Bhaktivedanta Manor (UK) Shree Krishna Haveli construction…
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Bhaktivedanta Manor (UK) Shree Krishna Haveli construction update.
Haveli Pathway Underway: The Haveli is nearing completion in the coming months, now work has begun to pave the pathways to and around the building. Were so excited for the building a facility for our generations to come…
‘One has to ascertain the right path for his activities by following in the footsteps of great saintly persons and books of knowledge under the guidance of a spiritual master’ - A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
T​he Shree Krishna Haveli will provide facilities ​to bring our community together for cultural activities, education and spiritual rejuvenation and ​no matter​ who we are, each of us can contribute to building this spiritual oasis. Support the Gita Walk and ​invest in the cultural and spiritual ​upliftment of society and future generations
​The Haveli project is the culmination of decades of struggle and sacrifices made by the community to secure their right to worship Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda.

Calm Before the Storm (Album of photos)
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Calm Before the Storm (Album of photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Polish Woodstock ( Pol’and ‘Rock ) is less than a week away. A big storm is gathering on the horizon: both materially and spiritually. The weatherman is predicting 3 days of rain and hail. Better now than later. But we’re predicting a tsunami of mercy in the form of Krsna’s Village Of Peace and all that it entails. In the meantime, we’re busy with last-minute preparations. My heart is pounding and I can’t sleep at night!

Bonds of Brotherhood
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By Indradyumna Swami

“Let’s talk later about making a Hare Krsna base here in our Romani community,” Shaban said when we reached the car. “Let’s not just talk words; let’s do something tangible. It can be connected to the culture we share. It can remind gypsies of their origins and can facilitate the deeds of your community as well. Let’s construct a building or monument that will stand for a hundred or two hundred years. Something glorious to represent our combined cultures. This day of our meeting should go down in history in the collective memories of our people.” He took both my hands and said warmly, “You are so wonderfully dressed! Before you go, let’s walk through the streets of our community so you can meet my people. We can take a few photos as well to remember this momentous day.” Continue reading "Bonds of Brotherhood
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Reflections while Singing the Nrsimha Prayers
Giriraj Swami

While singing the Nrsimha prayers today, I was struck by the juxtaposition of two very different moods of the Lord—prahladahlada-dayine: He gave bliss to Prahlada, and hiranyakasipor vaksah-sila-tanka-nakhalaye: He cracked the stonelike chest of Hiranyakasipu with His sharp chisel-like nails.

namas te narasimhaya
prahladahlada-dayine
hiranyakasipor vaksah-
sila-tanka-nakhalaye

“I offer my obeisances to Lord Narasimha who gives joy to Prahlada Maharaja and whose nails are like chisels on the stonelike chest of the demon Hiranyakasipu.”

And I thought of the great Bhagavatam commentator Sridhara Svami’s beautiful verse in which he juxtaposes the Lord’s kind and ferocious dealings:

ugro ’py anugra evayam
sva-bhaktanam nr-kesari
kesariva sva-potanam
anyesam ugra-vikramah

 “Although very ferocious, the lioness is very kind to her cubs. Similarly, although ferocious to nondevotees like Hiranyakasipu, Lord Nrsimhadeva is very, very soft and kind to devotees like Prahlada.” (Sridhara Svami, commentary on SB 7.9.1).

All glories to Lord Nrsimhadeva and His devotees, among whom I pray to be counted.

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

End of Life
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Radha Selvester: We have had quite a few devotees experience the passing of loved ones – parent, spouse, sibling, or child. In spite of knowing that we are not these bodies and that the soul is eternal, it is still an emotional struggle to cope with the loss. It is also a logistical challenge to make funeral arrangements, deal with insurance, disperse the loved one’s properties, and so much more.

