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Sun Love Feast – Dec 1st 2019 – Vedic discourse by His Grace Aindra Prabhu
→ ISKCON Brampton
Sun Love Feast – Dec 1st 2019 – Vedic discourse by His Grace Aindra Prabhu
Moksada Ekadasi 
Vedic Contributions in Ancient Europe, By Stephen Knapp
→ Stephen Knapp
We know that the ancient Vedic culture had spread or had influence throughout many parts of the world. Evidence can show this, if we know what to look for and do the right research. So this article will show a little of that evidence.
Starting with Greece, which is often considered the cradle of Western civilization, Greece was originally of the name Hellas, and the land of Hellas was so called from the magnificent range of heights situated in Baluchistan, styled by the name “Hella” mountains. So where did the name Greece come from? The word itself signifies the Indian origin of the ancient Greeks. The royal Indian city of Magadha was called Rajagruhi [now Rajgir] during the Mahabharata times, and people of Magadha were known as Gruhiks. After the defeat of Jarasandha by Sri Krishna, the Gruhikas moved through northwest India and into the area of Greece. These people named their new country as Gruhikadesh, which then changed to Graihakos and to Graikos to Graceus and finally to Greece. In the same way, the name of Macedonia came from the name Magadhanian, indicating an extension of Magadha in ancient India. (Shah, Niranjan, Greece–A Colony of Ancient India, India Tribune, July 30, 2005.)
In this way, much of the advancement that was experienced in Greece was because of the influence, especially in mathematics, literature, and other fields, from ancient India. As the French author Louis Revel writes in his book The Fragrance of India (Les Routes Ardentes De L’Inde): “If the Greek culture has influenced Western civilization, we must not forget that ancient Greeks themselves were also sons of Hindu (Indian) thoughts.”
Jawaharlal Nehru also wrote about the Vedic influence of the Upanishads on early Greece and Christianity: “Early Indian thought penetrated to Greece, through Iran, and influenced some thinkers and philosophers there. Much later, Plotinus came to the east to study Iranian and Indian philosophy and was especially influenced by the mystic element in the Upanishads. From Plotinus many of these ideas are said to have gone to St. Augustine, and through him influenced the Christianity of the day… The rediscovery by Europe, during the past century and a half, of Indian philosophy created a powerful impression on European philosophers and thinkers.” (Nehru, Jawaharlal, Discovery of India, The Signet Press, 1946, p.92.)
Poets in Greece tried their best to create literature similar to that of India. In fact, German scholar Barren Van Nooten, who translated the Rig Veda, wrote in the Introduction to Philosophy of Hinduism: An Introduction to Philosophy of Hinduism by T. C. Galav: “There are virtual copies of plots, characters, episodes, situations, and time duration from the Mahabharata in Homer and Virgil.”
Then we have another Greek ruler, Agathocles, who not only used the Vedic emblems of Krishna and Balarama on his coins, but took pride in calling himself a Hinduja, an Indian by birth. In India we also have the example of Heliodoros, a native of Taxila and a convert to Vaishnavism, who came to India as an ambassador of the Greek king Antialcidas, to the court of the Shunga ruler Bhagabhadra and erected his Heliodorus column at Vidisha, which announced his dedication to the worship of Vishnu.
This Heliodorus column provides undeniable archeological evidence that the Greeks were impressed with the Vedic culture as far back as 200 BCE. This Heliodorus column was erected by the Greek ambassador to India in 113 B.C. at Besnagar in central India. The inscription on the column, as published in the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, says:
This Garuda column of Vasudeva (Vishnu), the god of gods, was erected here by Heliodorus, a worshiper of Vishnu, the son of Dion, and an inhabitant of Taxila, who came as Greek ambassador from the Great King Antialkidas to King Kasiputra Bhagabhadra, the Savior, then reigning prosperously in the fourteenth year of his kingship. Three important precepts when practiced lead to heaven: self-restraint, charity, conscientiousness.
