Part of a lecture by HH Bhakti Rasamrita Swami given in Iskcon Melbourne.
What makes a Temple wonderful (3 min video)
Welcome to 2019!
Sivarama Swami: Let me start the new year by…
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Welcome to 2019!
Sivarama Swami: Let me start the new year by expressing how grateful I am to you all for tuning in over the past two years and being part of our 250,000+ community, allowing me the opportunity to give a little of what I have learned during my half-century of life as a spiritualist and practicing swami. My satisfaction lies in being able to serve others and to share the universal teachings of soul philosophy.
Even more satisfying is knowing how so many of you have personally achieved your own goals through the vlogs. I receive thousands of messages from people across the globe: some who have quit smoking after years of failed attempts; some who have conquered depression; some who have committed to meditation practices; some who have taken up a more conscious and compassionate lifestyle through vegetarianism or veganism…there are countless examples I read of how you have found your own satisfaction and fulfillment through this growing community, and I am honored to be a helping hand in your process.
And the adventure continues! Let this be your year of transformation. More videos and courses are planned for the coming year, and I am more enthused than ever to continue to serve you as much as I can in your journey of inner development.
Read more: https://goo.gl/G2AcZm
The Nectar which we are always anxious to have (video)
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The Nectar which we are always anxious to have (video)
Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HG Rukmini Mataji at Iskcon Vrindavana, Jan ...
Wonderful “Goloka Fest” in Moscow, Russia (Album of…
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Wonderful “Goloka Fest” in Moscow, Russia (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Caitanya Mahaprabhu says: “I have brought medicine to awaken very living being from perpetual sleep. Please receive the holy name of the Lord, the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, and awaken. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 5.13.9 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/Kk3wPK
New Govardhana, Australia (2018) (Album of photos)
Arjun…
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New Govardhana, Australia (2018) (Album of photos)
Arjun Bhattacharyya: New Govardhana is an amazing farm community project i...
Reflections of 2018 and 2019 Spiritual Goal Setting
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Reflections of 2018 and 2019 Spiritual Goal Setting by HG Vaisesika Dasa, 01.02.19 at ISKCON Silicon Valley (video)
Watch it h...
His Grace Kaliyaphani Prabhu departs (Album of photos)…
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His Grace Kaliyaphani Prabhu departs (Album of photos)
Indradyumna Swami: My dear godbrother Kaliyaphani prabhu: It was with great sorrow that I learned of your departure from this world yesterday. I have many fond memories of our times spent together at New Mayapur in France during the 1980’s. I was the temple president and you served in the Gurukula. We both shared a love for chanting the holy names and I can still remember the roaring kirtans we had in the temple room each and every day, as well as on the streets of local towns. Your enthusiasm for chanting the holy names was endless! And who can ever forget the famous theatrical performance of the Appearance of Lord Nrsimhadeva that we both participated in for an audience of several hundred devotees from around the European zone? Along with many devotees from New Mayapura we practiced for months. Surely everyone present vividly remembers the final scene of that drama when you as Hiranyakasipu - and me as Lord Nrsimhadeva - fought the final battle for almost half an hour! I still bear scars from the realistic performance we enacted! I will miss you my friend. I have no doubt you are serving our beloved spiritual master now in accordance with your heart’s desire. It will be an honor and a pleasure to serve alongside you again. Your servant, Indradyumna Swami
Find them here: https://goo.gl/rrVt2B
Sun Love Feast – Jan 6th, 2019 – Vedic discourse by His Grace Vaisnava Prabhu
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Adult Education At The Temple
Uploaded transcriptions for Understanding rasa lila part 5 and 6
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Does preaching essentially mean changing people’s faith?
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Answer Podcast
The post Does preaching essentially mean changing people’s faith? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
Obituary to Kaliyaphani prabhu
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By Adikarta das It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected loss of our dear godbrother and friend Kaliyaphani dasa, who was killed in a motorcycle accident Thursday night in Alachua Florida. I knew Kaliyaphani since he joined ISKCON in 1975. He was from an upper class English family, had expensive private schooling and an aristocratic upbringingAlmost from the day he joined he became a traveling sankirtan devotee. In fact he was the rock on which the great British sankirtan army was built. He and his deceased brother Satyavak prabhu were both very helpful in establishing the British yatra as a leading sankirtan force. For many years he travelled in a small van heading up a fleet of other sankirtan vans. He was never the top book distributor, but he was the backbone of the party. I remember the time when the great sankirtan warrior Pragosh visited the UK, and he and I were engaged in a fierce competition, it was Kaliyaphani prabhu who humbly did all the back up work. Continue reading "Obituary to Kaliyaphani prabhu
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Thursday, January 3rd, 2019
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Toronto, Ontario
To Another Friend Gone
I just got the news at 10:52 p.m. A phone call from Gainesville. A female voice, Eastern European, was on the phone—Nistaranga by name. “ Your friend, Kalyapani died over an hour ago. An eighteen wheeler hit him. He was on his motorbike.” http://mycbs4.com/news/local/alachua-fire-rescue-responding-to-fatal-motorcycle-wreck
Of course, I was in shock. We did the travelling monk thing together in Northern Ontario, in what we call sankirtan. He was a serious follower of Prabhupada. We bore the bites of those mosquitos in the summer nights. We also travelled on the youth bus tour. He was the driver. I was the drama director for the boys on the tour. Kalya also acted. He was the stuntman and with his pulleys he could do almost anything. For his age, he was very good, agile and slim.
