Nava Vraja Dhama, Hungary – Fair 2019
→ ISKCON News

On the second weekend in July, about 10,000 people visited Krishna-valley, Hungary, to attend cultural programs, try tasty vegetarian meals and get acquinted with the different aspects of an environmental-friendly, God-conscious lifestyle. A video by Jaya Hari Das. 

Upcoming visit of Vaisesika das
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

There is always a special buzz in the air when Toronto's vibrant Hare Krishna community welcomes back Vaisesika das back to our temple. A disciple of Srila Prabhupada, and a mentor to so many of us in Toronto and around the world, we are always looking forward to his visits. From inspiring classes and hitting the streets with spiritual books, to the rip-roaring kirtans, Vaisesika das keeps us all on our spiritual toes!


We are excited to announce some of the programs and events that you and your family are welcome to take part in:

Srimad Bhagavatam Classes
August 9th to August 12th
7:45am to 9:00am (Followed by Breakfast)


Through a series of exclusively picked mantras from Srimad Bhagvatam, the text which is considered to be the ripened fruit of spiritual knowledge, Vaisesika Dasa will explain the process of 'Sadhana Bhakti' that can carry us from material to spiritual existence while still in this body. As an added bonus, Vaisesika Dasa has encouraged attendees to prepare questions in advance and send them to him! Click here to email your questions.

Sankirtan - Hitting the Streets with Spiritual Knowledge
Saturday, August 10th - (times to be posted)
All devotees are welcome to join Vaisesika das as we collectively hit the streets with our beloved spiritual books with the goal of sharing our beautiful spiritual heritage with the public. Stay tuned for more information!

A Night of Kirtan with Vaisesika das:
Saturday, August 10th - 6:00pm to 9:00p
You won't want to miss this opportunity to dive deeper into melodious kirtan with Vaisesika das. We will explore some of the beautiful chants of our Vaisnava tradition and the mood will be certainly be sweet. Join us for what will surely be a very special evening!

Sunday Feast with Vaisesika das:
Sunday, August 11th - 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Our weekly Sunday extravaganza will include a special class by Vaisesika das. Toss in some amazing kirtan and mouth-watering vegetarian feast and your Sunday should be booked!

Additional Activites on Sunday Include:
5:00 am - Japa Circle - Make Japa Great Again, Come Chant with HG Vaisesika Prabhu
1-2pm - KC Girls Sanga with Mother Nirakula (catered towards new comers)                             
6:30 - 7:30pm - Junior Jam

Monday:
6 pm - Krishna Katha with Vaisesika Prabhu in Temple Room



Saturday, July 27th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk


Edmonton, Alberta

Things Not Always Going Right

The other day in Saskatoon, Chief Pratt of the First Nations, was on the stage giving his speech at the Festival of India,  and said, "They used to call us Indians."  People laughed.  He then went on to explain that Columbus set sail from Europe in search of the bountiful land of India and then reached the shores of the New World thinking that perhaps they had accomplished their goal, or at least came upon a place of wonder —North America.  It was nice to have the Chief present.

When I arrived in Edmonton this morning (not on foot), I was approached by Bala Krishna, the co-ordinator for the Chariot Fest here, said, "I've invited a native person who will do a chicken dance."

"Great!"  I truly was enthused by this news and I expressed my appreciation for his progressive thinking

The dance was introduced and performed.  It was a crowd-pleaser. The fellow, the dancer, Alex Twin, had a few words with me after his performance.  Nice guy.  Very together. http://www.firstnationsdrum.com/2017/04/2017-siksika-nation-easter-pow-wow-honours-the-chicken-dance/
 https://www.instagram.com/p/B0ckVx1AWtZ/?igshid=1oc1lca5ombxx

Meanwhile, with our party going on, authorities are making an all-out search for two young males charged with the homicide of three people in British Columbia.  What kind of young persons would do this senseless thing to innocent people?  What influenced them to do this?  While Alex appeared to be a mature person, we hear of two young men, perhaps about the same age, who are totally misdirected in their lives.  I feel that not enough is being done to offer stability to our young men in particular.  There is a lack of training, discipline, love—all those things which are so important.

May the source be with you!
5 km





Friday, July 26th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk


Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

The Fest

The North Saskatchewan River is one of those majestic streams of water that connects with communities in the Canadian prairies of which this fine city is one.  Our Chariot Fest for this place runs partially along this River, culminating at Meewasin Valley Park.

The chief of police joined us as he did last year.  Chief Cooper is one of those cool officers, very popular with the kids.  And Vice-Chief David Pratt, representing the Seventy-four Nations (tribes) of the province got on the stage to welcome and invite all attendees (which doubled this year) to his people's up and coming "Pow Wow."  At such an event, folks sing and dance just like at our chariot program.  In fact I had the great privilege of “working the crowds,” so to speak, and leading a dance and chant.  The stage program didn't look that promising with just some short Bharat-Natyam pieces presented.  The Master of Ceremonies, Amee, told me that's all they had on the agenda.

