Mayapur GBC Org/Dev meeting
→ Ramai Swami

The organisation development committee is a sub-committee of the GBC, which made a presentation on the first day of the GBC meeting in Mayapur.

There are around twenty members of this committee and they are very active through the year thinking of ways to improve the organisation and structure of ISKCON.

Throughout the day, there was lively discussion on suggestions how to best move forward into the future.

How can an introvert practice bhakti when it is so social and public?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

I can’t think when I am with too many people. And I find public harinam kirtan distracting. But when I try to be alone, devotees say that I will go into Maya. But I feel more disoriented when I am with many people and more focused on Krishna when I am alone. How can I practice bhakti?

Answer Podcast

 
Transcription :

Transcriber: Keshavgopal Das

Question: How can an introvert practice bhakti when it is so social and public?

Answer: If one is an introvert, then it is part of one’s psychophysical nature and one needs to practice bhakti accordingly. Practicing bhakti does not mean going against our basic bodily nature. For introverts, we can find out appropriate services suiting to introvert nature and use those in Krishna’s service. Writing, editing, shastra study, teaching etc., these services are those where introverts generally flourish.

In general, important is that one should not remain unengaged. Association of devotees help in protecting us to become a puppet of one’s mind. This is because in association of others somebody is watching. However, this does not mean that association is the only way to practice bhakti. This is one way which works for many people. Association is also safe for many people.
As introvert, we can choose those services which allow us to remain absorbed more and more.

With respect to kirtans, it is not necessary to do kirtans with hands raised, dancing, smiling looking at others. That is certainly one of way of doing kirtans, but introverts can also do kirtan by closing their eyes, fold their hands, even if introverts dance that can be done inconspicuously. Any seemingly public activity like kirtan can also be done in a way which increases one’s inner absorption.

As far as association is concerned, an introvert may want to find out other introverts and associate with them. In the association of introverts, there will not be a constant pressure to talk something. There will be time in between the talks. There will be time to process the contents of our own consciousness. For extroverts, they talk continuously. For them the focus of action is external, but for introverts the focus is internal. Introverts generally think deeply about their thoughts and then they will speak. I am not saying that either of this way is better or worse. It is just that these are different natures of people. Bhakti Vinod Thakura also says (based on Srila Rupa Goswami’s Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu) that we should have like-minded devotee association (sajatiyashye snigdhe sadhau sangah svato vare). So, introverts can choose to have association of introverts.

It may not be very easy to find people who are introverts but with some search within an association, one may be able to find out. Extroverts find it delighting to be engaged in group conversation, but introverts would like conversation with one or two people at a time. Such a trait is not a form of a weakness, but just that it is a one trait. Introverts need time to think between meeting with people. Often, introverts tend to be deep thinkers. If their introversion is carefully channelized in devotional services e.g. writing or editing, they may find it fulfilling. It is not necessary to be always with people, speak something, be in a large group. Also, other devotees should make it a necessity that somebody with introvert nature should not be engaging with large groups. Besides writing or editing, there could be other services also which one can do.

Often, some of the great insights in world history have come from introverts. Since they think deeply about concepts, they are able to give better explanation of existing things, give new concepts. In the devotee community, the introverts should protect themselves from Maya’s attack by keeping them properly engaged because they may be alone and if attacked by Maya, there will be no one to take care of them. They should have some other sympathetic devotee guide who understands their nature and keep a connection with them in case they are under Maya’s influence.
Introverts may need some facility in the understanding community of devotees. If may be difficult initially because in the early days of devotion everybody has to conform to a standard behaviour in order to be recognized as devotee. Although, there need to be conformity in many aspects in the initial days, but it is not that a kshatriya has to behave like a brahmana (or a brahmana as a kshatriya) in order to qualify as a devotee. Being spiritual does not mean that we have to conform to exactly in the same ways. For introverts, it may take some time for the devotee community to understand, so one will need devotees who understands introverts and associate more with such devotees. Also, introverts should not associate with those devotees who are constantly disagreeing and discouraging because such an attitude will dishearten, and one may unnecessarily give up bhakti.

To summarize, introverts need not reject association itself but reject association of those who discourage and disprove of their introvert nature. At the same time, introverts need to choose ways to practice bhakti which are in harmony with the nature. Bhakti is not restricted to only social and public activities, it is much more beyond that. If we chose something which is in line with our nature, we can always continue to practice bhakti.

End of transcription.

