Websites from the ISKCON Universe
Ganga Devi Sheth a 32 year old (formerly) healthy woman & dancer who is on day 163 of having COVID-19. She has kindly agreed to share her experiences of what it means to live with COVID-19 for such a long time now.
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By the ISKCON GBC Strategic Planning Team The Global Devotee Care Directorate is hosting HH Prahladananda Swami in their weekly webinar series to discuss about care for the ISKCON monks. Moderator Gauranga Das.
Continue reading "Care for ISKCON monks (video)
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By ISKCON MINISTRY OF EDUCATION I have received all the books. I have been so eager to devour the knowledge within them. I have been reading constantly for the past two days. I was so happy to receive them. Thank you so very much. I grew up studying mysticism and esoteric topics. So a couple years ago when I ran across the teachings of Kṛṣṇa I was naturally drawn. I’ve recently finished my full memorization of the Bhagavad-gita in English. I can’t easily pronounce the Sanskrit, though I hope to one day. Dale S.D. Oglethorpe, Georgia Continue reading "H.H. Bhanu Swami: Books are the Basis (video)
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By Bhaktivedanta ManorThis project has been the largest single project, since the time of George Harrison donating Bhaktivedanta Manor in 1973. Over the last 40 years we have seen incredible changes; through many trials and tribulations, the devotees have continued to remain focused on their duty and getting on with what needs to get done. Despite the challenges of a world that is constantly changing, the devotion and determination of Krishna’s devotee will definitely ensure a bright future. Continue reading "Sri Krishna Haveli Complete!
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For more than thirty years, I have been teaching at the college and university levels of education. And during each one of those years, I have required students to purchase Śrīla Prabhupāda's Bhagavad-gītā As It Is, and then read large portions of it for my courses. Well, during the pandemic, it is no exception. In the picture below, I have 100 books that I will be selling to students (at my cost, to make it easy), and for most of them, it will be the first time they will have encountered the authentic words of the Spiritual Master! Another 100 books will go out next semester as well.
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Interview with H.H. Kadamba Kanana Maharaja: Books are the Basis
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Video:
Transcription :
Conspiracy theories – The Monk’s Podcast with Madhavananda Prabhu
Succinctly summarised by Chaitanya Charan Prabhu from 1.30.59:
So, we discussed today broadly on the topic of going beyond conspiracy theories. We may blame people individually when we face problems, either our own problems or problems in the society around us. When we expand that blaming mentality, we might blame someone, a particular agent, one particular cause, and that can become a conspiracy theory. And so, the problem with that is, first of all, you know, we don’t know enough to say that one particular thing is the cause of all problems. And it’s more likely that the problem is more like ignorance or incompetence rather than malevolence. And even if it is, that there is some one cause of all problems, now, what are we going to do about it? Whether it is somebody spreading and spreading biochemical by doing biochemical warfare through pathogens or somebody trying to convert a whole country, how is it if we become more obsessed with evil, then focusing on godliness, then we will end up becoming agents of evil.
You mentioned two quotes of Bhakti Siddhanta Thakur about reformation, that criticizing others is actually very difficult work. And a Guru must do that. He says, I’m forced to do that. But why are you going out of your way to do that?
So, criticizing could also mean obsessing over the evil and other people. And that’s why we might criticize and that can bring out the evil within us. So, the real problem with conspiracy theories is that we become more conscious of the problem than of Krishna as the solution, which can distract us from Krishna consciousness.
Krishna consciousness is the primary solution and as the tool within that, there could be various things. There could be some managerial change, there could be some change in power, there could be bringing awareness of some problems, various things, but then there is a conspiracy theory mentality. The second thing that is too first becomes the primary and Krishna consciousness is like pushed or retired upstairs, and then then we end up often being a part of the problem rather than the solution. In essence, reformation is required, but to think that we are the reformers, that is a problem.
And then you talk about how we focus more on the domain of ideas. So, at the transcendental level, we need to know that it is Krishna who is the solution. If we are part of the solution, it is because Krishna is acting through us and we need to stay connected with Krishna. So, there is more of a positive focus in trying to solve the problem, rather than criticizing things. Like Prabhupada did not criticize Gaudiya Matha so much as he focused on creating an alternative in the form of the Krishna consciousness movement.