At the Alachua Krishna community, he tended to the gardening and maintenance. He was respected for his tasks and readings at the temple.
God, I don’t like machines that move faster than the human being can handle. Here comes another statistic; another Vaisnava knocked out of life. Hard lessons are to be learned while being in this world.
We will miss you, Kalya, your friendship, your sharpness, your regular task-mastering, your English accent, your love for guru demonstrated by your complete involvement. There isn’t anything outside of devotion that you were made of. You had a lot of fire in you, physically, but your fire of bhaktiexceeded any other flame.
So long! So long, Friend, well-wisher of all. When I go to Florida next, I will walk by the place where you left us—at the corner of the pavement and the sandy road.
May the Source be with you!
4 km
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2019
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Etobicoke, Ontario
Journey Through
I was thrilled to receive a parcel in the mail, this morning, from Professor David L. Haberman, whom I met at the Parliament of World Religions this last November, right here in Toronto. I opened the parcel and voila there was the book he so kindly promised me. Authored by himself, Journey Through the Twelve Forests; An Encounter With Krishna, is for bhakti-yogis and pilgrims alike. Thanks David! Your kindness was shown when you came to visit and we had prasadam.
I've begun to read this masterpiece, which takes me to Braj, the land of Krishna. It's a special place, no doubt. It has been suggested to me many times that perhaps I should trek the stretch of India, following the Ganga perhaps, from north to south, maybe the Yamuna River which flows through Braj.
I've given those urges a thought. Frankly, I like it best to move through uncharted territory that is beautiful, but not yet recognized pilgrim trails. Although I see much of India's tirthas, or holy places, to be saturated with a special amrta(nectar) ,I cannot fail to see all terrain to be part of His domain as well.
After a marvelous dinner by Yamuna Jivana in Etobicoke, I just had to fulfil a rationed one-hour-minimum pilgrimage on my own neighbourhood not turf, but fresh snow. My God, the white stuff in all this evening's fluff is so pure—so Krishna like.
May the Source be with you!
4 km
Tuesday, January 1st, 2019
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Toronto, Ontario
Shoes
Happy New Year!
A spiritually surcharged program took place at 243 Avenue Road. To add to our drama repertoire we now have a fresh new skit which was presented, "First Timers," but what I would like to perhaps rename as, "Red Hot Chilli." What is the experience of a newcomer to the centre? Does the person have a good experience? Sometimes it's cumbersome and lessons are to be learned. The audience loved the comedy.
After this program of good cheer, I walked west on Bloor. I often take that route, and when I do I pass by the Bata Shoe Museum. You won't find a shoe museum in every city.
If you are a walker, footwear is important to you, although I've never personally taken a fancy to being stylish with shoes and, being a monk, I am somewhat restricted in apparel choices. Period. I recall how our guru, Prabhupada, found guys wearing "stacks" in the seventies to be amusing.
In the past, I've ventured into the museum. Tuesday afternoons were free. You are looking at three floors illustrating shoe power. I remember seeing shoes worn by Glenn Gould, Elton John and, if I'm not mistaken, Marilyn Monroe. On display were a set of wooden shoes worn by an Indian maharaj, and every time he'd take a step a device built inside would squirt out a blast of perfume. Impressive!
The window display for pedestrians shows floral patterns made of shoes, each display representing a provincial flower from Canada. Sweet! I spent a few minutes, a break from walking, viewing the colourful patterns of shoes.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Monday, December 31st, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
New Year Blues
In he walked, during my moment of chanting the mantracalled gayatri. It was someone who was familiar with the system. He reverentially offered his obeisance after entering the temple room where I was chanting. I completed my mantraand walked toward this six-foot-four-inch Texan (by birth). I suddenly recognized that here is someone I hadn't seen in over twenty-five years. It was Jagadisvara.
It was a hug for a feeling of long-gone separation. He used to live on these premises, and since leaving for West Virginia, he married a Torontonian girl, and then produced two sons.
"I'm so proud of my boys. They have Krishna in mind. It's the best thing I've done. I instilled in them a sense of spirituality."
Jagadisvara came to town to see his family. It's New Year's time, and people are moving about visiting friends and family. I consider my dear friend to be family, part of our spiritual family.
