Planet ISKCON

Although “we desperately seek and desire profound connections, we are terrified of being rejected and isolated”

Video clips of His Divine grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder and spiritual master of ISKCON, International Society for Krishna consciousness, travelling through Venezuela. Click on CC button to choose your preferred subtitles (Available languages: English, German and Spanish)

Our "Paramahamster" comic strip follows an enthusiastic devotee as he navigates a 9 - 5 work day in the corporate world. Please check back weekly for new episodes!

The Birth of Lord Krishna - Hindi-speaking movie with English subtitles. 

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 2 September 2018, Ljubljana, Slovenia, Janmashtami Lecture)

There are various answers in various scriptures to this question. In the Bhagavad-gita, we have the verse: paritrāṇāya sādhūnāḿ vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām dharma-saḿsthāpanārthāya sambhavāmi yuge yuge (Bhagavad-gita 4.8). Krsna says here that He appears millennium after millennium to annihilate the demons and to re-establish the principles of religion. In the Srimad Bhagavatam, Kuntidevi is explaining that the Lord appeared because of the austerities carried out by Vasudeva and Devaki and that it was in response to these austerities that Krsna appeared as their son. Other sources say that bhumi was overburdened by military phalanxes and impious rulers, and accordingly went to Lord Brahma to request for Krsna to appear.

Gaudiya vaisnavas however understand that ultimately Krsna appears to reveal His transcendental pastimes from the spiritual world. No other incarnation of the Lord does this, not even Lord Rama, even though Lord Rama is practically non-different from Lord Krsna. Lord Rama appears with the purpose of teaching the example of dharma, however Krsna’s pastimes are simply transcendental and are not bound by any mundane morality. His pastimes are only bound by the love that His devotees exhibit and His desire to increase their love. So it is in this way that we must approach Janmashtami – meditating on how Krsna is bound by the love of His devotees and how He desires to increase the love of His devotees.

The article " Why did Krsna appear? " was published on KKSBlog.

LA Rathayatra 2019 (Album of HR, professional photos)
The 43rd Annual Festival of the Chariots was so sweet and fell of such a beautiful, breezy Southern California day. It’s always amazing to see how many people come out so see Their Lordships on Their Chariots and to see the smiles on their faces.
I hope this is a fair representation of what we got to experience at the Temple and on Venice Beach
August 4th, 2019 for the 43rd Annual Festival of the Chariots. Jai Jagannatha!

First Ukrainian Farmers’ Meeting (Album of photos)
From August 16th - 18th, 2019 devotees from all over Ukraine met at New Mayapur for the First Ukrainian Farmers Meeting, organized by the GBC Ministry for Cow Protection and Agriculture, along with the ISKCON Ukrainian Ministry for Cow Protection and Agriculture. Last year, 2018, Kalakantha Prabhu made the first prospecting visit to the many farming initiatives in Ukraine. A Ministry representative was established (HG Premarasa Prabhu), as well as a Ministry secretary for the country (Bhakta Vladimir). The team works very well in cooperation with the global ministry and the result was the first national meeting just one year later. The event was well attended and the presence and support of the national GBC, HH Niranjana Swami Maharaja, the national Zonal Secretary, HG Acyuta Pryia Prabhu, the GBC Global Minister, HG Kalakantha Prabhu, the National Minister, HG Premarasa Prabhu, and National Secretary, Bhakta Vladimir, along with special guests HH Bhakti Raghava Swami and HG Adikarta Prabhu filled the attendees with enthusiasm. Topics for next year’s conference were brainstormed and perspectives are very positive.

BARLEYCORN (Jon) - This mark signifies that His devotees receive all enjoyable opulences of prosperity by serving His lotus feet. It also means that once one finds shelter at His lotus feet, then the devotee's former journey through many, many births and deaths is actually very tiny, just like a single grain of barley. It further demonstrates that just as the barley grains are sustenance of life for living beings, similarly it is widely celebrated that His glorious feet are the nourishment of all souls.

Read More...

Answer Podcast

The post If others constantly find fault with us, what can we do? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

When I arrived at my chiropractor’s office today, all the tables were occupied, so I took the Bhagavad-gita As It Is, gifted to him by Rtadhvaja Swami, from the shelf and began to read. Then the chiropractor came out from the treatment room, took Life’s Final Exam from the shelf, handed it to me, and said, “You should read this,” so I opened the book and, again, began reading. It was a rewarding experience. In a while, when the receptionist told me that a table was vacant and that I should come, I told her, “It’s hard to put this book down!”

