Vrindavan Das Thakur Disappearance
→ Ramai Swami

Srila Vrindavan Das Thakur was born in Mamgachi in Navadwip, West Bengal. His mother was Sri Narayani Devi, the niece of Srivasa Pandita, an ardent follower of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Srila Vrindavana Das Thakur’s father, Vaikunthanatha Vipra, was from Sylhet in East Bengal. However, it is said that his father died before he was born so his mother moved to the house of Srivasa in Mayapur. In his youth Vrindavan Das Thakur took initiation from Lord Nityananda, one of the main associates of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and he was apparently his last disciple.

In 1535, Srila Vrindvan Das Thakur wrote the Chaitanya Bhagavata, a biography of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Initially, the Chaitanya Bhagavata was named Chaitanya Mangala. However, the poet Locana Dasa also wrote a work with this title. Therefore, the leading Vaishnavas in Vrindavan met and decided that henceforth Srila Vrindavan Das Thakur’s book would be known as the Chaitanya Bhagavata, and Locana Das’s book would remain as the Chaitanya Mangala.

Srila Vrindavan Das Thakur was considered by Gaudiya Vaishnavas as the Vyasa of Chaitanya’s pastimes, since he was the first to reveal that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was God himself and not just an incarnation of Godhead. As Srila Vyasadeva told Sri Krishna’s pastimes in Bhagavatam and other Puranas, Srila Vrindavan Das Thakur described Chaitanya lila in Chaitanya Bhagavata.

Wednesday, April 15, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Norah Does It Well

Jazz musician Norah Jones, daughter of sitar maestro, Ravi Shankar, has put herself online singing the piece, “I Am Missing You, Oh Krishna.”  Originally sung by Laksmi Shankar on one of Ravi’s albums, Norah puts it out in a sweet tone on her piano.  I played the song for the few of us at the ashram at supper. It was forwarded to me by Gaurachandra of Calgary.  With himself being a great sax and flute player, he has a love for music and so decided to share it.

I believe that during this pandemic time when things could be gloomy, lending an ear to devotional music can be very uplifting.  In the morning after we greet our deities, as what’s called darshan, our monks sit down for a bhajan, a song of devotion.  Every week we switch to a different bhajan for diversity.  This week’s song is authored by Lochana das and I heard our guru, Prabhupada, teach this piece we usually call “Parama Karuna” in February 1975 in Atlanta.  Oh it was beautiful!

Our neighbours on Roxborough Street are still making their music by banging pots and pans and blowing whistles at 7:30 every evening.  I was looking after that time for an opportunity to video something for an Instagram download for today.  Lo’ and behold I heard the harmonium playing through the ether and a soft charming voice was accompanying it.  There in a humble corner of our temple room sat and sang our cook, Dwarkanath.  He was loving it and so was I.

May the Source be with you!
4km
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kptlAtiNV8

Tuesday, April 14, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Coronal Globe

Another poem: Coronal Globe

How did they do it? I asked for fun
Get all the nations to move as one
Herding the cats of the coronal globe
In the culture of kama, krodha, and lobh
And who are they…… anyway
Conspiracy theorists do certainly say
It’s the Orient or perhaps an elite few
But this is so much fodder to actually chew
We need not delve into the depths of this
It can lead to a dark, ominous abyss
Contemplation on dubious matter
Can break one’s bhaktimaking it shatter
I started a garden with much endeavour
An elephant came, destroyed it, said, “Never!”
We could give attention to a lofty place
Or glide down in life to a lower case
The trickster mind says, “I know the truth”
Know it for certain it’s the voice of youth
So prioritize and face those lotus feet
Where blue and red do virtually meet
Time is short, it’s death, it’s God
He’s laying the carpet and sowing the sod
Making the clock go clickety click
If we don’t move he’ll give us a kick
Sands do sift through the hourglass
Approach life in style and in class
People may say not to turn a blind eye
I say “touché,” too much pie in the sky

May the Source be with you!
5km

Monday, April 13, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Be Grounded


Yes, I’m still in T.O. or what rapper, Drake, calls “The Six” (six boroughs), however, my mind is all over the place.  Yes, today it gravitated to San Diego, Calgary, Ottawa, Miami, Australia, Russia, Spain—just about everywhere that a dream leads to—oh, and even the sun.

I thought of Hanuman who flew to the sun.  You might as well say I traveled ethereally to all under the sun and in one sense, to the sun as a passenger with the powerful monkey himself.   Today there was no presence of the sun within our view.  Clouds, pushed by speedy winds, obscured its visage.

