Become Attached to Devotees, September 20, Columbus, Ohio
Giriraj Swami

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Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.25.20

Mahatma is a synonym of sadhu. It is said that service to a mahatma, or elevated devotee of the Lord, is dvaram ahur vimukteh, the royal road of liberation. Mahat-sevam dvaram ahur vimuktes tamo-dvaram yositam sangi-sangam (Srimad-Bhagavatam. 5.5.2). Rendering service to the materialists has the opposite effect. If anyone offers service to a gross materialist, or a person engaged only in sense enjoyment, then by association with such a person the door to hell is opened. The same principle is confirmed here. Attachment to a devotee is attachment to the service of the Lord because if one associates with a sadhu, the result will be that the sadhu will teach him how to become a devotee, a worshiper and a sincere servitor of the Lord. These are the gifts of a sadhu. If we want to associate with a sadhu, we cannot expect him to give us instructions on how to improve our material condition, but he will give us instructions on how to cut the knot of the contamination of material attraction and how to elevate ourselves in devotional service. That is the result of associating with a sadhu. Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.25.20 purport.

COMMENT by Giriraj Swami: “Association doesn’t just mean to be in the same physical place at the same time, but it means to receive instructions on devotional service and to apply the instructions.”

Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.25.20 (Right click to download)

Tuesday, September 17th, 2019
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Chatham, Ontario

Pulling Out Self-Portrait

At 5:20 a.m., I opted to walk to Union Station from our ashram.  I was looking forward to the train trip that would land me in Chatham, my birth place.  It wound up being a three-and-a-half-hour ride, but seemed like minutes.

My sister, Rose Ann, husband, Jim, and a dear couple from Detroit’s daughter and friend greeted me at the Chatham station, the location where, forty-four years ago, I shocked my parents by informing them of my intention to leave college and become a serious monk.  It’s an historic place for me.

We drove to Erieau, a fishing village of the past, and a location where, as children growing up, our dad took us to the beach in the summer for excellent swimming and catching some energy from the sun.  The transistor radio we brought with us and sat on the sand was our constant companion as teenagers.

Today’s crew trekked the pier.  We could not dodge the white poop from gulls and cormorants on its surface.  It was everywhere.  We drove along a portion of the “Underground Railway” where Black slaves journeyed  almost two centuries ago seeking refuge from the days of onslaught in the deep south.

We dined at the Indian restaurant in Chatham, browsed through Rose Ann and Jim’s bookstore, where my sister pulled out an acrylic self-portrait I had rendered at age eighteen, before I committed to becoming a monk.  Yes, that was me alright, with hair and all.  We also lazied at Tecumseh Park before I embarked on the train journey.

May the Source be with you!
7 km




Monday, September 16th, 2019
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Toronto, Ontario

This Weekend—The Embassy

This coming weekend, the second Vaisnava men’s retreat, called Man-tra Retreat, will be held in New Vrindavan, West Virginia.  I will be presenting a drama: “The Embassy” by playwright, Bhasa.  The drama centres on the episode where Krishna makes an appeal to Duryodhana for land promised to the clan of the Pandavas.  Krishna is referred to as an envoy.  Here is an excerpt of rich and intense dialogue in progress.

Duryodhana:  Master Envoy, you know nothing of state affairs.  Kingship belongs to brave princes who defeat their foes.  It never goes by begging in this world, nor by charity to the poor.  Would they win sovereignty, let them join forthwith in battle, or else go as they will to seek peace in hermitage inhabited by men of tranquil minds.

Krishna:  Duryodhana!  Speak not so harshly to your kin.  Though by store of merit, one attains royal glory, yet should one cheat a kinsman or a friend all one’e efforts are in vain.

Duryodhana:  Master Envoy—Thou hadst no pity for King Kamsa, sister’s brother of thy sire.  Why should we feel pity for these our constant enemies?

