Planet ISKCON

ISKCON Child Protection Guidelines state:

“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 February 2019 the Bhakti Center Directors confirmed the center will comply with ISKCON GBC resolutions and CPO policies and decisions regarding Dhanurdhara.

Below is Dhanurdhara’s official resignation letter:

June 21st, 2006

Dear Devotees,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

The recent suicide of Ananda, and Shakuntala’s letter, has brought renewed attention and scrutiny to my past mistakes. I deeply regret these mistakes and the harm they have caused. Though I can’t say I realize all the pain I have inflicted, I have witnessed the strong emotions of those I have harmed and know their wounds are deep. I’d like to reiterate my pledge to continue to meet gurukula alumni, beg for their forgiveness, and to offer whatever help I can.

But despite my efforts to accept responsibility for my mistakes and the periodic reciprocation I receive from the victims, this controversy continues to brew and I now believe that only a radical solution will resolve the issue. Therefore I will step away from ISKCON and perform devotional service outside the institution. I do this as a service to Srila Prabhupada’s Society and to ISKCON’s youth. I plan to live a simple, repentant life, where I hope my presence will not disturb others, taking shelter of the holy name and my godbrothers. I hope this will be a step toward mending the great rift that seems so destructive to our Society.

I plan to continue to encourage my disciples to live and serve in ISKCON wherever their faith will be respected. I request the GBC and all devotees to consider their welfare when dealing with this issue.

If the wounds of those so deeply affected can be healed and a new strength for Srila Prabhupada’s movement achieved, that would be a great blessing. I will continue to seek and help those I have offended, which is my most crucial work for this movement.

With deepest regret for the trouble I have caused,

Dhanurdhara Swami

Here’s a link to his letter on Dandavats.

A statement from the MVT Trustees:

“MVT (Mayapur Vrindavan Trust) Trustees sought direction from the ISKCON Child Protection Office. Based on the response from CPO (Child Protection Office), Dhanurdhara Swami was asked not to enter MVT premises. On February 26, 2020, Dhanurdhara Swami agreed to comply.”

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Shri Madhvacharya appeared in 1238 A.D. near Udupi, Karnataka in South India. He was considered an incarnation of Vayu (wind god). He had an unusually strong physique and extraordinary intellectual power.

Once a fierce Bengali tiger attacked Madhvacharya’s sannyasa disciple, Satya Tirtha. Madhvacharya wrestled the tiger and sent him away with his tail between his legs. Madhvacharya took diksha at age five, sannyasa at twelve and left home. He appeared with a mission to fight and defeat Sankara’s Mayavada (impersonal) philosophy. 

By giving a pure interpretation of Vedanta-sutra he promoted pure theism. He named his innovative shastric explanation dvaita-dvaita-vada (pure dualism).

With a hope of meeting Shrila Vyasadeva himself Madhvacharya walked up the Himalayas. Vyasadeva gave him a Shalagrama sila called Ashtamurti, approved his Bhagavad-gita commentary, and blessed Madhvacharya with deeper realizations of the sastras. 

In Udupi, Madhvacharya installed a beautiful Deity of Gopala standing alone holding a cowherding stick. This Deity manifested from within a chunk of gopi-candana (sacred clay). He established eight mathas (Temples) to lovingly serve “Udupi Krishna.” The sannyasi leaders of each matha worship the Krishna Deity with a rigorous regimen of ceremonial ritual, punctuality, and impeccable personal conduct. Every Ekadashi they observe nirjala (total fast all food and water).

For the Sat Sandarbhas Shri Jiva Goswami drew heavily from Madhva’s writings. Jiva Goswami found ‘the Gaudiya philosophy of acintya-bheda-abheda tattva in Madhva’s Bhagavat-parya. Shri Chaitanya Himself visited Udupi, the seat of Madhva’s sect. The Lord introduced Hari Nama sankirtana into their sect. 

