Wednesday, May 27, 2020
→ The Walking Monk

The Annex, Toronto

We Are Asleep

“A sleeping person imagines an alternative reality for himself and, seeing himself as having various names and forms, forgets his waking identity, which is distinct from the dream. Similarly, the senses of one whose consciousness is bewildered by illusion perceive only the names and forms of material objects. Thus such a person loses his memory and cannot know You.”
-Bhag. 10.84.24-25

These two beautiful passages from the Bhagavatam were the topic of our discussion this morning as our small group of monks now normally do on Wednesdays. It’s an interactive session for one hour. In other words everyone gives a class, each revealing some realization from the morning’s verse or verses.

Today’s session was profound, the topic about dreams and how they are an illusory state. The world in which we live also bears the same status.  There is little reality in this world, however pleasant it can sometimes be. 

My evening walk was through the Annex, a family-oriented neighborhood. Parks are full now with groups of people—most likely not speaking from the platform of the Bhagavatam—but nevertheless, communicating on a more amiable level, something which is becoming a new reality. Some guys were having a serious game of baseball. In general physical realities can be considered truth, however, they are temporary truths and are, therefore, dreams played out. Dreams can be fun but are short-lived.  Hence, we can strive for that which is more grounding. 

May the Source be with you!
6 km


Tuesday, May 26, 2020
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

Reflection

The first verse of the 15th chapter from the Bhagavad-Gita reads like this: “Bhagavan spoke, it is said that there is and imperishable banyan tree that has its roots upward and its branches down and whose leaves are the Vedic hymns. One who knows this tree is the knower of the Vedas.”

I was always intrigued with this verse and am often in my walks reminded of this tree of knowledge by reflections seen as an ordinary tree by a pond of water or an image of a double-up upright and upside-down position. While on Jarvis St. I came upon this impressive Victorian-style home with sculptures all around, one of which is somewhat reminiscent of this concept. A topsy-turvy world we live in for sure.

Very captivating is the inverted image of a wolf sculpture-piece which causes some of us passersby to stop and actually reflect a bit. Seeing this piece brought to mind something our guru, Prabhupada, used to say about this world of physicality and an anti-material world. One is a reflection of the other. In fact the material existence that we currently find ourselves in is referred to as a “perverted reflection” of the real world.

In reading the Vedic literatures we are led to believe in a permanent, settled world—not wavering, not changing but a very grounded existence—while being very subtle and full of joy.

My destination on today’s walk at the corner of Sherborn and Wellesley allowed me to observe some nice people while others, shall I say, appeared more perversely reflected.  Sorry to be somewhat judgemental.

May the Source be with you!
6 km



Monday, May 25, 2020
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

A Need for Bhajans

I met up with Ajamila at the corner of Wellesley and Sherbourn. We hadn’t seen each other since the lockdown started although the occasional meet by phone. He’s doing well and is singing bhajans on-line.

Bhajans are songs expressing devotional sentiments, in this case, to honour Krishna.

I had a thought that before long we could possibly sing and play together at this very corner by the library. There is a nice flow of pedestrian traffic, a good intersection for exposing mantras where there is a need.

There are a lot of folks wearing masks to address the easy spread of covid 19. Why not also spread “the name” or sacred sound?  Without masks, of course. We only required to keep a distance from passersby.

I’m one of those monks that have it bred in me to share what I think will be beneficial to further enlighten people. If the general populace is concerned for the body and little attention goes to the yearnings of the soul then we can consider there is something essentially amiss. With all the worry and uncertainty that lurks in the atmosphere it is a good time to put that spiritual vibration out there.

Enrichment in life is a factor to consider as we are stuck in a human frame of life. That does give one an advantage over other life forms that we have taken in the past. Enlightenment comes hard to dogs and cats, adorable as they are, and as happy as they may be under the care of their master, however we must care for the soul.

May the Source be with you!
7 km


The Monk’s Podcast 8 – Rituals – what they are and why they matter
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast


 

Video:

The post The Monk’s Podcast 8 – Rituals – what they are and why they matter appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Sweet Rice Festival Jun 7 -14, 2020
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!