During this windy walk at Ramsden Park my dhoti cloth was half in the sky and half on myself.  Everything was racing and so was my mind.  Should it be… racing?  Fortunately for me, on this afternoon, all my subtle trips from San to Spain were devotionally-driven.  I would like to champion myself on this and even if, per chance, my subtle sense was to drop down in Vegas, I can squarely say, “I’m here to be of some service to you souls who really don’t need to go to the slot machines.  There’s something of greater value.”

Yes, I can truly say I’m hooked on this bhakti yoga which is like kayaking a swift river that in no way you can seriously back-paddle.  To confess, desires of diverse kind do surface, however, I’m inclined to say, “Get ye behind me!”

The sport that we play is a harnessing of wild child in me.  Behave, Mind!

I discontinued my walk and looked at the exterior of our temple ashram thinking, “It’s a rock.  My determination must be like that – grounded.”

May the Source be with you!
4km

Sunday, April 12, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Rectification: Possible

There are more people than ever before walking the streets in Rosedale and doing so, safely.  My walking partner for several Sundays now is Nimai Nitai.  He’ll come down to our ashram/temple door at the agreed upon time.  Our rule is to not let anyone in—only the rare serviceman or the person delivering the produce.  Nimai must wait.

So there he is, well equipped with his mask.  We set off to the ravine that connects one from David Balfour Park to the Brickworks.

Easter in many represents a rebirth, a new start.  I’m sorry but the Easter bunny doesn’t turn me on whereas the Christ figure does.  One quality that stands out are his traits of kindness and forgiveness.

After Nimai and I completed our ravine trek I swiftly prepared for another one of those broadcasts, this time for our Calgary community and the topic was really about forgiveness and God giving a second chance.  Having a look at 9:30 and 9:31, two verses from the Bhagavad-Gita, sheds some light on how a person should be perceived if fallen from grace.  In other words, let’s say someone endeavours with all sincerity on the devotional path but then by some circumstance weakens, verse 30 states that such a person retains a status of saintliness because he/she applies determination in the rectification.  Verse 31 indicates “quickly” one can be redeemed.

Another important point made by our guru, Prabhupada, is that a person who weakens should never be shunned but be encouraged.

That was my discussion after a devotional dance demo, a kind of workout or spiritual aerobics.  It was odd having nothing in front of you but a cell-phone camera.

May the Source be with you!
6km

Saturday, April 11, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Some Healing Practices


A doctor friend from Florida amicably suggested I hear “Nature’s Way of Telling You Something’s Wrong,“ by the band “Spirit,“ not that it would act as a panacea but perhaps to ponder on an obvious element of truth given the pandemic we are in.  So, I looked them up, listened to the song and it’s fine.  For my medical friend it’s nostalgic.

Oops!  But I had to rush downstairs for another broadcast of Dwarkanath, Corrado and I chanted.  We chose this song, “Bhajahu Re Mana” by Govinda Dasa Kaviraja.  Dwarkanath is great at making pizza (Corrado knows so well) and he’s expert at mrdunga drum.  Corrado plays light on the karatals (hand symbols).  I sing as the lead.  They follow.

Verse 3 of the song translates as, “What assurance of real happiness is there in all one’s wealth, youthfulness, sons and family?  This life is tottering like a drop of water on a lotus petal; therefore you should always serve and worship the divine feet of Lord Hari.”

The melody is outstanding.  Very moving.

After our broadcast, held in the temple room, we dashed (or Corrado did. He’s 29 and is a dancer) for the prasadam room for our regular reading of Krishna book, which is just the right fit for any bhakti-yogi.

My final “ritual” for the day was that walk through Rosedale.  Sure enough, there I met Bill once again at the walk over-bridge.

“Hey, Bill, did you do your puja today?”

“Yes, I have a lingam. I use a camphor flame, water, a flower…”

His puja or ritual is important to him as is his bike riding.  This Easter weekend for me is purifying.

May the Source be with you!
6km

H.H. Radhanath 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 Radhanath 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.

