Planet ISKCON

"Taking care of the children is just as important as doing Deity worship. One service is not more important than another. These children aren't ordinary children. They are Vaikuntha children. They have been sent by Krishna Himself."

A preacher's task is to care for those in his charge, whatever stage of life they are in. The time of death is yet one more stage calling for brahminical expertise. Here we bring you instructions how to perform a simple ceremony for this occasion.

Steps for practical application. 1. Arrange seminars on devotee care regularly - preferably having the seminars delivered by those who have actually implemented devotee care. 2. Increase awareness of devotee care by wider circulation of the devotee care newsletter. 3. Display quotes about devotee care on temple notice boards just as quotes about book distribution are prominently displayed. 4. Set up a dedicated team for devotee care with a caring and competent devotee at the helm. 5. Send team members to centers where devotee care is being implemented so that they can learn not only through theory but also through practice, by observing and experiencing how devotee care is actually being implemented. 6. Share inspiring instances of devotee care, in whichever parts of the world, during classes and ishtagoshti. 7. Conduct informal inquiries and formal surveys as required, to find out front the devotee community areas in which devotee care seems CO be lacking, and direct the focus of the devotee care team to those areas. 8. Keep track of the activities of the devotee care team, take inventory periodically and publish the report regularly, at least among the concerned authorities, so that devotee care doesn't remain a talked-about ethereal subject, but becomes an acted-upon tangible reality. Continue reading "Implementing Devotee Care – A Pragmatic Vision
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Vaisnavism has been manifested in its purest and most wonderful form through the love and teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His associates. The most beautiful aspect of Lord Caitanya's pastimes is the loving interaction between Him and His devotees, and among the devotees themselves. Although He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Caitanya played the role of the devotee just to teach us how to conduct our lives as devotees. In Navadvipa sometimes Lord Caitanya would bow down to His devotees and take the dust from their lotus feet. Sometimes He would wash their clothes with His own hands. Sometimes, on the bank of the Ganges, He would fold their clothes. Sometimes He would bring them clay from the Ganges to use as tilaka. Sometimes He would see devotees carrying loads and He would take the load upon Himself and would carry it. In these and many other ways, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu taught by His own example that the highest of all religious principles is the service to the Vaisnavas. Continue reading "Counselor System – Caring for Every Devotee
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Sri Mayapur Community Hospital Team is happy to bring one more milestone facility for your Health and safety. Our RT-PCR technology based viral diseases testing facility is operational from yesterday. We had performed mandatory safety screening of TOVP work force using this facility. We would like to thank everyone who donated for this facility and made it possible […]

The post Covid -19 testing Machine in Mayapur Community hospital! appeared first on Mayapur.com.

The Monk’s Podcast with Radha Gopinath Prabhu

Answer Podcast

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Transcription :

Transcriber: Suresh Gupta

Question: How can we serve cooperatively with devotees without aggravating mutual conflicts?

Answer: Basically, if we remind ourselves the purpose for which we are practicing bhakti and help each other remember the same then whatever conflicts happen, we can see them in perspective. Conflicts can have various results; it can cause some people to leave bhakti or it can aggravate the internal tensions so much that we do not feel inspired to share bhakti with others at all. Or because of it, people serving together may try to undermine each other’s efforts and pull each other down. All this can happen because we are all sadhakas and human beings with conditionings. That is why, we should periodically remind ourselves about our purpose and ask ourselves, why have I come here?

In my understanding, the Krishna consciousness movement is also like Krishna, in the sense, it is like kalpataru (desire fulfilling tree) which means whatever we want from it, we will get it. If we come here for power, we will get power; if we want prestige, we can get a lot of prestige; if we want conflict, we can get more conflict then we can in material world and if we want controversies, we can get that as well but most importantly, if we want Krishna, then we can get Krishna also.

