ISKCON Disciples Course – September 27-29
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

A few years ago, the leadership of our international Hare Krishna movement instituted the "ISKCON Disciples Course", which is a great overview about several important aspects in one's spiritual life within our Hare Krishna family. This foundational course covers important topics like:
  • The importance of accepting initiation in a disciplic succession
  • Srila Prabhupada's special position
  • How to select a spiritual master
  • Relationships in a multi-guru environment
  • Parallel lines of authority and more
Uttama devi dasi and Partha das are visiting Toronto for a few weeks this summer and they will be facilitating the ISKCON Disciples Course from September 27-29, 2019.

Course Schedule:
Friday September 27:  6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday September 28: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday September 29: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

To register and to find out more information about this important course, please click here.

An Appeal To Help Ramdas Abhirama Das Who Is In Critical Condition
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Indradyumna Swami: We are again making an appeal for financial support, this time for a very dear and loved devotee who has made significant contributions to the cultural expansion of our Krishna consciousness in the world. Ramdas Abhirama Das, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, suffered a serious cerebral intraparenchymal hemorrhage while visiting Italy with his wife Dhrti Dasi last week. Cerebral intraparenchymal hemorrhage is when a blood vessel bursts in the brain depriving the brain of oxygen and proper blood supply. It can result in death or impaired mobility throughout life.

Complaints Of Love
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By Gauranga Darshan Das

Krishna’s pastimes are most enchanting, but when His pure devotees like the gopīs or Sukadeva Gosvami in the Bhagavatam narrate them, they taste even more nectarean, being mixed with the love of these devotees. Thus, Mother Yasoda experienced a greater pleasure upon hearing about Krishna’s stealing pastimes from the gopīs than the gopis did by witnessing them firsthand. The gopis’ apparent angry complaints were nothing but expressions of their loving affection for Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme butter thief (makhana-cora) who steals everyone’s pure heart. Continue reading "Complaints Of Love
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Seattle Rathayatra Festival
→ Ramai Swami

Things got off to a great start at the Seattle Rathayatra festival. The celebration was over two days and on the first many people attended. The devotees set up stages and stalls very nicely in a local park and everyone enjoyed the spiritual atmosphere.

Mother cow and her calf were brought over from our farm and even the local police came and had a look at how beautiful they were. There were, of course, dance and drama, book and paraphernalia stalls, but the most popular were the free prasadam stalls that served succulent preparations well into the evening.

Sripada Sridhar Swami’s Vyasa-puja
Giriraj Swami

My dear Sridhar Swami Maharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

One of the most important lessons in Krishna consciousness is service in separation, and I have learned much about that from you since your departure. Three days after you left, while on my daily walk, I suddenly began to feel blissful, and I felt your presence. Then I felt that you gave me two instructions. The first was, “I am still here. Be happy.” And the second was, “Just be yourself. Each one of us has his own contribution to make, so just be yourself and make your contribution.” And then you left.

I considered what had just happened. Clearly, your two instructions were meant not only for me; they were meant for everyone. And your instructions covered all points. Especially your last statement said it all: “Just be yourself and make your contribution.” It was so powerful and true to you that our godbrother Jananivasa Prabhu quoted it in a talk.

Today, on this occasion, I feel simultaneously happy and sad. As Srila Prabhupada said, when a Vaishnava departs we feel both: happy that the Vaishnava has gone to serve Krishna and sad because we will miss his association.

I do feel sad in your separation—we had so many good times and deep experiences together in service to our eternal spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada—but I take solace in serving you in separation. The Mayapur project is so dear to you, I feel that I am serving you when I contribute to it. Your disciples are dear to you, and by supporting and encouraging them in devotional service, I feel that I am serving you. In fact, you wanted everyone to become Krishna conscious—the gentle and the ruffians—and often when I preach, especially to ruffians, I think of you. And you encouraged me to write, telling me, “The pen is mightier than the sword,” and so I write as a service to you.

Maharaja, you were known as the Jolly Swami, and indeed you were jolly, even to the end. This is testimony to your advancement in Krishna consciousness, to your surrender to Krishna. Srila Prabhupada said, “If you become Krishna’s devotee, rest assured you will never be vanquished. Krishna will always protect you. We are loitering in this material world without any protection. Kadaham aikantika-nitya-kinkarah praharsayisyami sanatha-jivitam [Stotra-ratna 43]. There is a verse by Yamunacarya. He’s praying, ‘My dear Lord, I am loitering in this material world without any guardian. So, when will the time come that I shall be jolly always, that “There is my guardian, Krishna”?’ ”

By Srila Prabhupada’s grace, you were always under Krishna’s protection—and jolly. And anyone who comes to your shelter will also be safe and happy, by your—and their—divine grace.

Thank you, Maharaja.

We love you.

Hare Krishna.

