Yamuna Devi’s Original Deity Book “Yamuna Devi: A Study of Seva Puja” to be Published
→ ISKCON News

Yamuna Devi, an ISKCON pioneer, one of the first disciples of Srila Prabhupada, and a much loved and deeply inspiring figure for devotees all over the world, passed away on December 20th, 2011. Now, as a tribute to her on this ninth year of her passing, Dinatarini Devi, Yamuna’s companion in devotional life for 37 […]

The post Yamuna Devi’s Original Deity Book “Yamuna Devi: A Study of Seva Puja” to be Published appeared first on ISKCON News.

Alachua’s Hare Krishna Community Radio Soft Launches on Christmas Day
→ ISKCON News

A Hare Krishna Community Radio station based in Alachua, Florida had a soft launch on Christmas Day, broadcasting a series of devotional programs on the holiday as well as over four days at New Year’s. The project, run by Sudharma Dasi, aims to grow into a full-time digital radio station and eventually to reach out […]

The post Alachua’s Hare Krishna Community Radio Soft Launches on Christmas Day appeared first on ISKCON News.

Avoiding the Duryodhana Delusion
→ ISKCON News

At the start of the Bhagavad-gita, Duryodhana assesses the strengths of the two armies assembled on the Kurukshetra batl (01.02-01.10). Therein,  he mentions the principal warriors on both sides, but forgets to mention Krishna. His neglecting Krishna is understandable because Krishna had declared he would be a non-combatant. So, Duryodhana thought that Krishna’s presence wouldn’t […]

The post Avoiding the Duryodhana Delusion appeared first on ISKCON News.

A Unique New Song “Sound Is The Weapon Of The Revolution” by The Hanumen Has Been Released
→ ISKCON News

  Sound Is The Weapon Of The Revolution (Om Namo Narayanaya) was originally recorded live while The Hanumen were staying at a friend’s home in the midst of a tour in November of 2019. “Later, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, isolated in our own home studios, we were able to record a range […]

The post A Unique New Song “Sound Is The Weapon Of The Revolution” by The Hanumen Has Been Released appeared first on ISKCON News.

Monarcophiles of the World, Unite!
→ ISKCON News

In previous ages – or just in previous centuries – kingdoms were ruled by kings; kings with real executive power, not just ceremonial heads of state: “Formerly everywhere, all over the world, the monarchy was prevalent.” Srila Prabhupada says, “Even up to date some of the countries, they are maintaining monarchy, but only in name […]

The post Monarcophiles of the World, Unite! appeared first on ISKCON News.

Darkness in the Season of Light
→ ISKCON News

 For many, these darkest days of the year have traditionally been celebrated as the Season of Light, or Advent, or Hanukah. Yet during this time of global pandemic, many of us are feeling and observing a collective unconsciousness in our world – a heavy or negative energy surrounding us.  Some are experiencing a paralyzing fear; […]

The post Darkness in the Season of Light appeared first on ISKCON News.

ISKCON Communications Director about Chaos and Crisis in Washington DC
→ Dandavats



The chaos and crisis that exploded in America’s capital yesterday was not the result of one man, or a few thousand crazed vigilantes. It was the result of years of vitriol, of planting seeds of divisiveness and hate, of reveling in the unfair and unlawful treatment of others for selfish and materialistic gains.

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(This post has been viewed 330 times so far)

Final call for Homages for Srila Prabhupada’s 2021 Vyasa Puja Book
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By Dravida dasa

Dear follower of Srila Prabhupada, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada! This is our final reminder to kindly submit your homage to Srila Prabhupada for his Vyasa-puja book by April 7. In addition, if you're a direct disciple of Srila Prabhupada, please check out www.sptributes.com to learn about a Vyasa-puja book open to all his disciples. The deadline for submission to this book is April 15. Continue reading "Final call for Homages for Srila Prabhupada’s 2021 Vyasa Puja Book
→ Dandavats"

Tuesday, January 5, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

Rosedale, Toronto

 

Destiny

 

These days I’m missing Argentina, Cuba, Guyana, Trinidad, Suriname, India, South Africa, Mauritius as well as parts of the US and Canada, which are all my regular places of visitation. Woe is me! Like so many people on this planet, Earth, we are bound.

