Krishna Lunches feed New Zealand’s Prime Minister
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By Jambavati Devi Dasi

Yesterday in Dunedin New Zealand's Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern was visiting a local Mosque ..to comfort and reassure the Local Muslim Community after the recent terror attack in Christchurch where 50 Muslim worshippers were brutally murdered while praying. She then made her way to The Otago University Clubs and Societies Building where ISKCON Dunedin holds their Krishna Lunch Program. Daily feeding at least 250 hungry and very grateful students and staff..delicious nutritious prasadam. As the Prime Minister walked up the stairs Jahnava Mata dasi the Krishna Lunch coordinator greeted her with a smile and a copy of Kurmas Great Vegetarian Dishes which she graciously and thankfully accepted. Continue reading "Krishna Lunches feed New Zealand’s Prime Minister
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Rama at home in exile 2 – The power of diligence
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[Seminar at ISKCON, Melbourne, Australia]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

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Rama at home in exile 1 – The power of acceptance
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[Seminar at ISKCON, Melbourne, Australia]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post Rama at home in exile 1 – The power of acceptance appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

ISKCON Scarborough – Special class by HH Bhaktimarga Swami – coming Sunday- 31st Mar 2019
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Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

We are very pleased to inform you that HH Bhaktimarga Swami will be giving a special class coming Sunday at ISKCON Scarborough. The program starts at 10.30 am.

It is also Pamomocani Ekadasi coming Sunday.


About HH Bhaktimarga Swami:
Over forty years ago it was a youthful quest for the life that leads Chatham, Ontario born Bhaktimarga Swami, (formerly John Peter Vis), to adopt an Eastern order of monastic life that landed him in the Hare Krishna movement. Since that time, as a celibate monk, Swami has evolved as an instructor of bhakti-yoga and mantra meditation. His presentation on this subject of life, based on the popular Hindu text, “Bhagavad-gita” is lively, candid and informative.

With a background in fine arts, Swami also developed a passion for the performing arts. Even in the course of his duties as a monk, he expands his portfolio and manages to take an active role in theatrical productions from epics of ancient Indian origin. Casting, scripting, and directing morality theatre takes him annually to venues from North America to India and Africa.

Finally, Bhaktimarga Swami achieved a remarkable feat in 1996 when he went the way of a pilgrim and walked on foot cross country from west to east and then back for a return journey from Cape Spear, Newfoundland to Vancouver Island in 2003, going full circle. He likes to share his unique experiences and fond memories on the road after trekking 16,000 kms. Swami is a consistent feature in “The Longest Road”, a recent National Film Board documentary detailing the history of the people who shaped or were shaped by the Trans Canada Highway, the world’s longest continuous maintained road.




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

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:
www.iskconscarborough.org

Sunday, March 24th, 2019
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Brampton / Toronto

Walking / Presenting

This morning, I ventured along through the Yorkville district, and it was early—1:30 a.m.  Parties were just subsiding and the few stragglers, you might say, observed my monk apparel.  I mention this just as a comparison to the night before when I was in regular civies, civilian clothes.  There is a difference in people's response.  So for this morning, in posh Yorkville, I got this, “Are you with a party?” look.

For me, it's fun.   It makes walking that much more adventurous.

To Brampton I went, with Connor tagging happily along, by car, and at late morning.  I chose to speak at the ISKCON Centre from Chapter 5 Verse 2 of the Gita.  I liked these two lines: Jnana (or knowledge that one is not this material body but spirit soul) is not sufficient for liberation. One has to act in the status of spirit soul, otherwise there is no escape from material bondage."

Then back in Toronto, at ISKCON, I spoke from Chapter 6 about the nature of the mind.  Text 26 reads as follows: "From wherever the mind wanders due to its flickering and unsteady nature, one must certainly withdraw it and bring it back under the control of the self."

It was a receptive group, like in Brampton. We also incorporated some yoga stretches in the presentation, compliments of Dan, who's a yoga teacher in the Orangeville area.  His friend, Jason, runs a yoga studio along with his wife and he asked me how I deal with insomnia, since I mentioned it.

"I walk and chant," I mentioned, and that is how I'm currently dealing with jet lag.