Your eternal servant,
Giriraj Swami

A visit to ISKCON Rupanuga Vedic College – Kansas City (Album of…
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A visit to ISKCON Rupanuga Vedic College - Kansas City (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, that state he will attain without fail.” If one practices chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, he is naturally expected to chant Hare Krishna when he meets with some accident. Even without such practice, however, if one somehow or other chants the holy name of the Lord (Hare Krishna) when he meets with an accident and dies, he will be saved from hellish life after death. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.2.15 Purport)
Find them here: https://is.gd/N4tmPv

A Green Janmastami celebration – Zero Waste drive – ISKCON…
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A Green Janmastami celebration - Zero Waste drive – ISKCON Auckland, NZ

Janmastami 2019 was extra special in ISKCON, Auckland NZ!

The temple, under the leadership of its President, HG Kalasamvara Prabhu, decided to undertake a zero-waste drive for Sri Janmastami and Prabhupada Jayanti 2019. A laudable initiative in service of Mother Earth – beloved of Krsna.

The festivals, this year, fell on a weekend, which meant there would be literally several thousands of visitors and guests. Being reputed in Auckland for its hospitality and receiving and serving guests, plans were made for tons of prasadam to be cooked inhouse and served out to our visitors on these auspicious days. Tons of prasadam meant heaps of green and other waste that would go towards the landfill.

When food waste and compostable items are sent to landfill, they generate methane, a noxious gas which contributes to global warming, destruction of the environment and the perishing of many plant and animal species. Moreover, items that can be recycled and reused are wasted as they end up in landfill.

For the first time, the temple’s leadership decided to take the difficult path of sorting the waste so not everything would go to landfill. We had advisors from the local city council visiting the premises and advising on what could be done and also engaged the services of a local event waste management company.

All the devotees that were engaged in purchasing, cooking and serving also enthusiastically took up the cause and did their best to sort the rubbish generated at source. Everybody took up the responsibility of playing their part in cutting down waste. Only compostable plates and cutlery were used to serve the guests.

In fact, this very first attempt was so successful, that a massive 86% of the waste was saved from ending up in landfill. More than half (56%) of the rubbish generated went to make compost, thus enriching this earth to generate more food grains and vegetables which can be offered to Krishna. A significant, 29% of rubbish, was sent to be recycled to make other useful products.

A big Thank You to all the devotees and guests that made this first attempt a huge success!

Sri Sri Radha Giridhari Ji ki Jai. Sri Bhoomidevi ki Jai.

Cow love for everyone! Our farm hosts many tours for different…
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Cow love for everyone!
Our farm hosts many tours for different guests. A big highlight of the tour is always meeting the cows. People are always surprised at how approachable and friendly our beautiful cows are. Our favorite thing to do is take guests to our girls and call out RADHIKA and see everyone’s excitement as all the cows come running out of nowhere to say hello. (Radhika is the leader of the herd so if she’s coming they’re all coming). We love seeing people’s love for cows grow.
We Love Cows, is a community project based on a farm in Northern NSW, Australia. Our farm gives a home to 84 cows and bulls, young and old under a special cow protection program. Every cow born on our farm gets to live their entire life cared for every day to whatever extent they need. These animals are seen as apart of our family and are treated accordingly.
We offer the opportunity to support our project and gain personal relationships with these beautiful animals through our Cow Sponsorship program. Contact us to know more or arrange a visit : ngcows@outlook.com

TOVP Texts Right to Your Phone
- TOVP.org

In our endless efforts to keep ISKCON devotees informed with news and updates about the progress of the TOVP construction leading to the Grand Opening in 2022, we are now offering the opportunity to receive texts to your phone.

These texts will provide short highlights of news along with the link to the website to read the entire article. This will be an exciting and effective way of staying in touch and informed about this most historic project that will change the course of history and bring Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s sankirtan movement to the forefront of the world stage.

Simply go to the link below and sign up to receive the TOVP Newsletter and texts and keep your eyes open for the next TOVP text update right to your phone:

News & Texts at: http://bit.ly/2HD5tthNewsTexts

 

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: http://bit.ly/2HD5tthNewsTexts
RSS News Feed at: https://tovp.org/rss2/
Buy from us at: https://tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/
Support us at: https://tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities/

The post TOVP Texts Right to Your Phone appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Stresses the TOVP During His 75th Anniversary Vyasa Puja Celebration
- TOVP.org

On August 27th at ISKCON Delhi the most auspicious occasion of the 75th Anniversary Vyasa Puja of His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami was celebrated. In attendance were about 8,000 disciples, well-wishers and friends for a one-day observance of the festival to honor his service to Srila Prabhupada and his being Srila Prabhupada’s and Srila Vyasadeva’s representative for so many Vaishnavas.

