Friday, April 12th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Istanbul, Turkey

Tired but Tolerant Travel

Everyone I know or talk to, on any lengthy air trip, comes out looking and feeling like a zombie.  Of course that's so because we are not meant to be in the air.  The only person I know who soars smoothly in the air is Vishnu Himself, riding on the back of Garuda.  So for me, being a mere mortal, a ten-hour flight in a mechanical bird, leaves me feeling like all others—drained.

The one saving grace of tedious travel is the beads in my hand, and how they compel me to remember the Supreme through a soft murmured mantra.  I derive some additional pleasure from the little bit of socializing.  The chatter that I had with others at the new Istanbul Airport was also a break from the humdrum experience.

I once caught a glimpse of Russell Peters' comedic talk about Arabic interactions with air officials.  It's hilarious.  A Montreal couple and I were amused at the style in which things are done, which is a slightly confused to aloof demeanour.  A German woman, also in transit, came up to me and said, "I'm standing near you in the Zen zone, just to feel like I know where I'm going." I knew what she was talking about. At the Turkish Airlines desk, where you look for some direction on how to get to your stop-over hotel, the official nonchalantly said, "Take a seat.  We'll call you."  However, there are no seats to rest your laurels on.

To my relief, an Estonian woman and I had that really sober talk on the hotel bus.  We chatted about South Africa, my destination, and she shared with me what she was reading in the best-selling book, The Candidate.  The nation struggles like all other places and all other people.

May the Source be with you!
0 km


Thursday, April 11th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

Plays

I'm off on Turkish Airlines to participate in (actually to direct) yet another drama called, "Grandsire," regarding the life of General Bhisma.  It is another one of those stories of a Vedic tragic hero.  I'm going to arrive, hopefully, early enough to get a few days of practice before staging this ambitious production.  I call on miracles to happen because I do want to do justice to the character of this fine warrior.  He is detailed in the epic, Mahabharat.  Audiences in Durban, South Africa, should be pleased.

Just around the corner, Vaishnavas, bhakti-yogis,will be celebrating Ramnaumi, the birth of Prince Ram.  I will not be able to assemble a production in His honour, as time is restricting, yet the meditation on His divine heroism will be a compulsion that will be unavoidable.  Yes, Ram had to combat evil forces in the form of Ravana, and succeeded after a great struggle.  Saturday, we celebrate the pastime of Ram, and the tales of other lords and ladies in the Vedic context I have scripted.  I have scripted approximately twenty-five dramas, directed those plays, and made them meditations in my life.  They are my ecstasies.

After the launching of, "Grandsire," in South Africa, I will proceed to Mauritius for the return of, "Gods and Demons," a lively take about the churning of the milk ocean.  It is always fun and enriching.  It's very physical for the actors and I'm sure it will delight.

May the Source be with you!
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Wednesday, April 10th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

Went For a Night Walk  ©Bhaktimarga Swami

Went for a night walk
Stepping through every block
With street lights lit
I passed by he and she
Appearing happy to be
Then saying that magic word
Sweeter than the best bird
In this chill of early spring
Warmth is slow to bring
And pedestrians are but few
Faces worn in a mood of blue
Why if you have all
Can't you pass a bright ball
Why the air of being down
Why the look with a frown
If you have the right spirit
The world is fine, don't fear it
But bankrupt are some
I'm passing a sign for CHUM
She with coffee in hand
He with skin so tanned
They smile an ocean's stretch
The furthest from the look of wretch
I dwelt on how good I am
To have guru and not spam
I savour in my fortune
While stepping every concrete portion
Went for a night walk
Stepping through every block.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BwHYIiYF0Bd/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=11bse1w2mtmsm

May the Source be with you!
5 km

Tuesday, April 9th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Stratford, Ontario

Swans, Stars and Shakespeare

It was an opportunity for one of those Tuesday excursions, when Jay had a day off and he could be the driver and companion for Connor and I.  Today's mission was to visit the Patels in Stratford, in their recently secured "Festival Inn" and then venture through some of the downtown shops of Victorian grandeur.  Maybe we could sneak by the Festival Theatre where Shakespearean dramas have entertained audiences since 1953, situated along the Avon River.

Well, we did those things—a mini but charming walk.  https://www.instagram.com/p/BwEhes5A4N5/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1ksrueaxuok9d

At one street corner we met Virginia, a local theatre and, also, meditation enthusiast.  She's been to our Krishna temple in Toronto numerous times, and I presented her with my offer to bring kirtanto town, not in one of the major live theatre halls, but for starters, in a more quaint setting somewhere.  Let's see what happens.

When you come to this town—which is, by the way, the home of Justin Bieber, for whatever that’s worth—you feel theatre in the air.  You even catch a sensation of England, Shakespeare in the homeland atmosphere. Swans inhabit the river and smoothly ply along.

In many ways I should be idolizing William Shakespeare for being that model playwright, since I've written a number of plays, but of course, not on a level or anywhere near the level of our master. Speaking about stars, though there has been, historically, a line-up of theatre greats on the stage here, the likes of Sir Alec Guinness, Dame Maggie Smith, Christopher Plummer, Kenneth Welsh, William Shatner, Lorne Green, Julie Harris and more.

We visitors to town took that short but sweet stroll along the Avon and took a break at a bust of William himself.

May the Source be with you!
2 km


Monday, April 8th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Brampton, Ontario

Changing World

Vatsal is an outstanding brahmacari (monk) from Moscow, and he's spending a week with us in Toronto, which means the number of Russian-born bhakti-yogisfrequenting the temple ashram is increasing.  It's a delight to have him with us.  In general, I like the rigidity of our Russian followers.  They take their commitment more seriously than our regular North American contingent.  The Krishna Conscious following in Russia, Ukraine and Eastern Europe is huge.

And so the world is changing.

I went to the dentist for a cleaning, and while sitting in the newly renovated waiting room, I wondered what happened to the magazine rack where I usually pick up a copy of the most recent issue of National Geographic for a quick perusal.

"You don't have a magazine rack anymore?" I asked the receptionist at her desk near to me.

"No, they've done away with it I'm afraid. Everyone just comes and looks at their phones," she responded with a tone of regret.

I mentioned to the dental assistant about this and she said, "Oh I love National Geographic.  They'll probably bring the rack back.  It's just been recently removed."

It was a relief to hear.  I guess I'm not that ready for a changing world. "Just imagine, not having glossy paper on your lap with astounding pictures to gawk at,” I mentioned to the woman, who happened to be of Russian stock.

Yes, the world is always in a flux.  Watch for the Russians, Asians, Islam and more. All are spirits.

May the Source be with you!
4 km

Pada Yatra by Iskcon Trinidad and Tobago 2019 (Album of…
→ Dandavats



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
→ Dandavats

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
→ Dandavats"

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



***










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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.
→ Dandavats



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
→ Dandavats"