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By Taruni Radhe Devi Dasi TOTAL GHEE LAMP OF WHOPPING 132,180! HG Jagabandhu das, a disciple of HH Janananda Goswami Maharaj is a humble youth & highly inspiring devotee who distributes Srila Prabhupada’s teachings through his words, actions and preaching by conducting major scale Ratha Yatra, distributing Mahaprasadham, chanting beads & Srila Prabhupada’s books! All glories to Srila Prabhupada! Continue reading "Highest Damodara Ghee Lamp Offering Score
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“Before meeting Mahaprabhu Narahari had written many Sanskrit and Bengali songs about the vraja rasa of Radha-Giridhari. Later, he and Gadadhara Pandit always stayed with Lord Chaitanya. Narahari used to please the Lord by waving a chamara or a peacock fan. Shrila Thakura Bhaktivinoda’s Gaura-aroti song glorifies this, narahari adi kori camara dhulaya.
Narahari Sarakara’s family was the pride of the Vaishnavas. By their influence all the people in Shri Khanda became Vaishnavas. The entire village turned into a “branch of the desire tree of love of God.” Since the time of Lord Gaurachandra, Shri Khanda has been a preaching center for Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
One day Shri Nityananda Prabhu came to Shri Khanda and asked Narahari, “All right, we know who you are. So where’s the honey?” By his mystic power Narahari turned a pot of water into supersweet honey for the Lord’s pleasure. Narahari serves Lord Shyamasundara in Vraja lila as Madhumati, a prana-sakhi who supplies mouth-watering honey for Radha-Damodara and Their dear ones.
“Shri Narahari Sarakara’s very being was saturated with Radha Krishna prema. No one can fathom the depth of his devotion and pure love for Radha and Krishna. In Vraja he is Radha’s dear sakhi, Madhumati (a storehoue of sweetness). And in Gauranga lila he is Narahari, a storehouse of Radha-Krishna prema.” (Shri Chaitanya Mangala)
Narahari Sarakara books Padakalpataru and Krishna-bhajanamrta include wonderful intimate songs praising Lord Gauranga and Shri Nityananda Prabhu. Shripad B.V.Narayana Maharaja said, “Narahari composed many ambrosial nectarean songs that overflow with the sweetest devotion.” In Shri Krishna Bhajanamrtam, Narahari teaches how to worship Shri Krishna and Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Shri Lochana Dasa Thakura and many others were disciples of Narahari Sarakara Thakura. Though not accessible, his samadhi is in Radha-kunda.
There must be more to Christmas
Perhaps one of the saddest parts about growing up is learning that Father Christmas is not real. I recall a few years ago hearing how a teacher had been hauled across the coals for revealing this terrible truth to his class of six year olds, after outraged parents had bombarded the school with complaints.
I was never a big believer in Santa myself. I think it dawned on me at an early age that a portly gentleman bearing a huge sack on his back somehow would not fit down the chimney, even accepting that he had flown across the skies in a reindeer drawn sleigh to get there. More of an issue for me as I was growing up was the reality of Jesus himself; was there ever such a person, and was he really God’s son? I was inclined to accept this but faced conflicting messages from my seniors, some of whom advocated in favour and others quite the opposite. School introduced me to the concept of scientific atheism, that belief in God was irrational and that science had all the answers. The patent falsity of this claim soon became apparent when I began to ask the big questions like why am I here? Why do we die? What is the point of our lives? And so on. These would generally be dismissed with a laugh. ‘Don’t waste your time with such pointless enquiries. Life is meant for living, that’s all.’
An understandable view perhaps from science teachers, but even philosophy lecturers had apparently decided that such questions were useless. My wife told me how, when she was studying for her philosophy degree, her professor had warned her, ‘If you are here to discover life’s meaning you’re in the wrong place. Philosophy today is simply about the meaning of words.”
As a young boy I attended Sunday School in my local church but they too struggled to answer my queries. I remember one day asking a church elder, “If men are made in God’s image why are they imperfect and even sometimes evil?” The man stared back blankly. “Some things are hard to understand,” he said. “All will be revealed in time.”
