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Senior Russian ISKCON sannyasi Nitai Chaitanya Goswami Maharaja was hospitalized on September 25th with COVID-19, and passed away around noon on October 14th in the city of Kursk, Russia. He was 70 years old. Throughout his three weeks in hospital, and even during his time in the ICU, Maharaja had Srila Prabhupada’s kirtan, lectures and […]
The post Senior Russian Sannyasi Nitai Chaitanya Goswami Passes Away appeared first on ISKCON News.
Senior Russian ISKCON sannyasi Nitai Chaitanya Goswami Maharaja was hospitalized on September 25th with COVID-19, and passed away around noon on October 14th in the city of Kursk, Russia. He was 70 years old.
Lord Narasimhadeva appeared in the month of Purushottama to protect His dear devotee Sri Prahlad Maharaja and annihilate Hiranyakashipu because Hiranyakashipu had received the boon to not be killed in the twelve months of the year from Lord Brahma in his vain attempts to achieve immortality. In honor of this historic event, which occurred in the glorious month of Sri Purushottama, we wish to present our design for the pleasure of His Lordship and the devotees!
The TOVP is presenting the Gaudiya Vaisnava Siddhanta to the world specifically through the nomenclature inherent in the temple and the planetarium. The design, therefore, has to represent the correct siddhanta. By Srila Prabhupada’s grace and that of his disciples, we have learned that Mahaprabhu is the avatari and all other avataras emanate from Him. Therefore, all divine forms and dhamas exist eternally in Their original forms in Sridhama Mayapur. We are blessed to have the adi, or original form of Ugra Narasimhadeva in our temple.
Our worship of Lord Narasimhadeva is in the mood of awe and reverence as in Vaikuntha and our design reflects the opulent mood of Vaikuntha. Although we cannot offer jewel-studded thrones for Their Lordships and Their associates, we can attempt to offer Them the opulence available on our earthly planet according to our means. What is more dear to Them is that we all come together in the mood of loving devotional service and offer our hearts and lives to Them.
We would like to highlight a few design elements. On the altar structure we have depicted the weapons of the Lord. Look closely and you will find the row of chakras and gadas alternating all along the perimeter of the altar and picked up again in the marble panels all around on the balcony, with bold lion faces on the face of the columns. Similar lion faces appear on the doors of the altar. Lord Narasimhadeva’s lila is depicted in the beautiful paintings on the walls on all levels so that we can meditate on His pastimes while waiting for His darshan. Garuda, Srimati Maha Laxmi devi, Lord Shiva, Lord Brahma, Nanda, Sunanda, Indra and Manu are seen offering their prayers facing the altar of Lord Narasimha.
We’re most grateful to be able to offer this small service within an extremely tight time frame and kudos to our design team, as well as the 3D artists, Srisha and Pawan Gopa prabhus who worked beyond their capacity of time and comfort to make this happen. We owe them a huge debt of our gratitude. Last but not least we would like to express our gratitude to our beloved chairman, His Grace Ambarisa prabhu, Co-Director His Grace Brajvilasa prabhu, His Grace Bhavananda prabhu, His Grace Sachin prabhu of Cushman Wakefield, Her Grace Vilasini mataji and His Grace Sadbhuja prabhu for their support and assistance.
[See image gallery at tovp.org]
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 9 January 2017, Brisbane, Australia, Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.6)
A lot of people think that in chanting 16 rounds, it is all about sincerity. And they come to me and ask, “I am lacking. What can I do to get more serious about chanting 16 rounds?” In other words, how to become more sincere? But it is not about sincerity, it is about organisation. Organise your life! Become regulated! Do not let the mind and the senses just drag you according to their dictations. The ‘manoratha’, the chariot of the mind, is taking us here and there and everywhere. Whatever we see, that goes into our mind and it says, “I must have it!”
kāmādīnāṁ kati na katidhā pālitā durnideśās
teṣāṁ mayi na karuṇā na trapā nopaśāntiḥ
(Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya-lila 22.16)
The senses are demanding and we are just giving in! Whatever the senses want, whatever the mind comes up with – “Yes! That is what I will do!” Just running after the mind. But the essence of yoga is sense control and mind control. So, how is it done by regulation? To a certain extent, some determination is required and that determination is based on knowledge in the beginning and of love for Krsna in the end. But then, it requires regulation, that we control the mind and the senses and engage them in a regulated way consistently.
The article " Become regulated " was published on KKSBlog.
Podcast
Podcast Summary
Transcription :
Churning the Bhagavatam – Dashavatara 2 – Kurma – The Monk’s Podcast 78 with Krishna Kshetra Maharaj
Summary from 1.38.55
Chaitanya Charan Prabhu: We started with the special features of Kurmadev. We talked about how it seems that He doesn’t speak, He is a very silent avatar. And there are no prayers offered to him. And then we had a lot of discussion on the nonliteral aspects. So Kurma Dev is worshipped for stability as is recommended by Bhakti Vinode Thakur.
We discussed how Srila Prabhupad while presenting Krishna Bhakti in a relevant way in a context where the Mahatma Gandhi and others were reducing it to myth or bias myth, Srila Prabhupad spoke strongly about literal understanding. Bhakti Vinode Thakur while addressing Bankim Chandra Chatterji’s attempts to bowdlerize Krishna Lila, and to present things, he, he gave people a non-literal way to understand it, but also emphasize that ultimately, it has to be an initial transcendental level.