But Maharaja took advantage of the occasion to especially help the TOVP, putting the TOVP fundraising front and center of the event. Both Maharaja’s disciple and lead TOVP donor, Veda Vyas prabhu and Braja Vilasa spoke about the TOVP project for over 45 minutes giving updates and encouraging devotees to continue to support the project with their financial help, as this was a direct order from Prabhupada to Gopal Krishna Goswami:

“When you go to India, as you have asked me for something to do, and also you have an inclination to construct a temple somewhere in India, I would request you to consider if you can construct a temple at the birthplace of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.”

July 11, 1969

On this auspicious event Braja Vilasa arranged for a specially minted 75th Anniversary Vyasa Puja coin to be given to donors, along with a brick inscribed with Maharaja’s and the donor’s name to be placed under the Guru Parampara altar. Over 200 devotees gladly donated for these, as well as for three Kirtanam Pillars of Devotion selected personally by Ambarisa prabhu for the occasion. In total over $350,000 in pledges was raised.

Also significant during the event was the official launch of the new updated and improved TOVP App created by Aniruddha Chandra prabhu and his tech team. He personally has overseen the App’s production and wanted to launch it on the day of his Guru Maharaja’s Vyasa Puja as an offering to him. Details on the App and how to download it will be made available soon.

Ambarisa and Braja Vilasa prabhus are eternally grateful to Gopal Krishna Goswami and all his disciples who have enthusiastically supported the TOVP over the years. We have already attended other Vyasa Puja events for Maharaja and the same devotees continue to support the project again and again.

We are especially thankful to the Delhi temple management and the following devotees for their help in organizing our participation and facilitating our success:

Veda Vyasa das
Raghav Pundit das
Mohana Rupa das
Sadhu Hrday das
Rsi Kumar das
Adwaita Krishna das
Vrajendranandana das

All glories to His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja!

[See image gallery at tovp.org]

 

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: http://bit.ly/2HD5tthNewsTexts
RSS News Feed at: https://tovp.org/rss2/
Buy from us at: https://tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/
Support us at: https://tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities/

The post H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Stresses the TOVP During His 75th Anniversary Vyasa Puja Celebration appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Thursday, August 29th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Moncton, New Brunswick

Chats

A fourteen year old asked her dad, "Who are those guys in beige from head to toe?"  

And the dad answered the best he could.  "It looks like they're going through some Shakespearean script.  Intense monks or something!" (at Killarney Lake).

I was having a peaceful conversation with Etienne and daughter, Kunti—more of a pep talk about devotional service in a park—when a bunch of young boys and a girl stormed in with wheeled devices.  "Loud" would be an understatement to describe their behaviour.

"Take care, guys!" I said, as we moved on to a more quiet zone.

"Yeah!" yelled one of the boys.

"Have a good time getting ready for school!"

"That will never be," said the most boisterous one.  (in Moncton)

During a rainfall, Samuel and I were walking when a voice caught our attention, "Hello!" So we stopped.  A woman bearing an umbrella asked, "What do you believe?"  

We answered. 

"Where does Jesus fit into all of this?"

"He fits!" I said.

"Is he the only begotten son?"

"If God is our heavenly father then He has all of us as His children—many sons, and daughters too!"

"Hmmm! I'd like to know more.”  So, we obliged her with an invitation card for the weekly Sunday sangha.  (street in Fredericton)

For indoor interaction today, the boys and I made it to Mastika Boutik for a presentation with yogis in their Zen Room.  We chanted.  It was blissful. (Dieppe/Moncton)

May the Source be with you!
4 km


Wednesday, August 28th, 2019
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Fredericton, New Brunswick

Bridges of Consciousness

I believe most walkers love walking over bridges, especially if there's a wooden flooring which has a little bit of a spring to it.  Once a railway bridge, the Bill Thorpe Bridge crosses over the Saint John River, and is the length of five hundred and eighty-one metres, with a serious iron framing on each side.

A repair man on the bridge asked if we were monks, and we naturally said, "Yes." He was curious.  There were other repair crewmen ready to embark on a four-month workover of the bridge.  Its sides and deck will be redone.  Maintenance is the jurisdiction of Vishnu, God as the preservation deity.  The four of us monks were chanting Krishna's name while ambling along on this iconic bridge, and we are confident that divine aspect of Krishna, in the form of Vishnu, was pleased.  https://www.instagram.com/p/B1vuUSPg33m/?igshid=ioof5s5k67no

In the afternoon, I craved for health and peace of mind, so with some time on our hands we ventured over to Lake Killarney for a last chance at a dip, as the weather was predicted to turn wet.  The swim was brief.  The calls I make can be lengthy sometimes.  I'm lucky that I can get on with administration duties in such a gorgeous setting, by the beach and under a shady apple tree.  I was talking to Garuda, which is the name of the bird carrier of Vishnu.  He opened the call with a "I offer my peak at your feet (laughter).”

At 7:00 p.m., we had a healthy turnout of people for a Sangha at the Norfolk Motel.  Lots of food. Plenty of chants.  Discussions were centred around the guru, Prabhupada. "He came from Calcutta  and is making his mark to change the world..."