The post How can an introvert practice bhakti when it is so social and public? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Saturday, February 8th, 2020
→ The Walking Monk


Mayapura, India

Gaining Control

Here in Mayapura, every day is happily broken up by walks within the campus, from the samadhi, to the temple, to the elephant’s space, the auditorium, and then back to my accommodation in the Gada Building.  Those walks are like a lubrication for me.  My time in the auditorium averages six long hours.  It's cool down there and I'm realizing that I could seize up from sitting on a coldish bench.  I have come upon a great discover—a pillow.  I will use one, devotedly.   https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Vn0fegrf_/?igshid=131sffnn81wzy

Another great discovery came from the theatrical perspective.  For a performer, the most important thing is observation.  There is nothing more real than this.  An actor observes, and therefore, has some reference point.  Whatever I may have gained, as some kind of an actor, has come from watching people in action.

In the course of a day, I have options on how often and how much I can eat.  We are provided three meals per day.  A disciplined mind might ask: Do I really need three meals every day? 

I can say that (at my age) it's not that difficult to get by with two, if not one meal, with a snack here and there.  Today, my breakfast was hefty, but lunch was light—dates and cashews; just a few.

Another area that requires some control, from my side, is the way in which I'm walking.  I still catch myself moving with a bit of a limp.  I must be deliberate in correcting this most foundational act of motion.  Come on, Swami, get your act together!

May the Source be with you!
5 km

Friday, February 7th, 2020
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Mayapura, India

Nityananda At the Heart

It was announced that all attendees should come with medical masks on during the morning sadhana, (unless I heard wrong).  I'm not sure of the practicality of such a recommendation for guarding oneself from the current dreaded coronavirus going around.  I can understand the need for protection, but how can this be accomplished?  I can't see someone giving a class with a mask on, can you?  How about someone leading kirtan (a chant)?

We'll put that to the side for the moment.

Today, devotees of the Vaishnava tradition have enjoyed the celebration of the birth anniversary of Sri Nityananda.  He is loved for His big heart in demonstrating compassion for the two lowly drunken brothers, Jagai and Madhai.  He had an extrovertedness that was admired, as he was quite fearless in sharing the gift of bhakti devotion with anyone and everyone. 

A half-day fast was honoured in His name.  Many choices were offered at feast-time, but frankly I am always more impressed with the option of a simple kichari (a rice-lentil dish) and steamed veggies I then mix into it).  Dessert is the devotees you get to associate with at meal time.

A hot topic that came up at our table was the approval versus non-approval of female gurus.  Our table was for this, and we felt that the con group is lingering in unfairness.  Our beloved guru, Prabhupada, was so very encouraging, saying that if one is conversant in the science of Krishna Consciousness, then he or she is qualified as teacher.

May the Source with with you!
4 km


Thursday, February 6th, 2020
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Mayapura, India

The Commencement

Weather conditions are so nice,  although a little coolness is felt on our feet from the tile floors.  "Get your socks," I recommended to Corrado while we were pacing around in the Prabhupada Samadhi.  He came back with a hoodie as a second layer.  His feet were fine.  https://www.instagram.com/p/B8QNIRzDnXy/?igshid=l7k2ndkqjolq

So around and around we went, chanting softly on our japabeads as we revered the murti (image) of our guru on our right, while walking in a clockwise direction.

A pujari priest came to offer a sweet, a piece of burfi, a pleasant-tasting cooked-down milk.  This milk is 100 percent ahimsa (slaughter-free) sourced from a happy cow.  This is a standard routine—the kindness of a priest—receiving some mercy from God in what is called prasadam.

My meetings for leaders have not yet begun, but practices for our drama have commenced.  We have become active with three major components to a drama's formation: movement, voice and character.  And it is a collective effort that is allowing the story of Bhishma to unfold. People with backgrounds in martial arts, dance and voice are contributing to the production.

"We are opening the scene with a three-layered cake, meaning that our first image reveals Krishna bearing the divine chakraor disc.  Behind him are a row of dancers representing the Ganges River.  Out of its waters emerges layer Number 3: three princesses and a mighty warrior by the name of Bhishma."
And that's how we start,”  I expressed again.

"We have to honour time, disciples and fun.  We must open our ears to all that needs to be heard.  Let's keep that spirit."

May the Source be with you!
4 km

Wednesday, February 5th, 2020
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Kolkata, India

History Notes

At Kolkata Airport, we heard over the loudspeakers, "Subash Chandra Bose", the actual name of the airport.  I took the opportunity to tell Corrado about this  war-time hero, who was largely responsible for liberating India from British rule.  There is more to the story during Gandhi's time, when India achieved its independence.  Bose played a major role during the negotiations which, from his standpoint, were not up for discussion.  His message to the British was to go home.

