Planet ISKCON

A video by GBC Strategic Planning Team.

A video by Mayuri Gandharvika.

A new book The Nectar of Lockdown, Volume 1, by Niranjana Swami is now available in English in both paperback (250 pages) and e-book formats. In his daily talks in April 2020, Niranjana Swami gives invaluable instructions on keeping Krishna’s holy names prominent in our daily lives and the proper consciousness to develop—not only during […]

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In his daily talks in April 2020, Niranjana Swami gives invaluable instructions on keeping Krishna’s holy names prominent in our daily lives and the proper consciousness to develop—not only during the coronavirus lockdown, but also during our continued lockdown in this material world.

  ISKCON Ujjain devotees express their gratitude to the worldwide Vaishnava community for the support they have been receiving to help cope with the passing of their beloved spiritual master Bhakti Charu Swami.  “Dear Devotees, Friends and Well-wishers, Please accept our most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.  Earlier this year, on the 19th […]

The post Ujjain Devotees Express Their Gratitude for the Vaishnavas’ Support appeared first on ISKCON News.

ISKCON Ujjain devotees express their gratitude to the worldwide Vaishnava community for the support they have been receiving to help cope with the passing of their beloved spiritual master Bhakti Charu Swami. 

Video – Bhagavad Gita 18.57 From Obedience, To Enthusiasm, To Affection, To Love 2020-08-16 Ljubljana

Now, a few months later, we hardly know what to do with all these vegetables. It is astonishing to see how much abundance comes when you work with agriculture. We have practically only been out on the farm four or five times during the summer, to take care of the weeds and enjoy a picnic in the fresh air. Krishna is doing the work through His energies. The Sun shines, clouds pour rain and Mother Earth provides the nutrition. All we have to do is sow seeds and wait.

We kindly request all of you to please pray intensely for the speedy recovery of Maharaja.

Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s transcendental mission is to distribute love of Godhead to everyone. Anyone who accepts God as the Supreme can take to the process of chanting Hare Krishna and become a lover of God. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 4.41 Purport)

In his daily talks in April 2020, Niranjana Swami gives invaluable instructions on keeping Krishna’s holy names prominent in our daily lives and the proper consciousness to develop—not only during the coronavirus lockdown but also during our continued lockdown in this material world

Conference by HG Vraj Vihari Prabhu, in ISKCON Ottawa

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Amidst this indescribable sense of loss, despair and emptiness, we have also experienced a unified and unconditional demonstration of support from devotees across the globe. Whilst bearing their own grief, senior devotees and Prabhupada disciples have embraced us with their hearts full of warmth, love, affection and spiritual nourishment. This overwhelming expression of concern for our spiritual and physical well-being has lasted from the time our Guru Maharaj was admitted to hospital until now. With our hearts filled with gratitude and indebtedness, we bow down to all the Vaishnavas for carrying us through this most difficult ordeal. Srila Prabhupada truly made a house in which the whole world can live. Continue reading "Letter of Gratitude by ISKCON Ujjain
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Scarborough, Ontario

Mini Ratha

If you don’t know the famous song, “Scarborough Fair” by Simon and Garfunkel, then I do believe it’s time to get musically familiar with the iconic, idyllic piece. It’s magical, easily defines the dreaming time of the ’60s and expresses a quality sound for the heart.

I was reminded of the song when one of our friends from Scarborough, Toronto‘s eastern suburb, drove me to a mini re-enactment of the usually (thanks to Covid) larger Ratha Yatra. A caravan (of vans) was mobilized to visit congregants at their homes. One particular van carried the beloved deities of Krishna in the form of Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra.  When it backed up into a driveway and the motorist opened the rear door to the van, the deities were exposed in their usual joyful manner, for family, friends and neighbours to see.

There you have it! It was a blessing at your own home. A ritual was then performed called an arati. A melodic chant was sung. People would then get into the ‘receive-and-respond.’  Then, in every household that we went to with this format, delicacies were up for grabs. No “parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme,” as mentioned in the song by S&G, but more like Indian dishes of samosas and chickpea delights, along with sweets.

The event was organized by the solid team of administrators at ISKCON Scarborough. It was successful. However, I did leave midway through, in the travel between households, to tend to other devotional events for the day. This downscaled cosmic venture involving Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe, is something that’s doable, and compensates for the shutdown of larger community gatherings.