 Shri Madhvacharya’s Nine Teachings

   (1) Bhagavan Shri Krishna alone is the Supreme Absolute Truth, one without a second.
 
   (2) He is the object of knowledge in all the Vedas.

   (3) The universe is real, satya.
 
   (4) The differences between Ishvara (God), Jiva (soul) and Matter are real.
 
   (5) Jiva souls are by nature the servants of the Supreme Lord Hari.
 
   (6) There are two categories of jivas; liberated and illusioned.

   (7) Liberation (moksha) means attainmg the lotus feet of Bhagavan Krishna, in other words, entering an eternal relationship of service to the Supreme Lord.

   (8) Pure devotional service to Krishna is the only way to attain this liberation.
 
   (9) The truth may be known by pratyaksha (direct perception), anuman (inference or logic), sabda (spiritual sound or Vedic authority.

   Shri Madhvacharya serves as Madhavi-gopi in Radha-Govinda’s eternal Vrindavana pleasure pastimes. 

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Important TOVP Announcement from Ambarisa and Braja Vilasa Prabhus on opening date deferred.

For congregation members and families in ISKCON, deity worship at home has long been a major part of their spiritual practice, as well as a way to bond in service to the Lord.

The cabin where Shyamasundar Das, one of ISKCON’s earliest pioneers, worked on his ‘Chasing Rhinos With the Swami’ trilogy burned down last month in the Lionshead wildfire in Oregon, USA. The wildfire began on August 16th and has burned 204,469 acres, making it the sixth-largest fire of the past 100 years in Oregon. “By Krishna’s […]

The post Shyamasundar Das’s Writing Cabin Burned Down in Oregon Fire appeared first on ISKCON News.

The cabin where Shyamasundar Das, one of ISKCON’s earliest pioneers, worked on his ‘Chasing Rhinos With the Swami’ trilogy burned down last month in the Lionshead wildfire in Oregon, USA.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of Srila Prabhupada’s most beloved and dedicated servants from this world, His Grace Jasomatinandana prabhu, on October 24 in Ahmedabad. A preaching pioneer in India, he was the main force behind the development and construction of the current ISKCON temple in Ahmedabad, and the general expansion of ISKCON in Gujarat.

The TOVP Team is indebted to him for his support and inspiration, and for his assistance with raising hundreds of thousands of dollars from temples in Gujarat. He enthusiastically offered what he could for the project and thus set a perfect example of service in cooperation for the greater good of the society.

He will be sorely missed by all of us and by all who knew him throughout the world. We pray that Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna may be pleased upon him and take him under their divine shelter for his everlasting happiness in Their service.

Dear ISKCON Leaders and Devotees Worldwide,

Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

As you know, we have planned for some time now to shift the Mayapur Deities into the new TOVP temple room by 2022. In the meantime, of course, the COVID -19 Pandemic came on the scene and all construction came to a halt from mid-March to mid-October, 2020, and it is only now that we have restarted the construction in a limited phase-like manner. Also, during this period we have faced and continue to face a significant financial downturn. In light of all these difficulties and serious delays we met with our project management consultant, Cushman & Wakefield, and discussed the matter threadbare. The unanimous and obvious conclusion was that, considering all these factors and the quantum of work to be completed, it will not be possible to have the TOVP Opening in 2022. Therefore, we are hereby appraising you that we are postponing the shifting of the Deities and the opening date to 2023, and only somewhat later can we confirm the exact months of the opening.

Even for successfully meeting our new target date of 2023 for the TOVP Opening we are entirely dependent upon the whole ISKCON Society to help us achieve that goal. We, consequently, are looking to each and every ISKCON leader and all the devotees within their Zones to assist us by endeavoring to see that every devotee fulfills their pledge to the TOVP in the quickest possible time. Additionally, it is imperative for each leader to enthusiastically encourage their temple congregation to pitch in their might. It must be realized that we, just a few of us, have no real capacity to bring up and complete such a monumental and unique project, the personal vision of Srila Prabhupada and the entire Parampara, in isolation and without the full and active support of every leader and devotee in ISKCON.