This shows that Heliodorus had become a worshiper of Vishnu and was well versed in the texts and ways pertaining to this spiritual path. It can only be guessed how many other Greeks became converted to Vaishnava Hinduism if such a notable ambassador did. This conclusively shows the Greek appreciation for India and its philosophy, and that it antedated Christianity by at least 200 years. This disproved claims of the Christians and British that the stories of Krishna in the Puranas were modern and merely taken as adaptations from the stories of Jesus, or that the Vedics were influenced by and adopted any of the philosophy of Christianity before this time.
Now going to Germany, we can see a Vedic connection starting with the very name of Germany. It is explained that the word German came from the name of sharma or sharman, which is an Indian name. Thus, Germany was a country connected with Vedic tradition from many years ago. It is also interesting that the German Sanskritist Max Muller described himself on the front page of his translation of the Rig Veda as, “By me, born in Sharman country, resident of Oxford, named Max Muller.” This would also lend credence that Germany was once known as Sharman-desh, or the place of the Sharmans, a brahminical class of people, connected with the Vedic culture. So you could say that Germany should have been called Sharmany.
This connection may also be why there have been a number of scholars who were fascinated by and studied Sanskrit. These included people like August Wilhelm Schlegal, Immanual Kant, Jacobi, Arthur Schopenhaur, Paul Dressen, Richard Wagner, Frederich Nietzsche, and others.
In Ireland, we can see a lot of the Vedic influence, starting simply with its name. In Historic India, published by Time-Life Books, we read on page 39 that, “In Celtic the word (Arya or Aryan) was transformed into ‘Erin’ which in English became Ireland.” So there is a direct connection between what became Ireland and its heritage from the Vedic Aryan culture.
In Reverend Faber’s book Origin of Pagan Idols, he feels the same way when he says: “The religion of the celts, as professed in Gaul [France] and Britain is palpably the same as that of the Hindoos and Egyptians.” (Faber, Origin of Pagan Idols, B. IV, Ch. V, p. 380.)
The Celts were also one of the first civilizations north of the Alps recorded in history. By the third century BCE they existed from Ireland to central Turkey, through Italy, to southern Spain and north to Belgium.
The patriarch of their good gods was Nuada, born of Goddess Danu. Danu was also called Anu or Ana, and was like the universal mother. All the other gods are like her children. Goddess Danu is said to have ruled over Ireland some 4000 years ago. Patricia Monaghan writes in her book, The Encyclopedia of Celtic Mythology, that there was an Irish divine race that represented the God of the Celts, named Tuatha De Danann, the people of Goddess Danu.
We also find Danu prominently in the Vedic tradition. It was the clan of Danavas that came from Danu. The Vedic Danu was one of the thirteen daughters of Prajapati Daksha, and was married to Kashyapa Muni. In the Irish tradition the father of Danu is called Dagda, very similar to Daksha. Being the daughter of Daksha also means that she was the sister of Sati, the wife of Lord Shiva. The Celtic Nuada was also called Argetlam, or “He of the Silver Hand.” He was their war god, or like the Gaelic Zeus, or Jupiter. Nuada’s consorts were war-like goddesses called “Hateful,” “Venomous,” “Furry,” “Great Queen,” and others. This was similar to Shiva and the different forms of Devi, such as Amba, Bhavani, Kali, Parvati, etc. Other Celtic gods included Teutates, Taranis, and Esus.
Kashyapa had two wives from whom come lineages that were noted in the Vedic culture. From Danu came the lineage of the Danavas. Another lineage was from his wife Diti, who gave birth to the Daityas. Germany was previously called Daityastan, from which came the name Deutchland. Stan is Sanskrit meaning land, so Daityastan merely means the land of the Daityas, the sons of Diti. So we can see the closeness of this with the Vedic tradition.
Similar to the Celts, the Scandinavians also recall coming from an area to the southeast from many years earlier. The Sanskrit chants of the Vedas also are connected with the Eddas of Scandinavia. In fact, as Christianity took over the area, the word Veda became mispronounced as Edda. That is the only explanation as to why elephants are mentioned in the Eddas and traditions of Scandinavia, although they do not exist there.
A small comparison can be made when we read in the Eddas about the process of creation, wherein it says: “There was in times of old, not sand, not sea, not waves, Earth existed not. Not heaven above, it was a chaotic chasm, and grass nowhere. The Supreme ineffable spirit willed, and a formless chaotic matter was formed.” However, this is also very similar to statements about the universal creation in the Brahmanda Purana and others from the Vedic tradition.