Festival of the Holy Name in Spain (Album of photos)
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Festival of the Holy Name in Spain (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “Haraye namah krsna yadavaya namah, gopala govinda rama sri-mudhusudana. This is another way of chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. The meaning is as follows: “I offer my respectful obeisances unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna. He is the descendant of the Yadu family. Let me offer my respectful obeisances unto Gopala, Govinda, Rama and Sri Madhusudana.” (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya-lila, 25.64 Purport)

Visnu and Garuda Monument (Album of photos) Ramai Swami: While…
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Visnu and Garuda Monument (Album of photos)
Ramai Swami: While in Bali I was able to go out and visit the newly completed Visnu Garuda monument in the Nusa Dua area. This is the fourth highest of its kind in the world standing at 120 meters tall. An amazing architecture and sculptural achievement, although actual worship of the Lord would have been even better.
I also had the opportunity to be with my god brother and co-GBC for Indonesia, HH Kavicandra Maharaja. We attended the Rathayatra and other preaching programs together and it’s always nice to have his transcendental association.
Find them here: https://is.gd/DUFTWS

Snana-yatra part 2, July 21, New Dvaraka, Los Angeles
Giriraj Swami

“One year when Lord Caitanya was at Allalanatha the devotees from Bengal arrived in Jagannatha Puri and word was sent to Lord Caitanya that they were there waiting for Him and He should go there. But, He was so much in the mood of separation that He did not want to go back to Jagannatha Puri without getting the darshan of Lord Jagannatha. The devotees very intelligently began kirtan and in that kirtan Lord Caitanya’s feelings of separation were pacified. Srila Prabhupada explains in his purport that the Holy Names of Krishna are Krishna Himself—and in this case Lord Jagannatha. So by immersing Himself in the Holy Names—Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare, Lord Caitanya felt the association of Lord Jagannatha. Srila Prabhupada comments further that whenever devotees feel separation from Lord Krishna or Lord Jagannatha, they can immerse themselves in the chanting of the Holy Names and thereby feel His presence and experience his association.”


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Snana-yatra talk (Right click to download)

Visnu and Garuda Monument
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While in Bali I was able to go out and visit the newly completed Visnu Garuda monument in the Nusa Dua area. This is the fourth highest of its kind in the world standing at 120 metres tall. An amazing architecture and sculptural achievement, although actual worship of the Lord would have been even better.

I also had the opportunity to be with my god brother and co-GBC for Indonesia, HH Kavicandra Maharaja. We attended the Rathayatra and other preaching programs together and it’s always nice to have his transcendental association.

PRABHUPADA GHATA INAUGURATION PANDHARAPUR
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Dinanukampa dasi: ISKCON PandharApur, under the leadership of Lokanath Swami Maharaja, took the initiative of constructing a ghata on the eastern bank of the Candrabhaga adjacent to the temple property. On July 11, 2011, the day of Sayani Ekadasi, the Bhumi puja of the Prabhupada ghata was performed in the presence of the Chief Minister. This was done as an offering to Srila Prabhupada on the occasion of ISKCON jubilee celebrations.

His loving mercy
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 24 February 2019, New York, United States of America, Bhagavad-gita 7.7)

In the tenth chapter of Bhagavad-gita, ahaà sarvasya prabhavo mattaù sarvaà pravartate (Bhagavad-gita 10.8), we can see that Krsna is the origin of all that is spiritual and all that is material, and the wise who notice this, they perfectly worship Him with love. That is ultimately where we want to come. Because we are seeing how kind Krsna is… how unlimitedly kind He truly is! He is the Supreme, the topmost personality, all powerful, all beautiful, all perfect, yet He takes interest in insignificant creatures like us. He specifically notices our individual existence and that is something special. Every living being means something to Krsna and thus Krsna takes a personal interest in every single living being. That is something extraordinary! Suhrdam sarva dehinam (bhutanam) (Bhagavad-gita 5.29) – heartfelt suhrdam, heartfelt friend and well-wisher of every living being. So to think about that, that is the most amazing thing! And I meditate on things like this and can only imagine how kind Krsna really is. In this way, we can appreciate Krsna consciousness and when we leave this temple, we can look everything we see with a fresh perspective because we can see how Krsna is actually manifesting all these things for us and how He is behind everything. Everything is simply an arrangement of His kindness; sometimes aimed to frustrate us and sometimes aimed to encourage us. But nevertheless, it is all by His loving mercy. That is Krsna!