DOWNLOAD #GIVINGTOVP FUNDRAISER FLYER FOR SHARING

 
#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.H. Radhanath Swami Speaks About the #GivingTOVP 10 Day Matching Fundraiser appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

When Lord Chaitanya destroys demonic mentality, not demons, why did the person who threatened devotees constructing the Juhu temple die?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post When Lord Chaitanya destroys demonic mentality, not demons, why did the person who threatened devotees constructing the Juhu temple die? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

FACING POSSIBLE DISEASE OR DEATH, WHAT IS YOUR URGENT NECESSITY THAT CALLS YOU TO ACT, AND NOT BE AFRAID?
→ Karnamrita's blog

As some of you know I have mainly been recycling older blogs and slightly modifying them to represent some of my current struggles in my treatment protocols. With this offering I am writing afresh, having to discontinue my treatment due to the lockdown here in Vrindavana, though I present similar themes to what I teach as a result of facing possible death for the last 4 ½ years as well as intense headaches and other pains for the last year. I still consider personal or horizontal growth work important for those contemplating the shortness of their life which includes getting our inner (emotional/mental) and outer (physical) house in order.

Why? The simple reason, according to my understanding from personal experience, is that the trauma, disappointment, wounds, and pain from this life and previous lives negatively impacts our practice of bhakti by taking energy away from our focus on loving devotional service and tends to cause us to make offenses to others by our reacting to them based on our past emotional pain and trauma. Progressive spiritual life, and even a successful material life, requires changing unthinking patterns of behavior that don’t serve us or anyone else.

Part of progressive endeavor comes through intense, threadbare introspection, to let us understand our negative patterns or habits of thinking and acting. There are many processes that can assist us in such work and help us be more focused and present spiritually, which is the greatest necessity. We are advised to accept whatever is favorable for our bhakti and give up what isn’t, and that can open up possibilities we might not have considered before.

read more

FACING POSSIBLE DISEASE OR DEATH, WHAT IS YOUR URGENT NECESSITY THAT CALLS YOU TO ACT, AND NOT BE AFRAID?
→ Karnamrita's blog

Author: 
Karnamrita Das

As some of you know I have mainly been recycling older blogs and slightly modifying them to represent some of my current struggles in my treatment protocols. With this offering I am writing afresh, having to discontinue my treatment due to the lockdown here in Vrindavana, though I present similar themes to what I teach as a result of facing possible death for the last 4 ½ years as well as intense headaches and other pains for the last year. I still consider personal or horizontal growth work important for those contemplating the shortness of their life which includes getting our inner (emotional/mental) and outer (physical) house in order.

Why? The simple reason, according to my understanding from personal experience, is that the trauma, disappointment, wounds, and pain from this life and previous lives negatively impacts our practice of bhakti by taking energy away from our focus on loving devotional service and tends to cause us to make offenses to others by our reacting to them based on our past emotional pain and trauma. Progressive spiritual life, and even a successful material life, requires changing unthinking patterns of behavior that don’t serve us or anyone else.

Part of progressive endeavor comes through intense, threadbare introspection, to let us understand our negative patterns or habits of thinking and acting. There are many processes that can assist us in such work and help us be more focused and present spiritually, which is the greatest necessity. We are advised to accept whatever is favorable for our bhakti and give up what isn’t, and that can open up possibilities we might not have considered before.

read more

H.H. Bhakti Caru 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 Bhakti Caru 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.

DOWNLOAD #GIVINGTOVP FUNDRAISER FLYER FOR SHARING

 
#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.H. Bhakti Caru Swami Speaks About the #GivingTOVP 10 Day Matching Fundraiser appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Gita key verses course 16 – If God is good why does he allow evil to exist?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast


 

Video:

The post Gita key verses course 16 – If God is good why does he allow evil to exist? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Abhirama Thakur Disappearance
→ Ramai Swami

Sri Abhirama Gopal Thakura  was also known as Sri Rama Das. He was a great Devotee of Lord Nityananda.  On the order of Nityananda Prabhu, he became a great acharya and preacher of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. 

He was a very influential personality, and atheists and blasphemers were very much afraid of him. Empowered by Nityananda Prabhu, he was always in ecstasy and was kind to all fallen souls. It is said that if he offered obeisances to any stone other than a shalagram-shila, it would immediately burst into pieces. 

According to Gaura-Ganodesa-Dipika  (12) in Krishna-lila he was Sridama, one of the 12 prominent boy cowherd friends of Sri Krishna. He was Nityananda’s dear-most devotee. Abhirama Gopal’s wife’s name was Malini devi.

Abhirama Thakura had a bullwhip that was imbued with divine power. Its name was “Jayamangal.”  Whoever was struck with this whip became filled with Krishna Prema.  

