Jagannatha Gauranga Temple
→ Ramai Swami

I regularly visit Indonesia, as I am one of the GBCs for the area, and it is always nice to have the darshana of Their Lordships in the various temples. I am fortunate to have the association of many devotees here, who are spread throughout the country.

I visited the Jagannatha Gauranga temple recently, where I led kirtan and gave class. As usual, the devotees were chanting, dancing and listening to the class enthusiastically. On this particular occasion, there was a special ceremony for the passing of Padma and Samudra prabhu’s sister. Everyone gave their blessings for her spiritual advancement in Krsna’s service.

Purchase Gifts for Family and Friends at the TOVP Online Gift Store
- TOVP.org

On Gaura Purnima 2019 we officially opened the TOVP International online gift store to provide usable and popular items with TOVP artwork, graphics, photos and logos. The purpose is to remind ISKCON devotees and congregation about this historic and monumental project, as well as create a small stream of income.

Since its humble beginning we have provided many devotees around the world with our products and want to encourage everyone to take advantage of this unique service. The ‘store’ is online and functions through the Zazzle.com on-demand gift website which creates products one-at-a-time according to your order and ships it to you. Items are also customizable by the buyer so the variety is endless. Through 17 worldwide production centers they ship Internationally based on your location.

Now for the best part, what kind of items does the store have? We have over 1,000 attractive, practical and popular items available in the following Categories of products:

Mens, Womens and Kids shirts and hoodies
Assorted Hats
Travel, Tote, Utility and Handbags
Jewelry and Keepsake Boxes
Clocks and Watches
Necklaces, Earrings and Bracelets
Keychains and Charms
Buttons and Magnets
Photos, Posters and Canvas Prints
Phone Cases and Wallets
Journals, Planners and Notebooks
Mousepads and Thumb Drives

So, if you plan to do any shopping for devotee loved ones and friends, especially during the Holiday season, birthdays, weddings, etc., make the TOVP online gift store your first stop. The link below will direct you to the TOVP Gift Store page on the TOVP website for specific directions and the store links for your country.

https://tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/

The post Purchase Gifts for Family and Friends at the TOVP Online Gift Store appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

A Transcendental Visit
Giriraj Swami

Hridayananda das Goswami stayed with me in Carpinteria over the weekend, and we had many enlivening and enlightening conversations. I could really appreciate Srila Prabhupada’s statement that Maharaja has a “transcendental brain.” He is intent on serving Srila Prabhupada’s mission, especially in America, and our common interest is to please Srila Prabhupada and become Krishna conscious—by his divine grace.

I pray for the association of Srila Prabhupada’s sincere, committed, and affectionate followers, such as Hridayananda das Goswami Maharaja.

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

ADVENT OF BHAGAVAD-GITA (GITA JAYANTI) – DECEMBER 7TH, 2019
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

Over five thousand years ago, Krishna spoke the Bhagavad-gita to Arjuna, discussing the fundamental principles of life. The Gita lucidly explains the nature of consciousness, the self and the universe. It contains both the essence of India's spiritual wisdom and the answers to questions that have been posed by philosophers for centuries.

Today, that same Bhagavad-gita has been translated to numerous languages and is read by millions of people around the world, revered in academic circles, and studied by spiritualists all over the world.

Saturday, December 7th, 2019 marks Gita Jayanti, the day when Lord Krishna spoke the Bhagavad-gita to Arjuna. Festivities will begin at 5:00pm and will include the recitation of the whole Bhagavad-gita followed by a sumptuous feast.  Please join us on this most auspicious occasion with your whole family!

The Glories of Srimad-Bhagavatam
Giriraj Swami

Last night I finished hearing Radhika Ramana dasa’s wonderful seminar on “The Glories of Srimad-Bhagavatam,” delivered at ISV in September 2015. I highly recommend it to all devotees.

dharmah projjhita-kaitavo ’tra paramo nirmatsaranam satam
vedyam vastavam atra vastu sivadam tapa-trayonmulanam
srimad-bhagavate maha-muni-krte kim va parair isvarah
sadyo hrdy avarudhyate ’tra krtibhih susrusubhis tat-ksanat

“Completely rejecting all religious activities which are materially motivated, this Bhagavata Purana propounds the highest truth, which is understandable by those devotees who are fully pure in heart. The highest truth is reality distinguished from illusion for the welfare of all. Such truth uproots the threefold miseries. This beautiful Bhagavatam, compiled by the great sage Vyasadeva [in his maturity], is sufficient in itself for God realization. What is the need of any other scripture? As soon as one attentively and submissively hears the message of the Bhagavatam, by this culture of knowledge the Supreme Lord is established within his heart.” (SB 1.1.2)

nigama-kalpa-taror galitam phalam
suka-mukhad amrta-drava-samyutam
pibata bhagavatam rasam a-layam
muhur aho rasika bhuvi bhavukah