Corrado and I were standing at the baggage claim and were most delighted when our luggage come down that carousal first.  What good fortune!  We were thrilled to see two comrades show up, actors for our production "Grandsire", and both from South Africa.  Once we had gathered the four of us, Jambhavan, Cronje, Corrado and myself, we seemed then to be destined to journey on the bumpiest road on earth to reach Mayapura.  https://www.instagram.com/p/B8No7G8A2i0/?igshid=1j3vaqrccl0yv

Our driver, Vinay, at one point, needed to take a break, have some snacks, and fuel up, and that presented the opportunity to get some walking in, aiming toward the sacred dham. When Vinay was ready for Cronje and I, he picked us up and on we went. But while we walked, we talked about history again and Cronje gave me the rundown on South Africa's gloomy and glory days involving the Dutch Boers, the French settlers, the Zulu interaction, British invasion, and the concentration camps.  He took me right up to Nelson Mandela in the history lesson. 

Our final hour in the taxi had us absorbed in dozing, chanting and reflecting on the history of Sri Chaitanya which is not mundane.

May the Source be with you!
3 km

Tuesday, February 4th, 2020
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Mumbai, India

Discovery of Something Small

We were in the air on Air Canada Flight 846.  14 hours.  Straight.  That's the way to do it.  All passengers apart from the airline staff were ticket holders, except for at least one.  It was a house fly.

I spotted him clinging onto the drape that separated passengers from staff and the public washroom.  A free ride, for sure.  I wonder which port he boarded at?  Was it Canada?  The U.S.?  Europe?  And how long ago?  Is family with this fellow? I'm not absolutely sure of its gender, to be honest.  I wouldn't know how to tell.  I wasn't sure if he was alive while hanging there.  I grabbed the end of the drape and ruffled it.  Sure enough, the fly went ‘in flight’ while ‘on the flight’.

I mentioned to the woman standing behind me—in queue for the washroom—of my find.  "You wouldn't believe what I just saw?  A fly."

"You're kidding me!"  she said with some genuine level of amazement.  "I've never seen that!"

I was trying to strike up a friendship with a new person, and to some extent—the fly.  I wasn't about to go much deeper into the discovery or into my philosophy with a comment like: “Here is a spirit soul—an anti-material entity trying to find its way in the world for some food, sleep, sex, and defense, and then dying to graduate into a new body with new experiences."

I would say that citing a fly was a ‘high-light’ for me and a ‘high-flight’ for it. 

I also met, on this flight, families from Brampton whom I chatted with.  They were humans. 

May the Source be with you!
0 km


Monday, February 3rd, 2020
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Toronto, Ontario

Do I Like India?  It Depends

I'm off to India again, this time with Corrado.  Do I like India?  Yes and no, like any place on this planet.  I love spiritual India, her sacred places, retreats.  Overall, people are nice.  They go the extra yard/metre to win the favour of a swami. 

You have to make the most of any place where you are.  And India, with her dense population, noise, contaminants in the air, and traffic can be one big hurdle.  I have come to the point where I try to overlook that side and view the faces of smiles and wonder, which pierce through all of the mayhem. 
If India wanted to, it could clean up its act.  Have you ever been to the airports in Delhi or Mumbai?  They are state-of-the-art.  They show what a bit of determination can do. 

I love one story of determination as outlined in the Gita.  The sparrow was all in a frenzy when a wave from the ocean swooped up and stole her nest of eggs from a tree branch.  In retaliation, she was resolute in pecking away and drying up the ocean, which simply laughed at her.  The great eagle bird, Garuda, saw the commotion and the determination of his little sparrow friend.  He stood stout and strong against the ocean and threatened, "Ocean, bring back the eggs or I'll dry you up."  The mighty ocean complied. 

Yes, India, with all its optimistic energy, can change for the better, and match up to its powerful spiritual tradition.  Come to think of it, I wish North America, Europe, and all other places who profess to be ‘developed’ could adopt more of the finer values in life.

May the Source be with you!
5 km

Sunday, February 2nd, 2020
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Scarborough/Milton, Ontario

Things Going On

I had a marvelous time at the Scarborough ISKCON Centre enjoying both the soup and the company.  This should not be mistaken for a soup kitchen, (even though at meal time, a soup extraordinaire is, in fact, on the menu), but a centre of spiritual power, where people come together to hear about themselves through the message of the Gita

The folks here are reading and discussing the Gita's Chapter 11 which resembles, in some way, a freak of nature.  Awesome images of multi-headed forms fill the sky, as a vision of warrior Arjuna, throws him into a realm of meekness.  But humility cannot be a bad thing. 

I remember on my third Canada walk witnessing the incredible visuals of the Northern Lights.  I may not come close to seeing what Arjuna saw, but it is about the only reference I can personally make.  Lights in greens  and pinks danced across the sky, and was reflected on a lake's waters, as loons cried out their haunting sound.  I was humbled. 

