Tuesday, March 26th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Tottenham, Ontario

K is Boss, I am Das

The above phrase is something I expressed several times today, in a morning class, at an evening class—Tuesday sangha—and in the afternoon on a trail.

K refers to Krishna.  Dasin Sanskrit, means servant. Put it all together and you have words of truth.  "Krishna is boss and I am das."

Jay, Connor and I drove up to Tottenham to visit a family of farmers.  We drove north to offer some encouragement to Vishal and Yasomati who have started an agro/eco initiative involving gir and guernsey cows/bulls, and horses, as well. Together we sat down to discuss this spring's farmers conference which will be held in Quebec, just outside of Montreal, and is scheduled for Saturday May 18th, 2019.  We pulled ideas together with action plans.  It will be our third year doing a spring gathering.  It will be inspirational.

After our sit-down planning, we braved “The Great Trail,” (formerly called the "Trans Canada Trail") from Tottenham, north to the farm in Caledon.  I used the word "braved" because on the seven kilometre stretch which we trekked, where there were cedar trees, the sun was restricted, leaving lengthy ice patches.  Once we came to the areas of hardwoods, rays of warmth melted the snow.

The very good thing about taking to patches of ice is that it reminds us we are very vulnerable.  We are not in charge.  We are not the controller.  There are greater things than ourselves.  We are small—small but significant; that is when we admit to having a great boss and we are His servant.  We are Das. I am Das.

May the Source be with you!
7 km



Monday, March 25th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

We All Touched Air...

Tom, Billy, Connor and I took to the ravine. It did not come as a surprise to us, that we would be dealing with several-months-old snow that’s on its way out. I personally deliberated on the curious stages of snow, from the freshly fallen, to the layers that pack down, to periods of melting and then freezing.  Now in the final stages of a winter season's duration, it is soaking the trail, and some of it has merged into the creek, to be later precipitating,  and then falling as rain, hail or snow.  It is quite the cycle.

Tom and I were chatting about local history, economics, people, Krishna and Tom's favourite, Vishnu.  Walking behind us, Billy and Connor immersed themselves in The Secret, to the laws of attraction, and also the all-attractive One, Krishna.

On our decline into the ravine, we baby-stepped our way down, if not slid down, ‘rolling with the punches’ of nature's way as the sun shine down upon us, and even laughing at our cumbersome slipping.  A convenient side-rail was there for holding onto for dear life.  All in al, it was a real good stroll and slide.   https://www.instagram.com/p/BvfE5o8g6mp/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=6lyt8k0aozf8

Tom downed some Kombucha, once we left the ravine, at the Natural Health Food Store.  Billy delighted in spring water while I chanced some root beer with plenty of ginger in it, and much too much brown sugar.

It was all good because we all touched air, sun, wind, earth and water and their diverse manifestations.

May the Source be with you!
5 km



“The Queen’s Secret” Moves Audience to Tears and Laughter in Mayapur
→ Dandavats

ISKCON Mayapur: One of the highlights of the Mayapur Gaura-purnima festival every year is, for some, the theatrical drama directed by His Holiness Bhaktimarga Swami. Every year, Bhaktimarga Swami works with a diverse cast and crew, many of them second or third generation ISKCON members, to create a dramatic performance for all of Mayapur’s visitors from around the world.

The Queen’s Secret” Moves Audience to Tears and Laughter in Mayapur!
→ Mayapur.com

One of the highlights of the Mayapur Gaura-purnima festival every year is, for some, the theatrical drama directed by His Holiness Bhaktimarga Swami. Every year, Bhaktimarga Swami works with a diverse cast and crew, many of them second or third generation ISKCON members, to create a dramatic performance for all of Mayapur’s visitors from around […]

The post The Queen’s Secret” Moves Audience to Tears and Laughter in Mayapur! appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Srivasa Pandita Appearance
→ Ramai Swami

Srivasa Pandit represents the marginal living entity (tatastha shakti ). The devotees headed by Srivasa are described as Lord Chaitanya’s smaller limbs (His face, eyes, hands, disc, other weapons) 

They all took part in Sri Gaurasundara’s pastimes. With them, Lord Gauranga spread the sankirtana movement. Srivasa Pandit is the incarnation of Narada Muni.