So with Ananda on his djembe, and myself leading the kirtan, I proceeded to start the crowd with voice lessons, and then get them on their feet with full body movements.  By golly!  Their response was phenomenal.  Even officer Cooper, in full uniform, joined us along with his wife.

Timing is always an important factor to implement in these events.  There's a tendency to drag out the kirtan or the rituals more than needed.  I personally like it when we stick to a schedule and respect people's time.  I think this was accomplished.

Since a family first initiated bhakti-yogaabout nine years ago, a steady program has been sustained. Unfortunately they had to leave town for economic reasons.  We truly wish to thank Amee and Vivek for keeping this program going.

May the Source be with you!
5 km

Thursday, July 25th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk


Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Good Chats

It is a familiar location for me, as Ananda and I stepped carefully beside the pond in John Avant Park with its dry and sometimes slippery edge.  It's a man-made body of water, dug to address excess storm-water.  A great job was done with the landscaping, and tree and bush plant management around the pond and the adjoining creek.  Very pretty! https://www.instagram.com/p/B0WsnxOgm_a/?igshid=9xx3w5fsj5l3

A question came to mind, which I consider natural, as a visitor to this province and city.  Since the name Saskatoon has been chosen to label this place. "Why don't we see more of the Saskatoon berries growing around?" And "Why couldn't this neighbourhood be more endowed with a prevalence of this nice treat, especially when first planning its landscaping?"

We walked by a woman taking pictures of the fowl swimming about: the occasional pelican, duck, and gull, water birds, basically.

"Hi!" said Ananda to her. She responded favourably.

I asked about where the Saskatoon's (the berries) were.  She mentioned that you don't find them here but in a nearby park.  But now that we had each other's attention, our conversation went to a more important area—the spiritual one.  We moved from berries to birds, to our comfortable-looking clothes, and then on to the Creator.  It was a nice and natural transition, something you want to see happen more when meeting a new person.  It makes for the best moments of the day.  Much later that day the joy of ‘real’ conversation continued with a younger businessman, who is struggling with life, like anyone else.  Most people hold problems inside but this guy opened up.  It's the start of liberating yourself.

May the Source be with you!
5 km



Wednesday, July 24th, 20149
→ The Walking Monk


 Winnipeg, Manitoba

Warming

Gaura and Shivani hosted seventy-five people in their home for chanting, drumming, catching some wisdom, and eating.  It was Ananda and I who were the presenters, except for the Prasadam (blessed food) that we were not responsible for.  We were a bit cramped in a small basement.  I talked about the soul’s evolution and Near Death Experience (NDE)—based on the Gita's knowledge, of course.  But it was one young boy, age eight, who suggested I talk about global warming.

My response: "We don't have to talk about it.  We are living it with all the body heat coming from each other." (Laughter).

It was great to have people there whom I haven't seen in a while.  There was Rabbi Justin who teaches Judaism at the University.  He is always great to compare notes with, in terms of what our respective communities are doing and thinking.  There was Malini, originally from Wales, who's aging, and going through changes.  She always has this big heart.  There was Gauruv, himself, who keeps busy with work, family and friends.  It's been years since I saw his family.  They are growing.

And of course, there's Daruka with Billie Jean, the parrot, on his shoulder.  Daruka was my support person for most of the last two walks across Canada.  Yes, this is a Sangha, a gathering of great hearts, who have come together to centrefold Krishna into their lives.  This is important, because in relation to the soul’s transmigration and the destiny to arise in the next life, we should consider from the Gita the following words: "Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, that state he will attain without fail."

May the Source be with you!
2 km

A Constant Flood Of Mercy (Album of photos)
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A Constant Flood Of Mercy (Album of photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Ratha Yatra is integral to our presence at this year’s Polish Woodstock festival, or “Pol’and’Rock.” There’s a large avenue that cuts through the entire event of 2.2 million people and we go up and down that road for 4 hours a day, every day for 4 days. Everyone sees us and most important Lord Jagannath sees everyone as well. That is the true spirit of Ratha Yatra. The people love the chariot parade as seen in these photos. A constant flood of mercy by Srila Prabhupada’s grace. It was he who brought this all-auspicious event to the western world!

Flood the entire world!
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 3 February 2013, Prague, Czech Republic, Caitanya Caritamrta Adi Lila 1.2)

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu had one desire. He had a desire to flood the entire world with an ocean of transcendental Krsna prema. One should see that in the spiritual world, Krsna is always engaged in loving exchanges with all His devotees. And it is said that those devotees purchase Krsna by their service. Rupa Goswami explains in the Nectar of Devotion that pure devotional service is sri Krsna-akarsani – that it can attract Krsna! So, that is the best thing we can do – flood the entire world! We are trying to attract so many things but one who attracts Krsna, attracts the perfection of life. After that, there is nothing more for us to desire – only more association with Krsna. So pure devotional service is like that – it is extraordinary!