At the end of my treatment, the chiropractor told me, “I suffered many losses recently, and so I turned to your book, and I got much understanding and solace from it, so I thought you might like to revisit it, too.”

Hare Krishna.

—Giriraj Swami

Registration has opened!

The annual Braja Vrindavana parikrama will bring you closer to Krishna, his family & friends and His pastimes. Find the registration details below. Registration is required and closes on 15th of Oct 2019.

Dates & Schedule

• 1st Nov – Govinda kund, Tribhuvanatha Samadhi, Nrsimha temple Puncari
• 2nd Nov –  Gosvami Temples Vrindavana (bring your own prasadam)

• 3-5 Nov Jaipur (registration closed)

• 6th Nov –  Yavat, Vrindakund
• 7th Nov –  Sanket, Anjanoka
• 8th Nov –  Vrindavan parikrama (bring your own prasadam)
• 9th Nov –  Unchagaon
• 10th Nov – Rest
• 11th Nov – Kamyavan
• 12th Nov – Garuda Govinda, Rama Tala

* Schedule and programs are subject to change!

Practical points

• Paid parikramas (250 RS/day ) are incl. bus seat, breakfast prasadam pack and a bottle of water.
• Payment must be done ahead of time. After registration we will send the bank details to you. Refunds are not possible.
• 2 Nov and 8 Nov are local parikramas by foot and are free of charge. (bring your own prasadam!)
• We will depart daily at 6.30am and return by 2.30pm
• Buses will depart from Chitrakut Ashrama, near big Hanuman
• Registration closes by 15th October; seats are limited!

Interesting read…

Under the desire trees takes you through the intimate pastimes of the holy land of Vrindavana and Braja. This book was compiled from classes and stories recorded during the Vrindavana parikrama in 2018.

The article " Vrindavana Braja Parikrama 2019 Registration " was published on KKSBlog.

Sexuality is at the core of human experience. There is little room for arguing this point, given that the very existence of the human race depends on sexual intercourse as a means of procreation. And with sex playing such a central role in the daily affairs of human life, it is no wonder that throughout history it has proven to be a source of unparalleled interest, controversy, taboo, literary & artistic inspiration… the list goes on. In the words of Swami Bhaktivedanta, founder and spiritual teacher of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), popularly known as the Hare Krishna Movement, “The entire material world turns due to the basic principle of sex… [it] is the central point of all activities” (Prabhupāda, 1988).

Read More...

Prayers required for Kripanidhi Prabhu ACBSP.
Karunamayi Dasi (his wife): My dear friends and vaishnavas, with folded hands I’m requesting your prayers for Kripanidhi as he undergoes surgery for a tumor that has taken up residence in his body.
My husband is healthy and strong but unfortunately doesn’t have the benefit of having such a young and resilient body in his corner.
Please take a moment and offer a prayer for this soldier in Lord Caitanya’s army.
I’m very grateful - thank you
Hare Krishna

TOVP - A Personal Note from Ambarisa Prabhu – Chairman.
Cushman & Wakefield Pujari Floor Report – August 2019.
I am highly pleased and proud to provide the first progress report from our PMC (Project Management Consultancy), Cushman & Wakefield, about the developments of the TOVP Pujari Floor, scheduled for its completion and Grand Opening during Gaura Purnima, 2020. This will be another landmark event for the TOVP as we approach the 2022 Grand Opening of the temple and install our beloved Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Sri Pancha Tattva and Sri Nrsimhadeva Deities, along with the new Srila Prabhupada murti.

ISKCON GHAZIABAD had organized a 2 Day workshop Entitled Bhakti Vriksha-Hands on Training between 30-31st July 2019. Around 90 devotees participated in this workshop (two Batches) which includes Congregation devotees, Youth Forum Devotees and Brahmacari’s from 9 different areas like Govindpuram, Bareli, Gurugram, Patna, Kathwada, Rudrapur...... This workshop was facilitated by Nityanand Ashraya Prabhu, Temple President from ISKCON Bahadurgarh, Harayana.

On August 27th, 2019 the disciples of His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami will be observing his 75th Anniversary Vyasa Puja celebration. As the representative of Srila Vyasadeva and the Guru-parampara, it is a most important occasion for all his disciples to recognize Maharaja’s position and reaffirm their commitments to him and Srila Prabhupada, our Founder/Acharya.

This video by Braja Vilasa prabhu, TOVP International Fundraiser, is an appeal to all the disciples of Gopal Krishna Goswami to help him finish the TOVP. As one of the GBCs of Mayapur and having been personally ordered by Srila Prabhupada to build the temple in Mayapur, his disciples should feel a great responsibility in helping fulfill Prabhupada’s personal order to him so he can offer the TOVP to our acharya in 2022.