This did little to strengthen my faith and I went through my youth in a state of some perplexity. On the one hand, I assumed the guise of an informed and rational atheist, subscribing to the latest scientific theories, but within myself I would secretly talk to God. I never admitted this secret to friends and family, for fear of ridicule, but I even had trouble myself coming to terms with the fact that I actually did have faith.
As I grew older my confusion was compounded as I sought answers by delving into all kinds of quasi-spiritual books and a plethora of other esoteric works, such as the Greek classics. I didn’t know what to believe. It wasn’t until I came across the ancient Vedic writings, and especially their great ambassador, Srila Prabhupada, that things started to make sense. At last my faith was given a rational and indeed scientific basis. I could finally declare myself to be a man of faith, confident in my ability to establish the reasonableness of that position.
It was only then that I understood the true position of Jesus and the real meaning of Christmas. “Christ was God’s pure messenger,” explained Prabhupada. “Such great personalities sometimes sacrifice their lives for our sakes.” This was surely true. The message of surrendering to God and giving up sinful life tends to attract fierce opposition. Jesus had paid the ultimate price for the love he showed and taught. I was deeply moved by this thought. Christmas, and particularly Christ’s glorious life and sacrifice, was something worth celebrating.
I had often heard Christ’s life and teachings characterised as the victory of light over darkness, of truth over falsity. He had taught that we are servants of God not Mammon, or material profit. Looking around me it appeared that this message had fallen on deaf ears. Most people were solidly engaged in a frantic endeavour to secure wealth and worldly happiness. Material pleasure was the goal and even Christmas itself had become a virtual orgy of sensual gluttony. Prabhupada opened my eyes to Christ’s real message, “What does it profit a man if he gains the world but loses his soul?” I saw the truth of this. No one seemed to be finding satisfaction and lasting joy in worldly pursuits.
I realised that festivals like Christmas were meant to remind us of these spiritual truths. Diwali, perhaps the Hindu equivalent of Christmas, which was recently celebrated, is another example. This also marks the victory of light over darkness, good over evil. God himself appeared many years ago as Lord Rama to tackle a powerful demon named Ravana, the very embodiment of darkness. After a terrific fight, described in the great epic, Ramayana, he despatched the heinous monster and that is celebrated to this day, when pious Hindus light lamps symbolising his victory.
In one Vedic prayer it is said, “I offer respects to my spiritual master who forced open my eyes, freeing me from darkness with the torchlight of knowledge.” Srila Prabhupada taught us that darkness means ignorance, not knowing who we are, why we suffer, who is God and what is life’s true goal. The very questions no one could answer when I was younger. Questions that nevertheless do have answers, delivered by personalities like Jesus Christ, Lord Rama and Srila Prabhupada. We observe festivals to reconnect with their teachings, to remember that we are eternal servants of God, and that our real goal should be to come back to the point of loving him, not Mammon.
This is the path to real happiness. Ignorance means suffering, as we act in foolish ways that bring painful consequences. Festivals like Christmas and Diwali are therefore joyous occasions because they celebrate the greatest possible gift that we can all receive, the gift of knowledge, peace and ultimately everlasting love.
The GBC Strategic Planning Team (GBC SPT) is looking for devotees to join our team and take on responsible service in several key areas.
-From a devotee who is distributing Bhagavad-gita and other books in Hungary:
“I was going door to door. A lady opened her door, and I showed her books. She invited me in and said she would get a donation for me. I was astounded at what I saw in her house. There was a beautiful picture of Jesus Christ, 2.5 meters high (about 7 feet tall). I was awed. It was so nice. The lady returned and saw me appreciating the picture.
“Srimad Bhagavatam class by HH Subhag Swami in ISKCON Mayapur
Today is a red-letter day—I received an advance copy of my book about Srila Prabhupada and Juhu: I’ll Build You a Temple: The Juhu Story. The volume is beautiful, and I felt humbled by and grateful for all the help I received in this effort.
Thank you very much.
Hare Krishna.
Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami
Gourangi Gandharvika is a second generation devotee from Mayapur who has created the most amazing activity book for children.
In 1973 devotees decided to build a home for Srila Prabhupada, where he could write his books and enjoy the clean country air. A location was chosen for its potential beauty, the land was cleared and construction was started on a simple house. The plan was a rough sketch drawn on a scrap of paper.