And the problem with the conspiracy theories is that it creates a culture of distrust and we can question authority. But it is more important that we find likeminded Association. Varna ashram is not so much about dividing people into society, but creating a likeminded associate, having likeminded Association, where we all can make the contribution that we are meant to do- like Arjuna fought, somebody writes ,different people may do different things, but it needs to be in the context of our connection with Krishna, devotion to Krishna.
You also gave the example of Gaura Kishore Das Baba Ji, how he did not see that these people were beating him when he saw that Krishna is doing this to me. So, we shouldn’t lose sight of the fact that Krishna is acting.
And then I mentioned these three things that if you want to make a change, contribute to changing the world. So purity is to stay connected with ourselves, then humility is to know that it’s not that I have the full solution, but I have a small part of a bigger solution. And I can see a small problem which I’ll work on and then maturity is a way that we don’t disrupt what is working but focus on creating something which is constructive. And while working on this inside out change, taking responsibility that we can avoid going into self-pity, beating ourselves up by knowing that our focus has to connect with Krishna, not on beating ourselves down. When we get involved with conspiracy theories we turn away from Krishna and start dreading something else.
Did I miss anything important Prabhu?
End of transcription.
The post The Monk’s Podcast 62 with Madhavananda Prabhu – Conspiracy theories appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
Since August 2015, the ISKCON Disciples Course has been mandatory for all new initiates in ISKCON, and recommended for all devotees. Developed under the direction of the Guru Services Committee, it is designed to deepen devotees’ understanding of guru tattva (the meaning of guru) and guru padasraya (taking shelter of the guru). So far tens […]
The post Argentina Hosts Latin America’s Biggest Disciples Course Ever Virtually appeared first on ISKCON News.
So far tens of thousands worldwide have completed the course, which has inspired a family togetherness amongst devotees, as well as a strong dedication to Srila Prabhupada, their gurus, and Lord Chaitanya’s mission.
(Written on behalf of the Gopal Krishna Goswami’s Health Care Team.) A few days ago, after a period of repeated fevers, it had been confirmed that Gopal Krishna Goswami tested positive for Covid-19 and was admitted to a hospital in New Delhi — making the worldwide ISKCON community very worried. However, Gopal Krishna Goswami soon […]
The post Gopal Krishna Goswami Is Better, Released From Hospital appeared first on ISKCON News.
A few days ago, after a period of repeated fevers, it had been confirmed that Gopal Krishna Goswami tested positive for Covid-19 and was admitted to a hospital in New Delhi — making the worldwide ISKCON community very worried.
What is a "Hindu"? Who is a "Hindu"? Where does the word come from? Are today's followers of various Indian spiritual traditions "Hindus?" A video by Chandrashekhara Acharya Dasa (Unfiltered)
On August 31st, at 3:30 AM, on the auspicious appearance day of Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur, Ramadevi Dasi, a dedicated disciple of Srila Prabhupada departed from this world in Sri Dham Mayapur. After decades of serving Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha-Madhava by designing and making Their night dresses and engaging so many others in Their intimate […]
The post Ramadevi Dasi Passes Away appeared first on ISKCON News.
She spent decades of serving Sri Sri Radha-Madhava by designing and making Their night dresses also serving the community as a loving and expert midwife who delivered most of the community's children for over thirty years.
Filmed on Krishna Janmashtami, 13th August 2020 At the Bhaktivedanta Manor, London, UK. A video by The Colletion of Devotion.
The post Advent Of Lord Krishna – By the Bhaktivedanta Players, UK appeared first on ISKCON News.
Filmed on Krishna Janmashtami, 13th August 2020 At the Bhaktivedanta Manor, London, UK. A video by The Colletion of Devotion.
The Janmashtami festival held at Bhaktivedanta Manor was unsurprisingly not the usual with more than 30,000 attendance with tents, shows, exhibitions and plenty of free prasad. The temple did the best they could within the parameters of present government restrictions: They introduced a ‘pre-booked ticket’ system for darshan, spread over a number of days. […]
The post The Bhaktivedanta Players Adapt and Soldier on During the Pandemic appeared first on ISKCON News.