For some years now, we have been celebrating the annual Sweet Rice festival. The focus of the festival has been the glorification of our Deities, Sri Sri Radha Ksira-cora Gopinatha in Their special connection to sweet rice. This year the festivities will be from Sunday Jun 7 - 14, 2020.  

In the past, our beloved Deities would be offered a variety of sweet rice in pots hand-painted lovingly by the members of our community. This year though we will have to sadly celebrate in separation from Them, you can still get that delicious blessed kheer! See below the various options for sponsorship!

As the Temple remains closed to the public, all events will be broadcast on our Facebook page (no account required). Details to follow soon!

*** Sponsorship Opportunities ***

We are pleased to offer you the below ways in which you can participate for the festival. You can do so by clicking HERE.

$51- Sponsor a pot of kheer for the morning offering
Receive gift of: Inclusion of name in prayer

$108 - Sponsor kheer for evening (12x7 available) 
Receive gift of: Inclusion of name in prayer and a small jar of kheer (125mL)

$301 - Sponsor for full-day bhoga offering and kheer (6 available) 
Receive gift of: Inclusion of name in prayer and a medium jar of kheer (250mL)

$501 (June) -Sponsor for Special Sunday Bhoga for special occasions every Sunday
Receive gift of: Inclusion of name in prayer, a large jar of kheer (500mL) and special Chandan (sandalwood pulp) offered to Ksira-Chora Gopinatha from Remuna, India

(NOTE: We have a team and an effective system in place to make this happen so please await further instructions from us on the kheer pick-up. The team will reach out to you personally in the first and second week of June) 

Did you know?

  • Our Deities in Toronto were named by Srila Prabhupada after this famous Deity by the same name, residing in the small town of Remuna, India. As such, our Hare Krishna centre is also lovingly known as “New Remuna Dham”.

  • This Deity of Lord Krishna was named "Ksira-Chora” (one who steals sweet rice) after an unbelievably fascinating incident that occurred hundreds of years ago wherein the Deity actually stole a small pot of sweet rice for his devotee, Madhavendra Puri.

  • Since our Deities were given their name in the early 1970s, sweet rice has been offered on our altar every day! 

Sunday, May 24, 2020
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

Around Fishing

The place was the Weston Family Quarry Garden at the Evergreen Brickworks where two young boys were fishing for gold or catfish, whatever would go for the bait.

“What have you got there?  Worms?”  I asked.

“No, bread.  We already caught 3 catfish but we threw them back in the pond.  That’s what you’re supposed to do.”

I asked the boys if they would allow me to film them.  They declined but still we consider each other friends.

“They (meaning the fish) are really enthusiastic (for the bread),” I observed.  “Eating, sleeping, mating and defending.  That’s what goes on in this world.”  Sanjit was laughing in the background.  The two boys were having a bit of a disagreement.  Sanjit and Niami, my companions, bade farewell to the fishermen as we carried on with our trek through the park and the trail.

Four functions that I mentioned are common among all species.  This is sastric, or from the books of wisdom.  Ahara—eating.  Nidra—sleeping.  Bhaya—defense.  Maituni—mating.  That sums it up.

My mind, however, would doubt this summary.  I sometimes question what happened to a possible fifth?  What about play, recreation, sport?  I don’t doubt scripture but have a mild question about it.  Having been raised on the farm I’ve seen all our barnyard buddies have their fun together.  I do have an answer which I will reserve.  I thought it might be nice to hear from readers their take on this apparent riddle.  Please get back to me on your deliberation.

May the Source be with you!
5 km


The Spirit Soul is Transcendental to all Material Calamities, Zoom Talk With ISKCON Michegan
Giriraj Swami

“This material world is certified by the Lord in the Bhagavad-gita as a dangerous place full of calamities. Less intelligent persons prepare plans to adjust to those calamities without knowing that the nature of this place is itself full of calamities. They have no information of the abode of the Lord, which is full of bliss and without trace of calamity. The duty of the sane person, therefore, is to be undisturbed by worldly calamities, which are sure to happen in all circumstances. Suffering all sorts of unavoidable misfortunes, one should make progress in spiritual realization because that is the mission of human life.” Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.25 purport.

The Spirit Soul is Transcendental to all Material Calamities (Right click to download)

As Servants of the Lord, We Are One, Zoom Talk With ISKCON Phoenix
Giriraj Swami

Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.5.12.