A terrible thing happened to him, though, in the evening in Yorkville, during the drizzle of the night. "I was walking; got approached by three tall men. They showed a knife, a gun and led me to an ATM and pulled out all my money."
This is the sad story that goes along with the ushering in of the New Year for Jagadisvara. It's interesting because the neighbourhood where this happened is a respectable one. I recall hearing sirens going off more than twice in the night, an indication that not all goes well for some, and that it can be easy to start off on the wrong footing.
Watch your step.
May the Source be with you!
0 km
Sunday, December 30, 2018
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Scarborough, Ontario
Om Purnam
Omprakash is eighty-six and is a prominent member of the community in ISKCON Scarborough, located at 3500 McNicoll Avenue #3. Whenever I visit this centre, this gentleman stands out by having something pertinent to say. Today he took the step forward to have diksha. At one of the finest sacred fires I’ve experienced, Omprakash sat and received the Sanskrit name Om Purnam (Das). Congratulations!
Dikshameans initiation but actually this rite of passage (for seniors or youth alike) is more or less a confirmation. With this ceremony, vows are made—vows which express commitment to abstain from eating meat, gambling and intoxication. The last or fourth one, is the abstinence of promiscuous sex. Now when it came to Om’s uttering of it, it came out more like a mutter, and everyone had a good laugh. Considering Om’s age and all, this particular appetite for sex is not much of an issue.
From Scarborough’s program, I moved to Toronto to 243 Avenue Road, for the Sunday gathering. It was a lively kirtan and everyone enjoyed themselves. Nakula had come over to visit from St. John, New Brunswick, during the holidays, where he and partner, Sarah, conduct weekly bhakti programs. I’m so proud of them.
Nakula and I took a hike from the city’s Greek town to our temple address, to talk about everything under the sun (or more like “under the street lights”). It was good.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Saturday, December 29th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
Talking and Walking It Up
The chill dampness can only get to your legs, with just a dhoti to cover them, if you don't keep moving. Ananda had his black long-johns on, while I braved the zero degree celsius with thin fabric. We took to the morning freshness and then again at nightfall. Breaking up the day with two saunterings is really cool. We stuck to the Rosedale area and included Ramsden Park where Ananda went wild on a grandiose chime, a New Year's offering to Vishnu, I suppose. https://www.instagram.com/p/BsAjF1AA2Vi/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=10zvpm3pcboi4
We are lucky snow hasn't seriously manifested yet, but that luck could wear off at any time. Our second trek was through the Victorian neighbourhood. For Ananda, the homes appear like houses from horror films. "Look again, my friend. They are actually solid, homey charmers."
He had a second look and agreed. "Yes, they are solid, well-maintained structures."
And I thought strong foundation means strong humility. If the base is firm, all above it can be solid.
Ananda told me of the earthquake in his village in Maharastra. "In eleven seconds, everything was downed. There wasn't even enough time to scream. Many deaths. I was young and the walls were thick, but still..."
He was right about Nature not stopping at anything to dismantle what we've built.
There we were, going at a leisure pace with grave thoughts in our minds, and in the background, and sometimes foreground, was our sound of the mahamantraas we fingered those beads of ours. It was nice.
May the Source be with you!
6 km
Friday, December 28th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
A Class of Truth
At our very holy spot in the ashram, the dozen monks, plus to be and wannabe monks, sit in the cozy corner of the temple room for a Bhagavatamreading and discussion. I was asked to conduct the class today based on 10.51.50 from the story of a retired warrior, Mucukunda, who received a benediction to burn to ashes anyone who would disturb his slumber. That happened. The notorious Kalayavana, who was chasing Krishna, was led into a cave and woke up the privileged sleeper. I thought the verse and purport were compelling:
Translation: The body that at first rides high on fierce elephants or chariots adorned with gold and is known by the name “king” is later, by Your invincible power of time, called “feces,” “worms,” or “ashes.”
Purport: In the United States and other materially developed countries, dead bodies are cosmetically disposed of in a tidy, ceremonial way, but in many parts of the world old, sickly and injured people die in lonely or neglected places, where dogs and jackals consume their bodies, eventually transforming them into stool. And if one is so blessed as to be buried in a coffin, one’s body may very well be consumed by worms and other minuscule creatures. Also, many earthly cadavers are burned and thus transformed into ashes. In any case, death is certain, and the ultimate fate of the body is never sublime. That is the real purport of Mucukunda’s statement here—that the body, though now called “king,” “prince,” “beauty queen,” “upper-middle class” and so on, will eventually be called “stool,” “worms” and “ashes.”
The reading above rendered the naked truth to those of us in attendance, stripping the ego to the simplest, most basic reality.
May the Source be with you!