I implied that he was building many bridges of Consciousness.

May the Source be with you!
5 km

Tuesday, August 27th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Sussex, New Brunswick

Back In Time

I had proposed to my three companion monks that we visit King's Landing, one of those historic pioneer villages where you step back in time, and see how folks of a European extract lived in the New World.  It wasn't such a hard sell.  "It will be educational, a cultural experience and in a spiritual context, we'll see people in period costume living the more simple life with organic food to depend on and a lifestyle of interdependence—all much like what Prabhupada, our guru, wanted for us."  Such was my pitch.  We moved back to about 1820, the time of the Loyalist migration.

King's Landing is a place I ventured to about twelve years ago with Burlington family, Jagannath and Saci, and is a mere twenty-five minutes from Fredericton.  We loved it.  And from this morning to early afternoon, our team of monks also relished it, and if there had been any apprehension about my proposal, it was clearly removed.  The boys didn't want to leave.  We covered a quarter of the place but reaped the benefit of becoming Grade Ones in the one-room school with our widowed teacher, and spending quality time with the clerk at the General Store, as well as watching Mrs. Valentine prepare her dish of squash.  She blessed us with giving us our choice of veg, a pick-your-own from the garden.  So we secured a whopper of a zucchini.

Another dip in Lake Killarney was a plus to our health regimen.  "It's the first time I swam in years," said Samuel. That was hard to believe.

Our evening output was a presentation in Sussex at a dance studio.  In the mix of this presentation, I suggested we learn a Sanskrit verse, 2.14 from the GIta, so we did, but the dance to our kirtanreigned supreme.

I must also mention that the Blacksmith at King's Landing was a charmer.  It reminded me of the adage, "Strike while the iron's hot!” meaning don't lose an opportunity.

May the Source be with you!
6 km


Monday, August 26th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Fredericton, New Brunswick

Fresh

To me it was just a perfect morning around ten degrees Celsius.  No jacket required or chaudar (the Indian version), but for Samuel, who is slender, Marshall, too, and come to think of it, Nicholas, as well, bundling up was necessary.  Once we all ventured into a good clip walking the trails near the St. John River, over the well-known walking bridge, and into town, we all felt we could do without the extra hides.

Goodness, people are friendly.  It must be because everything is smaller and doable.  With a population of less than 60,000, it stands to reason that life in Fredericton is reminiscent of a more laid-back community, but not lazy.  Folks here also take advantage of the trails, including the one that circles around Lake Killarney.  https://www.instagram.com/p/B1qYZUmgd__/?igshid=r55hju5am1r7

Nicholas and I took to the lake's waters.  Next to walking, swimming is most compatible.  The last water I swam in was the Pacific, and it was nice, but I always favour the fresh water over the salty stuff.  Basically it's all good.  It's the motto I like to live by.  Count what you have, and not what is out of reach and out of reality.

At the lake's edge I came upon a Sikh family, or let's say a man, his wife and a young acquaintance, a student fresh from the Punjab.  The boy was brought by his relatives.  You could see he was shy and very new and having to deal, somewhat, with culture shock and being away from home for the first time, like so many Indian students in Canada.  I tried my best to make the turbaned boy feel at home and to join our local group of chanters if so inclined.  My message for him was, "God is with you!"

May the Source be with you!
8 km

Sunday, August 25th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Moncton / Fredericton / Saint John

All Over

Covering a two day blitz of bhakti was a fun type of back-and-forth shuttle between three cities. And below are the highlights.

First, our small troupe of monks drove to a region outside of Moncton (perhaps one day we could change the spelling to Monktown) and there, just off of a panoramic ridge on Indian Mountain Road, was our destination for five hours of devotion. The setting, a rustic barn transformed into a place of living accommodation, and craft and yogic functions, was the place for kirtan, food, talks, dances, and also a fire ceremony for Camille, a young teen from Quebec, to take her diksha, initiation.

Camille has been inspired all along, since birth, by her father Etienne, to pursue devotion.  Her new name is Kunti Devi.

I was surprised to see Prabhapati, my godbrother, an artist who painted excellent renderings for the book extraordinaire, the Bhagavatam. Good company!

Our two day adventure also entailed a sangha, or gathering, at Kadambha's place.  He now calls his home the "Krishna Centre Fredericton."  It's a new venture for him in the wild setting of New Brunswick, an under-rated part of the world, in my opinion.  People came, several families, and bachelors.  We contemplated a verse from the Gitawherein Krishna, the ultimate mystic, declares Himself as aja, unborn.  We spoke about that.

We also spent time at Lake Killarney where a band of Bhutanese folks came to introduce themselves as very committed members of the Vaishnava tradition, which is ours.  I was assisting Nicholas with his memorization of his lines for our next play, when a swarm of these happy people came to our spot of grass.  Finally, a drive to Saint John was scheduled for a kirtan at the Wellness Centre across from the St. Joseph Hospital. T'was cool!

