorbed in spiritual energy, engaged in devotion, is active in glorification of the Great Spirit and is extremely focused in the practice of bhakti.”

 

A second Zoom involved discussions of fundraising for the ongoing renovations of the Toronto temple. The work continues.

 

Thirdly, we conducted a virtual samskara, or blessing, for a five-month-old child. Called annaprasana, it is the administering of the first grains for a child. Here’s how we executed this very touching ritual. Our local cook, Dwarkanath, whom I’ve brought to your attention several times, baked some excellent cakes. He offered them ceremoniously to Krishna, then passed them on to me. I ate one and arranged for a shipment of the remnants to Fredericton, New Brunswick, to the home of Kadambha Priya. His son goes by the name of Balarama. Daddy brought one cookie, mixed in with condensed milk and the kid just loved it. Devotees from Montreal and Winnipeg joined in. We all held a kirtan to my lead from Toronto. It was joyful — a joyful joyfulness.

 

My last Zoom for the day was with the local Oakville group where we observed the behavior of demonic tendencies from chapter 16 of The Gita. Very interesting! After all of that I went for a walk.

 

May the Source be with you!

4 km

 

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


 

Friday, January 22nd, 2021
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The Annex, Toronto

 

From the Window’s View

 

The corner of Avenue Road and Roxsborough is notorious for auto accidents. I was sitting at my usual corner, inside what we call Prabhupada’s quarters, when I heard a slam/bang sort of sound. I looked outside to what I perceived as the source of sound and sure enough two vehicles clashed. Sad! Damage was done. Both motorists appeared unharmed. Police came very fast and efficiently. Paramedics too, just to see if there was a need.

 

From my view, glancing through the third-floor arched window, I could see the incident/accident. A sigh of relief came my way knowing 1) that no one was hurt, and 2) this is a confirmation for me that walking beats driving. As I’ve mentioned before, “pedestrians don’t have head-on collisions.” It’s safer to be on foot.

 

From that same window I had a look to the south which reveals a row of homes, pedestrians, trees and skies. I can see clearly through the window pane the weather conditions and I can determine how many layers of clothing I should don for my daily walk. Some flurries came today. Not much. It’s an extraordinary winter, one that’s quite moderate, one that the polar bear is likely not happy with.

 

Of course, we’re talking about further north. Sad that they are on the list of endangered species. And while I was on the phone with a call from Vancouver, at that same corner of the room with the arched window, I was informed that in Africa the giraffe is now on the list. That’s also sad. Poachers are a big problem. Guns! One of man’s most destructive toys. Guns — on par with the automobile!

 

May the Source be with you!

4 km

 

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




 

 

Thursday, January 21, 2021
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Yorkville, Toronto

 

Walking Reflections

 

Esa had his cremation today in Philadelphia. Memorial events will take place in both Philly and Port Royal, more specifically Gita Nagari, a rural community in Pennsylvania.

 

Thats a state I really enjoyed walking through. Lots of farms, lots of hills. The Appalachians. The Amish. It was in 2015 in the autumn, so the colors were just stunning. Temperatures were just perfect — a bit on the cool side in the morning but that is ideal for walking. New England was pretty too.

 

In reflecting on the rest of the trek across the U.S. I recall the joy of walking along Lake Michigan. Nebraska was forever. Lake Erie was also special. We started swimming there in late May. Utah was memorable; the friendliest state. The rock formations are unforgettable. Nevada was dry. California orchards, I took advantage of. It was a great trek.

 

I do pray that socially and politically things improve in America. It is the mercy of God that a reasonable person, Biden, has now been inaugurated as President. The country has been very divided and now there’s a chance to bring about cohesion.

 

Political opinions are very strong amongst people. There are both strong supporters for both Biden and Trump in America and Canada. Such is the nature of the beast. You’ll never get everyone to agree on all issues. There is general agreement. We all like to sleep, eat, mate and quarrel.

 

To end the day, I bid farewell to all opinions for the next 24 hours and greet and welcome new opinions that evolve of a natural course. I took an evening stroll again and sat down at one point thinking things are somewhat settled in the White House, however, conflict will always be there.

