Pada Yatra by Iskcon Trinidad and Tobago 2019 (Album of…
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Pada Yatra by Iskcon Trinidad and Tobago 2019 (Album of photos)
Every year we have to good fortune of hosting a visit by His Holiness Bhaktimarga Swami. Maharaj is famously known as the “Walking Monk” and has walked across Canada several times takes time to walk as much as he can in countries he visits.
One festival celebrated by ISKCON worldwide is called Padayatra – The Walking Festival where devotees take deities of Gaura Nitai on procession accompanied with Kirtan and distribution of prasadam and transcendental literature.
Here are some moments from this festival: https://is.gd/ognczv

TOVP Directors visit US Iskcon Temples
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By TOVP staff

Braja Vilasa prabhu, the International Fundraising Director of the TOVP, recently paid a visit to the TOVP office in Alachua, Florida. He also arranged to visit three temples in the U.S. with Ambarisa prabhu during that time, and to have some private home programs as arranged by local temple presidents. This ‘tour’, more like a reunion, was meant to provide a progress update and to inspire new donors and encourage previous donors to continue with their pledge payments or begin them if they haven’t started. The reception was indeed enthusiastic as we went to the New Orleans, New York and Los Angeles temples, meeting devotees who were happy to see us again, and getting to know many new devotees we missed on the last visit in 2015. Continue reading "TOVP Directors visit US Iskcon Temples
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Canto 1 of Valmiki Ramayana Released!
→ Mayapur.com

” I have a great desire to translate the Valmiki Ramayana because that is authorized…I wish to translate Ramayana exactly the way I have done with Srimad Bhagavatam.” ( letter to Dinanatha N.Mishra dated 26 July 1975) We are happy to inform that on the day of Rama Navami, Canto 1 (Bala-Khanda) in 3 volumes […]

The post Canto 1 of Valmiki Ramayana Released! appeared first on Mayapur.com.

His Holiness Bhakti Marg Swami Speaks About the #Giving TOVP Worldwide Matching Fundraiser
- TOVP.org

This week as we head to the start of the #Giving TOVP 10 Day Worldwide Matching Fundraiser from May 7th (Akshaya Tritiya) until May 17th (Nrsimha Caturdasi), His Holiness Bhakti Marg Swami speaks about the importance of the TOVP and participating in this 10 day window of opportunity to make a donation to the project.

The #Giving TOVP 10 Day Worldwide Matching Fundraiser will be an incredible, never before done online event to raise funds, large or small, from every devotee, whether they have already given to the TOVP or not. Ambarisa prabhu will match all donations up to $125,000, thus doubling the income to the TOVP during this fundraising event to help complete the TOVP by 2022.

For more information, go to the TOVP #Giving TOVP Fundraiser page. You can also become a TOVP Ambassador by downloading the flyer from the website page and posting it on the internet, emailing it to your devotee friends and relatives, and posting at your local temple. We want the participation of every ISKCON devotee and congregation member worldwide.

MISSION 22 MARATHON KI JAYA! THINK 22 -> TOVP NOW!

 

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
Phone App at: http://tovp.org/news/announcements/new-tovp-phone-app-goes-live/
Mailing List at: https://goo.gl/forms/ojJ2WcUUuqWh8bXt1
RSS News Feed at: https://tovp.org/rss2/
Buy from us at: https://tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/
Support us at: www.tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities

The post His Holiness Bhakti Marg Swami Speaks About the #Giving TOVP Worldwide Matching Fundraiser appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

ISKCON Adelaide
→ Ramai Swami

I was fortunate to be visiting Adelaide temple when my god-brother, His Holiness, Navayogendra Maharaja was there. It was Maharaja’s first visit to Australia and everyone was happy to have his transcendental association.

Maharaja is usually based in Kashmir, India, where he has a number of temples and projects that he oversees. Besides Adelaide, he also did some preaching programs in Melbourne and the Gold Coast.

Why God is not always “nice”
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Why God is not always “nice”
[Bhagavatam class on 9.10.24 at ISKCON, Washington DC, USA]

Video

Podcast

 

Podcast Summary

The post Why God is not always “nice” appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Refining My Gifts
→ Seed of Devotion

"This... is my classroom," I swung open the metal door and stepped inside. My friend Rukmini followed. We both stood in the sunwashed Middle School English Language Arts room on the second floor of St. Brigid School, the colorful posters that festooned the walls brightening the stillness of an empty classroom.

"Wow," Rumini exclaimed. "And this is your room?"

"My room."

"You get to run it how you want?"

