Gangamata Goswamini Appearance
→ Ramai Swami

From her childhood Princess Sachi devi, the daughter of King Naresh Narayana of Bengal, showed unalloyed devotion to Lord Sri Krishna. She even refused to marry on account of her genuine attachment to Krishna. After her father’s demise she ruled the kingdom. But she soon renounced it to find a bona fide spiritual master.

Princess Sachi devi met Sri Haridasa Pandit, a leading guru in Vrndavana, and began performing devout bhajana to Govindaji. Although she became frail from undereating, she would always sleep on the Yamuna’s sandy bank, and rise before sunrise to clean Govindaji’s temple. Daily she would hear Bhagavata-katha, see Govindaji’s arotika, circumambulate Radha-Syamasundara’s lila sthanas (pastime places) such as Vamisivata, Seva Kunja, Nidhu vana, Rasa Sthali.

Receiving encouragement from Sri Haridasa Pandit, Sachi devi completely dropped her false ego, put on rags, and went house-to-house in Vraja begging alms. The Vrajavasis were astonished by her severe renunciation. Taking her guru’s sugges­tion, she went to Radha-kunda to associate with Sri Laksmipriya devi dasi, a dear disciple of Sri Haridasa.

Following Thakura Haridasa’s perfect example, Laksmipriya devi daily chanted 300,000 names (192 rounds) of Krishna. Everyday the two ladies would circumambulate Govardhana Hill and worship Krishna.

On her guru’s order, Sachi devi went to the home of Sarvab-hauma Bhattacarya in Jagannatha Puri. Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya and most of Lord Gauranga-sundara’s eternal associates had al­ready returned to Goloka Vrndavana. Sachi devi restored Sarvabhauma’s house, and established first-class worship of Sri Shyama Raya, a Deity given to her by a Jaipur brahmana. Everyday she lectured on Srimad Bhagavatam. Her classes became popular attracting eager listeners from miles around. Many people, including brahmanas and King Mukunda Deva, took in­itiation from Sachi devi.

On the day of Ganga Sagara Mela, Sachi devi, who was resid­ing in Jagannatha Puri, desired to bathe in the Ganges. That night the Ganges flowed from the lotus feet of Lord Jagannatha and came to Sachi’s ashrama. Entering Ganga Devi’s waters, Sachi floated to the lotus feet of Jagannatha Swami inside the temple.

After unlocking the doors the next morning the pujaris were surprised to find her inside the temple. Thinking she was a thief, they immeditately put Sachi devi in jail. Seeing this mistake, Lord Jagannatha appeared simultaneously in a dream to both the Puri King and the head pujari. The Lord ordered them to release Sachi devi dasi and take initiation from her. From then on she became famous as Gangamata Gosvamini.

TED Talks: “Let’s Make The World Wild Again”
→ ISKCON News

Earth, humanity and nature are inextricably interconnected. To restore us all back to health, we need to “rewild” the world, says environmental activist Kristine Tompkins. Tracing her life from Patagonia CEO to passionate conservationist, she shares how she has helped to establish national parks across millions of acres of land (and sea) in South America […]

The post TED Talks: “Let’s Make The World Wild Again” appeared first on ISKCON News.

Aid during School Closures: Srimad Bhagavatam for Young Readers
→ ISKCON News

  Many devotee parents are often wondering how to meaningfully engage their home-bound children in devotional activities, which is especially relevant during the weeks of school closures. A great remedy could be a book series by Aruddha Dasi, entitled as Srimad Bhagavatam: A Comprehensive Guide for Young Readers. About the Author Aruddha dasi, a dedicated […]

The post Aid during School Closures: Srimad Bhagavatam for Young Readers appeared first on ISKCON News.

ISKCON Scarborough – Virtual multimedia class – HG Dravida das – Sunday 31st May 2020 – 11 am to 12 noon-"Dasa Mula: The Ten Roots of Gaudiya Vaishnava Philosophy"
→ ISKCON Scarborough



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

Virtual class details:
Date: 31st May 2020
Day: Sunday
Time: 11 am to 12 noon
Topic: Dasa Mula: The Ten Roots of Gaudiya Vaishnava Philosophy
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

Uncertainty And Surrender
→ ISKCON News

What I remember most was how quickly I was able to accept what was happening. An eastward swing down Porter Street, a long residential mediary between two busy thoroughfares, offers an easy and enjoyable tree-lined descent to cyclists with a modicum of common sense.  But am I a sensible cyclist? Nope.  I was coasting down a curve after leaving […]

The post Uncertainty And Surrender appeared first on ISKCON News.

TOVP Launches New Talk Show, Grand Opening Still Set for 2022
→ ISKCON News

With architects working virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic, new 3D renderings of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium in Mayapur have been released. The images of the temple – which is still expected to see its grand opening in 2022 – show Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasasana, the Grand Deity altar and temple room, and various walkways […]

The post TOVP Launches New Talk Show, Grand Opening Still Set for 2022 appeared first on ISKCON News.

How River Yamuna Cleaned Itself In 60 Days Of Coronavirus Lockdown
→ ISKCON News

Two months of the Coronavirus lockdown have done what successive governments could not do in 25 years with over Rs 5,000 crore at their disposal-clean up the Yamuna river. As industrial activity halted and other commercial activities slowed during the lockdown, the Yamuna river cleaned itself, allowing numerous Indian and migratory birds to flock to […]

The post How River Yamuna Cleaned Itself In 60 Days Of Coronavirus Lockdown appeared first on ISKCON News.

How To Hold Others Accountable Without Becoming Judgmental
→ ISKCON News

Suppose police remain silent while a rioting mob lynches hapless victims. For such an alarming dereliction of duty, the police need to be held accountable. The same applies to anyone who takes up a responsible position, whereby they are expected to do certain actions.  Though we need to make judgments when holding people accountable, we […]

The post How To Hold Others Accountable Without Becoming Judgmental appeared first on ISKCON News.

Towaco Zoom Sangas A Bright Spot in the Darkness of the Pandemic
→ ISKCON News

In the darkness of COVID-19, with devotees around the world under stay-at-home orders for months on end, virtual programs have brought much needed inspiration and association. One of the stand out bright spots has been the Towaco Zoom Sangas.  Organized by ISKCON of New Jersey’s Towaco temple in the USA, the program has delivered talks […]

The post Towaco Zoom Sangas A Bright Spot in the Darkness of the Pandemic appeared first on ISKCON News.

The Secret for Success in Spiritual Life, Zoom Talk With ISKCON Boston
Giriraj Swami

“While teaching Rupa Gosvami, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, guru-krishna-prasade paya bhakti-lata-bija: one can achieve the seed of devotional service by the mercy of the guru, the spiritual master, and then by the mercy of Krishna. This is the secret of success. First one should try to please the spiritual master, and then one should attempt to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Visvanstha Cakravarti Thakura also says, yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado. One should not attempt to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead by concoction. One must first be prepared to serve the spiritual master, and when one is qualified he is automatically offered the platform of direct service to the Lord.” Srimad-Bhagavatam 7.9.28 purport.

The Secret for Success in Spiritual Life (Right click to download)

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)