“Everyone should be friendly for the service of the Lord. Everyone should praise another’s service to the Lord and not be proud of his own service. This is the way of Vaisnava thinking, Vaikuntha thinking. There may be rivalries and apparent competition between servants in performing service, but in the Vaikuntha planets the service of another servant is appreciated, not condemned. This is Vaikuntha competition. There is no question of enmity between servants. Everyone should be allowed to render service to the Lord to the best of his ability, and everyone should appreciate the service of others. Such are the activities of Vaikuntha . Since everyone is a servant, everyone is on the same platform and is allowed to serve the Lord according to his ability.” Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.5.12 purport.

As Servants of the Lord, We Are One (Right click to download)

TOVP TALKS – Talk Show Announcement
- TOVP.org

ANNOUNCING THE LAUNCH OF TOVP TALKS, THE VOICE OF THE PARAMPARA TALK SHOW, HOSTED BY H.G. BRAJA VILASA DAS – JUNE 5

Broadcast from ISKCON’s World Headquarters in Sridhama Mayapur, the education capital of the world, this bi-weekly webinar will flood the world with the dissemination of devotional and organizational subject-matter of the highest quality by devotee speakers highly regarded in their expertise, in a systematic and effective way through the ZOOM live video conferencing program and format, to be utilized by devotees worldwide for their personal and extended benefit.

The first program is scheduled for June 5th at 10:00am (US-EST)/7:30pm (IST) and will feature H.G. Ambarisa prabhu speaking on the subject of Wisdom and Wealth. Below is the Zoom registration information and you are encouraged to sign up soon as there is limited live capacity. Live viewers will be able to send in questions. A live feed will also be connected to the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium – TOVP Facebook Page. All programs will also be archived on the TOVP website and YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TOVPinfo

Zoom Registration Information :

You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
When : Jun 5, 2020 07:30 PM India/10:00 AM U.S. (EST)
Topic: Launch of TOVP TALKS/Wisdom and Wealth

Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_H5520W6xQyux7SPXsNanSQ

The post TOVP TALKS – Talk Show Announcement appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Saturday, May 23, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Goodbye to serenity?


Corrado and I and a new seeker, Abhijit, who works with healthcare workers, took to a walk on the shady side of the street.  Eventually we found ourselves in a tree-bound neighbourhood, but before that we noticed and increased amount of traffic noise.  Personally I was left to ask the question, “When will we ever sober up?”  More particularly I’m seeing the display of testosterone male power in the form of revving up engines.  They are noisy, loud and fast.

Since the global lockdown less traffic is found on the road which some younger fellows see this as an opportunity to use the roadway more so as a raceway.  One guy was caught by police going at 300 km/hr speed.  That’s outrageous!  You would think that with all the illness and deaths created by Covid-19 that it would have that moderating effect.  But “No!”  How soon we forget?  The slowdown, the serenity around and the purging of the environment that people have witnessed would all be testimony to the direction we should stay on.

But I guess some people don’t get it.  To join us on the walk was Mahabhagavat, who was on his second major trek (18 km from his home) and we analyzed that humans are like mosquitoes.  We are asleep but when the hotter weather kicks in we are all over the place wreaking havoc.  This is analogous to the current policy of opening up of more retail stores.  The traffic is increased and so is the madness.  The spiritual component can help.

I wanted to recognize the passing away of two souls that occurred this morning: Shyama from Brampton at 85 and Raghunatha from Markham at 69.  They expressed their devotion in beautiful ways.

May the Source be with you!
5 km

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAkVE_jAcv5/



Friday, May 22, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Trees


Trees
What hugs the soil and keeps it in place
Teaches tolerance especially at the base
Provides us company when down and lonely
Is a true member of the earthly family?

Trees
What cuts the wind when all is tossed in the air
Which resembles a turbulent mind enough to scare
What emits a sweet sent at dusk and at dawn
And has sap flow at winter’s end when spring is on?

Trees
What gives warmth in cold in coolness in the heat
And what eats and drinks by their very own feet
Give shelter with shade at a blazing sun’s prime
What will never let you down in the worst of time?

Trees
What stretches up to touch a gorgeous guy
And what is home for the species that fly
What provides rest and a place of refuge
For feathered and furry friends during this deluge?