"Yes, I do," I replied. I grinned and felt a swell of pride. "Here is the library I helped to build! Those are the instructional posters I designed." I gestured to the sunlit trees in the golden afternoon. "And out of these windows, you can just see the Prabhupad Tree in the park," 

"Amazing," Rukmini remarked. We both peered through the windows. 

"Indeed, whenever I doubt myself in teaching, I just remind myself of the insanity of the fact that the Prabhupad Tree is outside of my classroom window, that Krishna must have arranged this."

In some ways, my spiritual life right now seems to be like the tree in Tompkins Square Park - I can just see it from my classroom window. Distant yet present.

This blog is entitled Seed of DEVOTION but the fact is that I have little to share on here regarding reflections on devotion. My head rushes with thoughts of persuasive essays and booking field trips and classroom management while my heart hibernates regarding the holy name and spiritual association and service. 

What can I say? That swell of pride I felt yesterday afternoon to give a tour of my classroom felt golden and powerful. I experienced this sensation that I was making Krishna proud. Like, I am doing my part to refine the gifts that God has given me.

Who knows where my life shall go after I finish my Master's degree, Literacy Institute fellowship, and high school student teaching. I'm excited for what the future holds.

I only pray that my heart comes out of hibernation.

Varnashram Dharma: "Get a life and remember Krishna" - Mother Mrigakshi



***










Ambarisa and Braja Vilasa Prabhus Visit Three U.S. Temples
- TOVP.org

Braja Vilasa prabhu, the International Fundraising Director of the TOVP, recently paid a visit to the TOVP office in Alachua, Florida. He also arranged to visit three temples in the U.S. with Ambarisa prabhu during that time, and to have some private home programs as arranged by local temple presidents.

This ‘tour’, more like a reunion, was meant to provide a progress update and to inspire new donors and encourage previous donors to continue with their pledge payments or begin them if they haven’t started. The reception was indeed enthusiastic as we went to the New Orleans, New York and Los Angeles temples, meeting devotees who were happy to see us again, and getting to know many new devotees we missed on the last visit in 2015.

All in all, we were very pleased to bring good news to everyone about the progress of the TOVP and the scheduled Grand Opening in 2022. We received numerous payments towards pledges already made and many, many new pledges for Pillars of Devotion, Bricks and Coins. The MISSION 22 MARATHON continues in full force and is sweeping up all devotees into the nectar of the TOVP yajna.

As an additional note, we would like to remind all devotees about the online #Giving TOVP 10 Day Worldwide Matching Fundraiser starting on Akshaya Tritiya (May 7th) until Nrsimha Caturdasi (May 17th). This historic fundraiser will engage devotees from all over the world to make a donation, large or small, which will be matched and doubled by Ambarisa prabhu. For more information go to:

https://tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities/giving-tovp-fundraiser/

TOVP – Together Offer Victory to Prabhupada

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
Phone App at: http://tovp.org/news/announcements/new-tovp-phone-app-goes-live/
Mailing List at: https://goo.gl/forms/ojJ2WcUUuqWh8bXt1
RSS News Feed at: https://tovp.org/rss2/
Buy from us at: https://tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/
Support us at: www.tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities

The post Ambarisa and Braja Vilasa Prabhus Visit Three U.S. Temples appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Rama-navami, April 13, Houston
Giriraj Swami

Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad Bhagavatam 2.7.23.

“Ravana wanted to take the property of the Lord and enjoy it for himself. We, in our own ways, may have that same inclination—to be the proprietors, the enjoyers, and the controllers. That is the mind and the false ego which puts us in competition with the Supreme Lord. It is a great process to become free from the sense of false proprietorship.”

Rama-navami talk (Right-click to download)

Premanjana – Eyes Tinged with Love
→ KKSBlog

Problem: My eyes are not tinged with love

Solution: Adorn your ears with the sweet mellows of Premanjana, the latest release in the illustrious repertoire of Kadamba Kanana Swami.

Is his last album still in your car on repeat? Are you still singing those melodies at full throttle in the shower? Do you wake up with its heart-lifting mantra in your head?

If so, this is for you!
If not, then it is definitely for you!

This latest release is grounded in gratitude with the famous Sad-Goswami Astakam. It lifts off with the foot tapping, head bobbing “Remembrance of What I Forgot”, and a personal favourite, “Street Tune”. Watch out for the oceanic “Prayerful Voices”, it is deep and wavy. And because the holy name never goes out of fashion, you will find fresh shades of classic tunes in “ Same Old with New Eyes.”

“One who’s eyes are open sees everything with love”.

