Goloka Dham Iskcon Nairobi Grhastha Ashrama
→ Dandavats



Goloka Dham Iskcon Nairobi Grhastha Ashrama (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Svalpam apy asya dharmasya trayate mahato bhayat: even a little devotional service can save one from the greatest danger. Devotional service, which begins with chanting of the holy name of the Lord, is so powerful that even if one falls down, he can be saved from all calamities if he somehow or other chants the holy name of the Lord. This is the extraordinary power of the Lord’s holy name. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.1.63 Purport)

ISKCON Rajkot: Sudarshan Chakra Installation
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ISKCON Rajkot: Sudarshan Chakra Installation & Pran Pratishtha (Album of photos)
On the auspicious day of Ramanaumi in the presence of the many assembled Vaishnavas and others, the auspicious installation ceremony took place, which started with a worship given to Guru, Gauranga, Krishna and the Deities with various articles of worship like flowers, sandalwood paste, incense, ghee lamp and bhoga offerings. Thereafter, the fire sacrifice was performed, which sanctified the entire atmosphere around there and gave delight to the hearts of all the Vaishnavas present there. After offering oblations into the fire, under the instructions of the Head pujari Sevatulya Pr, the Pran Pratishtha of Sri Sri Sita Rama Lakshmana & Hanuman & Sri Sri Gaura Nitai was performed wherein the spikes of the deities were touched with flowers and sandalwood paste and the personality of the deities was invited to enter, which was followed by an elaborate Abhishek with Kirtan. After installation, the devotees looked on with great pleasure, which was followed by a feast for all the assembled vaishnavas, thus concluding the auspicious ceremony.

Krishna House Graduates Largest Class Ever!
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By Kalakantha das

Thirty-two new Krishna devotees have completed the Spring 2019 semester at the Bhakti Academy, held at Krishna House (ISKCON of Gainesville, Florida, USA). Some highlights: Bhakti-sastri: Seven devotees completed the full Bhakti-sastri curriculum, offered for the first time at Krishna House. Rupachandra Prabhu, who lived at Krishna House for six years while completing his PhD studies, accepted a faculty position at a prestigious university in New York. Book Distribution: Five men will be going out for full time book distribution this summer. (Many of the top book distributors in the US for the past ten years have been Bhakti Academy graduates). Continue reading "Krishna House Graduates Largest Class Ever!
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Letter of Appreciation to Sivarama Swami — 2019
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By the GBC

We have leaders who are expert managers and we have leaders who are deeply immersed in Krsna consciousness, thus bringing another sort of expertise to management. You, however, are that very rare Vaisnava who is a brilliant manager yet deeply Krsna conscious, committed to your service in Srila Prabhupada's mission yet conscious of the needs of others, philosophically astute, yet humorous and lighthearted. There is scarcely a committee or project that has not benefitted from your input. And whenever a new topic arises, yours is often the first input we seek out. It is an understatement to say that a vacancy will be felt on the GBC Body in light of your retirement. Continue reading "Letter of Appreciation to Sivarama Swami — 2019
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Srila Prabhupada’s Recipes for Success
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By Mahatma das

Rules Srila Prabhupada’s Lived by. Live what you believe. Your life is your message. Live what you teach. “By your example teach all of the citizens to become ideal vaisnavas.” Stick to your principles. Do not compromise, even if you could and no one would know, or even if it would produce the results you need. “I never compromised that you can do whatever you like and you become my disciple.” Shoot the rhino. Do not be bound by your limits. Dream the impossible, have your feet on the ground, and then go for it. Have faith that God can and will use you to do what you cannot. Continue reading "Srila Prabhupada’s Recipes for Success
→ Dandavats"

Sun Love Feast – May 12th, 2019 – Vedic discourse by HG Subhavilas Prabhu
→ ISKCON Brampton





About His Grace Subhavilas Dasa
It has been over 40 years since he joined ISKCON. He saw devotees chanting on the streets in Toronto and was immediately attracted. He started going to the temple, which at that time in the late 60's was in a small house.He met Srila Prabhupada first time in Chicago.

Srila Prabhupada instructed him and Visvakarma Dasa to secure the current ISKCON Toronto temple and had the great fortune to assist Srila Prabhupada's mission in this manner.He used him as his instrument again to help secure the ISKCON Chicago temple where Sri Kishor Kishori reside today. There were many temple openings and festivals that he has been blessed to coordinate and be a part of in the early days of ISKCON.

After his brahminical initiation by Srila Prabhupada, he had the privilege to serve ISKCON in many ways including:
Vice President of ISKCON Toronto in the 70's;
 President of ISKCON Chicago in the early 80's;
 Zonal Secretary for USA mid-west in the 80's; and
 GBC(Governing Body Commission) appointed him as Global  Coordinator for Community Relations in the 90.