Trees
What dances in breezes in awesome rhythm
Makes music of creaks, moans and psithurism
What can cause a surge of adrenaline
Contains fire and hydrogen and oxygen?

Trees
What are the soft hairs jutting out of the universe
Yielding healing properties like nature’s nurse
What requires our stewardship and service
A chance for their well-deserved catharsis?

Trees
I can tell you what saved my life multiple times
Their arms reached out to mine on a steep climb
More than once I took to a slippery slope
When there seemed to be so little hope
Trees


Trees (Part-Two)

Some are alive
Some are dead
Some are green
Some are red
Some bear fruit
Some bear nuts
Most have wood
For the very own guts
Some have needles
Some have leaves
Know it for certain
They’re here to please

Written by Bhaktimarga Swami
(The Walking Monk)

May the Source be with you!
5 km

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAiDt9Igwh6/





During distress if someone turns away from Krishna and becomes an atheist, what is the role of God’s will in their misuse of free will?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post During distress if someone turns away from Krishna and becomes an atheist, what is the role of God’s will in their misuse of free will? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

The Lotus Feet of the Lord are the Most Suitable Boat for Crossing the Ocean of Nescience, Zoom Talk with South African Devotees
Giriraj Swami

“This material world is certified by the Lord in the Bhagavad-gita as a dangerous place full of calamities. Less intelligent persons prepare plans to adjust to those calamities without knowing that the nature of this place is itself full of calamities. They have no information of the abode of the Lord, which is full of bliss and without trace of calamity. The duty of the sane person, therefore, is to be undisturbed by worldly calamities, which are sure to happen in all circumstances. Suffering all sorts of unavoidable misfortunes, one should make progress in spiritual realization because that is the mission of human life. The spirit soul is transcendental to all material calamities; therefore, the so-called calamities are called false.” Srimad-Bhagavtam 1.8.25 purport.

Crossing the Ocean of Nescience (Right click to download)

Kamala Devi Dasi
Giriraj Swami

My beloved, exalted disciple Kamala devi dasi left her body in Mauritius two days ago. Everything about her departure was auspicious, and her consciousness was fixed on Goloka Vrindavan. She was ably assisted in her final journey by HH Bhakti Brhat Bhagavata Swami, Karunika dasi, Vrajesvari dasi, Manasi Ganga dasi, Arcana Siddhi dasi, and her devoted daughter, Dhira Prasanta dasi, and son, Lesh, in Mauritius, and by Krsnagi dasi and others from afar.

I have attached a photo of Kamala devi when she came to California to serve me, after which she returned to Mauritius and learned that she had cancer.

Please pray for her.

Thank you very much.

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Our lack of desire
→ KKSBlog

Our lack of desire turns our whole devotional life into austerity.

From the book “Under the Desire Trees”

I hear, “Vṛndāvana is so austere. There is so much dust and it even rained during parikramā. Oh God! The prasādam is okay but it is not like home. Oh, that sun is hot. Gosh, it is a long way; how can I walk that far? Do you also have mosquitoes…”

So the reality is that our desire is not so strong. When our desire is not strong, all we see is austerity. When it is strong, then there is no austerity.

You can download the book “Under the Desire Trees” for free as a PDF. Visit the media page. Or buy the actual book in our shop! If you have a Kindle or ePub e-reader check out this product!

Available in the shop

The article " Our lack of desire " was published on KKSBlog.

ISKCON Scarborough – Virtual multimedia class – HG Dravida das – Sunday 24th May 2020 – 11 am to 12 noon-"Taking Shelter of Krsna in Times of Danger"
→ ISKCON Scarborough





Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

Date: 24th May 2020
Day: Sunday
Time: 11 am to 12 noon
Topic: "Taking Shelter of Krsna in Times of Danger"
Speaker: H.G. Dravida das


Link to join the class from your desktop or laptop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9150790510?pwd=Wk5GYXVRMkJmdk84MzZJRXBKYUgwUT09

If you click the above link from your desktop or laptop, you will be able to join directly

If you click this link from your cell phone or IPAD etc, you will have to download the Zoom application (less than a minute to download)


H.G. Dravida das

A disciple of Srila Prabhupada, Dravida dasa joined ISKCON in 1973 and has served as an editor and proofreader for the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust for over 45 years. From 1983 to 1989 he was part of the team that completed Srila Prabhupada’s magnum opus: a commentated English translation of India's jewel of Vedic wisdom, the 18,000-verse Srimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana). He also helped produce the revised editions of Srila Prabhupada’s Isopanisad, Krsna Book, Caitanya-caritamrta, and Teachings of Lord Caitanya, and he is part of the team that produces Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa-puja book every year. In addition to his editing work, he teaches Bhakti Yoga classes at ISKCON’s San Diego temple and other centers in North America.

