Websites from the ISKCON Universe
Because of the global pandemic, traditional ways to share Harinam, on the streets and in kirtan events, is severely restricted. Thus we plan to offer many ways to participate online and in smaller safe settings
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We learned early on that new cars and New York City did not go well together. Dents appeared almost daily and our sleep-deprived drivers did not help either
On the Children @Home Show with Gopi Gita Schomaker this week, we welcomed her father, His Grace Vishvambhar Prabhu as he shares best practices on developing his children's inner confidence in Krishna as their best friend.
Giriraj Swami spoke via Zoom during the Sunday program in Houston, on Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.3.17.
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Sankirtana das: When Srila Prabhupada talked about establishing Varnasharma colleges, he specifically mentioned using Mahabharata as one of the textbooks.
This evening, Sunday, August 16, 2020, His Grace Vidyananda Prabhu departed from this world after being diagnosed with brain tumors (glioblastomas). He also suffered a stroke when the physicians had attempted to biopsy the tumors.
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We request ardent prayers for two wonderful devotees, Trikalajna Das and Tungavidya Devi, who are both currently fighting Covid-19, in a hospital in Vrindavan, India.
Read More...The COVID situation around the world has not settled and we have an issue in Mayapur over the last week and more, where it is suspected that many will be infected. We are worried about all devotees in the Dham, but more so about 38 Srila Prabhupada disciples who are elderly, many sanyasis and HH […]
The post COVID Karuna – An appeal from Sridham Mayapu appeared first on Mayapur.com.
Hare Krishna! ISKCON Mayapur invites you to Sri Dham Mayapur on the auspicious occasion of Sri Radhashtami. With the help of Virtual Reality Headsets, we are making all attempts to transport you right here with all of us in Mayapur! You will be able to tour the Mayapur campus, take Darshan of the deities and […]
The post Register now for Radhastami! appeared first on Mayapur.com.
Today we sent the book I’ll Build You a Temple: The Juhu Story to the BBT for printing. And coincidentally, a devotee shared with me a beautiful three-minute video of His Holiness Radhanath Swami speaking about Srila Prabhupada’s struggle in Juhu and my book about it. He said, “One of the most important books about Srila Prabhupada. It’s about Srila Prabhupada and his lila of years of heartbreak and struggle in Juhu, Bombay. No one could write this book like His Holiness Giriraj Swami Maharaja . . . he was there from the beginning to the culmination.”
You can hear His Holiness Radhanath Swami Maharaja’s inspiring talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmHpahWsn3Y&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR2kuA0WEjbLy00xFsSfZFCqrBzIkFn0N8miVqn4IFbfErjCFAH1B_dtkjI
Hare Krishna.
Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami
Giriraj Swami spoke via Zoom during the Sunday program in Houston, on Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.3.17.
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The post The Monk’s Podcast 53 with Krishna Abishek Prabhu – Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s inclusive presentation of bhakti appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
Please find below photos from Sri Krishna Janmashtami 2020 at the ISKCON-London Radha Krishna Temple.
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ISKCON Centre for Culture and Education, Wellington, celebrated a grand outreach Janmashtami festival on the 8th of August 2020.
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By the ISKCON GBC Strategic Planning Team We are pleased to have Anuttama Das for our upcoming "Ask a GBC" series. Here is an amazing opportunity to meet and hear from the people who are behind the policies in ISKCON and ask questions as he is being interviewed by Gopal Bhatta Das. Continue reading "People Behind the Policies with Anuttama Das (video)
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Jagannatha Kirtanananda Das speaks to HG Malati Devi Dasi on the ‘The Early Pioneering Days’ of the ISKCON Movement
The dates and times of the online sessions for Giriraj Swami’s Vyasa-puja celebration have been finalized.
Click here or the menu tab above to see the schedule.
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The post The Monk’s Podcast 52 with Deva Madhava – How to share the Krishna conception of God in today’s world appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!Toronto, Ontario
Your Picture On the Wall
A picture of you came my way,
All framed and looking good,
With pilot-type cap, shawl on shoulder,
Head tilted up as far as you could.