Chant: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 

And Be Happy!!

ayur harati vai pumsam
udyann astam ca yann asau
tasyarte yat-ksano nita
uttama-sloka-vartaya

Both by rising and by setting, the sun decreases the duration of life of everyone, except one
who utilizes the time by discussing topics of the all-good Personality of Godhead.
 ~ Srimad Bhagavatam 2.3.17




11.00 - 11.15      Tulsi Puja
11.15  - 11.30     Guru Puja
11:30 - 11:55     Aarti & Kirtan
11.55  - 12.00    Sri Nrsingadeva Prayers
12.00 - 1:00     Vedic discourse
  1.00 - 1.30      Closing Kirtan
  1.30 - 2.00     Sanctified Free Vegetarian Feast


COMING UP AHEAD


Mohini Ekadasi
Fasting.....................on Tue May 14th,  2019
Breakfast................  on Wed May 15th, 2019 b/w 6:33am – 10:47 am

Every fortnight, we observe Ekadasi, a day of prayer and meditation. On this day we fast (or
simplify our meals and abstain from grains and beans), and spend extra time reading the scriptures
and chanting the auspicious Hare Krishna mantra.By constantly ‘exercising’ our minds through
regular japa we can train our senses to push the threshold of contentment.
English audio glorification of all Ekadasis is available here 

LORD NRSIMHA CHATURDASI Celebration - Sat May 18th, 2019 4pm onwards













ONGOING PROGRAMS

Adult Education At The Temple
ISKCON Brampton offers various courses and Seminars for adults. The courses take a personal approach to learning. It encourages the student not only to study thoroughly the contents of Srila Prabhupada’s books but also to clearly understand the philosophy and practically apply it. The course focuses on behaviour and character, nurturing students in appropriate Vaishnava values.
Professionally designed and presented, it draws on the principles of Krishna consciousness
and the best of progressive education. In this way, it is true to ISKCON’s heritage and at the
same time relevant to its mission in contemporary society.

For further information, please contact HG Prema Gaurangi Devi Dasi @ premagaurangi.jps@hotmail.com


Sunday School

To register,contact us
Email:sundayschool108@gmail.com
Call:647.893.9363

The Sunday School provides fun filled strategies through the medium of music, drama, debates,
quizzes and games that present Vedic Culture to children. However the syllabus is also designed
to simultaneously teach them to always remember Krishna and never forget Him.
The Sunday School follows the curriculum provided by the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture (BCEC).


Monthly sankirtan Festival(MSF)
“One who has life can preach, and one who preaches gets life.”(Previous Acaryas)
Every member of ISKCON should have the opportunity to make advancement in Krishna
consciousness by preaching.We encourage everyone to come out and participate and make
Srila Prabhupada happy.

Please contact:
Dharma Dasa- dharandev58@gmail.com-647.892.0739(Mississauga and Brampton regions)


The Mentorship Program

Please note that registration in the Mentorship System is now a mandatory requirement for all initiation requests at ISKCON Brampton.It

1.Facilitates  and nurtures devotees aspiring for first and second Initiation.
2.One-on-One personal follow up on a regular basis.
3.Systematic training to devotees in matters of Philosophy, Sadhna, Vaishnava behavior, etiquette, Lifestyle and attitudes.

To find details please click here


Gift Shop

Are you looking for some amazing gift items which are less expensive and more beautiful for your
loved ones for festivals or many other occasions??
Our boutique is stocked with an excellent range of products, perfect for gifts or as souvenirs of your
visit. It offers textiles, jewelry, incense, devotional articles, musical instruments, books, and CDs
inspired by Indian culture.We're open on all Sundays and celebrations marked in our annual calendar.

ISKCON Scarborough – Mother’s day celebrations – coming Sunday
→ ISKCON Scarborough



Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

On Sunday, a special Mother's day program will take place at ISKCON Scarborough. On this day, we would like to take the opportunity to honour and thank all the Mothers for their selfless, tireless and unconditional service they continue to render.


We warmly invite all the devotees with their friends and family members to ISKCON Scarborough on Sunday 12th May 2019 from10.30 am onward to thank the Mother’s for their love and support.

ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7


Email Address:
scarboroughiskcon@gmail.com
website:
www.iskconscarborough.org

All glories to Sankirtana, Prasadam and Srimad-Bhagavatam’ is very welcome!
→ Dandavats

“In distributing love of Godhead, Caitanya Mahāprabhu and His associates did not consider who was a fit candidate and who was not, nor where such distribution should or should not take place. They made no conditions. Wherever they got the opportunity, the members of the Pañca-tattva distributed love of Godhead.” (Caitanya Caritamrta Adi 7.23)

Canterbury Festival, UK – 8th May 2019 (Album of photos)
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Canterbury Festival, UK - 8th May 2019 (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Others, who are not devotees, may think, “How can people devote so much time simply to talks of God?” The chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra is simply the repetition of three words, Hare, Krishna, Rama, but still devotees can go on chanting this Hare Krishna mantra twenty-four hours a day without feeling fatigued. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 4.13.1Purport)