These are just short snippets of evidence. Anyone who would like more information about this topic can find it in the books of Stephen Knapp, namely his latest, “Mysteries of the Ancient Vedic Empire,” and his previous book “Proof of Vedic Culture’s Global Existence,” or visit his website at: www.stephen-knapp.com.
Gratitude for God’s Gifts
Giriraj Swami
If we are at all aware of how dependent we are on God—for the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and our very ability to eat and drink and breathe, to think and feel and will, and to walk, talk, and sense—we will feel grateful and want to reciprocate God’s kindness. We will want to do something for He (or She or They) who has done, and continues to do, so much for us.
We often take things for granted until we lose them. I use my right hand to chant on meditation beads, and one morning I found that I had severe pain in my hand and could no longer use it for chanting. I had taken the use of my hand for granted, but when I lost its use, I resolved to never take it for granted again and to always use it in the best way in God’s service.
How can we attempt to return some of God’s favor, some of God’s care and love for us? My spiritual master, Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, gave one answer:
“Whatever you have got by pious or impious activities, you cannot change. But you can change your position, by Krishna consciousness. That you can change. Other things you cannot change. If you are white, you cannot become black, or if you are black, you cannot become white. That is not possible. But you can become a first-class Krishna conscious person. Whether you are black or white, it doesn’t matter. This is Krishna consciousness. Therefore our endeavor should be how to become Krishna conscious. Other things we cannot change. This is not possible.
tasyaiva hetoh prayateta kovido
na labhyate yad bhramatam upary adhah
tal labhyate duhkhavad anyatah sukham
kalena sarvatra gabhira-ramhasa
[Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.5.18]
Kalena, by time, you will get whatever you are destined. Don’t bother about so-called economic development. So far as food is concerned, Krishna is supplying. Eko bahunam yo vidadhati kaman. He is supplying even cats and dogs and ants. Why not you? There is no need of bothering Krishna, ‘God, give us our daily bread.’ He will give you. Don’t bother. Try to become very faithful servant of God. ‘Oh, God has given me so many things. So let me give my energy to serve Krishna.’ This is required. This is Krishna consciousness. ‘I have taken so much, life after life, from Krishna. Now let me dedicate this life to Krishna.’ This is Krishna consciousness. ‘I will not let this life go uselessly like cats and dogs. Let me utilize it for Krishna consciousness.’”
I pray that I will dedicate this life and everything I have—everything God has given me—fully in God’s service, following His pure devotees.
manasa, deho, geho, yo kichu mora
arpilun tuya pade, nanda-kisora
“Mind, body, and home, whatever may be mine, I surrender at Your lotus feet, O youthful son of Nanda!” (Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Saranagati)
Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami
Does the Lord Deliver Personally?
Giriraj Swami
In his talk on the Bhagavad-gita 9.20–22, on December 7, 1966, in New York, Srila Prabhupada stated:
“The Lord says a very nice thing. What is that?
ananyas cintayanto mam
ye janah paryupasate
tesam nityabhiyuktanam
yoga-ksemam vahamy aham
[Gita 9.22]
[‘But those who worship Me with exclusive devotion, meditating on My transcendental form—to them I carry what they lack and preserve what they have.”] Here the Lord gives assurance that ‘Those who are unflinching and cent percent devoted in the transcendental service of Me, for them I take charge of their maintenance, all comforts.’ Nityabhiyuktanam yoga-ksemam vahamy aham.
“Now, this sloka is very important for devotees. There was a great devotee named Arjunacharya. When he was writing commentaries on this particular sloka, verse, he saw tesam nityabhiyuktanam yoga-ksemam vahamy aham, that the Lord says, ‘I Myself take the burden and take the load on My head, and I deliver to My devotees what they require. They don’t require to go outside. I Myself go and deliver the goods, whatever they require.’