Throughout all this immersion in transcendental literature, Dravida Dasa developed a love of the Sanskrit language, and especially the elaborate verses of the Bhagavatam and other works of bhakti literature.

His devotion and expertise in chanting form a marvelous combination. He has a been brahmacari throughout his devotional career.



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

The Monk’s Podcast 5 – Living in the present – The bhakti-yoga way
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast


 

Video:

The post The Monk’s Podcast 5 – Living in the present – The bhakti-yoga way appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Songs of the Acharyas
→ Ramai Swami

Recently, I gave a class via the Brisbane Temple facebook page. Devotees have been giving classes every Saturday since the CoVid 19 restrictions came into place. I spoke mainly on Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s song, “Suddha Bhakata.” 

As Prarthana and Prema Bhakti Candrika of Sri Narottama dasa Thakura are widely known and relished by the Gaudiya Vaisnavas, so are the songs of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. 

These songs are not only beneficial for the gross materialists and practitioners of devotional service, they are also relished by the exalted souls who have attained perfection. 

The songs composed by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura are very instructive and practical for people of all ages and religions. The songs of Sri Narottama dasa Thakura are especially meant for devotees who are cultivating devotional service, but Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s songs are intended for all classes of people. 

By means of these songs, he hopes to attract everyone to the path of devotional service. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has written countless songs. These songs are divided into four books called: Kalyana Kalpataru, Saranagati, Gitavali and Gitamala.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s songs are proof of his causeless mercy upon the fallen souls of the entire world. Those who relish these songs, attain spiritual realisation, and ultimately go back home, back to Godhead.

ISKCON Scarborough – Virtual multimedia class – HG Dravida das – Sunday 24th May 2020 – 11 am to 12 noon
→ ISKCON Scarborough


Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

We will be hosting a special live virtual class by HG Dravida das on Sunday 24th  May 2020 - 11 am to 12 noon


Link to join the class from your desktop or laptop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9150790510?pwd=Wk5GYXVRMkJmdk84MzZJRXBKYUgwUT09

If you click the above link from your desktop or laptop, you will be able to join directly

If you click this link from your cell phone or IPAD etc, you will have to download the Zoom application (less than a minute to download)





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

Danger Is Required
Giriraj Swami

Hearing Srila Prabhupada speak about why danger is required, I thought of the coronavirus pandemic. In a talk on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.33, April 25, 1973, Los Angeles, Prabhupada said:

“We have got natural devotion. Just like father and son, there is natural affection. The son has got natural devotion to the father, mother. Similarly, we have got our natural devotion. And when we are in danger, even the scientists pray to God—though when they are not in danger, they defy God.

“Therefore danger is required in order to teach these rascals that there is God. So, that is natural. Jivera svarupa haya nitya-krsna-dasa. (Cc Madhya 20.108) [“The living entity’s constitutional position is to be an eternal servant of Krishna.”] That is our natural . . . Artificially we are trying to banish God: ‘God is dead,’ ‘There is no God,’ ‘I am God,’ ‘This God,’ ‘That God.’ This rascaldom we must give up. Then we shall be given all protection by Krishna.”

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Thursday, May 21, 2020
→ The Walking Monk

Rosedale Toronto

Some Things Are Precious

It’s quite interesting to see how many roads are becoming sidewalks, places for boys at basketball and now today the road, an actual bridge arched over a ravine in Rosedale has become arehearsal site for a young women’s cheerleading team. Oh, they moved over when the rare motorist came. They pulled over when the vehicle would pass and then get right back into action.

Further on a fresh new sidewalk was laid for the concrete to harden. Being blocked off caused pedestrians to use the street. They had an excuse. I hope in some way that we could prolong the days of more feet and less wheels.