 “O expert and thoughtful men, relish Srimad-Bhagavatam, the mature fruit of the desire tree of Vedic literatures. It emanated from the lips of Sri Sukadeva Gosvami. Therefore this fruit has become even more tasteful, although its nectarean juice was already relishable for all, including liberated souls.” (SB 1.1.3)

krsne sva-dhamopagate
dharma-jnanadibhih saha
kalau nasta-drsam esa
puranarko ’dhunoditah

“This Bhagavata Purana is as brilliant as the sun, and it has arisen just after the departure of Lord Krsna to His own abode, accompanied by religion, knowledge, etc. Persons who have lost their vision due to the dense darkness of ignorance in the Age of Kali shall get light from this Purana.” (SB 1.3.43)

After hearing Radhika Ramana Prabhu’s seminar, my appreciation for the great gift of Srimad-Bhagavatam and my desire to absorb myself in it have increased dramatically. Here are the links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JREYpBib_nc and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ua_mH5j9gk.

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Tuesday, November 19th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Buenos Aires/Miami/Toronto

Krishnas and Airports

A number of us were regrouping at the Buenos Aires Airport when a Chinese gentleman, who had just visited Antarctica to see the penguins in action, stopped in his tracks to look at me.  I guess I was his next penguin.  Our eyes met.  I offered my pranams(palms together). He smiled—"Who are you?" 

I read his eyes and responded with lips and tongue delivering my name and identity: "I'm a monk, a Krishna monk.”

Somehow, he had some reference to the ‘Krishna thing’ and the India connection.  He was very interested, up until other members of the crew off the cruise showed up.  Anyway, a moment of bliss for him, me, and my friends became a reality.  I always share a mantra card with someone like that.

After bidding farewell to friends and going through security, I met an elderly, Hispanic gentleman who saw the empty seat next to me.  I gestured, "Please!"  Instantly, he wanted to know of my "religion."

 "Krishna monk," I replied. 

He expressed that he was Catholic and had some affiliation with Jesuits.  

"Oh yes, Jesuits.  They first came to Canada, where I'm from, in the 1600s.... Here's a card with a prayer.” I presented.  He was receptive.  A new friend made. 

The time at the Miami Airport was a nightmare.  Most of us passengers were in transit.  The lineup was long, moving at a snail's pace.  Not enough customs officers were there to handle the crowd.  When I inquired from personnel, it wasn't a helpful situation.  Toronto's Airport—fine.  Not always.  What are you going to do?  In the ’70s, Krishna monks shared a past with airports.  In '96, during my first walk across Canada, I walked past a B.C. gas station on foot. A fellow pumping gas remarked, "He's a long way from the airport."

May the Source be with you!
0 km



Monday, November 18th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Farewell 

We had a farewell walk… Does that make any sense?  It's been my tenth year here.  I'll be making it back for the fest next year, so how can it be a legitimate good-bye?

The farewell walk to Regatas Lake was a spontaneous stroll, more exclusively for our drama team. Like all the components that made up the festival, the work was hard. But at least I could see that while everyone else around the temple took time to relax, our actors and crew pushed it a little harder and made this walk under a blazing sun.  In many ways, our bond was made strong through service, and a year’s separation is very real. I also wanted us to say to each other, “Muchos gracias.”  

In and around a park bench, we reflected on the good week we’d had, what we’d learned, and what we hope to do as a project next year.  I gave some options of stories.  It seems like the group wants to tackle the story of the walking deity, Gopal.  

I want to especially thank the couple Seva Kunj and Camila.  They have great skills at coordination and communication.  Both have artistic talent.  

Seva was initiated some years ago.  Now it was Camila's turn.  I'm proud to announce her Sanskrit name, Kaveri, which is the name of a sacred river in the south part of India.  In truth, I think this couple is just divine.  I see them doing seva, or service, together throughout their lives. 

Blessings to them!  https://www.instagram.com/p/B5BuCBZgxvN/?igshid=1lfqk2jhw480j

May the Source be with you!
3 km


Sunday, November 17th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Hot in Many Ways

The troupe I've practised with for the last five days was ready and eager to perform "El Gita".  Since yesterday's dress rehearsal, we had the chance to make adjustments with costumes and make-up.  Well, at show time, they were in pretty good form.  It was so much appreciated.  One math university professor came up to me to express, "You made the dialogue and science of the Gita so comprehensible.  I admit, I was crying." 

