Planet ISKCON

Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama 2019 Day 7 (Album of photos)
The last two days of Parikrama are just wonderful.. it seems when the kirtan gets really fired up! As I told yesterday we were going to the King’s land situated in Simantadvipa where the process is Sravanam, what is really exciting. ISKCON Rajapur is so beautiful with our Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra deities plus Sri Gauranga and Simantini, the lake and Shiva’s banyam tree. Chand kazi’s samadhi is just about 2 km from the temple, a very sacred place where Lord’s pastimes took place. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu got really angry when the Kazi broke the mrdanga, he got thousand of devotees and marched to the Kazi’s house. It is described in Caitanya Bhagavata that the whole garden of the Kazi’s house was destroyed by the devotees, king’s security ran in fear and even the Kazi hid himself. When Mahaprabhu entered the house, Chandi Kazi was not there to greet him, so the Lord sent somebody to call the Kazi, when the Kazi finally came, in a friendly way the Lord said: “Sir, I have come to your house as your guest, but upon seeing Me you hid yourself in your room. What kind of etiquette is this?” How sweet are the Lord’s words! HG Pancharatna prabhu and Parikrama devotees put up a drama for the pleasure of everyone, after the drama they went to Sridhara’s house, a very poor brahmana who was blessed by Lord’s darshan and had an important role and example in His childhood pastimes. A sumptuous prasada was served and then we had quiz, kirtan, and the auspicious presence of HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, he came for hearing the realisation sessions of have in International group every year. HH Bhakti Purushottama Swami also arrived in the camp to give his wonderful association and he praised the devotees who did the sweet sacrifice of walking in Sri Navadvipa dham. Parikrama finished today in the morning with the gathering of all parties at ISKCON Mayapur campus. Such a beautiful sight an amazing spiritual experience, so many devotees were crying, the deities were beautifully decorated. We were 6 parties with a total of almost 8 thousand pilgrims. All of them walking in Navadvipa doing kirtan, can you imagine the power of such kirtan. The whole nine islands were trembling with the power of the Holy Name! Now we can understand the statement: the whole world will be liberated when the devotees perform Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama. Please watch the videos at Mayapur TV, to have a glimpse of this incredible spiritual activity! Gauranga! Nityananda! Your servant, Nitya Kishore dasi

HH Satsvarupa Das Goswami: Amith, an Indian devotee who lives in Albany, recently came back from a pilgrimage to Kumbha-mela in India. In the ISKCON tent he saw a murti of Laddu-Gopal, and he was very attracted to it. He thought of buying it and giving it to me as a gift. When the devotee-sellers heard that it was coming to me as a gift, they donated two sets of clothes. Laddu-Gopal is very beautiful. He is crawling, and in His right hand He is holding forth a laddu.

This year, the festival took place on the 16th of March. Sri Sri Radha Madhava are taken from the temple on procession, riding atop a carved wooden palanquin. They are brought to the pukur, or ornamental pond, that sits beside Srila Prabhupada’s Puspa-samadhi Mandir. The pond is ringed by walkways and steps leading down to the water, and within the water sits a decorated boat created especially for the use of Radha Madhava. The whole area is decorated with lights and flowers.

TOVP models of the Disciplic Succession also in Ujain (Album of photos)
HH Bhakti Charu Swami’s visit to the TOVP. Besides looking at all the work that has been done, Maharaj also came to see our models of the Disciplic Succession in order to have them done in Ujain. He’s taking up the task himself to oversee this work in Ujain.