 

My peers, some of which are sannyasis(full-fledged monks), gurus and sages, both men and women, are all in the same boat. Most of us have established a home-base.

 

But we have considered carefully what is our actual home, and are we moving in the direction of being "homeward bound," as Simon and Garfunkel might say. We have a word in Sanskrit which reflects that ultimate place, Vaikuntha. "Vai" means without and "kuntha"refers to misery. So we are looking at what is referred to as the ultimate abode; where there is no distress. Can you imagine such a place?

 

During a virtual memorial on behalf of Indira Nayee, that took place in our local area today, devotees from their individual living spaces 'Zoomed' in to express some words of glorification. Several of the speakers used the safe phrase, "a better place," not specifying Vaikuntha. It is really hard for anyone of us to judge a soul’s destination, even if she or he lead a life of piety. Who are we to judge a person’s destiny? That is not our job, however, we can make some wholesome generalizations based upon a person’s overall behavior while on this planet. The general rule of karma holds that where there are kind acts a good next life is determined, and if our actions are dubious and shady then some term in darkness is the outcome. Sounds fair, doesn’t it?

 

May the source be with you!

3 km


 

 

Monday, January 4, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

Brickworks, Toronto

 

Book Walk Celebration

 

We were outside and kept our distance. We walked the trails, or rather "crunched" along, over the surface of icy snow. We made our noise and made it clear, with the sound of our footsteps, that we were present. There could not be louder footsteps even if we tried.

 

The "we" referred to are the Patel clan, from Muskoka. A dozen of us had arranged for a purely outdoor event, in a separated formation, simply through walking and celebrating.

 

What was the celebration all about?

 

Well, in early December, I asked the group from what is known as "cottage country," if they could participate in the book marathon, more particularly in the distribution of Bhagavad-gitasin their community. The goal set was for three hundred Gitas to be sponsored and distributed during the month of December in 2020.

 

The happy group, that was so driven to get out the mercy of Krishna's divine words, reported to me that they reached the grand total of fifteen hundred. It was an occasion for cheers! Instead of popping bottles of champagne our approach to success of going over the goal was via a walking party.

 

Just imagine that, taking in a piece of nature and moving through it as a way of merry-making? Well, it was done and I admire them because they are a united group and they exude a strong sense of community. Wait till Covid is over and then there may be more intense celebration, such as soul-touching

kirtan—chanting sessions. For now it took the shape of walking and making the crunching sound under the feet.

 

May the source be with you!

4 km


 

Those eighteen days – Day 8
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast:

<iframe width=”100%” height=”300″ scrolling=”no” frameborder=”no” allow=”autoplay” src=”https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/959928253&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true”></iframe><div style=”font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;”><a href=”https://soundcloud.com/chaitanya-charan” title=”Chaitanya Charan” target=”_blank” style=”color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;”>Chaitanya Charan</a> · <a href=”https://soundcloud.com/chaitanya-charan/those-eighteen-days-day-8″ title=”Those eighteen days – Day 8″ target=”_blank” style=”color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;”>Those eighteen days – Day 8</a></div>

Video:

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/XLaUbSrr4LY” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>

The post Those eighteen days – Day 8 appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

London’s Food for Life & Govinda’s Restaurant Launches UK’s First 100% Electric Food Van
→ ISKCON News

Food for Life London marked a milestone this Christmas by introducing the UK’s first fully electric food distribution van to serve Londoners. The project has relentlessly continued to serve the needy during the pandemic and the nationwide lockdowns, remaining to be one of the few charities still providing free food to the homeless in Central […]

The post London’s Food for Life & Govinda’s Restaurant Launches UK’s First 100% Electric Food Van appeared first on ISKCON News.