We discussed various allegories. Metaphor would be more of a particular point of parallel way. Allegory is a narrative in which certain abstract properties are personified to teach something. So Chaintanya Chandrodaya natak is an allegory. At least there are allegorical characters in that. And then with respect to the Bhagavatam’s first canto in the bull and the cow narrative there is a blurring of categories, and the emphasis is on remembering and relishing Krishna. The Acharyas don’t talk so much about whether this is allegorical or not. So, depending on historical context, certain things, which we may consider very important individuality, 100- or 200-years others may think that something else is very important. So rather than focusing on what is considered contextually important we can be more Saragrahahi- essence seeking and focus on remembering the Lord. Before that you mentioned how there are not only multiple avatars present in this, but multiple avatars are cooperating in the pastime.
Then we discuss how Parshuram interacts with Ram. In the spiritual world there seems to be some awareness of at least Dwarka and Vrindavana. But whether there is interaction between the various lokas and the various devotees; that is something which we don’t have clear mention about.
And then we mentioned about Mandala and Yantra.
So, the Kurma being present with the churning rod above him is like a Mandela. Then we have the Mandala’s in the 1st cantoo where Nimisharanya is considered to be the center of the universe. Then we have Bhu Mandala in the 5th canto, and of course we have Rasa Mandala in the 10th canto.
We also discussed the idea of a universal turtle, or the turtles all the way. In our tradition, if you consider Kurma to be the supreme Lord. Then Kashyapa is the Prajapati. So, from the Prajapati everything comes. Kurma sustains everything. So, in that sense, there is a parallel over here.
You also discussed a lot in detail about how when Kurma appears, there is the churning in the 8th the 10th cantos. While, the churning in the 10th canto is for butter, that Krishna munificently distributes, for relishing Prema. The churning in the 8th Canto seems to be more for establishing Dharma. Sometimes the ends are more important to means!
And I never thought of this point, that this whole depiction is quite humorous. How the demons are sometimes childishly demanding that they want to hold on to the mouth. Then get overwhelmed by the smoke, then see Mohini Murti and get bewildered by her.
We also spoke about some cost cultural parallels, that Kurma is sustaining the earth. Sustaining the whole existence. He is humble, below everyone. Even, in the Christian tradition they have the idea of lifting up the cross, The Lord is lifting up the mountain itself.
Then there is the idea of drinking poison. Lord Shiva takes the poison. So, there is the idea of divine suffering. Mohini Murti’s is partial to the Devatas. But Lord Shiva brings poison for the benefit of everyone. He is not a Jeeva but is in the higher category -like the divine. So, He exhibits the divine munificence in an extraordinary way.
And then when we talked about Kurma for stability. You brought an extra meaning as to how in our movement we need stability and balance so that we don’t get too fixated on one opinion and then condemn the other opinion or we don’t get fixated on one project and neglect other aspects while pursuing that project.
Even in the world today, in politics there is so much polarization. And politics has become so dysfunctional that it takes a lot for the Devatas and Asuras to come together. This is good advice for politicians to come together.
And then lastly, due to the churning poison came out. Lord Shiva was needed. It seems the way we have not churned but disrupted the universe, by industrialization. The pandemic could be like a poison.
But whether Lord Shiva will come and remove the poison, is something we will have to wait and see. We can pray that there is stability. That the world becomes more stable.
We talked about positive psychology and hope, and how we cannot live without hope. In spirituality there is hope, there is gratitude and there is humour. So it does seem that this whole pandemic is making people think about higher consciousness, the meaning of life, the definition of progress and we have not just evolution but a revolution of consciousness, then there can be brighter times, which can come.
Lord Kurma Dev, He did not speak, but he was there sustainably everything. We can say that the process of churning of the milk ocean parallels the process of churning of the heart for manifesting the love of Krishna. So, we can pray for humanity individually and collectively that their heart gets churned and consciously rises to higher consciousness.
Thank you, Maharaj this was a breathtaking journey, you took us on today.
Krishna Kshetra Maharaj: Thank you for participating. Together we did some churning. By the way, it’s a detail but there is one more Mandela, you can say, in the Bhagavatam that I’ve thought of in the sixth Canto, when Chitraketu Maharaj meets Lord Shiva. He sees Lord Shiva with Parvati on his lap. And they’re surrounded by the sages. So that’s kind of Mandela also. And, of course, that’s the beginning of more trouble for Chitraketu. He thinks it’s very funny. We can picture that scene. All these sages and then Shiva, highly respected, but then Parvati is sitting on his lap, what is this? So, he can’t help it, he laughs. And of course, Parvati doesn’t think it’s funny at all. And her not seeing the humour in it is also funny.
The fact that she doesn’t see any humor in it, and in fact, she is offended, and she curses Chitraketu is also kind of humorous. And of course, Chitraketu very graciously accepts the curse. He says,” okay heaven or hell, whatever!”
So, I just thought that’s another Mandala.
Chaitanya Charan Prabhu: Yes, I think in the 10th canto when Krishna is sitting with the gopas to have lunch and Bhrahmaji sees them, that’s also a Mandala.
Krishna Kshetra Maharaj: Yeah, that’s also a Mandala. Yeah, yeah so good to remember.
Chaitanya Charan Prabhu: Bhagavatam is rich with this. I never thought of the dimension of Mandala this way. Thank you very much Maharaj for your time and your sangha.