Likewise, we were planning to hold the Inauguration and Installation of the unique TOVP worshipping pose Murti of Srila Prabhupada in Sridham Mayapur on February 27, 2021. However, given the great unlikelihood that any GBC members or significant number of devotees will be attending at that time, due to the continuing Covid-19 Pandemic, we have decided to also postpone that event. Nevertheless, we are most eager to have this extremely auspicious and historic Inauguration at the soonest possible time and have rescheduled it for October, 2021 during the month of Damodar (date to be announced).

We humbly request all devotees to please continue with their pledge payments, and whenever possible, to give again. Our fundraising focus for the next year will be the installation of the new Prabhupada murti in the TOVP, and you can now sponsor an abhisheka for that purpose at the TOVP website as indicated below. This will be our worldwide dakshina to our Founder/Acharya, and our combined welcome and greeting to him into the TOVP. This will also provide an important steady stream of income to our current construction work and the payment of existing bills to vendors.

We regret having to make this grave announcement, but under the circumstances we feel this is the only practical path to follow under the circumstances. We both wish all of you our sincere thanks for your continued support and beg your prayers for the successful opening of the TOVP in 2023.

Your servants,
Ambarisa das – Chairman
Braja Vilasa das – Director of Development

Sponsor an abhisheka for the Grand Installation of the new Prabhupada murti in the TOVP today!

The 2018 GBC Child Protection Policy confirms Dhanurdhara has lifetime restrictions in ISKCON from holding any roles of trusted authority and in leading public worship:

“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.”

“*Position of trust or authority include any of the following: 1. Having any position of leadership within ISKCON. 2. Giving class or leading kirtan in the temple or at any ISKCON related program/festival. 3. Having any service that involves contact with children.”

Here’s a link to the 2018 GBC Child Protection Resolutions.

2007 GBC Resolution 312 Part B. Positions of Leadership

[Statement] 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.

Here’s a link to the full 2007 GBC Resolutions.

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The post Mahabharata Life Lessons – How could Jarasandha do human sacrifices? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

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Here is an excerpt from a 2006 report by ISKCON’s legal counsel to the Child Protection Office and GBC:

“As a result of the litigation in Texas, and the 600-plus claims filed in the bankruptcy court, we now have a vast body of information (evidence) that was not available in 1999. Although much was known with respect to allegations of physical and mental child abuse by Dhanurdhara Swami at the Vrindavan gurukula, we now have even more information than we had at that time. Based upon this additional information, it is now unequivocally clear to ISKCON’s legal team that the damage inflicted by Dhanurdhara Swami was significantly greater than that which was known in 1999. In fact, Dhanurdhara Swami is named as an abuser in the bankruptcy claims far more than any other person.”

For emphasis, I’ll repeat the last sentence to make sure we catch the significance:

“In fact, Dhanurdhara Swami is named as an abuser in the bankruptcy claims far more than any other person.”

The report concluded:

“We have seen and reviewed firsthand the claims filed in the bankruptcy court documenting the severe abuse inflicted on the Vrindavana gurukula children by Dhanurdhara Swami, as well as the CPO information. From a legal standpoint, we have no doubt that these claims are legitimate.”

Today Srila Prabhupadas beloved disciple, my dear godbrother, Jasomatinandan Das left his body in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, due to COVID-19. He is Srila Prabhupada’s eternal servant, and he will continue his service at Prabhupada’s lotus feet.

On a morning walk on Juhu Beach, Srila Prabhupada asked Dr. Patel why he was coming daily.

“I don’t know,” Dr. Patel replied. “I have got some . . .”

“We don’t pay you any fee.”