May the Source be with you!
5 km

Saturday, March 23rd, 2019
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Toronto, Ontario

Back In Regulated Fashion

Bloor Street, west of University Avenue, is what it always has been for decades, and coming back, after a month's stay in India, let's me see that it has persisted.  For all but the iconic Honest Ed's economy market—which has been razed and will be replaced by a towering condo unit—the coffee shops, book stores, exotic artifact joints and Korean town and their two or three story buildings will be here to stay. I hope.

It's a charmer of a street to walk at any time of the day or night.  With jet lag, I don't really mind what time.  There are always people around.  I was thrilled to see in the front window of the Doug Miller book store, Swami In A Strange Land by Joshua Green. If you haven't read this book yet, your life is not complete.  It details the life, boldness and complications of Prabhupada.  I'm partial as he is my guru.

The wind showed its might and gave me a toss at the corner of Spadina; well, at least a push.  Remnants of light garbage swirled in the air, now that their winter anchor, snow, is practically gone.  At one point, even a green compost bin was made to slide across the street.

I admit to having grey and brown apparel on, not my routine monk's attire, but I maintained an assertive tilak mark on that forehead which was slightly bent over to address Mr. Vayu, the wind.  He, the wind, will relax in time, and take his rest, as I will attempt to do so for a few minutes before the mangal arati at 4:30 a.m.   https://www.instagram.com/p/BvY9LLtASCF/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=d606dz36nq6i

It's good to be back in a regulated fashion, walking on my legs while rolling beads on my fingers through mantras.

May the Source be with you!
6 km

Friday, March 22nd, 2019
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Delhi / Copenhagen / Toronto

Long Trip

I'm all for direct flights—India to Canada—and that was our (Connor and myself) intent.  You've heard the saying, "Man proposes. God disposes." There is this problem with the Pakistani airways, and so our flight, like many, had to divert and land in Copenhagen to refuel.

I've learned that if you accidentally chance upon a bear on the trail, you may stand your ground or walk around.  With politically hot issues involving citizens in the air, fly around and away from the troubled zone.  Don't confront.

This detour made a six hour difference, but it made little impact on Connor and I.  Another hour is another hour.  I do feel sorry for those with babies.  They don't have the same patience.

Overall, the trip to India was great—as usual. You just have to overcome the chaos, and always be psychologically prepared.  Our last three days in Vrndavana were somewhat restricted for walking, unless you want to get plastered by Holi enthusiasts.

There were, however, two occasions, one in Radha Kunda and another outside our host's gate, where men refrained from throwing any colours, permanent or impermanent, on my clothes.  People respect their swamis, and even though I'm a foreigner and white with a tinge of sun-tan, the reverence still goes on.

I'm impressed with India's premiere airports, especially in Delhi and Mumbai.  They are so state-of-the-art.  They put many airports of developing countries to shame.  If only the rest of India could be like those airport facilities, it would be pleasant—incredible even.

May the Source be with you!
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Telangana Padayatra On The Road Despite Hurdles
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Telangana Padayatra On The Road Despite Hurdles.
Since December padayatra has been back on the road in Telangana, a state in the centre-south stretch of the Indian peninsula. The padayatris are currently in Nizamabad district where the Nizamabad ISKCON centre president, Harikirtan dasa, is extending his cooperation to us and informing all nearby centres about us. The local congregation devotees are joining padayatra and welcoming us and offering us prasadam.

Lord Caitanya is not Worshiped Alone
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On the 28th of March this year in the Sri Mayapur Candrodaya Mandir, a grand celebration will be held on the occasion of the appearance day of Srivasa Thakura. Srivasa Thakura is one of the most prominent devotees of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and was present in Mayapur along with Sri Caitanya in the 15th century.