May the Source be with you!
5 km



Saturday, August 24th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Moncton, New Brunswick

Offering to Guru (Prabhupada)

It was evening ārati time,
Which began at a clock’s precise chime
And from that gorgeous shrine
Was projected—softly—your voice divine.
From the modest speaker box it came,
A sound that only purity can claim.
It was the subject of ten avatars
Some who declare peace while others—wars.
No vibration could dare to match
Your depth and power, the ear to catch
The pastimes of courageous heroes
And saints of softer mellows.
The harmonium you play hums through the song
Causing the listener to crave and long.
These stories that you brought us
These songs that you taught us
Where relationships are foremost
Leave prema as our anchor post.
Each stanza that you had sung
Resonates like a bell well rung.
Your message is of surrender to Him
Done through mantra and hymn
Passing through the gate we call “servant”
Which means one who’s never a deviant.
Moved by the way you sing the tune
Emotions are stirred, peaked like high noon.
I wish the whole world could hear it too
Because it is happiness we all wish to pursue
I must hear it again and yet again
When the pūjārī presses “play” and then . . .
Jaya Jagadisha Hare
Jaya Jagadisha Hare
Jaya Jagadisha Hare.
                                                      © Bhaktimarga Swami

Today is Guru's Birthday.

May the Source be with you!
5 km

Friday, August 23rd, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Saint John, New Brunswick

Day of Fast, We Did Last

Our drive to New Brunswick, a very scenic experience, allowed for a feast for the eyes. To some degree the word ‘feast’ became significant to Samuel, Marshall, Nicholas and myself.  At the stroke of midnight, we will break our full day fast on this auspicious day of Krishna's birthday.  It is not that food is on the mind, necessarily, though hunger pangs do rise. It's a dose of determination that makes for success in this realm of resistance.

As the day rolled out, the four of us scored well, despite the fact that once we arrived in St. John, we were committed to conducting a program at a community centre, to honour Krishna's birthday.  Approximately one hundred people came to hear and view our devotional presentation, and on top of that, all the attendees were blessed with an outstanding feast.  Still the fast was on for the four of us.  12 midnight was our magic time.

The resistance I spoke about is an obliged form of discipline.  Keeping ourselves busy, or engaged, is the formula for honouring a fast.  In my travels, whether on foot or by conveyance, we always look for signs of the spirit or some manifestation of God.  While on our travels today a pleasant reminder of what's divine came our way.  For instance at one point there was construction going on the road, which meant we were at a clear stop for some time.  Right in front of us, in queue, was a truck, a RAM.  It was staring us in the face for some minutes.  For some reason or another that brand of truck kept appearing. (RAM is a sacred sound in our Vedic context.)  A lay person may not see it as such, but for those familiar with Sanskrit it is.  I want to thank Nakula, Sara, and Kadamba and his family for being good sports of the spirit.

May the Source be with you!
5 km






Thursday, August 22nd, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Montreal, Quebec

“Let’s Get Sattvic!”

A six hour bus ride on Megabus brought Nicolas and I (and seventy-nine other passengers) to downtown Montreal.  I mentioned to him that we could relax and let the bus empty out before we exit. "We don't need to be part of the stampede," I suggested.

The woman sitting in front of us was of the same spirit.  She also waited, and hearing a piece of our conversation said, "I work for an airlines as a flight attendant and I can tell you this, because I'm not in uniform, the biggest agitation is when the plane hasn't parked yet and all the passengers, in a frenzy, get up and start moving."

It was kind of nice to hear things from her perspective.  Anyone can appreciate the mayhem that this kind of thing creates. Anyway, we made a rapid friend.

With no real chance to walk today, I surrendered to services in demand at ISKCON Montreal.  I spoke with two leaders and to some young new members (monks are joining), and then proceeded to give class.  It's the eve of Krishna's birthday and I chose to read and comment on the coming of Krishna and the reason for His descent to the world.

Krishna came because there was trouble in the world.  "Unruly kings" was the term given for dictators agitating and disturbing the planet Earth.  Surely it was bad, as it is now.  There ischaos now and to some degree there always will be.  A change of consciousness, a mentality of patience, can truly help.  If I can use the phrase: "Let's get sattvic!"

May the Source be with you!
0 km

Wednesday, August 21st, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

After...

After a four and a half hour flight from Vancouver, I landed back home.  Before my next trip via bus to Montreal tomorrow I had a space in the evening to stroll.  Jaya had rounds to do—meaning his prescribed number of mantras for the day,—and so he was a natural candidate for a walking companion.  I chose Rosedale.

You could feel that change of season in the air—that late summer feeling.  Crickets, obvious by their presence of sound, are in every direction.  The breezes blowing are so awesome.  In truth it is perfect for a walk.  It just couldn't be better.  I'm noticing how others feel the same way.  In one segment of Yonge Street, it is all about cafe culture, people sitting while sipping.