Gourangi Gandharvika is a second generation devotee from Mayapur who has created the most amazing activity book for children. In this episode we cover: what inspired her to create the book what it was like growing up in Mayapur how a team of young devotees helped her create the book the challenges she faced publishing […]
The post SV31-Becoming Your Devotee – Krishna Conscious Activities for Kids with Gourangi Gandharvika appeared first on Successful Vaisnavas - Personal Development for Hare Krishnas.
Krishna Kripa Das: Intrigued by seeing the Hare Krishnas chanting and dancing every time she visited New York, Tori Luecking, who is pursuing a masters degree in journalism at NYU and who comes from a Jewish background, decided to make a brief video about them for her own education and that of others. About her experience she wrote, “It was a blast to put together, and I hope you like it and that it helps people better understand Hare Krishna!” We thank her for her devotional endeavor!
Toronto, Ontario
A Walk in the Quiet
I made an official call on behalf of our temple to an agency. It’s not my favourite type of service but nevertheless it must be done. My legal name was in their records but not my email address. I gave them my current email address but it did not compute with what they had. They were nice to me in terms of being helpful but the mood of service stepped up when I explained the following.
“Well, at one time I may have had thewalkingmonk@pamho.net. You see, I’m a monk who’s walked long distances, for instance, across Canada four times.”
That got a response.
“You are awesome!” said the lady. And so what took some time in searching or sorting out things, became less of an ordeal. People do respect the monk status to some degree. When the phone call ended, she said it once again. “You are awesome!”
After that I certainly have to live up to the title and so, after a day of official and less official work—yes, I got into scrubbing a corner of the kitchen—I felt the need to walk in the area between Rosedale and the Annex. How quiet it was, and even when it was not terribly late, 8:45 p.m. Covid is doing its work. I guess we have our job to do; keeping some social distancing going. The hustle-n-bustle of Christmas will be less of a reality this year. Oh well! Silent night, right?
May the Source be with you!
3 km
243 Avenue Road, Toronto
Got Into Cleaning
I got into cleaning again, tackling another corner of the kitchen. In truth, there’s too many items and too much clutter. However, it’s therapy. Cleaning anything in the temple/ashram is like cleaning the corners of your heart.
Included in the fun is being in the room with two younger, Bangladeshi devotees. One is cooking and the other cleaning the pots. I have to be careful not to be too isolated in my upstairs room. Lest it be perceived as an ivory tower. I feel the driving need to give time to these two hard and dedicated workers, Dwarkanatha and Uttamananda, respectively.
I also, on a daily basis, get to chum with two senior devotees, Dharmaprana and Dakshin, when we sit down together and read from the book Chaitanya Charitamrta. I basically read aloud about the great monk himself, Chaitanya. It was He who was so divinely motivated to do so much walking by going on pilgrimage. He also championed big-time cleaning of temples, most notably the famous Gundicha Temple in Puri, India.
Between the classes (I gave) and kitchen seva (service) I’m on the phone for classes via Zoom, as well as to encourage our leaders in our Northern-zone to contribute to the sponsorship of Bhagavada-gitas. They will be installed in prisons, hotels/motels, hospitals and other institutions such as libraries.
It’s working. I hate to say “no walking” today but that’s what happened or rather didn’t happen.
May the Source be with you!
0 km
Christie Pits, Toronto
Talking It Up and the Eyes of God
We had a full day of rain, then a full day of snow. Finally, on Tuesday, the sun reigned and dominated the skies.
After a session of cleaning in the kitchen and taking a small portion of kheer, a sweet prep quite renowned in our temple in Toronto, I laid down on the floor to bathe in the rays of the sun. What a comfort that was, receiving vitamin D in such a fine dose, along with the prana in the air due to having my windows open.
I heard the ringtone on my phone. It was Victor, my young Muslim friend, who asked for a walking opportunity. “Yes, let’s go to the Pits. The sun will be shooting through to the east-west direction on Bloor”, is what I suggested.
The appointment was on. As usual, Victor struck up a conversation regarding spiritual beliefs. We took a break at the park bench at Christie Pits. We began to speak about idol worship. He is anticipating a visit to Mecca.
