Tuesday, April 7, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Wasaga Beach, Ontario

Best Rest

The conditions for a perfect stroll next to the water, first by the river Credit, then Nottawasaga Bay was laid out as our providence for today.  It was at the bay that Jivan and I were taken by the still water bearing the image a mirror.  Its surface was much like opaque aqua-hued glass with the slightest ripples at the beaches edge.  A wonder to behold.

What really came to us as waves were the geese above.  They were soaring high in the sky moving in their usual V-shaped formations, one flock after another after another.  The installments were also frequent.  We became arrested at one point of the beach, viewing this amazing air force of feathers, cheering on these collaborative honkers.  They make a sound that dominates the heavens above.  Only periodically did sound become silent when the faintness of lapping of water was audible.  Such grace.

Jivan and I have stretched our necks sufficiently.  We sat then on soft sand chanting that ancient and purest of mantras, “Hare Krishna.”   Soft sand, good sky, while flawless air was hugging us – what a perfect scenario.

I needed this.  He gets it all the time.  You know, I accidentally left my cell phone behind which added to the tranquility of the situation.

In Jivan’s waterfront home we read scripture, we ate light organic veggies from the oven, held kirtan together and allotted some moments for him to pluck away at his guitar strings, making Spanish melodies.  This is a perfect fit for the night before retiring for the evening.  I had the best rest.

May the Source be with you!
3km

Vyasa-puja & book 2020
→ KKSBlog

Even though the Vyasa-puja festival and Kingsday were cancelled this year, the devotees from the ISKCON Durban temple in South Africa made a humble effort to have a private event for the Vyasa-puja of His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami, and simultaneously stream it live to Mayapur TV and Youtube channel. Devotees joined in from all over the world to stream this event live.

Bhakti Caitanya Swami spoke a few words and residing devotees also had the opportunity to share their experiences and offerings to Kadamba Kanana Swami. After the ceremony, Kadamba Kanana Swami thanked everyone, including the devotees who were watching online, and shared his appreciation of all who spoke and made an effort to organize the event.

Maharaj also took this opportunity to share his prayer for those watching and listening, which in light of the recent events around the world particularly, serves as a prayer for all of us.

‘We do not know what the material world will bring us, good or bad, materially speaking. But it changes nothing. Every time that we go through a difficult situation, and in that difficult situation we take shelter of devotional service, of Srila Prabhupada and of Krsna, and it will make us stronger. In the end, we will come out better’.

‘The flow of the mercy of Lord Caitanya is never obstructed, whatever the situation is. We are all in different places in lockdown right now, but we are still together at Srila Prabhupada’s feet and at Krsna’s feet. So at this time, let us take full advantage of this golden opportunity and if we do this, this human form of life will become the perfect pathway to go back to Godhead. And that is my prayer that we all utilise this one birth to go back home to Godhead’.

Vyasa-puja Book

The Vyasa-puja book is available for downloading in PDF, Epub and Kindle formats. Use the links below to download. The book was designed by Sruti Rupa devi dasi and editing was done by Harsarani devi dasi. Ebooks were created by Nama Rupa devi dasi.

Download pdf ebook
Download epub ebook
Download kindle ebook

Looking for Vyasa-puja books from previous years? Go here…

Vyasa-puja Video Address

Watch the Vyasa-puja class on Youtube, or view the video below.

The article " Vyasa-puja & book 2020 " was published on KKSBlog.

TOVP Care Announces a Goodwill Campaign – Daily Nrsimha Yajna for Devotee Protection
- TOVP.org

As Nrsimha Caturdasi is less than a month away, and the dangers of the worldwide Corona virus pandemic hang over everyone’s heads into the foreseeable future (several devotees have unfortunately already passed away from the virus), the TOVP Management has made an important decision to call on Mayapur Nrsimha’s help.

ISKCON Mayapur is the World Headquarters of ISKCON and the TOVP is the future home of our Deities here. It thus behooves us to act for the benefit of all devotees worldwide as gratitude for their support in building this temple and for keeping the samkirtan movement alive by calling on the Lord of the universe in His form of Lord Nrsimha Who gives protection.