The article " His loving mercy " was published on KKSBlog.

Incorporation Of ISKCON
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Hare KrishnaBy Satswarup dasa Goswami

“We shall call our society ISKCON.” Prabhupada had laughed playfully when he first coined the acronym. A friend had suggested a title that would sound more familiar to Westerners, “International Society for God Consciousness,” but Prabhupada had insisted: “Krishna Consciousness.” “God” was a vague term, whereas “Krishna” was exact and scientific; “God consciousness” was spiritually weaker, less personal. And if Westerners didn’t know that Krishna was God, then the International Society for Krishna Consciousness would tell them, by spreading His glories “in every town and village.” Continue reading "Incorporation Of ISKCON
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Epic Book Distribution at Iskcon Orlando! This was one of the…
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Epic Book Distribution at Iskcon Orlando!
This was one of the most epic moments at Iskcon Orlando. A devotee who was visiting the Orlando temple for the first time, bought a whole Saptarishi set (7 books authored by Srila Prabhupada) and gave that as a gift to another guest who also came to the temple for the very first time. This was witnessed by the temple presiding deities, Sri Sri Nitai Gaura Nataraja.
By Srila Prabhupada’s mercy, this world is filled with great devotees who sets a great example for us all.

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019
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Emo, Ontario

Connecting

There is this guy named the "Gentle Bear Man" who operates a bear sanctuary in north-western  Ontario.  I went to visit him in 2012 when I walked in the area.  The wild bears in the region have come to know him, love him and trust him.  During that trip, he brought me into his Sanctuary with eleven bears all around us.  And because they love him, they trusted me to be in their midst.  I fed a female black bear a pastry from my hand.  I could feel her spirit.  She was not defensive, only a little shy.

My company of seven, our Roadshow, which is more or less disbanded for now, and who I led to this remote Sanctuary, were a little disappointed at not seeing some bears.  The Gentle Bear Man wasn't home.  One of his other friends, a deer, however, came around the corner, demonstrated his curiosity, moved toward me and licked my hand.  It was the closest I have ever been to a deer.  It seemed he only knew affection.  We were all taken by this animal’s forwardness, and his tender way.  https://www.instagram.com/p/B0UMD42gASh/?igshid=elkwhzatvcw7

During this entire trip, I was in anticipation of seeing and coming close to wildlife.  I guess you could say that desire was fulfilled.

More of nature came our way.  Just off Highway 71 is a Provincial Park, Rushing River, a place I was formerly acquainted with.  This vibrant and very living flow of water is another form of ‘wildlife’.  It was a stop worth making.

In Kenora, population 15,000, we had a kirtan at the city's Bandshell. It was sweet.  And so was the traffic west of Kenora.  We were held up for two hours with construction workers installing a culvert.  Anyway, I took the opportunity to walk while traffic was still. I met and made many friends this way.

May the Source be with you!
5 km



Monday, July 22nd, 2019
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Fort Frances, Ontario

I Walked Here Before

I trekked along Memorial Avenue in Thunder Bay, in a fresh moment of wind and with sunshine doing its round once again.  Destination was the Sanskrit Bazaar / Temple, and there our party conducted a mini, morning program with Reflections on Canto 1 from the book Bhagavatam.  The main message we absorbed from those few moments was, "Whatever you learn share it—share it because you will remember it, retain it and you also will benefit the recipient."

Our route to drive, once in the van, was Highway 11, the quiet Trail.  I had walked this road before, twice, and now again, reminiscing on those walks.  I recall observing the Great Eagle, the Moose, the Beaver.  It is one of the best canoe areas in the world, a wondrous water land.  At Quetico Provincial Park, our party of eight went to satisfy our curiosity.  After all, drivers need a break as much as passengers.  For one hour we acquainted ourselves with its Lake and Beach.  Pristine!

