Planet ISKCON

Ego

From Bhagavad-gita As It Is, purport 13.8-12: “False ego means accepting this body as oneself. When one understands that he is not his body and is spirit soul, he comes to his real ego. Ego is there. False ego is condemned, but not real ego. In the Vedic literature it is said, ahaṁ brahmāsmi: I am Brahman, I am spirit. This “I am,” the sense of self, also exists in the liberated stage of self-realization. This sense of “I am” is ego, but when the sense of “I am” is applied to this false body it is false ego. When the sense of self is applied to reality, that is real ego. There are some philosophers who say we should give up our ego, but we cannot give up our ego, because ego means identity.”

I have found that during my walks I chant on, and display from my right hand, my meditation beads to the public. I believe more people know it’s about some form of prayer. On the corner of Clinton and Bloor there is a bench and while I was sitting there a gentleman came to ask me if I was praying. I explained that it was good for the ego; it helps to dissolve what is false about me.

Sanjit, who is often a walking partner of mine, accompanied me again tonight and while using his legs he also used his mouth while chanting on his beads. I asked him, as we tread back to the ashram, if he would be thinking about Krishna, with less ego, if he wasn’t chanting. His answer was clear.

“No, the chanting brings on thoughts of Krishna.” He said.

Confirmed. Chanting enhances a positive meditation and mindfulness.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Trying

I was dwelling on the good feedback I received while on a Zoom call in the course of walking west on Bloor Street. I was given a general topic to speak on as part of a weekend seminar, the theme was “My Authenticity Is My Power” with my specific talk to be “The Secrets Behind a Lifelong Friendship.” Other speakers had their individual topics to present. That was on Sunday.

But now, while walking and chanting japa, a fellow came to me, long-haired with a mustache and mask, and just began talking.

“I studied different religions and I just wanted to know if enlightenment can be instant? Or is it something you really have to work at?”

I consider that I’m here on the street to help, to be there for the people, so here was an opportunity to help through dialogue and, perhaps, start a friendship. It is my service.

“Generally seekers of the truth really have to work at it in a gradual process of practice,” I said.

“But is it possible?”

“Yes, but it’s rare.” I replied.

“Does it take divine intervention?”

“Yes, we can consider it causless mercy, but it is rare,” I expressed.

I found it stimulating to talk “spiritual.” Then on my return, going west on Bloor and turning north on a side street, I met John who excitedly came up to me asking, “Are you a holy man?”

“Trying.” I said.

John admitted he was deaf, he couldn’t capture my answer, and continued on speaking loudly as he followed along with me, up to the ashram. John identifies as a spiritual person and at one point during his loud parlance said, “Enlightenment is a rare thing, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but trying is not and should be done.” I responded.

He couldn’t hear me.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Seaton Village, Toronto

Japa and Nishdish

Today is the birthday of Balarama, elder brother of Krishna.  I have been happily busy, first with delivering a class, live, in person, to our resident devotees, speaking of His amiable character and achievements. At ten am, our time, I gave class via Zoom to a group in Singapore, a half-day behind them. At noon we recorded for a Trinidad crew. Then a live stream for whomever, mostly Canada, wrapped up my day for virtual presentations. It was nice. It was full. It was the mercy of Balarama, who has so much color to his personality.

Rain was part and parcel of today—heavy rain. However, there was a clearing in the early night for getting a walk in.  Aisvarya accompanied me along Bloor Street. Our termination point was a set of lights, at his subway stop. There we sat, on a public bench, to chant on our japabeads. It so happened to be right next to a shop called “Japa’s”. Across the street from this eatery is a restaurant called “Nishdish,” run by a renowned chef of an indigenous background. The food he serves is all foraged food.

I need not make fun of this popular place. You can’t knock it, but Nishdish, or some version of it, sounds like a sloppy version of “Krishna Krishna,” when you utter the mantricsound. When you are not so attentive while chanting what is known as japa, you get these silly sounds.

Aisvarya left to catch his train and to my surprise I met Adi Kurma and Amala Ratna,

a well-grounded couple. It was they who told me of Chef Joel Whiteduck Ranguette, of the Anishinaabe tribe (nation). It is so interesting how it all comes together.

May the source be with you!

6 km

This piece is being featured in “The Emergence of Women’s Voices in ISKCON” a written documentary of the voices of the first-generation pioneer women of ISKCON. Thirty-three authors speak about their relationships with Srila Prabhupada, what women bring to Krishna consciousness, and the importance of women’s voices in ISKCON. My “Letter to our Future Selves” […]

The post A Letter To Our Future Selves appeared first on ISKCON News.

We are members of an institution meant for giving compassion to others, but are we each individually acting with compassion in our personal dealings?

We are members of an institution meant for giving compassion to others, but are we each individually acting with compassion in our personal dealings?

The GBC's Strategic Planning Team have compiled a celebrate-at-home Janmastami portfolio, which consists of resources to make devotees' Janmastami experience delightful and filled with personal loving service to the Lord.

The GBC's Strategic Planning Team have compiled a celebrate-at-home Janmastami portfolio, which consists of resources to make devotees' Janmastami experience delightful and filled with personal loving service to the Lord.

With ISKCON Founder-Acarya Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa-puja, or Appearance Day, coming up soon on August 12^th, his society’s Governing Body Commission Strategic Planning Team (GBC SPT) is organizing a special Vyasa-puja online event entitled “Srila Prabhupada’s Journey to the Far Corners of the World: The Mystery Behind the History.”