Chaos and Crisis in Washington DC
→ ISKCON News

Lord Krishna explains in the sacred text, Bhagavad-Gita, “Whatever action a great man performs, others will follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.”  Yesterday in Washington, D.C., we saw the truth of this statement, and the terrible impact of the misguided thoughts, words, and actions of an influential and […]

The post Chaos and Crisis in Washington DC appeared first on ISKCON News.

Chaos and Crisis in Washington DC
→ ISKCON News: Latest Stories

Lord Krishna explains in the sacred text, Bhagavad-Gita, “Whatever action a great man performs, others will follow. And whatever standards he sets by exemplary acts, all the world pursues.”  Yesterday in Washington, D.C., we saw the truth of this statement, and the terrible impact of the misguided thoughts, words, and actions of an influential and powerful man. 

Grand opening of Hare Krsna Book Shop at Mumbai Central Railway Station Platform 1 & 2 (Album of photos)
→ Dandavats



ISKCON Juhu is proud to announce the inauguration of a new permanent store ‘Hare Krsna Books’ for distribution of spiritual books at Mumbai Central Railway Station on Platform No 1 & 2. The stall was inaugurated on 07/Jan/2021 at hands of Srimati Priyanka Caturvedi, MP Rajya Sabha. The events was also inaugurated and attended by Shri Alok Kansal, General Manager, Western Railway and Shri Satya Kumar, Divisional Railway Manager.

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(This post has been viewed 330 times so far)

Those eighteen days – Day 7
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast:

<iframe width=”100%” height=”300″ scrolling=”no” frameborder=”no” allow=”autoplay” src=”https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/959924584&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true”></iframe><div style=”font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;”><a href=”https://soundcloud.com/chaitanya-charan” title=”Chaitanya Charan” target=”_blank” style=”color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;”>Chaitanya Charan</a> · <a href=”https://soundcloud.com/chaitanya-charan/those-eighteen-days-day-7″ title=”Those eighteen days – Day 7″ target=”_blank” style=”color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;”>Those eighteen days – Day 7</a></div>

Video:

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/4BgTRk_MDNg” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>

The post Those eighteen days – Day 7 appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

How does fatherlessness in America affect their spiritual receptivity?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast:

<iframe width=”100%” height=”300″ scrolling=”no” frameborder=”no” allow=”autoplay” src=”https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/960499510&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true”></iframe><div style=”font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;”><a href=”https://soundcloud.com/chaitanya-charan” title=”Chaitanya Charan” target=”_blank” style=”color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;”>Chaitanya Charan</a> · <a href=”https://soundcloud.com/chaitanya-charan/how-does-fatherlessness-in-america-affect-their-spiritual-receptivity” title=”How Does Fatherlessness In America Affect Their Spiritual Receptivity” target=”_blank” style=”color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;”>How Does Fatherlessness In America Affect Their Spiritual Receptivity</a></div>

The post How does fatherlessness in America affect their spiritual receptivity? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

When ethics and humanity can provide us direction why do we need spirituality?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast:

<iframe width=”100%” height=”300″ scrolling=”no” frameborder=”no” allow=”autoplay” src=”https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/960498553&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true”></iframe><div style=”font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;”><a href=”https://soundcloud.com/chaitanya-charan” title=”Chaitanya Charan” target=”_blank” style=”color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;”>Chaitanya Charan</a> · <a href=”https://soundcloud.com/chaitanya-charan/when-ethics-and-humanity-can-provide-us-direction-why-do-we-need-spirituality” title=”When Ethics And Humanity Can Provide Us Direction Why Do We Need Spirituality” target=”_blank” style=”color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;”>When Ethics And Humanity Can Provide Us Direction Why Do We Need Spirituality</a></div>

The post When ethics and humanity can provide us direction why do we need spirituality? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Rice and juice prasadam to the inmates of Kumasi (Ghana) Central Prisons (Album of photos)
→ Dandavats



By the divine mercy of Srila Prabhupada, on the most auspicious day of the disappearance of HDG Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura (2/1/2021), ISKCON Kumasi was able to distribute 1000+ sets of Rice and juice prasadam to the inmates of Kumasi Central Prisons. We also loudly chanted the Maha mantra with them. And distributed 400 pamphlets of on chanting Hare Krsna, 6 journey of Self discovery, 2 coming back and 6 path of perfection.