Krishna Kshetra Maharaj: Thank you. Thank you. All the best. So, We’ll, we’ll proceed next time with Varah Dev.
Srila Prabhupada ki Jai! Ananta Koti Vaishnav Vrinda ki Jai! Hare Krishna!
End of transcription.
Video:
The post The Monk’s Podcast 78 with Krishna Kshetra Maharaj – Churning the Bhagavatam – Dashavatara 2 – Kurma appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
Video – Bhagavad Gita 11.33 Just Become An Instrument 2020-10-11 Ljubljana
The post Video - BG 11.33 Just Become An Instrument 10/11/2020 first appeared on Prahladananda Swami.
Ramsden Park/Queen’s Park
Sunday Outdoors
Our drama crew executed a meaningful practice, for our upcoming production, in the park. Two filmmakers also came so we could explore theater-by-camera. The pandemic is forcing innovation so we are discussing the settings, locations, camera angles and so forth.
Dhruva migrated from India and Michaella came from Croatia and it looks like they will work together. Dhruva is young and shows some resilience with his sockless, flip-flop shoes but Michaella’s remark was, “You make me cold looking at you.”
With weather that is not so forgiving, at 10°C, you can hardly call this “Indian summer” weather—warm in the day and cool at night. Is it politically correct to use that term anymore?
Two families followed me, during the mid-afternoon, to Queen’s Park by the way of meandering through nooks and alleyways. “Insulin was invented by Dr. Banting, here at the UOT, 99 years ago,” I mentioned to Ritesh, a chemist. That was interesting to him. Apparently all 10 dogs died during the experimentation. That would be bad news for dog lovers to hear, who are strolling along in the park, and along a trail called “Philosophers Walk,” with their pets.
Nimai and Ritesh’s families were with me, enjoying the sun, wind, buildings, people, dogs and God. Indeed, we spoke of Krishna and about chanting over the course of our walk.
May the source be with you!
4 km
Podcast
Podcast Summary
Video:
Transcription :
Racism -What it is and what it isn’t and how to deal with it
Summary at 2.15.34
We discussed the topic of racism.
We started by talking about how to consider belonging to a nation to be special, that could be a form of illusion. But we also said that for everybody to belong to something to say this is special is not bad it’s a matter of gratitude. But the thing that I’m superior, that’s what makes it bad.
And then, you talked about how spirituality is meant to elevate our consciousness, but also to expand our consciousness. And if, if there is no expansion, there’s only elevation, then it is good if somebody is doing solitary bhajan. But if somebody is actually living in society. Then they will alienate people. Then we talk about Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, He was also conscious of Shankar Pandit and Shrikant, although he was in high ecstasy. So, the expansion of consciousness is there. That means we recognise and we embrace people from various backgrounds. So that expansion itself will at one level counter racism.
Then we talked about how rather than focusing on racism, we focused on the idea of group identity. It could be nationalism; it could be gender group. It could be regional groups. So, at four levels we have equality and identity and be everybody’s soul, but different people have different abilities, and everybody can be given equal opportunity, but we can’t mandate equal results. So, in the example of a cricket coach, if they have a quota system then they will not have the best team. So, equality of opportunity has to be given.
Then we discuss that at an individual level, acknowledging that different people are different abilities is straightforward; it’s a fact of life. But could some groups of people have certain abilities more and certain abilities less? That’s also possible. So, we could go to two extremes. One is to impose that all groups should be equal in every way. So, you said that a Telugu athlete will be as good as a African sprint runner. It’s unlikely. And we could do a lot of social engineering and do it, but what is the point of it. Is it worth the effort? Instead of that, train them and facilitate them in growing and what they are good at.
One extreme would be to absolutely equalise all races, the other is to stereotype that everybody in this race will be good in this and bad in this. Say somebody from a Telugu community is very good at athletics they should also be in the facility.
You actually at the start mentioned that racism arises from individual insecurity. If I have insecurity, then I try to get a sense of strength from the group which I belong to. And then, if it is an individual thing. It can be tolerated, and it can be corrected at an individual level, but when it becomes a group thing, the whole group of people start thinking we are superior- that’s when it becomes dangerous. Like Hitler did with the Nazis.
In India, if there was some amount of system of superiority, a certain people or certain caste felt superior that was more of an individual failing. It was not like a systemic or collectivised or organised exploitation of people.
In that connection we talked about Thomas Sowell that we really can’t have ideal solutions, we have to have trade-offs in the world. And that means that-and the Bhagavad Gita also says this-that different people are good at different things. And rather than seeing that as a weakness, we can see that as a strength, if everybody complements each other.
And then you said that the four varnas are good at fighting for four things. The brahmanas can fight ignorance, the Kshatriyas can fight invaders, the Vaishyas can find insufficiency, and the Shudras can fight indolence. And all these need to be fought in society. In a sense, everybody can contribute. So, the Varna system involves recognising that certain people have certain attributes, certain groups of people have certain attributes. But that is not racist because everybody is cooperating and contributing.
Then we discussed how artificially imposing equality can create problems. So, we discussed about the position of women -say, if there is a rape, then the woman the criminals have to be punished. But then we also have to recognise the society we are living in. And we can’t artificially equate the behaviour of a woman with a lot of privilege and protection with a woman who doesn’t have that.
So, in the Indian society there is a lot of inappropriate behaviour as compared to say some other parts of the world, but to attribute it to Indian culture, rather than to attribute it to current circumstances or to attribute it to disconnection from the culture, is like furthering a biased narrative. And it needs to be corrected. But the correction involves not blaming the culture but changing the situations.