One day Srinivasa Acharya went to take darshan of Abhirama Gopala.  At that time, Abhirama Gopal touched him three times with Jayamangal. The Thakur’s good wife, Malini, cried out, “My Lord! Do not touch him again. Calm yourself. Srinivas is only a boy. If you touch him again he will lose consciousness.” As a result of coming in contact with the whip of Abhirama Thakura, Srinivasa Acharya became filled with Sri Krishna Prema.

When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu ordered Nityananda Prabhu to preach in Bengal, he sent Abhirama Gopal and Gadadhara Das along with him. His disappearance day is on the seventh day of the dark moon in the month of Chaitra, and on that day a great festival attended by thousands of devotees is held every year in Khanakula-Krishnanagara. 

Food For All UK Distributing 4,100 Meals Daily, Expects to Increase to 20,000
→ ISKCON News: Latest Stories

With the UK now about to go into its fourth week of lockdown, people who would be struggling from one week to the next during normal times are now running out of money. Many are also sick or completely isolated in their homes without any family members. In this environment, more and more community groups are calling for free meals to help those in need. 

TOVP Architecture Department Report Architecture at the Moment – April 2020
- TOVP.org

The Lives Inside Our Head

It gives me great pleasure to introduce the stars working in the capacity of Architects and Designers who institute the Architecture office in Pune and Mayapur.

The Corona virus put the world on standstill, and Pune still worse. No meetings, no travels, no outdoor movements. This is no impediment for the TOVP Architects, as they find ways and means to remain connected and working virtually.

This report captures snippets of weekly works undertaken by each individual member.

Click here to see it in your browser or download a copy to your desktop for offline reading.

The post TOVP Architecture Department Report Architecture at the Moment – April 2020 appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Krishna Consciousness Is the Vaccine for all the Diseases
Giriraj Swami

Srila Prabhupada’s Letter to Dr. W. H. Wolf-Rottkay, June 18, 1975:

Biological evolution is taking place on account of the soul’s desire. It takes place because of infection. If a man has smallpox virus, then he is subjected to smallpox. It is not that everyone is infected and everyone is attacked with smallpox disease. Only the person who is infected, he is attacked.

In this connection, Krishna says in the Bhagavad-gita, purusah prakrti-stho hi bhunkte prakrti-jan gunan karanam guna sango ’sya sad-asad-yoni-janmasu [Gita 13.22]. Purusa means the living entity, or the soul. He is subjected to be infected by the modes of material nature. There are three modes of material nature: sattva-guna, raja-guna, tama-guna. And when they are mixed up, they become 3 x 3 = 9, and 9 x 9 = 81, and in each quality, there are millions of forms. Therefore the total number of forms is 8,400,000.

So, the diseases are there, and the forms of disease are also there. Material form means diseased form. Therefore, one has to change this form—death. And he carries with him the infection, and he develops another disease. In this way, the soul, although part and parcel of God, in diseased condition is forced to change body. That is transmigration of the soul from one body to another.

To be more clear, the disease is there. Just as the smallpox disease is there. One has to become diseased, being infected. Similarly, the forms of the body are there. One has been infected by the form and it develops. Karanam guna sango ’sya sad-asad-yoni-janmasu. Because he is infected by different diseased forms, therefore he is developing different forms of body. There is no such case of smallpox changing into malaria. Smallpox is smallpox, and malaria is malaria. By the desire of the living entity, he becomes infected with a certain disease or body. Krishna consciousness is the vaccine for all the diseases (different forms of material bodies).

Krishna says,

mam ca yo ’vyabhicarena bhakti-yogena sevate
sa gunan samatityaitan brahma-bhuyaya kalpate
                       [Gita 14.26]

Brahma-bhuyaya is the immune stage, or Krishna Conscious stage, when one is always fixed in Krishna. When one reaches this perfectional stage he no longer has to accept these different types of diseases, or bodies.

I hope this meets you in good health.

Your ever well-wisher,
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Gita key verses course 13 Gita 4.11 Why are there so many religious paths Do all paths lead to the same goal
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast


 

Video:

The post Gita key verses course 13 Gita 4.11 Why are there so many religious paths Do all paths lead to the same goal appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Friday, April 10, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

A Cyclist
 
Let’s call him Bill.  I met Bill now for two consecutive days in a row—yesterday and today—at nightfall actually.  It was just after our neighbors banged pots and banged whistles outside their doors, an indication that we are battling King Corona.

