Bhagavatam tenth canto study 60 – 10.11.10-18 By giving to Krishna, even if we appear to be losers, we are still gainers
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How temptation attacks visibly and invisibly – Lessons from Indrajita’s attack on Rama-Lakshmana
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[Talk at Auckland, New Zealand]

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If Brahma is the creator of the universe, from where did the lotus on which he was born come?
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Podcast:

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Pandava-nirjala Ekadasi
Giriraj Swami

Ekadasi is one of the regular celebrations in the Vaishnava calendar. It is observed eleven days after the full moon and eleven days after the new moon of every month. Even in the thirteenth, or leap month, called adhika-masa, or purusottama-masa, which comes every three years, during which no other festivals are celebrated, Ekadasi is observed. Ekadasi is known as the day of Lord Hari and is said to be the mother of devotion. Keeping the fast on Ekadasi is one of the sixty-four items of devotional service listed in Srila Rupa Gosvami’s Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu. In fact, it is one of the first ten.

The Nectar of Devotion, Srila Prabhupada’s summary study of Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, states, “In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on Ekadasi day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase one’s faith and love for Govinda, or Krsna. The real reason for observing fasting on Ekadasi is to minimize the demands of the body and to engage our time in the service of the Lord by chanting or performing similar service. The best thing to do on fasting days is to remember the pastimes of Govinda and to hear His holy name constantly.”

Later in The Nectar of Devotion, Srila Prabhupada cites the observance of Ekadasi as a stimulus (uddipana) for ecstatic love: “Some things which give impetus or stimulation to ecstatic love of Krsna are His transcendental qualities, His uncommon activities, His smiling features, His apparel and garlands, His flute, His buffalo horn, His leg bells, His conchshell, His footprints, His places of pastimes (such as Vrndavana), His favorite plant (tulasi), His devotee and the periodical occasions for remembering Him. One such occasion for remembrance is Ekadasi, which comes twice a month on the eleventh day of the moon, both waning and waxing. On that day all the devotees remain fasting throughout the night and continuously chant the glories of the Lord.”

The importance of the Ekadasi fast is also seen in the history of King Ambarisa and the sage Durvasa. Maharaja Ambarisa had observed the fast without even drinking water up until the appointed time to break the fast, called the Ekadasi-parana. Durvasa Muni was to have returned before the time of the parana, and because he was playing the part of a brahman and Ambarisa Maharaja the part of a kshatriya, proper etiquette dictated that Durvasa break the fast first. However, because Durvasa did not come in time, Ambarisa was in a dilemma. If he did not break the fast in time, the whole observance would be spoiled. At the same time, if he did not wait for Durvasa, he would be guilty of an offense, because the etiquette demanded that he wait for the sage to break the fast first. King Ambarisa consulted his advisors, but none could resolve his problem. Finally, the king himself determined the solution: he would take water. Taking water would break the fast and at the same time not break it.

So, Ekadasi is an important observance. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu personally observed Ekadasi, and He ordered all of His followers to do the same. And of all the Ekadasis, Pandava-nirjala Ekadasi, Bhima Ekadasi, is most special.

The story behind this special Ekadasi is recounted in the Brahma Vivarta Purana. Five thousand years ago, during the time of the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s elder brother Bhima admitted that he had great difficulty fasting. (In those days everyone would fast completely from all food and water.) So the Vedic authority Vyasadeva gave Bhima permission to observe the full fast (nirjala, “without water”) only once a year, in the early summer, and to derive the same benefit as if he had observed all the other twenty-three Ekadasis. Thus, devotees who are unable to properly observe Ekadasi during the year, or who by chance happen to miss an Ekadasi, can get the benefit of fully observing all the Ekadasis if they properly observe the Pandava-nirjala Ekadasi. Strictly observed, the fast begins before sunset the evening before Ekadasi and continues until the parana, about the time of sunrise, the morning after Ekadasi. Many devotees try to chant at least sixty-four rounds on Ekadasi, especially the Bhima Ekadasi.