Srila Prabhupada often said, “ISKCON is my body” but Prabhupada also taught us that we are not our body. It means that there is an institution and there is also the purpose of the institution. Just as soul is different from the body, similarly along with the institution, there is also the essence of the institution, which is the spiritual purposefulness of the devotees. Conflicts maybe unavoidable but that is just because we all are different human beings due to which differences may pop up, but if we keep reminding ourselves of our purpose then before the conflicts become too much, we will look for course correction. This can be done in various ways. Broadly, when we face with problems, we can do three things:
(i) change the situation or try to solve the problem by changing the consensus which can also involve getting people to change.
(ii) change ourselves
(iii) walk away from there. Walking away is not necessarily running away.
The above three options may not be necessarily right or wrong but once we come to the ground level and recognise what our options are in dealing with people who may exasperate us or irritates us, then we may try to change them or change ourselves. Trying to change a person is not something where we should be investing our energy since people can be rigid and are ultimately what they are. Although bhakti process can cause people to change but sometimes, some changes manifest quickly, and some changes take a lot of time.

Broadly speaking, in an institution, we will have relationship with different people who will be at different levels of proximity. As human nature goes, some people will get along and some will not. If some people are important in a project but it is difficult to get along with them then it is best to have clearly defined boundaries. There is a saying, “good fences make good neighbours”. Similarly, if we have well defined boundaries, then the responsibilities can be executed much more smoothly. When people feel that their area of influence is being encroached, then they become hypersensitive especially if there is a situation where no clear senior authority is present, and individuals are more or less at same levels. At that time, having well defined policies is important. Policies are not substitute for human relationships, but policies can minimise the friction which are there in human relationships.

When the five Pandavas got married to Draupadi, Narada Muni came and instructed them on how they should be associating with her. Narada Muni is a sannyasi but he plans for Pandavas who are grihasthas that when one brother is associating with Draupadi, no one else should come in at that time. We may say, why is Narada Muni doing all this, but he tells the story of how there were two undefeatable demons – Sunda and Upasunda and they were both attracted to the same woman Tilottama. Before meeting her, they were undefeatable, but after they met her, they both became attracted to her and fought with each other. The Pandavas were exalted devotees and they were dharmic souls yet Narada Muni gives them this warning and creates the system for them.

Similarly, if we are working with people together on a project then many things have to be shared and it is vital that we have some system by which different people have different responsibilities which have been clearly defined. That way, even if we notice something wrong in someone else’s area of responsibility, we don’t have to necessarily go and correct that. If we have a good rapport and if the problem is big, we can go and give some feedback, but basically, we stay off each other’s turf. That way everybody gets room to grow and people actually feel satisfied. We might say it is the ego that is satisfied, but ultimately, we cannot wish away our ego right now. When people are satisfied then actually relationships can work out much better.

In summary, there are three things. First, everybody should remind themselves repeatedly about their purpose in practising bhakti and even if some complication comes up, then course correction will help us come back on track. Second, ISKCON is like a kalpataru, and it will give us what we are looking for. Hence, even in situations which are filled with conflicts, if we are looking for Krishna in that situation and the other person may be seeing conflict then keeping ourselves purposefully fixed in Krishna, will help us grow in that situation. Third, for dealing with specific issues of conflict basically there are three ways – changing the situation, changing ourselves, walking out of the situation. The way we adopt will differ according to the situation. If there are number of equals working together then we remember that “good fences make good neighbours”. We need to have well defined areas of jurisdictions as per the policies and that can give everyone space for making their contributions which will ultimately help the project to move on.

End of transcription.

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Scriptures are often replete with long lists of names, exalted personalities who most have never heard of, but who are nevertheless immortalised in the pages of history. In the material world people are remembered for what they do – their ground-breaking achievements, their high ranking positions of responsibility, and their impactful influence on others. In spiritual circles, […]

The post Character or Capability? appeared first on ISKCON News.

Maybe we tend to prioritise external achievements over internal purification – after all, that’s what gets the claps and nods from our social circle.

  Staying true to ISKCON’s Founder Acharya, AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s, vision that peace and prosperity be brought to the world through the distribution of sanctified vegetarian meals prepared with love and devotion, ISKCON Melbourne has continued to reach wide and far taking part in the distribution of nutritious free vegetarian meals.  Maintaining the goal, […]

The post Hare Krishna Melbourne, Australia, Provides Food Relief During the COVID-19 Pandemic appeared first on ISKCON News.