“Oh yes! Muslims worship the idol, the Kaaba, a stone image,” I said. He found that interesting. I mentioned that I have a cousin who questions my practice of idol worship in the temple and I respond by saying, “In your Christianity you have your crucifix which you adore.”
Victor and I were enjoying the sun. “Some people worship the sun but we say in Islam that nothing should stand in the way of the one God,” he remarked.
I responded that the sun is a part of the universal God. It is his eye and the moon is his other eye. God blinks, shifting as day and night. He liked that. I confirmed there is one Supreme Person and that Person empowers the sun, the moon, you and me, etc.
With our walk complete, and the day also, I laid down on my bed with the moonlight pouring on my body, perfectly aimed.
May the source be with you!
6 km
In today's world, scientific temper occupies the center stage in deciphering the nature of reality. Contrary to the preconceived notion of being dogmatic and ideological, ancient Vedantic theological tradition conforms to the highest kind of rational inquiry. Thus, scientific progress can be expedited by such a body of knowledge.
Do you know before the advent of proper paper, what was the substance on which people used to write? What are the types of manuscripts?
Mathura Lilesvari Dasi: Below is a letter written by HG Vadanya Nitai Das, a disciple of HH Jayapataka Swami and son of HG Mahesh Advaita Das and HG Ananda Sundari DD. Vadanya Nitai passed away on Dec 3, 2016 in Malaysia. He was 27. His parents recently received this letter that he wrote to his aunt in 2010 when her mother passed away. They felt like he was speaking to them and asking them to be strong
The Bhaktivedanta Players have made their Bhagavad-gita Audio Drama available for everyone to hear during the this most auspicious month of Marga sirsha When Bhagavad-gita was spoken, and when whole of ISKCON focuses on the Gita. Enjoy!
With folded hands, we thank all the Vaishnavas for participation in this year’s Kshetra Parikrama. Irrespective of the pandemic and the bridge in physical association it has caused, in great numbers from all around the world, has tuned in daily to participate in the parikrama engaging our minds fully in Puri Dham. This has proved […]
The post Sri Kshetra Parikrama Team thanks you! appeared first on Mayapur.com.
By the ISKCON GBC Strategic Planning Team Medical professionals and healthcare heroes across the country are going above and beyond in the fight against coronavirus. This week, GBC Strategic Planning Team (SPT) invites you to meet, hear and learn from Krsnadasa Kaviraja Das on how to responsibly play our part in this fight. He is one of the many unsung devotee heroes who have put their own lives on the line to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading "Frontline with COVID-19 with Krsnadasa Kaviraja Das (video)
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In 2007 the GBC RESOLVED:
“Whenever the ISKCON Central Office of Child Protection rules that an offense is such as to restrict a person from serving in ISKCON in positions of leadership (including but not limited to offices of GBC, minister, zonal secretary or temple officer), the restriction must include the position of initiating guru. This restriction shall apply to all previous and future decisions of the Central Office of Child Protection.”
In 2007 the ISKCON CPO CLARIFIED:
“We can categorically state that Dhanurdhara Maharaja, and any others with similar CPO decisions, may not act as initiating spiritual masters in ISKCON.”
In 2011 the GBC RESOLVED:
“The GBC is responsible to see that Srila Prabhupada’s teachings are properly represented and that the standards expected of sannyasis, initiating gurus and other spiritual leaders are upheld. The GBC holds those who represent Srila Prabhupada as sannyasis and diksa gurus to the highest standards of moral and ethical behavior.”
In 2018 the GBC RESOLVED:
“No person, who has been determined to have engaged in severe maltreatment of children, will be allowed to remain active in a position of authority or trust within ISKCON, this includes activities such as leading kirtan, giving class, speaking publicly at any ISKCON event or representing ISKCON in official capacities.”
In 2020 the ISKCON North American GBC Confirmed:
“So the conclusion is that the North American GBC Council are not willing to make any changes in Dhanurdhara Swami’s status and he will remain outside of ISKCON in North America.”
In 2020 the ISKCON CPO Confirmed:
“Dhanurdhara Swami remains outside of ISKCON North America. His choice to live as a sannyasi and a guru is his own independent choice.”