Please watch the video and if you are able to assist in this way Maharaja will be most pleased with you for your service. Please visit http://bit.ly/2XK47mFGKMVyasaPuja2019 for more information on this seva opportunity.

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
Mailing List at: http://bit.ly/2SVti3PSignup
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 Special Appeal to the Disciples of His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami from the TOVP Team appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

A Personal Note from Ambarisa Prabhu – Chairman

I am highly pleased and proud to provide the first progress Report from our PMC (Project Management Consultancy), Cushman & Wakefield, about the developments of the TOVP Pujari Floor, scheduled for its completion and Grand Opening during Gaura Purnima, 2020. This will another landmark event for the TOVP as we approach the 2022 Grand Opening of the temple and install our beloved Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Sri Pancha Tattva and Sri Nrsimhadeva Deities, along with the new Srila Prabhupada murti.

This detailed report covers many different important aspects of the pujari floor that ensure the safety, cleanliness, comfort and general smooth service of the Deities, Who are, after all, the main focus of the temple itself. Here is a list of the areas and functions covered in this Report:

• Electrical System
• Light Management System
• Fire Fighting and Security System
• Public Address System
• CCTV System (closed circuit television)
• Rodent Repellent System
• Water Leak Detection System
• Aspiration Smoke Detection System
• Gas Suppression and Kitchen Hood Suppression System
• Pre-action System
• HVAC System (air conditioning)
• Mechanical Ventilation
• PHE Works (Public Health Engineering)
• Civil and Interiors

As you can see, this is a huge array of important and necessary aspects of any building, and the scale to which this has all been engineered for maximum efficiency is incredible to say the least. Every dollar of our donors is being spent to install the highest quality and most effective structural elements and components in the world into the TOVP to ensure its longevity and excellence.

While of a very technical nature, we hope all our donors and supporters will enjoy looking through this report and receive further inspiration to continue with their pledge payments and further contributions to complete the TOVP by 2022. Please take this as an impetus to kindly complete your pledges as soon as possible or restart them if you have stopped for some reason to ensure the work can continue on schedule and at the current pace. Thank you very much for your dedication and help.

Ambarisa das
TOVP Chairman

Cushman & Wakefield Report download link.

[See image gallery at tovp.org]

The post Cushman & Wakefield Pujari Floor Report – August, 2019 appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

After a decade-long struggle with the West Bengal government (formerly Communist-dominated), some good news is finally underway.

The 700 acres of Sridham Mayapur land, in titles of individuals, is soon to be amalgamated so that ISKCON can officially own all of it. The land is valued at approximately 300 million US dollars. The stamp duty, registration and other transfer fees, totalling about 6 million dollars, is being waived because of ISKCON’s non-profit status.

The ISKCON Mayapur city, has been granted CRS status – deemed a “Heritage Site.” This means that certain locations within the Heritage Trust can apply for grants, which could translate into substantial funds for Mayapur.

The Bengal government recently released money for a four-lane highway from Kolkata to Mayapur and has produced a video about Mayapur’s Gaura Purnima festival. (YouTube video link.)

These occurrences are taking place through the efforts of West Bengal’s 64-year-old Chief Minister since 2011, Mamata Banerjee.

Posted with the permission of ISKCON News. Source link.

The post Mayapur Miracles – ISKCON to Own 700 Acres of Mayapur Land appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

[Seminar at College of Vedic Studies, Bhaktivedanta Manor, London, UK ]

Podcast

 

Video:

The post Understanding human nature 1 – Two levels of innateness appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

[QA session at London, UK]

Podcast

 

Video:

The post Understanding the mind QA appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

[Seminar at College of Vedic Studies, Bhaktivedanta Manor, London, UK ]

Podcast

 

Video:

The post Understanding human nature 2 – 4 types of people based on conscience and willpower appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Answer Podcast

The post How can we continue our spiritual practice when we get no taste? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 17 July 2019, Bhaktivedanta Manor, United Kingdom, Srimad Bhagavatam 1.9.45)

How do we identify how much time to spend on going deep and fully researching verses while we are reading?

I think that there is a time to read the Srimad Bhagavatam and there is a time to study the Srimad Bhagavatam. When we are simply reading the Srimad Bhagavatam, we are meant to just read it through and not go research things in too much detail like, “Let me look up on the Mahabharata about Bhismadeva. Let me check this in the Puranas and let me then have a little look at what the acaryas say about this and let me then research their commentaries. While I am at it, let me look at the volumes of all the lectures that Prabhupada gave on this verse and see if there is anything else. Then I have a portfolio of the Vedabase to look at. Plus I happen to have my library of so many reference books on this too.”

