Planet ISKCON

[Youth meeting at Bhakta Bhavan, Melbourne, USA]

Podcast

 

Podcast Summary

 

Video:

The post From love of power to power of love appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

[Bhagavatam class at ISKCON, Melbourne, Australia]

Podcast

 

Podcast Summary

 

Video:

The post Humility, audacity and purity in bhakti appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Becoming a Dharmic leader, or one who truly represents the Vedic path of Sanatana-dharma, is similar to becoming the ultimate revolutionary, but a spiritual revolutionary. It is being an agent of reality in a world that still lacks reality, meaning the genuine basis of what is our true spiritual identity. This is beyond politics or a violent revolution against the typical establishment construct, or anything like that. But it is working to bring in a new dimension, a higher consciousness, and a loftier awareness of who and what we are. It is like the saying by George Orwell: In a time of deceit, telling the truth itself becomes a revolutionary act. In this way, in this age of Kali-yuga, a time when the basis of most business transactions, politics, or relations in general is deceit and dishonesty, becoming truthful enough to speak the deeper truth of spiritual reality and following Vedic Dharma itself becomes revolutionary.

Of course, “revolution” is a word which invokes many images or ideas. But in the sense in which we are speaking, it has nothing to do with promoting some kind of uprising against the present establishment, government, dictators, or the like. It is much more refined. It is an internal quest of an individual to reach one’s real identity as a spiritual being and then assist others in doing the same. It is a matter of reaching the ultimate freedom a person can attain. Only after becoming truly free can a person help others also become free. You cannot free others if you are tied up or confined in the same trap of ego and ego-based conceptions that are promoted and perpetuated in much of society. In the end truth prevails, thus the main endeavor of a Dharmic leader is to never stop finding the ways to present the real truth and meaning of the deepest spiritual knowledge, which is the Vedic philosophy, for this is what can overcome all obstacles in time. Therefore, Dharmic leaders must operate on many different levels and help others in many different ways.

Therefore, Dharmic leaders and Agents of Reality are:

1. Always working to be in touch with their higher spiritual realizations and perceptions. A Dharmic leader, teacher or guide always makes sure that he works on his own spiritual development in order to stay in touch with the spiritual dimension. That is his foundation, his inspiration, and the basis for his insights and his motivation in helping all others. Without that he knows that he cannot be free enough to lead others to the same freedom.
2. A Dharmic leader must know how to free others from being a prisoner of the false aims and perspectives that are commonplace in materialistic life. Because a true Dharmic leader has a connection with the spiritual realm through his own spiritual development, he naturally wants to give the same to others, and works for that purpose. This kind of freedom cannot be fully appreciated until it is experienced. And that is the object of everything that a Dharmic leader does. Through this process, a Dharmic leader works to help free others from the illusions, the bodily concept of life, and find the ways to deliver the higher perception of the purpose of life in a way that others can understand. This must include everyone so that no one is left behind. Thus, he lives for the benefit of others.

As Dharmic leaders, we are trying to free others from this limited dimension of existence and bring them to a higher level of spiritual reality, at least for those who are acceptable to it. Here the material existence is like a temporary dream from which we need to awaken and of which to be free, and we must know how to maneuver our way through it.

3. A leader also has to fully understand the importance of the Vedic spiritual knowledge and its culture, follow it appropriately, and show by example how others can also benefit from it.
4. A Dharmic leader must also be properly educated in the Vedic spiritual knowledge and to work to spread that genuine spiritual information and culture for everyone’s well-being. When questioned about Vedic philosophy and culture, he must know how to answer with an equipoised mind and with proper responses. He must know how to deal with practical issues, both in the temples and how they operate and are managed, and also in regard to social issues, like casteism, caring for the poor, dealing with discrimination, and other matters that are often found in India.

He must know how to educate others so that they also understand, in whatever way is best for them, the importance of this information and how to apply it to their lives. It cannot be given in a way that appears overly lofty, impractical or too unapproachable by the average person. The point is that if a person does not understand this knowledge, they will never be able to remember it, and if they cannot remember it, they will never be able to apply it to their lives. Thus, the importance of receiving this spiritual knowledge from a Dharmic leader who has the cultivated knowledge from proper references and is also experienced or realized and knows how to explain it in practical terms is most important.

Furthermore, Dharmic leaders must know how to explain the customs and their purpose to others, not merely go through the rituals without describing the reasons for them or what is going on. He must be able to explain the objective of the rituals and the benefits of performing them so that people comprehend their purpose. Otherwise, if such rituals do not make sense, or if people do not appreciate their purpose, soon they will be given up and forgotten.