The Birth of Lord Krishna was performed for 30 resident devotees who also took part, rather than the traditional cast members. It was of course broadcast live online.
This year, the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust released a free, downloadable PDF version of the annual international “Sri Vyasa-Puja” book, featuring a collection of homages to ISKCON Founder-Acharya Srila Prabhupada from devotees and temples all over the world. Meanwhile ISKCON of Delhi, India notably compiled its own three-volume Vyasa-Puja book with offerings to Srila Prabhupada from […]
The post 3,400 Devotees Contribute Offerings for Delhi Prabhupada Vyasa-Puja Book appeared first on ISKCON News.
Physical editions of the books were printed by ISKCON-affiliated publishing house Golden Age Media, and offered simultaneously to the Srila Prabhupada murtis in each of ISKCON Delhi’s fourteen different centers on Vyasa-Puja day, August 13th.
A statement issued by ISKCON Communications India: Devotees and members of ISKCON are pained to learn about the passing of Shri Pranab Mukherjee Ji, former President of India. Our hearts go out to family and friends of Mr Mukherjee and pray to Lord Krishna for strength in this our of grief. He was friend […]
The post ISKCON Saddened by the Passing of Shri Pranab Mukherjeeji, Former President of India appeared first on ISKCON News.
His thoughtful and inspiring speech as the President of India at the inauguration of the ISKCON temple in Pune, India, is something that devotees around the world remember till date.
His thoughtful and inspiring speech as the President of India at the inauguration of the ISKCON temple in Pune, India, is something that devotees around the world remember till date.
Yorkville, Toronto
Victory Victory
I spoke from this verse, which became this morning’s class at our temple’s ashram. Bhagavatam 10:87:14. It is a profound message:
“The śrutis said: Victory, victory to You, O unconquerable one! By Your very nature You are perfectly full in all opulences; therefore please defeat the eternal power of illusion, who assumes control over the modes of nature to create difficulties for conditioned souls. O You who awaken all the energies of the moving and non-moving embodied beings, sometimes the Vedas can recognize You as You sport with Your material and spiritual potencies.”
The above verse is in praise of the Creator and it addresses His connection to the world. When I was walking this morning, in Yorkville area, it was buzzing with people in their outdoor bars and cafés. It is their world, not a big one, nevertheless, it is made out to be significant for them. I know I look out of place, but that’s ok. When folks take a swig of their drink and they see a monk it might help them think about discipline, as an option toward happiness, when they see saffron passing by.
Earlier on I made a short video and promotion of an upcoming seminar by Suresvara called, “Srila Prabhupada: Our Founder Acharya.” It is set for September 5th, 6th and 13th, check Iskcon Toronto’s Facebook page. It is more specifically meant for the followers of Iskcon. Leaders, specifically, benefit from this.
May the Source be with you!
4 km
Toronto, Ontario
Your Day Full
We have begun to dedicate our staircase Kirtan (chanting session) to Gopal Krishna Goswami, who is stable in health but still under threat of the virus. We are confident that this pure sound will make its way in the direction where providence will look favourably.
In the kirtan was Sushank, a South Indian, raised in Punjab, who landed himself with a job in Canada. He has been committed to the culture of Krishna for some time. He phoned me up the other day and expressed a wish to go with one of us for a walk and talk. That’s what we did after the chanting.
“How did you get involved (in Krishna consciousness)?” He asked.
So I told him of my journey. I heard of his as well. He was quite content to exchange like this and wanted to walk/talk again in the near future.
“Let’s do it!”
I went down memory lane more than once today, in some manner, by talking at length with Godbrother (Go Bro), Yogesvara, a.k.a. Joshua Green, the author of a number of books including, “Swami in a Strange Land.” He shared with me some of his pastimes when in France and New York. He’s inspiring and I love his book.
I believe that to make your day full you must connect with peers, elders and youngerlings, that way there’s sharing, receiving and giving all wrapped in as one.
May the source be with you!