The article " Flood the entire world! " was published on KKSBlog.

WSN June 2019 – World Sankirtan Newsletter – ISV No. 2 temple in the world and No. 1 in North America!
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By Vijaya das

Vaisesika Prabhu says that the initials ISV, which stand for ISKCON of Silicon Valley, also stand for "individual, spontaneous and voluntary service." These devotees were, in colloquial language, "fired up" in June. They did 47,082 book points, which means they were the No. 2 temple in the world and No. 1 in North America. I once asked Vaisesika whether he had had an exchange with Srila Prabhupada. He said he did. Prabhupada said to him, "Read my books." He took that instruction to heart and expanded on it by encouraging hundreds of other devotees to read the books. And on top of that, he inspires devotees worldwide to distribute millions of Srila Prabhupada's books, giving nondevotees the opportunity to read Prabhupada's books, too. He's a Vaikuntha man in our midst Continue reading "WSN June 2019 – World Sankirtan Newsletter – ISV No. 2 temple in the world and No. 1 in North America!
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Success… Failure ….. Suicide
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Success… Failure ….. Suicide
Ever wonder what drives people like VG Siddhartha (founder Cafe Coffee Day), or Kate Spade (Top Designer) to commit suicide? They were at the pinnacle of success but then they were lonely, surrounded by their family and friends. They were weak emotionally, their fears haunted them and pushed them to commit such a sin.

Reading Rathayatra 27th July 2019
→ simple thoughts

Share

Temperatures in the U.K. reached an all time high, ever recorded, 39’C , it was unbearably hot but the next day Reading Rathayatra was hit with monsoon like rain.

While cooking in the morning I was thinking that nobody going to attend this festival, but we cooked anyway as if all was good.

Then by Lord Jagannath’s mercy the blue skies came and the Lord’s devotees came out in the masses.Vishal Gauranga and his wife Amala Manjari Prabhus are the main preachers out here. Running the Nama Hattas, Prasad Distribution, Festivals, and Rathayatras in 3 cities, Reading, Newbury and Basingstoke.

A great example of what can be done when the congregation get together and focus on the mission of Srila Prabhupada. 

Reading is an historical city, in 870 Wessex was invaded by the Vikings, and Reading became their HQ , King Ethelred and Alfred the Great ( not so great) were defeated by the Vikings here. Then in 1121 King Henry built Reading Abbey and in 1361 the Black Death wiped out 60% of the population eeer, bad time to be around , but in the last 12 years the town is being blessed by the Lord of the Universe who rides His chariot surrounded by the chanting of the Mahamantra.

These days the residents of Reading can easily access the Lord’s mercy simply by being on the High Street as the Lord rides past.

Full gallery can be found here:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/GSzegd1uz4jKTJxH6

https://spiritualnutcase.zenfolio.com/p758827182

Jai Jagannath

Jai Srila Prabhupada 
Your servantParasuram das 

A Taste Of What Is To Come (Album of photos)
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A Taste Of What Is To Come (Album of photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Two days before Polish Woodstock [ Pol'and'Rock ] begins we were in full-action mode. Only a fraction of the 2.2 million people expected at the grand event were present but we couldn’t resist to go out on harinam and begin prasadam distribution. A little taste of what is to come in our Maha-Yajna! Just see how happy the devotees are!

NASN June 2019 – North American Sankirtan Newsletter
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By Mayapur Sasi dasa

For the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada this report contains the following North American results of book distribution for the month of June 2019. North American Totals, Monthly Temples, Monthly Weekend Warriors. Monthly Top 100 Individuals, Monthly Top 5, Cumulative Countries, Cumulative Temples, Cumulative Top 100 Individuals, Cumulative Top 5 Continue reading "NASN June 2019 – North American Sankirtan Newsletter
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Radha Kunjavihari Temple
→ Ramai Swami

The Klungkung area of Bali is the smallest regency on the island with only two hundred thousand people. By Krsna’s mercy there are about 120 devotee families who come regularly to the temple.

For a long time there was no temple and programs were held in devotee houses. However, by devotion and hard work, the devotees secured land and built a small but nice facility that houses Their Lordships, Sri Sri Radha Kunjavihari and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai.

I always go for programs there.

Surprise in the Cow Pasture
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The two Brown Swiss oxen you see running about, Dhruva Laddhu and Kalyan Tamal, were rescued from a dairy where they were living in tiny hutches and fed by a milk drip. Balaji, who is in many ISCOWP cow sanctuary videos, vlogged them moving from the back pasture to the front pasture where he found a surprise in the cow pasture!