And you also mentioned toward the end that, one reason why so much wrong that has happened in Indian culture is because people often stayed silent. Of course, historically Indians have fought that’s why our culture has survived, but in the modern times, the tendency to fight is that I will take care of myself, what happens otherwise in the society – that’s not that’s not my concern!
So even some brahmanas see other brahmanas behaving in self-righteous ways that’s unhealthy, they should stop that.
Then we talk about certain regions associated with when there are regional statements about certain people, are those racist?
A-it is not so much racist as it is more for people who are there contextual statements for those people to feel a sense of fortune and to take that fortune seriously. Okay, you are born in the dharmic states, to countries so you can be elevated, so take this and get elevated not that other people have been condemned.
We also discussed fair colour and dark colour. The fascination with fair skin is relatively a modern, maybe a colonial hangover. In the scriptures we do see that that Draupadi was fair skin and Bheeshma was what they said, black tooth. Kunapa Danta. Even the sages were not necessarily attractive. So, attraction ‘Natya Shastra” says is not based on skin colour. It’s based more on shape.
So, even if some statements are there, associated with skin colour, they are not the core teaching of the Scripture. The core teachings are the universal principles. Those are what we should focus on and those are what we should share. There was also one point about when people belong to a group, the people belonging to the group should lead to individual growth.
But belonging to the group leads to a person thinking that let the group decide things for me. That is unhealthy. So, like a Karta. We are not Kartas, but at the same time we have to do our responsibility our “Yoddhas”, as you said. We have to do our responsibility; we don’t have to have that doership. And in that connection- when we belong to a group, when there is a belonging to a group-the key point is that that belonging to a group should not make us lose our sense of individuality and responsibility but, rather, it should equip us to become more responsible.
We talk about how the scriptures talk about Satyamev Jayate not Shraddahamaya Jayate. Because Satya is what maintains social order, and Satya is associated with Dharma. So, there is Satya externally. And there is Shraddha internally. And if there is Shraddha without Satya, Shraddha without Dharma, then that will lead to fanaticism and then shraddha in the lower modes. So holistic growth will be– if both Dharma is established externally and Dharma means universal principles for human well-being, and there is a shraddha that is growing internally.
When Dharma talks about certain principles of purity, or cleanliness, or meat-eaters-those who don’t eat meat will not mix with people who eat meat. That is not meant to look down or condemn those people. It is meant to preserve certain standards of cleanliness and purity, but not at the expense of condemning. You talked about how Ramanujacharya was quite radical and Ramanujacharya equated the salaries of the temple cleaners and the priests, and also, he walked with Dhanurdas, and others.
One more sensational point you made about this raises a behavioural label that – in the Ramayan there is Vishvamitra and Chandala is talking and in the Srimad Bhagavatam there is the Vyadha Geeta.
So, if you look at them, somebody might be a racist; stereotype they will feature the racist based on some statements. But if you look at the broad examples, as well as a broad principle, as well as specific examples we do see they are not racist, but they are very universal. And ultimately the scriptures are manifesting Krishna’s compassion and Krishna accommodates everyone. Krishna accommodated even the Kauravas even though they were so sinful. And Krishna accommodates in the Bhagavad Gita the different kinds of worshipers.
End of transcription.
The post The Monk’s Podcast 77 with Govinda Prabhu – Racism – what it is, what it isn’t and how to deal with it? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
Tompkins Square Park: Birthplace of the Hare Krishna Movement
By Krishna Kripa Das
A leading monthly travel magazine with over 16 million readers displays a full page color photo of Tompkins Square Park with a caption that begins, “The East Village’s Tompkins Square Park has been a bastion of counterculture for decades. The Hare Krishna movement was born here.”
Srila Prabhupada describes that birth, “Our sankirtana movement was first introduced in New York in 1966. At that time I came and began to chant this Hare Krishna mantra in Tompkins Square. I was chanting there for three hours with a small mrdanga (drum), and these American boys assembled and gradually joined, and so it is increasing.” (Science of Self-Realization)
A plaque erected by the city in the park, after briefly describing the kirtana of October 9, 1966, mentions, “The event is recognized as the founding of the Hare Krishna religion in the United States.”
It is wonderful that this Hare Krishna birthplace was known to and popularized by Condé Nast Traveler, on page 91 of their April 2020 issue, which Hansarupa Dasa, ISKCON NYC president, showed us, when we mentioned that October 9 was the 54th anniversary of the first Tompkins Square Park harinama.
The evening of October 9, as I chanted at Tompkins Square Park, waiting for devotees to arrive to celebrate the anniversary, I saw two girls with dyed hair and colorful clothes reminding me of the hippies of 1960s. I asked them if they wanted to learn meditation, and they were into it. I taught them the mantra, and they sang three mantras responsively with me as I played the harmonium. They then accepted “On Chanting Hare Krishna” pamphlets, prasadam cookies, and invitations to our ISKCON NYC temple in Brooklyn.
Brad, a local frisbee teacher, who recalls seeing many Hare Krishna functions in the park in the over 40 years he has lived nearby, posed by the Hare Krishna Tree, where Srila Prabhupada had his first kirtana, holding his frisbee like Lord Vishnu’s chakra.