In the evening, I was driven to Grace Church on Main Street in Milton.  There, I was asked to tell of the wondrous story of our seventy-year-old guru, Prabhupada, when he came to the New World, and also to convey any personal exchanges I had with him.  Personally, I never spoke to him, yet I heard him speak, saw him eat, walk, chant and live. 

And while I really enjoy devotional activities out here in central Canada, an email came giving a glowing report of the first sangha(gathering) out west on Vancouver Island in the town of Ladysmith.  Thank you Gordon, Gadadhar.

May the Source be with you!
0 km

Saturday, February 1st, 2020
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Toronto/Milton

Nice Couple

For a third consecutive day, our Govinda's Restaurant was put to good use.  It catered two hundred guests at the YMCA on Thursday.  Last evening, we held an appreciation dinner for our drama troops of the January 1st  "The Gita” production.  That was nice.  And then today, I sat with members of the wedding party for Narayani and Kent, feasting like crazy after marrying them.  Govinda's keeps busy.

Now, about the wedding, held in the temple room—it was simple and sweet.  Narayani and her family hail from South Africa.  I gave her diksha initiation some years ago.  Kent, her bridegroom, has roots in  China, and in 2018 he joined me on my first leg of my walk on the Bruce Trail in Niagara-on-the-Lake.  Both he and she first met at the bank where they work. 

As conductor and ‘solemnizer’ of the ceremony, I asked the couple, sitting there on royal-looking chairs, if they would like to make up their own vows.  I asked Kent first.  This put the both of them on the hot seat but they were loving it. 

He said, "I'll mess it up."

"Okay, I'll make up the lines," I said.  "Pleases repeat after me, "I Kent...what is your last name?"

"Tse." (which sounds like ‘say’)

I repeated myself and added the last name.  "I Kent Tse..."  which sounded like “can’t say.” That had everyone in a roar.

Anyway, they are nice people.  I had Kent's parents next to me while driving.  I wish our new couple well.  Good human beings.  It was suggested they have four children. 

May the Source be with you!
5 km


Friday, January 31st, 2020
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 Toronto, Ontario

Soul Search/Research

The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust's publication, The Science of Self Realization, is one of its most popular books, either in hard or soft copy, and it continues to be a good introduction to bhakti-yoga.  In 1968, an article appeared in the Montreal Gazette.  Our guru, Prabhupada, read with interest the topic on soul research, which appears in the SSR.  He did respond to it.  Here is an excerpt from that Gazette Headliner.

Heart Surgeon Wants to Know What a Soul Is

WINDSOR- A world-famous Canadian heart surgeon says he believes the body has a soul which departs at death and the theologians ought to try to find out more about it.

Dr. Wildfred G. Bigelow, head of the cardiovascular surgery unit at Toronto General Hospital said that "as a person who believes there is a soul, he thought the time had come "to take the mystery out of this and find out what it is..."

There are certain cases where you happen to be present at the moment when people pass from a living state to death and some mysterious changes take place.  One of the most noticeable is the sudden lack of life or luster to the eyes.  They become opaque and literally lifeless.

Said Bigelow, "in modern medicine when something was encountered that could not be explained, "the watchword is discover the answer, take it into the laboratory, take it somewhere where you can discover the truth." 

“The central question,” said Bigelow, was "where is the soul and where does it come from?"

As mentioned, Prabhupada responded to the article with an elaboration based on Vedic wisdom.  It was informative. 

May the Source be with you!
0 km

Thursday, January 30th, 2020
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Toronto, Ontario

Lines

I still catch myself addressing people I meet with a "Happy New Year!”  Soon, in two days only, the calendar flips a page to reveal another month, making New Year's totally irrelevant.  But you're not going to get me to say, "Happy Valentines Day."  It's just not the thing monks say to anyone.

To compensate for this great lack of etiquette, I can say to my fellow colleagues and community members, "Happy Nityananda's Day" or "Happy Shiva Ratri" in reference to saints in our lineage.  "Happy Gaura Purnima" is another one coming up.  The glory goes on. 

Now today, for further preparation of my India trip, I poked my head into the Army Surplus Store and snooped around.  The owner of the place makes everyone smile with his salutations.  It's never a "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Easter."  He's been using a mantra, however, and that's what gets the snickers going.  "All merchandise has to go!"  The additional one is, "We're going to be moving,"  and he says it in a strong (unrecognizable to me) accent.  The funny thing is he’s been greeting his clients with these lines for ten years, mentioned one friend.  Another line which is supposed to invoke some empathy is: "It's a big job moving all the goods."

"Yeah, right!" respond the doubting minds. 

