My Lockdown Family
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By Radhika Krpa Devi Dasi

Srila Prabhupada wanted the devotees of ISKCON to march as soldiers on a great war against maya with the torch of sankirtana held high in order to spread the holy name to every town and village in the world. Trained in the Vedic knowledge I took this as my moral responsibility to make the masses aware of the spiritual understanding. Srila Prabhupada’s movement is all about instilling fearlessness. Continue reading "My Lockdown Family
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Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura Disappearance
→ Ramai Swami

Shrila Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura took birth in the year 1654 Shaka era within the Nadia district of West Bengal in a place called Prasiddha Deva Gram.  He appeared in the Radhiya line of brahamanas. He had two brothers: Shri Ramabhadra Chakravarti and Shri Raghunatha Chakravarti. 

Shrila Chakravarti Thakura went on to live in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, in Saiyadabad, where he received mantra initiation from Shri Krishna Charana Chakravarti. He lived for a long time in the house of his gurudeva, where he wrote many books. 

When Shrila Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura lived in Nadiya, he closely studied the scriptures, beginning with a study of Sanskrit grammar, poetry, and rhetoric.  It is said that even as a boy in school, he was an undefeatable scholar who could overcome anyone in argument and debate. 

From an early age, he was indifferent towards family life. For the purpose of binding his son in the contract of family life, Vishvanatha’s father arranged for his marriage when he was very young.  He remained a married man for only a short time.  Soon he renounced his wife and home and went to live in Vrindavan. 

After having come to Vrindavan Dhama, Shri Vishvanatha took up his residence in the bhajan kutir of Shri Krishna Das Kaviraja Goswami on the banks of the Radha-kunda, where there lived a disciple of Krishna das Kaviraja whose name was Mukunda das. There, Shri Vishvanatha Cakravarti made a careful study of the Goswami’s literatures. In that holy place he later wrote many commentaries on the books of the Goswamis.

Shri Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura established the worship of the deity of Shri Gokulananda.  Vishvanath Chakravarti Thakur was also sometimes known as Harivallabha das.  Vishvanatha’s title, “Chakravarti” was awarded to him by the devotees. Generally this title designates one who maintains (varti) a circle (chakra) of influence.

Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura wrote over forty Sanskrit books on the science of pure devotion to Radha-Giridhari. He also made the sweetest, most highly realized rasika tikas(commen­taries) on Srimad Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita, the works of Srila Rupa Gosvami, Kavi Karnapura, and Narottama Dasa Thakura.

In Krishna lila he serves Srimati Radhika as Vinoda-manjari. His samadhi is in the Radha Gokulananda temple courtyard in Vrindavana.

Mountains of spaghetti with curd and tons of french fries in honor of Vishala prabhu (Album of photos)
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Srimati Mahadevi Dasi: We would like to gratefully acknowledge all the devotees serving at the Govinda’s Restaurant at Krsna Balarama Mandir who expertly cooked n eagerly served amazing Prasad to approx 100 simply wonderful devotees yesterday in honor of Vishala prabhu.

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Sri Raguhatha Das Goswami
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By various authors

Raghunatha dasa Gosvami used to always serve Sri Sri Radha-Govinda in his mind. One day in his meditation he cooked sweet rice and offered it to Sri Sri Radha and Krsna. In great pleasure they accepted the offering and the other sakhis also relished this prasadam. Then Raghunatha himself honored the remnants of their prasadam and in great ecstasy, due to the pleasure of having been able to satisfy Sri Sri Radha-Govinda and Their loving attendants, he ate a little more than was his custom. Continue reading "Sri Raguhatha Das Goswami
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“Who is Crazy?”
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By His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