1 km
Thursday, December 27th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
Ravine Stroll
Raymond and I went for a ravine stroll. We appreciated the air movements. It made the trees sing. Those higher winds caused trunks and branches to twitch, dance and produce screaming sounds. The bending of these trees seemed to flex their muscles and release some tension. Raymond was claiming the screeching was that of birds.
"No!" I said. "Stop, look and listen."
It actually took some time for the next screech to occur but it came. It was definitely the limbs responding to the wind. We moved on and saw the leafless vines swirled about some tree trunks. "What does this say to you, Ray?"
"The tree is like the guru and the students are getting strength (like the vines) from the guru," he analysed.
"Good thinking!"
We came upon a posting affixed to another tree which read, "Dog Found," with a picture of the canine cutey centred on it. We had a little chuckle over that.
"It reminds me of some words by Carole King about the soul being in the lost and found," I mentioned to Ray.
"I know it," he said excitedly.
Out of the ravine, I pointed to the once-train-station-now-liquor-store. I used to pace back and forth here after closing hours whenever it rained. The awning is substantial enough for that.
It was a good walk in and out of the ravine.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Tuesday, December 25th, 2017
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Winnipeg, Manitoba
Night Stepping
It was "Silent Night" all day. It is the quietest day of the whole year. Shops are closed. People are in their homes. Traffic is limited to a short drive to see family or friends or both for the dinner of the year. I was thinking we need more days like this.
As I was walking on Greenwood towards Dakota, I stayed on the actual street. The sidewalk wasn't shovelled. Then I took another look to notice some streets only have street—no sidewalk. Okay then! In this twenty-below-celsius weather I took care to step on what was white, because black surfaces were ice-bound—slippery. Hard snow is safe.
It was night and I kept eyes to the ground. I stopped to have a look at Visvambhara's home. Last summer the place caught on fire just the day after I left. I hope no one thinks I'm jinxed. Too bad, I thought, regarding what's left of the building. The flames were devastating for Visvambhara and family. An extreme inconvenience. On top of that, insurance on the property became a complication. Somehow he remains resilient.
That is the lesson I learn from being on the winter road—to try to overcome, mentally, the extremities of climate, by chanting with lips moving and chanting beads in my pocket as I finger them. Trying toward transcendence.
I was in the mood of reflection thinking of the gathering indoors earlier on, when Ariel played so sweetly the sarangiinstrument. "It is so calming," I said. https://www.instagram.com/p/Br2fp3XgOCl/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=8yd8z0wjtsci
And Daniel, who was absorbed, responded with a "Yes, it is!"
May the Source be with you!
3 km
Receiving Knowledge Externally and Internally (video)
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Receiving Knowledge Externally and Internally (video)
Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HH Bhakti Caitanya Swami at ISKCON Durban, S...
ISKCON GBC Ministry of Agriculture and Cow Protection (5 min…
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ISKCON GBC Ministry of Agriculture and Cow Protection (5 min video)
The Ministry reaches Australia and finds wonderful pastur...
New Year Eve at Harinam in Penn station Monday, December 31st…
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New Year Eve at Harinam in Penn station Monday, December 31st (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The names of the Lord and the Lord are non-different. So Lord Krishna’s instructions to Arjuna to “remember Me” and Lord Caitanya’s injunction to “always chant the names of Lord Krishna” are the same instruction. (Bhagavad-gita, Introduction)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/SguPY9
How Lord Krishna blesses His devotees (video)
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How Lord Krishna blesses His devotees (video)
Srimad Bhagavatam Class by H.G. Gauranga Prabhu at ISKCON Vrindavan, 1st of Janu...
A “visit from above” in Mayapur (Album of photos)
HH…
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A “visit from above” in Mayapur (Album of photos)
HH Bhakti Charu Swami Arrives at Mayapur: There was great excitement at Mayapur Campus as HH Bhakti Charu Swami arrived at Mayapur by a helicopter landing in the huge parking area behind the temple. A grand welcome was offered to Maharaja with flower designs, rangoli and lamp offerings. After a spectacular preaching program at East Medinipur, Maharaja took the helicopter ride to Mayapur. His Holiness will be blessing all of us with a three-day seminar starting from 4th January.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/o6RdoX
Nitai-Gaurasundara’s Cart: An Expansion Of Lord Balarama
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Acarya Das: Throughout the seven years that I have been involved with padayatra I have always felt the cart of our Sri Sri Nitai-Gaurasundara to be very special. Their Lordships have been carried on it for so many years that in the words of my Gurudev, it is like a mobile temple, moving everywhere to bring darsana to the people. The cart also carries Srila Prabhupada and his books and every evening when we go for sankirtan we display Bhagavad-gita on the cart, so that people can have darsana and buy it. Thus, the cart has always been adorable for us padayatris Welcome to HH Bhakti Charu Swami!