5. A Dharmic leader must not be afraid to be inventive and look at and try to use new ways to infuse the message of Vedic Dharma that can be fun, enjoyable and entertaining for both the young and old in order to invoke their desire to learn more. There are so many ways to do this. Otherwise, the message can seem to get old and boring, and then people lose interest. Another problem with many Hindus is that they think they already know all they need to know, and there is no longer any reason to learn, study, or take guidance. But when it comes time for them to explain the Vedic culture to someone else, they are at a loss for what to do. This means that, if they cannot even remember enough to repeat or present to others, then actually they have a long way to go, but may refuse to admit it. A Dharmic leader, however, can even invent new ways of teaching the message, while maintaining the proper and traditional standards. The fact is that there will need to be new variations in the approach of teaching it for each succeeding generation to make it interesting.
6. A true Dharmic leader knows that all religions are not the same. Dharmic leaders must understand the profound and deep nature of the Vedic philosophy and not resort to some wimpy idea that all religions are the same. They are not, and you will know that if you seriously study each one. They all take you to different levels of consciousness and understanding of who you are, the purpose of life and the universe, what is God, what is the soul, and so on. Some consist mostly of moralistic principles and rules for living, and hardly touch the higher principles of deep spiritual realization. Others are more like forced dogmas which must not be questioned too much, whereas the Vedic system is to guide a person to their own ability to perceive their spiritual identity and the higher dimension, not to merely depend on blind faith. Thus, all religions are not the same, and a Dharmic leader must know how to distinguish the differences between them.
7. Dharmic leaders understand the need to bring in the spiritual energy and infinite love that is so essential for us to become complete while living in a world that is increasingly ruled and controlled by the darkness of materialism and all the negative qualities that come with it, such as anger, jealousy, envy, prejudice, competition, hatred, etc. Infinite love is the love coming from the Supreme Being. We must be clear mediums through which that love may come so that it can be received and experienced by others.
8. A Dharmic leader will also help free others from false or misleading political views and its corruption, and from sham economic strategies and promises that are often promoted by the agents of this ignorance that misleads the general masses in a way that benefits the few for profit and power at the expense of the many. This is part of the false aims of life that distract one from the spiritual goals that are the real purpose of human existence.

We need to work to set up a life of simplicity as an alternative to the oncoming crisis of peak oil, water shortages, environmental collapse, or other economic or political disasters, the likes of which few are working to prevent. However, if a Dharmic leader becomes successful at receiving large donations of money or land, he shows the proper example by using it for the highest good to help others both spiritually and materially, while he lives a simple life. This leads to the next point:

9. Any Dharmic leader must be beyond suspicion of inappropriate activities or association. They must act in such a way to be free from any rumors or the appearance of any improprieties.

Especially if one is wearing saffron, which is the color of renunciation, he must be free from the association of women. (If such a leader is a woman, then she must be free from unnecessary association with men.) A person wearing saffron should never be alone with a woman. That is the proper etiquette, but also because there may be those who are simply looking for a reason to spread accusations, or who try to bring an important person in the Vedic community down and ruin his or her reputation, influence, position, or life, which thus reflects back on the culture or tradition he represents in negative ways. Therefore, Dharmic leaders must be pure in all of their actions so that they do not become vulnerable to false appearances and so that they may lead by example.

Nonetheless, a Dharmic leader knows the spiritual equality between the sexes, that both men and women are spiritual beings inside different material bodies that are like various costumes or appearances. He realizes and knows the different roles that they can play in family life, temple management, and the importance of women role models in the community and in temples. But he also knows he must never exploit others or use his position to his advantage, and, thus, is never seen in situations that can be controversial, or become food for rumors. He must be beyond suspicion of any kind.

10. Dharmic leaders must know how to collaborate with those who are from various Vedic affiliations so they can all work together to achieve the protection and preservation and practice of the Dharma. Then we can join together as one unit by using each other’s various experiences and talents for reaching something extraordinary.

In this way, unity amongst other Dharmists is also extremely important because there is strength in numbers. And the more who work together, the more force there is for the preservation and proper promotion or defense of the Vedic culture from those who try to unnecessarily criticize it or even try to bring about its extinction. The more we work together, the easier everything becomes.

Therefore, collaborating with the larger community, and with other Vedic organizations, temples, etc., and working with the power of the collective as opposed to small groups, much more can be accomplished. Dharmists in general must let go of their ego and show how to work together. The entire Vedic community, when working in a united way, can more effectively help pass laws, institute changes to suite their needs, get the attention of politicians, and show that their vote can and will make a difference. That will provide much more influence when dealing with local government agencies. This can also help provide assistance for the whole community in times of need. Working with the collective with proper leadership will always show much more efficiency, power, and speed at getting things done than merely working alone or as only one temple or one small group.

11. A Dharmic leader must be able to delegate duties and activities to others who are also enthused to participate in working for Sanatana-dharma. Such people can then become enlivened to continue in their work and endeavors with confidence.