So actually, these bodily activities which we are now engaged in are not our actual life. Therefore, the Vedic mantra says, "O human race, please wake up. Just utilize the opportunity which you now have." You have a special opportunity. And what is that? This human form of life. Utilize it; don't waste it. Don't go on sleeping. This very same matter is taken up by Sri Krishna. Those who are accustomed to the yoga process know this. The first principle of the yoga process is to control the senses. This is so for every process. In any bona fide process for spiritual realization, the first principle is to control the senses. This is because the senses are dragging us into the darkest region of life. But we do not realize this. Continue reading "“Who is Crazy?”
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Tuesday, February 9, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

243 Avenue Rd., Toronto

 

Inspiring Captain

 

A poem I wrote to honor the guru (Prabhupada):

 

Inspiring Captain

 

Bless that a new power be bestowed upon me

To be humbled as if standing next to the big sea.

It’s what I’ve never known, never seen

For behind the ears, I’m embarrassingly green.

 

I am small, I am petite

Searching constantly for what’s labelled as sweet.

Conceit is the weakness that brings this about

Causing an entrance, an exit — I’m in, I’m out.

 

I find a straw-in-teeth so hard to swallow.

Pride ‘n snobbery is what I’m up to follow.

To snub these is the greatest challenge of all.

To tackle the ego is an order so tall.

 

Where’s the real sweetness — the promised love —

This potential prema that comes from above?

If it’s there, then why doesn’t it fall?

Seems it lacks the gravity of a heavy ball.

 

As time ticks, 70 comes to my door,

I’m getting closer to being flat on the floor.

With no expectation to finish my term soon,

My service is forever as it is over the moon.

 

You took on the weighty world like a fighter.

You knock down maya to make everything lighter.

Though towering ocean waves, you keep me afloat,

As the inspiring captain on the bhakti boat.

            -Bhaktimarga Swami, The Walking Monk©

 

May the source be with you!

0 km

 

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


 

Saturday, February 6th, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

The Balcony, Toronto

 

Back At A Canal

 

Once again, my pacing today took place on the balcony of the temple room. I must have covered, by my calculation, 2 kilometres. I went in an east-west, back-and-forth movement, although the balcony is shaped like a horseshoe. With a very dim light cast on the four-leveled floor, I decided to play it safe by making no turns for fear that I might fall over to the next level. I don’t need any accidents at this point. I’ve scored quite well over the years of walking.

 

I recall in 2016 having a pretty good fall in Illinois along the Illinois and Michigan canal. I lost balance on what was literally a slippery slope and landed into the water’s edge. I picked myself up and went full throttle ahead.

 

I also remember leaving a mantra card at the spot where I fell and slipped and got partially wet. It was a marker of sorts, a demarcation point saying, “I was here!” It was interesting that approximately four days later I met two cyclist, one of whom saw me coming as they were sitting by relaxing from tenting overnight.

 

“Oh, are you that monk that’s walking?” She asked. I confirmed. “I’ve got your card. I found it at the last canal.”

 

I didn’t let her know that I had a good fall back there at that spot. Come to think of it, I know I left it behind hoping that my support person, Uttamananda, would find it and locate me. Well, he didn’t see the card although he was looking for me and knew my route. It was one of those times that I was lost and got a bit smudged up from the mud where I fell. I was forced to deliciously depend on Krishna. Anyway, after my balcony pacing I descended the stairs, went to the door and saw glorious snow coming down.

 

May the source be with you!

2 km

 

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


 

Monday, February 8, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

243 Avenue Rd., Toronto

 

How Much You Got Left in the Tank?

 

The message came from Ohio. It came from a fine fella who considers himself a punk, perhaps an X. His name is Kaustubha and it is good news — I’m sure he doesn’t mind me sharing the message regarding a new trail. Seems like he would go for trail blazing it. That’s his offer. He’s wondering if I still have some steam in my tank for a marathon. My answer is “Yes, most probably, but after some work is done on the knees.” Here is his message:

 

“Just saw a wonderful article about a new walking/biking trail that connects New York City to the Canadian border. It’s at least a couple hundred miles. I know it’s not your normal country trek but going from where ISKCON started to where it ended up in Canada, would be pretty awesome. And if you don’t have the time or inclination to do it, I can take the trek for you. ‘Walking Punk Walks for Walking Monk.’ The headline just sells itself! I’ll leave a link below for the article. Hopefully the trail is really busy since we’ve all been stuck at home for the past year. Hope all is well! Haribol!”

