Planet ISKCON

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 […]

The post First day of Navadvipa Parikrama today! appeared first on Mayapur.com.

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#/

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

 

Yorkville, Brickworks

 

Birthday Bliss

 

Birthday wishes came flooding in. Thank you all, from across Canada, Africa, India, Florida and, of course, South America. It’s nice to know I have a big family that cares. I’m 68.

 

For starters our Monday group comprised of cousin Correy, Eric and Victor. A cake came to the Yorkville Mall, complements of the group. We come together to talk of Christ, Krishna, Mohammed as well as humanity and of how the world is in a tussle. The serviette for the cake bore the image of a fall landscape print, by Tom Thomson.

 

Another cake, a virtual one, came my way from our Vancouver community, after I delivered a talk on the saint Rantideva. A generous man he was. It was a 48 day fast for him. At breakfast time, one by one, people came to his door for food. He felt obliged to provide for them, before he himself took a bite. Renounced, I’d say.

 

At 3 pm I conducted a walk with enthusiasts at the Evergreen Brickworks. I asked one of the girls what was the highlight. “Goldfish.” she said. One of the boys remarked, “The beaver, for sure.” Birthdays for me mean outing. The scenery at the Brickworks resembled a Tom Thomson paining.

 

Finally, devotees offered kind words in the evening setting at the temple—words from around the world. Thank you. Again there was food. At noon I had lunch with Dave Bannerman, our electrician. He’s a nice guy, and he brought Dutch cheese, being a Dutchman himself. The cakes in the evening were not virtual. One looked just like an autumn rendering by Tom Thomson, with a maple tree on it, made of sweet stuff.

 

Maybe Source be with you!

6 km

 

  Often times we start on our spiritual journey with great enthusiasm, excitement and cheer. Yet, somewhere in the middle we come to a point where everything becomes known, monotonous and obvious. The adventure of learning new things dies out and we seem to sail in the same boat again and again. The problem is […]

The post The Plastic Problem appeared first on ISKCON News.

Often times we start on our spiritual journey with great enthusiasm, excitement and cheer. Yet, somewhere in the middle we come to a point where everything becomes known, monotonous and obvious. How do we steer back?

Disciples and well-wishers of ISKCON guru Varsana Swami have established a Health Care Fund to help cover costs as Maharaja faces various health challenges.  A beloved long-time resident of New Vrindaban and dedicated disciple of Srila Prabhupada, Varsana Swami has been battling Chronic Lyme Syndrome for several years. Most recently, he developed a severe acute […]

The post Fund Established to Care for Varsana Swami Amidst Health Challenges appeared first on ISKCON News.

A beloved long-time resident of New Vrindaban and dedicated disciple of Srila Prabhupada, Varsana Swami has been battling Chronic Lyme Syndrome for several years.

New Vrajamandala, ISKCON’s farm near Guadalajara, Spain, has temporarily closed due to COVID-19 cases.  Temple President Yadunandana Swami writes, “Considering that several devotees have tested positive for COVID-19, the Board of Directors and the Council of Department Leaders have decided to close Nueva Vrajamandala to the public most probably until the end of October, to […]

The post New Vrajamandala, Spain Temporarily Closes Due to COVID-19 Cases appeared first on ISKCON News.

Temple President Yadunandana Swami writes, “Considering that several devotees have tested positive for COVID-19, the Board of Directors and the Council of Department Leaders have decided to close Nueva Vrajamandala to the public most probably until the end of October."

A video by the ISKCON Strategic Planning Team.

An Italian devotee couple has created and installed a permanent “sound path” at the Museum of Sacred Art (MOSA) in Villa Vrindavana, near the city of Florence, home of the Italian renaissance. The installation was created by Madhava and Margherita at their Grotta Sonora, or “The Sounding Cave.” Consisting of unique handmade gongs and other […]

The post Couple Creates Unique Sound Path for Italy’s Museum of Sacred Art appeared first on ISKCON News.

The installation was created by Madhava and Margherita at their Grotta Sonora, or “The Sounding Cave.” Consisting of unique handmade gongs and other instruments, called “sound sculptures,” the sound path makes tours of MOSA an auditory as well as a visual experience.

A video by Radhadesh Mellows.

The journey of a young millionaire, who blends spirituality with entrepreneurship. It’s evening; a young Bengali gentleman sitting in his office in Kolkata completes a webinar on entrepreneurship and moves on to an online TV interview. Interviewer asks him questions relating to investment, business and startups and he answers them all with fervid expressions. Being […]

The post Ajita Das: Entrepreneur with a Spiritual Foundation appeared first on ISKCON News.