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(This post has been viewed 340 times so far)

Gangasagar Mela – 11th -17th January 2021
→ Mayapur.com

Dear Well-wisher, Hare Krishna! Greetings along with the blessings of Lord Kapil Muni and Ganga Mata! We pray this letter meets you and your family in good health during this challenging COVID-19 pandemic. With the New Year already here, we are looking forward to happiness, prosperity and success. Darkness is inauspicious and the light brings […]

The post Gangasagar Mela – 11th -17th January 2021 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Sunday, January 3, 2021
→ The Walking Monk

Rosedale, Toronto

 

The Good About Winter

 

I don’t do too well with complainers. Covid is fueling them big time these days. Another cause for the current griping is the weather. A lot of people just don’t like winter. Winter, with Covid slapped on top of it, makes it “the winter of our discontent.” That’s a quote from Richard the 3rd, by William Shakespeare. One of my very favourite literary geniuses is John Steinbeck who authored, “East of Eden,” “Grapes of Wrath” and “Of Mice and Men.” His last novel was titled after the famous line, “The Winter of Our Discontent.”

 

I delivered two classes today, by Zoom. One for Vancouver and another for Toronto, to counter the winter blues syndrome. We know the weather is frigid, the traffic is hazardous, the bills go high and income is lowest, but under the topic “The Good About Winter” we had a chance to have a second look at winter.

 

In India the four months of the rainy season is the time for inner reflection. Our winter, in the north, is introspective time. Travel is more restrictive. It really does draw a parallel, in a way. December to April Fools; it’s no joke.

 

Let’s take some quotes about winter:

 

“Winter is the season of recovery and preparation.” Paul Theroux

 

“The colour of springtime is the flowers. The colour of winter is in the imagination.” Terri Guillemets.

 

“In seed time learn, in harvest teach, in winter enjoy.” William Blake

 

“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire; it is the time for home.” Edith Sitwell

 

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, “Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.”” Lewis Carrol

 

Be a winter optimist.

 

May the source be with you!

4 km


 

Those eighteen days – Day 6
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast:

<iframe width=”100%” height=”300″ scrolling=”no” frameborder=”no” allow=”autoplay” src=”https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/959923741&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true&visual=true”></iframe><div style=”font-size: 10px; color: #cccccc;line-break: anywhere;word-break: normal;overflow: hidden;white-space: nowrap;text-overflow: ellipsis; font-family: Interstate,Lucida Grande,Lucida Sans Unicode,Lucida Sans,Garuda,Verdana,Tahoma,sans-serif;font-weight: 100;”><a href=”https://soundcloud.com/chaitanya-charan” title=”Chaitanya Charan” target=”_blank” style=”color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;”>Chaitanya Charan</a> · <a href=”https://soundcloud.com/chaitanya-charan/those-eighteen-days-day-6″ title=”Those Eighteen Days – Day 6″ target=”_blank” style=”color: #cccccc; text-decoration: none;”>Those Eighteen Days – Day 6</a></div>

Video:

<iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/aIY02C24ayo” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>

The post Those eighteen days – Day 6 appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Reconciling Science and Religion (video)
→ Dandavats



Is the universe created by conscious control on the highest level and inhabited by hierarchical beings organized to act in concert with the Supreme? Or, is matter the ultimate basis of reality, which is then transformed automatically to produce life? Summarizing his recent lecture at Worchester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), Sadaputa Dasa (Dr. Richard L. Thompson) reenacts Plato's battle between the gods and the earth giants in an updated version of mysticism vs. empiricism, and concludes that enlightened understanding of illusive truths demands the reconciliation of science and religion.


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