Victory for Radhadesh, Iskcon Belgium! After 4 years of plenty…
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Victory for Radhadesh, Iskcon Belgium!
After 4 years of plenty of back and forth with the town-hall municipality of Durbuy, the members of our Petite Somme village, the province of Luxembourg, and the Walloon region - 4 different levels of authority in Belgium, we finally got the minister’s signature & stamp of approval giving us exceptional green light to build a few projects on our Radhadesh grounds.
This means that we can officially start planning for our Kirtan Hall which could become as a big as 600m², or more than 4 times the current one! We are planning to make it a comfortable venue able to host 800-1000+ guests. Imagine how much more powerful the kirtans will get.
There is so much to plan and to work upon to push this much needed and awaited project forward. We are hoping to have the first draft of architectural plans ready by the end of this year so we can present it during the Radhadesh Mellows 2020 festival as well as kick off the much-needed fundraiser which is going to be the only way to collect the funds to make this dream project happen for the benefit of all of us.
Thank you for all the prayers and support of the many of you throughout the years bringing us finally one step closer to this much-desired goal.
Hare Krsna
Manu (https://is.gd/lH9ORk)

Back to The Motherland – Sochi (9 min. video)
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Back to The Motherland - Sochi (9 min. video)
Indradyumna Swami: The city of Sochi is situated on the Back Sea in southern Russia. The region is very beautiful with snow-capped mountains on one side of the city and beautiful beaches on the other. The city and it’s many attractions serve as an attractive resort with nice weather all year long. ISKCON has had a temple in Sochi for a number of years. Devotees preach mainly through Nama Hatta groups as well as regularly inviting people to the temple for special functions. We enjoyed 3 days in the association of the Sochi devotees and their ever-expanding congregation.

A Hilarious Lord Nrsinghdeva Story by HG Prajapati das
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HG Prajapati das: Early 70’s. Big festival in San Diego for the appearance of Lord Nrsimhadeva. Huge crowd in the park. The Los Angeles theatre group came down as part of the entertainment. We did The Killing of Kamsa. Then the local devotees began their drama of Prahlada. “Prajapati,” one devotee called. “Will you play Lord Nrsimhadeva?”


Read More...

Be an instrument
→ KKSBlog

Kadamba Kanana Swami, Vrindavan India 4 April 2019, SB 8.17.25-27)

Ekalavya, on his own, was trying to perfect the way of archery and appeared to be even better than Arjuna. But as a result his thumb was taken by Dronacarya. So we are not becoming Ekalavya – no. We cannot imitate Krsna; we can only serve Krsna. We cannot imitate Arjuna either. Arjuna is Krsna’s eternal associate, and we are simply following in the footsteps. Our path is not anukāra – imitation; it is anusārataḥ – to follow.

Anusārataḥ means to follow in the footsteps. We cannot imitate anyone; we simply have to be ourselves and follow in the footsteps of the previous Vaisnavas. We should know that every person has unique attributes, unique qualities and Krsna has a purpose with each one of us. We are instruments and each of us has a particular quality that will come out over time. So be yourself. You are valuable and you are meant to utilise what you have – everything!

What will repression accomplish? We are not going to repress our nature and imitate someone else. Be who you are but purify. Kavi Karnapura says, “Be natural, but purified nature.” Purify your nature and then the characteristics that we have, become perfect. And how do we become purified? By anusārataḥ – by following in the footsteps. 

Even Krsna is acting by example. In Chapter Seventy of The Krsna book Krsna’s daily activities are nicely described. Krsna gives charity to the brahmanas. He sees statues of cows and other auspicious things in the morning. So one can follow in the footsteps of Krsna and of the Vaisnavas.

The article " Be an instrument " was published on KKSBlog.

Letter of Appreciation to Tamohara Das — 2019
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By the GBC

We hereby accept your letter of resignation with immense gratitude for your service to the GBC Body. Beginning with your contributions to developing and maintaining the Child Protection Office as its director, you have steadily accepted your service as a leader in ISKCON with integrity and dedication. Your educational background, your insights, and your focus on serving the devotees of Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON have brought so much benefit to our society. In addition, your balance of understanding and compassion along with firm adherence to Srila Prabhupada's instructions were particularly highlighted during your tenure as the GBC Chairman. Continue reading "Letter of Appreciation to Tamohara Das — 2019
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You are hearing, but you have to write also
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By His Divine Grace Srila A.C.B. Swami Prabhupada

Realization means you should write, every one of you, what is your realization. What for this Back to Godhead is? You write your realization, what you have realized about Kṛṣṇa. That is required. It is not passive. Always you should be active. Whenever you find time, you write. Never mind, two lines, four lines, but you write your realization. You are hearing, but you have to write also. Continue reading "You are hearing, but you have to write also
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Their Joyful Smiles
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By Indradyumna Swami