 

Haribol! Indeed! This sounds better than the Super Bowl.

 

I will encourage my dear Kaustubha to take up the challenge. I’m looking for people who will continue the tradition. Thanks for stepping forward, Kaustubha!

 

May the source be with you!

0 km

 

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


 

 

Sunday, February 7, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

The balcony at 243

 

From Passion to Compassion

 

I took to a balcony walk and had some time to reflect on today’s class with the Scarborough crew. The topic was “From Passion to Compassion.” I mentioned to the group on Zoom that I would come close to cringing when I first read that message from chapter 2 of the Gita. “The wise lament neither for the living nor the dead.”

 

It sounded extreme. Is there any room for compassion in the culture? Answer, “Yes.” For instance, after the Kuruksetra war many widows suddenly came into being and Krishna was there to offer the women folk much support. So why such a statement about not lamenting when people are in pain? The empathy factor must be projected during trying times for others.

 

The major point is to give more importance to the soul, which is permanent, whereas the body is a machine that is disposable. From a world of passion, temporal desire, we should evolve to the point of placing compassion in the right direction, to that of the soul.

 

A few helpful quotes on the subject of compassion:

 

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Plato

 

“Compassion is the basis of morality.” Arthur Schopenhauer

 

“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” Dalai Lama

 

“It is easy to be friendly to one’s friends. But to befriend the one who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The other is mere business.” Gandhi

 

If our dear Prabhupada did not demonstrate compassion I would not be in the reality where I am today; in safety, peacefulness and joy.

 

May the source be with you!

2 km

 

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


 

Friday, February 5th, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

243 Avenue Road, Toronto

 

Drama King and Drama Swami

 

Temperamental weather today. The gods are at work. All was melting. Rains came. Wet snow. Then a blast of arctic freeze hit the land. Ice predominated and walking was unfavourable. Walking Monk out of work.

 

I did receive a vintage pic from my friend Krishnadasa today reminding me that I’m not just The Walking Monk. I’m also referred to as Drama Swami. The content of the photo is of Krishnadasa and myself in the 1980 drama called, “The Pandavas Retire Timely,” titled after a chapter in the book Bhagavatam.

 

I portrayed Vidura, the sage, who had just returned from a long walk and was revisiting the palace of king Yudisthira. Vidura’s visit was driven with purpose — to encourage his blind brother to fully retire and take to the ways of a renunciate (refer to link below for a modern-day version, “Rolling the Dice.”). Now in this story Yudisthira was left alone and was making observations of so many ill omens.

 

Our production of this touching story was staged on Centre Island for the Festival of India. It was outdoors. There was some synchronicity of mother nature, the gods and us actors on the mortal stage. It was uncanny. When King Yudisthira announced that rain appears at irregular times, at that moment, as if on cue, rain did fall from the sky, for only about 15 seconds and then it stopped. The audience was astounded. How could this be?

 

The pic has some historical significance to us apart from the nostalgic make up that we wore. I was a graying hairy brahman as Vidura and Krishnadasa was a youthful Maharaja in the production.

 

May the source be with you!

0 km

 

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


 

Valentine’s Day Message: The Love That Satisfies
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“Any religion, it doesn’t matter whether Hindu religion, Muslim religion, Christian religion—if you are developing love of God, then you are perfect in your religion. . . . And what kind of love? Ahaituki: without any cause. ‘O Lord, I love You, God, because You supply me so many nice things. You are order-supplier.’ No, not that sort of love. Without any exchange.