GBC college 2019 event in Mayapur (15 min. video)
Srila Prabhupada: If one renders even a small amount of sincere devotional service, Krishna becomes obliged to elevate such person; and what to speak of one whose entire life and soul has been dedicated to Krishna’s service. Letter to Harer Nama, November 6, 1969

Answer Podcast

The post Does human nature always give fear precedence over faith? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

While chanting japa this morning, I thought of Srila Rupa Gosvami’s verse about the holy name:

tunde tandavini ratim vitanute tundavali-labdhaye
  karna-kroda-kadambini ghatayate karnarbudebhyah sprham
cetah-prangana-sangini vijayate sarvendriyanam krtim
  no jane janita kiyadbhir amrtaih krsneti varna-dvayi

“I do not know how much nectar the two syllables ‘Krs-na’ have produced. When the holy name of Krsna is chanted, it appears to dance within the mouth. We then desire many, many mouths. When that name enters the holes of the ears, we desire many millions of ears. And when the holy name dances in the courtyard of the heart, it conquers the activities of the mind, and therefore all the senses become inert.” (Cc Antya 1.99)

Although I have not experienced that level of chanting, it is a stage to which I can aspire.

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Some “rock and roll” mahamantra in Mayapur (video)
The NAM ROCK BAND performs at Srila Prabhupada’s Samadhi in Mayapur with a concert in the park.

HG Mahatma Prabhu: “Our business is to raise ourselves to the highest status of life as preachers of Krsna’s message, and one should behave himself rigidly, then he should instruct others. Two things: Be himself exemplary, then teach others to be exemplary. If one has not come to that high standard, he cannot judge or criticize others. There is one saying from the Bible: ‘Judge not, lest ye be judged.’ So how we can preach unless we are able to make judgments? That will not be possible. Only those who are above suspicion can judge others. One must himself act in such a way that he is always above suspicion. Then he can judge, then he can preach. But now you have no power to instruct. One who is not following himself, how he can instruct others? Srila Prabhupada Letter December 1972.

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Parabhakti Das, President of ISKCON’s Villa Vrindavana community near Florence, Italy, presented at a panel discussion on preserving authenticity in yoga during the European Academy of Religion’s annual conference this spring.

Kirtan is now available for all. But it wasn’t always like this. Before the 15^thcentury, the chanting of God’s own holy names was a sacred activity reserved for the highest of ecclesiastic society in the inner sanctums of temples.  

The New York Times Style Magazine’s first digital cover story, published on February 14^th,  features Hare Krishna devotees from ISKCON’s Radha-Krishna Temple chanting on the streets of London.

Srila Prabhupada’s expertise to preach and engage everyone according to time, place and circumstances (video)
Srimad Bhagavatam class by HG Rukmini Devi Dasi in Iskcon Mayapur, Mar 14, 2019.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/hdnZcf

People who appreciate proper standards of Deity worship tend to look to ISKCON as an example. Over the years, ISKCON has established a reputation of having high standards of Deity worship. However, the Deity Worship Ministry warned the GBC that if proper care is not taken to maintain and improve standards of worship, this reputation could slip. 

Panca Dravida Swami wanted to know how a person can attain perfection simply from one lava, one-eleventh of a second’s association with a pure devotee.

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HH Bhakti Rasamrita Swami: It is important to know what, when and how to speak!

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Visiting and preaching in Bali (Album of photos)
Bali is a province of Indonesia and it’s most tourist destination. It is located east of Java and west of Lombok. Balinese culture was strongly influenced by Indian, Chinese, and particularly Vedic culture, beginning around the 1st century AD. The name Bali dwipa (“Bali island”) has been discovered from various inscriptions. The largest city is the provincial capital, Denpasar, near the southern coast, where we have astoundingly beautiful Sri Sri Jagannatha Gauranga Temple. The beauty of the Deities and the altar is out of the world. Among many other ISKCON temples in that island, this one is one of the most prominent. For Deena Bandhu Prabhu’s Vraja-Katha programs, huge number of devotees showed up. Their simplicity and devotion amazed us. We were also invited to a Russian Yoga studio where we were stunned by the natural scenic beauty of the place. Finally we visited the mesmerizing Balinese temple known as Tanah Lot. It is one of the important directional temples and cultural icon for photography in Bali. The temple sits on a large offshore rock which has been shaped continuously over the years by the ocean tide. Tanah Lot is claimed to be the work of the 16th-century Dang Hyang Nirartha and forms an important element of Balinese spiritualism and history. The temple is one of seven sea temples around the Balinese coast. It is an extremely popular tourist destination and we were caught there by heavy rain, which increased the beauty three fold.