Within Srivasa’s home, Lord Gauranga showed His divine form to all His eternal associates. The house of Srivasa Pandit served as the headquarters of Gauranga’s Sankirtana Movement. The daily Bhagavatam classes, nightly kirtans, and many confidential Vraja  pastimes of Lord Gaura Raya occurred here.

Sun Love Feast – Mar 31st, 2019 – Vedic discourse by HG Nand Maharaj Prabhu
→ ISKCON Brampton




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


Papamocani Ekadasi
Fasting.....................on Sun Mar 31st,  2019
Breakfast................  on Mon Apr 1st, 2019 b/w 6:00 am – 10:15 am

Kamada Ekadasi
Fasting.....................on Mon Apr 15th,  2019
Breakfast................  on Tue Apr 16th, 2019 b/w 6:34 am – 11:03 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 


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.

Sun Love Feast – Apr 7th, 2019 – Vedic discourse by Her Grace Padmini Devi Dasi
→ ISKCON Brampton



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

Ramanavami Celebrations:

Sat April 13th(5.30PM-7.30PM)


Sponsorship opportunities :
Grand Feast - $301
Flowers - $251
Offerings - $201
Please contact us at the Front Desk.



Kamada Ekadasi
Fasting.....................on Mon Apr 15th,  2019
Breakfast................  on Tue Apr 16th, 2019 b/w 6:34 am – 11:03 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 


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.

GauraPurnima-Report from ISKCON Plainfield, NJ
→ Dandavats

ISKCON of Central New Jersey, Plainfield celebrated Gaura Purnima and Holi on Wednesday 3/20/2019. Gaura Nitai were adorned with a brand new outfit. The altar was decorated with a theme representing Navadwip Dham (nine islands of Navadwip) which signifies nine processes of Bhakti. Devotees started the program by singing melodious Gaura Bhajans.

The Night Train to Nowhere (A Gurukula Film)
→ ISKCON News

A gurukula boy convinces his best friend to run away from school with him to meet his estranged father in the jungles of North India. But the adventure turns out to be much more than they bargained for when their train ride comes to an unexpected end and Sikkimese separatists enter the mix. This movie was written, filmed, directed, and starred in by the students and staff of Bhaktivedanta Academy, Mayapur.

His Holiness Bhakti Sharan Shanta Mahäräja departed from this…
→ Dandavats



His Holiness Bhakti Sharan Shanta Mahäräja departed from this world yesterday in Lithuania.
Bhakti Chaitanya Swami: Here are a few words of appreciation for him.

I first met Maharaja in 1993 in Vilnius. He was a very serious devotee, and was always concerned to develop the preaching in Lithuania.

In those days he traveled with Hari Katha and Bilvamangala prabhus, and from time to time I would go with them also, visiting different towns and Nama-hatta congregations around the country. I was always impressed with Maharaja’s dedication and determination to present Srila Prabhupada’s message to the people of the country. I was also very impressed with his austerity and determination not to become caught up in the needs of the body.

After some time that program stopped, but Maharaja continued visiting the Nama-hattas and preaching regularly.

He took sannyasa in 2004 in the summer festival. Niranjana Maharaja was very instrumental in choosing his sannyasa name, based on the idea that Shanta Maharaja would give devotion (bhakti) and shelter (sharan) to many devotees, in a very peaceful (shanta) and loving way.

Around this time the New Govardhana project started, and Maharaja was always the central person there, encouraging the devotees to live a simpler life as a Krishna conscious community.

Perhaps his greatest contribution to Srila Prabhupada’s movement was the organization of the Lithuanian BBT. Under his direction the BBT here has produced many books and encouraged wide scale book distribution, far outstripping the book distribution in so many other places in the world.