A pujari gave it with intent,
To be hung onto the wall,
For all to see and inspire
Any eyes who pass the hall.
It reminds us as to who is boss –
No question as to who sets the tone.
Your caring, commanding face says,
“I’m with you, you’re not alone.”
You were present in the summer of `75,
Inspecting the building’s levels and floors.
You gave a nod to make the purchase,
From basement to roof and all the corridors.
Your approval was expressed in words,
“This will suit our purposes.”
You warned there’ll be anxiety,
Help did come from divine sources.
The Christian owners said, frank and bold,
“We would rather burn it down,
Than sell it to the Hare Krishnas.”
I guess they wanted us out of town.
You proposed we’ll install Jesus,
For daily worship/meditation.
The owners refused, wouldn’t budge,
We secured the place with mild perpetration.
It all worked out for so many years —
Service at 243 Avenue Road.
Your visage that hangs on the modest wall,
Tells: “For Krishna – accept a load.”
Once a church, now a temple —
The aim of both was the same.
To love and serve each and all,
With concentration on His name.
May this source be with you!
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BHADRA Campaign - Janmasthami & Srila Prabhupada Vyass Puja celebrated at Bhaktivedanta Manor in a very unique way. 15 devotees visited nearly 50 homes delivering Lord Krishna in the form of SB sets to these fortunate people and the love and appreciation people showed while welcoming SB is evident in the above pictures.
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On Janmastami day, we distributed 696 meals. 427 meals were distributed to the homeless, four shelter hubs, the NHS, two care homes and a hospice. We distributed 269 meals to your devotees plus 100 extra sikhand packs and lots of boxes of mangos.
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Vyasa Puja offerings for Srila Prabhupada from his disciples residing in the large community of Vaishnavas in Iskcon Alachua, Florida, USA
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By Kalakantha Das Sacred texts lie at the very heart of human history, where they are much more than pieces of paper bound between covers. Sacred texts are dynamic literary creations that possess incredible beauty and power, which can be applied for a variety of purposes. The Bhagavad-gītā, for example, has been recited orally for generations, published in hundreds of editions, translated into dozens of languages, performed on stage, painted on canvas, debated in courtrooms, employed in daily worship and venerated as an object of worship. The Gītā has been used to inspire action and facilitate meditation, to bring about war and to create peace. Most importantly, the text has given meaning and direction in the lives of countless individuals. Philosophers, scientists, social activists, and people of faith from every religious tradition have turned to the Gītā for inspiration. Continue reading "A message conveyed authentically, profoundly and beautifully
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The following is a video by His Holiness Lokanath Swami speaking about the historic Grand Installation of the new Prabhupada Murti in the TOVP in February, 2021 to celebrate the 125th Appearance Anniversary Year of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada.
2021 celebrates the 125th Appearance Anniversary Year of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder/Acharya of ISKCON. The TOVP will be recognizing this auspicious appearance year of the Samstapak Acharya (acharya for the next 10,000 years) with a 3-day festival beginning with the Appearance of the adi-guru, Lord Nityananda Himself, on February 25th, along with a worldwide Prabhupada Abhisheka observance. February 26th is dedicated to the opening ceremony of His Holiness Bhakti Charu Maharaja’s samadhi and remembrances by Godbrothers and disciples. On February 27th we will complete the celebration with the installation of a specially designed, one-of-a-kind, life-size murti of Srila Prabhupada created by master sculptor, Locan das (ACBSP). Like no other Prabhupada murti in the world, this murti sits in a ‘worship pose’ personifying his statement, “Mayapur is my place of worship”. He will sit gloriously on his grand Vyasasana for hundreds of years to come, eternally worshiping his Lordships and welcoming all the pilgrims who come to see Them.
Donate today towards our worldwide combined guru dakshina campaign for Srila Prabhupada to help open the TOVP by sponsoring one or more of six kinds of abhishekas.
Go to the link below to sponsor an abhisheka: https://tovp.org/donate/prabhupada-murti-installation/
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The Monk’s podcast – Why science and scripture see reality differently with HH Bhanu Swami Maharaj.