Under Ambarisa prabhu’s instruction, this Goodwill Campaign will include a daily Nrsimha yajna for the protection of the worldwide devotee community specifically, and humanity in general. To participate, we request all devotees to send us their names using the email address below, so they may be announced to the Lord during the daily yajna. We will compile this list and send weekly reports by email of our service, and also post the same on the TOVP website.

Please email your name to:
 

TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH

Visit us at: www.tovp.org
Follow us at: www.facebook.com/tovp.mayapur
Watch us at: www.youtube.com/user/tovpinfo
View us 360° at: www.tovp360.org
App at: https://m.tovp.org/app
News & Texts at: https://m.tovp.org/newstexts
RSS News Feed at: https://tovp.org/rss2/
Buy from us at: https://tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/
Support us at: https://tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities/

The post TOVP Care Announces a Goodwill Campaign – Daily Nrsimha Yajna for Devotee Protection appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

ISKCON India serves 6 million plates of Prasad
→ Mayapur.com

Since March 22nd India has been under lockdown due to COVID-19 pandemic. While this has affected the entire country, but millions of low-income families, daily wager laborers, migrant workers, in particular, have been hit hard due to the closure of business and industries. You may be glad to know that, despite all the physical and […]

The post ISKCON India serves 6 million plates of Prasad appeared first on Mayapur.com.

H.G. Jananivas Prabhu Speaks About the #GivingTOVP 10 Day Matching Fundraiser
- TOVP.org

Recently we sent out the official announcement about the Second Annual #GivingTOVP 10 Day Matching Fundraiser which you can read here. This event starts on April 26 (Akshaya Tritiya) until May 6 (Nrsimha Caturdasi) and is poised to raise over $300,000 to help the completion of Lord Nrsimha’s entire East Wing and altar in the TOVP for the opening ceremony during Gaur Purnima 2021.

In this video His Grace Jananivas prabhu speaks about the importance of this fundraiser for completing Lord Nrsimha’s temple wing and altar by 2021.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Due to the disastrous effects of the Corona virus pandemic worldwide and the 21 day lock-down in India, ISKCON Mayapur is experiencing a serious financial crisis. On account of this emergency situation, Ambarisa and Braja Vilasa prabhus from the TOVP have decided to help ISKCON Mayapur by creating an extension campaign to the #GivingTOVP Fundraiser called the TOVP Care Emergency Matching Fund Campaign. Ambarisa will match 10 cents for every dollar raised for the #GivingTOVP Fundraiser (online only) and donate it to ISKCON Mayapur.

For more information go ​here​.

Please download and share the #GivingTOVP Fundraiser flyer below.

 
#GivingTOVP Matching Fundraiser & TOVP Care Emergency Fund Campaign


 

TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH

Visit us at: www.tovp.org
Follow us at: www.facebook.com/tovp.mayapur
Watch us at: www.youtube.com/user/tovpinfo
View us 360° at: www.tovp360.org
App at: https://m.tovp.org/app
News & Texts at: https://m.tovp.org/newstexts
RSS News Feed at: https://tovp.org/rss2/
Buy from us at: https://tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/
Support us at: https://tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities/

The post H.G. Jananivas Prabhu Speaks About the #GivingTOVP 10 Day Matching Fundraiser appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Gita key verses course 12 Gita 4.8 Who is God Does he care Why should I care
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast


 

Video:

The post Gita key verses course 12 Gita 4.8 Who is God Does he care Why should I care appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Srila Prabhupada on Jesus Christ
→ Ramai Swami

As Lord Jesus Christ said, we should hate the sin, not the sinner. That is a very nice statement, because the sinner is under illusion. He is mad. If we hate him, how can we deliver him? Therefore, those who are advanced devotees, who are really servants of God, do not hate anyone.

When Lord Jesus Christ was being crucified, he said, “My God, forgive them. They know not what they do.” This is the proper attitude of an advanced devotee. He understands that the conditioned souls cannot be hated, because they have become mad due to their materialistic way of thinking.