If you do this, you will never get through the Srimad Bhagavatam. You will still be on the First Canto even when you are ninety nine years old. So we must have a read of the verses first and get the idea. Then later, we can go somewhere deeper. But the first thing is that we need to make the time for the Srimad Bhagavatam in our lives. To even just read it, we have to make time. To study it, we have to make a lot of time. But it is possible to read the whole Srimad Bhagavatam a couple of times and then to study it in depth – it is very possible. In fact, I recommend it. We should absorb it so that the Srimad Bhagavatam becomes like the practical way we look at the world.

The article " Seeing the world through Srimad Bhagavatam " was published on KKSBlog.

NY Queens Ratha Yatra 2019 (Album of photos)
Annual Sri Krishna Balarama Parade on the streets of Liberty Ave in Richmond Hill...

On Friday, August 23rd we will be celebrating  Krishna Janmastami, the appearance day of Lord Krishna. This occasion marks the biggest and grandest celebration at Toronto's Hare Krishna Temple. Lord Krishna appeared over five thousand years ago in Mathura. His name means the all attractive one. He is transcendental, all-knowing and possesses all the qualities of all the avatars yet He remains as an ever-youthful cowherd boy. His beauty and sweetness know no bounds. Lord Krishna is the spiritual master and friend to all. 

The Temple will be buzzing with activity on Janmastami day starting at 4:30am with Mangala arati. Morning festivities also feature Darshan arati where Thier Lordships are unveiled in thier new outfit as well as a discourse on Srimad Bhagvatam by special guest HG Chaitanya Charan das.

The main festivities will start at 6pm and go until midnight. The evening will be filled with kirtan, bhajans, discourses, dances and an abhishek (bathing ceremony). The highlight is of course the countdown to midnight. A special arati will be performed to their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Ksira-Chora Gopinatha who will be dressed in an exquisite flower outfit!


Evening Program Schedule:
6:00 - 6:30 PM Arati
6:30 - 6:45 PM Announcements 
6:45 - 7:45 PM Janamastami discourse by special guest HG Chaitanya Charan das
7:45 - 8:00 PM Welcome dance presented by Krishna Fun School
8:00 - 8:30 PM Aarti
8:30 - 9:00 PM Dashavatar Presentation  by Krishna Fun School)
9:00 - 10:00 PM Patron Kalash Abhishek (see details below) 
10:00 - 10:30PM Bhakti Rasa dance performance
10:30 - 11:15PM Essense of Janamashtami- A Guided Multimedia & Musical Presentation 
11:15 -11:30 PM Kirtan
11:30 - 12:00 AM  Grand Final  Maha Abhishek
12:00 - 12:30 AM Midnight Arati 
12:30 AM Maha Feast
**SCHEDULE SUBJECT TO CHANGE***

Sponsor a kalash, a rare opportunity to participate in the bathing ceremony of Sri Sri Radha Krishna with auspicious liquids on Janmastami! Sponsors will get to take home their decorative Kalasha (pot). Click here for more information!










PARKING INFORMATION:

Paid parking within 10 minutes walking distance of the temple at:

• 55 Avenue Road (Whole Foods/Underground)
• 251 Macpherson Ave
• 1010 Yonge Street
• 15 Price Street

Answer Podcast

The post If people aren’t ready to take the giant leap of faith to come to Krishna, how can we help them? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Answer Podcast

The post When we see some devotee doing something wrong, what should we do? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Answer Podcast

The post How can we attract scientifically minded people to scripture? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

[Talk at London, UK]

Podcast

 

Podcast Summary

 

Video:

The post Understanding the mind – Unpacking the Puranjana allegory appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

[Chaitanya Charitamrita class at The Bhaktivedanta Manor, London, UK]

Podcast

 

Podcast Summary

 

Video:

The post Being mindful of public perception in bhakti practice and outreach appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

[Chaitanya Charitamrita class at the Bhaktivedanta Manor, London, UK]

Podcast

 

Podcast Summary

 

Video:

The post Harmonizing conservative and liberal approaches in bhakti appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

[Balarama Purnima talk at Crawley, UK]

Podcast

 

Podcast Summary

 

Video:

The post How Balarama’s causeless mercy on Duryodhana was still less for Duryodhana appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

The day after celebrations for one of our biggest festivals of the year, Krsna Janmastami, we will be celebrating one of the most important festivals for us as Hare Krishnas - Srila Prabhupada's Vyasa Puja starting at 11am on Saturday, August 24, 2017.