“This is written here. Tesam nityabhiyuktanam. Those who are cent percent engaged in the loving service of the Lord, tesam nityabhiyuktanam yoga-ksemam vahamy aham. Yoga means what is required by him, and ksemam means what he has got, what he requires to be protected. So, these two things the Lord takes charge, that ‘I personally do it.’ For whom? Ananyas cintayanto mam: those who have no thought other than Krishna, who are Krishna conscious. Ananyas cintayanto mam. Ye janah paryupasate—engaged in that way always. He has no other business, simply Krishna. The Lord does these things for him. It is specifically mentioned here.
“This is an encouragement. This is an encouragement by the Lord that ‘Do not think that because you are not trying for going to the other planet you will be unhappy. You will have happiness.’ What is happiness? Happiness is within your mind. If you are assured of your peaceful existence and the next life you are transferred to the supreme planet, or supreme place, then that is happiness—not for trying life after life to adjust happiness. Here is an assurance.
“This Arjunacharya . . . That’s a very nice story. When he was writing commentaries, and he thought, ‘How is that, the Lord will come Himself and deliver the goods? Oh, it is not possible. He might be sending through some agents.’ So he wanted to cut vahamy aham, ‘I bear the burden and deliver.’ He wrote in a way that ‘I send some agent who delivers.’
“Then Arjunacharya went to take bath, and in the meantime two very beautiful boys brought some very nice foodstuffs in large quantity. In India there is a process of taking two sides burden on the bamboo; just like a scale it is balanced. So, these two boys brought some very highly valuable foodstuff and grains and ghee and the like, and his wife was there. And the boys said, ‘My dear mother, Arjunacharya has sent these goods to you. Please take delivery.’ She said, ‘Oh, You are such nice boys, You are such beautiful boys, and he has given You? Acharya is not so cruel. How is that? He has given so much burden to You, and he is not kind?’ ‘Oh, I was not taking; just see, he has beaten Me. Here is the cane mark. Just see.’ His wife became very much astonished, that ‘Acharya is not so cruel. How he has become so cruel?’ She was thinking in that way.
“Then she said, ‘All right, my dear boys. You come on,’ and gave Them shelter. And, ‘No. We shall go, because when Arjunacharya comes back, he will chastise Us.’ ‘No, no. You sit down, take foodstuff.’ She prepared foodstuff, and then They went away.
“When Arjunacharya came back, he saw that his wife was eating. It is the system of Indian families that after the husband has taken food, the wife will take. They don’t take together. After the family members—the boys and the husband—are sumptuously fed, then the housewife takes.
“So Arjunacharya said, ‘You are . . .’ So, the wife said, ‘Acharya, you have become so much cruel nowadays?’ ‘Oh, what is that?’ ‘Now, two very nice boys brought so much foodstuff. You loaded on Their head, and They denied to take it, and you have beaten Them, chastised?’ He said, ‘No, I have never done this. Why shall I do it?’ Then she described, ‘Oh, such a nice, beautiful boy.’
“Then Arjunacharya understood that ‘Because I wanted that God does not deliver personally, so He has delivered these goods, and because I cut these alphabets that He does not give personally, so He has shown that beating mark, cut mark.’ . . . Of course, you may believe or not believe. That’s a different thing. But here the Lord says, ‘I personally deliver.’
“So, those who are in Krishna consciousness, who are actually busy in the matter of discharging their duties as Krishna conscious persons, may be assured that so far their living condition is concerned or their comforts of life is concerned, that is assured by the Lord. There will be no hampering.
“Thank you very much.”
Hare Krishna.
Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami
Should we just accept destiny or keep trying till we succeed?
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Answer Podcast
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Sunday, November 24th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk
Toronto, Ontario
Meeting Anita
Anita Sharma was just a little girl when she and her parents and two brothers started coming around. Her dad and mum came from the Punjab, and the family is now in their third generation here.
Successful? Yes! When she mentioned she has a nephew who's now a doctor, I was quite surprised how fast everything evolves with the generations.
Does she have her own family? I asked her and she smiled and said something about "updating." Anyway, she's married to her career as an anchor/reporter with BNN Bloomberg, on television each evening. Yes, she's a regular TV personality.
I complimented her for having recently moved up the street from the temple (where I met her this evening). She's quite thrilled about this new condo where she can have her dad, now eighty-two, come and have darshan (viewing) of the Krishna deity, as it is now close by.
