Planet ISKCON

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

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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.

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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!

4 km

 

Answer Podcast

The post Why do we need to transcend the mode of goodness? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

 

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The post When the modes interrupt our bhakti practice, how can uninterrupted bhakti practice take us beyond the modes? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Dear Devotees,

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

I have never felt as satisfied as contributing towards the TOVP. You feel being part of the manifestation of a divine prophecy. You feel being part of contributing towards Srila Prabhupada’s personal gift to Sridham Mayapur as an Acharya of the Sampradaya.

I contributed to all three bricks and tile as per their scheme. The beauty is you pledge now and cover the pledge over the period to suit your financial situation.

There is a scope to accept smaller donations as well for example sponsoring a square foot for just Rs 7000, etc..

You cannot possibly be an initiated ISKCON devotee and not contribute to TOVP. We need to embrace and own TOVP as our project!

Your humble servant
Asitaradhya Das

 

Note from Braja Vilasa Das
This is an example of many similar letters we receive from dedicated TOVP donors around the world. If you haven’t yet made a donation, large or small, to the TOVP, don’t put it off any longer. If you have already given, please consider giving again to help meet our financial needs to complete the temple. And now there is another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help by sponsoring an abhisheka for the Grand Installation of Srila Prabhupada’s new murti in the TOVP in February, 2021, and participate in our worldwide Guru Dakshina to welcome him to the TOVP where he will remain for hundreds of years to come. Every man, woman, and child in ISKCON can afford one of the five kinds of sponsorships available. Please make an offering to Srila Prabhupada today.

Perhaps we are the only society who is proclaiming, “Here is God, Krishna. Take it.” We are the only society in the whole world. Otherwise they are all misled, all misled.

Others may cooperate or not cooperate; we don’t mind. But we cannot change our policy. Our policy is, “Krishna says, ‘I am the Supreme.’ ” We must declare throughout the whole world that Krishna is the Supreme. Krishna says, mattah parataram nanyat kincid asti dhananjaya. (Gita 7.7) [“O conqueror of wealth (Arjuna), there is no Truth superior to Me.”] We shall declare to the whole world that “Krishna is the Supreme; there is no one superior to Krishna.” This is our Krishna consciousness movement. Krishna says, man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji mam namaskuru. (Gita 18.65) [“Always think of Me and become My devotee. Worship Me and offer your homage unto Me. Thus you will come to Me without fail. I promise you this because you are My very dear friend.”]

We are preaching this. In this temple we are asking everyone, “Here is Krishna. Always think of Krishna. Chant Hare Krishna.” Then you will have to think. “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna” means thinking of Krishna. As soon as you hear the name of Krishna—man-mana. And who will do that? Mad-bhakta. Unless you become a devotee of Krishna, you will not waste your time, “Krishna, Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna.” That means simply by chanting Hare Krishna mantra you become a devotee of Krishna. Man-mana bhava mad-bhakto mad-yaji. Now, this worship of Krishna: the whole day is engaged for Krishna’s mangala-aratika, for Krishna’s chanting, for Krishna’s cooking, for Krishna’s prasada distribution, so many ways. Our devotees all over the world—there are 102 centers—they are simply engaged in Krishna consciousness. This is our propaganda. Always, no other business. We don’t do any business, but we are spending at least twenty-five lakhs of rupees every month, and Krishna is supplying. Tesam nityabhiyuktanam yoga-ksemam vahamy aham. (Gita 9.22) [“But those who worship Me with devotion, meditating on My transcendental form—to them I carry what they lack and preserve what they have.”]

If you remain Krishna conscious, fully dependent on Krishna, then there will be no scarcity. I started this Krishna business with forty rupees. Now we have got forty crores of rupees. Is there any businessman in the whole world who within ten years with forty rupees he can increase to forty crores? There is no example. And ten thousand men, they are eating prasadam daily. So this is Krishna consciousness. Yoga-ksemam vahamy aham. As soon as you become Krishna conscious, you simply depend on Him and work sincerely and then Krishna will supply everything—everything.

This is practically being manifested. Take, for example, in Bombay. Now the land is worth one crore of rupees. And when I purchased the land, I had maybe three or four lakhs. So it was completely speculation, but I was confident that “I shall be able to pay. Krishna will give me.” There was no money. That’s a long history—I do not wish to discuss. But I have got now practical experience that you depend on Krishna, there will be no scarcity. Whatever you want, it will be fulfilled. Tesam nityabhiyuktanam. So be always engaged in Krishna consciousness. Then everything will be fulfilled, any desire, if you have got.