 

May the Source be with you!

4 km

 

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


 

Wednesday, January 20th, 2021
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Ramsden Park, Toronto

 

I Heard the Beautiful Sound

 

I heard the beautiful drone sound, and a voice of sincerity accompanying it, both leaking through the door where I was solemnly sedentary. The music compelled me to get off my seat, take approximately eight steps to the door with an anticipation to eavesdrop.

 

To get to the source, one floor down under the balcony of the temple room, I quietly made a decent on the stairs and finally stepped onto the same level. Almost tippy-toed, I went with a camera in hand. The sound was mesmerizing and I know it came from our cook’s mouth; as far as the song was concerned. Dwarkanatha is his name. I’ve introduced him before.

 

Recently some hot cooking oil landed on one of his fingers, which incapacitated his ability to beat the drum at kirtan (chanting) time. I have had to step in as a poor substitute. Playing the harmonium was something he could handle.

 

I slowly snuck up to the melodious creature, Dwarkanath, and there recorded, closely to his voice, the sound of transcendence. He was seated on the floor with right hand to the keyboard and left hand, pumping the bellows. He had a smile on his face.

 

It was not the first time I took him by surprise. I was drawn to the sound as it seemed to pierce a hole into the thick Covid-virus mood of depression that is rather pervasive. Not so much in our temple but around us in the regular atmosphere, the public is taking a strong beating of fear, loss and insecurity.

 

In general, I’m just making an observation that the panacea for today’s ills is positive, spiritual sound vibration.

 

May the Source be with you!

2 km

 

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


 

Tuesday, January 19th, 2021
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Yorkville, Toronto

 

Some Talk In the Night

 

Tuesday afternoon is a fairly bland time and the evening can be even more so. I had the fortune to at least get some walking in. That in itself is an adventure even though minimal.

 

Midway through my walk a call came from Texas. The caller was reaching out with some questions. That alone put a little spark or sparkle into the night. Questions are always welcome. They stimulate the brain or activate the intelligence.

 

Now, I’m not going to tell you what those questions were because our conversation, which went on partially while I was on a bench and partially in motion, was private and I have to honour that. In any event, our dialogue gave some meaning to the day (or the night) and although our conversation was no way on the level of a Krishna/Arjuna dialogue it was nevertheless a spiritual talk.

 

As a monastic person who has waded in the waters of spirituality for some time, just two years shy of a half century, it would be hard to imagine a 24 hour stretch with no bhakti or devotion. My telephone caller admitted, “I was born at the time that you took to monkhood.” Oops! That might give away who the mystery man is. At this point it doesn’t matter. We had a chat that vibrated into the ether, not heard by anyone, because the streets were quiet. Toronto is one of those cities that has a rating for being one that doesn’t sleep so much. Thanks to a certain virus there’s more serenity than usual, at least on a Tuesday night.

 

May the source be with you!

4 km

 

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


 

The tortoise incarnation (video)
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The primeval Lord then assumed the tortoise incarnation in order to serve as a resting place [pivot] for the Mandara Mountain, which was acting as a churning rod. The demigods and demons were churning the Ocean of Milk with the Mandara Mountain in order to extract nectar. The mountain moved back and forth, scratching the back of Lord Tortoise, who, while partially sleeping, was experiencing an itching sensation

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Is ISKCON Ready for the Big Stage?? (video)
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By Anuttama Das

"If you make some of the big Government officials interested in our movement then our strength will increase. Because we are in the material world sometimes we require that help. Another point is that if a government officer becomes our admirer or member then many others will follow, so try to make them sympathizers." Srila Prabhupada Letter to Tejiyas, 15 August 1973 Continue reading "Is ISKCON Ready for the Big Stage?? (video)
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The Seven Keys to a Successful Future for ISKCON (video)
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By Vraja Vihari Das