I was asked to end the program after the rock band "So What!" finished.   https://www.instagram.com/p/B5AOD3Qgm5U/?igshid=cfleojfld15w  Well, the audience was very hyped up by this extraordinary group, and I was pleased to see the audience stay on for a full-on maha mantra-and-dance session.  Djembes were played from the stage, and some of our girls from the Krishna community, all decked out, danced on that stage to enthuse.  One chap from the ground level screamed out, suggesting that I do a stage dive.  "Come on, Maharaja!"  So, I did—and the dance and chants kept on.  We were a happy bunch, on and off the ground.

The real event was the Ratha Yatra itself, a procession with Jagannath (the Universal Lord) and confidantes.  To participate with us, so graciously, was Dinesh Bhatia, the Honourable Ambassador of India for Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay.  He happens to have recently been basically the same in Toronto, Canada.  We both embraced the rope of Jagannath's chariot, like hundreds of others, and pulled.  

It was a scorcher of a day, very hot at 32 degrees celsius with high humidity—thus always a case for high humility.  

May the Source be with you!
3 km





Saturday, November 16th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Togetherness

In our Vedic lifestyle, a common theme is ‘team’.   You do things together.  Our approach to spiritual life has little to do with a yogi sitting under a banyan tree in solitary meditation.  Rather, we bond together to accomplish work for the mission.  We're like a bunch of beavers.  

For instance, I'm working with a group of committed individuals dedicated to rehearsals in the play, "El Gita", which involves all the ins and outs of making the drama ‘gel’.  It is real team work.  And each day since I came to the temple campus, I've observed so many men and women volunteering their energies to assemble this weekend's Chariot Festival.  It's a lot of hard but fun work. Also, when I find the extra hours to just get away for a ‘walk ‘n chant’, as soon as someone hears that I'm about to exit the gate, they will just drop everything and tag along until I detect someone behind me.  Their footsteps are obvious.  I turn around and there's suddenly a smiling partner pacing along.  There is all this companionship that makes you feel not alone. https://www.instagram.com/p/B49jzpuACqt/?igshid=gzdj226uhv0m

It was taught by Chaitanya, the walking, singing, dancing monk, that the key to spiritual success lies in the sangha.  Sangha refers to the company of sadhus or holy folks.  He implied that it is the safest place to be, and that it is the beginning, end, and middle of our spiritual life.  We surround ourselves in team-ism.  

Even as I write this blog on this busy day of the festival, at an outdoor table, the community members are moving things all around in preparation for the great party about to take place.  We need each other together.  

May the Source be with you!
4km

Friday, November 15th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Buenos Aires, Argentina

A Pop Star Walked Across America

In Buenos Aires, I had the pleasure of walking up and down a street in the company of friends while inhaling the great, breathable air that the city is known for.  I wouldn’t have dared in the daytime.  The sun can really bake alive a northerner like me.

Earlier in the day, word reached me that a pop star walked across the U.S. Congratulations to singer Mike Posner, best known for the song "I Took A Pill in Ibiza".  Yes, congratulations for the feet-feat.  

According to Mike, the just-shy-of 3000 miles which he triumphed over a span of six months, was a project undertaken in response to losing his dad to cancer.  I was forwarded his story by an American friend, a bhakti-yogi, as it was a transformational one.  Mike called it quits on drinking and drugs.  That's a conquest.  

He started his trek in April of this year, in New Jersey. Then, he went along his way to the Pacific Ocean, dealing with the challenges of every marathon walker—sore legs, severe weather, perhaps loneliness, etc.  It all sounds familiar to me. 

What I did not encounter in my own trek across the U.S. was a rattlesnake bite.  That's what happened to Mike.  A helicopter took him up and flew him to a Colorado hospital, for treatment in their ER.  Lucky guy!  I hope he was chanting a few mantras.  Actually, he did use a mantra—though not a Vedic one.  It was "keep going", and that's why he's a hero in my books. 

I'm hoping to reach him, somehow.  We have stories to share, despite the difference of my being a monk, and he a pop star.  I'll have to check out his music.

May the Source be with you!
5 km



Thursday, November 14th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Neat Building

I'm staying at Cdad. de La Paz 394, the location of the Buenos Aires ISKCON, and it’s an interesting building.  If I was a kid (and who’s to say I won’t be one again), I would be in bliss within this structure.  It was a former school.  It has all these neat hideaways and narrow-to-wide staircases, some of them so tucked away.  Whoever designed the place was artistically eccentric, I would think. The only thing missing are tunnels.  I mean, we don't have architecture or building codes like this in Canada.  Unless, of course, you consider the city of Moose Jaw, where gangster Al Capone hid himself underground during boot-legging days.

