Monday, April 1st, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

Another Century

I should have asked for his name.  He was precious.  Connor and I were on a mid-afternoon walk through Rosedale when an elderly gentleman in a trench-coat and hat, and carrying two bags of light groceries, came to a full stop to look at my monk's clothes.

"That must be really warm," he assumed.

"Well, yes it is and walking keeps me warm." I handed him a Walking Monk card.

"Where are you coming from?" he asked.

"From an ashram, a monastery."

"Well, I'm 99, and I'm ready to go (as in leaving this world).  Is there anything I can learn from your place?"

"Surely.  We say that we are not these bodies; that we are spirits, and that we have an obligation to the supreme spirit," I said as I pointed up above us to the blue sky with the odd white cloud.  I told him of our scrumptious food and how he's invited.  We had more exchanges, but of all the sights and sounds Connor and I encountered, in this very settled neighbourhood of gorgeous homes and mature trees, our friend stood out.

He was light-humoured, old and wise, a collectors item.  I'm glad there's still people like him around.  I know his type and could have spent a couple of hours with him.  As I said, he's precious.  I hope he lives another century.   https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvv33FAgjs6/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=wsyr5pmlaqt

May the Source be with him and you!
7 km

Sunday, March 31st, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Scarborough, Ontario

Wild Mind

Okay!  So I did some pacing in the Toronto temple room before heading out to the ISKCON Scarborough Centre.  It's quite interesting that the Toronto Yoga Show is so popular, and as a result, we are churning out a huge amount of prasadam from our kitchen, and are the most in-demand food booth on site.  Our pot washers are going steady at it in the kitchen.  Plenty of water gets used to the point where only a small amount of H2O made it up the pipe-line for my shower.

In any event, after my shower, I went for the outing to Scarborough to deliver a class in bhakti-yoga from the Gita. From Chapter 10 Verse 8, I spoke some about Krishna's role in relation to other avatars, and how He is the ultimate yogi in addition to being the source of avatars.  Or as many teachers have said, he is the original candle that lights all the other candles.

Incidentally that image of a candle is so profound. In a second class, delivered back at home base in Toronto, I raised the point about being like a candle or flame that is situated in a windless place.  That flame projects high and erect, and so is an excellent metaphor for the mind of a successful yogi, as opposed to a person whose mind is not focused. It is like a flame where a slight breeze by a window causes it to flicker.

An important aspect of training in bhakticonsciousness involves the control of the mind. It is not easy, but at least one who tries to harness it, has a better chance at happiness due to that effort being used to tame the mind which is usually turbulently wild.   https://www.instagram.com/p/BvteBVSADuw/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=10ueqfl529yzn

May the Source be with you!
3 km

Saturday, March 30th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Thornhill / Toronto

The Uber Man

Ruben was our Uber driver to get to the Prasher home. From Africa, but now in Toronto, he took a real liking to Connor and I and our lifestyle.  During our conversation, we spoke about books. Ruben seemed rather intelligent, yet admitted that he didn't read big books.

"Well, what's your favourite book?" he asked Connor.

"The book called Bhagavad-gita,” said Connor, and as he said it, I happened to be reading a passage from a copy I had brought with me while sitting in the back seat.

"Here," I said, "is this too big?" as I handed him the book I would read from at the Prasher's.

"No, this isn't too big.  Thanks a lot."

Once we arrived at the new and posh home in Thornhill, we invited Ruben to have a look inside.  The Prashers were only too happy to accommodate him for a few minutes before we began our kirtanchanting.  Ruben was taken to an elaborate altar.  He knew Ganesh and the story of his life.  Ruben was happy and went away with a plate of samosas and sweets, and then our kirtan began.  It was nice.

A trip to the Yoga Show, later, was the second visit for the weekend.  Another of our temple kirtangroups led the chanting and drumming.  I decided to begin a dance.  Surprisingly, those either lying there or seated in the lotus position, got up and began to engage in dancing as well.  Exhibitors and yoga attendees popped over for a look.  I conducted a simple folkish-type set of moves.  I believe it was a very different display for them, not just stretches.  Saturday Night Fever-ish, it was.  https://www.instagram.com/p/BvrOKlwgldJ/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=oikow286k1ek

May the Source be with you!
0 km

Friday, March 29th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

Walk to Yoga

Stephen, Connor, and myself  headed straight south on Avenue Road to the Yoga Show.  Yes, it was happily on foot that we stepped, and it was very much in a straight line, except for a curve at Queen's Park, and then a clean right at Front Street to get to the Convention Centre.  https://www.instagram.com/p/BvokoHzg2gZ/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=xafr76165h3k

The weather was absolutely conducive for the trek. Optimism was in the air.  After all it was Friday night.  We made a few-to-view stops, one was at "The Rising," an inspirational sculpture made of stainless steel, by Zhang Huan.

Okay, so we entered the building with our passes in hand, and in the atmosphere you could hear the chant, "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya."  It was the sweet voice of Amala Purana, a student of mine, that permeated the spacious area in the hall of tall walls.  People were seated, immersed in the good sound, hearing and chanting.