It wasn’t quite dark yet for this 8:30 pm time but a raccoon (yes, another one today) was just about to help himself to the contents of a trash can but it saw me coming. He jumped off, landed on the condo building’s lawn and stood there. He actually stood his ground. Maybe it never saw a monk before. His back curled which indicated, most likely, “I’m not moving and I am gettin’ back to my meal!”

Okay so I got going. I kept chanting softly. I came to a park, sat down at a bench and chanted the gayatri mantra. Then I called,from my cell, Amala, a music teacher, and my spiritual student.  “How are you?”

“My obeisance! I’m sitting in the backyard watching a robin feed his/her young babies as they eat the worm from its beak…”

I offered some advice about life. I looked at the sky, grass, the environment around. I liked it.

There was an Englishman who came to Canada, lived with the natives and practically became one of them. He became a conservationist and fought against deforestation and the trapping of beavers. His name became Grey Owl. He said of nature, “Some things are not for sale!”

May the Source be with you!
5 km



ISKCON Scarborough – Srimad Bhagavatam Katha – The story of King Anga and King Vena – Saturday 23rd May 2020
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

Our 35th month Srimad Bhagavatam Katha (Virtual multimedia class) will cover the story of King Anga and King Vena

Topic: King Anga & King Vena - SB 4.13 and SB 4.14
This is part 1 of Maharaj Prthu's pastimes (SB 4.13 to 4.23- 450 verses)

Date: 23rd May 2020 (Saturday)

Time: 4 pm to 6 pm



Link to join the class from your desktop or laptop:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9150790510?pwd=Wk5GYXVRMkJmdk84MzZJRXBKYUgwUT09

If you click the above link from your desktop or laptop, you will be able to join directly

If you click this link from your cell phone or IPAD etc, you will have to download the Zoom application (less than a minute to download)


Who is King Prthu
Unlike today's leaders, Maharaja Prthu considered it his primary duty to enlighten the citizens with spiritual knowledge. He knew that any leader who simply exacts taxes from the people, but does not inform them of the mission of human life, is thoroughly condemned.


Benedictions for hearing Maharaj Prthu's pastimes
SB 4.17.6: Pṛthu Mahārāja was a powerful incarnation of Lord Kṛṣṇa's potencies; consequently any narration concerning his activities is surely very pleasing to hear, and it produces all good fortune.
SB 4.23.31: Any person who describes the great characteristics of King Pṛthu with faith and determination — whether he reads or hears of them himself or helps others to hear of them — is certain to attain the very planet which Mahārāja Pṛthu attained. In other words, such a person also returns home to the Vaikuṇṭha planets, back to Godhead.
SB 4.23.32:  If one hears of the characteristics of Pṛthu Mahārāja and is a brāhmaṇa, he becomes perfectly qualified with brahminical powers; if he is a kṣatriya, he becomes a king of the world; if he is a vaiśya, he becomes a master of other vaiśyas and many animals; and if he is a śūdra, he becomes the topmost devotee.
SB 4.23.33:   It does not matter whether one is a man or woman. Anyone who, with great respect, hears this narration of Mahārāja Pṛthu will become the parent of many children if without children, and will become the richest if without money.
SB 4.23.34:   Also, one who hears this narration three times will become very reputable if he is not recognized in society, and he will become a great scholar if he is illiterate. In other words, hearing of the narrations of Pṛthu Mahārāja is so auspicious that it drives away all bad luck.
SB 4.23.35:   By hearing the narration of Pṛthu Mahārāja, one can become great, increase his duration of life, gain promotion to the heavenly planets and counteract the contaminations of this Age of Kali. In addition, one can promote the causes of religion, economic development, sense gratification and liberation. Therefore from all sides it is advisable for a materialistic person who is interested in such things to read and hear the narrations of the life and character of Pṛthu Mahārāja.
SB 4.23.36:   If a king, who is desirous of attaining victory and ruling power, chants the narration of Pṛthu Mahārāja three times before going forth on his chariot, all subordinate kings will automatically render all kinds of taxes unto him — as they rendered them unto Mahārāja Pṛthu — simply upon his order.
SB 4.23.37:   A pure devotee who is executing the different processes of devotional service may be situated in the transcendental position, being completely absorbed in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, but even he, while discharging devotional service, must hear, read and induce others to hear about the character and life of Pṛthu Mahārāja.
SB 4.23.38:   The great sage Maitreya continued: My dear Vidura, I have as far as possible spoken the narrations about Pṛthu Mahārāja, which enrich one’s devotional attitude. Whoever takes advantage of these benefits also goes back home, back to Godhead, like Mahārāja Pṛthu.
SB 4.23.39:   Whoever, with great reverence and adoration, regularly reads, chants and describes the history of Mahārāja Pṛthu’s activities will certainly increase unflinching faith and attraction for the lotus feet of the Lord. The Lord’s lotus feet are the boat by which one can cross the ocean of nescience.



