Planet ISKCON – Page 400 – Websites from the ISKCON Universe

Gita key verse course 20 What is meditation. What are spiritual experiences. Are they just hallucinations Gita 06.22
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‘The Kindness Pandemic’: An ISKCON-wide Contest for Young Artists
→ ISKCON News: Latest Stories

While the coronavirus is spreading throughout the world, luckily for us, so is kindness. The simple acts of kindness are powerful, cathartic, and could change our lives forever. ISKCON News is calling young artists, aged 3-18, to recognize and capture these little acts of kindness around them and turn them into an artwork.

Special Daily Virtual Japathon – All are invited !!!
→ ISKCON Brampton

The Harmonist, Volume One Now Available in Ebook Format
→ ISKCON News: Latest Stories

The original version of The Harmonist appeared as ‘Sri Sajjana Tosani’ in Bengali in the year 1879, published by the Vaisnava pioneer Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura.

Restricted Freedom
→ ISKCON News: Latest Stories

We’ve seemingly lost our freedom. But when ‘freedom’ means that everything is so available that we become complacent, what’s the benefit? If ‘restriction’ generates an appreciation and gratitude of what we’ve taken for granted all these years, where’s the loss?

Feed the Hungry in Vrindavan
→ ISKCON News: Latest Stories

A video by ISKCON Vrindavan.

Guru and GBC Bhakti Bhusana Swami Hospitalized With Encephalitis
→ ISKCON News: Latest Stories

After suffering from increasing dizziness, weakness of memory, and loss of cognitive abilities, guru and GBC Bhakti Bhusana Swami was hospitalized on Sunday May 3^rd in Germany. On Tuesday May 5^th, doctors diagnosed him with a type of encephalitis, which causes inflammation of the brain.

WILLOW & Jahnavi Harrison – Surrender (Krishna Keshava)
→ ISKCON News: Latest Stories

Read article about the music: https://iskconnews.org/jahnavi-harrison-and-willow-smith-collaborate-on-new-devotional-song-surrender,7354/

Jahnavi Harrison and Willow Smith Collaborate on New Devotional Song ‘Surrender’
→ ISKCON News: Latest Stories

Kirtan musician, Jahnavi Harrison and popular singer, Willow Smith have teamed up to release a new song entitled ‘Surrender (Krishna Keshava)’. The piece is a rendition of the sacred prayer for protection and shelter purportedly sung by Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu as he walked the length of India.

Swallowing the bitter pill
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 2 February 2020, London, United Kingdom, Bhagavad-gita 9.22)

Krsna consciousness is not a dreamy state of mind. Krsna consciousness is about realism. It is about actually seeing things as they are. To understand things a little deeper, then a little further; it is about looking up a little bit beyond the clouds. To actually see what is behind, and so on. Where is all this energy coming from? Even when we stand in front of the ocean and witness wave after wave washing ashore and we also notice that there is a powerful wind behind it, but where does all this energy come from? The sun is shining, but where does all this energy come from? All these planets are rotating, but where is all this energy coming from? And we feel dwarfed in front of a mountain, but what is a mountain in front of a universe? And what is a universe in front of many universes? How can we conceive the opulence of nature? And where does all that power come from? It always recalls the understanding of a Supreme Lord, a Supreme Controller. And when we come to the point of swallowing the bitter pill and actually accepting that we are not the Supreme, it hurts a little, but what to do? We are always inferior to the Supreme Lord, ouch! And when we actually come to the point that we are bowing down to Him, then everything finally starts to work!

The article " Swallowing the bitter pill " was published on KKSBlog.

ISKCON Scarborough – Virtual multimedia class – Different ways to go to the Spiritual world according to Bhagavad Gita – Sunday- 17th 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 have an online Sunday feast class on 17th May 2020 from 11 am to 12 noon.
Please note that this is a virtual class where you can take part from the comfort of your home.

