Websites from the ISKCON Universe
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”
[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.
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/
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.
In Full Swing (Album of photos)
Indradyumna Swami: ISKCON’s preeminent photographer, Ananta Vrindavan das, and myself walk around New Govardhan in Australia on the eve of the 4th annual Sacred Sounds Kirtan Retreat. Preparations are in full swing in the midst of the natural stunning beauty of the community’s surroundings.
One on One with Vijaya Prabhu (24 min. video)
We were honored to be sitting with His Grace Vijaya Prabhu, the famous ISKCON book distributor, and hear his experience regarding life, book distribution and devotion. This One on One interview was shot at ISKCON Sydney Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Mandir.
When life’s battles become overwhelming (BG Chapter 1) by HG Caitanya Caran Dasa (video)
ISKCON of Silicon Valley.
"Philosoph(ies) of Education" and includes a call for papers and volunteers from ISKCON educators/devotees worldwide. 
The two sides coin called Marriage by Ganga Prabhu (12 min. video)
Marriage is something you want to make it work…
Yuga Dharma NYC: Interesting stories from book distribution in New York
Verses 1-5: Suta Gosvāmī summarizes how the Lord expands as the three puruṣa avataras for the sake of creation. He mentions that the second puruṣa is the source of all the incarnations within the universe, 22 of which he will mention next. 
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)
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!
Get your CD at the stalls during the amazing Ratha Yatra festival in Durban from 20-22 April 2019
We should have 200 copies available during the Vyasa-puja festival (26-30 apr). To preorder use the form below or click here…
For those on the other side of the world, you can contact Param Brahma or Taravali (Melbourne) to get your copy!
Both the CD and digital album are available in the shop. Click here…
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.”
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.
His Holiness Bhakti Chaitanya Maharaja Speaks About the #Giving TOVP Worldwide Matching Fundraiser [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 – 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…
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.
“Don’t Make Maya’s Job Easy for Her” (4 min. video)
His Grace Mahatma Prabhu: Don’t be a sitting duck for maya. Make her work of keeping you in illusion impossible. She’ll actually be happy if you do and will be pleased to leave you alone.
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
→ Dandavats"
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.
Srila Prabhupada: Simply Love Krishna!
Krsna is full with six kinds of opulences. So this is the opulence of Krsna’s beauty. Krsna wants everyone…we are offering obeisances to Krsna with awe and veneration. But nobody comes here to Krsna with a rope: “Krsna, You are an offender. I shall bind You.” Nobody comes.
New Shipment of Srila Prabhupada's books arrived today at the Yuga Dharma ashram. Total of 732 boxes, biggest order for North east USA since 1981. 
Harinama in Taiwan (7 min. video)
Niranjana Swami and Maha Vishnu Swami are leading the chanting party while the pubblic dance...
New Govardhana’s New Goshala (5 min. video)
On the 18-th of March 2019 New Govardhana Farm community in Australia was celebrating Grand Opening of the new modern Goshala.
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
→ Dandavats"
Book Distribution – Daivi Prakrti Factor 2013-09-23 – Sadhu Sanga #BookDistribution
Video – SB 3.25.25 Putting the desires of Srila Prabhupada and our Acharyas in our Heart 2013-09-27 with Gopal Krishna Goswami speaking in Video
#BookDistribution #History
“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)
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 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
What You Have To Do If You Have Offended A Devotee Of The Lord.
Sacinandana Swami: If one has drunk the poison of offending a devotee, one should, with that same mouth, drink the life-giving nectar of sincerely praising (and serving) that devotee. Haridasa Thakura says, “If anyone offends a sadhu in a moment of delusion and madness, he must fall at the sadhu’s feet and bitterly repent; weeping with full contrition, he must beg for forgiveness. He should declare himself a fallen wretch in need of a Vaisnava’s grace. A sadhu is very merciful; his heart will soften and he will embrace the offender, thus exonerating [pardoning] him from his offenses.” (Hari-nama-cintamani, chapter 5)
Rama Navami in Canberra, Australia (Album of photos)
The dynasty of Maharaja Raghu is glorified because Lord Ramacandra appeared in that family. Lord Ramacandra appeared in the Iksvaku, or Raghu dynasty. He became King during Treta-yuga, but because of His good government, the age was like Satya-yuga.
Lord Ramacandra exemplifies an incarnation of Godhead who descends for the mission of paritranaya sadhunam vinasaya ca duskrtam – protecting the devotees and destroying the miscreants.
This year, the devotees from Canberra invited me to attend their Rama Navami celebration, which took place in a rented hall down town that gave more space for the function. It was a great program with puspa-abhiseka, kirtan, lecture and feast.
Find them here: https://is.gd/ki9lHz
Why We Tithe
by Sukhada devi dasi and Puskara das.
As I drive up to the Alachua Temple, I take in the beautiful grounds with newly planted trees, fresh flowers, and a well-maintained temple. I enter the Temple, pay my obeisances, gaze at the beautiful forms of our Lords, praying that They bless me and my family throughout the day with Their remembrance. They’re so merciful, exquisitely dressed, and the devotees marvel and discuss Their beauty when the curtains open for Guru Puja. I appreciate the fact that guests are well-received and cultivated nicely. I take darshan of the Deities. I wish I could help with the Sunday feast, but unfortunately, I’m short on time. It’s a little frustrating as there are so many activities at the Temple, and I’d love to participate in every one of them; but that, of course, is impossible.
ISKCON Sri Lanka’s New Temple Construction in progress (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: We must strictly follow the principle of offering our respects to the Panca-Tattva: sri- krishna caitanya prabhu-nityananda sri-advaita gadadhara srivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrinda. At the beginning of every function in preaching, especially before chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, we must chant the Panca-tattva’s names and offer our respects to them. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.4 Purport)
Find them here: https://is.gd/LqkLND
One on One with Mahatma Prabhu (23 min. video)
In this One on One interview, Tilak Prabhu speaks with His Grace Mahatma Prabhu...
Krishna prasad prabhu distributes a “Saptarishi” set! (7 maha big books in one shot)
Krishna prasad prabhu: As soon as I started setting up the book table today I met this nice couple from California. They were very relaxed compared to most New Yorkers we meet out here at Penn station. I said: “Here’s a gift for you! These books will guide you into deeper spiritual understanding. We’re monks and we just want people to help us with a donation for the printing and shipping cost.”
They were so happy to take the set with them. Krishna’s mercy.
Giriraj Swami, SB 2.3.23, Home Program, Houston from Derek Carter on Vimeo.
Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.3 23 (Right-click to download)
[Ramayana series 2, Talk at New Goloka, Hillsborough, USA]
Video
Podcast
Podcast Summary
The post Rama Navmi class – How Rama’s selflessness decreases others’ distress appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
Lord Krishna’s devotee and Bollywood celebrity Shilpa Shetty, accompanied by her family, visited recently Iskcon Juhu temple. They all worshipped Lord Krishna at the temple and sought His blessings showing thus a wonderful example to her followers and fans.
For more photos: https://is.gd/HGh2Sy