A young Bengali millionaire successfully blends spirituality with entrepreneurship.

Yorkville, Toronto

 

Bless and Bliss

 

As in the night before when Driti, Murli Manohara and the girls came to eat prasadam, blessed food, in Govinda's, another clan, the Patel’s, came to honour and eat. I was lucky to sit near them and chat. Nimai was with them. He and I have done a number of strolls together during the pandemic. The summer, that just passed, was a hot one and it somewhat restricted my choice of walking companions. I had to wait till the sun was just about to dissolve beyond the horizon before starting to walk.

 

Tonight was good. A bit of drizzle. Who minds? Especially when your day is spent indoors. I was in a kind of bliss having tackled four classes by Zoom. Cleveland, Scarborough, Edmonton and Hamilton were on the list today. I get a real charge from the feedback—the questions and comments. In this way some form of sangha, or gathering, takes place. I also met a nice couple on the walk.

 

Pilgrims, congregants and more came to visit the temple’s side of the building. One young man, who moved here from Delhi, was very excited to meet me. I’m known for staging plays of a spiritual nature and this chap had watched some of those productions. Vallabha is his name and he says he’s an anchor-man on TV.

 

The day was good. The night was good. And the in between, the dawn and dusk, also registered well, despite sporadic rain on the cold side. I feel blessed. Where there’s bless, there’s bliss.

 

May the Source be with you!

4 km

 

Finally, the day has come! Sri Navadvipa Mandala Purusottam Parikrama ki Jai! ‘Anander Sima nai’-There is no end to the Bliss! On 9th October, we will be going to the birthplace of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to take a Sankalpa ( Vow) to perform Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama. You will join the online transcendental Parikrama party […]

The post Registration closes tomorrow! appeared first on Mayapur.com.

During Purusottama-adhika-masa, it is recommended to read Brahma’s Prayers to Lord Krishna.

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 13 September 2018, Durban, South Africa, Northdene Program Lecture)

It is our goal to always be one in thought with Krsna. One of the symptoms of surrendering in devotional service is to have no other interest other than the interest in Krsna. Of course, it is not that our thoughts are always aligned with Krsna, what to speak of our actions, however our meditation remains to cultivate pure devotional service so that we can be one in thought with Krsna. We have the following words – anukulyasya sankalpah, accepting whatever is favourable to devotional service; pratikulyasya varjanam, rejecting unfavourable things; raksisyatiti visvaso, to have full faith that Krsna will protect us; and goptrtve varanam tatha, whatever we need, He will provide as our guardian, and in this way, we must surrender to Krsna and dedicate ourselves to Him with humility.

This goal has nothing to do with our external life. We can work in a job or not, that does not really matter. Of course, we must avoid sinful activity in our profession and in our private life, but otherwise, it does not matter where we are placed externally. Different personalities can be pure devotees. In the Krsna book, there is an interesting story with two great personalities – King Bahulasva and the brahmana Srutadeva. Here, Krsna went to meet the king and before Krsna was coming, the brahmana also heard that Krsna was coming and so both of them had made their own plans. The king decided that when Krsna will appear, he will offer Him a royal reception, a beautiful garland and then seat Him on a golden throne – all the things befitting for a king. The brahmana was thinking that when Krsna appears, he will offer his obeisances to Him and with all his heart, recite prayers in His glorification. But when Krsna actually appeared, it did not quite go according to the plans. When the king saw Krsna, he just immediately fell on the ground to give obeisances and simply forgot to get up. Meanwhile, when the brahmana saw Krsna, he just started jumping up and down in complete ecstasy! So, seeing Krsna is nothing like we can ever expect. Seeing Krsna is beyond anything we can ever imagine. It is far greater than anything we can possibly think of or experience – it is beyond our imagination!

The article " Seeing Krsna is beyond our imagination! " was published on KKSBlog.

What would it be like if Srila Prabhupada was here and he was coming to your temple? What would you do? What would you say? What would you be thinking? Can you even imagine such a thing? Yet this was an experience shared by thousands of his disciples in the early days of ISKCON, and cherished in their minds and hearts to this day.

But in reality, Srila Prabhupada IS coming to the TOVP in his murti form to bless us all and ensure that the TOVP is completed. And we all have the unique opportunity to welcome our Founder/Acharya during his historic ‘arrival’ on February 27, 2021, the 125^th Appearance Anniversary Year of His Divine Grace. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity has presented itself to every man, woman and child in ISKCON by the offering of our worldwide guru dakshina in the form of sponsoring one of five kinds of abhishekas and two kinds of sevas.