In this regard, a Dharmic leader must also know how to enhance the Hindu/Vedic Community through the temples. This means to understand the importance of uniting the community with festivals, holidays, customs, and through the performance of seva. This seva or service that can be performed by other Dharmists in the community can include helping manage the temple, serving the deities in the temples, providing the means for making the temples more effective and useful to the community, and so on. Community services, such as health fairs, or prasada and food distribution, distribution of clothes to the needy, or so many other programs, can be parts of that seva in the mood of service.

Dharmic leaders must know how to coordinate activities for the protection and promotion of the Dharma, whether it is writing letters, establishing promotional campaigns, doing radio shows, television programs, or producing videos, newsletters, websites, and so on. Each leader may not know all of the ways or details to do each endeavor, but he should know how to coordinate and inspire those who do in order for everyone to work in unity for the ultimate goal.

In this way, a Dharmic leader should recognize and unite people around a common set of Vedic values, concepts and traditions that can be the universal uniting factors between all Hindus or Dharmists.

12. A Dharmic leader must also know that many people everywhere are looking for a higher level of spiritual perception and experience, but they simply do not always know where to look. This may include Indians and westerners alike. Many are those who are looking for deeper spiritual knowledge to which they can feel a stronger connection, and many are those who become attracted to the Vedic spiritual path once they know what it is and learn more about it. It is not proper for Hindus to feel that they are some exclusive group that few others can join. Such an attitude is but a prescription for a slow extinction of Vedic culture, at least in this world. Sanatana-dharma includes everyone as spiritual beings. So a Dharmic leader provides the means and openness so others, meaning non-Dharmists, can learn about the Vedic tradition, its spiritual knowledge, temple rituals and customs, or even attend yoga classes, instruction on meditation, temple festivals, and so on, to see what it has to offer, and how it may assist them in their own spiritual progress, or even bring them a deeper level of joy and happiness. There have been many instances when such people have taken a strong attraction to the Vedic culture to lend much support to other Dharmists and the tradition itself, or who have fully taken it up in their lives and now recognize themselves as Hindus or Dharmists. Such access has often lead to greater degrees of harmony and understanding with the local community.

From this mind-set, from this perception, and from the infinite love that manifests in a true Dharmic leader’s heart, comes the attitude as summarized by the phrase “No Hindu left behind.” No Dharmist or devotee should be left behind. A true Dharmic leader will feel this in the core of his heart. He knows that he is merely mirroring the love of God to all others in the life he leads and in the actions he performs, and in the love and patience he shows to everyone. He is concerned for all living entities, but especially for those who are already following the Dharmic path. Thus, it is in his heart where he feels that no Hindu can be left behind. There is space for everyone, just as there is space for everyone in the spiritual world. No one can be left behind. Everyone is a part of the whole, the Complete. We merely have to awaken that completeness within ourselves. When everyone shares this vision, when it is shared amongst the whole community, that community becomes extremely powerful. When everyone is imbibed with such spiritual unity, concerned for the welfare of all, then the spiritual vibration is no longer something to acquire but it is something to witness, to experience, and to bring together through all like-minded people who work in that unity to expand that spiritual vibration, that higher energy that exists within us all.

The key to this love is in everyone, but a Dharmic leader knows how to draw it out and provide the means for everyone to focus on it and perceive it as their own ultimate value, self-worth, and their own offering to God and the community. Everyone in the Vedic community must see all others as Dharmic brothers and sisters who are eligible to make the same spiritual progress as anyone else.

No Hindu left behind. Actually, we do not want to leave anyone out. That means everyone is eligible to enter the temple, everyone is eligible to participate in the rituals, the sadhana or spiritual practice, and the core identity of being a Hindu, Dharmist and devotee. Everyone should feel they have a place and are valued and have something to contribute. This is the basis of enthusiasm, which everyone should feel. This is the power a united Dharmic community. When this is established, it creates a most positive atmosphere in all who participate, it creates a very positive future, and it creates a winning team in which many others will want to join. Who would not be attracted? Everyone wants to be in a warm and loving environment, and there is no reason why Hindus cannot create that for the whole community. And if someone cannot accept this, if someone cannot see the unity that we all share spiritually on the Vedic path, then they have not yet understood the basic Vedic principles of Sanatana-dharma. It means that they are still in the illusion, they are in the depths of maya. Yet, no one should be left in such a condition. Everyone should be taught and shown how to raise their own vision, consciousness and spiritual perception of who they are and the spiritual unity they share with everyone else. We must raise everyone up to higher and higher levels of consciousness, higher and higher levels of perception. Then we all become very powerful in our ability to change this world, and bring in the spiritual vibration for one and all. That is the purpose of the Vedic philosophy and its peaceful and joyful traditions.

With that ideal of no sincere Hindu left behind, the Dharmic leader knows how to instill the unity for everyone to take a stand, to defend and preserve the Vedic culture and all who participate in it. The usual apathy amongst Hindus is what must be given up and cast aside as we all gather momentum to make sure we all have our freedom to follow the principles, the customs, and the traditions of the Vedic path well into the future.