Here Jaya and I are walking and chanting and enjoying the soft roll of the tongue as it's shaping the formation of ultimate sound, Hare Krisha Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.

Now with our stroll and tongue roll completed at 10:30 p.m., I still had stuff to do. I suggested to Jaya to rest up for the night.  For tomorrow's trip I have to dig up a book I tucked away which I now need.  It is a book entitled, Thirteen Plays of Bhasa, and I need to secure it for one particular drama, "The Embassy." Nicholas will be traveling with me and will be playing a lead role in it.  I require that book for the script.

So I went through the temple archives and sure enough, in the most obscure corner, in a box, was the book by Bhasa!  https://www.amazon.com/Thirteen-Plays-Bhasa-Pratijnayaugandharayana-Svapnavasavadatta/dp/8120809084

Set to go!

May the Source be with you!
4 km

Tuesday, August 20th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

White Rock, British Columbia

Park and Beach

When I became a monk in April of '73 in Toronto, I met Jagadish.  He was in charge of the ashram, and was like a big brother.  I was 20. He was 26.  Well, he's still around, and fast-forward, he just turned 72 this month.  I had the pleasure to do a few walking rounds with him in Central Park, with towering conifers all around.  I guess you can say we were just catching up on news about the world, his life, my life. He's been looking after his handicapped son.

It was a great hour and a half walk with Jagadish.  My spiritual big brother.

In White Rock, at the beach, a group of us devotees meandered our way through rock and sand, dodging residual pools from the high tide.  We set ourselves up with tarpaulins to lie on, to keep dry, and just as I finished teaching the gayatri mantra, Angelica spotted me.

"Aren't you the traveling...?"

"Monk. Walking Monk."

"I met you about three summers ago at a farm in Surrey," she recalled, "and it was one of the first farms then that the city built itself around."

"Of course, I remember the good work of that heritage place."

"Are you open for questions?" she asked, assuming that it's a monks obligation. And so the questions about life flowed and so did my answer ( or so I think they did) followed by a bonding time in the ocean's water.  I felt blessed today.

May the Source be with you!
5 km



Monday, August 19th, 2019
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Burnaby, British Columbia

Look At the Good

I took a trek (a mild one) through the Riverside Neighbourhood with Prem. Harvest time is truly showing itself in this section of town.  There's that rich black soil bearing lots of veggies and fruits.  A great place to stroll through.

Some six hours later, Hadai brought me to the Fraser River for another installment. These shorter walks, executed periodically, make for a healthful experience in the day.  In our discussion together, we agreed that life need not be glum. We must extract all that's good out of the day—pull out the essence like a bee would do.  We also were congruous on the point of seeing the good in all and not dwelling on negative traits.  By the way the Krishna kabobs, he and partner, Mahatma, made were divine.

This is something emphasized in the talk I gave for Gordon's initiation in the evening. If you want to develop saintliness on some significant level then we must observe the positive in everyone. Acknowledge someone's worth, point it out and generate an atmosphere of good reciprocation, an atmosphere of hope, good will and encouragement.

Ananda Vrindavan is from the Phillipines, and it was a long desire of hers to have the second initiation, brahminical initiation.  She sat by the fire, next to Gordon, to take her next step in progressive thinking and being.  We can refer to Chapter 18,Verse 42 from the Bhagavad-gita for good human qualities to cultivate.

The ceremony went well, conducted by priest, Jaya Govinda.

May the Source be with you!
4 km





Sunday, August 18th, 2019
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Vancouver, British Columbia

Bliss in Vancouver

So the procession portion of the Chariot Fest was over, went a bit overtime by usual standards (maybe a half hour) but it was good.  Strong kirtanhappened all the way along.  I'm the one assigned to pick and chose the lead singers. I gave the mic to the boys band, "The Mayapuris," and they just kept with it, to its sweet end—at Stanley Park.  https://www.instagram.com/p/B1WSykZgBt6/?igshid=1v78dh33t8k8r

I made my way to my designated spot, the "Q and A" booth.  Once I took my seat there, I didn't leave.  People had queries about life, about karma, dharma, soul mates, God, the universe and how we may all be connected to each other in some way.

It was quite exciting because the questions were lodged by thoughtful people.  There were always a dozen or so in number, and that figure more or less remained constant.  The average wave remained for ten or fifteen minutes, and then moved on to be replaced by a new group.  It was a bit like the ocean waves right near us—the Pacific, the biggest and the deepest.

It was nearing 6:00 p.m., time to un-stiffen.  I made my way back to the Mayapuris who entertained for a good stretch. The place was rocking, on and off the stage.  Happy dancers.  Happy chanters.  I joined the group on stage.  I'm just an older soul up there with these younglings, but we all exuded this spritely energy, nevertheless.  All in the service of Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe.  https://www.facebook.com/bhagavadgitaclass/videos/1816304175138691/

May the Source be with you!
4 km




ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 07/21/2019
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

ECO-Vrindaban New Vrindaban ISKCON cows gardens Prabhupada ISKCON

ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 07/21/2019

Mission Statement: ECO-Vrindaban promotes cow protection, local agriculture, and above all, loving Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON New Vrindaban’s Founder-Acharya.