Take advantage of this most auspicious and blessed event by making your offering today and prepare yourself to feel the transcendental ecstacy of Srila Prabhupada’s arrival. To sponsor an abhisheka go HERE.

ABHISHEKA AND SEVA SPONSORSHIP OPTIONS

1. SACRED WATER BATHING – $25 / ₹1,600 / £20
(sponsor for each family member)
2. COPPER COIN BATHING – $300 / ₹21,000 / £250
3. SILVER COIN BATHING – $500 / ₹35,000 / £400
4. GOLD COIN BATHING – $1,000 / ₹71,000 / £800
5. PLATINUM COIN BATHING – $1,600 / ₹1 Lakh / £1,300
6. BHAKTI CHARU MAHARAJA SEVA – $2,500 / ₹1.5 Lakh / £2,000
7. SAMSTAPAK ACHARYA SEVA – $10,000 / ₹7 Lakh / £8,000

Celebration Schedule

February 25 – Nityananda Trayodasi / Worldwide Prabhupada Abhisheka

February 26 – Bhakti Charu Maharaja Samadhi Opening

February 27 – New Prabhupada Murti Installation

 

atho maha-bhaga bhavan amogha-drk
suci-sravah satya-rato dhrta-vratah
urukra masyakhila-bandha-muktaye
samadhinanusmara tad-vicestitam

“O Vyasadeva, your vision is completely perfect. Your good fame is spotless. You are firm in vow and situated in truthfulness. And thus you can think of the pastimes of the Lord in trance for the liberation of the people in general from all material bondage.” (SB 1.5.13)

Each and every word of Srimad-Bhagavatam is full of volumes of explanation—each and every word. This is Srimad-Bhagavatam. Vidya-bhagavatavadhi. (Varta-sahitya) One’s learning will be understood when he’s able to understand Srimad-Bhagavatam. Vidya. Vidya means learning—not this science, that science. If one can understand Srimad-Bhagavatam in true perspective, then he’s understood to have finished his all educational advancement. Avadhi. Avadhi means “this is the limit of education.” Vidya-bhagavatavadhi.

—Srila Prabhupada, talk on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.5.13, June 13, 1969, New Vrindaban

Yorkville, Toronto

 

From Mistrust to Trust

 

“We live in a period of mistrust” is just an understatement. Whomever you talk to these days you’ll see heads nod in agreement once the topic comes up.

 

Just before my walk through Yorkville I sat with a nice family from Brampton and spoke on the topic of “lack of confidence.” Murli and Driti, as well as their two daughters, were at a consensus. The public is estranged from their leaders, due to their poor governance of their nation. I need not mention names of belligerent fellows who are behind the wheels, offering only misdirection. Most of our world leaders are simply in the wrong place.

 

Another area where mistrust has become escalated is in the figures the public receives regarding the victims of Covid-19. There’s no doubt that the earth’s population is cursed with a nasty virus. Even some very conservative people that I know question the numbers that come to us. Is it that flu and other virus victims are lumped into the statistics to be included in the Covid list? A lot of people feel they are being deceived. Honesty and straightforwardness are now perceived as virtues of the past.

 

I, for one, rarely keep tabs on all the numbers, because I too am highly skeptical at today’s reporting. I do, however, value and cherish an attempt to remember the figures given to me in a mere spiritual context. I have 16 rounds to chant on my beads. 4 principles by which I live my life. 26 qualities to embrace. 10 offenses to avoid. 7 purposes to fulfill. All while I try to hit some number of kilometres on foot each day. I trust those numbers.

 

Maybe Source be with you!

4 km

 

Queen’s Park, Toronto

 

People Venting

 

“Whew!” is what I realize when I hear some of the struggles people go through, whether online, on the phone or in person. You have to feel for these folks when you hear their sad stories. The stories came to me within the past 24 hours. Not surprising. You are a monk and for many people that means strength. People in pain are looking for strength.

 

“I was molested amongst other things,” said the fellow in his early 30s. I showed my empathy and at the same time he’s not a “lost case.”

 

A woman asked how to deal with anger. It’s great that she asked. “Someone mistreated me. I’m resentful.” She said.

 

“Did you ever mistreat anyone?” I asked.

 

Usually the answer is “Yes.” We then spoke about nature’s way—a karmic tit-for-tat.

 

One grown man, who’s the nicest, most helpful human, spoke about his childhood being so abusive. “I had a sleep disorder because of domestic violence. I couldn’t sleep at night. I would fall asleep in school because of fatigue. My teachers just thought I was lazy and was useless.”