In this Krsna consciousness movement, there is no question of hating anyone. Everyone is welcomed to come and chant Hare Krsna, take Krsna-prasada, listen to the philosophy of Bhagavad-gita, and try to rectify material, conditioned life. This is the essential program of Krsna consciousness. 

ISKCON Scarborough – Online multimedia class – Meditation on the form of the Lord – Part 2 – Sunday 12th April 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 tomorrow on 12th April 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: Meditation on the form of the Lord - Part 2 (SB 3.28.21 to 33) = 13 verses
Date: 12th April 2020 (Sunday)
Time: 11 am to 12 noon
Link to join the class from your desktop or laptop:
https://us04web.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)

Summary:
Lord Kapila is instructing His mother Devahuti on how one should concentrate and meditate on the form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

SB 3.28.11:
By practising the process of prāṇāyāma, one can eradicate the contamination of his physiological condition, and by concentrating the mind one can become free from all sinful activities. By restraining the senses one can free himself from material association, and by meditating on the Supreme Personality of Godhead one can become free from the three modes of material attachment.


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

ISKCON & TOVP Leaders Speak About the #GivingTOVP & TOVP Care 10 Day Matching Fundraiser
- TOVP.org

In the wake of the historic and landmark opening of the 1.5 acre, 69 rooms TOVP Pujari Floor in February, the TOVP Management is now preparing to open the completed Nrsimha temple wing and altar in 2021. For that purpose we are focusing the Second Annual #GivingTOVP 10 Day Matching Fundraiser from April 26 (Akshaya Tritiya) until May 6 (Nrsimha Caturdasi) for this purpose, and Ambarisa prabhu has pledged to match the total collection up to $150,000.

However, due to the recent India lockdown, ISKCON Mayapur is in a financial crisis and our World Headquarters is in need of assistance from one-and-all members of ISKCON. To help with that cause, Ambarisa and Braja Vilasa prabhus have added an extension campaign to the #GivingTOVP fundraiser called the TOVP Care Emergency Fundraising Campaign in which 10 cents from every dollar donated online will go directly to ISKCON Mayapur. Read more about that here.

The interviews of ISKCON leaders were made prior to the addition of the TOVP Care Campaign, but the importance of both projects cannot be overemphasized. Despite the world situation due to the worldwide Corona virus pandemic, ISKCON and the TOVP must continue at all costs and your one donation will help this combined effort.

To make a donation to the #GivingTOVP & TOVP Care Campaign go here.

Please download the #GivingTOVP & TOVP Care Flyer and spread the word.

 
#GivingTOVP Matching Fundraiser & TOVP Care Emergency Fund Campaign


 

TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH

Visit us at: www.tovp.org
Follow us at: www.facebook.com/tovp.mayapur
Watch us at: www.youtube.com/user/tovpinfo
View us 360° at: www.tovp360.org
App at: https://m.tovp.org/app
News & Texts at: https://m.tovp.org/newstexts
RSS News Feed at: https://tovp.org/rss2/
Buy from us at: https://tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/
Support us at: https://tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities/

The post ISKCON & TOVP Leaders Speak About the #GivingTOVP & TOVP Care 10 Day Matching Fundraiser appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Gita key verses course 11 Gita 4.1-2 What is revelation Is it for real
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast


 

Video:

The post Gita key verses course 11 Gita 4.1-2 What is revelation Is it for real appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Monday, April 6th, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

The Blue Green

Siberian squill—that’s the name of it. I looked it up after I saw this wondrous ground cover that’s blanketed front and back yards. It is a type of grass with a blue flower and it was just there, suddenly, a sign of spring, and it has sprung! It’s a kind of pop-goes-the-weasel in the plant family.

I took to a trek in the Rosedale area out under the sun like so many others. I noticed the flowers everywhere—a plant pandemic of sorts.

While things look gloomy on the social side. I personally push for cheery optics in the course of my walks. There they were—a sweet blue and green togetherness. When you see it all around, you can’t help but get excited to some extent.