I spent most of my day next to the kitchen, in the prasadam-eating room, for our drama practices.  To get there from my accommodations, on the rooftop, I have to go through all these nooks and crannies. 

At 3:00 pm, I had an appointment with Bhakti Bhushana Swami, a monk visiting from Germany.  He stays halfway up in the building.  We had a good chat.  He had just come from a radio interview. The broadcaster addressed the problem of serious social issues in not only Argentina, but the world.  The swami's resolution was that we live in a time of confusion, and to note, that the current age is astrologically known as the Kali-Yuga, a time when enlightenment and simple self-discipline are not a priority.

I was happy he shared his interview with me, after which I was compelled by schedule to go down the back way. It was almost a secret passage.  I'm doing a lot of ups and downs on stairwells, rather than walking on level ground.

May the Source be with you!
3 km


Wednesday, November 13th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Buenos Aires, Argentina

See All As A Test

I had mentioned to the group that Ray Charles, the musical genius, sang a song called “Georgia On My Mind.”  "He had the right idea about being absorbed in something—someone—but our approach is to have Krishna on our mind." I even did a short impersonation of Ray.  It got a laugh. The whole group of listeners in the Bhagavatam class knew who I was talking about.

The verse of the day was from Canto Six. Vrtrasura, who had been made out to be bad guy, was speaking some divine wisdom to the heavenly Indra.  The theme he dwelt upon was that everything coming our way is from the hand of God. To clarify the point, Prabhupada, the author of the purports, quoted: "From Me comes knowledge, remembrance and forgetfulness."  (Bhagavad-Gita, 15.15)  We should look to the Source.  

"We do not need to blame the major decision makers of the world for all of our woes.  Life in this world is not perfect.” Again to quote the Gita 2:14. We live in duality, that is the reality.  And may that be an impetus for us to be serious about our spiritual life.

I confess to not having taken up any walking, today.  I was busy, either toiling or experimenting with the play.  "El Gita" is the drama chosen for this year’s Ratha Yatra.  My challenge—the same challenge of coordinators Seva and Camila—was to harness volunteers for acting.  Commitments are not strong.  We saw this as a test.  We prayed, then God sent the men and women we needed. https://www.instagram.com/p/B413Q6CAFqM/?igshid=t5o97rqdxsuz

May the Source be with you!
0 km


Tuesday, November 12th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Hadai Dropped Me Off

When Hadai dropped me off at the Vancouver Airport, he joined me in the queue to get my boarding passes.  I expressed my gratitude and a point of realization. "In life, we are always standing in some queue—for a ticket, a coffee—death."  It seemed an impetus for reflection.  

We kept talking, and one issue raised was how he had to deal with cockroaches in former residences.  "Our building also had bed bugs," he said, unceremoniously.  

One more epiphany surfaced.  "There will always be a pest.  It could be your boss, spouse, a barking dog at your heels, or a bug sharing your bed."  Hadai was amused.  

At the Los Angeles Airport, rowdy passengers waiting at the gate were my pest.  In the plane, the restricted space was my pest.  To some degree, I thank them for provoking patience.  At the Buenos Aires Airport, the 45-minute-long lineup was my pest. Patience again.  I had my meditation beads out.  I was chanting softly on them.  I was communicating.  So was everyone else in the line, but with their cells.  I'm not criticizing.  

I was happy to see my two trusted greeters, Matsya and Agni, outside the airport. There was also a group of chanters in a residential core of Buenos Aires, and the ‘group’ air that spring brings (I'm south of the equator). https://www.instagram.com/p/B4yDlKGgESo/?igshid=1gqxqtec4a44a

With those chanters, I got some walking in.  I felt grounded again, although we had to deal with yet another pest—fast cars—and the queue—waiting for them to pass. https://www.instagram.com/p/B4zSKONAssm/?igshid=1oyz0yqge5oed

May the Source be with you!
3km



Gift of Gita Program
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!


Please join in, support the 'Gift of Gita', and help transform this world through knowledge.

Lord Krishna himself confirms in the Gita that one who distributes this knowledge of Gita to others becomes the most dear to Him (BG 18.68-69)

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

✅ DISTRIBUTE Gitas to friends and family

✅ SPONSOR Gitas to be placed in hotels, hospitals, prisons, and more!