Krishna: Do not think that was my fault.  Many a time had he brought sorrow on my mother by the loss of her sons…

May the Source be with you!
4 km



Sunday, September 15th, 2019
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Hamilton/Owen Sound

Wild Ginger

Daniel did the whole eight kilometre stretch barefoot. That was a very daring and bold step to take, in the opinion of the rest of us.  We were a dozen in number, trekking the Bruce Trail with its up and down terrain, stopping at the occasional growth of wild apples, pears, and grapes.  We were impressed with David’s knowledge of what a forest offers more at the ground level.  He foraged some wild ginger root, something I was curious about, but unaware of what it looks like.

A young woman, Krishna, who lives in our temple ashram,brought wraps for our picnic, and Pushta-Krishna, from Mississauga, brought members from our community, who in turn, contributed to the eatables.  It was like a gourmet meal, really, and passersby admired our spread of food as we sat lotus-positioned near Tiffany Falls, a big attraction in the Hamilton area.  All in all, it was a bonding event.

Well, Pradhyumna and I moved on to the north, to hook up with Nanda Maharaja in Brampton. From there we proceeded to Owen Sound—and with more wild ginger. The Hanna family in that city greeted us with old-time-hug hospitality.  Yes, we chopped the ginger into the tiniest of pieces to toss into the dahl (our second meal of the day) followed up by chanting and more walking;  this time along the dock of Georgian Bay.  Just lovely!

The day was blessed with acquaintance of people, nature, and what they both produce.  The chanting done was just an absolute plus.

May the Source be with you!
11 km







Not Ebola but Haribola!
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Not Ebola but Haribola!
From His Holiness Maha Vishnu Swami. We wish him a speedy recovery so that he can go very soon on the streets on Harinam!
Maha Vishnu Swami: “Dear Concerned wellwishers,
Hare Krishna. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
When I was preaching in DR Congo recently, I was infected with malaria by a naughty karma- inflicting mosquito.

Toowoomba Rathayatra
→ Ramai Swami

Every year, the city of Toowoomba, which is about 100 kilometres west of Brisbane, celebrates the “Flower Festival” at the beginning of Spring.

One of the special attractions is the parade that goes through the streets and ends at a beautiful park downtown.

We are told that there are 50,000 to 100,000 people who come out to watch the floats and we have our smaller Ratha cart from the Gold Coast Bhakti Centre included.

Needless to say that when Lord Jagannatha and his devotees went past, the crowd enthusiastically clapped and waved. Our Rathayatra “float” won 1st prize, which it has done for the last five years.

The devotees from Radhadesh perform Harinama during the big manifestation “Strike for Climate” in Brussels (Album of photos)
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The devotees from Radhadesh perform Harinama during the big manifestation “Strike for Climate” in Brussels (Album of photos)
This Harinama Sankirtana is actually the permanent solution to all problems of humanity. By glorifying the Lord, thanking Him, pleasing Him and being in harmony with His will there will be a higher taste and happiness so that people will get detached from irresponsible sense gratification which destroys the planet and the self. But how many can understand this?

Two Srimad Bhagavatam sets to one person at once!
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Two Srimad Bhagavatam sets to one person at once!
Shastrakrit Das: Material desires are never satisfied no matter how hard we try and still we want more of the same. Spiritual desires, on the other hand, Krishna satisfies them more than we even desire.
This nice second-generation Indian man on his own walked over to my book table and put a generous donation in my donation box. I took the opportunity to show the Bhagavatam set and explain to him a bit about the glories of The Bhagavatam. Being so pious he was visibly moved and wanted it but he had a dilemma. His wife, himself and children only read in English. On the other hand, his parents, in-laws, relatives, read only in Gujarati. So he was confused. So praying to Pancha tattva I tried my luck. I asked him why he doesn’t take one set In English and one set in Gujarati? He gladly agreed. We both were in disbelief that such an exchange took place. As he was driving away he kept looking at me. I was all trembling. Never in my life I was able to distribute 2 sets to a stranger on the street. Must be all you devotees encouragement & blessings

A Devotee of the Lord is Guaranteed Eternal Life, September 19, Dallas
Giriraj Swami

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Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.3.17 at a home program in Dallas.