Topic: Different ways to go to the Spiritual world according to Bhagavad Gita

Date: 17th May 2020 (Sunday)

Time: 11 am to 12 noon

Link to join the class from your desktop or laptop:

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

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

Will war break out because of the corona crisis, as some devotee-astrologers say – should we withdraw to self-sufficient village communities?
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Answer Podcast

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Should devotees believe conspiracy theories about say the origin of the corona virus?
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When the holy name is everything, why do we need prudent action to complement prayer?
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Can there be religion for atheists?
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Gita key verses course 19 – What is yoga. – Gita 06.11
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Wednesday, May 13, 2020
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

A Cure

At the start of today’s walk I took our resident monk from Bangladesh with me to show him what is a dandelion, that brightly yellow-colored flower that Europeans brought to the New World (North America) long ago. I plucked out one of those little flowers of wonder, which some people call a weed, so Dwarkanatha, also our major cook, could see it.

“The flower head is delicious as a pakora. The young leaves are great in a salad,” I explained. He appreciated the gesture of education and is committed to trying it out as food preparation of a nutritious kind. Then he told me something significant about herbal power that was like a miracle to hear.

He told me last week that 36 monks (brahmacharis) in our Dakatemple/ashram had been found with Covid-19 positive. That was devastating to hear. The whole facility was shut down.

But then one of the members, a medical-smart person, had them take a tea 3 times a day internally and three times breathe in this same substance with its steam. The report now is a glorious one. All those victims of the virus now read negative.

“So my dear Dwarkanatha, what is this cure and what are the ingredients?” I implored. This is what he said:

Black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric in water, boiled, steeped in water.

“Okay, so more people should give it a try,” I suggested.

“Yes,” he said firmly with a smile. I proceeded walking happily taking my Trinidadian walking partner, Aisvarya, with me.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

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

Tuesday, May 12, 2020
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

The Meeting of the Brahmins

It was like the meeting of the brahmins, only some brahminswere not Vedic or even Hindu. Yesterday evening I was on the call with faith leaders of different backgrounds. Our subject was “Our Stronger Together Interfaith Zoom Gathering.” It was the coming together of groups from Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism and Hinduism and it was accomplished by way of zoom. Kevin Moore of the United Church was the convener and we spoke about the pandemic and how to respond to it. In other words, what are the different groups doing about it. I represented the Hindu community particularly for the Regent Park area.

It is encouraging to hear what goes on charity-wise, especially in the area of feeding folks in need. Each leader was actually a presenter keeping to the theme “From Our Hearts to Our Actions.” The allotted time for presentation was from 3-5 minutes. That ended up being a kind of joke being that almost everyone went over time. I guess each and every one takes pride in their services to others. The caring nature of the session was quite uplifting and I’m looking forward to a future venture as well.

Now I’ll let you see in part of my presentation. I expressed the need to not only tell my congregants but to whoever can be inspired to do so, to build up your immunity and strength through walking outdoors. “To combat the little demon, Covid, we require to work on resilience.” I felt passionate about saying and doing so. When you’re strong you can help others.

Today I did what many people do in our neighbourhood—walk the service road along the railroad tracks.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

What is the spiritual perspective on capitalism?
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What were the principles of dharma that Krishna descended to establish?
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What were the principles of dharma that Krishna descended to establish? How were they lost? How were they restored after the Kurukshetra war?
Answer Podcast

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Varnasrama College Launches Online Courses
→ ISKCON News: Latest Stories

Varnasrama College — ONLINE will be officially inaugurated on May 15th, 2020 (Friday) with a global Go-Vrishabha Puja in conjunction with Vrishabha Sankranti.

Living Wills and Advanced Directives: What You Need to Know
→ ISKCON News: Latest Stories

Kaunteya Das intreviews lawyer Devakinandana Das. A video by the GBC Strategic Planning Team.

Vrajavadhus Kirtan
→ ISKCON News: Latest Stories

A video by ISKCON Vrindavan.

Top 5 Most ancient temple complexes in India
→ ISKCON Bhakti Centre Gold Coast

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Peter Jackson

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How are mortar and bowl used in temple rituals?
→ ISKCON Bhakti Centre Gold Coast

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc porta fringilla ullamcorper. Morbi felis orci, lacinia a velit et, sodales condimentum metus.