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Creating Meaningful Connections (video)
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By Grihastha Vision Team

The mission of The Grihastha Vision Team is to support, strengthen, educate and enliven the individuals, couples and families who are or will be involved with the grihastha ashram. We want to help you spiritualize your marriage and make it an act of seva. Remember, Vaisnava etiquette begins at home. Continue reading "Creating Meaningful Connections (video)
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Valentine’s Day Message: The Love That Satisfies
Giriraj Swami

Today, February 14, Saint Valentine’s Day, I was struck when Srila Prabhupada, at the conclusion of his class on Sri Isopanisad, spoke about love—the love that Krishna wants and the love that will satisfy us:

“Any religion, it doesn’t matter whether Hindu religion, Muslim religion, Christian religion—if you are developing love of God, then you are perfect in your religion. . . . And what kind of love? Ahaituki: without any cause. ‘O Lord, I love You, God, because You supply me so many nice things. You are order-supplier.’ No, not that sort of love. Without any exchange. That is taught by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, that ‘Whatever You do . . .’ Aslisya va pada-ratam pinastu mam. ‘Either You trample me under Your feet or You embrace me—what You like. You make me brokenhearted by my not seeing You—that doesn’t matter. Still You are my worshipable Lord.’ That is love. . . . That sort of love Krishna wants. Therefore He was so much fond of the gopis. In the gopis’ love there was no question of business propaganda: ‘Give me this, then I love You.’ No. That is pure love. . . . If you want to love God, there is nothing throughout the whole world which can check you. Simply you have to develop your eagerness: ‘Krishna, I want You.’ That’s all. Then there is no question of checking. In any condition you’ll increase your love, increase your love. . . . If you can develop your love for God, or Krishna, without being checked, without any cause, then you will feel fully satisfied.”

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Remembering Vishal Prabhu (video)
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By ISKCON Vrindavan

Vishal Prabhu was a legendary distributor of Srila Prabhupada’s books. He joined the movement in approximately 1968, and he was about thirty years old when he joined. He married Visalini devi and they had three daughters together, one of whom passed away in Vrindavan at a very young age. His two remaining girls are Krsnamayi and Vrinda. Continue reading "Remembering Vishal Prabhu (video)
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5 week – daily broadcast Celebrating Sri Caitanya-caritamrita
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By the GBC SPT

35 days of virtual association with many of ISKCON's most experienced and engaging speakers. We are honored to have the participation of many senior Vaishnavas, including Jayapataka Swami, Giriraja Swami, Radhanath Swami, Kadamba Kanana Swami, Jayadvaita Swami, Krsna Ksetra Swami, Candramauli Swami, Devamrta Swami, Bhakti Purushottama Swami, Vaisesika Das, Lokanath Swami, Malati Devi, Visakha Devi, Narayani Devi, Jagattarini Devi, and many more. Their profound realizations will enlighten us during this 5-week celebration. Continue reading "5 week – daily broadcast Celebrating Sri Caitanya-caritamrita
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Pundarika Vidyanidhi Appearance
→ Ramai Swami

(See Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila 10.14 and Madhya-lila 16.76-81.)

pundarika vidyanidhi——bada-sakha jani
yanra nama lana prabhu kandila apani

TRANSLATION

Pundarika Vidyanidhi, the third big branch, was so dear to Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu that in his absence Lord Caitanya Himself would sometimes cry.

PURPORT

In the Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika Srila Pundarika Vidyanidhi is described as the father of Srimati Radharani in krishna-lila. Caitanya Mahaprabhu therefore treated him as His father. Pundarika Vidyanidhi’s father was known as Banesvara or, according to another opinion, Suklambara Brahmacari, and his mother’s name was Gangadevi

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu called Pundarika Vidyanidhi “father,” and He gave him the title Premanidhi. Pundarika Vidyanidhi later became the spiritual master of Gadadhara Pandita and an intimate friend of Svarupa Damodara’s.

Gadadhara Pandita at first misunderstood Pundarika Vidyanidhi to be an ordinary pounds-and-shillings man, but later, upon being corrected by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, he became his disciple.