Srila Prabhupada: “The Supreme Lord is joyful. Just like if you mix with a joyful society or joyful person, then automatically you become joyful. There is no necessity of becoming joyful separately. That association will make you joyful. This is Krsna consciousness. Simply by association. That rejoice is by association with the Supreme.” Continue reading "Their Joyful Smiles
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GBC Resolutions 2019
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By the GBC

Global Devotee Care Course Education — 2019. Whereas caring for devotees (vaisnava-seva) is one of the three cardinal principles given by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu; Whereas Srila Prabhupada was himself a personification of devotee care (example, he built the Lotus Building before the Mayapur temple to facilitate devotees); Whereas there is benefit to ISKCON to develop devotee communities that are spiritually vibrant and materially stable; Whereas, often devotees leave or develop bitterness towards the movement due to inadequate devotee care: Resolved: That the GBC encourages all ISKCON Temples to hold the four-day Devotee Care Course entitled, “Embedding Care in Krishna Conscious Communities” for all caregivers and administrators. The course can be conducted in 24 hours: spread over 8 days of 3 hours each or two weekends of 6 hours per day or any other permutation or combination that suits the local yatras. Continue reading "GBC Resolutions 2019
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If repression can’t accomplish anything – Gita 03.33 – why should we restrain our senses, Gita 03.34?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast

The post If repression can’t accomplish anything – Gita 03.33 – why should we restrain our senses, Gita 03.34? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Media – VP2019
→ KKSBlog

We had fun. We danced, rocked and sang our lungs out. We associated, connected and gained friendships. The festivals are over but our connection has strengthened. These are some words to describe the Vyasa-puja and Kings day festivals for 2019. We all joined to experience these happenings and we hope, as a team, that it brought you happiness and more understanding.

During the festival days so many things are happening so it was easy to miss something. Therefore we collected some festival highlights to share with you. Some programs were streamed to Facebook and Youtube and others to Radhadesh.tv. May this article guide you to the right place. During the classes and workshop Kadamba Kanana Swami frequently mentions the 2018 parikrama in Vrndavana and his new book (Under the desire trees). If you want to relive those past moments go here.

Audio

Here are the recordings from a few programs at the Vyasa-puja festival 2019. If the audio player below does not show go here to listen to these tracks.

Festival Opening – 26 Apr 2019

Vyasa-puja ceremony – 28 apr 2019

Workshop “Bridging the Gap” – 29 apr 2019

Initiation ceremony – 29 apr 2019

Temple bhajans – 29 Apr 2019

Videos

Vyasa-puja Ceremony

Drama “Creeper of Devotion

Voiceless Drama by Syamananda. We apologize for the low video quality. Streaming (to youtube) was, again, a technological challenge. Below you will find the Facebook live stream also.

Workshop “Bridging the gap…”

Facebook live

Here are links to all the live videos as streamed to Facebook.

Festival Opening
https://www.facebook.com/kksblognews/videos/2176122266032824/

Comedy Skit (Uk)
https://www.facebook.com/kksblognews/videos/655612408201880/

Morning Class – CC Anthya lila 4.211
https://www.facebook.com/kksblognews/videos/2202590883385196/

Vyasa-puja ceremony – part 1 (opening & offerings)
https://www.facebook.com/kksblognews/videos/656003868162884/

Vyasa-puja ceremony – part 2 (offerings & guru puja)
https://www.facebook.com/kksblognews/videos/420528715428252/

Drama “Creeper of Devotion” by Syamananda
https://www.facebook.com/kksblognews/videos/320088685327337/
https://www.facebook.com/kksblognews/videos/318916058785968/
https://www.facebook.com/kksblognews/videos/651133795346497/

Comedy Skit (Uk) & Drama “Servant in Kingly Dress”
https://www.facebook.com/kksblognews/videos/338174723536038/

Morning Class SB 9.15.27-30
https://www.facebook.com/kksblognews/videos/459544211454016/

Workshop “Bridging the gap…”
https://www.facebook.com/kksblognews/videos/174487106812157/
https://www.facebook.com/kksblognews/videos/462120184525714/

Initiation ceremony
https://www.facebook.com/kksblognews/videos/825158731190139/

Morning Class SB 9.15.31
https://www.facebook.com/kksblognews/videos/832843553746359/

Photos

Check out this amazing photo album on facebook for the full experience, an nd the Kingsday can be found here. But here are a few highlights… (photos courtesy by Gokularanjana, Naimisaranya and others.)

The article " Media – VP2019 " was published on KKSBlog.