Curabitur sed erat vel tellus hendrerit tincidunt. Sed arcu tortor, sollicitudin ac lectus sed, rhoncus iaculis lectus. Ut efficitur feugiat enim a euismod. Mauris suscipit vehicula imperdiet.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation.
Peter Jackson

Curabitur sed erat vel tellus hendrerit tincidunt. Sed arcu tortor, sollicitudin ac lectus sed, rhoncus iaculis lectus. Ut efficitur feugiat enim a euismod. Mauris suscipit vehicula imperdiet.

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Why are there incense and candles in the mandirs?
→ ISKCON Bhakti Centre Gold Coast

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Curabitur sed erat vel tellus hendrerit tincidunt. Sed arcu tortor, sollicitudin ac lectus sed, rhoncus iaculis lectus. Ut efficitur feugiat enim a euismod. Mauris suscipit vehicula imperdiet.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc porta fringilla ullamcorper. Morbi felis orci, lacinia a velit et, sodales condimentum metus.

Curabitur sed erat vel tellus hendrerit tincidunt. Sed arcu tortor, sollicitudin ac lectus sed, rhoncus iaculis lectus. Ut efficitur feugiat enim a euismod. Mauris suscipit vehicula imperdiet.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation.
Peter Jackson

Curabitur sed erat vel tellus hendrerit tincidunt. Sed arcu tortor, sollicitudin ac lectus sed, rhoncus iaculis lectus. Ut efficitur feugiat enim a euismod. Mauris suscipit vehicula imperdiet.

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What musical instruments are in Hindu temples?
→ ISKCON Bhakti Centre Gold Coast

Quis hendrerit dolor magna eget est

Curabitur sed erat vel tellus hendrerit tincidunt. Sed arcu tortor, sollicitudin ac lectus sed, rhoncus iaculis lectus. Ut efficitur feugiat enim a euismod. Mauris suscipit vehicula imperdiet.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc porta fringilla ullamcorper. Morbi felis orci, lacinia a velit et, sodales condimentum metus.

Curabitur sed erat vel tellus hendrerit tincidunt. Sed arcu tortor, sollicitudin ac lectus sed, rhoncus iaculis lectus. Ut efficitur feugiat enim a euismod. Mauris suscipit vehicula imperdiet.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation.
Peter Jackson

Curabitur sed erat vel tellus hendrerit tincidunt. Sed arcu tortor, sollicitudin ac lectus sed, rhoncus iaculis lectus. Ut efficitur feugiat enim a euismod. Mauris suscipit vehicula imperdiet.

Quis hendrerit dolor magna eget est

Top 3 most famous Buddha statues in the world
→ ISKCON Bhakti Centre Gold Coast

Quis hendrerit dolor magna eget est

Curabitur sed erat vel tellus hendrerit tincidunt. Sed arcu tortor, sollicitudin ac lectus sed, rhoncus iaculis lectus. Ut efficitur feugiat enim a euismod. Mauris suscipit vehicula imperdiet.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc porta fringilla ullamcorper. Morbi felis orci, lacinia a velit et, sodales condimentum metus.

Curabitur sed erat vel tellus hendrerit tincidunt. Sed arcu tortor, sollicitudin ac lectus sed, rhoncus iaculis lectus. Ut efficitur feugiat enim a euismod. Mauris suscipit vehicula imperdiet.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation.
Peter Jackson

Curabitur sed erat vel tellus hendrerit tincidunt. Sed arcu tortor, sollicitudin ac lectus sed, rhoncus iaculis lectus. Ut efficitur feugiat enim a euismod. Mauris suscipit vehicula imperdiet.

Quis hendrerit dolor magna eget est

Gita key verses 18 What is mind – What is mindfulness Gita 06.05
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Gita key verses course 14 What is karma Why do bad things happen to good people
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I like to talk about Krishna and feel nourished by speaking Krishna-katha, do I have a pure devotee syndrome – what should I do?
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Preservation, Protection, Promotion and Perpetuation of Vedic Culture, by Stephen Knapp
→ Stephen Knapp

One of the primary needs for Vedic culture right now, especially in places like India, is the following formula of preservation, protection, promotion and perpetuation of its existence. I call these “the four pers”.