Anita showed up just at the tail-end of our Sunday Open House. As usual, it was a joyous occasion where people from our community, as well as newcomers, visited to chant, have darshan, indulge in a nice feast and make new friends. There is a diverse group of people who come. There are very few monks about. There's myself and a handful of single men who reside in the temple's ashram. That is the make-up of most of our ISKCON Centres in North America. They are householder-based.
After meeting Anita, I took a much needed stroll through Forest Hill, just to wind down from the tense but happy affairs of the Open House. Night time walking is cool! https://www.instagram.com/p/B5SVHfiAj3A/?igshid=jsb0fwgthnh6
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Saturday, November 23rd, 2019
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Tottenham, Ontario
It's All New for Him
This morning was a time to look forward to, for the seven of us—Nicholas, Pariksit, David, Oksana plus her two kids, and myself. It was the first visit for most of us to Vishal's farm. What a treat! Vishal was generous with kisses to the young bull (I forget his name). He walked us to the foundation of his barn. To follow will be a house and greenhouse. Who knows what more?
Part two of our day's anticipation was a seven kilometre walk on the Great Trail. The most excited among us was Pariksit with his first snow encounter in real winter. He seemed to thrive on it. I gave him samples of balsam, cedar and juniper. The scent blew him away. I explained, "It's the scent of God." https://www.instagram.com/p/B5PLDSVAon9/?igshid=2e33wn66hr2x
There was more to be experienced and observed. A wild rabbit, squirrel, blue jay birds, caterpillars and plenty of coyote scat, were all along the trail. This was all new for Pariksit.
The occasional cyclist passed by, each one with wide tires. A new fad, I suppose, but suited for the trail conditions which are slushy with ice, snow and some soft muddy surfaces.
The trail is fairly straight, with a few bends here and there. It is obviously an old railway line, some of which is exposed at 4th Line in Tottenham. An old steam locomotive once operated through the town. But, not much of a fascination for that scale seems to exist anymore. A drab-looking condo building is going up in an attempt to substitute for the charm of the past. It doesn't do it for me. I often reflect on what our guru, Prabhupada, would say about these things. In this case, it’s the most squarish thing you ever saw.
May the Source be with you!
8 km
Friday, November 22nd, 2019
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Toronto, Ontario
The Switch
From Roxborough Street going east, I made it to Moore Park Ravine, and then came upon a new switchback at Chorley Park. For years that has been one of my walking routes, but what's different in the newly renovated Chorley Park is that zigzag of a trail called a switchback. Systematically, the city Parks Commission has been making improvements and completing a makeover during the last two years. I'm noticing it and loving it.
However on my ascent, half-way up the switchback, I asked the oncoming pedestrian, a woman with her pet dog, what she thought about the new look/facility, and she replied, "I don't care for it. I mean to say, I like the concept but they have taken down trees to do it."
She made me think, and I agree trees should not be chain-sawed down. It could, should, be avoided. But as she spoke, I realized no deforestation had taken place here. There's no tree stumps to prove it. As far as I can recall, the side of the hill, we were standing on, has been barren for decades, with only a few shrubs here and there. In fact, young trees have been planted recently. They will add beauty and offer protection from erosion.
I was not in the mood to disagree. I was just happy to interact with someone, and that's why I took the initiative. I was glad to meet someone and I believe the woman was too, even though, from her end, speaking to a monk was just a consequence.
Earlier on in the day, I met Jivan Mukta, an old acquaintance with whom I shared some years of ‘monkhood’ in the early eighties. He has come to the conclusion that life is negative enough. His motto is: "I don't want to hear negative."
May the Source be with you!
6 km
Thursday, November 21st, 2019
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Toronto, Ontario
We Walked
We walked during a drizzle of rain—Jaya, Raymond and myself. We made a commitment to keep our fingers on our japa beads and utter the mantras so well known to us—Hare Krishna. By the time we got to the crossroads of Bloor and Spadina, one of those companions confessed, "Maharaja, I've been doing terribly with my rounds.” (meaning a lack of focus on the sacred sound)
This remark expresses a common enough concern by chanters of japa. I indicated that he should make use of prayer, which can be an urgent call for help. "Ask for empowerment and for the power to concentrate. Distractions are always everywhere, and practically at all times. Call for help. Prayer is a divine communication that expresses gratitude, but is also a request to fulfill a need."