Once, when we were with Srila Prabhupada in Amritsar, Yamuna-devi read to him from the newly published Nectar of Devotion: “Ekadasi, which comes twice a month on the eleventh day of the moon, both waning and waxing. On that day all the devotees remain fasting throughout the night and continuously chant the glories of the Lord.” Then she asked, “Should we also observe Ekadasi like that?”

“No,” Prabhupada replied. “We have too much service to do for Krishna.”

Still, Srila Prabhupada said, “Ekadasi is most auspicious. And chanting is more effective.” And to a disciple who asked, “Should we chant twenty-five rounds on Ekadasi?” Srila Prabhupada replied, “Why only twenty-five rounds? You should chant as many as possible.”

So the basic observance of Ekadasi, as prescribed by Srila Prabhupada, is to refrain from grains and beans and to chant as many rounds as possible. Although most devotees in ISKCON do not perform nirjala on every Ekadasi, many do on Pandava-nirjala Ekadasi. They also try to chant at least sixty-four rounds. And by the mercy of Ekadasi, they make great spiritual advancement: they are blessed by spiritual strength and realization and so continue their service to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission with renewed vigor—enthusiasm and inspiration.

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Relationships flourish by sharing, not by dominating – Rama Lakshmana interactions
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[Talk at Auckland, New Zealand]

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The All-Powerful and Independent Holy Name
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By Vraja Sundara Das

Chanting the holy names of the lord is the most profound method in this age of Kali to rise above the influences of Maya. To engage in Harinama Sankirtana is definitely the only viable process of freeing ourselves from this precarious position we have implicated ourselves in within this material world. Continue reading "The All-Powerful and Independent Holy Name
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Cause of all Causes
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By Chirag Dangarwala

Cause and Effect are the natural phenomenon in this material world. Every Cause is followed by an Effect and every Effect has a Cause.  This phenomenon of cause and effect is explained in Vedic texts as well as in the modern science alike. Newton's law states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction and similarly in Vedanta Sutra, the Cause and effect phenomenon is explained in great detail. Knowing this truth, we generally tend to look at the cause and effects with our limited vision and blame or praise certain cause for the effects that we may enjoy or suffer during the course of our journey through life.  For example, if we obtain something desirable, for instance, if we obtain a promotion, we give the credit to our boss and think that it is because of him alone that we are getting this raise, or some others think that because of their performance alone they are getting this promotion. Similarly when we obtain something undesirable or if someone has broken our heart, we tend to blame the other person of being the cause of this sorrow that we are getting. Continue reading "Cause of all Causes
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On things Quantum
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By Rasaraja dasa

Thanks to many popular books and articles, the mysteries of quantum theory are now quite widely familiar even amongst the non -scientific public. Heisenberg's uncertainty relations (one cannot 'simultaneously know' both position and momentum of a particle beyond a certain inaccuracy), Schrodinger cat paradox (quantum cats capable of being both dead and alive, simultaneously) are known, at least by name, to many Continue reading "On things Quantum
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Understanding difficult pastimes such as Rama’s banishing Sita
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[Ramayana series 3, Talk at New Goloka, Hillsborough, USA]

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Bhagavatam tenth canto study 59 – 10.10.36-43 The Lord grants not just physical mobility but also spiritual mobility
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Jaipur – Braja Parikrama
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JAIPUR Trip

Parikrama to the Pink City

“It is a city of dusty-pink palaces set aglow in soft light,” say the romantics. “It is ancient royalty, pristine architecture and a taste of original India,” say the historians. For the Gaudiya Vaisnavas, Jaipur is all that but much more. It is home to the original deities of the Goswamis, Who are shrouded in tales of adventure, mystery and mercy. Being remarkably clean and heartfully welcoming, Jaipur is majestic for all.