Participating Directors: Anuttama (partial attendance), Chaitanya Mangala, Jamuna Jivani (board secretary), Makara (chair), Olivia (partial attendance), Ranaka, and Vraja.

Participating Advisors: Allegra (partial attendance), Kripamaya.

1. Ranaka’s Monthly Report

Lalita Gopi (Temple Barn)

  • There are eight cows being milked (Subhadra, Surabhi, Cintamani, Parijata, Sita, Vamsika, Jaya Radhe, and Usha). Jade, Venkata, and Joshua Rama have been helping. 
  • 22 to 23 gal of milk are being produced daily. 
  • Approximately 30 lb of yogurt and 30 lb of butter are produced weekly. 
  • There are five calves: Prahlada, Satyabhama, Puspavati, Narda, and Dhruva
  • Two bulls were born: one to Sita and one to Vamsika. They were named Narada and Dhruva, respectively.
  • Two cows have been moved to Bahulaban: Anjali who has retired from the milk herd, and Jaya Sri who is now 13 months old.

Ray (Farmhand)

  • Hauled four dump trailer loads of aged manure from Nandagram to the high tunnel site.
  • Hauled and spread three loads of fill dirt from Broken Hill to the high tunnel area to repair the entrance. 
  • Cut, baled, and stacked 390 bales in the barn, in addition to the 48 round bales of hay from last report. He was assisted by Joshua Rama and Caitanya Bhagavat. Total hay baled and stored in Valley Barn is now 438 800-lb round bales. The total hay baled and stacked in Nandagram barn is 28, giving us a grand total of 466 bales produced to date for 2019.
  • Hauled and spread two dump trailer loads of fill dirt to Kestner hay field road. 

Caitanya Bhagavat (Nandagram & Bahulaban)

  • Daily cow care and count at Nandagram and Bahulaban. 
  • Checked and maintained fence lines at Nandagram and Bahulaban.
  • Mowed and weed whacked at Nandagram and Valley Barn
  • Helped Lila and Vidya in the garden department. 
  • Assisted in hay-making operation by moving bales from field and stacking in Valley and Nandagram Barns.

Suchandra (Community & Teaching Gardens)

  • Planted second crop of marigolds at the Teaching Garden, as well as some more tomato plants
  • Planted second crop of green beans at the Community garden
  • Made more cages for vining beans and tomatoes and put them at Community Garden and Teaching garden. We now have around 100 that can be used again next year.
  • Picked 150 lilies, 50 gladiolas, and 1,000 small marigolds at the Teaching Garden; and 150 large marigolds at the Community Garden.
  • Picked first batch of green beans at the Community Garden. 
  • Trimmed tomato plants at the Community Garden to help the tomatoes ripen faster.
  • Planted cucumbers and winter squash at the Community garden.
  • Layed ground cover in walkways, weeded lily and dahlia beds and the teepee in Teaching Garden.
  • Planted loki squash at Teaching Garden.

Vidya (Vidya’s Garden)

  • Started a second planting of marigolds (approximately 500 plants) 
  • Picked four harvests of green beans and removed plants for a second planting (75-foot row and a 50-foot row)
  • Organized a meeting with Angie, Lila, and Suchandra to explain the importance of a commitment to days of picking so that every day fresh flowers are given to the temple. The goal is for the temple to be completely independent from commercial flowers.

Angie (Vidya’s Garden)

  • Tilled seven beds
  • Covered all beds with plastic
  • Planted: 
  • 70 tomato plants
  • 140 bittermelon plants
  • 30’ row of bush beans
  • Two 30’ rows of kale
  • 36 bell pepper plants
  • 30’ row of pole beans (2nd crop)
  • 50’ row of bush beans (3rd crop)
  • 20 Indian squash plants
  • 10 flats of marigolds and 2 flats of sunflower seeds
  • tub of cilantro
  • 100 sunflower seeds in ground
  • Landscaped, weed whacked, and mowed garden property
  • Disassembled garden fencing, and removed T-posts and former plastic from old garden in preparation for high tunnel
  • Cleaned out garage and garden shed area 
  • Weeded garden
  • Delivered kale, asparagus, lettuce, and flowers to the temple kitchen
  • Filled in mud hole in driveway with rocks
  • Put 70 cages around tomatoes
  • Planted six broccoli, red cabbage, and brussels sprout plants
  • Harvested and delivered to temple:
  • Lettuce – 32 heads
  • Asparagus – 36 lb
  • Peonies – 159
  • Lilac – 3
  • Marigolds –  158
  • Lilies – 8
  • Kale – 30 bunches (9 stalks)     
  • Marigolds – 4,687
  • Gladiolas – 18
  • Lilies – 906
  • Kale – 107 bunches
  • Lettuce – 8 heads
  • Green Beans – 73.5 lb
  • Red Cabbage – 2 heads
  • Tomatoes – 36 lb
  • Zinnias – 18
  • Sunflowers – 6  
  • Started 12 flats of marigolds and two flats of sunflowers
  • Transplanted marigolds and sunflowers
  • Covered open areas of garden with plastic to prevent weeds
  • Weeded garden
  • Started lettuce and cilantro seeds, then transplanted
  • Covered high tunnel area with plastic
  • Mowed and weed whacked garden property
  • Fixed chicken wire on trellises for bitter melons