“I feel some sort of attachment to you. That is why I come. I don’t understand why I am attracted to you specially. I don’t understand. I have been thinking about it. I am very much thinking there must be some purva-janma, something from the past life. I don’t know. No sadhu has been able to attract me as much as you have. Not even temples have attracted me, to tell the truth.”

And Jasomatinandan Prabhu chimed in, “There is no sadhu except Prabhupada”—which, to me, exemplified his absolute dedication and devotion to Srila Prabhupada.

His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada ki jaya!

Srila Prabhupada’s beloved disciple Jasomatinandan Das ki jaya!

Their humble, eternal servant,
Giriraj Swami

 

On Saturday the 24th of October, 2020 at approximately 5 pm Indian Standard Time, His Grace Jasomatinandana Prabhu left this planet. He had been hospitalized with Covid-19 for nearly two weeks and was in the city of Ahmedabad, India; he passed away today due to cardiac arrest. HG Jasomatinandana Prabhu was an exemplary devotee and […]

The post His Grace Jasomatinandana Prabhu Passes Away appeared first on ISKCON News.

On Saturday the 24th of October, 2020 at approximately 5 pm Indian Standard Time, His Grace Jasomatinandana Prabhu left this planet. He had been hospitalized with Covid-19 for nearly two weeks and was in the city of Ahmedabad, India; he passed away today due to cardiac arrest.

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On the tenth day of the waxing moon of Padmanabha (Asvina) month, occurs Vijayotsava. On this day Lord Ramacandra heard from Hanuman beneath the sami tree that he had found and seen Sita on the Island kingdom of Lanka.

Hearing this, Ramacandra held a festival, and then set out for Sri Lanka. On this day one may perform special puja of Lord Ramacandra and then in His honour feed the Vaisnavas. This is a popular festival in north India, where, on this occasion, large paper effigies of the demon Ravana are burned to the resounding chants of Victory to Rama, Victory to Rama.

In the pastimes of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu he absorbed Himself in the transcendental lila of Lord Ramacandra in the following manner as recorded by Srila Krishna dasa Kaviraj Goswami.

Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita Madhya-lila Chapter 15 Texts 31-35.

Madhya 15.31
parama-avese prabhu aila nija-ghara
ei-mata lila kare gauranga-sundara

TRANSLATION
In great ecstasy, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu returned to His residence. In this way, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, known as Gauranga-sundara, performed various pastimes.

Madhya 15.32
vijaya-dasami——lanka-vijayera dine
vanara-sainya kaila prabhu lana bhakta-gane

TRANSLATION
On the victory day celebrating the conquest of Lanka–a day known as Vijaya-dasami–Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu dressed up all His devotees like monkey soldiers.

Madhya 15.33
hanuman-avese prabhu vriksha-sakha lana
lanka-gade cadi’ phele gada bhangiya

TRANSLATION
Displaying the emotions of Hanuman, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu took up a large tree branch, and, mounting the walls of the Lanka fort, began to dismantle it.

Madhya 15.34
‘kahanre ravna’ prabhu kahe krodhavese
jagan-mata hare papi, marimu savamse’

TRANSLATION
In the ecstasy of Hanuman, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu angrily said, “Where is the rascal Ravana? He has kidnapped the universal mother, Sita. Now I shall kill him and all his family.”

Madhya 15.35
gosanira avesa dekhi’ loke camatkara
sarva-loka jaya’ jaya’ bale bara bara

TRANSLATION
Everyone became very astonished to see the emotional ecstasy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and everyone began to chant, “All glories! All glories!” again and again.

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• 

• 

On the tenth day of the waxing moon of Padmanabha (Asvina) month, occurs Vijayotsava. On this day Lord Ramacandra heard from Hanuman beneath the sami tree that he had found and seen Sita on the Island kingdom of Lanka.

Hearing this, Ramacandra held a festival, and then set out for Sri Lanka. On this day one may perform special puja of Lord Ramacandra and then in His honour feed the Vaisnavas. This is a popular festival in north India, where, on this occasion, large paper effigies of the demon Ravana are burned to the resounding chants of Victory to Rama, Victory to Rama.