A Change of Heart (6 min. video)
HH Devamrta Swami talks about what happens when people meet the cows in Gita Nagari. “People want to be re-enchanted by nature.” He recorded this video for the North American Farm Delegates Meeting.

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By Nitya Kishore dasi

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu left His house (where the Yoga Pitha is situated) in the early morning heading to the Ganga. He crossed the river by swimming on His way to Katva to take sannyasa. When Saci mata understood that He was not in the house, she left looking for him, asking the villagers " Did you see Nimai?" In their hearts, the eternal associates of the Lord in the form of villagers, just remained silent. By seeing their behaviour mother Saci said:" You are just merciless." Continue reading "Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama 2019 Day 6
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On the 6h day of Parikrama, we are wondering in the island of Rudradvipa where Nidaya Gat (border) is situated. Early morning all the pilgrims left Pratapnagar by boat.. it is always a great time crossing the merciful waters of Mother Ganga with so many devotees, such an unique experience! Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu left His […]

The post Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama: Day 6 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Today we visited Modadrumadvipa. As you already know, each of the nine islands correspond to one of the nine processes of devotional service according to our previous acharyas. Modadrumadvipa corresponds to dasyam (service in the mood of servant). Our speakers explained that in the same way that the celibacy pervades all the four ashrams, dasya […]

The post Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama: Day5 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Answer Podcast

The post Is living in the present without living for Krishna helpful? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

On March 10, International Women’s Day, the Amravati, Maharashtra, ISKCON Girls’ Forum successfully completed the movement’s inaugural vaisnavi one-day padayatra.

Apply these 5 open secret techniques to improve your Naam Kirtan — Sacinandana Swami

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Full speech by India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi at ISKCON Delhi on February 26, 2019, at the occassion of unveiling the largest Bhagavad-gita in the world. 

Answer by HG Chaitanya Charan das

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Meet Australia’s oldest initiated Prabhupada disciple Bhutanath dasa.
Gauragopala Dasa ACBSP: Australia’s oldest initiated Prabhupada disciple 77 year old Bhutanath dasa ACBSP.

Constructive criticism from caring guides
Excerpt from The Spiritual Scientist
‘See Criticism With a Critical Eye’
By Caitanya Charan Das
The bhakti tradition compares the cutting words of sages to a surgeon’s scalpel. Just as the scalpel cuts off unhealthy tissue, so too do the corrective words of our trustworthy spiritual guides destroy our misconceptions. Just as avoiding surgery can worsen the disease, so too fleeing from corrections can aggravate our illusions. Therefore, when we get constructive criticism from our well-wishing mentors, we need to humbly and honestly introspect and improve.

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The Queen’s Secret (Album of 255 photos)
What a show!! This is by far the most amazing drama I have ever seen!! The Queen’s Secret depicts the life of Queen Kunti, from when she was a maiden princess, to begetting Karna and the five Pandas, until her last days in this world. The Mahabharata is nicely condensed in this hour-and-a-half drama performed by a cast of devotees from 25 countries. Deep emotion, anger, joy, regret, satisfaction, excitement, and tears fill this play all throughout. 255 pictures is a lot but for this play by Bhaktimarga Swami, it doesn’t give it justice… A small offering of gratitude to Bhaktimarga Swami and his great team!!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/m2dNqt

A visit to the TOVP (Album of photos)
Sadbhuja Das: Hare Krishna dear devotees,
Please check these images of His Holiness Radhanath Swami’s visit to the TOVP.
Srila Prabhupada: “As a result of chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, one makes such great advancement in spiritual life that simultaneously his material existence terminates and he receives love of Godhead. The holy name of Krishna is so powerful that by chanting even one name, one very easily achieves these transcendental riches.” (Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.28)