✅ INSPIRE others to distribute or sponsor Gitas

Please visit https://giftofgita.com/ for more information


Sun Love Feast – Nov 24th, 2019 – Vedic discourse by His Grace Kratu Prabhu
→ ISKCON Brampton

About HG Kratu Prabhu
Kratu Prabhu was born in aristocratic Gujarati Gaudiya Vaishnava family.
His first exposure to ISKCON happened in 1970, at St. Louis. He later joined full-time in 1974, in Toronto. He met his Guru, His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada in 1976, from whom he received a direct order for preaching Krishna consciousness. He and his wife were initiated by Srila Prabhupada in 1977 in Toronto, Canada.

While in West, he worked as a professional engineer for five years in Toronto. In Chicago, he worked for Chicago temple as director of congregational preaching. He then became temple President of Vancouver temple in 1987. In 1993, he moved to Baroda, Gujarat and conducted college and school preaching. He also started a book distribution program by Bullock Cart for every town and village. In 1997, he became temple President of ISKCON, Delhi and continued house and pandal preaching programs.

In 2002, he became an initiating spiritual master in ISKCON and is ever since vigorously travelling and preaching all over the world and regularly visiting USA, Canada, UK, Europe and continuously preaching in India, conducting pandal programs, educational programs and devotional tours.


Chant: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 

And Be Happy!!

ayur harati vai pumsam
udyann astam ca yann asau
tasyarte yat-ksano nita
uttama-sloka-vartaya

Both by rising and by setting, the sun decreases the duration of life of everyone, except one
who utilizes the time by discussing topics of the all-good Personality of Godhead.
 ~ Srimad Bhagavatam 2.3.17




11.00 - 11.15      Tulsi Puja
11.15  - 11.30     Guru Puja
11:30 - 11:55     Aarti & Kirtan
11.55  - 12.00    Sri Nrsingadeva Prayers
12.00 - 1:00     Vedic discourse
  1.00 - 1.30      Closing Kirtan
  1.30 - 2.00     Sanctified Free Vegetarian Feast

COMING UP AHEAD

 Moksada Ekadasi (Advent of Srimad Bhagavad-gita)
Fasting.....................on Sat Dec 7th, 2019
Breakfast................  on Sun Dec 8th, 2019 b/w 7:38am – 10:39am

Every fortnight, we observe Ekadasi, a day of prayer and meditation. On this day we follow a complete fast from eating and drinking. We spend extra time reading the scriptures and chanting the auspicious Hare Krishna mantra. By constantly ‘exercising’ our minds through regular japa we can train our senses to push the threshold of contentment.

ONGOING PROGRAMS


Vedic Education & Learning For Grownups
ISKCON Brampton offers various courses and Seminars for adults. The courses take a personal approach to learning. It encourages the student not only to study thoroughly the contents of Srila Prabhupada’s books but also to clearly understand the philosophy and practically apply it. The course focuses on behaviour and character, nurturing students in appropriate Vaishnava values. Professionally designed and presented, it draws on the principles of Krishna consciousness and the best of progressive education. In this way, it is true to ISKCON’s heritage and at the same time relevant to its mission in contemporary society.


Sunday School

To register,contact us
Email:sundayschool108@gmail.com
Call:647.893.9363

The Sunday School provides fun filled strategies through the medium of music, drama, debates,
quizzes and games that present Vedic Culture to children. However the syllabus is also designed
to simultaneously teach them to always remember Krishna and never forget Him.
The Sunday School follows the curriculum provided by the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture (BCEC).


Monthly sankirtan Festival(MSF)
“One who has life can preach, and one who preaches gets life.”(Previous Acaryas)
Every member of ISKCON should have the opportunity to make advancement in Krishna
consciousness by preaching.We encourage everyone to come out and participate and make
Srila Prabhupada happy.

Please contact:
Dharma Dasa- dharandev58@gmail.com-647.892.0739(Mississauga and Brampton regions)


The Mentorship Program

Please note that registration in the Mentorship System is now a mandatory requirement for all initiation requests at ISKCON Brampton.It

1.Facilitates  and nurtures devotees aspiring for first and second Initiation.
2.One-on-One personal follow up on a regular basis.
3.Systematic training to devotees in matters of Philosophy, Sadhna, Vaishnava behavior, etiquette, Lifestyle and attitudes.

To find details please click here


Gift Shop

Are you looking for some amazing gift items which are less expensive and more beautiful for your
loved ones for festivals or many other occasions??
Our boutique is stocked with an excellent range of products, perfect for gifts or as souvenirs of your
visit. It offers textiles, jewelry, incense, devotional articles, musical instruments, books, and CDs
inspired by Indian culture.We're open on all Sundays and celebrations marked in our annual calendar.

Kaliya Krsna Das Disappearance
→ Ramai Swami

Srila Kaviraja Goswami writes (Chaitanya Charitamrta-lila Adi 11:37.) that Kaliya Krishna Dasa Thakura was one of the principle devotees of Nityananda Prabhu. He knew nothing other than the lotus feet of Sri Nityananda Prabhu.

