Saturday, May 23, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Goodbye to serenity?


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

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

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

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

May the Source be with you!
5 km

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



Friday, May 22, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Trees


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Trees (Part-Two)

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

Written by Bhaktimarga Swami
(The Walking Monk)

May the Source be with you!
5 km

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





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

Answer Podcast

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

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

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

Crossing the Ocean of Nescience (Right click to download)

Kamala Devi Dasi
Giriraj Swami

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

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

Please pray for her.

Thank you very much.

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Our lack of desire
→ KKSBlog

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

From the book “Under the Desire Trees”

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

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

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

Available in the shop

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

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





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

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


Link to join the class from your desktop or laptop:

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

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

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


H.G. Dravida das

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

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

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



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

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

Podcast


 

Video:

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

Songs of the Acharyas
→ Ramai Swami

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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


Link to join the class from your desktop or laptop:

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

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

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





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

Danger Is Required
Giriraj Swami

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

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

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

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Thursday, May 21, 2020
→ The Walking Monk

Rosedale Toronto

Some Things Are Precious

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May the Source be with you!
5 km



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

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

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

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

Date: 23rd May 2020 (Saturday)

Time: 4 pm to 6 pm



Link to join the class from your desktop or laptop:

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

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

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


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


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



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

ISKCON Alachua Starts Gradual Reopening of Temple with Restrictions
→ ISKCON News

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

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

Wednesday, May 20, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Forest Hill/Rosedale

The Trail and the Family

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

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

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

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

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

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

May the Source be with you!
13km


Tuesday, May 19, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Across From Baskin

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

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

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

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

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

“What are you doing?”

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

“Teach me,” he mildly asked.

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

He tried.  “Hare Krishna!”

“Can you teach me another?”

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

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

May the Source be with you!
7 km

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAaCidrAi39/

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

Why did Krishna speak the Gita to Arjuna and not to the other Pandavas or to Bhishma?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post Why did Krishna speak the Gita to Arjuna and not to the other Pandavas or to Bhishma? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Vyasa-puja Appreciation for HH Indradyumna Swami Maharaja
Giriraj Swami

My dear Indradyumna Swami Maharaja,

Please accept my prostrated obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. And all glories to your service.

I could speak for many days about your service to Srila Prabhupada and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and for many hours about how you have helped me personally. But today I wish to focus on one area in particular in which you have helped me—my writing, which Srila Prabhupada said I should take up as my “first business” and which thus is my most important service.

Some years ago, you told me that I should bring out a book every year, and for three consecutive years I faithfully did that, publishing Watering the Seed (revised and expanded), Many Moons: Reflections on Departed Vaishnavas, and Life’s Final Exam: Death and Dying from the Vedic Perspective. Then one year at the Sadhu Sanga Kirtan Retreat, in my talk I mentioned some things related to the Juhu saga. Afterward, when I came down and sat next to you, you took my hand in yours and said, “I never heard many of these details before—you must bring out your book about Srila Prabhupada and Juhu as soon as possible.”

I took your instruction to heart, and for the last several years I have focused on that project. When the book was almost ready, you wanted to know what the title would be, and you gave some advice to make it shorter, and in the end I accepted one of your suggestions for the title: I’ll Build You a Temple: The Juhu Story. Now, with your encouragement, the book is almost ready to be sent to the BBT for printing.

Related to my writing is my base in Carpinteria, and here too you have given me valuable advice. You said that I should not burden myself and my small staff by having many programs there; rather, I should go out for preaching programs.

My writing is also inspired by my Deities. You were instrumental in my getting Sri Sri Gandharvika-Giridhari, you gave me Gopisvara Mahadeva, and you were involved in the establishment of the worship of Sri Sri Nitai-Gaura-nataraja and Sri Sri Radhika-Radhika-ramana.

There is no end to my debt to you, which will take me many lifetimes to even begin to repay—but that makes me very happy, because I want to serve Srila Prabhupada with you life after life. As Srila Prabhupada wrote to a disciple who asked about our relationships in ISKCON, “As to your question concerning whether relationships between devotees are eternal, the answer is ‘yes.’ This is confirmed by Sri Narottama dasa Thakura: cakhu-dana dilo yei, janme janme prabhu sei: ‘he is my Lord birth after birth.’ ” We are eternally connected in Srila Prabhupada’s service.

Hare Krishna.

Your eternal, grateful servant,
Giriraj Swami

Was India better under British rule than after independence? How do we understand Prabhupada’s statement
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

<a href=”http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/audio/CCD%20QA/2020%20QA/01-20%20QA/Was%20India%20better%20under%20British%20rule%20than%20after%20independence.mp3″ download=”download”><img class=”alignleft size-full wp-image-42879″ src=”https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Download.png” alt=”” width=”150″ /></a>

The post Was India better under British rule than after independence? How do we understand Prabhupada’s statement appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Upcoming Work at the TOVP
- TOVP.org

We are pleased to present a 3D image renderings collection of some of the upcoming work at the TOVP, and what you can expect to see as we move closer and closer to the Grand Opening in 2022.

What you will see below are 3D image renderings of Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasasana, the Grand Deity altar and temple room, and various walkways and halls on the main temple floor. We hope these will inspire and enthuse you with a vision of what’s to come when this magnificent project is completed.

[See image gallery at tovp.org]

The post Upcoming Work at the TOVP appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.