By Nitya Kishore dasi

The next stop was the house of Saranga Murari, the famous guru who initiated a dead body that was floating in the Ganga in the early morning. His very unique pastimes made the devotees laugh when they heard the incredible activities of this unique vaishnava. The most humble and sincere Vasudeva datta was also living in this house and His beautiful deities are still there: Radha Madhan Gopal, they are very tall and Gopal has light blue body with big lotus eyes. Once Caitanya Mahaprabhu came to this place and for the pleasure of the devotees he saved a tree which was giving shadow in the courtyard. That very tree touched by Lord Caitanya's lotus hand is still there. Continue reading "Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama 2019 Day 5
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Dallas’ Mayor Rawlings invites all to Dallas Ratha Yatra (2 min. video)
Watch this wonderful invite to the Festival of Joy, by our very own mayor, Mike Rawlings!

Join us at the Toronto Hare Krishna Temple on Wednesday March 20th, as we celebrate one of the biggest festivals of the year, Gaura Purnima, the appearance of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu! 

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is none other than Lord Krishna Himself. He appeared in the city of Navadvipa in Bengal in 1486. Throughout His life he practically demonstrated how to follow the teachings of Lord Krishna with love and devotion in the simplest way. He inaugurated the Golden Age amidst the age of Kali and established the chanting of the Holy Names of Krishna (Sankirtan) as the Yuga Dharma. He generously distributed His teachings to all the fallen people without any discrimination and rekindled their love for God. In this way, He personally exemplified how to be a pure devotee of Lord Krishna.

Answer Podcast

The post Is it ok for devotees to give motivational classes without mentioning Krishna at all? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

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

The pastimes of Krsna have more power to capture the heart than any other pastime. Therefore, to develop love for Krsna is especially easy because Sri Krsna is all attractive and His pastimes are especially sweet. What Lord Caitanya gave us is filled with taste and there is no compromise – it is the highest taste. Taste is the special feature of Lord Caitanya’s movement. 

In the Caitanya Candramrta of Prabodhananda Sarasvati the question is asked: “Where do you find renunciation as you find it in the associates of Caitanya Mahaprabhu?”

Yes, and why is this? Because it is a renunciation which is based on blissfulness. When you are completely blissful in some activities there is no interest in anything else. You do not even think about it. Imagine if we are totally absorbed in a very blissful activity and some salesman comes and says, “You want this?”

“What? No!” 

In this way maya has nothing to offer.

It is explained that the virakti of the vaisnava is like the eating process. When one is full one has no interest in anything, even in the tastiest things. Things that normally would be considered attractive are not attractive. So one who is absorbed in love of God and has that taste, has no interest in worldly pleasures. In this way we can be on a platform of renunciation which is otherwise virtually impossible for any yogi, who would have to undergo great difficulty, great pain, a lot of austerity and follow a very rigid program. Therefore taste is the central factor. It is the source of our strength.          

The article " The Highest Taste " was published on KKSBlog.

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The post QA session in Melbourne 2019 appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

The post Krishna’s moods in the Bhagavad-gita (3) appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

[Seminar in Melbourne, Australia]

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Podcast Summary

 

Video:

The post Krishna’s moods in the Bhagavad-gita 3 – Chp 13-18 appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Gopi Gita: Nothing compared to my visit to the Bhakti Center! Every nook and cranny felt powered by intention; every step a visit takes carefully thought out in order to guide guests to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. From the smiling receptionist to the signs, the colors, the pamphlets, wall decor, shoe racks placement, everything perfectly placed. I felt like I had been gently carried by another force to the ornately decorated temple room doors. Radha Muralidhara, breathtakingly beautiful and Sri Gaurachandra, resided inside, surrounded by walls decorated in sacred cowdung. The visionary for this temple is HH Radhanath Swami. And the excellent work being led by our very own Virabhadra as temple president. Bud Tansey (Virabhadra Ram)

The area was undeveloped and considered unsafe. Local people and even disciples used to tell Prabhupada that although he was planning to spend so much money, no one would go there, because it was so isolated. Undeterred, Prabhupada would say that it was a good location. He had a vision. When land is donated, he said, it is auspicious. He asked his disciple, Surabhi Dasa, a Dutch architect, to design the temple

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