J.R. (left), who was playing guitar when I arrived and who regularly eats Adi Purusha Prabhu’s prasadam, which is served at Tompkins Square Park three days a week, accompanied our chanting in our final kirtana after our reading of the Srila Prabhupada-lilamrita description of Srila Prabhupada’s first kirtana in 1966.
Jagadhatri Devi Dasi (left) recalled how Kadamba Kanana Swami told the devotees that the Hare Krishna Tree is a desire tree that can fulfill all your desires, and seeing two new people learning the mantra, a local musician joining the kirtana, and devotees happily commemorating the historic event, I felt my desires fulfilled. Jagadhatri even spoke about doing kirtana once a week there in Tompkins Square Park because it is such a sacred place.
Now in New York City, Rama Raya Dasa, back in New York City after a six month absence due to the COVID-19 restrictions and now based in Radha Govinda Mandir, does harinama sankirtana four hours a day with his NYC Harinam party at Washington Square Park, Union Square Park, or Columbus Circle, except on Saturday, when he does seven hours. Devotees from ISKCON New York chant in Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m., and devotees from The Bhakti Center chant at Washington Square Park on Sundays from 2 to 5 p.m. Thus here in New York City we strive to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s desire for regular scheduled programs of harinama sankirtana, where the Hare Krishna movement in the west first began. By so doing we can cleanse our minds and those of others of the material conceptions which are the root cause of all of the present anomalies in human society and usher in a golden age of enlightenment as desired and foretold by Lord Caitanya five hundred years ago.
Here is a short video of our kirtana under the Hare Krishna Tree in Tompkins Square Park on October 9, 2020 (https://youtu.be/nP1t12GPpJk):
By: GBC Executive Committee for ISKCON News on March 15, 2020
A few weeks ago, Dhanurdhara Swami approached the GBC Executive Committee with the idea of possibly being reinstated as a member of ISKCON. The GBC EC has discussed the topic and issued a statement:
“Dear Devotees,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
A few weeks ago, Dhanurdhara Swami approached the GBC Executive Committee with the idea of possibly being reinstated as a member of ISKCON.
The GBC EC sought out the opinions of a number of affected parties such as the leadership in ISKCON North America (Dhanurdhara Swami’s primary preaching field), the Child Protection Office, and devotees representing ISKCON youth and gurukula graduates.
Considering their feedback and the policies of the CPO, we came to the consensus that pursuing the matter is not appropriate. Dhanurdhara Swami agreed and therefore withdrew his request before it was brought to the GBC Body.
Thank you very much.
Hare Krsna,
Your servants,
Bhaktivaibhava Swami
Ramai Swami
Bhakti Caitanya Swami,
GBC Executive Committee”
Here is a link to this announcement posted on the ISKCON News website.
February 10th, 2020
Regarding Dhanurdhara Swami, the North American GBC Council went through a process to determine how to respond to Dhanurdhara Swami’s request. We consulted the CPO, the Youth Ministry, Bhakti Centre managers and other stake-holders. We also had lengthy discussions trying to understand how Srila Prabhupada would respond to such a request and our responsibility to the devotees of North America including those who were victimized.
After much contemplation we voted. The results were clear. A strong majority voted to retain the current status of his remaining outside of ISKCON. A few members voted to allow some access to ISKCON temples with restrictions and one member did not vote.
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.
Your servant, Praharana dd, Chair of North American Council
As a matter of community concern the CPO is issuing the following statement:
Dhanurdhara Swami recently requested that the GBC consider how he could reenter ISKCON. In 2006 Dhanurdhara Swami chose to give his official resignation from ISKCON rather than comply with the requirements that would allow him to remain in ISKCON. In particular the ISKCON law which states:
“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.”
After considering Dhanurdhara Swami’s recent request, ISKCON laws, the CPO ruling, as well as the feelings of those directly impacted by Dhanurdhara’s treatment of children in gurukula, the GBC of North America voted to uphold Dhanurdhara Swami’s resignation from ISKCON.
Dhanurdhara Swami remains outside of ISKCON North America. His choice to live as a sannyasi and a guru is his own independent choice.
To clarify, Dhanurdhara Swami is allowed to visit ISKCON centers that allow him to do so. CPO 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. This sanction is to avert future threats to children and to the society as well as to honor and respect those who have been impacted by abuse.”
As with all CPO case decisions, the restrictions stated are a minimum requirement for all ISKCON related centers or programs. Any temple or program is free to totally restrict the individual.
For more information on ISKCON child protection policies see the ISKCON CPO Guidelines
Here’s a link to the statement on the ISKCON North America Child Protection Office Facebook Page.
Dear Devotees and Friends of ISKCON New Vrindaban,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
ISKCON North American recently released a statement regarding the status of Sri Galima Dasa.
That statement is presented below:
“The North American Committee, comprised of North American GBC members and other leaders, maintains an unwavering commitment to protect our ISKCON children. We honor and enforce Office of Child Protection decisions and encourage and promote proactive measures to reduce risk for child abuse.
In 2000, lifetime restrictions were imposed on Sri Galima Dasa (aka Gary Gardner) regarding his relationship with ISKCON North America. We continue to maintain and enforce those restrictions in all our temples and communities within North America. He is restricted from any institutional roles of trusted authority and in leading any public worship.
The North American Committee
June 20, 2020″
The ISKCON New Vrindaban Board of Directors also reaffirm that the lifetime ban prohibiting Sri Galima from any interaction with ISKCON New Vrindaban remain intact and he is banned from ISKCON New Vrindaban property.