Calm Before the Storm (18 min. video)
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Calm Before the Storm (18 min. video)
Indradyumna Swami: Preparations are in full swing for this year’s Polish Woodstock festival - renamed the Pol’and’Rock festival. Two and half million young people are expected. Our devotees are busy setting up our famous “Krsna’s Village Of Peace.” Devotees are arriving from Russia, Ukraine, Hungary, Croatia, Macedonia, France, Germany and a number of other countries. It’s the 25th year of the Pol’and’Rock festival and the whole area is buzzing with activity. Many people are arriving early and all of them are asking when we’ll start our food ( prasadam ) distribution. We’re almost ready - most of the 48 tons of foodstuffs we’ll use to distribute approximately 160,000 plates of prasadam has arrived. And our kirtan tent is ready to resound with the holy names day and night. A massive maha yajna is about to begin. I have no doubt the demigods are also arriving in their flower airplanes!

Indecision is Unhealthy! (9 min. video)
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Daily Quotes by His Grace Mahatma Prabhu. Mahatma Das joined ISKCON in 1969 and has served as temple president, book distributor, sankirtana leader, college preacher, membership director, and VIHE teacher and co-director. He is well known in Iskcon for his recorded music and his seminars. He is the co-director of Bhakti Life, a non-profit organization that teaches the practices of devotional service through interactive workshops, retreats, online courses and counseling.


Read More...

Reading Rathayatra, UK, 27th July 2019 (Album of photos)
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Reading Rathayatra, UK, 27th July 2019 (Album of photos)
Parasuram dasa: Temperatures in the UK reached an all-time recorded high - 39C - it was unbearably hot but the next day Reading Rathayatra was hit with monsoon-like rain. While cooking in the morning I was thinking that nobody is going to attend this festival, but we cooked anyway as if all was good. Then by Lord Jagannath’s mercy, the blue skies came and the Lord’s devotees came out in the masses. Vishal Gauranga and his wife Amala Manjari Prabhus are the main preachers out here. Running the Nama Hattas, Prasad Distribution, Festivals, and Rathayatras in 3 cities, Reading, Newbury and Basingstoke. A great example of what can be done when the congregation get together and focus on the mission of Srila Prabhupada. Reading is a historical city, in 870ad Wessex was invaded by the Vikings, and Reading became their HQ, King Ethelred and Alfred the Great (not so great) were defeated by the Vikings here. Then in 1121 King Henry built Reading Abbey and in 1361 the Black Death wiped out 60% of the population, bad time to be around then, but in the last 12 years the town is being blessed by the Lord of the Universe who rides His chariot surrounded by the chanting of the Mahamantra. These days the residents of Reading can easily access the Lord’s mercy simply by being on the High Street as the Lord rides past. Jai Jagannath Jai Srila Prabhupada.

Padayatra in the Czech Republic (Album of photos)
→ Dandavats



Padayatra in the Czech Republic (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “As a result of chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, one makes such great advancement in spiritual life that simultaneously his material existence terminates and he receives love of Godhead. The holy name of Krishna is so powerful that by chanting even one name, one very easily achieves these transcendental riches.” (Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.28)

The culture of ISKCON
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 25 June 2019, New York, United States of America, Srimad Bhagavatam 1.9.20)

There is a culture within this movement. Srila Prabhupada brought the transcendental knowledge from India and brought the culture from India as well. Seated on the floor, eating with the right hand, chapattis, puris, sabzis and so on. In the philosophy that we get through the scriptures, the knowledge is preserved. In the culture we get from the devotees, the knowledge is also preserved.

What Srila Prabhupada brought from India was the establishment of this ISKCON culture and many such things coming from the parampara. It is not only that the parampara is listed in the front of the Bhagavad-gita as the thirty two names before Srila Prabhupada. No, the parampara is everywhere. There is a way that Prabhupada wanted things done. He found certain people, he trained them and then he instructed them to pass it on. So this parampara, it lives through our ISKCON culture.

The article " The culture of ISKCON " was published on KKSBlog.

TOVP Architecture Department Weekly In-house Report, June 2019 – Edition #3
- TOVP.org

The theme of this week’s Architecture Department Report is ‘Ornamental Embellishment Research’. Recently the TOVP AD Research Team visited Gujarat and Jaipur to analyze complex ornamentation work undertaken by the country’s leading temple designers and makers – the Swaminarayan Group. It was interesting to see the various parallels drawn between ISKCON and Swaminarayan in terms of their design and construction processes.

One of the striking outcomes of this study is that the TOVP GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete) factory is manufacturing master designs of world standard quality, but at a minimal cost. Please read on to see their research.

Click here to see it in your browser or download a copy to your desktop for offline reading.

The post TOVP Architecture Department Weekly In-house Report, June 2019 – Edition #3 appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.