Isn’t this worth working for? Isn’t this worth fighting for? What else is the purpose of life other than to benefit the spiritual well-being of others?

13. Finally, a Dharmic leader must create the means so that others can become future Dharmic leaders. It is not enough to be a leader, but such a person must also encourage and provide the means, the example and inspiration for others to become Dharmic leaders. We all grow old and eventually leave this world. So there must be those who are younger, who are trained, educated, experienced, and inspired to take up the cause and the position as a new Dharmic leader who can also work to preserve, protect and promote the Vedic tradition well into the future.

Naturally, not everyone may have the qualities, characteristics, or even inclination to be a Dharmic leader, but everyone can instead be a “Vedic Ambassador,” for which there is also a huge need. Everyone can join forces in the ranks of being a Vedic Ambassador, and all work together to show the benefits and advantages we all had the fortune to acquire through the practice and development of the Vedic tradition in our lives. How to do this is easy, and has been described in my article, “A Call to be Vedic Ambassadors,” which can be found on my website at www.stephen-knapp.com.

Dharma Rakshati Rakshitah, and Jai Sri Krishna.

Life of the Devotee (9 min. video)
My Spiritual Journey towards Krishna - Gunesvara Das.

Read More...

We are the Most Fortunate! (6 min. video)
Mahatma Das: One of the big obstacles to chanting good japa is a lack of appreciation of our good fortune. It is so rare that Mahaprabhu appears in this particular incarnation to give the premanama that we are among the most fortunate souls in the universe. Why? The holy name can take us from the lowest position of material existence to the highest position of spiritual perfection, and we don’t require any qualification to chant the maha-mantra. If we remember this, then while we chant our rounds we will constantly be appreciating the great fortune that has fallen upon us. And this will cause us to increase our taste and desire for chanting.

Read More...

Accessing the Kripa-Sakti While Chanting.
Human society is brought before the big question mark, “Does this all make sense?” the moment it is confronted with death – the existential dilemma. Vaisnava scholars hold that the teachings of Srila Sukadeva Gosvami begin in all earnestness after king Pariksit asked his urgent question: “What should I do now that I am at the brink of death? What should anyone do in this situation?”

Read More...

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 05 February 2013, Prague, Czech Republic, Srimad Bhagavatam 7.10.43-44)

bhyāsa-yoga-yuktena
cetasā nānya-gāminā
paramaṁ puruṣaṁ divyaṁ
yāti pārthānucintayan, (Bhagavad-gita 8.8)

Krsna says in the Bhagavad-gita that by regular practise of offering everything in service to him, we will become strong. So, it’s very nice that we have communities of devotees and when you visit and see all the children, you think, “How nice it is to grow up like this, with the deities and with Srila Prabhupada…” It’s such a good start. I always thought that this is a good place. A good place is based on the culture of the Bhagavatam, where Bhagavatam is discussed,

mac-cittā mad-gata-prāṇā
bodhayantaḥ parasparam, (Bhagavad-gita 10.9)

Devotees, when together take pleasure in discussing about Krsna. We discuss the Bhagavatam and we try to live according to the Bhagavatam, then we will have a very successful community – this is the key!

The article " Life according to the Bhagavatam " was published on KKSBlog.

It was a moment, mixed with emotions, ecstasy, joy & tears, to welcome HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaja, back at his home, Sri Mayapur dhama. After a year long separation from Sri Mayapur dhama, with loving feelings, both Maharaj and Mayapur devotees were waiting for this day to dawn to see that their beloved spiritual master […]

The post Welcome home, HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj! appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta’s Appearance – Srila Prabhupada Explains His Poetry (23 min. video)
Dhruva Maharaja dasa: I put this slideshow/video together for a class on Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati’s Appearance day this Saturday at the Alachua Temple of Srila Prabhupada explaining his famous Vyasa-puja Offering poetry from 1936. I think devotees may appreciate Prabhupada explaining reasons for using various phrases in that offering.

Read More...

Nityananda Trayodashi Celebration in ISKCON Kolkata and Adhivas Kirtan in Seal Mansion, Kolkata (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The devotee’s life’s mission is to please Krishna, and he can sacrifice everything for Krishna’s satisfaction, just as Arjuna did in the Battle of Kuruksetra. The process is very simple: one can devote himself in his occupation and engage at the same time in chanting Hare Krishna. Such transcendental chanting attracts the devotee to the Personality of Godhead. (Bhagavad-gita 12.6-7 Purport)

Jaya and Vijaya Coming to the TOVP (Album of photos)
Our murti department is making much progress on the various deities being sculpted for the TOVP.
Sadbhuja Das: These pictures are just an upgrade of the beautiful work of the Bengali artist sculpturing Jay&Vijay.
It’s amazing the dimensions and the great skills that the local artists are able to display. They are masters when it comes to murtis.