I have traveled all over India and have seen many situations where this formula is most needed. I have already written some reports on this, but let me explain a little more clearly the basics of this formula.

PRESERVATION: is the first step. You have to work in ways to preserve the culture to make sure it will also be around over the long term so others can learn about it, take advantage of its wisdom, and even follow it for their own spiritual progress. This may include, but not limited to, such things as:

1. Preserve the great and ancient Vedic texts,

2. Preserve the main yoga systems, the dharmas that lead to God,

3. Preserve the temples and let them be freely maintained by those Hindus and devotees who are most sincere and qualified,

4. Distribute this literature for colleges, schools, personal homes, so it can spread,

5. Educate people in this knowledge, especially the youth so they are aware of it and know it,

6. Practice the traditions, such as the holidays and spiritual paths in everyday life.

PROTECTION: is the next step. Even if you do what you can to preserve the tradition, it may also come under attack in many ways. So you have to help protect it by:

1. Overcoming negative impressions that people may try to use to unnecessarily criticize or demean it,

2. Be on guard for negative press in newspapers or television, and work to correct it,

3. Watch for the use of devious ways and false statements that are said to convert people from the Vedic path to some other religion,

4. Be careful even of politicians who have a disdain for God, or for the Vedic culture and who try to work against it or promote some other ideology or religion at the cost of the Vedic institutions.

PROMOTION: this is important whether we like it or not. Many times Hindus or devotees feel there is no proselytizing in Vedic culture, so you have to be born into it or something like that, but there should be no process to convert others. However, in this day and age this is but a prescription for a slow extinction. Everyone and everything promotes what they have. Just like an author, he may have written the best book ever, but if no one knows about it, no one will buy it. Promotion of some form is a must. And the Vedic tradition is one of the most profound and dynamic cultures the world has ever seen. Therefore, there is a great need to let others know about it. This does not mean that you have to be in a conversion campaign, but you can certainly share what you know of it. Many people are looking for deeper levels of spirituality, but they do not know where to look, or they do not know the depth of what the Vedic path or its knowledge has to offer. Someone has to be willing to tell them. In fact, we all should be willing. Therefore:

1. Everyone can be a Vedic Ambassador to simply share with other seekers the ways the Vedic culture has helped them and what they have gotten out of it, the difference it has made in their life,

2. Promote it as a spiritual path that can help solve many of the world’s problems,

3. Distribute the simpler portions of the Vedic texts, such as Bhagavad-gita, or various forms of introductory literature that can introduce and easily explain what the Vedic path is so others can benefit from it,

4. Open the temple doors to all who want to come and investigate it or be a part of it so others can see what it is and how to get started,

5. Offer classes on yoga and Vedic philosophy for the same reason,

6. And hold programs wherein the youth can also be a part of it and practice it,

7. Arrange for radio or even cable TV programs so everyone can learn from it or stay connected.

PERPETUATION: is why we do all of the above. How can we keep Vedic culture a flourishing and dynamic path? By doing all of the above, and providing the means to show people how to practice it. Without the preservation, protection, and promotion of Vedic culture, it cannot be perpetuated. This is where such things as the following can be helpful:

1. Establish and maintain temples that help uphold and show how to practice the Vedic traditions (I have written a whole book on what can be done through temples),

2. Hold classes and study groups, either at temples or at homes, wherein people get together to comfortably converse on various topics of the Vedic texts to help everyone understand it and how deep or practical it is, and then invite friends to join,

3. As mentioned above, spread this knowledge through book distribution, radio, and various other programs, so people can learn about it and utilize it in their lives,

4. Set yourself as an example for those who know you, but at least for your family and children so they begin to understand it, recognize its potential and practice it as well. If you take it seriously, it will leave positive impressions on others.

There are many other points that can be listed. I have already written detailed action plans that can be used to carry these ideas much further. But the main issue is that we have to work to keep the Vedic culture very much alive and available for everyone. It is what I call the “last bastion of deep spiritual truth.” If this should ever disappear, the world will never know what it has lost.