In the pastimes of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu he absorbed Himself in the transcendental lila of Lord Ramacandra in the following manner as recorded by Srila Krishna dasa Kaviraj Goswami.

Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita Madhya-lila Chapter 15 Texts 31-35.

Madhya 15.31
parama-avese prabhu aila nija-ghara
ei-mata lila kare gauranga-sundara

TRANSLATION
In great ecstasy, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu returned to His residence. In this way, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, known as Gauranga-sundara, performed various pastimes.

Madhya 15.32
vijaya-dasami——lanka-vijayera dine
vanara-sainya kaila prabhu lana bhakta-gane

TRANSLATION
On the victory day celebrating the conquest of Lanka–a day known as Vijaya-dasami–Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu dressed up all His devotees like monkey soldiers.

Madhya 15.33
hanuman-avese prabhu vriksha-sakha lana
lanka-gade cadi’ phele gada bhangiya

TRANSLATION
Displaying the emotions of Hanuman, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu took up a large tree branch, and, mounting the walls of the Lanka fort, began to dismantle it.

Madhya 15.34
‘kahanre ravna’ prabhu kahe krodhavese
jagan-mata hare papi, marimu savamse’

TRANSLATION
In the ecstasy of Hanuman, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu angrily said, “Where is the rascal Ravana? He has kidnapped the universal mother, Sita. Now I shall kill him and all his family.”

Madhya 15.35
gosanira avesa dekhi’ loke camatkara
sarva-loka jaya’ jaya’ bale bara bara

TRANSLATION
Everyone became very astonished to see the emotional ecstasy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and everyone began to chant, “All glories! All glories!” again and again.

• 

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Sometimes when we see a need, the solution is to step forward and fulfill it ourselves.

Answer Podcast

The post Should we gratify our desires so that we don’t carry our desires to the next life? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Without love, nothing can sustain. If I do not love Krishna, I cannot surrender—it is not possible. Just like a small child—he is naturally surrendered to the parents because there is love. The child loves the parents. So without the basic principle of love—the more you love, the more the surrender is perfect. Just like a small child—you slap the child, he’s crying, yet crying with the words, “Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommy,” because there is love. Even in distress the child cannot forget. That is natural. Similarly, when you remain fully surrendered to the supreme will, either in distress or in happiness, that is your happiness, that is real happiness.

This condition cannot be without love. In any condition, you remain surrendered. It cannot be done without love. When there is lack of love, this kind of mentality cannot develop: “In any condition I shall remain surrendered.” Just like you are; you are, a whole society is, carrying my order, not because I am superior person; there is love. Without love, you cannot do so. You have got some bit of love for me; therefore you carry my order. Otherwise it is not possible. And I cannot also . . . You are foreigners, you are Americans. I came from another country; I have no account. I cannot also order you, “You must do it; otherwise I will chastise you.” Because there is love. It is a connection of love. I can also become bold enough to chastise you, but you also, in whatever condition, carry out my order due to the basic principle of love. Our whole philosophy is love.

—Srila Prabhupada, room conversation

The Sacred Ecology Forum – which facilitates environmental activism and spiritual growth rooted in the Krishna Bhakti tradition – is presenting a special Eco-Bhakti weekend from October 23^rd to 25^th on Zoom.

Sometimes when we see a need, the solution is to step forward and fulfill it ourselves. This is what Arjun Bhattacharyya, a young devotee known in ISKCON as a photographer and assistant to Deena Bandhu Das, realized when he decided to volunteer his own time to add the original Bengali script that had been missing […]

The post Dedicated Volunteer Brings Original Bengali Script To Sri Caitanya-caritamrita Online appeared first on ISKCON News.