You do have to hand it to him.  He's determined to get cash and card.  A steady flow of browsers and shoppers enter and exit.  Everyone who comes in receives a greeting of that mundane sort and it's quite okay.

Anyway, I'm sold on one item.  A duffel bag was my purchase for carrying some theatre props.  All in my service to guru and God. 

May the Source be with you!
6 km

Wednesday, January 29th, 2020
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Toronto, Ontario

Corrado and I

Corrado and I are preparing for the India trip, and before we do so, we are needing to pick up a few things.  Yes, things like bows and arrows, and swords, and perhaps some other weaponry.  Nothing too lethal, mind you.  It's more like goods made of rubber and synthetics for a scene of conflict in our up-and-coming drama, "Grandsire."  The Vedic texts that I draw my script from demonstrate colourful battle scenes.  The story will be about Grandsire Bhisma.  We will stage it, film it, and then take it around a bit. 

Corrado and I hiked to McCaul and Queen Streets, to Malabar's Costume House where we picked up the best of their rubber swords.  They look good on the stage from a distance.

The man behind the counter was curious.  "How long have you been with the order (as a monk)?"

"Since '73," I said.

"I have so much respect for you guys," he remarked.  He also told us he would go to India one day.

"When you decide, I'll give you some tips as to where to go," I offered.  I got the impression it may take some years before such a dream materializes.  He's got a good heart and a good dream.

"I heard Delhi is not the place?"

"If you want cars and noise, it's the perfect place," I said reassuringly. 

He read my card and on the backside it had the maha mantrawhich he scanned.

"So guys, what's a couple of monks doing with some rubber swords?" 

I told him of my dramas, my walks and about our food.  "Check out Govinda's Restaurant.  It'll kill the maya, the illusion within you.

May the Source be with you!
4 km


Bhaktivedanta Manor’s Haveli Opening
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Bhaktivedanta Manor’s Haveli Opening.
We are very happy to announce that the Sri Krishna Haveli, the largest project in the history of Bhaktivedanta Manor, is now ready.
This purpose-built haven will serve as a cultural center, education facility, and an events space to meet the needs of our wonderful community.
We will celebrate the opening of the facilities on Monday 9th March with a day of festivities together with Gaura Purnima as well as Holika Dahan (6pm).
The festivities will culminate with a Grand Fireworks Display at 6:30pm. (weather permitting)

(This post has been viewed 356 times so far)

A Devotee Has No Problem—Only Kirtan and Compassion
Giriraj Swami

Prahlada Maharaja says, bharam udvahato vimudhan. Prahlada Maharaja, a great devotee, was offered a benediction by Nrsimhadeva: “My dear Prahlada, you have suffered so much for Me from your father’s side. He has chastised you in so many ways because you are My devotee. Now your father is killed. That is finished. Now you take whatever benediction you want from Me.” Prahlada Maharaja said, “My Lord, I have no problem, so why shall I ask You for anything? I have no problem.” Naivodvije para duratyaya-vaitaranyah: “Everyone has got problem in this material world. They’re trying to overcome the problem. But I have no problem.” Naivodvije para duratyaya-vaitaranyas tvad-virya-gayana-mahamrta-magna-cittah [SB 7.9.43]. “I have no problem because my mind is always absorbed in glorifying Your Lordship. Therefore, I have no problem.” Kirtan. You’ll feel immediately refreshed. However much burden you may feel, as soon as you perform krsna-kirtana, you’ll find yourself immediately refreshed. So one who has got taste for this kirtan, he has no problem. Prahlada Maharaja says, Tvad-virya-gayana-mahamrta-magna-cittah: “Because my heart is always merged into the ocean of Your glorification, I have no problem.” This is the devotee. Everyone goes to God to mitigate some problem, that “God, give us our daily bread.” That means bread is a problem. That is the general tendency. They go to temple, church, to mitigate some problem. And as soon as the problem is finished, they forget God—no more church, no more temple. You see? That is not devotion. Devotion is, “No problem. I am ready to serve You, my Lord.” That is life. No problem. We should not take to Krishna consciousness or sankirtana to solve some problem. No. That is not pure devotion. When you will feel that “There is no problem. I am chanting, glorifying. So I am becoming merged into the ocean of bliss,” that is perfect life. That is the symptom.

So, Prahlada Maharaja said, “I have no problem.” That is pure devotee. “But you seem to be very unhappy. Why?” “Yes, still, I am unhappy.” What is that? Soce tato vimukha-cetasa indriyartha-maya-sukhaya bharam udvahato vimudhan [SB 7.9.43]: “I am unhappy for these rascals. They have created a huge mode of civilization for temporary happiness.” Temporary happiness. That is not happiness. Maya-sukhaya. Maya, illusion.