Now it was time to reach Fort Frances, where at the downtown Rainy Lake Square, we set up for tonight's show.  Nice outdoor venue.  The stage, awning and landscaping weren’t here the time I walked through in 2012.  Nice development.  https://www.instagram.com/p/B0R5JePAVrE/?igshid=10srxtdupuyhl

Mayor Carol came to the program and addressed the crowd of about 200 or more.  She said over the mic, "We don't have this type of event very much in Fort Frances."  I met her after the show was over and she expressed appreciation.  There were two glitches, however.  First, our caterers got in an accident and couldn't make it on time.  Tickets were to be refunded at $30.00 a head.  Also, our sound wasn't up to par musically.

Overall, the best people in town turned up for a unique cultural display.

May the Source be with you!
5 km



Sunday, July 21st, 2019
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Thunder Bay, Ontario

Darrel Left

I guess Darrel has left to continue his long walk to Nova Scotia.  Apparently he did not make his presence known at the Festival of Colours, held at the same location at Marine Park, where on the previous day the Festival of India stood out in its glory.

What a day it was!  So many happy people.  So many people were chanting mantras.  A  big help in this regard was Malini Taneja, the dancer/singer extraordinaire who led most of the colour throws in the air.  She's young, pretty and talented.  Sharing the stage with her was a local MC professional.  I didn't catch his name.  He was good but wasn't able to share the mantras or dance moves that Malini could.  I've known Malini since she was a baby, and it is just wonderful that she has grown into this nice adult and devotee.  https://www.instagram.com/p/B0OQeMrA8Eo/?igshid=pg1qsl9z1ru3

Fortunately I was able to keep free of any colours latching onto my clothes.  This in fact, was my first colour festival here, and I know that each event like this becomes  a cause for good clean fun, but I am not sure that providence has it for me to attend another.  If asked, however, I'll come.

As in most social events, I take the time to wind down by walking back to my sleeping quarters.  Gaura and I made the day's last steps along Lake Superior where seagulls so much abound.  Not far off in the bay lies the great Sleeping Giant, a massive rock formation resembling a great chief in slumber.  It was a hint for us to pack-in the day.

May the source be with you!
7 km












Saturday, July 20th, 2019
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Thunder Bay, Ontario

It Starts With A Gull

In Thunder Bay, the day usually starts with the sound of a seagull flitting by one's bedroom.  It's the big lake nearby, Lake Superior, which attracts these entertaining birds who are aerobatic by nature.  I imagine the fish from the fresh water keeps them in the area.

Ananda, Gaura and I left our apartment, a condominium within the re-defined space of an old school, The Queen Elizabeth.  With a solid foundation, strong walls and high ceilings, our group of six men felt safe, had good rest, and then made our way to the lakefront, the site of the Festival of India where music, dance and drama was to unfold on the stage.

There we could see a fantastic couple, Prema and Suniti, a husband and wife team, had assembled another festival, its 10thrunning.  Once the show began, the dignitaries offered some words of appreciation for hosting the event each year.  Mayor Bill Mauro spoke, plus a representative of the police, Constable Ron Miller, and the Honourable Member of Parliament, Patty Hajdu.

We had a longer conversation with Officer Justin and four civilian—well, when the stage events came to a halt, as in, all over, we got to chat with the most lively dancers, Heidi, Kitty and Blake, all from the free spirit culture.  Most notable and most enthusiastic at dance was Darrel, who's from Winnipeg.  He's interesting, having started a walk from his home city, making his stop in Thunder Bay, and making his destiny—Nova Scotia.  To me, he's a hero.

Gaura really rocked the stage with kirtan, mantrasand finishing with George Harrison's, "My Sweet Lord."

May the Source be with you!
3 km












Friday, July 19th, 2019
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Thunder Bay, Ontario

Observed

As has been observed many times before, when I move about in devotional attire, I get noticed.  After a swim in Lake Boulevard, I had changed into a dhoti and kurta, when a cyclist slowed down and asked, "Hare Krishna?"

"Yeah, and I guess you'll be there for the Festival of India tomorrow?"

"Yes, sir!" he responded, and then picked up speed, off to his own destination.

At the harbourfront, the boys and I, in the midst of air-gliding seagulls, had just completed a kirtan/chanting session on the grass, when a Sikh gentleman ambled along behind a walker.  He recognized us for our Indian garb, especially the more orthodox among us, Ananda, Gaura and I.  He stopped and with a smile expressed, "I'm coming tomorrow."