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There was a great excitement at Mayapur Campus as HH Bhakti Charu Swami arrived at Mayapur by helicopter landing in the huge parking area behind temple. A grand welcome was offered to Maharaja with flower designs, rangoli and lamp offerings. After a spectacular preaching program at East Medinapur, Maharaja took the helicopter ride to Mayapur. […]
The post Welcome to HH Bhakti Charu Swami! appeared first on Mayapur.com.
HG Kaliyaphani Prabhu, ACBSP left his body
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HG Kaliyaphani Prabhu, ACBSP left his body, 3 January 2019.
Please pray for Kaliyaphani Das, he was killed in a motorcycle accident around 9pm est.
Every minute someone leaves this world.
Age has nothing to do with it.
We’re all in this line often without realizing it.
We never know how many people are ahead of us.
We can’t go back.
We can’t get out of the line.
We can’t avoid the line.
So while we wait in line - simply chant Hare Krishna and remember Krishna to go back to Krishna.
Uploaded transcriptions for Understanding rasa lila part 3 and 4
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The post Uploaded transcriptions for Understanding rasa lila part 3 and 4 appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
If everything attractive comes from Krishna how do we see a young attractive girl?
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Answer Podcast
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Lecture – BG 12.09 Hoping To Be In The Cat’s Dreams 12/25/2018
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at the home of Shyamasundara’s in Dallas
The Atma Paradigm workshop at the London College of Vedic Studies
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Science and philosophy have common goals: to explore and uncover answers to the big questions of existence and to apply that knowledge for the benefit of the entire humanity. It turns out that the seemingly simple question, ‘who am I’, has plagued not only philosophers since time immemorial, but in more recent times it has seen neuroscientists scratching their heads also. In this workshop we went on a journey through matter, life and the universe, all the while putting the most important piece - ‘consciousness’ - into its rightful place in the puzzle of existence; right at the very beginning! Meghnauth Baboo Ram…
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Meghnauth Baboo Ram.
Hare Krsna, Jagannath Mishra Prabhu and I happened to knock on a door, and a devotee named Meghnauth Baboo Ram opened the door. He looked surprised to see us holding up the Bhagavad-gita and other books. He said that he’d just finished reading the Gita and had placed the book on his altar when he heard us knocking. So we gave him the Krsna book.
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An Iskcon devotee with an audience of 30 million people each week!
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An Iskcon devotee with an audience of 30 million people each week!
An ISKCON devotee who grew up in the Hare Krishna Movement, Gaura Mani devi dasi, and her group Vrajavadhus Kirtan, have become a kirtan phenomenon! Reaching 30 million people a week with kirtan posts on Facebook, regularly chanting Hare Krishna to audiences of several hundred thousand at Rathayatras, and changing lives everywhere, they are proving the sheer power of the Holy Names and Srila Prabhupada’s message.
Krishna Conscious Complaining (5 min video)
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Krishna Conscious Complaining (5 min video)
There is a way to complain in Krishna consciousness. If we must speak out against ...
Sunday preaching program in Mayapur (Album of photos)
Srila…
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Sunday preaching program in Mayapur (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Dedicate your life for Krishna. That is the perfection...
The world points to Krishna and often misses the point of Krishna (Based on Gita 10.41)
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The world points to Krishna and often misses the point of Krishna (Based on Gita 10.41)
Chaitanya Charan Das: The world features many attractive things that we clamor and labor to enjoy. Yet their beauty doesn’t last for long. Even while it lasts, their charm dwindles with time, leaving us disappointed.
Is our longing for pleasure meant to be permanently thwarted?
No, asserts Gita wisdom – provided we understand the point of the world: Krishna.
The Bhagavad-gita (10.41) explains that all attractive objects manifest a spark of Krishna’s splendor. However, because the attractiveness of those objects is finite and short-lived, they offer just a drop of pleasure. In contrast, because Krishna’s attractiveness is infinite and eternal, he offers a limitless ocean of pleasure.
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Photos from London New Year’s Eve 2018.
“For us,…
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Photos from London New Year’s Eve 2018.
“For us, every day is New Year’s. Krishna is always new, always fresh, and we are always celebrating Him. Just see how these people in maya are celebrating, drinking poison to forget everything! Because they are frustrated, they want to forget. But for a devotee, it is just the opposite. The devotee wants to remember Krishna at all times.” - Srila Prabhupada. December 31, 1966 : New York.
Slideshow (please turn on sound): https://davidc.zenfolio.com/new_years_eve_2018/slideshow
Gallery: https://davidc.zenfolio.com/new_years_eve_2018
Your servant, David
Past, Present, and Future of Hinduism in North America, By Stephen Knapp
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One thing I have witnessed is that how 30, 40 or more years ago, when Indians were coming to America, they came to concentrate on their careers, not their culture. Yet, many of them have now turned back to their culture and have become better Hindus than if they would have stayed in India. Some may have realized that the American dream is not all it’s cracked up to be, or, more simply, in order to feel more complete and fulfilled, it is better that they still have a strong connection with their Vedic traditions. It may also be because they want their children to be trained up in the culture of their homeland. So, now many of them have reconnected with the spiritual customs and traditions of Vedic India. They have combined their assets and have built so many temples across America.