Ahmedabad One-day Walk Glorifies Gaura-purnima
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By Muralimohan dasa

On March 17 the ISKCON Ahmedabad temple devotees conducted their thirty-third monthly one-day padayatra. Called the Glories of Gaura-hari, a shorter walk this time of just 6km, the padayatra was held to promote the glories of Gaura-purnima, the appearance day of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Continue reading "Ahmedabad One-day Walk Glorifies Gaura-purnima
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Appearance Anniversary of Srila Srivasa Thakura
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By Bhakti Brhat Bhagavata Swami

Srila Prabhupada said that Narada Muni is a perfect brahmacari because his sole purpose is pure devotional service and to distribute pure devotional service. But Srila Narada Muni gave up his brahmacari life and he entered into household life as Srila Srivasa Thakura. So why did he do such a thing? Just like the gopis of Vrindavan gave up their chastity and they ran to Vamsivata to associate with Krishna when He played His flute. Krishna consciousness is not about moral, social or ethical values of life. We have to transcend dharma to actually enter into real dharma, the eternal identity of the spirit soul. Therefore just as the gopis gave up their chastity and ran to Vamsivata when Krishna played His flute, similarly Narada Muni gave up his brahmacari vows for Vraja-bhakti, to enter into devotional service in terms of the love of the gopis for Krishna. That is the appearance of Srivasa Thakura. Continue reading "Appearance Anniversary of Srila Srivasa Thakura
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Dallas devotees featured on Fox 4 News for Festival of Joy (2 min. video)
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FOX4News.com Staff: The "Festival of Joy" is coming to Klyde Warren Park on Saturday. A group of dancers who will be part of the entertainment joined Good Day for a preview. The festival is said to be the world's oldest street festival going back three thousand years in India. It's now celebrated in cities around the world including New York, Los Angeles and London.

Bhagavad Gita And Impact on Western Mind
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Bhagavad Gita And Impact on Western Mind
No work of spiritual literature has ever been revered as much as the sacred Bhagavad Gita; which not only continues to inspire Indians even today, but also remains admirable even to this day in the western countries.
Mr. Terence, a guest who read the Bhagavad Gita at a motel in CA commented “ I got my first Gita in a hotel room and ever since I read the first verse my life has been ever increasing in Krsna Consciousness. Life is a journey back to Krsna. Peace… Thank You!”


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Pada Yatra by Iskcon Trinidad and Tobago 2019 (Album of…
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Pada Yatra by Iskcon Trinidad and Tobago 2019 (Album of photos)
Every year we have to good fortune of hosting a visit by His Holiness Bhaktimarga Swami. Maharaj is famously known as the “Walking Monk” and has walked across Canada several times takes time to walk as much as he can in countries he visits.
One festival celebrated by ISKCON worldwide is called Panda Yatra - 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.

How to be positive in all circumstances
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How to be positive in all circumstances – the third perspective. It is not enough to maintain physical hygiene – we need to take care that our mind and our heart remain pure. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura once said, “Negativity will only control you if you allow it to enter your mind.” In other words, if you think negatively, if you always look into the abyss, the abyss will stare into your face. This is very important. On the other hand, if we think that everything is possible, everything will be possible for us – because we will attract these things into our lives. Some of you might say, “it’s not possible to be that positive!” However, if we look from the spiritual perspective, we can see something very nice. One of the greatest bhaktas, Sri Prahlada Maharaja, gives us a good example.


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Get Rid of the Avadhuta, Srivasa
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By Srimati Dasi

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a personal relationship with Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu? To talk with Him face-to-face, and have loving exchanges with Him? It’s not something we can speculate about or artificially induce. But we can hear about such loving exchanges, learn from them and become attracted and attached to entering into them as a humble servant of the servant. Today, let’s visit the world of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His very dear associate and servant, Srivasa Thakura. Continue reading "Get Rid of the Avadhuta, Srivasa
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Book Distribution week ending March 22, 2019 (Album of…
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Book Distribution week ending March 22, 2019 (Album of photos)
Mohanasini Devi Dasi: From the Nectar of Book Distribution, “In summary, book distribution is an urgent need. Srila Prabhupada stressed it, and the perilous situation of the world demands it. So we should recognize the importance of book distribution now. And now means today without delay. Why procrastinate? Why wait? The world won’t improve by itself. At every moment people die and miss the chance of getting a book. What is their fate?
Please click on the pics to see what these fortunate people think.
Book totals: 12 Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers, 12 Perfection of Yoga, 6 Chant and Be Happy, 133 Higher Taste Cookbooks, 112 softbound Bhagavad Gitas, 1 hardbound Bhagavad Gita and 2 Srimad Bhagavatams Total: 278 books.