ISKCON Scarborough, Canada – Dasavatar- children’s program…
→ Dandavats



ISKCON Scarborough, Canada - Dasavatar- children’s program (video)
Srila Prabhupada: Devotional service begins with the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra and side by side trying to understand Krishna in truth. Unfortunately those who are simply official students of the Vedas become more interested in offering sacrifices to the different demigods, like Indra and Candra. (Bhagavad-gita, 9.20 Purport)

Chandan Yatra:Day2, Krsna Janma
→ Mayapur.com

Krsna Janma – The Birth of Lord Krsna During the great festival of Lord Krsna’s birth, the king of Vraja respectfully gave to the brahmanas a mountain of glittering jeweled ornaments, an even greater mountain of grains, and 200,000 young cows, all beautifully decorated with gold necklaces of large pearls. I offer my respectful obeisances […]

The post Chandan Yatra:Day2, Krsna Janma appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Aksaya Tritiya
Giriraj Swami

Today is Aksaya Tritiya. In May 2003 I wrote Deena Bandhu Prabhu, my godbrother who is based in Vrindavan, about the date, and his reply follows:

My dear Giriraj Swamiji,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

I’m not sure of the history of Aksaya Tritiya. But ksaya means to diminish, so aksaya means that which never diminishes, or which goes on increasing. So, this day is considered a very auspicious day to start anything from which you want the fruits to never diminish.

I see that people start their businesses on this day, do griha-pravesha on this day, start their journeys on this day. And there is a big festival in Nandagram on this day. But if you want to come and see it, you have to book your taxi well in advance, because on this day there are a lot of marriages and all the taxis will be booked up!

The festival in Nandagram celebrates Pavana Sarovara. When Nanda Maharaja established his residence in Nandagram, he excavated a huge lake, and it became known as Nanda Sarovara. He and his family and other Brijbasis would bathe in this lake. Sometimes, he and his family would bathe at one end and Vrishabhanu Maharaja with his family would come and bathe at the other end of the lake. The Brijbasis say that Radha and Krishna used to swim underwater to the middle of the lake and have underwater pastimes.

One day, Nandanandana saw that Mother Yasoda was making very strange types of prasadam—not the everyday rice, dal, subji, and chapatis. But she was making fried dal, little fried noodles, and little fried cracker-like things we call muttry. She was cooking so many fried things.

So Nandalala came and asked, “Oh, Meiya, what kind of funny prasada are you making today?”

She replied to her darling little son, “Lala, today your baba is going on pilgrimage, so I’m making all these fried things, so they will last for several days and he will eat them along the way.”

“And where’s Baba going, Meiya? Tell me, Meiya, where’s Baba going?”

“Lala, Baba is going to Prayag.”

“And where is that, Meiya? Tell me, Meiya.”

“Oh, Lala, I’m busy cooking and you ask so many questions. Go ask you ask your baba, Lala.”

So Nandanandana went to his baba and pulled on his cloth, repeatedly asking, “Where are you going, Baba? Oh, Baba, where are you going? Tell me, Baba, where are you going?”

Nanda Maharaja smiled at the beautiful face of his inquisitive son and replied, “I’m going to Prayag.”

“And where is that, Baba? Tell me, Baba, where is that?”

“Lala, that is a very sacred place where Ganga, Yamuna, and Sarasvati join in sangam. So I’m going there to take my bath, Lala.”

“But, Baba, today is a very inauspicious day to start a journey. You should go tomorrow. It’s Aksaya Tritiya tomorrow, and that is a very auspicious day to start your journey.”

“Ok, Lala, since you are asking, I will go tomorrow. Is that ok, Lala?”

So the next morning Nanda Maharaja got up early like he does every day to take his bath in Nanda Sarovara. When he got there, however, he saw some important big man like a king or something rolling in the dust of Braja and laughing, “Ho, ho, ho! Ah, hah, hah!” Then he would bathe in Nanda Sarovara. Then again he would come out and roll in the Braja raja and laugh, and again bathe in the sarovara.

Nanda Maharaja had never seen a personality like this before in Nandagram, so he asked that person, “Maharaja, who are you?”

“Baba, I’m Prayag.”

Baba in his simple Brijbhasa said, “Pryag? Prag? I don’t know anyone in Nandagram with that name?”

Arey, Baba! I’m not from here. I’m Prayagraj, king of all the tirthas!”

“And why have you come here today, Maharaja?”

“Oh, Baba! All year long people come and put their papa on me. So one day in the year, on Aksaya Tritiya, I come here, roll in the dust of Braja, and bathe in this sarovara and become pavana.”

Pavana means pure, or purified.

Accha? Is it?” Nanda exclaimed.

Then on the other side of the lake, Nanda saw so many beautiful ladies bathing, but not like his Nandagram ladies—with beautiful silk saris with gold and silver threads. He never saw ladies like this in Nandagram.

Approaching them very respectfully, Nanda asked, “Who are you, ladies?”