Chaitanya Charan Prabhu succinct from 1.19.44:
“So, we tried to discuss our left brain, right brain approaches to Scripture. And then you started by how this brain researcher, she had a different way of looking after a stroke. So, that’s one scientific way of saying that, you know, the science way of looking at reality is not the only way. Another layers of chances are through all paranormal research, where there is various kinds of research done in Stanford and other places.
We could say that our Bhagavatam cosmology is also another way of looking at reality. And within science itself, there are different ways. There is quantum physics which sees reality very differently from Newtonian physics. So, if within science itself, there are different ways of looking at reality, then there could be some ways which are outside science also. And scripture offers us that view. Sukadev Goswami is himself a yogi, so he’s giving a vision of the universe that is meant to increase appreciation for the Lord; that how the Lord accommodates various living beings at various levels. And from that purpose, that is way the 5th fifth Canto cosmology is described. Even in our tradition, they have been comfortable with different ways of looking at the universe. The scientists like Aryabhatta, Bhaskaracharya, they were both Brahmins, so they accepted the Puranas, and they also accepted Jyotish Shastras.
Then there is the question that, how much of this is depictable? It’s very difficult to depict because it’s more in terms of visuals or images. Some depictions can be done. But we don’t have to literally insist that this is the way it is. And certainly, we don’t have to think that the scientific way is wrong.
The Bhagavatam’s description can be both symbolic and real, or metaphorical and metaphysical – both. Then you talked about the pendulum; say one way is that to say that science is wrong; and the other is to say scripture is imaginary. But the balanced way would be to say that science has one way of looking and the scripture has another way of looking. And then with respect to tradition- if it’s traditional, it needn’t be made into a major faith issue that if you can’t accept this, then you are a heretic, but rather accept the principles accept the principles. You can put aside the other details if you can’t accept them. There are ways in which the conflicts and the details can be resolved.
And you talked about how religion without realization becomes fanatical. The “Bhaavgrahi and Saragrahi”. So, the Sahagrahi means to focus on gaining the realisation and to encourage people to take up the process by which they can get the realization and not put in unnecessary obstacles. So, we can have a compartmentalization that science has a jurisdiction for empirical knowledge, and scripture talks about transcendental matters. When scripture gives us a view of the material universe, that is a different model. We accept that model, but that doesn’t necessarily mean we have to reject science. And in that way, we can both go together. Yes, any concluding words, Maharaj?”
His Holiness Bhanu Maharaj: “One thing is that ultimately our aim is to show that if you get a spiritual insight, then you can actually solve your scientific problems in a more absolute way. In other words, science is not always going to change in the future, depending on “Pradaksha anuman” it will keep changing. But if we understand behind that there is the spiritual essence, and spiritual realization, and if we can introduce that into science, we can have a more accurate science. So, in other words, spirituality can contribute to science by giving a higher vision to it. So, we can get more perfect science in the material world by recognizing spirituality analogy.”
Chaitanya Charan Prabhu: “Yes Maharaj, that will be a profound contribution. I think that will also require a lot of dedicated study of both science and scripture. If we are actually able to do that, but that will be significant contribution. Thank you very much for your time, it’s been an illuminating the discussion with you. My humble obeisance’s Maharaj.”
His Holiness Bhanu Maharaj: “Hare Krishna”.
End of transcription.
The post The Monk’s Podcast 51 with Bhanu Maharaj – Why science and scripture see reality differently appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
According to a recent survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau and other federal agencies, more than a third of U.S. adults have signs of clinical anxiety or depression. This hasn’t been helped by the Coronavirus pandemic, which has impacted people’s mental wellbeing as well as their physical health and led to feelings of stress […]
The post Devotees Comment on Research That Volunteering Makes Us Happier appeared first on ISKCON News.
According to a recent survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau and other federal agencies, more than a third of U.S. adults have signs of clinical anxiety or depression. his hasn’t been helped by the Coronavirus pandemic, which has impacted people’s mental wellbeing as well as their physical health and led to feelings of stress and isolation.
The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium Communications Department has created yet another way to stay in touch and informed about the progress of the construction of this historic and life-changing temple project rising in the rice fields of West Bengal, India.