Final Verification:
With a quick look at the ISKCON Sannyasa Ministry List of Sannyasis, as well as the ISKCON GBC List of Initiating Gurus, it is easy to see Dhanurdhara is not named on either.
With a quick look at the ISKCON Sannyasa Ministry List of Sannyasis it is easy to see Dhanurdhara is not on it.
We like, we tweet, and we share— but what are the consequences of our growing dependence on social media? As digital platforms increasingly become a lifeline to stay connected, Silicon Valley insiders in a new Netflix documentary reveal how social media is reprogramming civilization by exposing what’s hiding on the other side of your screen.
The post The Social Dilemma | Documentary Trailer appeared first on ISKCON News.
We like, we tweet, and we share— but what are the consequences of our growing dependence on social media? As digital platforms increasingly become a lifeline to stay connected, Silicon Valley insiders in a new Netflix documentary reveal how social media is reprogramming civilization by exposing what’s hiding on the other side of your screen.
Founder-Acarya Essentials. Finding Our Mentors and Mission In His Mission / HG Sureshvara Prabhu
By Indradyumna Swami As you know Vaisesika prabhu is heading up a worldwide effort to distribute 2 million of Srila Prabhupada's books during this Christmas Marathon. It's very exciting! He asked me to address the samkirtan devotees in the first of his online presentations yesterday. Here is my address. Continue reading "Two Million Books! (video)
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By Yogesvara dasa Unlike Jews and Christians, who have had a vested interest in the outer world for centuries, Vaishnavas have traditionally focused on the inner world. Today, with the world growing smaller and humanity more interdependent, Vaishnavas face unprecedented change. What does it mean to be a bhakta in the 21st century? Is it sufficient to take initiation from an approved guru? Does it mean engaging in sankirtan on a regular basis? Does it mean worshipping the Diety? Does legitimacy as a Vaishnava depend on strict adherence to rules and regulations? And where does social action fit? Should devotees vote? Is community involvement a part of Vaishnava life? Is this even a question that can be raised? Perhaps we humans, devotee or otherwise, are not free moral agents but slaves to our karma. Continue reading "When Krishna Wants to Make a Bestseller… Part 2
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1.8.25 – HH Giriraj Swami
Posted by ISKCON of Phoenix on Sunday, December 6, 2020
Video – Bhagavad Gita 4.34 I Already Know Everything, Tell Me Something Juicy 2014-07-25 Timisoara
The post Video - BG 4.34 I Already Know Everything, Tell Me Something Juicy first appeared on Prahladananda Swami.
Once Tulasi devi descended as the daughter of King Kushadvaja. She was married to Jalandara.
Jalandara was married to Tulasi devi and drew strength from her purity and chastity. So firm was her chastity that even Lord Shiva could not defeat Jalandara in battle and all the demigods went to Lord Vishnu for help.
At this time, Lord Vishnu went to Tulasi devi assuming the form of her husband, Jalandara. When Tulasi devi greeted Him, thinking Him to be her husband, her chastity was momentarily broken. Taking advantage of this the demigods killed Jalandara.
When Tulasi devi understood what happened, Lord Vishnu revealed His original form. An enraged Tulasi devi cursed Lord Vishnu for His stone hearted behavior to become a stone. Honoring His pure devotee, Lord Vishnu accepted this curse and promised to appear as the Saligrama shila in the Gandika river (now in Nepal). He also gave Tulsai devi the benediction that she will eternally reside with Him as His consort in Vaikuntha. He said that for the benefit of every one she will assume the form of a plant which will be most auspicious for anyone performing devotional service.
Thus devotees never offer anything to Krishna without a Tulasi leaf. He always adorns Himself with a Tulasi garland. The goddess of fortune, Laksmi, is sometimes envious of the Tulasi leaves which are placed at the lotus feet of the Lord, for they remain fixed there and do not move, whereas Laksmiji, although stationed by the chest of the Lord, sometimes has to please other devotees who pray for her favor. Laksmiji sometimes has to go to satisfy her numerous devotees, but tulasi leaves never forsake their position, and the Lord therefore appreciates the service of the tulasi more than the service of Laksmi.
Once Tulasi devi descended as the daughter of King Kushadvaja. She was married to Jalandara.