May the Source be with you!

4 km

Niagara Falls, Toronto

Out of the City

Rudradeva took me out of the city to Niagara-on-the-Lake, after we met with Vaishnava to open a bank account for our registered ISKCON Niagara. I was taken to see another property. Unbeknownst to me, this impeccable piece of land, ten acres, has animals on it—alpacas! Beautiful! And, in addition, we had a gorgeous chalet to view what operates like a B&B at rating 9.7.

This area is peaceful. One coyote comes around to catch the field mice. He moves around the pond which is in the shape of a figure eight. Vineyards are the business of the neighbourhood and the proprietors of this place are saying that it’s a bumper crop year. Of course, grapes love the sun. We’ve had a lot this summer. Who can complain? Unfortunately, lots of people complain all the time.

Our last stop for the day was at the Dosa Hut, the only vegetarian restaurant in town. Being that it was ekadasi, a day to abstain from grains, the cook prepared for us tapioca, potato, nuts and fresh coriander. Yummy!

Over the meal, we discussed with the owners our desire to run some festivals in the area, since the Niagara region is ripe for an introduction to Krishna Consciousness. With the New Age element having  touched most people’s lives,, in one way or another, and the population growth welcoming South East Asians, I believe the reception of higher consciousness will be good.

May the source be with you!

0 km

Terra Cotta, Ontario

Got Around

I got around today, but not too much. That Credit River, running through the hamlet of Terra Cotta, is full of prana, living force, although it’s a tiny flow of water that meanders for about 100 kilometres. Keshava and I went looking for land, thinking about a senior’s home for Vaishnavas.

We did not get the pleasure to swim in it, since time was limited. It was important to maintain my schedule, a Zoom live-streaming of an ongoing series on The Gita studies. It’s going well.

I also was pleasantly trapped on a phone call with Anuttama, about this year‘s MANtra retreat. It’s Anuttama and I who dreamed up this unique gathering aimed at spiritually empowering males. Covid 19 is a bit of a hurdle this year, so we are talking virtual for October or November. Yes!

When it came to our mini-concert at the temple stairwell, Dwarkanath, our fabulous cook, pulled out a newly-tuned dolak, an Indian drum. Now that sounded sweet to the mantra, along with David’s djembe. Christopher was shaking the beans in the pod to add to our music, and then the two of us went off to Bloor, where we met Hector.

“You’re the walking monk!” He blurted out in surprise. “I follow you on the blog/Facebook every day.”

Then James stopped us. “I haven’t seen yah in twenty years.” Actually it’s probably three years, but I was not up for even subtle confrontation. 

Then a young Indian student, Vishnu, spotted us at Rochdale, “Hare Krishna!” said the pizza deliverer. Like everyone, he wants to know when we’re opening again.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Toronto, Ontario

Finish With Stridulating

I took an early stroll, going through a residential area, where the homes are particularly well built with strong foundations and thick walls standing so solid. I was thinking that I would like my bhakti to be like that—firm, unbreakable, at least unshakable. Well, I do believe that that may not actually be possible, but more like a fantasy because what wind, storm or turbulence could not undo anything an insignificant living entity could establish? That includes whatever buildup of devotion I may have mustered up.

“The credit for spiritual strength that I may say is my own, is in truth yours, my Guru-Maharaj, Prabhupada.” Today is his ‘Vyasa-Puja’, the day of remembering Prabhupada, as it was in 1896 in Kolkata, that he was born. A noon-time ceremony was held and some meaningful readings, original compositions expressed by members of this community, were read. It was very serious and very sweet at the same time.

When the event was completed, it was already dark, and I was up for more strolling. David, who is one of the residents, suggested I check out Ramsden Park.

“You might like to hear those tree crickets, millions of them,” he said.

Basically, he was expressing how magical the moment was, which he had just personally experienced while sauntering through there.

So, I went to Ramsden Park, took to a bench and admired the chirping, or what’s more formally known as ‘stridulating’.  I looked all around and thought, How perfect this night and surroundings are for Krishna‘s dance with the gopis. I’m thankful for my guru’s blessings that I’m even able to think like that.

May the Source be with you!

3 km

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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 6 July 2020, Radhadesh, Belgium, Caitanya Caritamrta Lecture)

Real shelter means to be sheltered from the mind, which is always disturbed; from the senses, which push us mercilessly; and from the emptiness and the loneliness.