One other sign of rejoice that’s happening in our neighbourhood, on Roxborough west, is the 7:00 o’clock clap and clang session. People are coming out of their homes, beating pots and pans, and clapping palms together. It’s applause for the medical performance in the combat of the notorious corona. My own cynicism tells me it’s hard to believe that our street can find cohesion, and party in a way, together, but it’s happening. Maybe some mantraadded to the mix would be nice.

Our cook at the ashram, Dwarkanath, is just turning out miracles from the kitchen, which is another good sign of hopefulness. Try lightly sautéed asparagus. Or Brussel sprouts and mixed veggie stir fry. Then there was his Chana, a chickpea delight. The monks and I ate it, read from Nectar of Devotion and then the musically inclined want for mrdanga drum lessons. It all started with the Siberian squill.

Made the Source be with you!
5 km




Sunday, April 5th, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

The Castle in the Neighbourhood

Nimai allowed me to take the lead and direction for the early evening stroll. “Let’s head for Casa Loma, the castle that’s in our neighbourhood,“ I suggested. So we did and Nimai was so surprised that this treasure of a building is so close by. We took that very street to the west of the edifice and then viola! There it was an all its splendour. 

In 1914, financier Sir Henry Pellatt built the landmark for his first wife, Mary, the first chief commissioner of the Girl Guides of Canada. The Gothic features of this residence draw many tourists.

Well, at least Nimai and I were drawn to it simply as a walking destination. Nimai stood there with shades on. Indeed I took my camera to zoom in on his face. The dark glasses captured the reflection of the building and included myself. It’s to admire.

It’s an impressive structure but most likely doesn’t compare to the buildings where Krishna resided in Gujarat, India’s west.  Dwarka is the name of the city which still stands, while remains of the original city are found along the coastline of the Arabian Sea. The city of ancient times, Dwarka, was engulfed by a tsunami in Krishna’s time.

It is unlikely that a major tidal wave could ever come to swallow Casa Loma. A distance of six kilometres from Lake Ontario. It’s up quite high on a hill. Interior features include ninety-eight rooms and thirty bathrooms. Imagine keeping that place clean!

May the Source be with you!
4 km




Kovida Compass
→ ISKCON News: Latest Stories

The word “kovida” appears in a celebrated verse from the Bhagavata-Purana: “Those who are intelligent and philosophically inclined (kovida) should endeavour for that which is beyond the material world." Let the mantra become part of you: adjust your expectation, accept your situation, and aspire for connection.

HH Gopal Krishna Maharaja Speaks About the #GivingTOVP 10 Day Matching Fundraiser
- TOVP.org

Recently we sent out the official announcement about the Second Annual #GivingTOVP 10 Day Matching Fundraiser which you can read here. This event starts on April 26 (Akshaya Tritiya) until May 6 (Nrsimha Caturdasi) and is poised to raise over $300,000 to help the completion of Lord Nrsimha’s entire East Wing and altar in the TOVP for the opening ceremony during Gaur Purnima 2021.

In this video His Holiness Gopal Krishna Maharaja speaks about the importance of this fundraiser for completing Lord Nrsimha’s temple wing and altar by 2021.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Due to the disastrous effects of the Corona virus pandemic worldwide and the 21 day lock-down in India, ISKCON Mayapur is experiencing a serious financial crisis. On account of this emergency situation, Ambarisa and Braja Vilasa prabhus from the TOVP have decided to help ISKCON Mayapur by creating an extension campaign to the #GivingTOVP Fundraiser called the TOVP Care Emergency Matching Fund Campaign. Ambarisa will match 10 cents for every dollar raised for the #GivingTOVP Fundraiser (online only) and donate it to ISKCON Mayapur.

For more information go ​here​.

Please download and share the #GivingTOVP Fundraiser flyer below.