Thank you,
ISKCON New Vrindaban Board of Directors
June 29, 2020
Statement in the matter of Sri Galima das and his relationship with ISKCON North America
The North American Committee comprised of North American GBC members and other leaders, maintains an unwavering commitment to protect our ISKCON children. We honor and enforce Office of Child Protection decisions and encourage and promote proactive measures to reduce risk for child abuse.
In 2000, lifetime restrictions were imposed on Sri Galima das (aka Gary Gardner) regarding his relationship with ISKCON North America. We continue to maintain and enforce those restrictions in all of our temples and communities within North America. He is restricted from any institutional roles of trusted authority and in leading any public worship.
The North American Committee,
June 20, 2020
Chair: Praharana dd
Yorkville, Ontario
Hare
I was walking near the new Yorkville Mall when the threat of a rain storm compelled me to search for shelter. Well, there is such a place at a side entrance, a fair expanse. It was there that I met a fellow with a coffee cup in hand who approached me in a jovial manner.
“Are you hare-ing?” he inquired.
“Excuse me?” I asked, not sure of the word he used.
“Are you hare-ing?” He asked in a higher tone.
Of course, I took it that he was saying, “Hurrying.” After all I was a little anxious about staying dry and I guess my pace was perhaps more than a stroll. I picked up on the joke.
“You’re not hare-ing?” He persisted with a smile.
“Well, I guess it depends. I’m hurrying and I’m hare-ing.” After all I was chanting “hare hare” on my beads at the same time while pacing.
“So you’re not hare-ing?” So I played the game and stroked my bald head with my free hand.
“Well, I’m definitely not hair-ing up here.” And he broke up in laughter and so did I. At this point we parted. I went one way; he went the other.
Through a maze of streets and alleyways, I went and came back, full circle, to the entrance of the mall when I happened to see my friend once again, on foot, fifteen minutes later, with coffee still in hand.
“Still hare-ing?” he asked?
“Yes, still hare-ing!” I was happy. “Hare” is a sacred sound. To utter “Hare” is good for anyone.
May the source be with you!
4km
Rosedale Valley Rd., Toronto
The Circle of the Thoughtful
I began my steps through Ramsden Park, which is particularly busy this late afternoon. People are lined-up on both sides of the tennis courts waiting for a spot. The playgrounds are full. People are seated on the grass in circles. I wonder what they are talking about? The government is cracking down on gatherings starting tomorrow. A second wave of Covid-19 has begun and is drawing concern. Is that on people’s minds?
One circle of young men, five in number, looked my way as I strode along. I got the impression they were curious. Oh well!
I ambled along and tackled the very foresty Rosedale Valley Road, where there is green on both sides of this very angular ravine. In the middle of the ravine is the roadway itself, a curving channel of moving cars. Of course, it’s Friday late afternoon and it’s our Thanksgiving Day weekend, so anticipation for food and fun is high. Runners and cyclist share the sidewalk. I am among them.
I see, to some level of dismay, tucked-away, makeshift homes of tarps and branch-matter dwellings of the homeless. I put myself in the shoes of such citizens who are clearly living off-the-grid and in the green. I find it remarkable that these folks can bear this lifestyle day after day—the cold and sometimes wet.
I also walked by a more cheerful area—of crab apple, choke cherry and black walnut trees. Also, on a lower level, beneath the trees, golden rod and blue chicory wildflowers were in bloom. I came back full circle and face-to-face with the group of men whom I surmised as thoughtful. Bearing a smile of curiosity and now standing, one of the guys asked me, “How do you keep warm wearing those clothes?” It started a conversation.
May the source be with you!
5 km
Yorkville, Toronto
Tended to Their Hunt
Two young guys scurried along as I came around the corner. There was no doubt that I frightened them. The maple tree came in most handy as they tucked away behind the trunk at a best attempt to conceal themselves. Well, I could spot one, at least a tail. I poked my head as I moved in closer for our little game. I went to the left, they went to the right. I moved to the right and they went to the left. I pulled out my phone for a camera shot. One by one they pounced onto the bark and ascended to the height of the tree’s trunk, one looking down on me. “Is he still there?” was their question about me.
They were two little bandits; raccoons to be more precise. I was now beyond their reach and they knew it. They were safe.
Obviously they were out scavenging. The night is their best bet for a good find. I’m sure the small remnants from our temple building was a draw. We always have food remnants around, bagged up, of course. That is no problem for them. The hands and claws of a raccoon are ideal for a climb and also a poke and penetration through a bag of nice prasadam remains.
Perhaps they know they are getting the best in the way of vittles. Prasadam is sanctified food—blessed by the best.
It was time for me to get to the front door to attend the 4:30 am ceremony inside. I had to let my two friends, with their huge eyes and furry bodies, tend to their hunt.
May the Source be with you!
3 km
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 30 September 2020, ISKCON Simhachalam, Jandelsbrunn, Germany, Table Talks 11 Lecture)
Each service is a preparation for a greater service in the future.
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Video – Bhagavad Gita 18.57 Paramatma Waving In The Heart 2020-08-02 Ljubljana
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Answer Podcast
Transcription :
Transcription by: Suresh Gupta
Question: As soon as the corona pandemic started, the temples shut down and only hospitals offered relief. Isn’t it better that we fund medical research?