It is the mind that veers us away from the proper direction. It is the culprit all of the time. This is a situation where prayer, or vandanam (in Sanskrit), can really assist one in spiritual progression. Praying addresses a person, the Supreme Person. We may consider that the Lord of the Heart (Paramatma) is there sitting at the core of our heart. He listens. He watches. He waits.
It would be very difficult to pray to God as energy—sometimes referred to as Brahman. To communicate impactfully, we require a personality with which we can exchange words and feelings. This is devotion. https://www.instagram.com/p/B5LFnEigeiV/?igshid=1pk0onlcnshbn
I wish you the best , dear chanter.
May the Source be with you!
3 km
Wednesday, November 20th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk
Toronto, Ontario
The Trail I Walked
Well I walked a minor trail today
My version of how I get some play
Been in a plane, been in a car
Don't really get you anywhere far
The trail makes time stretch so nice
A place where there's little or no vice
In my opinion it's how to go
Whether dry, wet or with some snow
I moved along in so much bliss
It feels like mother nature's kiss
Dog sitters and runners I did meet
It's so awesome movin' on my feet
The smells were so fragrantly fine
My nose took in all but the sweet pine
Much mud forced a detour and dodge
On this trail where there is no lodge
Just a creek, some stones an’ a bunch a trees
They're all there to put mind at ease
I was getting so much chanting done
The moving in peace—absolutely fun
I was alone, but then I was not
Being on the trail, the very best spot
So I ambled along on this very way
On Moore Park Ravine this very day
Before you know it, I'm off the trail
I'm feeling strong and not feeling frail
©Bhaktimarga Swami 2019
May the Source be with you!
7 km
How can we balance body, mind and consciousness?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Answer Podcast
Transcription :
Transcriber: Sharan Shetty
Edited by: Keshavgopal Das
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.
End of transcription.
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Moments in a Mini World
→ TKG Academy
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 […]
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
Lecture – Lord Rama’s App. Day LA
→ Prahladananda Swami
Lecture – Lord Rama’s App. Day LA 2015-03-28 #externalpastimes
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 PrabhuKratu 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.
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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.
Hare Krishna training center graduation 2019
→ Dandavats
Hare Krishna training center graduation 2019.
The Hare Krishna Training center celebrated its 9th annual graduation ceremony on 20th November in Nairobi, Kenya.
(This post has been viewed 352 times so far)
Offer it Up
→ Dandavats
By 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
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Lecture on Sri Visnu-sahasranama
→ Dandavats
A classe on Sri Visnu-sahasranama, highlighting the qualities and pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead(This post has been viewed 17 times so far)
A visit to Yavat, Ter Kadamba, Asheshavan and Vrinda Kunda (Album of photos)
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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)
HG Mekhala devi dasi ACBSP has passed away
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HG Mekhala devi dasi ACBSP has passed away.
In Memoriam.
HG Kurma Das: My Godsister from Australia Mekhala devi dasi has passed away.
(This post has been viewed 443 times so far)
Deity Kitchen and Other Facilities Special Fundraising Dinner for Iskcon Melbourne (video)
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Deity Kitchen and Other Facilities Special Fundraising Dinner for Iskcon Melbourne (video)
(This post has been viewed 409 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)
Economic Silicone Mold Making
- TOVP.org
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.
The post Economic Silicone Mold Making appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
Preaching Highlights from Worcestershire
→ Dandavats
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 post has been viewed 384 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:
TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH
Visit us at: www.tovp.org
Follow us at: www.facebook.com/tovp.mayapur
Watch us at: www.youtube.com/user/tovpinfo
View us 360° at: www.tovp360.org
News & Texts at: https://m.tovp.org/newstexts
RSS News Feed at: https://tovp.org/rss2/
Buy from us at: https://tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/
Support us at: https://tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities/
The post New Improved TOVP App Launched appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.