What does real shelter mean? Does it mean to take shelter from the material sufferings, shelter from the dangers of the material world? That is not real shelter. Real shelter means to be sheltered from our mind which is always disturbed. Real shelter also means to be sheltered from the senses which push us mercilessly. Whatever we bring them, they demand more and more. These senses are never satisfied. We need shelter from these senses. They leave us exhausted and tired and never fulfilled. We need shelter from emptiness. We need shelter from loneliness. What is it that will finally make us rest in peace?

kamadinam kati na katidha palita durnidesas
tesam jata mayi na karuna na trapa nopasantih
utsrjyaitan atha yadu‑pate sampratam labdha‑buddhis
tvam ayatah saranam abhayam mam niyunksvatma‑dasye

“O my Lord, there is no limit to the unwanted orders of lusty desires. Although I have rendered them so much service, they have not shown any mercy to me. I have not been ashamed to serve them, nor have I even desired to give them up. O my Lord, O head of the Yadu dynasty, recently, however, my intelligence has been awakened, and now I am giving them up. Due to transcendental intelligence, I now refuse to obey the unwanted orders of these desires, and I now come to You to surrender myself at Your fearless lotus feet. Kindly engage me in Your personal service and save me.“

(Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya Lila 22.16)

Watch the full video below or on our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4V5uWzA4Jw

The article " Real Shelter " was published on KKSBlog.

Last year he suffered a heart attack, he was in no illusion about his days being numbered. He left his body this evening at our Temple/HQ in Brent Cross, North London, from a heart attack.

Srimad Bhagavatam class given by HG Hansarupa Prabhu at Iskcon NYC

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The following is a sample from the many letters I am receiving, this one from a devotee who has been listening every day to the FaceBook page “Daily Readings of Srila Prabhupada’s Books” (which is now available on the YouTube channel of the same name): Maharaja, I’d like to share a little update with you on my reading groups in Sydney because I know that you are enthused by sharing and reading Srila Prabhupada’s books and you are encouraging devotees to also do this - and that’s what’s given me the enthusiasm to try and do this service. Here in Sydney we’re quickly moving towards lockdown like other countries. I’m mostly at home however my reading groups are getting bigger even though they are all online now and this is really very blissful. This pandemic has meant people have more anxiety and uncertainty in their lives but also more time to search for spiritual solace. Continue reading "Daily Readings of Srila Prabhupada’s Books
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Is comparing capitalism or communism with varnashrama like comparing apples and oranges because the first two are deemed failures materially whereas the third is deemed successful spiritually?

If varna classification is natural (engaging one according to their propensity), then what is the benefit of varna system in todays society? Somehow, felt like capitalism, communism (oranges) vs spirituality (apple) comparison. Because two are judged on material scale and then varnasrama on spirituality. Is nt the question, can varnasrama be better at both material and spiritual scales? Its like saying to the poor and needy, I don’t have food for you, but if you seek I could show you God. We might lose societal relevance here. If varnasrama fails on material scale itself, then people wont bother to consider it for spiritual.

 
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[Bhakti Sanga Conference call Aug 11,2020]

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As many of you know he has been battling with Covid-19 pneumonia this past 2 weeks in ICU. We pray that Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Radhanath, Sri Jagannath Baladev Subhadra, Sri Sri Nitai Gaurahari bless him on his spiritual journey.

We never tire of hearing the transcendental pastimes of the Personality of Godhead, who is glorified by hymns and prayers. Those who have developed a taste for transcendental relationships with Him relish hearing of His pastimes at every moment.( SB 1.1.19)

With the increasing interest arising in the devotee communities worldwide for alternative children education programs that not only nurture the children in well rounded academics but also deep spiritual values, some of us at Sri Sri Radha Giridhari Mandira, ISKCON Mira Road, Mumbai felt an urgent need to bring up a very balanced model for the children connected to our community.

When Lord Brahma ordered Drona, the best of the Vasus, and his wife Dhara to increase progeny, they said unto him, “Dear father, we seek your benediction. Please let us be born on earth so that after our appearance the Supreme Lord will appear as our son and spread devotional service.

Srimad Bhagavatam class given by HH Mukunda Goswami at ISKCON New Govardhana Temple

Prasad went out to the devotees, the isolated and vulnerable, NHS workers, the homeless and anyone needing some special mercy.