Jalandara was married to Tulasi devi and drew strength from her purity and chastity. So firm was her chastity that even Lord Shiva could not defeat Jalandara in battle and all the demigods went to Lord Vishnu for help.
At this time, Lord Vishnu went to Tulasi devi assuming the form of her husband, Jalandara. When Tulasi devi greeted Him, thinking Him to be her husband, her chastity was momentarily broken. Taking advantage of this the demigods killed Jalandara.
When Tulasi devi understood what happened, Lord Vishnu revealed His original form. An enraged Tulasi devi cursed Lord Vishnu for His stone hearted behavior to become a stone. Honoring His pure devotee, Lord Vishnu accepted this curse and promised to appear as the Saligrama shila in the Gandika river (now in Nepal). He also gave Tulsai devi the benediction that she will eternally reside with Him as His consort in Vaikuntha. He said that for the benefit of every one she will assume the form of a plant which will be most auspicious for anyone performing devotional service.
Thus devotees never offer anything to Krishna without a Tulasi leaf. He always adorns Himself with a Tulasi garland. The goddess of fortune, Laksmi, is sometimes envious of the Tulasi leaves which are placed at the lotus feet of the Lord, for they remain fixed there and do not move, whereas Laksmiji, although stationed by the chest of the Lord, sometimes has to please other devotees who pray for her favor. Laksmiji sometimes has to go to satisfy her numerous devotees, but tulasi leaves never forsake their position, and the Lord therefore appreciates the service of the tulasi more than the service of Laksmi.
This morning we learned that one of the devotees living in the temple, Balarama Dasa, has tested positive for COVID-19. Till now he has not been able to trace out where he came in contact with the virus.
On October 28, 1972, in Vrindavan, Srila Prabhupada spoke on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.17:
srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah
punya-sravana-kirtanah
hrdy antah-stho hy abhadrani
vidhunoti suhrt satam
“Sri Krsna, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramatma [Supersoul] in everyone’s heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted.”
Here it is stated in Srimad-Bhagavatam: srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah. If we attentively hear about Krishna, punya-sravana-kirtanah, if we hear about Krishna, it doesn’t matter what I am, but simply by hearing about Krishna, I shall acquire some resultant action of pious activities. . . .
Srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah punya-sravana-kirtanah. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu accepted this process—simply hearing. That is the accepted process, sravanam, sravanam kirtanam. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu accepted this process when Ramananda Raya quoted a passage from Srimad-Bhagavatam spoken by Lord Brahma:
jnane prayasam udapasya namanta eva
jivanti san-mukharitam bhavadiya-vartam
sthane sthitah sruti-gatam tanu-van-manobhir
prayaso ’jita jito ’py asi tais tri-lokyam
[SB 10.14.3]
[“Those who, even while remaining situated in their established social positions, throw away the process of speculative knowledge and with their body, words and mind offer all respects to descriptions of Your personality and activities, dedicating their lives to these narrations, which are vibrated by You personally and by Your pure devotees, certainly conquer Your Lordship, although You are otherwise unconquerable by anyone within the three worlds.”]
So, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu accepted that people should be given chance, some way or other, to hear about Krishna. That’s all. These meetings are arranged, these sankirtana parties are arranged . . . We are sending our men throughout the whole world simply to give them some chance to hear about Krishna. This is the process. And it is actually happening very effectively.
When I was coming here, I was in Manila. In this Manila, Philippines, they eat dogs. But still they gave a very patient hearing to krsna-katha. My last meeting was in a big hotel. Our Sudama Vipra Gosvami Maharaja arranged it, and it was a very successful meeting, full of young men. They came to hear about Krishna. And they responded very nicely—they purchased books, they danced, they chanted.
So, this Krishna consciousness movement is progressing only on this basis: srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah. Just give them the chance to hear about Krishna. We are not bribing them; I have not bribed these American and European boys to become Krishna conscious. I have no money. When I went to America, I had only seven dollars—one hour’s expenditure in New York. You see? So there is no question of bribing them. But they heard about Krishna. I was speaking Bhagavad-gita on the street, in the store, in the park—and chanting. They heard, and they came to me. They became attracted. Why? Because it is said here, hrdy antaù-stho, within the heart, hy abhadrani. People are suffering because they have got so many dirty things within the heart. The most important dirty things are the modes of material nature: sattva-guna, rajo-guna, tamo-guna. Sattva-guna is not dirty, but it is mixed with dirty things. And rajo-guna and tamo-guna are purely dirty. . . .