Lila (Nandagram Garden)

  • Harvested and delivered to the temple kitchen (all quantities reported in pounds):
  • Lettuce – 3.5
  • Kale – 0.75
  • Swiss Chard – 0.25
  • Beets with greens – 8.25
  • Zucchini – 113.75
  • Summer Squash-4.25
  • Sweet Pea – 12.5

Ranaka (General Manager)

  • Yoder’s finished the construction of two 30′ x 96′ high tunnels. Ranaka is in the process of ordering electric wire, hydrants, and plumbing fittings. Also, he is ordering parts for automatic watering drip line systems. 
  • Met with Kacey and Vidya to discuss the overall high tunnel bed layout, seeding schedules, and drip line systems.
  • ECO-V had a booth at the Wheeling Ratha-Yatra. Lalita Gopi, Anandavidya, Joshua Rama, Elena and Ranaka staffed it in shifts throughout the event. Guests were given the opportunity to make their own butter and apply it to Lalita’s homemade muffins. Srila Prabhupada’s books were on display along with ECO-V handbags for sale. Suchandra and Syama were in the next booth, displaying and selling fresh ECO-V garden produce. 
  • With the birth of the two bull calves Dhruva and Narda, the total herd count is now 66.

2. Internal Funding Request: $10K for Commemoration Plaques

WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to acknowledge the dedication of key community members who played vital roles in the history of cow protection in New Vrindaban.

RESOLVED: The Board approves up to $10K for two additional bronze cast memorial plaques to commemorate the 50th anniversary of cow protection in New Vrindaban. 

3. Internal Funding Request: $6K for a High Tunnel

WHEREAS: ECO-V wishes to extend the growing season for its gardens.

RESOLVED: The ECO-V board authorizes up to $6K for the co-purchase of a high tunnel to be placed in Vidya’s garden for growing flowers and veggies for the Deities and Temple kitchens.

Devotional Meditation – The Gateway To The Spiritual World
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After Akrura was instructed by the evil king, Kamsa, to bring Krishna and Balaram from Vrindavan to Mathura, he boarded his chariot. Along the journey, Akrura struggled to fathom the good fortune that had befallen him. He was about to see the object of his meditation, the essence of his life - Krishna and Balaram. As his chariot rode along, inching closer and closer to Vrindavan, he thought of seeing the beautiful forms of Krishna and Balaram. He thought of Krishna’s face and His enchanting smile framed by His captivating reddish lips. He thought of His soft black hair and the tilak that decorated His forehead. Lost in devotional meditation, Akrura went through the gateway to the spiritual world, and entered Vrindavan with his mind and heart first before physically setting foot in the sacred dust of Sri Vrindavan Dham, which is decorated by the lotus feet of Krishna.


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A visit to ISKCON Seattle (Album of photos)
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A visit to ISKCON Seattle (Album of photos)
Ramai Swami: It was wonderful to visit the Seattle temple again. As always, Their Lordships, Sri Sri Radha Nila Madhava, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sita, Rama, Laksman, Hanuman were as beautiful as ever.
The devotees told me that the Krsna Janmastami festival was the biggest ever with around 20,000 people attending over two days. Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa-puja was also blissful and for part of the celebration, they took his murti on a palanquin circumambulating the temple.

Do devotees suffer?
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Purushottam Nitai Das: A serious spiritual practitioner knows well that his uncontrolled senses and mind are his biggest enemy and cause of miseries, so he carefully employs his senses in executing any activity. Unless and until we completely give up all sinful activities there is no chance that we can free ourselves from sufferings.


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Journey of Self Discovery of Wellington, New Zealand celebrated Janmashtami 2019 on a grand scale
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More than 450 devotees attended this outreach event. The event consisted of maha-abhishekam for the Lord, melodious kirtan, spiritual discourse by HG Ambarish Maharaj das emphasizing the importance of chanting, kids drama (How Krishna preserves what we have and provides what we lack), couple of dance performances glorifying Lord Krishna, and sumptuous dinner maha-prasadam free for all the attendees. A mini Vrindavan was erected, which had a jhula (swing) allowing devotees to swing Laddu Gopalji.

When Vrajavasis are pure devotees, how were they attracted to Putana’s beauty?
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Answer Podcast

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