Question: How can we balance body, mind and consciousness?
Answer: The working of body, mind and consciousness can be understood with the example of a computer system where the body is like the hardware, the mind is like the software and the consciousness is like the user.
In recent times, science has advanced enormously in terms of improving the hardware. At the physical level, today we have comforts like air conditioning, air transport, mobile communication etc. which were unimaginable even for the royalties a few hundred years ago. But unfortunately, to the extent we progressed at the physical level, we also regressed at the mental level. We have far more mental health problems today than we had a few decades ago, what to say about centuries ago. The hardware is improving but the software is getting corrupted by viruses.
If someone throws away their mobile phone not because it is physically damaged but there are too many viruses, we may call such a person a fool. But we see that there are people who just throw away their precious lives by committing suicides due to mental insecurities inspite of having lavish material luxuries.
We are quite careful at taking care of our physical needs (eat wisely, take adequate rest etc.) but at the mental level we have to see what kind of inputs we are giving. Just like, the kind of food we eat determines the shape and structure of our body, similarly the kind of stimuli we take from the world, determines the condition of our mind. The mind is like the palm of the hand and the five knowledge acquiring senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue and skin) are like the five fingers through which we take information of the outer world.
Broadly speaking, there are two kinds of stimuli that we take in – temptation and tribulation. When we get too many temptations (to buy things, touch them, taste them, watch them) then the mind becomes overburdened with desires and those desires make us dysfunctional. We do one thing but crave for something else.
Similarly, we also get a lot of negativity. Life has always been tough but in today’s interconnected world the way breaking news is shared, it is as if things are breaking down everywhere. Continuous exposure to this type of media bombardment stuffs too much negativity inside our minds. That is why we need to regulate what we take-in at the level of the mind which will help our mind become more efficient and effective. Our mind then becomes less of an enemy and more of a friend.
Beyond that, the consciousness needs a spiritual connection with a higher reality and that is where spirituality comes in. Balancing all of these means there is proportionate growth in all aspects. All of us were at one point in our mother’s womb as a tiny single cell but now there are millions of cells in our body, all this happened because of growth. Growth is natural but there is one kind of growth which is destructive and disproportionate, that is cancer. When this happens, it is dangerous and hence we have to make sure that there is a proportionate growth in all aspects of our body-mind-soul. If there is a disconnection and someone practices spirituality which is completely disconnected with the rest of reality, then such type of spirituality is more of an escapism rather than spiritual growth. Hence, it is important that there is balance and proportional growth in all the three where we are growing physically, mentally and spiritually. That is primarily done through association. If we are associating with those who are earnestly pursuing the spiritual journey then observing them and asking questions will help us learn how to balance the three.
Here are some beautiful moments in the Early Childhood classroom, where, under the guidance of Mother Kalindi, students choose their work, stay completely immersed and […]
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.
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.
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.
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!
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)
“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)
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."
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.
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 mahamantra-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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Hare Krishna training center graduation 2019.
The Hare Krishna Training center celebrated its 9th annual graduation ceremony on 20th November in Nairobi, Kenya.
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)
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.
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.
In this short video clip Savyasachi prabhu introduces and explains a cost effective and efficient method of creating molds by the use of a silicone spray gun. With this method thousands of molded ornamental pieces will be created for use on the TOVP.
Damodar Programmes (During Kartik): We hosted 20 house programs during the month of Kartik all over Worcestershire, had over 150 lamps offered with books and prasadam distributed. It was a great way to network with people and encourage them to attend future programs too.
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.
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:
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.”
The second annual Diwali celebration at the Bhakti Center in New York City not only drew around 350 festivalgoers including 200 new guests, but was also covered by the CBS News New York television station.
Twenty-five devotees from all over the US and Canada began a Zonal Supervisor Training program, run by the GBC College for Leadership Development, to learn how to become top leaders in ISKCON recently.
The Governor personally helped carry the 50lb box of Srimad-Bhagavatams to be placed in his Mansion. His wife, First Lady of Florida Casey DeSantis, appreciated the gift of a garland offered to Srila Prabhupada on his Vyasa Puja Ceremony at the ISKCON Alachua temple.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Moksada Ekadasi 
By Ananda Vrindavana Devi Dasi
A classe on Sri Visnu-sahasranama, highlighting the qualities and pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead
Damodar Programmes (During Kartik): We hosted 20 house programs during the month of Kartik all over Worcestershire, had over 150 lamps offered with books and prasadam distributed. It was a great way to network with people and encourage them to attend future programs too.
