Planet ISKCON

This year, ISKCON Harinam Sankirtan Ministry aspires to expand the festival beyond the borders of ISKCON into the greater society.  With the support of devotees worldwide the festival can reach out and bring the holy names to new people.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough for parents and kids, as they try to find engagement while staying at home. Here are eleven tried-and-true Krishna conscious activities, as shared by devotee parents themselves! 1. Holding a Backyard Ratha Yatra for Lord Jagannatha “Mata, what does Jagannatha like to eat the most?” asked my 7-year old […]

The post 11 Stay-At-Home Krishna Conscious Activities To Do With Your Kids appeared first on ISKCON News.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough for parents and kids, as they try to find engagement while staying at home. Here are eleven tried-and-true Krishna conscious activities, as shared by devotee parents themselves!

Expedition Unknown host, Josh Gates, interviews Hare Krishna devotee, Parijata Devi Dasi, at ISKCON temple in Juhu Beach, Mumbai, India.

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

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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.

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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.

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Srimad Bhagavatam class by HH Badrinarayan Swami

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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.

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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.

Podcast

 

Video:

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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Jagannatha Kirtanananda Das speaks to HG Malati Devi Dasi on the ‘The Early Pioneering Days’ of the ISKCON Movement

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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.

Podcast

 

Video:

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!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!


Date: 16th Aug  2020

Day: Sunday

Time: 11 am to 12 noon

Speaker: HG Rohinipriya das



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


HG Rohinipriya das

His Grace Rohinipriya Prabhu is a BACHELOR in MEDICINE & a BACHELOR in SURGERY (M.B.B.S) from BYRAMJEE JEEJEEBHOY GOVERNMENT MEDICAL COLLEGE AND SASSOON GENERAL HOSPITALS (B.J.M.C), PUNE, INDIA. In the early 90s, he came in contact with ISKCON and consequently, joined the ISKCON Pune temple as a fulltime brahmacari. In 1995, he moved to ISKCON Chowpatty, Mumbai, India. He served as the Director of ISKCON YOUTH FORUM (IYF), ISKCON Chowpatty for many years. Then, he served as a Temple Management Committee(TMC) Member at ISKCON Chowpatty. He also served as a Member of the Committee for Spiritual Vision(CSV) at ISKCON Chowpatty. From 1996, he started travelling to Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India, in addition to his services in Mumbai. He fills the lives of people with the joy of Krishna Consciousness, by his practical, mesmerising, scriptural discourses. He also counsels & guides many people, specially, the youth. He currently serves as the General Manager at ISKCON Aurangabad, Maharashtra, India. Under his able guidance ISKCON Aurangabad is a dynamic and flourishing offering & tribute to Srila Prabhupada’s legacy and glory.

He visits North America regularly, especially, the USA & Canada and shares the message of the Bhagavad Gita & the Srimad Bhagavatam. He, also, travels worldwide for serving the people of all denominations. He has been actively distributing the message of the Bhagavad Gita to 1000s of Engineering & Medical students and other professionals all over India. He is an inspiration to many professionals & youth all over the world. He presents the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita & the Shrimad Bhagavatam in a very attractive, eloquent and practical manner.


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

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!

3 km

 

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
→ Dandavats"

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.

February 25 – Nityananda Trayodasi / Worldwide Prabhupada Abhisheka

February 26 – Bhakti Charu Maharaja Samadhi Opening

February 27 – New Prabhupada Murti Installation

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/

Podcast

 

Video:

 

Transcription :

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

 

TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH

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Buy from us at: https://tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/

"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 34^th Street."