“Baba, I’m Ganga.” Another said, “I’m Sarasvati.” And yet another said, “I’m Godavari.” They all responded with the names of different holy rivers—Kurujangala, Kaveri, Narmada, Brahmaputra, Mahananda, etc.

Then Baba asked, “And why have you come here today? I’ve never seen you all before.”

Arey, Baba! All year long people put their papa on us. On one day, this Aksaya Tritiya day, we come here, roll in the dust of Braja, bathe in this sarovara and become pavana.”

Accha? Is it?”

Then Baba took his bath and went up the hill to Nandagram. By this time Nandalala was awake. Coming before his father, he asked, “Baba, now you’re going? Yes, Baba? Now you’re going?”

Arey, Lala! Now I’m not going!”

“And why is that, Baba?”

Arey, Lala! All the places I wanted to go, they all came here today to take bath and become pavana. So why should I take the trouble to go to all these places when they all came here?”

So from that day, the sarovara became known as Pavana Sarovara.

In the service of Sri Sri Krishna-Balaram,
Deena Bandhu dasa

Sannyasa Diksha Of HG Vrindavan Chandra Prabhu
→ Dandavats

By Venu Govind Dasa

On 10th April, 2019, the auspicious occasion of Sri Ramanujacharya appearance day, His Grace Vrindavan Chandra Prabhu accepted Sannyasa Diksha from HH Radha Govinda Dasa Goswami Maharaj in ISKCON Vrindavan. He received the name HH Vrindavan Chandra Dasa Goswami Maharaj from his dear Guru Maharaj in the courtyard of Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir. Continue reading "Sannyasa Diksha Of HG Vrindavan Chandra Prabhu
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Их радостные улыбки
→ Traveling Monk

Дневник странствующего монаха

Том 15, глава 2

8 мая 2019

Почти пять последних месяцев я провел во Вриндаване, отлучаясь лишь на несколько коротких поездок. Но в начале мая я уехал. Несмотря на приближение тягостной летней жары, мне думалось, что я мог бы задержаться и подольше. С огромным сожалением и чувством глубокой разлуки я направлялся в аэропорт Нью-Дели, чтобы улететь из святой дхамы.
Вриндаван проникает в тебя, когда остаешься в нем достаточно долго. Даже краткое посещение святого места может произвести чудотворный эффект. В «Сканда-пуране» утверждается:

«Человек, проживший в Двараке шесть месяцев, месяц или хотя бы полмесяца, заслуживает того, чтобы перенестись на Вайкунтха-локи и получить все блага сарупья-мукти, дарующего преимущества того же четырехрукого тела, что у Нараяны».
[Нектар преданности, глава 7]

А Шрила Прабхупада однажды сказал: «Вриндаван – для вдохновения». Я всегда понимал это так: мы приезжаем во Вриндаван, чтобы очиститься и развить привязанность к нашему возлюбленному Господу Шри Кришне, но через какое-то время должны уехать и делиться нашей огромной удачей с людьми, ничего не знающими о Кришне и Его трансцендентной обители. Заставляя себя уезжать, я держал в мыслях это наставление.
Однако, к тому времени, как я добрался до аэропорта, я уже был в ином настроении, готовый проповедовать сознание Кришны. С самого начала своей карьеры преданного мне одинаково нравилось и проповедовать на улицах западных городов, и бродить по лесам Вриндавана в поисках святых мест. Эти настроения взаимосвязаны. Проповедуя сознание Кришны в странах Запада, мы становимся достаточно подготовленными для посещения Вриндавана, а, живя во Вриндаване, обретаем чистоту и духовную силу, чтобы делиться сознанием Кришны с другими. Шрила Прабодхананда Сарасвати красиво это выразил:

йатха йатха гаура-падаравинде
виндета бхактим кр̣та-пун̣йа-расих̣
татха татхотсарпати хр̣дй акасмад
радха-падамбходжа-судхамбху-расих

«До какого уровня мы предаемся служению Господу Чайтанье – того же уровня мы обретаем и качества, необходимые для служения лотосным стопам Радхарани во Врадже».
[ Чайтанья Чандрамрита, текст 88 ]

Из Нью-Дели я вылетел в Польшу, где хранятся мои вещи. Отдохнул там денек и на следующее утро отправился в варшавский аэропорт, чтобы сесть на самолет до Москвы и так начать свой ежегодный месячный тур по России. И столкнулся с очень цепкой сотрудницей иммиграционной службы.
– Ваш паспорт, – рявкнула она. За ней сидела другая дама в униформе, наблюдавшая за каждым ее движением. Я сделал вывод, что попал к стажеру.
– Где посадочный талон? – резко бросила она. Начальница еле заметно одобрительно улыбнулась.
– Вот, мэм, – сказал я, передавая его через отверстие в окне.
– Разве вы не знаете, что должны подавать его вместе с паспортом? – прорычала она так, будто я был самым распоследним тупицей.
– Да, конечно, в следующий раз так и сделаю, – ответил я, удивляясь, неужели в должностные обязанности входит резкое и грубое обращение с вылетающими пассажирами.