—Srila Prabhupada, talk on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.16.23, January 19, 1974, Honolulu

Mystery solved: why so many good Irish devotees!
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Mystery solved: why so many good Irish devotees!
Adikarta Das: He had been to Ireland. I told him the Gaelic word for Ireland is Eire from the word Arian. Maybe that’s why there are many good Irish devotees. Even George Harrison was from Irish roots. Lots of them went to Liverpool which is one of the closest ports to Ireland, during the great potatoes famine.

(This post has been viewed 326 times so far)

Radhadesh is looking forward to wonderful organic veggies in the summer!
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Radhadesh is looking forward to wonderful organic veggies in the summer!
During the stormy weather we have some exciting news to share about our garden! Rik prabhu has been diligently working with the gardens, both flower and vegetable for many years now, on top of all the other things he does. So now Krsna has sent someone to really help push it forward in the form of a very nice devotee called Thibaut.

(This post has been viewed 343 times so far)

MotelGita: AAHOA has helped us for the 11th year to to place the Gita in hotel rooms (Album of photos)
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MotelGita: Thanks to the Asian American Hotel Owners Association for their continued support. For the 11th consecutive year, AAHOA has helped us with a booth for the upcoming Florida convention. It’s a platform that enables us to connect to thousands of hotel owners to place Bhagavad Gita in their hotel rooms.

(This post has been viewed 343 times so far)

Ratha Yatra Festival in Melbourne, Australia (Album of photos)
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Ratha Yatra Festival in Melbourne, Australia (Album of photos)
Bhakta Dasa: Ratha Yatra and Vedic Village 2020 was a huge success with thousands of people receiving the Lord’s mercy one way or another. On behalf of the Ratha Yatra management team, a BIG THANK YOU to all those sincere and hard-working devotees that contributed in so many ways.

(This post has been viewed 330 times so far)

Are jnana and karma complementary instead of hierarchical?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

From Promila Mataji:

I’ve understood the following points about KY and JnY. However, i am still not clear why Jnana Yoga is considered superior to Karma Yoga in hierarchy (Yoga ladder) when Karma Yoga and Jnana Yoga are actually complementary?

1. Karma Yoga (action in devotion) is superior to Jnana Yoga (renunciation of action due to adaption of knowledge) because KY is easier compared to JnY.

2. In the yoga ladder or hierarchy, JnY is superior and yet in practice KY is superior.

3. Karmas performed without transcendental knowledge are materialistic in nature. So it’s transcendental knowledge that imparts the spiritual qualities to Karmas.

4. Without the application of knowledge (TK, not dry philosophical knowledge), knowledge makes one Mithyacharana, as Krishna warns Arjuna.

Considering these points, it seems more appropriate to call them complementary yogas rather than one being superior in hierarchy and the other though superior in hierarchy, is inferior in practice.

Answer Podcast:

Download by “right-click and save content”

Transcriber: Sharan Shetty

Edited by: Keshavgopal Das

Transcription :

Question: Are jnana and karma complementary instead of hierarchical?

Answer: Karma and jnana can broadly refer to action and intellectual analysis whereas karma yoga and jnana yoga are specific processes. Beyond these two, there is the path of bhakti yoga.

Karma yoga and jnana yoga, as yoga sadhanas, are not complimentary. They are mutually exclusive, and it is not that karma yogi’s practice is incomplete without jnana yoga or vice versa. Both are two distinct processes of yoga and if a person is practicing karma yoga then he cannot be practicing jnana yoga which requires renunciation of action. Their essential methodologies involve opposite courses of action because karma yoga involves action and jnana yoga involves inaction.

With respect to their intention, in the Fifth Chapter, Lord Krishna talks about their common goal. The analysis of Third and Fifth Chapter is same but in the Fifth Chapter, Krishna goes deeper into certain subjects. In Bhagavad-gita 5.4 and 5.5, Krishna says,

sankhya-yogau prthag balah pravadanti na panditah
ekam apy asthitah samyag ubhayor vindate phalam
“Only the ignorant speak of devotional service [karma-yoga] as being different from the analytical study of the material world [sankhya]. Those who are actually learned say that he who applies himself well to one of these paths achieves the results of both.”

yat sankhyaih prapyate sthanam tad yogair api gamyate
ekam sankhyam ca yogam ca yaḥ pasyati sa pasyati
“One who knows that the position reached by means of analytical study can also be attained by devotional service, and who therefore sees analytical study and devotional service to be on the same level, sees things as they are.”