This kartika you have the opportunity to discover this ancient city and its deep devotional heritage in the company of His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami. An opportunity never offered before. Act quickly! You can now register for the Jaipur leg of the Braja Parikrama.

Dates: 3- 5 November, 2019

Itinerary

  • 3rd Nov: Depart from Vrindavana to Karoli for day parikrama and arrival in Jaipur.
  • 4th Nov: Visit temples in Jaipur
  • 5th Nov: Depart to Vrindavana

Cost: 60 Euros

This includes:

  • Transport from Vrindavan to Karoli, Jaipur and back via air-conditioned bus
  • Two nights accommodation in Jaipur
  • Meals include breakfast pack (3rd, 4th & 5th), lunch and dinner (3rd & 4th)

Payment

There are two ways to pay & confirm your reservation! By PayPal (use this direct link) or by bank transfer. Please select the payment option in the registration form.

If you have any payment or registration question please write to Gopali at gopali.jaipur@gmail.com

Important to note, read carefully!

  • Registration is final once the payment is received.
  • Buses will be reserved for 150 people. This limit will only be exceeded if the number of devotees is large enough to warrant an extra bus and if extra buses and accommodation are available.
  • Advance payments are required to secure comfortable buses and good accommodation.
  • Refunds will not be granted if you cancel your booking!
  • Any excess funds will be given to Guru Maharaja.
  • This registration is ONLY for the Jaipur parikrama and not the Braja Parikrama. That registration will be separate and will open at a later date.

Registration form

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdAvOLBuEJPtB1JP5V-F4Kuz_eISFGvwPO_XuFtCBmTyVd63Q/viewform

Hopefully see you soon and stay tuned for the coming Braja Parikrama registration…

The article " Jaipur – Braja Parikrama " was published on KKSBlog.

Surviving hardships
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 24 February 2019, New York, United States of America, Bhagavad-gita 7.7)

We are experiencing how everything in this world goes through six transformations. Everything comes into being, it grows, it flourishes, it gives some by-products, then it begins to dwindle and eventually it ceases to exist. Such are the dynamics of this world. This shows us that whatever we have, is not ours. Whatever we have, is actually a gift which we get for a while over time and then Krsna takes it back. Sometimes gradually over time and sometimes very quickly. Suddenly, everything gets taken away.

But one who sees Krsna behind it all can see that ultimately everything must be good because Krsna is benevolent. Krsna is suhrdam sarva bhutanam (Bhagavad-gita 5.29); He is the well-wisher of all living beings. So when we have that firm conviction that Krsna is our well-wisher, then we start to observe that whatever happens to us is all good, even if we may not always see it that way. Then we know that this is going to be good for a long-term purpose; something that we cannot see now, but later turns out to be good.

We can see this when we go through struggle, pain and hardships in the material world. This will force us to become more dependent on Krsna, surrender unto Him and lead us to seek deeper into the causes and purpose of life. And in that way we can see that the moment of great difficulty in our life later on turns out to be the source of our strength. We begin to see that those hardships actually made us stronger and that was Krsna’s kindness all along.

The article " Surviving hardships " was published on KKSBlog.

Bhagavatam tenth canto study 58 – 10.10.28-35 Though God has a body, he is not limited by or to his body
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Harinama and book distribution in Mayapur (Album of…
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Harinama and book distribution in Mayapur (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: A devotee always thinks of the Lord continuously. While chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, the words Krishna and Hare immediately remind him of all the Lord’s activities. Since his entire life is engaged n the service of the Lord, a devotee cannot forget the Lord at any time. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 5.1.6 Purport)

Good karma veg. restaurant in Gulfport, Mississippi (Album of…
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Good karma veg. restaurant in Gulfport, Mississippi (Album of photos)
Kaivalya Sundari: I was in Gulfport today and was able to go visit Maharani’s Maharani Berg (Good Karma Medley) vegetarian restaurant today. I hadn’t been to this location before and I was happy to see lots of nice people getting prasadam! I am so proud of my God sister, Maharani! She is pleasing her Guru Maharaja and Srila Prabhupada in her endeavors. Many people who eat at Good Karma learn about our temple because Maharani is giving them a nice, personal, and satisfying experience. The restaurant plays soothing bhajans of Hare Krsna music, and there are beautiful signs and loving mottos and festive decorations all around. Cookbooks and devotional reading literature is also for sale.