This Krishna consciousness movement will save man. You can discover something to kill man, but you cannot discover something which will save man. That is Krishna consciousness. And it is very easy: simply by giving some time to hear about Krishna. As soon as one sincerely hears about Krishna . . . Krishna is situated in everyone’s heart. Isvarah sarva-bhutanam hrd-dese arjuna tisthati [Gita 18.61]. [“The Supreme Lord is situated in everyone’s heart, O Arjuna, and is directing the wanderings of all living entities, who are seated as on a machine, made of the material energy.”] Krishna and I are living together within the heart as friends. Krishna is such a sincere friend that He’s always trying to take us back again—back home, back to Godhead. That is His business. But I am denying, “No, Sir, I shall remain as hog. I shall be happy by eating stool.” Krishna says, “No, give up this business.” Sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja [Gita 18.66]. [“Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear.”] “I’ll give you protection.” “No, Sir, I’ll eat meat, I shall eat stool. I have got very good facility for sex life without any discrimination.” There are so many so-called . . . I do not wish to discuss, but sex life is so strong that they cannot give it up even in so-called devotional life.
So, this is a dirty thing. Actually, it is very dirty. But one can give it up if one is very strongly under the shelter of Krishna.
yad-avadhi mama cetah krsna-padaravinde
nava-nava-dhamany rantum asit
tad-avadhi bata nari-sangame smaryamane
bhavati mukha-vikarah sustu nisthivanam ca
This is Yamunacharya’s verse. Krishna is Madana-mohana. If one is attracted actually by Krishna, Madana cannot kill him; Krishna will save him. Actually, the dirty thing is this sex desire. Sex desire increases our attachment for this world.
ato grha-ksetra-sutapta-vittair
janasya moho ’yam aham mameti
pumsah striya mithuni-bhavam etam
janasya moho ’yam aham mameti
[SB 5.5.8]
Everything is there in Srimad-Bhagavatam—the ultimate knowledge to understand everything. Unfortunately, they speak on Srimad-Bhagavatam but not scrutinizingly, pointing out what are the defects in our life. They want to enjoy another type of sense gratification.
Anyway, we do not wish to discuss. But actually, if we want to get rid of all the dirty things from our heart, we must hear scrutinizingly about Krishna. This is the prescription given here. Srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah punya-sravana-kirtanah. If you do not understand, it doesn’t matter. You simply hear the vibration. Just like we are doing. What, in European countries and American countries, they’ll understand? But we are sending in every important street.
In New York we are sending in the Fifth Avenue, the most important street in the world. Fifth Avenue, New York—we are chanting. You have seen pictures in our Back to Godhead—they are chanting. In London, the most important street, Oxford Street, we send our men. In Melbourne, they’re . . . Now the police are arresting. I do not know what is the position now. But these boys and girls are prepared. They are so nice that they’re arrested sometimes. Just like Kazi was torturing Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s party. Of course, now, civilized world, there is no such torturing, but our men are very often arrested and put into jail. But still they go. They go every day. Now in London the police have become disgusted. They do not arrest anymore. Yes. So, I say that if you are arrested, why you should be sorry? You go in the jail and chant Hare Krishna, so that others will get the opportunity to hear about Krishna.
So, this is our propaganda. Krishna consciousness movement means we are giving people the chance to hear about Krishna. Srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah punya-sravana-kirtanah.
The same thing can be done in India also. But we have got a better field of activities outside India, I tell you frankly. I am very much encouraged. Because we get very good response quickly. And they become immediately attached to Krishna, as you see the samples here. They have given up, on account of their attachment to Krishna, they have given up all their nonsense, or abhadrani. Abhadrani means illicit sex, intoxication, meat-eating, and gambling. These are the four pillars of abhadrani.