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

ISKCON Alachua Starts Gradual Reopening of Temple with Restrictions
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With the U.S. State of Florida, and within it Alachua County, in Phase One of Reopening from COVID-19 lockdown, ISKCON’s New Raman Reti temple in Alachua has also started phase one of a gradual reopening process with careful restrictions. To do so, Temple President Mukhya Dasi is consulting local government recommendations, as well as her […]

The post ISKCON Alachua Starts Gradual Reopening of Temple with Restrictions appeared first on ISKCON News.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Forest Hill/Rosedale

The Trail and the Family

Walking has become a family affair from what I can see.  On the Belt Line Trail Aisvarya and I were seeing this with our very own eyes.  People have become antsy staying at home for two months now.  Except for a young raccoon that walked solo and, upon seeing us climbed a mesh fence, was seemingly lost from his family.

With the sun at approximately 16° Celsius you couldn’t find a better situation.  Singles, couples, and families, people with baby strollers were drawn to the out-of-doors.  It was truly a happy situation.

There was one family, husband, wife and two young boys (one at 20 months), that were halted or stopped on the trail and we found ourselves having to go around.  When dad turned around to see who was passing after fussing with the youngest he stood erect, then bent forward slightly, offering palms together (pranams) and said “Haribol!”

I had to think for a minute.  Oh yes!  It was Dhruva.  I knew him last as a kid.  His dad, Balaram a.k.a. Bill Moore, is a first-class mason and did so much for our temple/ashram in the past.  This is a case of father passing down his trade to his son.  That’s quite traditional as an approach.  A great succession plan.

It was heartwarming to speak to Dhruva.  I recall him curled up like a cat in a chair, when small, while his dad was doing work in our building.  I also remember when I was having a shouting drama practice when young Dhruva burst in, feeling something was wrong, unaware of our rehearsal and demanding, “Stop it!”

Although I am a monk I am into family.  I wish Dhruva and family the best.

May the Source be with you!
13km


Tuesday, May 19, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Across From Baskin

I was inspired to walk upon the sun’s movement in the western sky.  I couldn’t see the glowing disc itself for the trees, the buildings and the time but I could perceive it through the colours it left.  It was a mix of warm colours, from reds, to pinks to an almost purple.  I wanted to gaze at it for some time but my measly mission was to walk.  And for that I must watch the sidewalk, the curbs, the traffic and the pedestrians.

Oh yes, you really have to be cautious about pedestrians.  And as they are watching your directions you must see where they angle.  It’s called social distancing.

At the furthest point of my evening trek, the intersection of Christie and Bloor, across from Baskin Robbins ice cream, I sat on a curved concrete ledge for a break.  A curious kind, a young man, sat next to me.  I slid over honouring the distance required and smiled.

“Oh don’t worry.  I’m immune!” he said.

“But I may not be!” I said in defense.

“What are you doing?”

“Relaxing.  I just finished chanting a mantra called gayatri.”

“Teach me,” he mildly asked.

“Here’s a card and on it is a mantra for peace.”

He tried.  “Hare Krishna!”

“Can you teach me another?”

“Try this one, ‘Govindamadi purusham...’ I’ll give you something more simple.  Om!”  He did well with that.  He was colourful like the sky I saw earlier.  He pulled out a can of Budweiser beer, then a cigarette and lit it.

“You’re not going to stay immune for too long when you do those things,” I advised.  He shrugged his shoulders.  I let him know I have to return to where I came from.

May the Source be with you!
7 km

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"This won't help with your immunity to Covid-19."