—Srila Prabhupada, talk on Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.6.1, December 2, 1975, Vrindavan

Answer Podcast

The post How do the modes influence our free will and our values? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Lord Krishna is conquered by the love of His devotee, not anything else. Because of that love He reciprocates by becoming His devotee’s chariot driver, His devotee’s gatekeeper, His devotee’s servant, and even agrees to be bound by a rope. There is no limit to how many ways the Lord exchanges love with His devotees, and in the spiritual world this is an eternal, ever-expanding affair.

It is due to Srila Prabhupada love for the Lord and His mercy upon our Founder/Acharya that the Krishna consciousness movement has spread all over the world. The Lord fulfilled Srila Prabhupada’s intense desire to liberate all us conditioned souls by empowering him and giving him all the resources he needed for this purpose. And by lovingly and devotedly assisting Srila Prabhupada’s mission we are also getting the Lord’s mercy, and fulfilling our eternal indebtedness to His Divine Grace.

One of the greatest desires of Srila Prabhupada in his service to his guru and Lord Caitanya was to establish the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium in Mayapur and bring worldwide recognition to the Holy Dhama. That is now happening, and it is a further expression of our love for him and the Lord that we can all cooperate together for this purpose. This cooperative loving spirit for the Lord’s pleasure will endear each and every one of us to His mercy, and enable us to also conquer the unconquerable.

Kartik is a unique time for prayer and service, and any spiritual activity done during this month carries with it hundreds of times more benefit. At this auspicious time from October 30 – November 29 we are making a very special appeal to all devotees to once again assist us in completing the TOVP. If you didn’t get the opportunity to do so during the month of Purushottama, this is yet another chance. Or give again if you can and double the spiritual credits! Diwali is also coming up this month on November 14. And the opportunity to do so is unprecedented, through sponsoring an abhisheka for the Grand Installation of the new Prabhupada murti in the TOVP in February, 2021, his 125th Appearance Anniversary Year. This worldwide guru dakshina of offerings will be our combined welcome message to Srila Prabhupada, our heartfelt greeting and reception for His Divine Grace. Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity today.

PRABHUPADA IS COMING!

To sponsor an abhisheka or other seva opportunity go HERE.

Thank you again for your support. Hare Krishna!

 

Answer Podcast

The post Why did Rama kill the shudra Shambuka simply for doing a good activity like austerity? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Podcast

 

Video:

The post Why did Draupadi laugh at Duryodhana? – Hindi appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Answer Podcast

The post Was Duryodhana cruel to the citizens or just to the Pandavas? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Joe DeGise II (Yadunath Das) is a stand up comedian and director at New York City's longest running improvisation theater, Chicago City Limits, on 53rd and Broadway. He also manages a Lower East Side Hindu monastery (ISKCON's Bhakti Center) and entertains the community connected to it. He talks about how he found God and inner peace through the transforming power of humor. The video has been produced by Karuna Productions (www.karunaproductions.com) and broadcast by Odyssey Networks (www.odysseynetworks.org) in 2013.

The third annual Govindadvipa Mellows – a kirtan festival usually held on the island also known as Inis Rath in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland – will be held virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Much modern thought, especially liberal thought, holds that all conflicts are caused by misunderstandings and can be resolved by discussions. And this is true on many occasions; better communication can prevent small issues from escalating into full-blown confrontations.  Still, not all conflicts are caused by misunderstandings alone; many are caused by malevolence. Ill-motivated people driven […]

The post Why Couldn’t the Pandavas Resolve their Conflict Peacefully? appeared first on ISKCON News.

Not all conflicts are caused by misunderstandings alone; many are caused by malevolence.

A video by Prabhupada Memories.

School of Bhakti, United Kingdom, will hold a virtual 30-day walkthrough of the mystical village of Vrindavan.

Krishna Consciousness 101 is that we are not our bodies. We may not be our bodies, but our bodies are our vehicles, we use them to get around this world, and just like vehicles it’s important that we maintain them. Simple understanding but we tend to forget this. Even Srila Prabhupada emphasized health from time […]

The post The Bhakti Body appeared first on ISKCON News.

Foundations for Optimal Health Presented By Vaishnavi Ministry North America

The Gita wasn’t the first book that connected me to Krishna, yet it remains the most impactful reading experience of my life. I remember that first reading clearly – I stayed up late, drawn into the story of Arjuna and wondering what decisions he yet might make. The ending didn’t disappoint.  I’ve returned to that […]

The post Re-loving the Gita appeared first on ISKCON News.