“Similarly, a moment passed in the association of a pure devotee by hearing and chanting the transcendental messages of the Lord is a perfect guarantee for eternal life, for returning home, back to Godhead. Mad-dhama gatva punar janma na vidyate. In other words, a devotee of the Lord is guaranteed eternal life. A devotee’s old age or disease in the present life is but an impetus to such guaranteed eternal life. Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.3.17 purport.

Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.3.17 (Right click to download)

Sun Love Feast – Sep 22nd, 2019 – Vedic discourse by His Grace Anant Prabhu
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Chant: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 

And Be Happy!!

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

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




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

COMING UP AHEAD

 Indira Ekadasi
Fasting.....................on Wed Sep 25th,2019
Breakfast................  on Thu Sep 26th, 2019 b/w 7:09am – 11:09am

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

ONGOING PROGRAMS


Vedic Education & Learning For Grownups
 Nectar of Instruction course - every Sat 9:30am to 12:30pm (Sep 7 to Oct 19)

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

For further information, please contact HG Prema Gaurangi Devi Dasi @ premagaurangi.jps@hotmail.com



Sunday School

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

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


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

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


The Mentorship Program

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

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

To find details please click here


Gift Shop

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

Iskcon Tanzania – East Africa (Album of photos)
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Iskcon Tanzania - East Africa (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If we practice devotion of God, then next life is to become the associate of God. That cintamani-prakara-sadmasu – we are transferred to that planet. These are simple things. The whole thing is in my hand. If I want to be degraded, I can prepare myself in this life for such degradation in the next life. And if we want to elevate ourself to the highest perfection of life, as to become one of the associates of God, we can prepare ourself like that. -From Srila Prabhupada’s lecture on Bhagavad-gita 2.11 – New York, March 4, 1966

A Plea For Little Gopali dasi
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Indradyumna Swami: Once again I approach you with a straw between my teeth and ask you to donate liberally to a worthy cause. Last week, after a festival in Ukraine, two devotee couples and their children were driving back home at night. Suddenly a vehicle coming in the opposite direction swerved into their lane.

The Wild Pursuit of Bliss Inside East Dallas’ Kalachandji’s Temple
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By Eve Hill-Agnus

Driving down Graham Avenue, past a taqueria and fruteria, toward the tangle of freeways that loop around Old East Dallas, you might notice an elaborate cupcake of a building. It rises improbably out of a neighborhood of single-family homes, blocks of houses with crumbling foundations. This is the Radha Kalachandji Hare Krishna temple. Many know it for the fire it survived in 2012 or, more likely, for its buffet-style Indian restaurant. The latter is the most visited vegetarian enclave in town, a courtyard oasis prized for its tranquility and tamarind tea. Continue reading "The Wild Pursuit of Bliss Inside East Dallas’ Kalachandji’s Temple
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How do we deal with fear of rejection?
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Answer Podcast

Transcription :

Transcribed by: Keshavgopal Das

Question: How do we deal with fear of rejection?

Answer: We are all social creatures and want relationships. We all need to realize that we are existentially alone. We were born alone, we will die alone. In the journey, we will and should form relationships, but the foundation should be clear.

There are three kind of people (i) independent (ii) dependent (iii) interdependent. Only independent people can become interdependent. We all define ourselves in terms of our relationships. For example, as children, we say “I am son or daughter of so and so”, as young adults, we say “I am husband or wife of so and so” etc. However, this is not our sole identification. We are not just sum total of our relationships.

We have horizontal relationship in this world and we have a vertical relationship with Krishna. Krishna as God is always present with us – sarvasya cha aham hridy sannivishtho. He is present in the heart of everyone. He is closest to us; closer than best of our loved ones. This relationship is supposed to be our anchor.
In the horizontal relationship there will be ups and downs. Sometimes there will be affection, sometimes confrontation, sometimes alienation. If we are in an ocean, the waves will toss us here and there. If there is a helicopter above, and we are holding on to the rope coming from the helicopter, the waves in the ocean will still come, but will not shake us that much because we have a shelter.