Answer Podcast

The post If Krishna is merciful, he takes everything away from us – how to not become fearful on hearing this statement? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 12 October 2020, ISKCON Simhachalam, Jandelsbrunn, Germany, Life after Initiation Lecture)

If your phone is a karmi phone, then you are with a karmi all day. If your phone is a devotee phone, then you are with a devotee all day. Make your phone a devotee!

Watch the full video below or by checking out our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEsCHjOVHco&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR2PU8gNvljtCZfFH3Mdd9DY5YWAe1cUS70-_w9bARCdnPq4ZcYZjllPupM

The article " Is your phone a devotee? " was published on KKSBlog.

Toronto, Ontario

 

Packed Day, Good

 

It was 7 PM. I was in my room just wrapping up on a zoom call with Argentina when David came to my door.

 

“Are you coming?” David asked in anticipation of our nightly staircase kirtan.

 

“Yes,” I responded. “By the way, I have to go!” I told the people on the Zoom call. “Good-bye!” I said, as did they. Along with an appreciative, “Gracias!”

 

We hit on a good topic—the theme of Achintya-bedabeda-tattva, which translates as “the inconceivable, simultaneous principle of oneness and difference.” Also, sometimes it is referred to as the unity-and-diversity concept.

 

During our class discussions we cited so many examples in our life as to how this tattva, or truth, exists. It is all-pervasive, like the sun and the sunshine. We find it all around us, indeed—ever-present, like oxygen. Another example is the vast Atlantic Ocean and the small quantity of ocean water cupped in your two hands. The quality is one, yet he quantity is different.

 

The presentation with Buenos Aires was preceded by a Zoom conference with the Toronto community, “Confronting the Impersonalism Within You.” Interesting! Not only is there a philosophy out there known as monism, a de-personal approach to God, where the personality of God is denied. What’s more, in our own human dealings we can trace the tendency towards insensitivity also.

 

I then gave a third class, to Cameron from Hamilton, on the topic of the Banyan tree—Chapter 15 of The Gita. I did no walking today but did stretches galore, to build up agility in the legs. Also, our drama practice is going smooth. Stephen, our Jamaican friend, plays the blind king.

 

May the Source be with you!

0 km

 

The Annex, Toronto

 

Get Ready!

 

An older man with whitish hair and beard has seen me passing by before, at least twice.  Once he offered a quick exchange of words, with a cigarette in his mouth.

 

“Hi! How are yah!”

 

Today was similar, “Hey, how’s it goin’?”

 

“Fine,” I said as I stopped.

 

“Yah I know, I met a holy man the other day as he was passing…”

 

“Is that right?” I inquired.

 

“And, he blessed me. Minutes later I found a $20 bill on the street.” He was chuckling.

 

“Lucky you! Well, God bless. Hare Krishna!”

 

“Yeah!”

 

“Have a good one!” I wished him as I moved on.

 

The sun was bright with rays shooting out along the street, going east. And I was going west, onward to join a small, backyard chanting party.

 

Nick was raking the leaves in front of Subuddhi’s home while waiting for two or three more to show up. We gathered. We chanted. One of Subuddhi’s tenants was from Bangladesh—a student. He was enjoying the mantra. We all enjoyed the eggplant pakora (fritter) because Subuddhi is the best when it comes to cooking. It will be hard to replace her in culinary prowess when she leaves us for Krishna’s abode. We are not anticipating that to happen, however, she is on in her years.

 

I had an incident this morning. Yes two incidents. I challenged some younger men. “We have some expectations of you. You are going to take over some day, so get ready!”

 

Maybe source be with you!

3 km

 

Inglis Falls, Ontario

 

Gathering Histories

 

I take this project very seriously. “Krishna in the Mapleleaf” is a book project that details the earliest days of the birth and growth of Krishna Consciousness in Canada, during the period from 1967-1977. In these first ten years we will highlight the reflections of the different participants from that period. By the grace of God I am spear-heading the project and I am receiving much practical help from friend and devotee; Wade Wilson, from New Brunswick.