Answer: Often, comparison is a tool for emotional manipulation against a particular thing. If at all we want to compare, we can say that the money spent on sports is way more than the money received in donation at temples. Playing and watching sports is a luxury, especially when compared to a dying person in need of a lifesaving medicine. Some people can spend lakhs of rupees for a ticket of a world cup final. Why can’t such money be used to save the life of some person who is terribly sick? Why not compare all the money that we are spending on cricket and decide to give it to medical research?
Different areas in life serve different purposes. Some so-called religious teachers might do some faith healing, but such a thing is not what is traditionally recommended. The idea that religion is used to heal our physical ailments does not have much scriptural basis. Certainly, religion is never presented as a substitute for medicine. In the Vedic tradition also, Ayurveda is considered as a separate branch of knowledge from those Vedic texts which are recommended for spiritual development.
One may say, cricket serves the purpose of entertainment but what purpose does religion serve? Well, certainly for many people, religion at the very basic level serves the purpose of calming the mind, up lifting the heart, give strength. Even if we presume that from functional purposes one does not believe in the religious tenet such as the existence of God, even then atheists have also recognised that religion provides certain things to people which are valid human needs. There is an atheist who has written a book called ‘Religion for Atheists’ where he says that – if we want to prescribe atheism, we need to be able to provide it to people in some healthy way so that they can fulfil their needs. If we do not do that, then religion is going to persist.
Scientific research and spiritual growth are two independent areas. At present when we are trying to deal with the pandemic curve through medicine there is also panic curve which needs to be dealt. For many people, it is their religion that calms them. Now, one can say that there are some religious people who have congregated indiscriminately causing the spread of the disease. That is true, but such people are doing the same mistake the questioner is doing by accusing religion by saying that if religion is not providing solace, so why have religion, just have medical research. Basically, those who congregating indiscriminately and are defying science, they are saying, replace religion by science. However, we need to understand that the two cannot be equated.
Medical research is important and those medical workers who are providing health care even at great risks are to be lauded. At the same time, the two are not equivalent and most mainstream religions are not claiming that at all. It is the interpretation of some people of their own religion which makes them imagine, that religion is a substitute for intelligent practice. Mainstream religions like sanatana dharma does not say that the material will be replaced by spiritual. Material and spiritual, both need to be taken care of appropriately and just as we need to curve the pandemic through medicine, we need to curve the panic through meditation. By comparing the two it could well be a tool for emotional manipulation to get people away from their religion. This is a false dichotomy that is brought because just as there can be funding for various areas, there can be funding for medical research and there can be funding for other areas of technological developments. Countries are still going on funding their space research, developing weapons. Therefore, there are different areas of human needs and human interest and all of them need to be served in an appropriate way.
Why are the temples closed? It is because the temples acknowledge, that they are not making a super claim by being substitutes for science or substitutes for hospitals. Temples are recognizing that they have their domain and they are providing the needs of that domain by appropriate means. For example, through Zoom, spiritual talks and digital aartis are also happening. There is a sense of mature responsible understanding over here and that needs to be appreciated. Hence, just as there are fanatic religionists who defy science and who are a part of the problem, there are also fanatic atheists who mischaracterize religion and thereby also make things worse. We need moderates to come together and unitedly work to deal with this huge crisis of pandemic that has come upon the world today.
End of transcription.
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Welcome to the day 3 of Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama. We thank all the devotees for enthusiastically taking part in Sri Navadvip Mandal Parikrama. Chat boxes in Zoom sessions are filled up with your deep devotional sentiments & we are very inspired to see all of you offering lamps & flowers to the deities in each […]
The post Navadvipa Mandal Parikrama -Day3 schedule appeared first on Mayapur.com.
Welcome to second day of Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama. Today is an exciting day! We will be entering Godrumadvipa dvipa – the island of Kirtanam! Very special darshan places & very special guest speakers! Our Dham Pradarshaks- who will accompany us in Godrumadvipa darshan today: HH Jayapataka Swami HH Gopal Krishna Goswami HH Bhakti Dhira […]
The post Navadvip Mandala Parikrama Day 2 Schedule appeared first on Mayapur.com.
Welcome to second day of Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama. Today is an exciting day! We will be entering Godrumadvipa dvipa – the island of Kirtanam! Very special darshan places & very special guest speakers! Our Dham Pradarshaks- who will accompany us in Godrumadvipa darshan today: HH Jayapataka Swami HH Gopal Krishna Goswami HH Bhakti Dhira […]
The post Navadvip Mandala Parikrama Day 2 Schedule appeared first on Mayapur.com.
On June 6, 1969, in New Vrindaban, Srila Prabhupada spoke on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.5.10:
na yad vacas citra-padam harer yaso
jagat-pavitram pragånita karhicit
tad vayasam tirtham usanti manasa
na yatra hamsa niramanty usik-ksayah
“Those words which do not describe the glories of the Lord, who alone can sanctify the atmosphere of the whole universe, are considered by saintly persons to be like unto a place of pilgrimage for crows. Since the all-perfect persons are inhabitants of the transcendental abode, they do not derive any pleasure there.”
Srila Prabhupada explained, “Narada . . . says that this is vayasam tirtham. Vayasam tirtham. Vayasam means crows. And the crows—their place of pleasure . . . Have you seen crows? In India we have got many crows. In India the crows take pleasure in all nasty things. You’ll find they take pleasure in a place where all nasty things are thrown, garbage. They’ll pick out the garbage, find out whether there is mucus, where there is pus. Just like flies—they’ll sit down on the stool. Maksikam bhramara icchanti. And the bees, they will try to take honey. Even in the animals you’ll see. The honey . . . The bees will never come to the stool, and the ordinary flies, they never go to collect honey.