 

The man was in anguish just telling me about it, but he seems okay now. It looks like he’s working his way through it all.

 

It’s always redeeming when you see people trying. To those who quit and seek entitlement, it doesn’t become a pretty picture. I’m always happy to hear from people in confidence, of their challenges. Those that are sincere and seek actual change have a chance.

 

On another note, Miles, a photography student, forwarded pics of me at Queen’s Park. My body will be 68 soon.

 

May the Source be with you!

3 km

 

Toronto, Ontario

 

Some Words

 

In the delivery of two classes that I gave today several words came up in the reading from Bhagavatamand Gita purports—words that you could say stand out as significant. For instance, such words as “doubt, fear, faith, knowledge, happiness and peace.” They were repeated throughout a series of verses, especially in chapter 4 from the Gitaand so, naturally, they need addressing.

 

My comments then, when I spoke, and now, as I write about these words, begin with perceiving them as belonging to the same family. They keep each other alive. Just as “doubt,” while having negative connotations and being a sign of some intelligence, can be slashed by the sharp weapon of knowledge. Both are reactionary. They can’t be perceived as opposites that keep each other alive.

 

While “fear” is something we would rather not be haunted by, it does act as a defense mechanism to keep us out of trouble; safe and happy. The words “peace” and “happiness” are practically synonyms. “How can there be happiness without peace?”

 

Faith is a quality in an individual that suggest a deep trust. This trust, when supported by knowledge, truly enhances faith. Knowledge, in and of itself, when applied, tends to bring about a happier state of life.

 

The above words mentioned, although bearing powerful meaning when they stand alone, still contemplate and/or support each other. It is always good to read and analyze.

 

May the Source be with you!

2 km

 

Mississauga, Ontario

 

Chair Repair

 

Vishal Sharma’s van has enough space to lug an antique chair and myself to Raj’s place in Mississauga. The chair is in need of repair. It’s precious as it’s a piece of furniture and part of the décor in our guru’s quarters, what we call “Prabhupada’s quarters.”

 

Chairs, like tables, beds, dressers, rugs, planter stands, etc., all render a kind of service to people. The chair getting attention right now is actually a loveseat and can sit two. It has sentimental value as so many good souls, often visitors, have made good use of this asana “in love to Krishna.”

 

In any event, Vishal and I transported this beloved piece of utility to Raj for putting his expert hand to its rejuvenation. Once we arrived, we were greeted with the sweetest hospitality and, as is common, a spirit of love was demonstrated through the delicious prasadam served. Guacamole, Brussel sprouts in sauce, sautéed veggies—my kind of food—made it to our bellies. It caused me to doze off in the van on the return journey.

 

Vishal got me back in time for the evening staircase kirtan. I have such a passion for that. Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Thanks to Covid-19 the whole idea about chanting on our front steps started with cheering on the healthcare workers, as neighbours came out, banging pots and pans in their front yards.

 

Just like our cherished chair will be repaired and the job will get done (credit to Raj Grover) the day gets done with kirtan at dusk.

 

May the Source be with you!

4 km

 

Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!



Date: 4th Oct 2020
Day: Sunday
Time: 11 am to 12 noon
Topic: Reincarnation- BG 15.8 and 15.9
Speaker: HH Bhaktimarga Swami


Link to join the class from your desktop or laptop:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9150790510?pwd=Wk5GYXVRMkJmdk84MzZJRXBKYUgwUT09


If you click the above link from your desktop or laptop, you will be able to join directly


If you click this link from your cell phone or IPAD etc, you will have to download the Zoom application (less than a minute to download)


HH Bhaktimarga Swami:

Bhaktimarga Swami, popularly known as "The Walking Monk", took to a monk’s life in 1973 as a youthful 20-year-old. Prior to becoming a monk, he did chores on the family farm in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, and was a college student of Fine Arts. His walks are extensively and internationally featured on radio, television, in the newspaper, and film


ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough, Ontario,
Canada, M1V4C7
Website: www.iskconscarborough.org
Email:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com
scarboroughiskcon@gmail.com

A special two-day celebration of Sannyasa as an Ashrama, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of H.H. Jayapataka Swami Maharaja accepting Sannyasa from Srila Prabhupada in 1970 on the Radhastami day is organised for two days- 3rd & 4th Oct. Reaching 50 years as a sannyasi is a first in ISKCON, and HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaja […]

The post Glories of Sanyasa Ashrama appeared first on Mayapur.com.