The Vyasa Puja festival is always held the day after Janmastami and the festival honours the appearance of our spiritual master His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada - Founder Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

The program will begin at 11:00am with an abhisheka of Srila Prabhupada (bathing ceremony of a small Deity of Srila Prabhupada) and will continue with the arati, flower offerings (pushpanjali) and the reading of pre-written offerings from devotees in our community. We will be once again encouraging everyone to write their own offering for the Toronto Vyasa Puja Book, click HERE for details!

The schedule is as follows (subject to change):
11:00am - 11:30am: Abhisheka
11:30am - 11:50am: Offering
11:50am - 12:00pm: Pushpanjali
12:00pm - 12:30pm: Arati/Guru Puja
12:30pm - 2:00pm: Reading of Offerings
2:00pm: Prasadam

One of the first devotees of the Russian yatra and senior disciple of HH Radhanath Swami left her body.
She was a real “soldier” of the army of the Lord Chaitanya and completely devoted to the mission of Srila Prabhupada!
More photos: https://is.gd/haj1gy

This year, they and other chaperones took thirty-eight boys aged 10 to 17 from Italy, Colombia, Canada and around the U.S. on the Summer Trip from June 22^nd to July 23^rd.

The new temple project in Salt Lake, conveniently close to the downtown of Utah’s largest city, sits on 4 acres of land and includes the new temple building as well as an existing former school building with existing classrooms, a commercial kitchen, offices, and a large multi-purpose room.

Soundbath
Monday 23rd September
6:15pm $15

Ready for a meditation experience that is super relaxing and easy? Come lay yourself down in our aromatic, ambient space and experience the deep nourishment and peace of immersion in non-material sound for an hour at the end of your day. Our instructors will lead a guided meditation combining melodic voices, harmonious instruments and singing bowls to produce a potent non-material soundscape to cleanse and purify your mind and consciousness, leaving you feeling nourished at the deepest layer of the self. All you have to do is lie down, and relax into the sound.

In yoga the self is described as a leaf on the tree of the complete non-material reality, and that the only way the leaf is nourished is by watering the tree at the root. The sounds we will be using are watering the root of that tree – the non-material source of all energy and pleasure, the supreme consciousness, Krishna.

If you prefer to sit, that is fine, we have comfortable meditation floor chairs. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing so you can relax.
Please switch off all cellphones before entering the meditation room so that you can fully unplug for the session.

Doors sales are $20 subject to availability on the night.

The post Soundbath appeared first on Bhakti Lounge.

Soundbath
Monday 23rd September
6:15pm $15

Ready for a meditation experience that is super relaxing and easy? Come lay yourself down in our aromatic, ambient space and experience the deep nourishment and peace of immersion in non-material sound for an hour at the end of your day. Our instructors will lead a guided meditation combining melodic voices, harmonious instruments and singing bowls to produce a potent non-material soundscape to cleanse and purify your mind and consciousness, leaving you feeling nourished at the deepest layer of the self. All you have to do is lie down, and relax into the sound.

In yoga the self is described as a leaf on the tree of the complete non-material reality, and that the only way the leaf is nourished is by watering the tree at the root. The sounds we will be using are watering the root of that tree – the non-material source of all energy and pleasure, the supreme consciousness, Krishna.

If you prefer to sit, that is fine, we have comfortable meditation floor chairs. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing so you can relax.
Please switch off all cellphones before entering the meditation room so that you can fully unplug for the session.

Doors sales are $20 subject to availability on the night.

Soundbath
Monday 23rd September
6:15pm $15

Ready for a meditation experience that is super relaxing and easy? Come lay yourself down in our aromatic, ambient space and experience the deep nourishment and peace of immersion in non-material sound for an hour at the end of your day. Our instructors will lead a guided meditation combining melodic voices, harmonious instruments and singing bowls to produce a potent non-material soundscape to cleanse and purify your mind and consciousness, leaving you feeling nourished at the deepest layer of the self. All you have to do is lie down, and relax into the sound.

In yoga the self is described as a leaf on the tree of the complete non-material reality, and that the only way the leaf is nourished is by watering the tree at the root. The sounds we will be using are watering the root of that tree – the non-material source of all energy and pleasure, the supreme consciousness, Krishna.

If you prefer to sit, that is fine, we have comfortable meditation floor chairs. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing so you can relax.
Please switch off all cellphones before entering the meditation room so that you can fully unplug for the session.

Doors sales are $20 subject to availability on the night.