Пока она проверяла мои документы, я вспомнил, как однажды в аэропорту Джона Кеннеди в Нью-Йорке проходил иммиграционный контроль вместе со Шрилой Прабхупадой. Таможенник был с ним очень груб. Он хотел посмотреть, что в маленьком белом чемоданчике Шрилы Прабхупады, но замок заклинило, и Шрила Прабхупада никак не мог его открыть.

Офицер потерял терпение:
– Я же сказал открыть! – прикрикнул он на Шрилу Прабхупаду.
Возмутившись, я шагнул вперед, и рука моя сжалась в кулак:

– Еще раз скажешь что-нибудь таким тоном моему духовному учителю – разобью физиономию!
В наше время этого было бы достаточно для ареста. Но тогда таможенник лишь отпрянул от меня в шоке.
– А я-то думал, что вы, Харе Кришны*, за мир! – саркастически заметил он.
Я по-прежнему стоял в вызывающей позе. Как бы желая меня унять, он сказал:
– Ладно, молодой человек, тогда вы откройте.

Я придвинул к себе чемоданчик, немного повозился с замком, и крышка, подскочив, внезапно открылась. Как завороженный, я стоял и разглядывал личные вещи моего духовного учителя: его паспорт, золотую ручку, маленький шарик тилака, тюбик с аюрведическим лекарством, пару каратал и другие трансцендентные предметы.

Голос таможенника нарушил мое благоговение.
– Молодой человек, это я должен осматривать вещи, не вы.
Я подвинул чемоданчик ему, и после беглого осмотра он нас пропустил.

Когда мы шли по летному полю к самолету, Шрила Прабхупада сказал:
– Из-за соприкосновения с гунами материальной природы люди развивают множество плохих качеств. Но когда кому-то выпадает удача общаться с преданными Господа, он развивает все хорошие качества полубогов.

 

– Ваш паспорт! – сердитая сотрудница польской иммиграционной службы размахивала моими документами по ту сторону стекла.
– О, простите, – сказал я, и она вытолкнула их через окошко.
Начальница улыбнулась ей, будто подтверждая хорошо проделанную работу. А затем переключилась на другого стажера, слева от себя.
Поведение моей таможенницы тотчас изменилось. Широко улыбаясь, она прошептала через окошко:

– Я обожаю ваши лекции на фестивале Индии. Каждое лето я езжу в Реваль. У меня есть «Бхагавад-гита».
Я тоже улыбнулся и хотел было ответить, но начальница, заподозрив что-то неладное, обдала ее холодным взглядом. Мгновенно ее лицо опять стало каменным.
– На этом всё, – сказала она, давая понять, что я должен отойти.
«Спасибо, Кришна, – думал я, – что показываешь мне чудные плоды Твоего движения самкиртаны».

Иммиграционный и таможенный контроль в Москве прошел на удивление легко. В зале прилета меня встречали 60 счастливых преданных, все с улыбками до ушей. Когда я шел к ним, меня посетило странное чувство:
«Что это такое с преданными», – думал я. А затем понял: «Их улыбки! В точности как у сотрудницы иммиграционного контроля в Варшаве. У любого, кто испытал на себе милость Кришны, такая же радостная улыбка».

Я вспомнил фрагмент лекции Шрилы Прабхупады, которую недавно слушал.

«Верховный Господь радостен. Если вы оказались в счастливом сообществе или рядом со счастливым человеком, то автоматически станете радостны. Нет нужды быть радостными порознь. Само общение сделает вас радостными. Таково сознание Кришны. Просто благодаря общению. Это счастье – от общения со Всевышним».
[лекция по «Бхагавад-гите», Лос-Анджелес, декабрь 1968]

Я подошел к собравшимся ликующим преданным, и они задарили меня бесчисленными букетами цветов и прекрасными цветочными гирляндами всех видов. Я уже раздавал букеты преданным рядом, а новые все прибывали в мои руки.

Идя к паркингу, я снимал с себя гирлянды и раздавал недоумевающим прохожим. Конечно, требуется немного смелости, чтобы подойти к совершенно незнакомому человеку и надеть ему гирлянду. Но я всегда убеждаюсь, что этот миг становится одним из «магических моментов» в сознании Кришны, как их называла моя духовная сестра Ямуна даси. Кто бы сомневался, большинство людей расплывались в широченных улыбках, напоминающих улыбки преданных, и принимали гирлянды. Некоторые даже просили с ними сфотографироваться.