ISKCON Leicester’s Head Pujari, Visnu Murti Das, was invited tonight to lead prayers at Leicester City Council’s full council meeting.
He spoke about the deep divisions we are currently seeing in politics, and how public servants must remember their duty to serve the very people that put them in power. He also discussed some of the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita on the principle of servitude. Visnu Murti concluded with Sanskrit prayers and the mahamantra.
More photos: https://goo.gl/VwXuj8

By Mayapur Sasi dasa

For the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada this report contains the following North American results of book distribution for the month of January 2019. North American Totals, Monthly Temples, Monthly Weekend Warriors. Monthly Top 100 Individuals, Monthly Top 5, Cumulative Countries, Cumulative Temples, Cumulative Top 100 Individuals, Cumulative Top 5 Continue reading "NASN January 2019 – North American Sankirtan Newsletter
→ Dandavats"

By Praghosa dasa

Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK with over 2 million jivas residing in human bodies. It is the most multicultural city in the western world, as only half of those human jivas are in white bodies. So it is a wonderful city for delivering the message of Lord Caitanya and now with our new temple in the city centre, next to the university, it gives us a fantastic opportunity to do just that. Great devotees have come from Birmingham in the past such as HH Subagh Swami and HH Bhakti Vrajendranandana Swami Continue reading "Celebrating 50 Years of ISKCON UK at our New Temple in Birmingham
→ Dandavats"

Answer Podcast

The post Does focusing on Krishna require that we always be in the mode of goodness? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

2013-09-19 Bhakti Sangama (Russian)

How to understand the 5th Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam and the rest of the cosmogony mentioned there (video)
A lecture with many...

Huge preparations in Mayapur for the return of HH Jayapataka Swami after his long battle with health difficulties. (Album of photos...

Please find below photos from Nityananda Trayodasi 2019 at the ISKCON-London Radha-Krishna Temple.
Slideshow (please turn on s...

By Bhakti Caitanya Swami

Narottama Dasa Thakura appeared in Kheturi which I believe is in current day Bangaldesh. Eventually in his late youth or so he went to Vrindavan and in Vrindavan he met Srila Jiva Goswami and took shelter of him. Then he met Srila Lokanath Goswami and was very deeply struck by the character of Lokanath Goswami and his standards as a devotee and just who he was as a devotee Continue reading "Appearance day Anniversary of Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura
→ Dandavats"

By Sri Nandanandana dasa

Sometimes I hear devotees say that they have been chanting Hare Krishna for thirty or forty years or more, and are still waiting to feel the taste for it, or the ecstasy from chanting, or from doing devotional service. I even heard where some devotee workshops were saying that it is not uncommon that devotees do not feel this bliss even after years of chanting, and that sometimes people leave the movement because they don’t feel the higher taste. They did not get what they expected. But the cure for that is clearly explained. Continue reading "Not Feeling the Bliss? Here’s the Cure
→ Dandavats"

Today is the appearance day Srila Narottama dasa Thakura, of whom Srila Prabhupada said, He was “a great acharya of the Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya. He has written many songs about the Vaishnava philosophy, and they are approved as completely corresponding with Vedic instructions.  .  .  . So, we should relish the instruction of Narottama dasa Thakura.”

At the original Gaura-purnima festival held in Kheturi, in the presence of Srimati Jahnava-devi, Srila Narottama dasa Thakura, and Srila Srinivasa Acharya, six pairs of Radha-Krishna Deities were installed, and one pair, Radha-Braja-mohana, was sent to Vrindavan.

A few years ago, after Indradyumna Swami told me about the poor condition of the temple, I gave a donation to support the Deity worship, and in reciprocation, Maharaja gave me the conch shell that Narottama sent to Vrindavan for the worship of Braja-mohana. Maharaja said that it may have been blown by Jahnava-devi, Narottama, or Srinivasa, but in any case, it was part of the paraphernalia that Narottama sent to his disciple in Vrindavan.

In this photo, you can see the conch.

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Наш отдел мурти значительно продвинулся вперед в изваянии различных божеств для ХВП.

На данной фотографии – один из бенгальских скульпторов, работающий над фигурами Джая и Виджая, которые будут расположены в крыле Нрисимхадева. Данные мурти изготавливаются местными скульпторами с большим мастерством и вниманием к деталям прямо на территории храма.

 

НОВОСТИ ХВП – БУДЬТЕ В КУРСЕ

Посетите ХВП: www.tovp.org
Читайте о ХВП: www.facebook.com/tovp.mayapur
Смотрите о ХВП: www.youtube.com/user/tovpinfo
Загрузите приложение ХВП для мобильного телефона: www.tovp.org/ru/announcements-ru/new-tovp-phone-app-goes-live/
Подпишитесь на новости ХВП: https://goo.gl/forms/ojJ2WcUUuqWh8bXt1
Поддержите ХВП: www.tovp.org/ru/donate/seva-opportunities/

The post Джая и Виджая явятся в ХВП appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Our murti department is making much progress on the various deities being sculpted for the TOVP.