Melbourne Food for Life distributes meals with contactless delivery to elders, children, students, the unemployed, as well as people who are isolated or in quarantine, and anyone in need.

Humility differs from low self-esteem because the two lead us to value different, even opposite, things.  When we suffer from low self-esteem, we start thinking that our emotions, our endeavors and even our existence have no value — such thinking is psychologically damaging and practically disempowering. For us to persevere through life’s various challenges, we […]

The post How Does Humility Differ From Low Self-esteem? appeared first on ISKCON News.

For us to persevere through life’s various challenges, we need the fundamental conviction that we can make a difference.

~from an online lecture on May 3, 2020 Similar to what we are experiencing today with the internet, everything you do in this world is being ‘recorded’ and it stays there for as long as this manifestation of the world exists. It creates an impression, a samskara, which then informs your future actions and reactions. […]

The post How Our Actions and Choices in Everyday Life Affect Our Chanting appeared first on ISKCON News.

Sometimes, when we make a mistake and we regret it, that very feeling improves our relationship with the Holy Name.

Lord Krsna said to Arjuna, “In all activities just depend upon Me and work always under My protection. In such devotional service, be fully conscious of Me. If you become conscious of Me, you will pass over all the obstacles of conditioned life by My grace. If, however, you do not work in such consciousness but act through false ego, not hearing Me, you will be lost.

But American adolescents often participate at parents’ behest, and tend to be less religious in more personal, private ways

A video by ISKCON Harinam Sankirtan Ministry

The New Govardhana farm community has opened its third Govinda’s restaurant, located in Kingscliff, New South Wales in Australia, to a very warm welcome.  New Govardhana launched two previous Govinda’s in Burleigh Heads in 2009 and Coolangatta in 2019, which provide the bulk of the farm’s income. Altogether, the Kingscliff location is the eighth Hare […]

The post New Govardhana, Australia Opens Third Govinda’s Restaurant appeared first on ISKCON News.

Altogether, the Kingscliff location is the eighth Hare Krishna restaurant between New Govardhana and the Gold Coast, demonstrating the Australian appetite for prasadam. 

First and foremost I would like to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in "International Shravanam Week". It was a monumental task to organize, especially in the current climate. Without the hard work and dedication of everyone on the team, none of this would have been possible.

Thunder Bay/ Toronto

Last Little Touch

A last little touch of the boreal forest marked the end of my stay in Thunder Bay. The Beaver Meadows Trail takes one through a sweet boreal forest, a forest that occupies so much of Canada, holding a treasure of a huge collection of freshwater. Check out maps of this extraordinary spread of trees, ancient rocks and lakes. People speak of rainforests, such as the Amazon but, as I understand, the boreal bush impacts the globe in a similar, environmental way.

If you are a walker you have to love nature. Even if one begins routine outdoor walks with some apprehension, the atmosphere grows on you, eventually.

After landing at the Toronto airport I had a chance for a short touchdown in our neighborhood park, Ramsden Park. It’s considerably warmer in the southern part of the province. It was 3°C in Thunder Bay in the morning. Upon landing, after a two hour flight, we were greeted by a warm 17°C. Quite a difference.

I was struck by seeing the lineups at the tennis courts. Basketball courts were also occupied. Before long the hockey rink will be filled up with ice. I can hear the skates hissing along already. It’s actually a kind of grind sound created by the blades of the skates biting into the ice. I can also hear the hockey puck slamming against the rink’s wall.

We do have a fall season yet to relish. It is colours, smells and no mosquitoes that I look forward to. There’ll be two months of such glory.

While the park is busy with sports abound, it would be nice to see a tad more of spiritual practices taking place. It is somewhat rare.

May the Source be with you!

1 km (In Toronto)

Thunder Bay, Ontario

By the Falls and Friends

It has been relaxing here for me, and also for Ananda, who came from Regina. Both of us are getting some walking in—a piece of trail here or there. A treat was to get to Kakabeka Falls, which translates as “steep cliffs.” That they are. It’s always inspiring to be at this location, where I marvel at the cascading Kaministiquia River.