According to Srila Kavi Karnapura’s Gaura-Ganodesha-Dipika (text 132.), he was one of the 12 gopals in Vrindavana, and in the pastimes of Krishna in Vrindavana was known as Labhanga, one of Krishna’s cowherd boy friends. Here he is refered to as Kalah Krsnadasa or Kalakrsnadasa.

On the twelfth day of the dark moon in the month of Caitra, Sri Kaliya Krishna Dasa Thakura disappeared from this world. This is not the same Kaliya Krishna dasa who accompanied Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to South India. At present, Kaliya Krishnadas’s descendents live in different holy places in Bengal.

His birthplace is in the Bardhaman (Burdwan) district of West Bengal within a short distance from the Railway station at Katwa, at the village called Akai Hatta. This village is situated on the old king’s road between Nabadwipa and Katwa. Akai Hatta is a very small village.

Offer it Up
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Ananda Vrindavana Devi Dasi

I learned how to offer at a young age. When I didn’t want to carry the freshly ironed clothes upstairs my mother would cheerfully say, “Offer it up!”. There was no choice about having to do it but she was suggesting where I put my mind in the process. She was teaching me to offer this small activity to God. Those three words stayed with me, and when I was later introduced to Krishna consciousness, the same concept from my childhood appeared to me in Krishna’s teachings. What does it mean to offer? With the clothing, it meant that I did something I didn’t want to do for someone else. I turned this unwelcome activity into a gesture of goodwill. I took the time that I’d rather be doing something else, and gave it away or offered it up. Continue reading "Offer it Up
→ Dandavats"

A visit to Yavat, Ter Kadamba, Asheshavan and Vrinda Kunda (Album of photos)
→ Dandavats



A visit to Yavat, Ter Kadamba, Asheshavan and Vrinda Kunda (Album of photos)
Bhakti Chaitanya Swami: On the 17th we went to Yavat, Ter Kadamba, Asheshavan and Vrinda Kunda. They are all in the vicinity of Nandagram. Yavat is the very mysterious place of Jatila, Kutila and Abhimanyu. Ter Kadamba is the place of Srila Rupa Goswami, and Asheshavan the place of Lord Siva in the mood of desiring Krishna’s mercy. Vrinda Kunda, of course, is the home of Vrinda devi, who is planning out so many aspects of the pastimes of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna.

(This post has been viewed 396 times so far)

Annual Procession for Mahaprabhu’s Arrival in Vrindavan (2019) (Album of photos)
→ Dandavats



Annual Procession for Mahaprabhu’s Arrival in Vrindavan (2019) (Album of photos)
Just over 500 years ago Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu arrived in Vrindavan on Karttika Purnima. Every year from Amiya Nimai Mandir a grand procession is taken out with the picture of Sriman Mahaprabhu which goes around Vrindavan. Also please take Karttika Purnima darshan of Sri Radharaman and Sri Radha Gopinathji where the temples are decorated beyond words.

(This post has been viewed 378 times so far)

Braja Vilasa Prabhu Speaks at the 2019 Kartik Mandal in Vrindavan
- TOVP.org

This year during month of Kartika in Vrindavan, Braja Vilasa prabhu, TOVP Director of Development and Fundraising, spoke before 8,000+ devotees at the annual Kartik Mandal program, inspiring them with the importance of this historic and magnificent project.

The post Braja Vilasa Prabhu Speaks at the 2019 Kartik Mandal in Vrindavan appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

New Improved TOVP App Launched
- TOVP.org

We are pleased to announce the official release of the new and improved TOVP App on the Android and Apple platforms. While certain aspects are still being refined and new features added, this App far exceeds the capabilities and functions of the previous one.

The App was created by His Grace Sriman Aniruddha Chandra prabhu and the tech staff for his India based company, RadRap Enterprises. It is designed to serve as a TOVP news resource as well as an additional portal for donors to make donations to the TOVP.

 A very special and unique feature of the App is the Share Your Bhakti program. Through this feature you can earn Bhakti Points in your App wallet by referring other devotees to make donations through the App. The first time they make a donation you receive points in your Bhakti Wallet which you can eventually redeem for various pujas done in your name to Lord Nrsimha, Pancha Tattva and Radha Madhava in Mayapur.

To download the App go to either Google Play or the Apple store and search for TOVP. Or you can use the following link:

Get it on Google Play
download_on_the_app_store_badge_us-uk

 

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“The Greatest Acharya Who Ever Existed”
Giriraj Swami

When I first met Akincana Krishna dasa Babaji, I didn’t know what to say. I simply offered my respects and said, “Srila Akincana Krishna dasa Babaji Maharaja ki jaya!”