Pictured here is one of our Bengali artists working on Jaya and Vijaya who will be placed in the Nrsimha Wing of the temple. These murtis are made with great skill and attention to detail by local artists right on location.

 

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
Support us at: www.tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities

The post Jaya and Vijaya Coming to the TOVP appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Answer Podcast

The post Lust when unfulfilled leads to anger – does that mean the short-tempered have excessive lust that is unsatisfied? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

    Recently I read some reports on a conference in which India’s history was discussed with the conclusion that there is little reason to be proud of India’s past 1000 years for what some people call the enslavement by invaders. But I have a different view.

Of course, we know and recognize that India has been attacked and in many ways dominated over the past 1000 years by invaders of all kinds. It has cost India millions of lives and the loss of the great esteem that India had been known for. But now things have changed. We do not have to live in those memories, nor base India’s identity on those times. We can be thankful for the tolerance, durability, perseverance, and flexibility that India and its people are known for, and that the culture of India still exists, and the intellectual character of its society is not only still intact but is blossoming now more than ever.

It was only a matter of becoming free again from the dominance of outsiders, those invaders and the exploitation they imposed on India’s people and its resources, to finally allow India to again flex its intellectual wings to become a major force with which the world must recognize and engage and reciprocate. As we can see, even India’s economy is surpassing the economy of England, which was one of India’s dominating forces for a few centuries. It was only a matter of time when India’s superior culture and the ingenuity and intellectual capacity of India’s people would again shine forth.

Therefore, I say there is much to be thankful for to be where India is now. But there are lessons we need to remember. India needs to remember that one of the prime reasons for the last 1000 years of attacks and dominance by outsiders was the lack of unity among the princely states to defend themselves from the invaders. When the Muslims first entered India, they were repelled. By they returned with a bigger force and cut through. But if other princely states would have joined in to help, they could have easily fought off the invading forces. But that did not happen. So, one by one, the princely states were attacked and defeated, which lead to the domination over India by outsiders for so many years. This should not be allowed to happen again.

Other lessons we should learn is to make sure we do not become apathetic to the need to defend India’s culture. Apathy is one of the most dangerous symptoms that allows you to be defeated by those who hate you or want to exploit you. Secondly, the divisions among the Indians should be viewed as superficial, and not very relevant to the ongoing existence of the  cooperation and respect we need to show each other for our future development. Thirdly, the secular media, when secular in many cases means to be anti-Hindu or even anti-India, needs to be recognized as a major challenge to our unity and to the future well-being of India and its people. To have a press which amplifies or magnifies anything that can be interpreted as anti-Hindu is obviously working against the very culture and vibrancy and unity of Indian society.

India was one of the greatest and most developed and wealthiest countries in the world, and gave the planet inventions and developments for which the world enjoys the fruits of today. These were such inventions as in metals, textiles, medicine, surgery, rhinoplasty, and mathematics, and on and on, which were way ahead of the rest of society, and without which the world would be devoid of many of the developments that came from these inventions. (Anyone can read more about these in my book, “Advancements of Ancient India’s Vedic Culture.”) Furthermore, we should recognize how the Vedic philosophy and its spiritual understanding and the wisdom of India’s great rishis and sages were so well accepted and respected that it influenced many other cultures throughout the world. (Anyone can read my books “Proof of Vedic Culture’s Global Existence” and “Mysteries of the Ancient Vedic Empire” for lots more information on this point of view.) As a foreigner, I constantly count my blessings that I came across the Vedic philosophy and culture of India.

So, now that India is again free to chart its own course and destiny, Indians should be proud of what it has offered in the past and use that as a sign of what it can offer in the future.

However, we should dedicate ourselves to what works now. We can see how well India gave contributions to society in the past, but also how the invaders interfered with India’s continued progress, because if the last 1000 years of slavery, as some call it, did not happen, who knows how much farther ahead in progress India might be today. So, we should also reject those foreign influences that have the power to be a hindrance to what India and its people were and what they are today. We should reject the foreign influences and recognize the way they slaughtered so many Indians and destroyed so many of its temples, and forcefully converted so many people, and imposed such events as the horrible Goan Inquisition, and still today inflict the feeling and politics of division. (My book, “Crimes Against India” describes much more of this history.)

We should reject those cultures or religions that are outrightly opposed to Vedic and Indian values, or that have a history of slaughtering millions of Indians or destroying thousands of temples, or forcefully converting people to foreign or invader’s religions. If they have had such little respect and so much disdain for us in the past, that is not likely to change any time soon. They may, in fact, simply look at what they do now as conducting unfinished business–the continued conquest of India.