However, a problem that many Indian Dharmic families are facing is how to make sure their children learn about and take an interest in their own culture. That can partly be because the parents do not always show enough interest, which is the impression passed on to the children. But it is also encouraging to see that those children who do take an interest are often becoming more dedicated Hindus than their own parents. Yet, we can see that this is often a matter of association, who the children pick as friends and how they learn about what really is Vedic culture or Sanatana-dharma. Therefore, the children have to be guided by proper training, proper association, and proper observance of Vedic traditions. This also is part of forming the proper samskaras in the minds of the children. And isn’t this what we are meant to do anyway?
One thing that we should realize while we live and grow in America, is that the way things have been going in India, we practically have more freedom to practice the Vedic culture and its traditions in America than we do in India, and I could certainly elaborate on that point, but already have in other articles that you can read on my website. However, hopefully, with the proper government, that will change and obstacles that have come up against the Vedic community can be dismantled. Nonetheless, we need to know how to utilize this freedom that we have here in America.
Secondly, we need to know that America is a prime location where we can work together for cultivating as well as protecting and preserving the Vedic tradition. But we need to base this cooperation beyond the considerations of caste or ethnic differences, those labels of the body. We may call ourselves Hindus and then Indians, but how many times do you call yourselves Gujarati Hindus, or Bengali, or Marathi, or Tamil Hindus, and so on. But as the Vedic teachings relate, we are actually the spirit soul within whatever kind of body we may temporarily have. We need to base our cooperation and the way we identify with each other on that. And America can be the best place for this to happen. We are all speaking a main language of English, we all go to the temple, and our caste and ethnicity matter the least here than back in India.
Yet, this is one of the problems that we see in India: there are so many groups that have similar goals and interests for the benefits of the culture and country, but there are so many differences between these groups based on superficialities of the body and ego that they cannot unite and become a strong federation, a powerful organization that can determine their own fate, or the future of the country. If anything, so many associations in India still fight with one another and, thus, weaken each other to the point of becoming incapable of performing any significant actions that will make a real difference for the unity and future of the Vedic culture in India. This is where we have a real chance of excelling while in America.
This was the same sort of weakness of the past 1000 years when invaders came into India, sometimes few in numbers, but took over parts of the country without much resistance. It was a lack of unity amongst the princely states, their inability to support each other or come to the aid of another that allowed for such a poor defense system that they could not repel their invaders. So, we have to ask ourselves, are we going to continue the same pattern? Are we going to sit back and criticize others and what they have done and point out what they should do, while we accomplish nothing? If we do, then there is no doubt that we are already finished. It is only a matter of time when we and the Vedic system will become so reduced that it will fade from the world, like other cultures that have been reduced to mere museum pieces. We have to rise above that.
Some of you will say that I am being overly dramatic, and that Sanatana-dharma is eternal, so that will never happen, and there is nothing to worry about. To that I will only ask, haven’t you honestly read the Bhagavad-gita? Haven’t you read that one of the reasons why Lord Krishna appeared in this world was to revive the Vedic traditions and its teachings, which had become lost, faded from what it once was? So, are we going to allow that to happen again? Are we going to simply wait for someone else to take up the reigns to lead us, to protect and preserve the culture, or to bring it back to its glory the way it used to be?
So, as American Hindus, Western Dharmists, we should first recognize ourselves as spiritual beings, followers of Sanatana-dharma. Only after that should we recognize each other as Indians, or related to India. We must first see ourselves as spiritual beings, and then everyone else in the same light, the light of Vedic spiritual knowledge. Then we can come together and cooperate in real unity, real concern for protecting and preserving the Vedic Dharma, not only for ourselves, but for our families, our children, and for the many generations to come. Even my own spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, once asked us, what is the use of being Americans if you cannot do something significant?
Let us make sure that the Vedic tradition and its spiritual knowledge is not an eternal yet hidden philosophy that has been forgotten or is difficult to attain and utilize. Let us make sure that it remains a guiding light for everyone, all over the world, and accessible for those who seek deep spiritual knowledge, over and above mere pious religion. That is the way it is meant to be. I have often said that Vedic culture is the last bastion of deep spiritual truth. If we lose that, then all of humanity is in for a very dark future.
However, as followers of Vedic Dharma in America or as Americans of Indian descent, we also must never forget that India is the homeland of our Vedic tradition, and that is what it must always remain. We must protect that as well. But how do we use our freedom here in America to do that? What do we do? Of course, the following points, though oriented toward America, can be done anywhere, especially in India.