So, by Krishna consciousness, Krishna helps. Srnvatam. When Krishna sees that “This man, this living entity, is now sincere to hear about Me,” He helps. Hrdi. Because He’s there. You haven’t got to find out somewhere else. You haven’t got to go to Himalaya to find Him. He’s here. Hrdy antah-stho hi. He’s within. I am also within. And all my dirty things are also within. So as soon as He sees that “This living entity is now a little serious about hearing about Me,” He helps. Hrdy antah-stho hy abhadrani vidhunoti. He helps you. I cannot get rid of these dirty things by my own endeavor. That is not possible. But Krishna helps. As soon as we are little serious to hear about Krishna, He helps.
So,
srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah
punya-sravana-kirtanah
hrdy antah-stho hy abhadrani
vidhunoti suhrt satam
[“Sri Krsna, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramatma [Supersoul] in everyone’s heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted.”] He is very intimate friend of the sadhus, of the devotees. He is everyone’s friend. Suhrdam sarva-bhutanam [Gita 5.29]. [“The sages, knowing Me as the ultimate purpose of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods and the benefactor and well-wisher of all living entities, attain peace from the pangs of material miseries.”] He’s everyone’s friend. God, Krishna, is everyone’s friend, but He’s a special friend to the devotees. That is stated in the Bhagavad-gita. He says,
samo ’ham sarva-bhutesu
na me dvesyo ’sti na priyah
ye bhajanti tu mam bhaktya
mayi te tesu capy aham
[Gita 9.29]
[“I envy no one, nor am I partial to anyone. I am equal to all. But whoever renders service unto Me in devotion is a friend, is in Me, and I am also a friend to him.”] Because He’s God, He’s kind to everyone. Without His kindness, we cannot live for a moment. That is a fact. But if one becomes a devotee, He gives special protection. Kaunteya pratijanihi na me bhaktah pranasyati [Gita 9.31]. [“He quickly becomes righteous and attains lasting peace. O son of Kunti, declare it boldly that My devotee never perishes.”]
This human form of life is a special prerogative for the living entity, and if we take advantage of it and simply try to hear about Krishna, then our life is successful.
Thank you very much.
Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!
Date: 6th Dec 2020
Day: Sunday
Time: 11 am to 12 noon
Speaker: HG Rohinipriya das
Link to join the class from your desktop or laptop:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9150790510?pwd=Wk5GYXVRMkJmdk84MzZJRXBKYUgwUT09
HG Rohinipriya das
His Grace Rohinipriya Prabhu is a BACHELOR in MEDICINE & a BACHELOR in SURGERY (M.B.B.S) from BYRAMJEE JEEJEEBHOY GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE AND SASSOON GENERAL HOSPITALS (B.J.M.C), PUNE, INDIA. In the early 90s, he came in contact with ISKCON and consequently, joined the ISKCON Pune temple as a fulltime brahmacari. In 1995, he moved to ISKCON Chowpatty, Mumbai, India. He served as the Director of ISKCON YOUTH FORUM (IYF), ISKCON Chowpatty for many years. Then, he served as a Temple Management Committee(TMC) Member at ISKCON Chowpatty. He also served as a Member of the Committee for Spiritual Vision(CSV) at ISKCON Chowpatty. From 1996, he started travelling to Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India, in addition to his services in Mumbai. He fills the lives of people with the joy of Krishna Consciousness, by his practical, mesmerising, scriptural discourses. He also counsels & guides many people, specially, the youth. He currently serves as the General Manager at ISKCON Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. Under his able guidance ISKCON Aurangabad is a dynamic and flourishing offering & tribute to Srila Prabhupada’s legacy and glory.
He visits North America regularly, especially, the USA & Canada and shares the message of the Bhagavad Gita & the Srimad Bhagavatam. He, also, travels worldwide for serving the people of all denominations. He has been actively distributing the message of the Bhagavad Gita to 1000s of Engineering & Medical students and other professionals all over India. He is an inspiration to many professionals & youth all over the world. He presents the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita & the Shrimad Bhagavatam in a very attractive, eloquent and practical manner.
ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough, Ontario,
Canada, M1V4C7
Website: www.iskconscarborough.org
Email:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com
scarboroughiskcon@gmail.com
“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation) there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that never […]
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