What benefit is there to cater to these outside, anti-Indian and anti-Hindu forces and organizations? At the time of this writing, the ex-CM of Mizoram wants to declare it as a Christian country that should separate from India. How many more times is this going to be allowed to happen?

We should also reject things like communism and see it as an outside force that does not and has never worked, and which in India is now only a distraction in its attempted implementation.

Am I proposing nationalism? No. I am only proposing that India depend on what actually works, what actually benefits all of India as a people. And we can find that what actually produced the higher consciousness, intellectual capability, flexibility, etc., is what had always been a part of India’s Vedic lifestyle and culture.

That does not mean we reject everything that comes from the west or outside of India. We can take whatever actually benefits India. But we take the best and leave the rest. Nonetheless,  we should use the proven formulas of what comes from India, what we know works best for India.

Actually, India should try to become as self-sufficient as possible, especially agriculturally, technologically and philosophically.. That is what India was over 1000 years ago, which attracted so many people, including all of its invaders, to come to India. But if India becomes more self-sufficient, then whatever difficulty happens to the rest of the world, India is least affected by it. It remains a contributor to the world, not a taker, and remains in control of its own destiny. The more you depend on others, the more you depend on their approval, and then their dictates. India should be above all that. This will really show the flexibility and versatility of India, which Indians should value. It’s India’s system, culture and lifestyle that has protected it all these years, and that is what we must be thankful for.

A good lesson in this regard is Britain. It was once a great empire, but now has become reduced to a small island. And even what is left of its own culture is gradually disappearing and changed by the inflow of immigrants into the country that are not assimilating. We need to make sure that does not happen to India. We should have learned our lessons very clearly from the last 1000 years to plan India’s destiny wisely, and for that we should be very thankful.

Book distribution is needed! (Album of photos)
Mohanasini Dasi: You can’t argue with success! When you click on the pics…you’ll see that book distribution is wanted, that book distribution is needed! I pray that this will inspire you to distribute books….for me, it is my life and soul!
Book totals for Feb 1 - Feb 17: 17 Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers, 28 Perfection of Yoga, 21 Chant and be Happy, 246 Higher Taste Cookbooks, 6 Science of Self Realization, 271 soft bound 72 Bhagavad Gitas, 16 Hard bound 72 Bhagavad Gitas, and 10 Srimad Bhagavatams Total: 616 books
Find them here: https://goo.gl/FUwK1D

Srila Narottam Das Thakur’s Appearance Day in Vrindavan (2019) (Album of photos)
Deena Bandhu Das: Today was Maghi Purnima, the Appearance Day of Srila Narottam Das Thakur. We had a wonderful program at Sri Sri Radha Braja Mohan Mandir where one of the Kheturi Festival Deities now presides. We sang many bhajans written by him and had katha remembering his life’s story. Then we had a super delicious feast. Hundreds of devotees showed up for the event. We are very thankful to all our facebook donors for such a blissful program! Relish the pics of Vittalrukmini.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/XRGpfo

By bhakta Ankit

Srila Prabhupada wanted Krishna Consciousness to be preached in Bangladesh. Preaching there is really risky, however, pure devotees take the risk. HH Subhag Swami has been continuously preaching in Bangladesh for the past 45 years. In the early days, Maharaj used to preach wearing a formal dress and take shelter at some Hindu family homes. Continue reading "Bangladesh preaching program 2019
→ Dandavats"

Visiting Sri Mayapur for Gaura Purnima Festival 2019?
Don’t miss out the bliss of travelling in Jaladuta Cruise!
The bookings for Jaladuta boat service from Kolkata to Mayapur has started now! No more bumpy &
risky roads & pollution, enjoy the relaxing cruise, passing through villages & countryside beautiful
scenery around, fresh air and a sattvik mood on the whole with kirtan and devotional videos on. It is an
unique experience to travel in Ganga, capturing the mood of Mayapur all through your journey!
Jaladuta Cruise offers:
Reclining comfortable seats
2 washrooms on board
Krsna Conscious entertainment
Breakfast prasadam
Extra seats in the front gallery for passengers to stretch and move around. Passengers can feel the nice cool fresh breeze of Ganga. Devotees can chant their rounds here in association with
Ganga devi who is filled with Krsna Prema by Gauranga Mahaprabhu’s touch.
The cruise will leave from Millennium Park 2 which is situated across Howrah on the other side of Ganga.
Book your seat now! Only limited seats available. Each trip 30 seats only!!
For Special offers on group bookings call 9733578071.
Dates of Operations:
Kolkata to Mayapur -Feb 28th, March 4th, 7th, 20th

Mayapur to Kolkata - March 2nd, 6th, 17th & 23rd Price: Rs.2000/- (US $ 30/-)
Travel time Kolkata to Mayapur 6hrs, Mayapur to Kolkata 4hrs.
For inquiries & bookings, write to us at reservations@mayapur.com or
call or whatsapp to 6383832530.