 
#GivingTOVP Matching Fundraiser & TOVP Care Emergency Fund Campaign


 

TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH

Visit us at: www.tovp.org
Follow us at: www.facebook.com/tovp.mayapur
Watch us at: www.youtube.com/user/tovpinfo
View us 360° at: www.tovp360.org
App at: https://m.tovp.org/app
News & Texts at: https://m.tovp.org/newstexts
RSS News Feed at: https://tovp.org/rss2/
Buy from us at: https://tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/
Support us at: https://tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities/

The post HH Gopal Krishna Maharaja Speaks About the #GivingTOVP 10 Day Matching Fundraiser appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

New Vrindaban Scales Down to Core Personnel, Appeals to Devotees to Follow COVID-19 Guidelines
→ ISKCON News: Latest Stories

New Vrindaban has 2,200 acres, has been established as a foremost place of pilgrimage in North America, and welcomes 35,000 visitors per year. With a stay-at-home order issued in West Virginia, ISKCON New Vrindaban has closed down Prabhupada’s Palace, the Palace Lodge, and Govinda’s restaurant, losing half its income in the process. 

Gita key verses course 10 Gita 03.36 Do I have inner demons How can I slay them
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast


 

Video:

The post Gita key verses course 10 Gita 03.36 Do I have inner demons How can I slay them appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Pandemic Invitation
Giriraj Swami

My dear devotees,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

During this pandemic I would like to invite you to chant with me every morning (my time), and sometimes in the evening, live on Facebook on a page called “Giriraj Swami Japa Sanga.” There is also a WhatsApp link, where I notify everyone when japa is about to begin. The link to join is:

https://chat.whatsapp.com/DRFu2NnTq1D0uJr3kAJriU

I pray that everyone is keeping at a safe distance from one another but very close to the holy names of Krishna. Along with chanting japa, we sing prayers to Lord Nrsimhadeva—the supreme protector—and offer Vaishnava pranamas.

It is my firm conviction that by chanting the holy names of Krishna together—in the comfort of your own homes, while safely upholding all the pandemic guidelines—we can gain the spiritual strength to overcome all obstacles.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Gita key verses course 9 Gita 3.9 – What is sacrifice Is it a ritual Are rituals needed
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast


 

Video:

The post Gita key verses course 9 Gita 3.9 – What is sacrifice Is it a ritual Are rituals needed appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Saturday, April 4th, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Rascal In Me

An invisible virus – not here to please
Has locked us all in a very deep freeze
The source of which is our very own fault
Mistreatment of animals is the cause of the halt
Think of the chicks crammed in one place
Think of the cows all right in one space
Think of the bats that are in your soup
Think of the pigs all killed in a group
Think of the pigs are killed in a group
Think of the flesh of an ape as your lunch
Think of the dog on a plate as your brunch
Get down to the route, yes we are the cause
Blame it on God – please take a pause
The shop and the office are now closed down
This is reality all over town
People are keeping 2 metres away
Suspicions have risen – there’s little to say
Responsibility lies in our very own self
Pointing the finger should be put on the shelf
Nature lashing out, she’s just had enough
Karma does strike for all the bad stuff
When will we awaken to the beck and call
Pay attention to what makes us fall
What can be done for this predicament
Perhaps make respect something permanent
I wonder what lesson we will learn from this
When the storm blows over will we change or miss
When will we feel for the sick and those who’ve passed
How long will such sentiments really last
We can live in the gloom declaring our doom
Or shine like the sun or a full moon
Make that change that you ought to be
Kill the dark demon, the rascal in me.
                                           © Bhaktimarga Swami 2020



May the Source be with you!
0 km

Friday, April 3rd, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

A Good Time – Really Good

At 2:45 a.m. on Avenue Road, I heard a female passenger remarking to a cab driver, from just outside the vehicle, “Oh look, there’s a real monk!”

“Yeah, that’s a Hare Krishna! They’re nice people.“

Being only a few metres away, and at a most quiet time (especially these days), I caught the exchange, waved, smiled and went on my way.

Onward to Bloor, and near the Bata Shoe Museum, I came upon a musician with his guitar strapped to his back. “How are yah?“ he asked.