6 km
Within the final twenty years of his life, Bhaktivedanta Swami translated over sixty volumes of classic Vedic scriptures (such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam) into the English language. For their authority, depth, and clarity, his books have won praise from professors at colleges and universities like Harvard, Oxford, Cornell, Columbia, Syracuse, Oberlin, and Edinburgh, and his Bhagavad-Gītā As It Is was published by Macmillan Publishers, in 1968 and unabridged edition in 1972, and is now available in over sixty languages around the world and some other books by Bhaktivedanta Swami are available in over eighty different languages.
Read More...(A companion article to “The Bhagavad Gita and the Path to Justice” appearing in ISKCON News on June 26, 2020.) Mahabharata works on many levels. It is itihasa – history, that which occurred. It’s also good literature with wonderful stories. Mahabharata is also a book of knowledge, classified as the fifth Veda. Mahabharata is specifically […]
The post Mahabharata and Justice appeared first on ISKCON News.
Mahabharata is specifically meant to help us understand and appreciate the nuanced meanings and principles of dharma.
A video by ISKCON Ministry of Education.
The post International Shravanam Week address by GBC Chairman, Ramai Swami appeared first on ISKCON News.
A video by ISKCON Ministry of Education.
Srila Vyasadeva is the topmost intellectual. Is there enough "space" in our movement for intellectuals?
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“Rules regarding the self are of two types – those for body and those for mind...If a person doesn’t follow the mental rules, his power of realization, concentration, imagination, contemplation and judgement will be weak and will not properly function...
The world is on the edge of a precipice, on an individual and global scale. We find ourselves plagued by everything from unemployment, social instability and depression, to climate change, nuclear proliferation and a global pandemic.
By the blessings of Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi, Gaura Nitai and Sita Rama Lakshman Hanuman, HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja was discharged from the hospital today and arrived back at ISKCON Delhi.
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By Bir Krishna Das Goswami "I have another story; this one was told by my father. My father's elder brother was running a cloth shop. Before closing the shop my uncle would put out a basin filled with rice. Of course, as in any village, there were rats. But the rats would take the rice and not cut even a single cloth. Cloth is very costly. If even one cloth had been cut by a rat, then it would have been a great loss. So with a few pennies' worth of rice, he saved many dollars' worth of cloth. This Krishna culture is practical. They are also part and parcel of God. Give them food. They'll not create any disturbance. Give them food. Everyone has an obligation to feed whoever is hungry— even if it is a tiger. Continue reading "Compassion as a Main Element of Vaisnava Culture
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By Sacinandana Swami “Unless we take care of the books and preach and read ourselves, understand the philosophy, this Hare Krsna movement will be finished within a few years.”(Morning Walk — Los Angeles,12 December 1973) Continue reading "Books are the Basis (video)
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By The Ministry Of Education During the recent GBC Annual General Meeting 2020 at Sridham Mayapur, the GBC considered a proposal from ISKCON’s Ministry of Education to include a week in ISKCON’s calendar, dedicated to promoting the regular reading of Srila Prabhupada books. GBC body resolved to celebrate this festival during the week leading up to Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in America, i.e. 3rd to 9th September, 2020 Continue reading "International Shravanam Week
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Be a Sage, Page by Page (video)
How to upgrade your life by reading Srila Prabhupada’...Read More...
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 29 August 2017, Durban, South Africa, Radhastami Evening Program)
Srimati Radharani is wandering in the forests of Vrndavana and she is not entirely in a calm state of mind. Her love for Krsna is not casual. It is not love that you put on the shelf and sometimes take it off and dust it off for a romantic moment. It is not love that is there after work and after business is done. It is not love in between. It is there all the time and with intensity. It is not that sometimes it peaks and other times it is sort of flat. No, this love is existing constantly in great intensity.
Yet, it is said that Srimati Radharani takes greater pleasure when other gopis are with Krsna than when she is with Krsna Herself, and that She will push others forward for the pleasure of Krsna. Ultimately, this does not end there – this selflessness extends to all living beings. Therefore, Srimati Radharani is there to elevate us and to teach us what real love is and what real selflessness is.
The article " Embodiment of real selflessness " was published on KKSBlog.