 

This morning David and I headed for a two-and-a-half hour drive north to Owen Sound, to interview two God siblings, Garuda Vaham and Drupada, both from that area. Hearing their stories of the older, golden days was most informative, endearing and entertaining. As I interview these pioneers of consciousness I appreciate more and more their contributions to the change, gradual as it may be, in society. Hopefully readers will pick up on the radical attitudes and sacrifices people made to affect that change, in an effort to check the imbalances in society.

 

We lunched together, talked and then took a quick drive to Inglis Falls, where the Sydenham River Cascades before spilling into Georgian Bay. Lovely! And it is here that the Bruce Trail runs along for a stretch. A group of six of us took to a small portion of the trail. We were marveling at the fact that a recent runner just broke the record in completing the entire trail in nine days; a 900 km length. That is impressive, especially for trekking on such rough terrain. Krishna bless him!

 

May the Source be with you!

4 km

 

 

Toronto, Ontario

 

Laudable Messages

 

Some strong messages came through today. From the sastras, texts of wisdom, voiced by the srutis, or Personified Vedas, Srimad Bhagavatam, 10.87.40 purport: “Even if a neophyte devotee falls from the standards of proper behavior by the force of his past bad habits, the all-merciful Lord will not reject him.”

 

There is hope for us.

 

This afternoon I was interviewed by Jason Maraschiello, a yoga instructor from the Orangeville area, via podcast. Some of the highlighted messages on the theme “Quality of Life” were:

 

1) Strike a balance in each day

2) We are all bees and we need to make our honey (meaning let’s get busy and not be idle)

3) There are three energies that visit us all the time—thoughtfulness (satva-guna) is especially welcome.

 

On our weekly Thursday Zoom call we discussed today’s verses from chapter 5 of The Gita. One which stood out is verse 10:

 

“One who performs his duty without attachment, surrendering the result unto the supreme, is unaffected by karmic action, as the lotus leaf is untouched by water.”

 

Later, in a counseling session, I gave advice along the lines of “scapegoat less and take responsibility.”

 

Finally to top off my day, going full circle, another quote came from Srimad Bhagavatam, 10.87.40, again from the purport.

 

“O Madhava, please let me understand you so I will no longer experience the entanglement of material pleasure and pain. Or else, just as good, please give me a taste for hearing and chanting about you. And that way I will no longer be a slave to ritual injunctions.”

 

May the Source be with you!

0 km

 

 

Rosedale, Toronto

 

Singing About Krishna

 

As part of the morning program in the ashram we sing a song to praise Krishna. There are many songs (bhajans) to choose from. We have an arrangement where we change up a select few on a weekly basis.

 

The following is called “Sri Nama Kirtana” and the translation is like so:

 

1) Sri Krishna is the beloved son of mother Yasoda. He is the transcendental lover in the land of Vraja, the delight of Gokula, Kana, the life and soul of the gopis. He steals the mind of even Cupid and punishes the serpent Kaliya.

 

2) These pure names of Lord Hari are full of sweet nectarean pastimes. Krishna is the Lord of the 12 forests of Varaja. He is ever youthful and He is the best of lovers. He is always holding a flute to His lips and He is an excellent dresser.

 

3) Krishna is the protector of the inhabitants of Vraja. He is the destroyer of various demonic dynasties, the tender of Nanada Maharaj’s cows, the giver of pleasure to the cows, land and spiritual senses, the husband of the goddess of fortune, the butter thief and the beautiful cowherd boy of Nanda.

 

4) Krishna wanders along the banks of the river Yamuna, where he stole the garments of the Gopi‘s (milk maidens). He delights in the mellows of the Rasa dance. He is very merciful. He is the lover and beloved of Radharani. He is the great dancer of Vrindavan, he is the only refuge of Thakura Bhaktivinoda (the author).

 

May the Source be with you!

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