Ganga Puja
→ Ramai Swami

Ganga Puja is usually celebrated a day before Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi. 

It is dedicated to Gangadevi, who descended to Earth on this day. Ganga descended to purge the cursed souls of King Bhagiratha’s ancestors. 

Devotees gather at the banks of the Ganges to perform aratis. It is said that by taking a dip in the river on this day one will be purified and many lifetimes of sins are eradicated.

Head in the sky, feet on the ground – balancing our aspirations with our actions
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[Talk to devotee community leaders at Wellington, New Zealand]

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How do we realize that Krishna consciousness is like 5 million dollars and worldly things are like 5 dollars
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Panihati Festival Talk, June 8, Laguna Beach
Giriraj Swami

Giriraj Swami spoke and read from Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Antya-lila chapter 6

“Raghunatha dasa offered his obeisances by falling prostrate at a distant place, and the servant of Nityananda Prabhu pointed out, “There is Raghunatha dasa, offering You obeisances.”

Hearing this, Lord Nityananda Prabhu said, “You are a thief. Now you have come to see Me. Come here, come here. Today I shall punish you!”

The Lord called him, but Raghunatha dasa did not go near the Lord. Then the Lord forcibly caught him and placed His lotus feet upon Raghunatha dasa’s head.

Comment by Giriraj Swami: “Raghnatha dasa was very humble. In fact, later on when by the mercy of Nityananda prabhu he joined Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu at Puri, although he was in the inner circle of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, he would almost never submit a question or plea directly to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He would always go through Swarup Damodar. He was very humble.”

Lord Nityananda was by nature very merciful and funny. Being merciful, He spoke to Raghunatha dasa as follows:

“You are just like a thief, for instead of coming near, you stay away at a distant place. Now that I have captured you, I shall punish you.

“Make a festival and feed all My associates yogurt and chipped rice.” Hearing this, Raghunatha dasa was greatly pleased.”

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Panihati Festival Talk (Right-click to download)

From individualism to individuality – Are people innately good or innately bad?
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[slideshare id=149240597&doc=fromindividualismtoindividuality-arepeopleinnatelygoodorinnatelybad-190611173644]

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Bhagavatam tenth canto study 57 – 10.10.23-27 Krishna honors the promise of his devotees
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Understanding the six stages of anartha nivrutti or inner purification – 2
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[Seminar at Bhakti Lounge, Wellington, New Zealand]

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[slideshare id=149197819&doc=understandingthesixstagesofinnerpurificationoranarthanivrutti-190611040312]

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Understanding the six stages of anartha nivrutti or inner purification – 1
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[Seminar at Bhakti Lounge, Wellington, New Zealand]

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[slideshare id=149197819&doc=understandingthesixstagesofinnerpurificationoranarthanivrutti-190611040312]

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The effect of good news
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Hare KrishnaBy Vrndavana Vinodini Devi Dasi

Hearing good news about others affects people in different ways. Personally, the feelings it evokes within me serves as a barometer of how emotionally healthy I am and my relationship with the individual. Feelings of joy and "they totally deserve it" are what I aim for. However, in instances where it dredges up not so pleasant emotions, I realize I have internal work to do. As an aspiring practitioner of bhakti this is what I too long to be: the happy well-wisher to others, especially in their time of success and joy. I have been extremely fortunate to be surrounded by practitioners of bhakti yoga my entire life. Continue reading "The effect of good news
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Perfectionism is a serial killer in high heels
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[Bhagavatam class at Bhakti Lounge, Wellington, New Zealand]

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