“Fine! And you?“

“Are you guys still serving those great meals, at your restaurant, for $10?“

“Definitely, but not at the moment.“

“Ahh! Shutdown like everyone else, eh?!“

“I’m afraid so! Take care! Be safe!“

I went as far as Christie Pitts where you find a tiger’s framed image lit up by fine lights (except for now—trying to save on the electricity, I guess).  Then I turned east on Bloor where a guy in one of those garbage trucks pulled over. He started and finished the whole mantra for me with no personal introduction. “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/ Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. Oops! I have to go!“ The light had turned green.

Now eastbound on Bloor and two young men on their way to work noticed me coming.  “Haribol!” said one of them.

I responded, because that’s my kind of language.

“Is there an ISKCON temple here?“

“Yes, I live there.“

“We are from Punjab. They are building a big, big temple there.“

We made friends. “Come to visit our temple. Here’s my card. Stay in touch…but don’t touch.“

May the Source be with you!
7 km

Thursday, April 2nd, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

I’m Sorry

I’m catching up, somewhat, on finding out how others are doing, in other parts of the world, in the wake of the Covid19 virus.  I called my dear friends in Cleveland, Paurnamasi and Mike. Mike was in the sauna.  Paurnamasi answered and, judging from what she tells me, the situation in Ohio is like anywhere else, shut down; stay at home.

Since Mike retired last year, he’s been more active devotionally. I wish this great couple a happy Ramnaumi. They are terrific. They are preparing some nice baked goods, driving to homes of people they know and delivering them to their doors; not coming inside; taking all precautions. This kind of neighbourly act is what is wanted right now. We may distance ourselves, but we need not alienate totally from each other.

This evening I did another one of those Facebook streamings. The topic was “Happy Birthday.“ The content was a bit more about how to deal with isolation. Examples are there in The Ramayana, in the talks of Rama, in The Mahabharata regarding the Pandava princes being in exile, and finally, in the story of Krishna‘s birth, which occurred when His parents were imprisoned.

My dad, who is from the Netherlands, used to speak about the Jews under deportation to horrible situations, or those in hiding, like the Frank family, isolated for two years in a spice factory upper level.

Many people who are accustomed to visiting their places of meditation, prayer, and worship are missing going to these places. I’m getting calls. “Can we make a short visit to the temple?“

And we have to say, regrettably, “I’m sorry!“


May the Source be with you!
3 km






Wednesday, April 1st, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Going Toward Rama

With the sun firmly in place for the entire day, it drew many people out on the sidewalks. And it was only Wednesday afternoon. If there is any good coming from the current shake-up, it’s getting people to do two opposing practices—stay home and get out. I was taken by the spirit of joy emanating from the people. Some days, we are down. Some days—up.

I walked down Beaumont Road to Number Five House. It was here, in this gorgeous Victorian-style home, that legendary songwriter and singer, Gordon Lightfoot, lived for a long time. He really is a talent, and is still kicking around. I hope he’s a walker.

My ‘sunwalk’ was completed and it was time to get ready for a meditation on Rama. Tomorrow is His birthday anniversary. He was born in the age of Treta, over 1 million years ago. The meditation I’m referring to is the reading of The Ramayana, as retold by Krishna Dharma. Credit goes to Rama Himself for living out His own divine legacy, and lest we forget, Valmiki, the original writer of the pastimes of Rama.

The reading tonight was focused on the story of Rama’s stringing and breaking the formidable bow of Shiva. This valourous deed of strength won Him the hand of Princess Sita in marriage, so naturally there was a dreamy aspect to this portion of His pastimes. The reading runs an easy fifty minutes, but I’m enjoying it like anything. Tomorrow I’ll be speaking about Rama from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

I’m hoping that Gordon will one day write a song about the prince who slayed the demon, Ravana, and saved the world from an ominous force.




May the Source be with you!
5 km 






Tuesday, March 31st, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Questions!

I make a point of taking a walk every afternoon. Reasons? I need the good Spring air. I need to connect with others who are feeling the same need, and I do it at a solid distance with a glance and a smile.

With temperatures above 0°C,  I find it quite pleasant; no coat required. With just my kurta and dhoti (upper and lower garments), I fair fine. I pull my beads out from the bead bag, not only to chant on them—uttering the mahamantra—but to let other pedestrians there in the park know that I’m praying, because chanting is praying.