Some people may say that it is an eternal religion, Sanatana-dharma, so it will never fade away. But have they really read the Bhagavad-gita, wherein Lord Krishna explains that one of the reasons why He appeared was to re-establish the Vedic Dharma, which had become lost?

Lord Krishna says, “I instructed this imperishable science of yoga to the sun-god, Vivasvan, and Vivasvan instructed it to Manu, the father of mankind, and Manu in turn instructed it to Iksvaku. This supreme science was thus received through the chain of disciplic succession, and the saintly kings understood it in that way. But in course of time the succession was broken, and therefore the science as it is appears to be lost. That very ancient science of the relationship with the Supreme is today told by Me to you because you are My devotee as well as My friend; therefore you can understand the transcendental mystery of this science.” (Bg.4.1-3)

So, yes, it is eternal but can disappear from the face of the earth, and does at times. It is up to those of us who are serious and sincere to make sure that it can continue being a practical spiritual culture far into the future by applying the above mentioned “four pers.”

Monday, May 11, 2020
→ The Walking Monk

Bay St., Ontario

Trees Please

Bay Street is the place where many lawyers have set up office. That might conjure up uneasy feelings for some people who venture that way on foot. Being that simple monk that I aspire to be, I have little to do with legal affairs and not much need to venture down this street. It’s definitely not my first choice to come to. The place is rather bland from an optical perspective. Perhaps the city is trying to change that. They’re doing it with some green. Yes, trees please?

On a strip of this thruway you now have a few welcoming trees and along with them some plaques to support their presents.

“If you would know strength and patience, welcome the company of trees.” Hal Borland

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now.” Chinese Proverb

“Between a human and a tree is the breath. We are each other’s air.” Homage to the Ancient Celts

“Our best friend on earth is the tree. When we use it respectfully, we have one of the greatest resources on earth.” Frank Lloyd Wright

My walking partner, Nimai Nitai, and I were appreciating the newly planted friends although they have a way to go before they reach their splendorous self, but that’s okay. “It’s just now coming,” is a common saying in English-speaking India.

My favourite line from Chaitanya’s verses is “one should be tolerant like a tree.” In that regard they are our gurus.

May the Source be with you!

4 km

Gita key verses course 17 Why are religious people so sectarian – Is it better to be spiritual but not religious Gita 05.18
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How have greed, anger and lust been institutionalized in today’s world?
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Talk with ISKCON New York via Zoom, May 10
Giriraj Swami

Giriraj Swami read from and spoke on the teachings of Queen Kunti—Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.25.

“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. A man may see a tiger swallowing him in a dream, and he may cry for this calamity. Actually there is no tiger and there is no suffering; it is simply a case of dreams. In the same way, all calamities of life are said to be dreams. If someone is lucky enough to get in contact with the Lord by devotional service, it is all gain. Contact with the Lord by any one of the nine devotional services is always a forward step on the path going back to Godhead.” —Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.25 purport.

Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.25 (Right click to download)

Nrsimha Caturdasi Entries: Children’s Creations and Online Sessions
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!: Nrsimha Caturdasi - Saturday ...

On May 6 we celebrated the festival that marked the appearance of the Lord in his wondrous form of half man-half lion. Lord Nrsimha stunned the worlds when He appeared and continues to do so today with his contradictory personality. Just like a cub that feels safe in the mouth of the lion, a sincere devotee is assured that the Lord will protect him from all kinds of impediments.

The online festivities lasted from May 3-6, however, for the children the fun will last a WHOLE MONTH! We have Camp Nrsimha (ages 5-12 years), a virtual weekly interactive event that will be held every Tuesday of the month: May 5, 12, 19 and 26. These sessions are facilitated via beautiful visuals, sharing of the pastime (story), and other learnings by our beloved teachers at Krishna Funskool. Pictures of the session to be included shortly!

Also see below submissions sent in to us. A gentle reminder, if you would like to send in your child's work, please send pictures by Saturday 9pm each week. The pictures should be accompanied by the child's name, age and caption for their work. Watch this space for weekly updates!
Please note: Videos will have to be updated to your personal Youtube channel/an external source so please send us the links only, not the file itself.