Click on the link below to join the TOVP NOW! WhatsApp Group and we’ll send you news and updates so you can keep focused on the Grand Opening in 2022.
https://chat.whatsapp.com/IPYA7YWCeOb5l3QDGyUXi7
Visit us at: www.tovp.org
Support us at: https://tovp.org/donate/
Follow us at: www.facebook.com/tovp.mayapur
Watch us at: www.youtube.com/user/tovpinfo
View us 360° at: www.tovp360.org
Twitter at: https://twitter.com/TOVP2022
Instagram at: https://m.tovp.org/tovpinstagram
App at: https://m.tovp.org/app
News & Texts at: https://m.tovp.org/newstexts
RSS News Feed at: https://tovp.org/rss2/
Buy from us at: https://tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/
During COVID-19, we are missing out on the association of devotees, as well as on many of the devotional activities we used to do in person. Lives of Service is a new ISKCON News interview series that we hope feels like sitting down for a chat at the Sunday Feast with an old friend or […]
The post Lives of Service: The Chaturatma Das Interview appeared first on ISKCON News.
"1976 was the year that I got to sit on Subhadra’s cart and fan Srila Prabhupada all the way down Fifth Avenue. I was one of the assistants to the parade marshals, and we knew that Prabhupada was going to join the Ratha Yatra parade at 34th Street."
"Sri Krishna, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramatma [Supersoul] in everyone’s heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted."
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We really enjoyed the Janmashtami celebration in Ireland (Dublin) and we really like the Iskcon temple.
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Tomorrow – A Birthday
The phone has been ringing off the hook. People are calling, asking about Janmasthami, the birth anniversary of Krishna, up and coming. Yes, tomorrow is the day, by the lunar calendar. The sad news is that callers are told that we won’t celebrate this year under normal conditions. It is Covid 19 who rules these days and hence our place of contemplation, worship and chanting will not be officially open until the 16th. The usual super-crowded event will not shine this year. It will be replaced with virtual presentations and that’s the way it will be for everyone’s safety.
Anyway, the attempted slayer of Krishna, Kamsa by name, has a brother — Covid. Covid is keeping us on our toes. I believe that right-minded people look on the bright side of everything. When I walk the streets these days I try to see the positive, and negative, of it all. Some businesses are closed down. Some are hanging on by a thread. Some are thriving during this time of pandemic. Pain for some, gain for others.
Hard times for bhaktiyogis translates into opportunity. Tomorrow is an all-day fasting time, to increase meditation on Krishna, whose baby and childhood past times are most endearing.
There will be reading and classes involving everything to do with the supreme mystic, Krishna. Chanting will go on until midnight, for His pleasure and the pleasure of others.
May the Source be with you!
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The chanting of the Holy Names of the Lord is the Yuga Dharma according to scripture, previous acharyas, and the Lord Himself as Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. And the TOVP will play a very important role in the spreading of the Holy Names. ISKCON’s own Kirtan Samrat, King of Kirtan, His Holiness Lokanath Maharaja, will speak on this authorized process of spiritual realization, and why the yajna for the Kali-yuga is only the chanting of the Holy Names above all other spiritual processes.
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A pure devotee's appearance and departure are both considered to be auspicious by the Vaishnava Hindu tradition. Bhakti Charu Swami, who departed from this world on July 4th, 2020, with his gentle manners, charismatic leadership and multitude of artistic talents has been a true beacon of hope, source of light, wisdom and inspiration for thousands of people all over the world.
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By Praghosa dasaA talk given on Srila Prabhupada's Vyasa Puja seeking to understand the unparalleled contribution he has made to the history of Gaudiya Vaisnavism This picture showing Srila Prabhupada with godbrothers and friends is both rare and revealing. Rare as it is one of a kind. Revealing because Prabhupada is very animated, with most others setting their gaze on him. While we cannot be certain, it is reasonable to assume that this conversation could be about the epic journey that Prabhupada was soon to embark on. A journey that proved even more rare than this photo! Continue reading "Who is Srila Prabhupada? (video)
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HH Bhakti Gauravani Goswami gives us the quality of Srila Prabhupada that is most significant in his eyes
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