Then Amala picked up the tempo, with Billy, her husband, on the mrdunga, and Dinanath, on kartals.  I stood up to start the dance.  I was introduced as the monk who walks countries.  Some people responded by raising themselves to the erect position, and then swaying from side to side while singing, "Hare Krishna!"

It was magical.  When the stage event was over, people mingled.  It's uncanny how, over the years, you get to know a lot of folks from the New Age community.  They are a unique and sometimes chic bunch.  It's fun to be in their presence.   https://www.instagram.com/p/Bvmmb43A_i3/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1xmulvmnqd50u

May the Source be with you!
5 km

Thursday, March 28th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

Two People

Richard Longley, a well-educated lovely man and journalist, spent two and a half hours with me, asking a few questions.  Of course, he was curious about my long walks, but his real purpose in visiting was to take photos of the temple and restaurant, and view how we are utilizing a space which was once a Methodist Church.

Richard has written a number of articles for "Now" magazine, articles particularly centered on heritage buildings. In any event, he liked what he saw and heard, about us and our space.  He really enjoyed the prasadam, the blessed meal, at Govinda's.  Let's watch for the upcoming article in the "Now."

My day was full, and by the end of it, I had the pleasure of strolling my feet down Yonge Street.  It's always the young on Yonge whom you see, and one of them got interested when he saw my robes.  A conversation, not unlike others I've been involved with, ensued.

"Buddha?" he asked.

"No, Krishna!" I said.

"Christian?"

"No, Krishna!"

"Oh, Hare Krishna!"

"That's right!"

"I've seen you guys."

"Great!  Here's my card.  It has a mantraon it."

"A what?"

"Amantra, and it's for purging, for healing."

"I could use that," he said, "I've just got over a hundred charges laid against me, including theft and insulting an officer."  

That's where the conversation got really interesting.

May the Source be with you!
5 km

Wednesday, March 27th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

Indoor Ecstasy

Although the weather was just perfect for a stroll, I was confined to our building, the temple.  That is not a bad deal, necessarily, because there are at least four sections of the place where I can conveniently pace back and forth to compensate for an outdoor absence.  I usually chant at that time.   https://www.instagram.com/p/BvkA8ynF6NE/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1tbicusswsist

What kept me pleasantly locked-in today, was the attention I needed to give to people's needs.  I look at that as not a chore, but rather a score.  I see it as opportunity, and it's always a pleasure to help someone.

Today, human needs took the shape of hearing from a person in distress.  A second person was one of those sincere seekers who had that genuine spiritual craving—with questions.  In both cases, with the two individuals, it was necessary for me to practise good listening skills.

Good listening or good hearing is the first of nine devotional activities.  The other eight are listed by the great boy-saint, Prahlad, as chanting, recalling the positive, humbling service, adoring sacred images, praying, acting as servant, befriending God and engaging in sweet surrender.

A good portion of a human's obligation to the world is to cultivate these nine functions of a divine nature, which should bring out the best in an individual.  It is not good enough just to say, "I'm an avid walker."  Building character is a big part of the bhakti-yogalifestyle.

May the Source be with you!
5 km

The Missing Tapes of Mohan prabhu
→ Dandavats

By Yugala Kishor Gour das

In the MetaVision period Mohan filmed many Krishna Conscious events, seminars and festivals. He even went on an European Tour, recording different temples and their local activities. All these were recorded on a semi professional system called Sony U-Matic. These tapes can not be played on your normal house VHS and/or Betamax systems, they are simply to big. Measuring 3/4 inch. According to several devotees, whom I have spoken to, this archive ended up on Inish Rath in Northern Ireland, brought there by Tribhuvanath prabhu. Some devotees claim to have seen the tapes there. But they are not there anymore and here is where my search stalls. My request is for anybody who knows the whereabouts of these tapes or knows something of them to contact me. This would be such a great help and very much appreciated. Continue reading "The Missing Tapes of Mohan prabhu
→ Dandavats"

The View Of An Irish Hare Krishna On ‘What It’s All About’
→ Dandavats

By Sarah Keogh

Over this period of Lent we’ve spoken to priests, minister and Senators already, asking them ‘what’s it all about?’ What is the meaning of life? What impact does religion have on a person’s everyday life. Sarah Keogh was joined by Praghosh, who is the representative for ISKCON, the Hare Krishna movement here in Ireland, and he also began the Govinda restaurant chain over 20 years ago. Praghosh explained what the Hare Krishna movement is, and what he believes life is about. Continue reading "The View Of An Irish Hare Krishna On ‘What It’s All About’
→ Dandavats"

HH Jayapataka Swami Vyasapuja Festival 2019 Invitation!
→ Mayapur.com

This year Vyasapuja festival of HH Jayapataka Swami is special in two ways- being the 70th birthday celebrations -Bhimarata Santi and after a gap of one year of Maharaja’s not present in Mayapur, (2018 Vyasapuja was held in Chennai), this year again Vyasapuja will take place in his home, Sri dham Mayapur. Vyasapuja festival message […]

The post HH Jayapataka Swami Vyasapuja Festival 2019 Invitation! appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Don’t let our desire to use something for Krishna become greater than our desire for Krishna
→ Dandavats



Don’t let our desire to use something for Krishna become greater than our desire for Krishna (Based on Gita 09.26)
Chaitanya Charan Das: While driving to meet someone special, suppose we get a desire to offer them a special gift. But we get so caught in searching that gift that we lose our way and fail to reach for the meeting. By our mistaken priorities, we end up undermining the very relationship that we wanted to sweeten.