Is there a need for prayer? Why yes! There’s a certain gloom in the atmosphere, and a feeling that people require both distance and closeness at the same time. Questions are in everyone’s mind. Questions like: “What is happening? How long will this go on for? Will I be able to go back to work/school? When will everything normalize? And what will normal be?“

I know for the time being that moving my legs along and chanting the mantra brings me a sense of security and certainty. I wish I could share the chant with others and help them deem it as important as the ambling they are doing.

I wonder if people feel some responsibility for the rampant virus. “Are we doing something wrong?” ”When this is all over will I, as an individual, change some of the ways I do things?“ “Can I blame one group of people for this deadly COVID 19 or are we all to blame.“

May the Source be with you!
3 km. 


Monday, March 30th, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Be Careful, Grateful, Helpful

I viewed the interview of Edna Boone, 100 at the time, and a survivor of the pandemic flu that hit the globe in 1918. She was ten when, after WWI, this deadly influenza came to her town in the southern states. Very revealing! Please review and become aware.    https://youtu.be/7k20VFZeLKY

When I take my daily walk, I see people in the park (usually Ramsden Park). I sense, as they do, that we are all in a fragile world and we need to be careful, grateful and helpful.

As one man put it, when he saw me at the edge of the park, “There’s doom and we are feeling it.“

I bump into this fellow periodically. He’s a character, but there a certain reality about him. I stopped to hear him. He usually doesn’t accommodate hearing from others, but anyways.

“Separation brings sorrow.“

I assume he meant separation from the Creator.

“Enjoyment brings pain.“

I can’t argue with that. Krishna makes that clear in the Gita. “Duality is a reality (my phrase).”  I walked on. He kept talking, loudly and clearly.

At the same time, we can’t be too depressed. I find that if you listen to people who don’t have time to hear you then you’re left frustrated. If you listen to the news too much you can get depressed. Broadcasters don’t leave you with hope.

So what do you do in tough times? ‘Cogitate!’ was a word that came my way on Instagram. One way to translate that is to contemplate, or meditate.

I read a chapter from The Ramayana, about the stories of Ram, and it went on the Internet. You can access it by this link.   https://www.facebook.com/174452304502/videos/684157395659832/

Available on ISKCON Toronto Facebook page.

May the source be with you!
4 km

“Deception” – A Book Trailer
→ ISKCON News: Latest Stories

A 2:31 minute video about the release of DECEPTION, the book by Mayeshvara Das that completely debunks the conspiracy that HDG A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada was poisoned. Video Executive Producer: Bir Krishna Goswami, written and directed by Nrsimhananda das. The book is available on Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/Deception-extrapolated-conspiracy-ambiguous-revolutionarys/dp/1734610115/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&qid=1586522574&refinements=p_27%3ADasa+Mayesvara&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Dasa+Mayesvara

H.H. Bhaktimarga Swami Speaks About the #GivingTOVP 10 Day Matching Fundraiser
- TOVP.org

Recently we sent out the official announcement about the Second Annual #GivingTOVP 10 Day Matching Fundraiser which you can read here. This event starts on April 26 (Akshaya Tritiya) until May 6 (Nrsimha Caturdasi) and is poised to raise over $300,000 to help the completion of Lord Nrsimha’s entire East Wing and altar in the TOVP for the opening ceremony during Gaur Purnima 2021.

In this video His Holiness Bhaktimarga Swami speaks about the importance of this fundraiser for completing Lord Nrsimha’s temple wing and altar by 2021.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Due to the disastrous effects of the Corona virus pandemic worldwide and the 21 day lock-down in India, ISKCON Mayapur is experiencing a serious financial crisis. On account of this emergency situation, Ambarisa and Braja Vilasa prabhus from the TOVP have decided to help ISKCON Mayapur by creating an extension campaign to the #GivingTOVP Fundraiser called the TOVP Care Emergency Matching Fund Campaign. Ambarisa will match 10 cents for every dollar raised for the #GivingTOVP Fundraiser (online only) and donate it to ISKCON Mayapur.