AN EIGHT POINT ACTION PLAN
FIRST, as I mentioned, we need to respect each other as spiritual beings, followers and friends on the path of Vedic Dharma. We can become encouraged by coming together and associating in this way, and seeing the positive effects of the tradition on each other. Then we must cooperate and work together to assist ourselves and our friends along this path, and there are many ways in which we can do this, of which I will mention only a few here.
SECONDLY, we utilize our freedom to assemble and rejoice in the Vedic festivals and celebrations that we can observe, especially in the temples. This makes way for the joys of life, and also creates many samskaras or impressions of these happy times in the minds of our children, the memories of which last for many years and propels them to do the same with their children. This is love, this is what we want, love for God and love for each other as parts of God.
THIRDLY, the Indian community in America is one of the wealthiest. According to Vedic Dharma, such wealth is a tool to either help spiritualize your life, or build a crown on your head, the weight of which will only drag you down into darker realms in the next life if you are a miser. So, let us use our wealth for the spiritual well-being of everyone, whether in building temples or establishing programs, a few of which are described as follows.
FOURTHLY, educating yourselves and the youth in the Vedic customs and its philosophy is of extreme importance. The number one reason why Hindus convert to other religions is not because the other faiths are so much more organized and well funded, though this may sometimes be a part of it. But it is primarily that Dharmists or Hindus are not educated enough in their own traditions and Vedic philosophy. They may go to the temple and do pujas, but they may not even know the significance of them, or the spiritual knowledge that is a part of the Vedic tradition, or the depth of this spiritual philosophy. Thus, it is important that everyone is educated properly. This can be done by holding regular group classes and discussions in the temple. And if this is not so easy, I have seen where people get together on a weekly basis to read, comment on and discuss such sacred texts as the Bhagavad-gita among themselves. This is extremely important so that people, and especially the youth, understand their own culture more deeply and can perceive the profound and dynamic nature of it.
FIFTHLY, we may do all of the above, but we also must realize that all we do to preserve and protect the Dharma can not be fully accomplished without its promotion. Yes, we have to promote the good and the depth of this Vedic culture, otherwise how we people know about it? Such promotion may start amongst other Hindus or Dharmists, or within our family, Indian community, etc. Or it may also be done in ways to share our culture with other non-Hindus who are interested, such as inviting them to a festival, to the temple and showing them around, or just having a lunch with them at the local Indian restaurant and sharing the stories of your own life on how your culture has had positive affects on you. This is easy, there is nothing hard about it. And if you don’t know what to say, then give them a brochure, or a booklet or book that explains the basics of the philosophy so they can start to understand it or look more deeply into it. (And I have got plenty of free brochures or booklets on my website that you can download or ask that I send you if you need them.)
SIXTHLY, we must object to all prejudice against Vedic culture and Hinduism in the media. Why are people so easy going about writing and publishing any damn criticism about India and Hindus and Vedic culture? Because they know that in most cases, no one will object and nothing will be done about it. No one will stand up against them. This attitude must change. In America free press is for everyone. In other words, you can also write to the editor of any publication to object to something you disagree with. However, the point to remember is that the more who do that, the more effective it is. And this is where group cooperation becomes very important and influential. If someone denigrates a Hindu or Vedic culture, it is not so difficult to write a letter and demand an apology. But if that same letter is circulated to a large group, along with the email or address of the editor, and many people start signing it and sending it in, it will flood the editor’s office or email address and certainly get noticed. In today’s world of communication, a program of protest could be put together and accomplished within a few days, or even hours.
We also need to process lawsuits as well. Utilizing part of our money in defense of Vedic Dharma in lawsuits against slander or other crimes against Vedic culture and those who follow it will also help make sure that people become more cautious about committing such acts again. These and other methods need to be taken into consideration to make sure that people and the media realize that Hindus are a force to be reckoned with. American Dharmists must clearly understand that they cannot remain silent or wonder who will be the fodder for the next racist policeman or person who wants to take their anger out on them. For too long Hindus have not been organized and have remained apathetic to what has gone on around them or to them. This needs to change.
SEVEN. The above point leads to point number seven, in which American Hindus or Dharmists must become politically active. This does not simply mean that you vote, or that you attend fundraisers for your favorite candidate to have a photo with them that you can hang on your wall. How has that helped anything? We need to get more serious. American Dharmists can also volunteer in large numbers in political campaigns to show the force that we can have, so that politicians realize we are a great force that they will want on their side. But we should also vote as a block. We should look seriously at the issues any candidate is addressing, and then vote for the person who will be best for the interests of American Dharmists and relations between the U.S. and India. And we can also run for various offices as well. That is already happening on an increasing basis. More Indians should consider it. As the saying goes, it is easier to change things from the inside than remaining on the outside.