A twenty-five minute walking trail is connected to the falls, as an added feature. A sweet smelling boreal forest cuts the high winds of the day and makes you appreciate trees evermore.

A second crack at walking was at Fort William’s International Friendship Garden, where communities who came as immigrants all settled in the area and contributed some icon to represent their country. There is Slovenia, Lithuania, Finland, Poland, China, India, Netherlands and so many more. The area welcomed people here from around the world, who then worked hard to establish themselves. It puts me to shame. My meager walking today is so little compared to what people have done to ground themselves into their new home at Lake Superior.

There’s always interactions with people. Two young girls, with their granddad, wanted to know about the orange colour, about the monastic lifestyle, etc. Ananda, Prem and I pitched-in to explain and clarify the foundation of a spiritual life. They were young, just ready to prepare for going to a French-immersion school two days from now. I hope they learn their French and also about rivers, waterfalls, trees and trails.

May the Source be with you!

4 km

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Drench and Dry

Nature was conjuring up a storm of water. Ominous clouds were ever present in the sky and lightning made its periodic flash, accompanied by the rumble of thunder. Hey, that’s the name of this place!

It was at this time, early afternoon, that I began my mere two kilometre walk (my physiotherapist suggested I reduce daily treks and work on stretches to counteract stiffness). In any event, I decided to go at strides at a critical hour of nature. I don’t mind the reminder to be humble. The elements can do that perfectly.

It was considered that the second day of the Festival of India would be rained-out. Just as I turned the corner at May Street, for what is called “The Colosseum”, H₂O, in mass, came down. The moisture hit me but I was just one minute shy of being fully-drenched.

Like a miracle, the rain stopped, eventually. At 4 pm, the scheduled time for this show’s beginning, we were on target. The stage had been cleared of water. Though soggy, the entertainers did their thing and motorist, with an average of two or three passengers per vehicle, began to punctuate the parking lot, armed with purchased bags of colour.

Regular colour throws happened between stage items. It was a redeeming display.

I met a local guy, middle-aged, who was part of the infantry in the Bosnian War. He was curious and told of his spiritual experiences when he was severely bedridden with cancer some time ago. This was a personal revelation. It was nice to see him standing there watching the show with his five-year-old daughter. We had a conversation that lasted to practically the end of the show, when Ananda and I wrapped up on stage with drum, movement and mantra.

May the Source be with you!

2 km

It is very easy to become a "sage on the stage" but difficult to become a "guide by the side". We go in the "sage on the stage" mode when it comes to guiding our "humble junior" devotees who look up to us as an advanced Vaisnava, but many times these "humble junior" devotees, because of their strong previous lifetime advancement and sincerity, go past us and we find ourselves in the mesh and mess of our previous conditioning—but are still forced to act as "sage on the stage", putting up a Paundraka-like facade of advancement. Continue reading "Sage on the Stage or Guide by the Side?
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Arcana as Yoga in the Vaishnava tradition

The Global Devotee Care Directorate is pleased to announce their next live conversation with Partha Das and Uttama Dasi on Devotee care in Grihastha Ashram.

"It's your decision: survive here or live there." By Russian devotee band Odnono. (In Russian) 

As part of an evening of sacred song and mantra at London's Shaw Theatre, Jahnavi Harrison and team payed tribute to the music of George Harrison, covering his song 'Give Me Love'.

Interviewer: Gauranga Das. A video by ISKCON GBC STrategic Planning Team.

Interviewer Deva Madhava Das. A video by ISKCON GBC Strategic Planning Team.

When Krsna and Balarama offered Their teacher, Sandipani Muni, anything he desired, he asked for the return of his son, who had drowned in the ocean at Prabhasa. The two Lords at once traveled there on Their chariot and ordered the ocean to return Their guru’s son.

Darshan of the beautiful deities and devotees of the New York Iskcon Temple

1. Recognition of God — The Supreme Owner. Act with the understanding that everything belongs to God. At best, we are careful stewards of God's resources, energies and talents. At worst, we are deluded and become cheaters and thieves who claim another's property as our own.