Working on the theme of Lord Nrsimha and his devotee Prahlad will help your child understand how at any age they can be spiritually connected in a variety of ways. Click HERE for resources and guidelines.

Contributions to Date

1. Colouring of Lord Nrsimha by Sujay (5yrs)

2. Drawing of Lord Nrsimha killing Hiranyakashipu by Avighnay Chakraborty (5yrs)

3. Colouring of Prahlad being saved by Lord Vishnu by Saanvi Vanam (8yrs)

4. Mask craftwork of Lord Nrsimha by Saanvi Vanam (8yrs)

5. Drawing of Prahlad seeking protection of the Lord while in the fire

by Chinmay Sivakumar (10yrs)

6. Cute videos HERE and HERE of a Nrsimhadeva Chatterbox by Gauri Valhe (10yrs)

Please note that this video is hosted on an external site and we have no control over the related videos

7. Craft-work, Nrsimhadev emerging from the pillar by Nandha (7yrs)

8. Prahalad offering prayers to Lord Nrsimha by Chinmay Sivakumar (10yrs)

9. Nrsimhadev with His conch and spinning disc by Srihita (7 yrs)

The Completion of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta
Giriraj Swami

Today marks the completion of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta by Srila Krishnadasa Gosvami, four hundred and five years ago, at Radha-kunda.

At the end of the Madhya-lila (25.277–279), Srila Krishnadasa Gosvami writes:

“The devotees who have taken shelter of the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu take the responsibility for distributing nectarean devotional service all over the world. They are like clouds pouring water on the ground that nourishes the fruit of love of Godhead in this world. The devotees eat that fruit to their hearts’ content, and whatever remnants they leave are eaten by the general populace. Thus they live happily.

“The pastimes of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu are full of nectar, and the pastimes of Lord Krsna are like camphor. When one mixes these, they taste very sweet. By the mercy of the pure devotees, whoever tastes them can understand the depths of that sweetness.

“Men become strong and stout by eating sufficient grains, but the devotee who simply eats ordinary grains but does not taste the transcendental pastimes of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Krsna gradually becomes weak and falls down from the transcendental position. However, if one drinks but a drop of the nectar of Krsna’s pastimes, his body and mind begin to bloom, and he begins to laugh, sing and dance.”

In his purport to this verse, Srila Prabhupada advises, “All the devotees connected with the Krsna consciousness movement must read all the books that have been translated (the Caitanya-caritamrta, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Bhagavad-gita and others); otherwise, after some time, they will simply eat, sleep and fall down from their position. Thus they will miss the opportunity to attain an eternal, blissful life of transcendental pleasure.”

The last verses of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta (Antya 20.144–157) follow:

“The Vrndavana Deities of Madana-mohana with Srimati Radharani, Govinda with Srimati Radharani, and Gopinatha with Srimati Radharani are the life and soul of the Gaudiya Vaisnavas.

“So that my desires may be fulfilled, I place the lotus feet of these personalities on my head: Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, with Lord Nityananda, Advaita Acarya and Their devotees, as well as Sri Svarupa Damodara Gosvami, Sri Rupa Gosvami, Sri Sanatana Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, who is my spiritual master, and Srila Jiva Gosvami.

“The mercy of their lotus feet is my spiritual master, and my words are my disciples, whom I have made dance in various ways.

“Seeing the fatigue of the disciples, the spiritual master has stopped making them dance, and because that mercy no longer makes them dance, my words now sit silently.

“My inexperienced words do not know how to dance by themselves. The mercy of the guru made them dance as much as possible, and now, after dancing, they have taken rest.

“I now worship the lotus feet of all my readers, for by the mercy of their lotus feet there is all good fortune.

“If one hears the pastimes of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu as described in Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, I wash his lotus feet and drink the water.

“I decorate my head with the dust of the lotus feet of my audience. Now you have all drunk this nectar, and therefore my labor is successful.

“Praying at the lotus feet of Sri Rupa and Sri Raghunatha, always desiring their mercy, I, Krsnadasa, narrate Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, following in their footsteps.