Maharaja saw that I had a tape recorder in my hands, and without my having to say anything, he closed his eyes and started tapping his hands together and sang his mangala-carana before singing Sri Krishna Chaitanya. When he started singing the Hare Krishna mantra, it was like going into another world. He was chanting so beautifully, and it was like each syllable was drenched in bhava and prema.

After about twenty minutes, he stopped. He looked at me and said, “I would like to tell you something.”

“What is that?” I said.

He said, “I am an old man, and I’ve had a lot of experience in this world. From my experience, I can honestly tell you that there has never been a greater acharya than your spiritual master [Srila A.  C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada].”

When he said that, I was stunned, because he was a disciple of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. Then he looked up and he said, “There has never been an acharya in history who has performed miracles like your spiritual master.”

He paused and looked at me and asked, “Do you know why?”

I couldn’t speak.

“Because in history there was never a greater servant of Sri Krishna’s holy name than your spiritual master, because your spiritual master had so much absolute understanding of Sri Krishna’s holy name and so much absolute faith in Sri Krishna’s holy name that he personally carried Sri Krishna’s holy name through the length and the breadth of the world. Therefore, he is the greatest acharya who has ever existed.”

Srila Prabhupada ki jaya!

—B. B. Govinda Swami

Nimbakacharya Appearance
→ Ramai Swami

Nimbakacharya was the principal teacher—acharya—in the Kumara sampradaya, one of the four main lines of Vaisnava teachers and disciples. He appeared in South India, in Mungera-patana.

His Vedanta-sutra commentary—Parijata-saurabha-bhasya—establishes the doctrine that the Absolute Truth includes both oneness and variety (known as Dwaitadwaita-vada). He preached Krsna Consciousness about 300 years before the advent of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

Monday, November 11th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk


Vancouver/LA/Buenos Aires

To Remember

Before I took to my American Airlines flight to Los Angeles, and then on to Argentina, I just had to get some footsteps in at 3:00 a.m.  I ventured off to the Chinese farm enclave near the ISKCON temple in Burnaby.  It was quiet for sure, favourable for stepping out and mantra meditating.

I turned at Willard Street, and just about landed on some roadkill.  It was an ‘oops moment’.  Missed it.  It was hard to determine what kind of species it was.  A muskrat perhaps?  In any case, it brought to mind death. 

As all people in North America know, today is a day for reflecting on the theme of death—especially death occurring in war—as it is Remembrance Day in Canada and Veteran's Day in the U.S.

Smaranam is the Sanskrit word for remembrance or reflecting on what is of a grave nature.  Although many of us prescribe to the concept of the soul's transmigration, and that, in many ways, death is superficial (our souls don't die), it becomes a natural obligation to reflect on or remember those who heroically sacrificed their everything to ensure a more free life for others.  Yes, it is tragic to hear of the noble men and women who died in action or other ever-noble causes.  Conflict and war appear to be strong components in life.

It is also important to remember those who through precept and behaviour, always endeavoured to avoid confrontation among humans, between men and animal, nature and so on.  Non-violent activists who speak out for peace and closeness should also be honoured.  They are also fighters for truth.  It seems, as humans, we vacillate between pain and peace.  Let us all, in some way, honour the principle of sacrifice on this day.

May the Source be with you!
4 km

Sunday, November 10th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk


Saranagati/Vancouver

Interesting Points About the Valley

The final wrap-up to our weekend discussions came in the form of a walk through the valley with those who had not left for their respective homes. A couple from Athabasca, a mother and son from the village in Saranagati, devotees from major cities, and Ramnath from the end of the valley were with me. Off we strolled.

“Ramnath, can you tell us the types of trees we are seeing on both sides of the trail? Some of us know models of cars, but we don’t know our trees.”

Ramnath was happy to respond. “Well, here, it is mostly fir. The tall trees which are practically dead are the ones devastated by the pine beetle. Over there are a few juniper bushes.”

“Don’t you have some poplar trees?” I asked.

“Yes, where there’s more water, down lower in the valley.”

“Where do you see rattlesnakes?”

“We are walking in the area where they slither in the summer. This is the sunniest, most dry area in the valley.”

Hearing about snakes always raises eyebrows, and ‘rattlesnakes’ all the more.

Ramnath further explained that Chinese railway workers once lived there. He then pointed to an underground hole where some residents stay in the summer when it’s hot. There is a clear opening with a log-framed entrance.