For more information go ​here​.

Please download and share the #GivingTOVP Fundraiser flyer below.

 
#GivingTOVP Matching Fundraiser & TOVP Care Emergency Fund Campaign


 

TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH

Visit us at: www.tovp.org
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The post H.H. Bhaktimarga Swami Speaks About the #GivingTOVP 10 Day Matching Fundraiser appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Gita key verses course 8 Gita 2.55 – What is happiness Why is it so elusive
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast


 

Video:

The post Gita key verses course 8 Gita 2.55 – What is happiness Why is it so elusive appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Shyamananda pandit Appearance
→ Ramai Swami

Srila Shyamananda Prabhu was a great devotee of Lord Chaitanya. He was a contemporary of the great Acharyas Srinivasa Acharya and Narottama Dasa Thakura. The three were eternal associates of Lord Chaitanya incarnated to spread His teachings after the Lord’s disappearance. They studied under Srila Jiva Goswami in Vrindavan. They created a resurgence of Lord Chaitanya’s Bhakti movement in Bengal and Orissa, where it was flagging in the period after the Lord had left the planet.

Sri Shyamananda was born on the Purnima (full moon day) of the month of Chaitra in a place called Dharenda Bhadura Puram, Utkala (Orissa). Noticing the auspicious moment of his birth it was predicted that he would be a great personality. His parents Sri Krishna Mandala and Srimati Sri Durika had lost many sons and daughters before his birth, so they named him Dukhi considering such a name would prevent any impending danger.

He was a brilliant child and quickly became proficient in the Vedic scriptures. After he heard the pastimes of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, he decided to dedicate his life to Their service. With the permission of his parents, He went to a great devotee of Lord Chaitanya called Srila Hridya Chaitanya in the place called Ambika Kalna in Bengal to get initiated as a disciple and study the teachings of Lord Chaitanya.

Srila Hridaya Chaitanya accepted him as his disciple and named him Dukhi Krishna Dasa. Seeing his keen intelligence and service attitude, Srila Hridaya Chaitanya thought it best for him to study the scriptures under Srila Jiva Goswami in Vrindavan.

Srila Jiva Goswami was happy to accept the disciple of Srila Hridya Chaitanya under his tutelage. Sri Dukhi Krishna dasa carefully served Jiva Goswami and studied the scriptures of the Goswamis very seriously.  

The puspa samadhi of Syamananda Prabhu and the place where he found Srimati Radharani’s anklet are located just across the street from the Sri Radha-Syamsundara temple in Vrndavana. Sri Sri Radha-Syamsundara are his worshipable Deities.

ISKCON Hungary Distributes Free Food and Face Masks to the Needy
→ ISKCON News: Latest Stories

While strictly following the rules of social distancing and hygenes, ISKCON Hungary's Food for Life devotees help people with free hot meals and face masks during the corona virus pandemic. The 10,000 face masks were donated by Lagoon, a devotee-owned business that recently switched its production from clothing to free face masks, to help people to stay healthy. 

A lesson from the sunrise
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 24 September 2017, Phoenix, Mauritius, Sri Sri Golokananda Temple Lecture)

Haridasa Thakura said that if the holy name is being chanted purely when the cleansing has been done, then the holy name will give us real love of God. He continued that it is said that it is just like the rising of the sun.

In the morning, before the sun rises, there is already light in the sky but the sun is still behind the horizon. You do not see the disc of the sun, yet the light is already there. Then slowly, the red disc of the sun comes along the horizon, and then we see the sunlight directly. So when the disc is not yet visible, it is the reflection of the sun, not the actual sun. In the same way, if we have not cleansed and adopted the principles of purity, both by our behaviour and changing our character, then the holy name will not be fully manifested, and then all that will be manifested is this nāmābhāsa – the dim reflection of the holy name. So this can purify us from birth and death and it can purify us from karma, but it will not yet give us Krsna prema. But, if we chant the holy name purely, then we become intoxicated, and then we become carried away by the holy name.

The article " A lesson from the sunrise " was published on KKSBlog.