Therefore, it is clear from the above two verses that those who think that the paths of sankhya and yoga are two different paths have a childish mentality and Krishna further states that actually if one who attains perfection in one process then one attains the destination that is intended from both the processes. Ultimately, both are meant to take us towards transcendence which is explained by Lord Krishna in Gita 5.2, sannyasaḥ karma-yogas ca niḥsreyasa-karav ubhau (The Personality of Godhead replied – The renunciation of work and work in devotion are both good for liberation).

The important point to recognise here is that when Krishna is saying both paths lead to the same ultimate destination; he is not combining the two processes. He is not saying that one is dependent on the other. Ultimately, in terms of their own sadhanas, both lead to transcendence.

The process of bhakti yoga integrates and synergises the strengths of both these processes by leaving out their weaknesses. What bhakti yoga does is, it adopts activity as a means to offer service, thus allowing to use our natural ability to act but in a detached way. Bhakti yoga accommodates activity which is a natural element of karma yoga. The advantage of jnana yoga is that it is not entangling because due to absence of fruitive activities, the practitioner does not get entangled. Bhakti yoga incorporates the contemplative and non-reactive aspect of jnana by its process of internal remembrance of Krishna. That means, within bhakti, the aspects of karma yoga and jnana yoga are subordinated and harmonised in a complimentary sense. Srila Prabhupada’s use of the word “devotional service” as the translation for bhakti indicates this particular point.

The process of karma and jnana are themselves not to be given up. It is stated in Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu 01.01.11, anyabhilaṣita-sunyam jnana-karmady-anavṛtam (One should render transcendental loving service to the Supreme Lord Krishna favourably and without desire for material profit or gain through fruitive activities or philosophical speculation).

In the definition of bhakti, it is stated, jnana and karma are uncovered. This covering is of selfish desires. When the covering is removed, then jnana and karma become purified and harmonised towards the service of Krishna, in the process of bhakti.

To get a simplistic yet broad understanding of these three, consider our hands, our head and our heart where karma yoga co-relates with the hands, jnana yoga with the head and bhakti yoga with the heart. But bhakti does not co-relate only with the heart because the heart directs the head and the hands.

Similarly, bhakti incorporates and integrates everything. We have an intellectual rational side and we also have a practical action-oriented side. We would be incomplete without either. That is why, within our bhakti, if we just contemplate, it would be very difficult for us to sustain. Similarly, if we just run around doing things without thinking about the goal, Krishna, then that would reduce our bhakti to just karma. The synthesis of action and contemplation which is done in bhakti brings about the complementarity of karma and jnana.

End of transcription.

The post Are jnana and karma complementary instead of hierarchical? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

A selection of helpful verses from Srila Prabhupada’s books
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A selection of helpful verses from Srila Prabhupada’s books.
“In the Hari-bhakti-vilasa there is the following statement about self-surrender: ‘My dear Lord, a person who has surrendered himself unto You, who is in firm conviction that he is Yours, and who actually acts in that way by his body, mind and words, can actually relish transcendental bliss.’”

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Harinam and food distribution in a poor African Township outside Durban (Album of photos)
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Harinam and food distribution in a poor African Township outside of Durban (Album of photos)
Indradyumna Swami: After two months of recuperating from my illness here in South Africa, I am ready to start traveling again. To test my wings I went with devotees on harinam and food distribution in a poor African Township outside of Durban. Once again I witnessed the astounding glories of the holy names and all the merciful nature of Krsna’s prasadam. Good to be “home” again.

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Grand Sankirtan procession through the town of Vrindavan (Album of photos)
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Grand Sankirtan procession through the town of Vrindavan (Album of photos)
On the occasion of Sriman Nityananda Prabhu’s appearance day, we took part in a grand Sankirtan procession through the town of Vrindavan starting from Sringar Vat. That place is also known as Nityananda Vat as that was His residing place in Vrndavan. We joined with the other Vaishnavas and relished the bliss of the Holy Name.

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A police officer from Durban becomes a devotee of Krishna
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A police officer from Durban becomes a devotee of Krishna.
Indradyumna Swami: The photo on the left is from several years ago. We were in Harinam on the Durban beachfront. This police officer on horse stopped me and asked what it was all about. We talked for quite some time as he became more and more inquisitive. Before parting, I gifted him a large size Bhagavad Gita.