Premanjana is a soul-investment that promises to keep our eyes (and ears) wide open!

Available soon at

Ratha Yatra Durban, South Africa

Get your CD at the stalls during the amazing Ratha Yatra festival in Durban from 20-22 April 2019

Vyasa-puja festival Radhadesh

We should have 200 copies available during the Vyasa-puja festival (26-30 apr). To preorder use the form below or click here…

>>> Preorder your copy

Sydney, Australia

For those on the other side of the world, you can contact Param Brahma or Taravali (Melbourne) to get your copy!

KKSBlog shop

Both the CD and digital album are available in the shop. Click here…

Premanjana audio album

premāñjana-cchurita-bhakti-vilocanena
santaḥ sadaiva hṛdayeṣu vilokayanti
yaṁ śyāmasundaram acintya-guṇa-svarūpaṁ
govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi

“I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who is Śyāmasundara, Kṛṣṇa Himself with inconceivable innumerable attributes, whom the pure devotees see in their heart of hearts with the eye of devotion tinged with the salve of love.”

Track list

  1. Six Gosvamis bring the spiritual world – 07:45
  2. Same Old with New Eyes – 10:47
  3. Strings connect with Krsna – 19:29
  4. Saints – 08:53
  5. Street Tune – 08:16
  6. Remembrance of what i Forgot – 07:39
  7. Prayerful Voices – 14:03
  8. Open Door – 02:55

Album info

Publishing date: 1 Apr 2019
Recording & Editing: By Nash, Wynand Cape Town, South Africa
Final editing: Daniel Antix, Sydney, Australia

Lead Vocals: Kadamba Kanana Swami, Madreya, Vraja Krsna
Karatalas: Jaya Gaura
Mrdanga: Nash, Rama,
Chorus: Thando, Bhavisya, Gaia, Madreya, Vraja Krsna, Jaya Kesavi, Monique, Indukanti, Medha Gauri.
Guitar: Vraja Krsna
Flute, alto flute, soprana, saxophone, shaker, hang drum, Kalimba: Emanuel Lieberfreund
Bass: Francois Taljaardt

The article " Premanjana – Eyes Tinged with Love " was published on KKSBlog.

Inner Change – 3 reasons why changing ourselves is tough and 6 ways to make it easier
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Talk at University of Maryland, Washington DC, USA]

Video

Podcast

 

Podcast Summary

Slide:

The post Inner Change – 3 reasons why changing ourselves is tough and 6 ways to make it easier appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

SHYAMANANDA DELIVERS THE PATHANS.
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SHYAMANANDA DELIVERS THE PATHANS – A story from the medieval Bengali book Prema-vilasa, by Nityananda Das.
Also:
PERSONAL VS PLATFORM SPEAKING – Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur explains there is more benefit in instructions shared with intimate groups than in speaking to large crowds.
OFFER RESPECT TO ALL – Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja explains that we should think, “Everyone is a vaishnava except me.
and more…

HH Jayapataka Swami 70th Vyasapuja Celebrations!
→ Mayapur.com

70th Vyasapuja celebrations of HH Jayapataka Swami celebrated in a very grand and loving way by his disciples and well-wishers at ISKCON Mayapur. Over 14000 disciples congregated at Mayapur to glorify their beloved Gurudeva. Sri Mayapur and Jayapataka Swami are synonymous. Maharaja once said, I know only three things- Mayapur, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Congregation […]

The post HH Jayapataka Swami 70th Vyasapuja Celebrations! appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Wonderful Worcester
→ Dandavats

By Madhumangal das

On the auspicious day of Ram Naumi 2019, we inaugurated a monthly outreach programme called "The Vedic Essence" and also a harinam in Worcester town centre. A group of devotees (some from London) performed a 5 hour harinam in Worcester town centre on the day, distributed 200 maha cookies, 250 flyers and books. The Mayor of Worcester heard the holyname being sung and came out of his office to welcome the devotees which really inspired everyone. The Mayor was delighted with our endeavours and asked if we could also perform Kirtan at a council event next August. We are now looking to arrange our involvement in the event and possibly also serve out prasadam to the attendees. Continue reading "Wonderful Worcester
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Victory flag hoisted in Mayapur!
→ Mayapur.com

On the occasion of 70th Vyasapuja celebrations of HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaja raised victory flag of ToVP. This is a part of fund raising drive of ToVP and exhibits. Maharaja encouraged all the assembled disciples and well wishers ( this year over 14000 devotees participated in Vyasapuja) to generously donate for ToVP by sponsoring a […]