With ISKCON Founder-Acarya Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa-puja, or Appearance Day, coming up soon on August 12^th, his society’s Governing Body Commission Strategic Planning Team (GBC SPT) is organizing a special Vyasa-puja online event entitled “Srila Prabhupada’s Journey to the Far Corners of the World: The Mystery Behind the History.”

This song is titled Markine Bhagavata-Dharma written by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada at Boston Harbor on September 18, 1965. A video by Harmony Collective.

This song is titled Markine Bhagavata-Dharma written by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada at Boston Harbor on September 18, 1965. A video by Harmony Collective.

Fish have feelings, too.

Fish have feelings, too.

This revealing video showcases scenes behind the curtain of ISKCON temples. Although thousands of people visit the temple and attend the programs, in the background there is a huge team of volunteers who are selflessly working to give the best experience. The concept of the movie and script for it is given by Toshan Nimai das, it is directed and edited by Dhwani Bhargava and Akshit Gupta. 

This revealing video showcases scenes behind the curtain of ISKCON temples. Although thousands of people visit the temple and attend the programs, in the background there is a huge team of volunteers who are selflessly working to give the best experience. The concept of the movie and script for it is given by Toshan Nimai das, it is directed and edited by Dhwani Bhargava and Akshit Gupta. 

  Everything rests on You Ideally as pearls on a thread.. In your safe care I close my eyes Lovingly I bow my head….   Even when there are no words And I don’t know what to say.. Offering prayers to you Calms my heart and makes my day….   The boat of your lotus […]

The post Poem: In My Heart You Will Stay appeared first on ISKCON News.

"The boat of your lotus feet / Will get me across the ocean of life some day. / No matter come what may / In my heart you will stay...."

"The boat of your lotus feet / Will get me across the ocean of life some day. / No matter come what may / In my heart you will stay...."

Srimad Bhagavatam class online by HH Bhakti Chaitanya Swami, August 7, 2020

Yogesvara Prabhu, (Joshua Greene), was initiated by Srila Prabhupada in 1969. After 13 years in temples of Europe and America, he returned to New York. He is Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies at Hofstra University and teaches weekly classes at Jivamukti Yoga School.

Here are some nice photos from Balarama Purmina 2019 at the ISKCON-London Radha Krishna Temple.

Dear ISKCON Leader, please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. In June 2020, the GBC SPT – Strategic Planning Support unit published a Temple Re-opening Guide and a decision-making Toolkit to support you in your efforts to re-open your temple. You will find attached, additional materials we have developed to assist you in facilitating the safe re-opening of your temple to the public. Continue reading "Guidelines for a safe re-opening of temples
→ Dandavats"

We are happy to share that over the last two years, in addition to the preservation work in the library, the team at BRC has made significant strides in conducting pioneering research in the field of Gaudiya Vaishnavism in collaboration with international universities led by reputed devotee scholars worldwide. We have also started MA and PhD programs on Gaudiya Vaishnavism in affiliation with Mumbai University wherein students are being guided by international devotee scholars. Continue reading "Bhaktivedanta Research Center
→ Dandavats"

As the newly married Vasudeva and Devaki prepared to start for home, conchshells, bugles, drums, and kettledrums all vibrated in concert for their auspicious departure. But as Kamsa, controlling the reins of the horses, drove the chariot along the way, an unembodied voice addressed him, "You foolish rascal, the eighth child of the woman you are carrying will kill you!''. Kamsa was a condemned personality in the Bhoja dynasty because he was envious and sinful. Therefore, upon hearing this omen from the sky, he caught hold of his cousin's hair with his left hand and took up his sword with his right hand to sever her head from her body.

Srimad Bhagavatam class given by HH Bhanu Swami at ISKCON New Govardhana Temple, August 7, 2020

For those devotees who use Instagram for a communication and sharing platform, the TOVP Communications Department has launched the TOVP official Instagram account where we will share new photos, videos and messages.

You can also donate to the TOVP through the Instagram App. Open the Instagram App and search for: templeofvedicplanetarium_tovp or TOVP Official

Podcast

Video:

The post The Monk’s Podcast 46 with Anuttama Prabhu – How we can outgrow our cultish image appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

A collaboration between Madhavas Rock Band and students of Braj Gopika Vidya Mandal School Nandgaon.

A collaboration between Madhavas Rock Band and students of Braj Gopika Vidya Mandal School Nandgaon.

A historic new anthology entitled “The Emergence of Women’s Voices in ISKCON: A Collection of Letters, Articles, Papers, and Conference Reports from 1988 to 2020” is set to be released with a special online book launch event on August 22nd and 23rd.  Compiled by Srila Prabhupada disciple Pranada Dasi, the work is a written documentary […]

The post New Book “The Emergence of Women’s Voices in ISKCON” to Launch with Online Event appeared first on ISKCON News.

A historic new anthology entitled “The Emergence of Women’s Voices in ISKCON: A Collection of Letters, Articles, Papers, and Conference Reports from 1988 to 2020” is set to be released with a special online book launch event on August 22^nd and 23^rd. 

A historic new anthology entitled “The Emergence of Women’s Voices in ISKCON: A Collection of Letters, Articles, Papers, and Conference Reports from 1988 to 2020” is set to be released with a special online book launch event on August 22^nd and 23^rd.