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Open Letter to Licypriya Kangujam
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By Paramadayala Nityananda Dasa

Because of your outstanding, selfless, activism, at a young age you have been awarded the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Children Award, a World Children Peace Prize, and an Indian Peace Prize. You have the potential to do unfathomable good for the planet in your lifetime. We believe your potential could be magnified by researching the wisdom found in the Vedic Scriptures. Continue reading "Open Letter to Licypriya Kangujam
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Dealings In Divine Discourses
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By Gauranga Darshan Das

Srimad Bhagavatam is a literary masterpiece like no other. It is rich with sacred wisdom and is presented as an amalgamation of intriguing spiritual conversations. Thus, Srimad Bhagavatam reigns supreme in genres of spirituality, philosophy and devotion. While Sukadeva Gosvami is the foremost speaker of the Bhagavatam, Pariksit Maharaja is its foremost hearer. Their conversation, the Srimad Bhagavatam, was presented by Suta Gosvami to the sages headed by Saunaka, at a forest called Naimisaranya. As the sages asked questions about various spiritual subjects including philosophy of life, purpose of creation, nature of reality, God and His incarnations, humanity’s quest for happiness and so on, Suta Gosvami answered their inquiries based on what he had heard from his guru Sukadeva Gosvami. Continue reading "Dealings In Divine Discourses
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Krishna told Arjuna to kill but Narada told Mrigari to not kill?
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Answer Podcast

 

Transcription :

Transcriber: Suresh Gupta

Edited by: Keshavgopal das

Question: Krishna told Arjuna to kill but Narada told Mrigari to not kill?

Answer: There are different kinds of dharmas. Mrigari would not kill the animals directly but would instead slit their throats and leave them half-alive, to die a painful death. Killing, in itself, is painful but half killing is much-much more painful and Mrigari was causing such unnecessary pain to the animals.

As far as dharma is concerned, we need to understand that the word dharma has different meanings in different contexts. Some duties are essential for the maintenance of society. For example – sometimes the military kills because that is required to keep aggressors under control which is essential for the maintenance of the society. Arjuna was a kshatriya who are the marshall guardian of the society, so for him, it was essential to kill the aggressors.

Duryodhana was such a brutal person that he tried to disrobe Draupadi publicly in the royal assembly. Even today when some sex crime is committed against women, it creates a big furore in the media. Usually when some animalistic person violates a woman, he will probably abduct her, drag her somewhere in private and do something with her. However, if somebody tries to molest and violate a woman in public, in front of everyone, that person is certainly brazen. What to speak if such horrible act is done in a police station or a court. That would mean that the person has no fear of law at all. Duryodhana was an example of such kind of a person. He never expressed any remorse for his act. If at all he had any regret, it was because he could not humiliate Draupadi.

If such a person is given unrestricted power over a kingdom, then one can imagine what kind of havoc he could have created. Although he ruled around thirteen years when the Pandavas were in exile, but he was always afraid that one day the Pandavas might come back. Therefore, he was at his best trying to win over the citizens. If there was no danger to the Pandavas then he would have been brutal to everyone. Hence, a person like Duryodhana had to be punished. The Pandavas tried everything possible to avoid war and when all other alternatives had failed, finally war was chosen.

Before the war, Krishna himself went to Duryodhana as a peace messenger on behalf of the Pandavas. The position of Krishna in the Mahabharata was the greatest and he was offered the first respects at the great rajasuya sacrifice, yet he went as a peace messenger to Duryodhana. It is like, if India and Pakistan have some tension and to mitigate those tensions, the Prime Minister of India goes to Pakistan as a peace envoy. The highest person going to the opposite camp like this shows how seriously he considered peace. However, imagine Pakistan tries to arrest the Indian Prime Minister. The whole of India would erupt in fury saying how dare they do this. Similarly, Krishna went as the peace messenger but Duryodhana tried to arrest Krishna. This showed that he had no remorse, no interest in reconciliation and hence, when all options failed then war was fought. In this case, the person was brutal and not reform able at all. Hence, there was no option but war because it was essential for society’s well-being.

In the case of Mrigari, it is very different. He was causing unnecessary pain but importantly, sometimes people might get caught in some situations that they are involved in doing something bad just to run their living. For example, I met an Indian in New Zealand who had started a hotel there and he was primarily selling non-vegetarian food but later became a devotee and decided to give up meat eating (even onion and garlic). Eventually he felt what should I do now. He thought of turning it into a vegetarian hotel but somehow that was a place where there were not many vegetarians. Gradually he decided to shift to a new place and start something new and eventually rented out his shop to somebody else. Sometimes circumstantially we are put in a profession where we are doing something wrong, but we cannot say that this is my duty and I will have to do it. Of course, we might not be able to give it up immediately since we have other responsibilities which we cannot neglect but we need to come out gradually. We cannot say that since we have been doing this as a source of livelihood, we will be immune from the consequences. We also need to see the ethical aspect of what we are doing as well.

Hence, in the case of Mrigari, he became a devotee by the mercy of Narada Muni and eventually people provided for him and that is how he was able to deal with the situation. So, the two situations are not at all analogous, they are very different.

End of transcription.

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