The post Victory flag hoisted in Mayapur! appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Notre Dame burning
→ Dandavats

By Chandrashekhara acharya dasa

"Notre Dame is damaged; The Holy Name shines on. "Some thoughts on the recent burning of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. I cannot count how many rounds of japa I have chanted inside the shelter of Notre Dame, hearing my the sound of my footsteps on the floor, walking by confession booths and feeling inspired by the dedication and devotion of millions of pilgrims and devoted souls who had sung, heard and prayed there before me for 800 years. So when I recently watched the online footage of Notre Dame burning down, and when I heard from newscasters that the Parisian firefighters may not be able to even salvage the core structure of this Western symbol of monotheistic devotion, my heart squirmed and tears rolled down my eyes. Continue reading "Notre Dame burning
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The Criteria for Success, April 12, Bhakti Urban Farm, Houston
Giriraj Swami


“Jatayu was really no match for Ravana. But still, out of duty and love, he fought Ravana and was defeated. Later when Lord Ramachandra was travelling through the forest looking for Sita, He came upon Jatayu who explained exactly what he had seen. Lord Ramachandra was so pleased with him He embraced Jatayu and told him He loved him like His own father. Jatayu died in Lord Ramachandra’s arms who then performed the funeral ceremony for him just like a dutiful son. Srila Prabhupada used this story to illustrate the point that if we give our lives to the service of the Lord, even if the opposing elements are too powerful for us and we are not successful in  our service, if we give our life to the mission of the Lord He will be pleased and we will be successful.”

Srimad Bhagavatam 2.7.23 (Right-click to download)

The Marketplace of the Holy Name
→ KKSBlog


Kadamba Kanana Swami, 14 March 2019, Durban, South Africa, Lotus Park Nama Hatta) 

What is namahatta other than the marketplace of the holy name?

Bhaktivinoda Thakura wrote this book where he explains that this marketplace of the holy name  is widely available and it can be purchased for the price of one’s faith.

He said there are those who are looking after the marketplace, those who are supplying the marketplace, and there are personalities who look after different marketplaces and sometimes come to supply that marketplace with fresh inspiration. 

Then he describes that he was just the sweeper of the marketplace, which is not a simple thing. It is very interesting to look at Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura as the sweeper of the market place. Of course, in India, the sweeper was considered a fallen occupation, so he was taking a very humble position. But it was not just a statement without cognitive meaning. No, because Bhaktivinoda Thakura was the sweeper of the marketplace of the holy name and that was his service to Lord Nityananda. 

The marketplace of the holy name had originally been established by Nityananda. When Lord Caitanya sent Lord Nityananda to West Bengal , a whole group of devotees went with him, and it wasn’t easy to go. Because they were so ecstatic and so overwhelmed by ecstatic kirtana,  they missed all the turns!

But eventually they got there only by desire and the mercy of Mahaprabhu,and when they reached, there was so much ecstasy that it was just amazing. It was with this ecstasy that Nityananda brought the holy name to West Bengal and engaged people in kirtana. He created the marketplace of the holy name, so originally it was Lord Nityananda who started the namahatta and since then it has been taken around the world.

Our mission is to engage people in devotional service. A little service, and when a little service is done, there will be more service, because that is the nature of devotional service – it changes the heart.

The article " The Marketplace of the Holy Name " was published on KKSBlog.

Sri Rama Navami Report from ISKCON Plainfield NJ (Album of…
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Sri Rama Navami Report from ISKCON Plainfield NJ (Album of photos)
Hema Jagannatha Dasa: ISKCON of Central NJ (ICNJ), Plainfield celebrated Sri Rama-Navami on Saturday 4/13/2019. Lord Jagannath was adorned with Ramachandra Vesha of breaking the Shiva Dhanu, inspired from other ISKCON temples. The main altar area was decorated nicely to provide a devotional vibe about the festival. Devotees performed abhishek of Sri-Sri-Rama-Parivar. Everyone got fruits, flowers and nuts for the pleasure of the Lordships. During Abhishek, ICNJ devotees sang “Ramachandra Raghuveera”, “Sri-Ramachandra Kripalu Bhaja mana” and many other melodious Rama Bhajans which captivated the mood of devotees. The Drama Team of ICNJ prepared a drama titled “Lord Rama’s visit to Grouchy City” depicting the lessons devotees from Kalyug should learn from Ramayana” The extended celebration continued on Sunday 4/14/2019 with classical dance presentations. Around 600+ devotees attended this 2-day celebration of Sri-Rama Navami at ISKCON Plainfield, NJ temple.
Find them here: https://is.gd/9cptcX