“Similarly, there are divisions in the birds, divisions in the beasts, divisions in human society. So you cannot expect that ordinary persons will come to Krishna consciousness. You see? Because they have been trained to become flies, they will taste stool. You see? The modern education is to teach people to become flies—only stool.
“Not here—Krishna consciousness. Make it a honeycomb. Those who are seeking after honey will find, ‘Here is something.’ You see? Don’t make it a stool society. You see? Make it a honey society. At least give a chance to those who are seeking after honey, so they will come. You see? Don’t cheat people.”
Hare Krishna.
Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami
It is such a moment of transcendental joy, being together with all of you to take Sankalpa or pronounce the vow to perform Navadvipa Mandal Parikrama & absorb ourselves in the Gaura Katha as we travel along nine islands of Navadvipa. Do not worry, even if you are not able to join the adhivas, please […]
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With the coronavirus death toll now exceeding one million people worldwide, the World Health Organization reported a record one-day rise in global coronavirus cases on Thursday October 8th,saying the total rose by 338,779 in 24 hours. In this environment more ISKCON devotees are also falling ill with COVID-19 around the world. Most recently, senior Russian […]
The post As WHO Reports Record One-Day Rise in Global Coronavirus Cases, Devotee Doctor Gives Guidance on Health and Safety appeared first on ISKCON News.
With a second wave expected in the fall and winter, Nila Madhava Das (Dr. Neeraj Verma), a practicing anesthesiologist who was part of the COVID-19 team at Sinai Hospital and Northwest Hospital in Maryland, USA, has also weighed in on how the coronavirus works.
COVID-19 claims the life of a world renowned spiritual leader but his legacy lives on. Please help produce this documentary by contributing to the crowdfunding campaign: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/bhakti-charu-swami-the-documentary/x/5490780#/
The post Bhakti Charu Swami: The Journey of a Modern-day Saint – Trailer appeared first on ISKCON News.
COVID-19 claims the life of a world renowned spiritual leader but his legacy lives on. Please help produce this documentary by contributing to the crowdfunding campaign: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/bhakti-charu-swami-the-documentary/x/5490780#/
Suppose a person had a severe accident that immobilized them for a long time. As they recover, they need to start doing things for themselves, even if they begin with something as simple as wearing their own clothes. Such activities may be uncomfortable, but discomfort is often the only door to recovery. Their caregivers need […]
The post Why Helping Others Doesn’t Always Help Others appeared first on ISKCON News.
One of the best ways to inspire people to take responsibility is to equip them with spiritual wisdom.
Toronto, Ontario
Did Not Get
I did not get much of a walk in today, just a wee number of indoor strides. My only outside touch of the elements was the stairway at the temple’s entrance. There our kirtancrew met with the night. The lamp-post lit up by its sensor and we, too, got lit with the kirtan. We were in a happy state. We could have chanted the night away.
I did, however, accomplish a number of things; responding to emails, counseling people, reading “The Chaitanya Charitamrta,” as well as publication and proofreading of the upcoming book, “The Saffron Road.” I also soaked my feet and scraped off the dead skin while taking in the scent of aromatherapy. Dhruva came down to discuss the filming of our drama, “Rolling the Dice.” Then, after all of this nectarian activity, I engaged my legs in stretches, including the leaning of limbs against the wall for digestive improvement and better blood flow.
I was indoor-bound, for the most part, aiming also for interior and exterior work. The interior work is about inner, heartfelt, soul-connecting stuff. It has much to do with people work; trying to be pleasant and cheerful and complementing our ashram residents for their good services. In the ashram we try to take advantage of kind-contagiousness. Some of our new crew are better at it than others. Always, always—all projects are a work in progress.
May the Source be with you!
0 km
Clavering, Ontario
3 Hours North
David, who lives with us in the ashram, drove us north to the very base of the Bruce Peninsula, which divides the Georgian Bay from Lake Huron. It is quite the waterway, an amazing expanse of H2O, minus ocean salt, with clean air. I would call it a place of opulence.
Clavering is a small hamlet. To reach there, David and I got adventurously lost, however, this displacement brought us through some of the prettiest scenery. Then, once we gained our bearings, we coasted by the shores along Collingwood and the Blue Mountain ski area. Despite the extra stretch of travel, we enjoy lost moments, in terms of direction, when it becomes like this—a feast for the eyes.
Situated in Clavering, or just off, on a dirt, lime-crushed road, is my dear god brother, Gopan Ganapati, a Canadian-born bloke, who lives in solitude, in a fine-timbered pioneer home. In the spring deer trail on his property, as well as coyotes. Guess who’s following who, especially when there are fawns?
There are trees galore, hard and soft wooded, and it is currently that time of year when robins are holidaying, not in sight, whereas blue jays are visible. It’s the season for the aggressive jays.
Gopan, David and I ate leftovers from the birthday menu yesterday. We stocked up, in the car, enough prasadam (blessed food) for three senior men to devour—chow mein, gauranga potatoes, dahl puris and pumpkin pie. Yummy for the tummy!
Time was spent conjuring memories of life during our monastic days of the early 70s in Toronto. Gopan is credited for starting the Spiritual Sky business, and incense enterprise, to pay the bills for a new movement in consciousness—Krishna consciousness.
May the Source be with you!
0 km on foot