“Sri Caitanya-caritamrta is filled with the activities of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who is the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself. It invokes all good fortune and destroys everything inauspicious. If one tastes the nectar of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta with faith and love, I become like a bumblebee tasting the honey of transcendental love from his lotus feet.

“Since this book, Caitanya-caritamrta, is now complete, having been written for the satisfaction of the most opulent Deities Madana-mohanaji and Govindaji, let it be offered at the lotus feet of Sri Krsna Caitanyadeva.

“Realized devotees are like bumblebees maddened by their own mellows at Krsna’s lotus feet. The scent of those lotus feet perfumes the entire world. Who is the realized soul that could give them up?

“In Vrndavana in the year 1537 Sakabda Era [A.D. 1615], in the month of Jyaistha [May-June], on Sunday, the fifth day of the waning moon, this Caitanya-caritamrta has been completed.”

Attached is a photograph of Srila Krishnadasa Gosvami’s bhajana-kutira at Radha-kunda, where he wrote Sri Caitanya-caritamrta. The painting of him was a copy done by Mother Arca-vigraha, one of her last services before she left this world.

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Why are we averse to authority?
→ Krishna Dharma

It seems many of us do not like the government telling us how we should conduct our lives. The current lockdown has elicited vigorous opposition in certain corners of the media, and indeed on many streets around the world. The suggestions that a vaccine may become mandatory, if and when it is eventually developed, will no doubt create even bigger waves of resistance. Professor Ian Philip, a health expert at Sheffield University and government advisor, said, “The real challenge is that people don’t want to hear messages from government…”

I am sure that many of us can relate to the problem; the resistance we often have to being directed by others, especially authorities. I know I can. Recently I took delivery of a new mobile phone. Quite a complex affair, boasting a range of amazing new features. Being a typical male, with an inbuilt aversion to being told how to do anything, I tossed aside the instruction manual and set about figuring it all out for myself. Soon I had managed to connect to the internet, send off a couple of video mails, and record a short film of the clutter on my desk–but had not succeeded in setting up my speed dials, the first thing I had attempted. Needless to say, I ended up consulting the manual anyway.

Sadly, it is not only with phones that I have this problem. Never mind the government’s helpful advice, I struggle with even the supreme authority. As shocking as it may sound, I must confess to not always being a paragon of perfect virtue. Although I daily study my scriptures, I will admit that I don’t always do what they say. However, the inevitable result is the same as with my new phone. I end up frustrated. But one thing I have managed to learn over the years is that such frustration is actually a good thing, for me it is the Lord’s mercy, letting me realise that I am getting it wrong, ignoring his directions. In truth we have very little control over this world. We try our best, but at the end of the day there is a power beyond us all in control.

In the Bhagavad-gita Krishna tells us that this power is him. “This material energy is working under my control.” When we recognise and surrender to that divine power, things are so much easier, as the Lord goes on to explain. “One who takes shelter of me very easily crosses over the otherwise insurmountable material energy.” Understanding this, Martin Luther King said that when he faced a particularly difficult time he would “spend an extra hour on his knees in prayer”, rather than working longer and harder trying to solve the problems himself.

God has already given us so much help. After all, as the creator and controller of the world we could expect him to provide information about how it all works, just like the manufacturer of a phone or whatever. And he does. Scriptures are like divine instruction manuals. They are not meant to curb our creative freedom, but to show us how to get what we want, which means happiness. That is what Krishna wants for us also. By guiding us away from excessive indulgence and towards spiritual life he is not some kind of killjoy, aiming to make our lives miserable. In fact, by following him we find our misery subsiding and eventually disappearing. The result, described in Vedic terms, is eternity, pure self-knowledge and bliss–our real spiritual existence.

Surely if we pursue pleasure at any cost, oblivious to God’s guidance, we can never achieve enduring happiness. This is the road down which we are currently racing, chasing more and more material progress, but we need to stop and look where we are going. Martin Luther King summed it up nicely when he said, “The means by which we live have outdistanced the ends for which we live. Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.”

So as well as taking the government’s carefully considered advice meant for our physical well-being, let’s also ensure that we adhere to the Lord’s guidance, meant for our eternal spiritual welfare.