While crossing the parking lot, a fellow in a pick-up truck suddenly halted and climbed out of the cab.  "I'm Brian. I know somewhat about this.  I've been to Nepal."  He then reached into his bag to pull out a book, The Topmost Yoga, by Prabhupada.  A young father, he told us he's got the kids tomorrow and that they'll be at the fest.

And when we came out of Shopper's Drug Mart, a fellow in a black sports car rolled down his window as the rains began to descend.  He saw Ananda in his white dhoti and kurta,and me in ‘swami’ clothes and instantly connected us to the Indian event.  "I'm coming.  It starts at 3:00 p.m.?"

"Yes it does."  So we have another commitment.

We advertise merely on the strength of the clothes we wear.

https://www.facebook.com/Festivalofindia.Thunderbay/videos/350661255859498?s=100001647982652&v=e&sfns=mo

https://www.facebook.com/Festivalofindia.Thunderbay/videos/425934938254443?s=100001647982652&v=e&sfns=mo

May the Source be with you!
3 km





Thursday, July 18th, 2019
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Terrace Bay, Ontario

In the Boreal

Gaura and I took to the Great Northern Road as a head start to Terrace Bay.  So, on foot we tread with traffic roaring by our side until our van pulled up.  We spotted this perfect display of reversed karma: a sculpture of a moose on its rear legs, dangling an adversary, a hunter, suspended in the air from its front hoof.

We hopped into the van and joined our boys’ team to go westward through the prettiest scenery of nature you can imagine.  The boreal forest is very special, covering 60% of Canada's land mass.  It is comprised of mostly coniferous trees.  We were getting quite excited about possibly sighting a bear or moose—no luck there—but we did spot a couple of birds, crane-like in appearance, even somewhat exotic looking.  Sandhill cranes are what we settled on after Googling research.  Nice creatures.

We reached Terrace Bay, a pulp-and-paper town, with its mill that is owned and run by an Indian company, the Aditya Birla Group, founded in 1857 in India.  Our venue was the hockey stadium, with ice removed.  Spacious and adequate, Dean, the manager, and Dereck, the sound guy, are gracious, decent people.  By the time our Festival of India was about to begin, I sat down with Mayor Jody Davis, and friends, over an Indian meal. The mayor was quite curious about our approach to consciousness; about Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Islam.  “To resolve all differences in the diversities of life, and the sometime conflict between tribes, we can come to the realization that: ‘I am not this body.  We are all spirits, ‘“ I suggested.

Our show went well.  Our audience was 75% Caucasian and 25% Indian.  https://www.facebook.com/144051765613375/posts/2599267376758456?s=100001647982652&v=e&sfns=mo

https://www.facebook.com/144051765613375/posts/2599374870081040?s=100001647982652&v=e&sfns=mo

May the Source be with you!
5 km





The power of social media
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Share

Dear Prabhu,

Please accept my humble obeisances,

All glories to Srila Prabhupada


Social media somehow working , by chance? just noticed this  , how does it work?


106,000 people have watched the cooking for the Rathayatra FestivalBeast from the East with 16,000 views.The Feed the 5,000 in Manchester gets more than 125,000 views with 344 nice comments.


Beast from the East 16,000 views

Rathayatra  watched by over 106,000 people , with 344 comments

Manchesteer Prasad Distribution, 5,000 meals, gets 125,000 views

Brussels Prasad Distribution , gets 75,000 views

Be inspired to share

Hare Krishna

Your Servent Parsharama Das

Cooking Class – Regular Rates
→ Bhakti Lounge

Thursday 29th August
@ 5.30pm
$40
10 spots only

7 Things you can do with Coconut ~~Thai Style

On this cooking class with Madhupana you will be making together
-buffalo wings
-thai curry
-coconut rice
-mango cheese cake

Class starts at 5:30pm please arrive five minutes early.

If you have any allergies, please advise us ASAP.

Book ASAP as spaces is limited.

The post Cooking Class – Regular Rates appeared first on Bhakti Lounge.