Лифт к паркингу был переполнен: пятеро преданных и, по меньшей мере, еще человек двадцать. Столько незнакомцев столпилось в замкнутом пространстве – атмосфера была напряженной. В лифте было душно, плохо пахло, и единственным утешением был невероятный аромат трех гирлянд на моей шее, одна из которых почти касалась пола. Я чувствовал на себе взгляды пассажиров лифта, хотя и не был уверен, что именно кажется им странным: гирлянды, мои одеяния санньяси или и то, и другое. Я обратился к своему секретарю, прижатому ко мне.

– Махаван, – говорю, – хочу сделать объявление. Переводи людям, громко и четко.
Махаван посмотрел на меня в недоумении:
– Но, Гурудева…
– Дамы и господа, – громко начал я, – у меня тут чудесные ароматные гирлянды, которые любезно подарили мне мои ученики. До этого их предложили Богу, поэтому они приносят удачу любому, кто их носит.
Все, включая Махавана, будто застыли.
– Давай! – повторил я ему. – Переводи и улыбайся. Я проделывал это тысячи раз.

Так оно и было. В 1970-е годы я часами разъезжал в поездах парижского метро. На мне были дхоти и курта, яркая тилака и гирлянда, которую носили накануне Шри Шри Радха-Париж-Ишвара. Я запрыгивал в вагон метро и громко объявлял по-французски: «Дамы и господа! Добрый день всем замечательным людям Парижа. Я – монах из Америки, только что вернулся из Индии. У меня с собой книги, написанные моим духовным учителем, в которых он делится со всеми мудростью древней Индии. Это знание может решить все проблемы и изменить мир к лучшему. Когда я буду проходить мимо вас, пожалуйста, возьмите одну книгу и дайте щедрое пожертвование». Наверное, я произнес эту мантру 100 000 раз и продал 10 000 книг. Иногда я встречался с неприятием, но чаще всего люди были заинтригованы моим одеянием, улыбкой и смелостью, – так что они брали книги.

Я слегка подтолкнул Махавана:
-Давай же, – подбодрил я его.
– Дамы и господа, – начал он по-русски.
– Громче!
– Моему духовному учителю надарили чудных благоухающих гирлянд, – говорит он  немного громче.

Когда он закончил, лифт безмолвствовал. Люди переминались, некоторые нервно переглядывались. Время будто остановилось.

Затем женщина лет пятидесяти произнесла:
– Ладно, если можно, я бы хотела розовую.
Атмосфера разрядилась, и все стали уже без стеснения разглядывать гирлянды. Я поместил розово-бело-голубую гирлянду ей на шею.
– Какая честь, – выговорила она, затаив дыхание.
– Как это приятно, – отвечаю.

Будто стараясь опередить заинтересованных в оставшихся гирляндах, другая женщина выпалила:
– Я бы хотела желтую!
Теперь уже все без исключения улыбались. Я вновь вспомнил слова Шрилы Прабхупады: «Если вы оказались в счастливом сообществе или рядом со счастливым человеком, вы автоматически станете счастливы».

Лифт уже доехал до верхнего этажа паркинга, когда стоявший в углу пожилой мужчина в черной потертой одежде тихо сказал:
– Уважаемый, а можно мне последнюю, длинную?
– Конечно, – отвечаю, надевая ему гирлянду. Он разулыбался, глядя, как она раскачивается у его лодыжек.

Лишь только открылись двери лифта, славная атмосфера улетучилась: все бросились искать свои машины. Только старик передвигался медленно, выверяя каждый шаг и сохраняя равновесие при помощи трости.
– Сэр, а вас встречает кто-нибудь? – спрашиваю.
– О, нет, – отвечает он. – Никого. Я один.
– Жаль это слышать.
– А, не переживайте. Я на машине, и ваш добрый поступок осветил мой день. На мне гирлянда из цветов, благословленная Господом! Что может быть лучше такой удачи?

Он направился к паркингу. Это было то еще зрелище: старик в помятой одежде, медленно уходящий в тусклый свет – с гирляндой, доходящей ему до лодыжек, и со светящейся улыбкой.

*******************

«У Говинды, изначальной Личности Господа, в руках флейта. Он очень радостный, всегда улыбается. Своей улыбкой Он благословляет вас. Вы видите, как Он улыбается – и сами всегда улыбаетесь. Это настолько замечательно».
[ лекция Шрилы Прабхупады, Монреаль, 4 июля 1968 ]

 

На английском: https://www.facebook.com/indradyumna/posts/10214222296894318

 

_________________
* Hare Krishnas – общепринятое обращение к преданным движения Харе Кришна в англоязычных странах (прим. ред.)

His Grace Pankajanghri Prabhu Speaks About the #Giving TOVP Worldwide Matching Fundraiser, May 7 – 17, 2019
- TOVP.org

The #Giving TOVP 10 Day Worldwide Matching Fundraiser from May 7th (Akshaya Tritita) until May 17th (Nrsimha Caturdasi) is now underway. His Grace Pankajanghri prabhu 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 capping at $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 at the link below. 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. Please spread the word and share this information.

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

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

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