My walking companions were also intrigued to hear about an abandoned gold mine in the valley. “If you go in, you might not come out,” I warned. Eyebrows, again.

May the Source be with you!
5 km


Saturday, November 9th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk


Venables Valley, British Columbia

Some of What Went On

There is a slippery dynamic to the roads which run through the village of Saranagati.  Ride offers were given by motorists but I insisted on using my legs.  The few destinations I reached were ridiculously short in distance, in any case.  I do love this village of residents who are all bhakti yogis, but if I would offer one criticism, people here should do more trekking between their homes. These rural homes are not set particularly close to each other, yet they are close enough that walking between them could do a heckuva lot of good, health-wise.  Let us become less car dependent is what I would suggest. 

Soon we were off to the seminar room in what is called the “ISKCON temple".  We discussed topics concerning the use of plastic in our centres and households.  We dove deep into discussing violence, domestic or otherwise, and also sexual misconduct by leaders.   

On the brighter side, we found the presentations by the group “Krishna Vancouver” to be most inspiring.  The group takes to heart that, as our guru, Prabhupada, expressed, we need not be stereotypical in the way we share Krishna Consciousness.  He implied we must find innovative ways to do so, but at the same time not compromise our core values.  We discussed tithing and came up with the terminology MMG, which stands for "My Monthly Gratitude".

At the end of the day of meetings, I walked to the home of Manu and Satarupa for evening kirtan.  This was sweet.

May the Source be with you!
3 km


Friday, November 8th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk


Venables Valley, British Columbia

The Importance of Good Marriage

It was a long day of inspirational presentations, and the first item on the agenda was a walk through a portion of the valley. I was not alone. Five other ISKCON leaders, all from the city, joined me in the tranquil experience.

Bears are now hibernating in their dens. They were very active during the late summer. Of course, this is their territory. Ravens are also not around. Rattlesnakes—they are asleep at this time of year. So, there is ultimate quiet.

The walk culminated in our arrival at the goshala, the place for cows. It became a petting and feeding session for most of us, followed by sadhana, prayer, and meditations at the Bhaktivedanta Academy. That was sweet!

Breakfast followed. In our Annual General Meeting, there was participation by around forty representatives from across Canada. The presentation by Partha and Uttama, a resilient couple and members of the Grhasta Vision Team, was a highlight for me. The group is all about marriage education and counselling. Marriages, good ones, are the foundation of a good society. Since we live in a time that proves to be not-so-friendly to family values, it becomes an issue.

Overall, the idea of enhancing marriage and family living was of great interest to all. It is so pertinent, relevant.

I saw much talent and experience in the room, and was proud to have these devoted people to work with.

My commitment is not just to Canada, the United States, or other countries that I visit. Rather, it is for all people who can see the benefit of assimilating an endeavour toward higher consciousness.

May the Source be with you!
5 km



Thursday, November 7th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk


Toronto/Calgary/Kamloops

Going West with Others

Today, I traveled with four other spiritual leaders by plane. We were enroute to our Canadian leaders’ meeting, to be held in Venables Valley, British Columbia. It was a prolonged travel, which included missing a connecting flight. It was too bad. However, we had each other, sparing the five of us from stress. I did take the time for a few minutes to read an article from the West Jet Flight magazine, about the topic of ‘loneliness’. I’ll share some of the info.

Dr. Ami Pokach, a clinical psychologist at York University in Toronto, shares his advice and tips on the factors behind the rise of loneliness.

“One is our culture. In Western culture, independence is the most important thing. And actually, as humans, we are wired to need other people. Two is technology. Facebook helps some people deal with loneliness, [but for] many, it intensifies loneliness because they see the beautiful pictures people post and they say, ‘Look at my life. I fall short.’”

“Loneliness is known to cause people to view themselves negatively. It affects our spirit and our health. Stress—and loneliness causes stress—is known to cause sleep disturbances and to elevate heart rate, blood pressure and cortisol levels creating a state of emergency in the body.”

“People who are lonely may look at [travelling] as an opportunity to change their behaviours. They may try things they [wouldn’t] try [at home], like seeking places where people congregate, smiling at people, engaging in a conversation with the people they meet and making new friends.”

The excerpts are good. Pokach said something further on in the article that I liked, about aloneness or being able to be alone without experiencing loneliness. https://www.westjetmagazine.com/story/article/loneliness

May the Source be with you!
2 km


DELAND RETREAT
Bhakti Charu Swami

His Holiness arrived at Florida USA at the end of July in time for his retreat in the US, held in Deland, Orlando, from 31st July to 5th August 2019. Devotees from all over USA came to participate in retreat. More than 200 devotees attended the retreat and made...