Similarly, for us in the relationship that we have, there will be storms, ups and downs etc. If we are vertically sheltered by a strong relationship with Krishna which can be developed by the practice of bhakti yoga, then we understand that at least there is one person who always cares for us. That is God, Krishna. He will never leave us, no matter what happens.
In any relationship if we experience rejection, we feel unloved. To feel unloved is distressing. When we feel multiple rejection, we may start thinking that there is something wrong with myself. To feel unloved is distressing, to feel unlovable is devastating. When we experience our relationship with Krishna through the practices of bhakti, we feel inner serenity. That helps us understand that God cares for me, no matter what happens in my life. That will give us the inner security by which if there is a rejection in our horizontal relationship, our sense of self-worth will not be determined by the horizontal relationship alone.

We need to be independent and not dependent. If we are dependent on any relationship for our security and self-worth, then any turbulence in that relationship will be very agitating. If our self-worth and security come from Krishna, then even if the relationship with others goes up and down, we will have inner stability to move forward in life.

End of transcription.

The post How do we deal with fear of rejection? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

A Devotee’s Understanding of Difficulties, September 19, Darshan Room, Dallas
Giriraj Swami


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Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.17.1-22

“A devotee’s conclusion is that no one is directly responsible for being a benefactor or mischief-monger without the sanction of the Lord; therefore he does not consider anyone to be directly responsible for such action. But in both the cases he takes it for granted that either benefit or loss is God-sent, and thus it is His grace. In case of benefit, no one will deny that it is God-sent, but in case of loss or reverses one becomes doubtful about how the Lord could be so unkind to His devotee as to put him in great difficulty. Jesus Christ was seemingly put into such great difficulty, being crucified by the ignorant, but he was never angry at the mischief-mongers. That is the way of accepting a thing, either favorable or unfavorable. Thus for a devotee the identifier is equally a sinner, like the mischief-monger. By God’s grace, the devotee tolerates all reverses. Maharaja Pariksit observed this, and therefore he could understand that the bull was no other than the personality of religion himself. In other words, a devotee has no suffering at all because so-called suffering is also God’s grace for a devotee who sees God in everything. The cow and bull never placed any complaint before the King for being tortured by the personality of Kali, although everyone lodges such complaints before the state authorities. The extraordinary behavior of the bull made the King conclude that the bull was certainly the personality of religion, for no one else could understand the finer intricacies of the codes of religion.” Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.17.22 purport.

Desserts served during BHAKTI SANGAMA festival in Ukraine, 12 September (Album of photos)
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Desserts served during BHAKTI SANGAMA festival in Ukraine, 12 September (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If we become pure devotee of Krsna, then my love will be extended to everyone. Not only my society, but to everyone. It is not that “This is my children; that is other’s children.” All children. All human being. Not my countrymen – all other countrymen. Not only human being, but even animals also. That is sneha. It is not that “I am safe, and let the animals be killed in the slaughterhouse.” No, that is not love. Love means for everyone. Samah sarvesu bhutesu. Equality to all living entities. That is real love. That is real concern, Krsna consciousness. A lover of Krsna will hesitate to kill even one ant. You know the story, Mrgari. That is love. Just like this child. If I like I can kill him, there is no difficulty. But does it mean that I shall kill him?

Devotees share the Holy Name with thousands of runners at The Great North Run
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Mina Sharma: Devotees were out in force on Sunday 8th September at The Great North Run, the largest half marathon in the world, sharing the Holy Name with 57,000 runners – including Sir Mo Farah. Joined by UK GBC HG Praghosa Das, around thirty devotees took part in the harinam during the race, which was also held to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ISKCON UK.

Nayima and a part of a higher plan!
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Nayima and a part of a higher plan!
Shastrakrit Das: Last week Rhonda brought her friend Nayima to our evening program and during the talk, she kept staring at the Srimad Bhagavatam set that we have displayed on the mantle. I noticed that and at the end of the program I said to Nyima, “ those books are for you to take home.“ Nayima got startled and asked me, “what do you mean? All the books? Are you trying to find a home for them? How much do they cost? Those books are beautiful and I couldn’t stop staring at them.“