Visiting Sri Mayapur for Gaura Purnima Festival 2019? Don’t miss out the bliss of travelling in Jaladuta Cruise! The bookings for Jaladuta boat service from Kolkata to Mayapur has started now! No more bumpy & risky roads & pollution, enjoy the relaxing cruise, passing through villages & countryside beautiful scenery around, fresh air and a […]

The post Jaladuta Cruise to Mayapur! appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Sacinandana Swami: Once there was a lady in India called Kamabai. She lived in a small straw hut and materially speaking she was very poor. However, she had strong love for our Lord, Jagannatha, in her heart. Every morning before the Lord received His over 30 food preparations from the first-class priests in the temple, she cooked a simple stew called kitchari which traditionally consists of rice, beans and if you have enough money also vegetables. It is easy to digest and the main food of the money-less.

Read More...

Sivarama Swami - Business & Life at the Artha Forum 2019 (20 min. video)
Sivarama Spoke to 100 corporates in the heart of London about balancing life with Spiritual pursuits.

Ecstatic Lord Jagannatha Rathayatra in Canberra, the capital of Australia (Album of photos)
Jagannatha Rathayatra @ Multicultural Festival 2019
Enthralling Lord Jagannatha Rathayatra in Australia’s Capital - A Fabulous Day of Devotion n Joy
We had enthralling Rathayatra as part of National Multicultural Festival. Lord Jagannatha, His brother Baladeva & sister Subhadra majestically rode on Their beautifully bedecked palanquin through the Central Business District of capital, blessing one and all with Their merciful darshans.
Hundreds of people including ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and other dignitaries had opportunity to witness this Festival, as Hare Krishna devotees danced & chanted enthusiastically. All devotees participated contributing with great synergy for pleasure of Lord Jagannatha.
Very grateful to our ISKCON Founder-acarya Srila Prabhupada, to be fortunate to do some services to enumerate in West this age-old 12th century’s devotional Festival originating from holy Jagannatha Puri Dhama in Orissa.
Jagannatha Rathayatra Mahotsav ki jai!! Srila Prabhupada ki jai!!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/3Y8P

Ecstatic Lord Jagannatha Rathayatra in Canberra, the capital of Australia (Album of photos)
Jagannatha Rathayatra @ Multicultural Festival 2019
Enthralling Lord Jagannatha Rathayatra in Australia’s Capital - A Fabulous Day of Devotion n Joy
We had enthralling Rathayatra as part of National Multicultural Festival. Lord Jagannatha, His brother Baladeva & sister Subhadra majestically rode on Their beautifully bedecked palanquin through the Central Business District of capital, blessing one and all with Their merciful darshans.
Hundreds of people including ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and other dignitaries had opportunity to witness this Festival, as Hare Krishna devotees danced & chanted enthusiastically. All devotees participated contributing with great synergy for pleasure of Lord Jagannatha.
Very grateful to our ISKCON Founder-acarya Srila Prabhupada, to be fortunate to do some services to enumerate in West this age-old 12th century’s devotional Festival originating from holy Jagannatha Puri Dhama in Orissa.
Jagannatha Rathayatra Mahotsav ki jai!! Srila Prabhupada ki jai!!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/3Y8P

By Subroto Das

Spread over 700 acre ISKCON has decided to set up a 3000 crore (420 million US dollars) World Heritage centre at Mayapur , Nadia, birth place of Sri Chaitanya MahaPrabhu and spiritual headquarter of the institution. The construction of a 500 crore grand temple , Temple of Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) is the first step towards it. The temple is expected to be inaugurated in 2022 On Sunday morning , Mr Jindal along with other industrialists arrived at Mayapur on his private chopper at 11.00 am. They were warmly greeted and welcomed as per the Vedic traditions by senior devotees of ISKCON. Continue reading "World Heritage Centre at Mayapur
→ Dandavats"

“Instead of contemplating what will happen to this world, you have got a short duration of life, say fifty, sixty years. You chant Hare Krsna and go back to home, back to Godhead. Don’t consider what will happen to this world. Nature will take care of it. You don’t puzzle your brain with these thoughts. You utilize whatever time you have got in your possession and go back to home, back to Godhead. You cannot check it. Best thing is that you mold your life and go back to home, back to Godhead. Because people will go on with their rascal civilization, natural consequences will be there. You better take advantage of whatever time you have got and become fully Krsna conscious and go back to home.”

[Srila Prabhupada, Morning Walk, February 21, 1975, Caracas]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10213728198862176&set=a.3707173840886&type=3&theater

By Siddhanta Das

Hawaii's State Senator Mike Gabbard, father to Tulsi Gabbard, presents the Senate Proclamation honoring the 50th Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada's establishment of ISKCON Hawaii. Continue reading "ISKCON Hawaii Golden Anniversary Proclamation
→ Dandavats"