I feel very fortunate to have been able to spend the day with Maharaja some weeks ago, one or two days before he went into a condition of withdrawn external consciousness. It has been the mercy of Srila Prabhupada that I have been able to benefit from the association and example of this very saintly and dedicated servant of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. Now Srimati Radharani and Lord Krishna have chosen to take him back to Them, and I am praying that he will put in a good word for me there, for when my time comes to join him in Their service.

The Golden Avatara Continues to Glow in Wellington The primary…
→ Dandavats



The Golden Avatara Continues to Glow in Wellington
The primary purpose of Krishna’s descent as Shri Chaitanya was to relish the position of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, who is the prime reciprocator of transcendental love of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. To spread this transcendental love, the Journey of Self Discovery (JOSD) Wellington, celebrated the 533rd anniversary of Caitanya’s appearance on March 22, 2019. It was for the first time ever in the history of Wellington, New Zealand that 7 pairs of Gaura Nitai came together from different corners of the Kiwi Capital to grace the occasion.
To read the complete article please click here: https://goo.gl/Ti1rx2

Wandering in mystical Vrindavana (Album of photos)
→ Dandavats



Wandering in mystical Vrindavana (Album of photos)
Indradyumna Swami: When a disciple asked Srila Prabhupada what he should do while in Vrindavan, Srila Prabhupada replied, “Just wander!” Today I took a small group of devotees to several holy places we had never been to. What an adventure it was! We first went to Encha Dauji [ Ram Ghat ] where Lord Balaram pulled the Yamuna river with His plow. Then we proceeded to Biharvan, where Radha and Krsna had many pastimes. The forest there is very much like it was thousands of years ago. Then we went Tapovan where the young gopi girls did austerities to please Katyayani to get Krsna as their husband. Finally went to Devi Attas, where Yogamaya appeared after flying out of Kamsa’s grip in the Mathura prison. What a wonderful day!

The BBT’s new Krsna Book app
→ Dandavats

By Kaisori Devi Dasi

With the full text in English, Russian, and German, with more languages being prepared. The text is fully - and quickly! - searchable in each language. Easy-to-read with many customizable features, including the ability to bookmark, highlight, and make notes. Full Sanskrit diacritics on the text and a glossary, just as in the print edition. Switch easily from one language to another - you can compare the Russian or German to the English or vice versa. Read in your own language or practice learning a new language using Srila Prabhupada's book as a guide. Continue reading "The BBT’s new Krsna Book app
→ Dandavats"

Lord Caitanya is not Worshiped Alone
→ Mayapur.com

Today is the appearance day of Srivasa Thakura is one of the most prominent devotees of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and appeared in Mayapur along with Sri Caitanya in the 15th century. One of the most striking features of the Sri Mayapur Candrodaya Mandir, ISKCON’s World Headquarters in West Bengal, India, are the Deities of Sri […]

The post Lord Caitanya is not Worshiped Alone appeared first on Mayapur.com.

ISKCON Temple, Jaipur: A Window To The Spiritual World
→ Dandavats

By Arti

I have been a regular visitor to the ISKCON Temple in Jaipur, Rajasthan for almost an entire past decade. Rajasthan being my ancestral state, we make it a point to travel here once at least every year. To say then, that I have a personal affinity for this state, and the Jaipur ISKCON temple wouldn’t be an exaggeration… from being a simple small house many years back, it has been a joy to see the temple gradually evolve to a relatively bigger premise and stand in line along with some of its more famous contemporaries like Delhi. Continue reading "ISKCON Temple, Jaipur: A Window To The Spiritual World
→ Dandavats"

Krishna Lunches feed New Zealand’s Prime Minister
→ Dandavats

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
→ Dandavats"

Rama at home in exile 2 – The power of diligence
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Seminar at ISKCON, Melbourne, Australia]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post Rama at home in exile 2 – The power of diligence appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Rama at home in exile 1 – The power of acceptance
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[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
→ ISKCON Scarborough



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
→ The Walking Monk

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
→ The Walking Monk

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
→ The Walking Monk

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!
0 km




Telangana Padayatra On The Road Despite Hurdles
→ Dandavats



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
→ Dandavats

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
→ Dandavats

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
→ Dandavats"

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.