Roots of Kirtan Festival 2019 (Album of photos) Bhakti Center NY
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Roots of Kirtan Festival 2019 (Album of photos)
Bhakti Center New York: This year’s Roots of Kirtan festival was dynamic, creative and overflowing with devotion. The highlight of the festivities was an original drama, written and directed by Gaura Vani, entitled “A Mango Tree in the Courtyard”. The drama was followed by kirtan and an incredible vegan feast for all. Photography by Joana Cardozo.

Feeling Separation From Krishna Is Necessary and Practical
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Feeling Separation From Krishna Is Necessary and Practical.
We have to wake up to the fact that our life is not in order. Yes, you might be liked by devotees. You might be a lecturer and other neophyte devotees may applaud you. Or mister guru! You may think you have so many disciples and thus you are successful in your life. Whoever we are, in whatever position or station of life we are, unless we wake up to the fact that “I really need Krsna”, we are emotionally invested in the wrong things. Our emotions should be with the real need, or as Srila Prabhupada put it “the Govinda necessity”. Then we address the root cause of all our problems.
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Thursday, March 21st, 2019
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Vrndavan, India

Moon Full and Beautiful

It is the full moon.  On this day every year, by lunar movement, we celebrate the birth of the most outstanding mobile monk, Sri Chaitanya.  He was born 533 years ago in Bengal and made a point after his ordainment into the renounced order, to travel and inspire people into the kirtan culture.

This morning, the temple of Krsna Balaram was just dense with people, and reports tell us that at Chaitanya’s birthplace the temples were similarly packed with people chanting.  This is also the time of Holi, when colours occupy space. Indeed the air is pervasive with the stuff.  It's like a big party.  There is a level of drunkenness, and some folks get so rowdy and eager to throw the colours that they purchased, it gets a little bit out of control.  Our temple keeps the doors locked at certain hours. You have to decide whether to stay in or out, for some time.   https://back2godhead.com/spiritual-places-2/

I chose to stay out, along with Connor, and get some things done.  I have my new saffron monk duds and Connor is trying to go for the first head-shave of his life.  Members of our troupe are attempting to get together for last hugs and prostrations.

A fast goes on until moon-rise and we honour that with a closure feast.  ‘Fast’ and ‘feast’ sound similar.  Although diametrically opposed, they do complement each other.

Chaitanya is a very important figure in the lives of those who have taken to kirtan chanting.  We owe Him a tremendous amount for landing upon us the sound of sacredness. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvQaoi1APMb/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1msrx8nhmzque

May the Source be with you!
2 km


Wednesday, March 20th, 2019
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Vrindavan, India

Spiritual Foundation

I stepped into the Krsna Balaram temple and was asked to lead a kirtan.  I took great pleasure in doing so.  After that kirtan for honouring the guru, a person came up to me—a familiar face.  It was a British monk whom I travelled with in Ireland, when I trekked the country from Belfast in the north, to Cork in the south.  It was good to see him again.

Knowing that I just completed a production with a group of actors, he told me of a role he volunteered to play.  It was anger personified.

"I had a hard time though, to be angry.  I couldn't come to the level required.  The only thing that ever gets my ire up is when I'm claustrophobic.  I was at the outdoor event where the drama was showing.  I went to the loo to deal with a call of nature, and someone locked me in from the outside.  I got desperate.  No one could hear me, so I rocked the unit back and forth, and finally I kicked open the door.  I was really angry.  Well, I got out and my fellow actors said, 'Use it!  Use your anger for the play.'  So I did and it worked."

Our guru, Prabhupada, used to say, "Utility is the principle!"

I was also asked to give the class from the Bhagavatam, Canto 8.  I saw the opportunity to speak of the little bit I know of the male and female psychology.  It was surrounding the story of Aditi and the sage, Kasyapa—wife and husband.  

https://youtu.be/COkSkOyzLNk

https://www.instagram.com/p/BvNikSYg-w6/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=14ki1mgrb28dn

To conclude: relationships have a better chance to be successful when there is a spiritual foundation.

May the Source be with you!
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