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His Holiness B.B. Govinda Maharaja Speaks About the #Giving TOVP Worldwide 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 B.B. Govinda Maharaja 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 B.B. Govinda Maharaja Speaks About the #Giving TOVP Worldwide Fundraiser appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Why did Vidura not instruct Dhritrashtra to apologize to the Pandavas and to thereby become offense-free for practicing bhakti?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post Why did Vidura not instruct Dhritrashtra to apologize to the Pandavas and to thereby become offense-free for practicing bhakti? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Transcendental Association
→ Ramai Swami

While I was in Brisbane recently, I caught up with my old friend and god-brother, Bhanu Maharaja, who was on a tour of Australia and New Zealand.

Maharaja gives wonderful classes and I enjoy listening to his scholarly presentation of Krsna Conscious philosophy. I had the opportunity to have lunch with him at Madhavi Prabhu’s house, where he was staying.

On another evening, I was invited to dinner with Viraja Krsna Prabhu and family, who were originally from Fiji. Needless to say, the prasadam was fantastic.

Your Only Chance!
→ Dandavats



Your Only Chance!
HH Sacinandana Swami: There is a reason why we are here in this world and why we often feel bewildered and afraid. It is because we have turned away from Krsna. Srila Jiva Gosvami gives an analogy: in Indian villages people used to gather in the evening and sometimes an entertainer would stand before a lantern and use his hands to project shadows on a wall while telling a story. Sometimes children and simple villagers would then become afraid because of seeing demons and witches on the wall.


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New rescued cows in New Govardhana, Australia (Album of…
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New rescued cows in New Govardhana, Australia (Album of photos)
Anasuya dasi: With great excitement, the goshalla team announces the recent arrival of four cows and a calf, all rescued from a drought- stricken farm. The cows, which would have been slaughtered if not for Maha Mantra dasa’s intervention, are settling well into New Govardhana farm life under the care of the goshalla team. Maha Mantra, Mani Bhanda dasa, Malcolm, Tom and Mandali Kishori dasi are the new cows’ main caregivers. “Whatever cow we get, we know that it is on the farm for life”, Maha Mantra assures, and the new cows seem to know it, happily giving milk for the Deities soon after their arrival.
The rescued cows have been lovingly named Hamsi, Mangala, Mani Kastani, Vamsi priya and the baby calf, Virabhadra. It is our great fortune that two cows are already confirmed to be pregnant, along with Syamalika from the main herd. So we can expect only more good news from the goshalla team in the future!
Find them here: https://is.gd/1rOdh8

Falling short of love
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 04 August 2018, Vrindavan, India, Bhagavad-gita 4.9)

When Madhavendra Puri was roaming the planet he never met anyone who had the same depth of love for Krsna that he had. It is amazing that the love of God which later was taught by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu had already manifested two generations earlier in Madhavendra Puri. Madhavendra Puri was anticipating the sankirtana movement of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and experiencing the greatest ecstasy. 

Madhavendra Puri met many people (so it is described in the Caitanya-bhagavata) who were very pious, who were strictly following the injunctions of the scripture, who were religiously going to temples and always worshipping. In that sense we would have said, “Oh they are very good devotees. They are very serious and very dedicated devotees.” From our perspective we would put them way up there. But from Madhavendra Puri’s perspective it was always falling short of love.  We also are experiencing that in our spiritual lives.

The article " Falling short of love " was published on KKSBlog.

‘Watering the Seed’ Seminar
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

ISKCON Toronto's Sankirtan Team (TST) is offering a unique Training Seminar, titled 'Watering the Seed' on how to make YOUR follow up easier and effective!
? You may be an expert at personal follow ups OR you may be completely new to this concept - this seminar is for YOU!
? The seminar is open to ALL departments in the temple, and will provide everyone with the essential tools and strategies on how to effectively connect and stay in touch with those fortunate souls ready to take their first step towards Krishna. 
? The training will touch on the following topics, to name a few: 
  • The ‘Noble Necessary Need’
  • Breaking the myths of follow ups
  • Follow up guidelines and tips
  • Planting the seed, watering the seed
  • Overview of various temple programs to plug new comers into
  • and lot more!

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Date: Sunday, April 21st 2019
Time: 3:00 to 4:00 pm
Venue: Green Room @ ISKCON Toronto
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Please RSVP so we can serve you better.