Another incident in the life of Pundarika Vidyanidhi involves his criticizing the priest of the Jagannatha temple, for which Jagannatha Prabhu chastised him personally by slapping his cheeks. This is described in Sri Caitanya-bhagavata, Antya-lila, Chapter Seven. 

ISKCON Scarborough – Class by HH Bhakti Anugraha Janardana Swami – Sunday 14h Feb 2021 – 11 am to 12 noon
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!


Date: 14th Feb 2021
Day: Sunday
Time: 11 am to 12 noon
Speaker: HH Bhakti Anugraha Janardana Swami

Link to join the class from your desktop or laptop:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9150790510?pwd=Wk5GYXVRMkJmdk84MzZJRXBKYUgwUT09


HH Bhakti Anugraha Janardana Swami:

H.H Bhakti Anugraha Janardana Swami is disciple of Gopal Krishna Goswami and in 2014, he was awarded sannyas initiation by Gopal Krishna Goswami. He has been preaching in New Delhi, Vrindavan and Philippines.

H.H Bhakti Anugraha Janardana Swami travels with HH Gopal Krishna Maharaja and has been assigned the work of preaching in Philippines. H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami is H.H Bhakti Anugraha Janardana Swami's mentor.

ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough, Ontario,
Canada, M1V4C7
Website: www.iskconscarborough.org
Email:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com
scarboroughiskcon@gmail.com

Sargal Singh left his body! You do not know who Sargal Singh is?
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And the merchant was selling him some grains and the merchant asked the man, “Why is your head shaven? You come here every day. You never shave your head. Why are you wearing dark clothes today?” And the old man, he was very serious. He said, “Oh! You have not heard? Sargal Singh is dead!”

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Grihastha Vision Team Explores “Creating Meaningful Relationships” In Pre-Valentine’s Day Q &A
→ ISKCON News

The Grihastha Vision Team is offering an online Q & A on “Creating Meaningful Relationships” from 5:00 to 7:00pm on Saturday February 13th, the day before Valentine’s Day. The session will be broadcast live on the Grihasta Vision Team Facebook and Youtube, and via Zoom. The GVT, established in 2004, is a group of Vaishnava […]

The post Grihastha Vision Team Explores “Creating Meaningful Relationships” In Pre-Valentine’s Day Q &A appeared first on ISKCON News.

What Devotees Need To Know About the COVID-19 Vaccinations?
→ ISKCON News

Is COVID-19 real? How do the vaccines work? Are the vaccines safe and effective? Are there sinister motives behind the vaccination? Can the vaccine change our DNA and cause a genetic disorder? Does the vaccine contain immoral components from fetuses/human cells? Did the rapidly changing virus render the vaccines ineffective and obsolete? As devotees, are they to depend on medical science, or […]

The post What Devotees Need To Know About the COVID-19 Vaccinations? appeared first on ISKCON News.

What Devotees Need To Know About the COVID-19 Vaccinations?
→ ISKCON News: Latest Stories

Is COVID-19 real? How do the vaccines work? Are the vaccines safe and effective? Are there sinister motives behind the vaccination? Can the vaccine change our DNA and cause a genetic disorder? Does the vaccine contain immoral components from fetuses/human cells? Did the rapidly changing virus render the vaccines ineffective and obsolete? As devotees, are they to depend on medical science, or Krishna? - Vraja Vihari Das GBC SPT interviews medical professional devotees Dr. Madhavananda Das and Dr. Shyama Gopi Dasi.

Seek More to Connect Than to Correct
→ ISKCON News

On the brink of the Mahabharata war, Arjuna was overwhelmed by misdirected compassion and was about to abandon his duty. Krishna could simply have corrected him and ordered him to fight. Yet Krishna spoke the entire Bhagavad-gita to help him understand the philosophical and devotional rationale for doing his duty.  We can follow Krishna’s example […]

The post Seek More to Connect Than to Correct appeared first on ISKCON News.