ISKCON Leadership Sanga, Sri Dham Mayapur. Gaura Purnima 2020, Day 1. Respectful Dialogue not defeatism debate - Vada, not vitanda or jalpa. In cooperation, Krsna appears. Assuming that there is a right answer (and that you have it). Assuming that others have pieces of the answer and that together you can craft a solution Continue reading "The Seven Keys to a Successful Future for ISKCON (video)
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TOVP Book of Devotion Pledge Completion Deadline Extended
- TOVP.org

The TOVP Book of Devotion, a special and magnificent 500 page, gold leafed offering to Srila Prabhupada of the names of 6000+ donors who have completed their pledges by the end of 2020, is scheduled to be presented to him at the installation of his new murti in the TOVP in October, 2021. This message is to announce that the deadline for inclusion in the publication has now been extended to Gaura Purnima, March 28.

Due to the requests of many devotees to extend the date, and after consulting with the producers of the book whose work has been delayed due to the corona virus, Ambarisa and Braja Vilasa prabhus have decided to officially extend the deadline to Gaura Purnima, March 28. This will give many eager devotees another few month’s opportunity to finish their pledges and have their names included in the book.

For more information, please visit the TOVP website at www.tovp.org. You can complete your pledge on the website or through your regular donation methods.

General Donors: www.tovp.org
Canada Donors: www.tovpcanada.org
UK and Europe Donors: Sukanti Radha dasi tovpuk@gmail.com or www.tovp.org
Russia Donors: www.tovp.org/ru/ or narayaniradha.jps@gmail.com
Ukraine Donors: Gopi Nandini dasi hornetf18@mail.ru

Don’t wait, sponsor an abhisheka TODAY!

 

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End of life care and bhakti wisdom (video)
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HH Giriraj Swami was born Glenn Phillip Teton, the only son of a respected Chicago lawyer who was later appointed judge. In March of 1969, while studying at Brandeis University in Boston, he met His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder-acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), from whom, he felt, he learned more in one brief exchange than he had learned in his many years of academic education. After graduating from Brandeis cum laude, he accepted formal initiation from Srila Prabhupada and received the spiritual name Giriraj das. Giriraj quickly became a leading member of the Boston center and was soon given the opportunity to go to India with Srila Prabhupada and helped establish his mission there.


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On Friendship
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By Sesa Das

Friendship is a necessary part of our personhood, in both our material and spiritual being. The ancient Sanskrit text Hitopadesa ("Beneficial Advice") speaks extensively on friendship in simple story form which incorporates maxims, worldly wisdom, and practical advice. In the first book of the Hitopadesa, Mitralabha (“Gaining Friends”), the qualities of a true friend are listed as purity, generosity, chivalry, being composed in happiness and distress, politeness, affection, and truthfulness. Continue reading "On Friendship
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The Big Bang and the Sages – A New Book on the Puranas and Science
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Bibek Debroy, Chairman of India’s Prime Minister’s Economic Council has launched Sidharth Chhabra (Siddha Hari Das) and Madhavendra Puri Das’ upcoming book on the Bhagavata Purana.  Srila Prabhupada frequently asserted that the Puranic accounts are historical facts, although labeled mythology by modern man. In their book, the authors use rigorous scientific evidence to support Srila Prabhupada’s […]

The post The Big Bang and the Sages – A New Book on the Puranas and Science appeared first on ISKCON News.

Sanskrit Epics Animated in Stone – A New Exhibit in the Philadelphia Museum of Art
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   The South Asian galleries of the Philadelphia Museum of Art (which reopened on Jan. 8 after being closed due to Covid-19), has opened a special exhibit of South Indian devotional art. There are scenes from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana carved in stone, and a pillared temple hall—or mandapa—that fills up an entire gallery. Rows […]

The post Sanskrit Epics Animated in Stone – A New Exhibit in the Philadelphia Museum of Art appeared first on ISKCON News.

Aversion to fault finding, especially in public forums, or the artful practice of becoming ladies and gentlemen
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The social, emotional environment is generally nasty. Children are bullied at an early age, and many of them are also physically, sexually, and emotionally abused. It’s hard to find a safe-place and even more difficult to find a safe-person whom we can be open with and in whom we can place our trust. For beginners in devotional service, like me, the devotional creeper is tender and easily damaged or even killed


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