The weather the last two days has been brisk but Bill was out on his bicycle doing what I’m doing, a ritual of sorts.  I’m moving my legs a step at a time and he’s moving his, but off the ground and in a cyclical fashion.  I’m chanting while walking and he’s meditating in the process, I assume.

Yesterday he stopped operations near me and near his apartment in Rosedale keeping that respectful distance.  His question was, “Which Order?”

“Krishna Consciousness.”

And Bill said, “Oh yes, I’ve been to your Tuesday gathering at the Krishna Centre.”  We chatted.  It’s rare to meet someone, who’s not of Indian descent, and talk about Krishna‘s dialogue with Arjuna, about overcoming our weakness in the face of adversity.

Bill asked if we have gurus, and I said “yes,” because he has one.  He also mentioned that he does puja and also recognized the word bhakti when I mentioned that it is this love that we want to achieve.  His preference is the love for Shiva which is fine by me.  I offered Bill a mantra card.

Tonight I met him again at a bridge that arches over a railway route.  We continued from where we left off the day before.  The exchange of words was great, on topic, on this Easter Friday evening.  We both noted the North Star and parted.  I hope to see Bill again.

May the Source be with you!
6 km

Thursday, April 9, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto, Ontario

Free Screening of HARE KRISHNA!


View FREE! for a limited time only

HARE KRISHNA! The Mantra, the Movement and the Swami who started it all

A 90-minute Feature-length Documentary

“A stirring story!”
— The Washington Post
“An uplifting spiritual experience, regardless of one’s personal beliefs or religion.”
—Red Carpet Crash

- Released theatrically in 38 countries
- Best Picture – Illuminate Film Festival
- 9.6/10 IMDb.com
- 4.9/5 Amazon.com

Synopsis: Hare Krishna! is a documentary on the life of Srila Prabhupada–the 70-year-old Indian Swami who arrived in America without support or money in the turbulent 1960s.  It explores how he ignited a worldwide revolution of spiritual consciousness, known as the Hare Krishna Movement.

Prabhupada’s uplifting story is emotionally moving and has given inspiration and hope to many, especially in this very difficult time.  We wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy and best wishes to those who are suffering from the current pandemic and our condolences to the relatives and friends of those who have passed away.  Please take the time to watch HARE KRISHNA! and spread the word to others.  If you are inspired to see ongoing distribution of the movie in more languages, your support would be most welcome. Go to: http://www.harekrishnathefilm.com/donate
Also available on DVD.
—The Producers at Inner Voice Productions

From Friday, April 10th at 12pm (EST-USA) to Monday, April 13th at 12pm (EST-USA)

Subtitles in 19 languages

YouTube:   https://youtu.be/zMfsz9hJz18
Vimeo:   https://vimeo.com/284017187

May the Source be with you!
5km

Wednesday, April 8, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Midland, Ontario

Then and Now

I managed a walk through Midland’s downtown which is under siege by a construction crew.  A big dig.  Perhaps water pipelines need to be replaced.

In the 1600s this place was also under siege by a certain kind of way.  At that time Jesuits from France came to the New World (North America) and to this region with the intent to preach their sermon to the local indigenous people, the Wyndad, also known as Hurons.  Unfortunately or fortunately the mission failed.  Many of the Hurons were favourable to the peaceful brothers in their black robes sporting substantial beards but a percentage caught some incurable disease.  Perhaps a virus?

This area was virgin territory—clean and pristine—but Europe with its dense population had known of plagues.  I don’t know if we can blame the Black Robes, yet by circumstance illness had come in and next to that was the attack by the warrior-like Iroquois.  The history here is rich.  Foundational remains of Ste. Marie among the Hurons and a reconstructed town of those times exist.

Now I was downtown, founded in 1875.  My first encounter on the main street was a young fellow who pulled up his makeshift mask and didn’t meet my eyes at all.  The second person an elderly Caucasian coming out of the bank with conventional mask.  He put palms together and bowed.  Minutes later and a maskless dude stoppedand spoke. “You look out of place here.”   Since the Jesuits perhaps there hadn’t been a clash of cultures.  We talked.  Nice guy.  I gave him the mantra.

May the Source be with you!
4km

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.

DOWNLOAD #GIVINGTOVP FUNDRAISER FLYER FOR SHARING

 
#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.

DOWNLOAD #GIVINGTOVP FUNDRAISER FLYER FOR SHARING

 
#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.