EIGHT. The last point is dealing with interfaith marriages. This is happening on an increasing level. As they say, love is often blind, keeping you from seeing the realities that will become apparent down the road. But statistics have shown that most interfaith marriages dissolve, ending with divorce, especially when the issue of children comes up and the decision has to be made regarding how they are going to be raised, and what religion they will follow. The fact is that most Hindu girls who marry outside the Hindu fold either convert or allow their spouse to have control over the children in regard to their faith. And Hindu boys often do the same thing. Therefore, whenever an interfaith marriage occurs, most often by the next generation or two, that family will no longer be following Vedic culture. They will be something else, which contributes to what may be viewed as the slow demise of the Vedic or Hindu population. That is why the fourth point about educating yourselves, your children and giving them the right association and friendship through temples and youth or Dharmic camps can be so helpful for them to realize the depth of what the Vedic philosophy has to offer, and to keep them in the Hindu fold. But the key to these youth camps is that they must be fun. They should not be a grinding indoctrination program that loses its attraction. These kinds of things can help pave the way for them to realize the importance of this to their future, their children, and the future generations of their family if they remain in the Dharmic fold by marrying another Hindu, or someone who wants to follow it.
These are all powerful ways in which the community of American Hindus/Dharmists can work together to cultivate and benefit from the oldest living, spiritual tradition on earth, as well as preserve and protect the Vedic tradition. In this way, we can pave the way for a long and bright future for Hindus across America and around the world. Let us all help each other do this.
Dharma Rakshati Rakshitah. Jai Sri Krishna.
[More Information at http://www.stephen-knapp.com]
Strong Hindu Families for Strong Hindu Youth, by Stephen Knapp
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Naturally it takes a strong Hindu family to instill in the youth of today faith in their Vedic culture. The family is where such faith and identity begin.
When the parents are strong in their confidence and practice of the traditions of Vedic Dharma, naturally the children will pick up on this. They will also become attracted to various aspects of the Vedic path. They may like watching the arati, or saying the prayers, or having their Krishna dolls, or even in offering their food to the deity, or watching episodes of the Mahabharata. As they get older they may like attending a Hindu children’s camp, or going to the temple for children’s classes like Balgokulam or Balvihar, or going to the temple for the holidays like Janmastami and others. Actually, I have seen when the children like going to the Sunday classes to join with other children at the temple, it may also become an impetus for the parents to regularly go to the temple. Yet, the parents should want to go anyway. Plus, taking the children every year to joyous occasions and festivals like Rathayatra, etc., can create impressions, samskaras and memories in the children so that they will want to continue that tradition when they are adults and take their own children to such joyous events at the temple. They will remember the happiness when the whole family celebrated such festivals. This is what helps create a strong Hindu identity in the family, especially in the children, as well as a loyalty to the traditions.
However, it seems that this is not how it is always happening. Too many times the parents do not get involved in developing their children’s understanding of Vedic Dharma and its customs. Too many times the parents also do not know enough about it to be able to answer all of their children’s questions, or to at least answer the questions in a way it makes sense. Nor are the parents always motivated to go to the temple on a regular basis, or to take their children to classes, leaving it up to the children to find their own way.
This is why, more than a few times, Indian Hindu parents have asked me what to do now that their children are dating a Christian or Muslim, or attending Christian youth camps, where the criticism of anything outside that faith plays a specific role. And when the parents object to their children about doing such things, the Hindu youth reply that their parents were never involved that much or took it seriously, or they were always told that all religions are the same, so what makes the difference? This is where the problems begin. But it is funny that the only religion wherein some members say all religions are the same is Hinduism. Otherwise, many other religions are quick to not only point out the differences, but to criticize Hinduism as well.
If families are not strong enough to invoke a strong Hindu identity in their children by the way they are raised and educated, then the children may grow up to be “simply wimpy, hardly Hindus” to such a degree that they not only will not know how to maintain a strong Hindu identity, but they may even be indifferent to do so, or worse yet, be ashamed of it. In such a scenario, it is only a matter of another generation or two when Hinduism, at least in the way we know it, will cease to exist, at least here in America. Of course, the same pattern can apply to India.
So parents must understand their duty to their family when it comes to the education, the inspiration, the understanding, and participation of their children in the traditions, customs and philosophy of Vedic Dharma.
Actually this is an obligation that is outlined in shashtra. For example, the Bhagavata Purana (5.5.18) explains: “One who cannot deliver his dependents from the path of repeated birth and death should never become a spiritual master, a father, a husband, a mother, or a daivam (accepting a worshipable position).”
So, it is the duty of parents to train their children appropriately. Naturally, we can only encourage our children to a certain extent, but it has been seen that those children that grow up in a strong Hindu family are more likely to be grounded in the Vedic values, and will remain stronger in their Vedic identity than those who are not. While those that come from weak-minded Hindu families, who are taught that all religions are the same, are also likely to give it the least consideration. They become like ships without a rudder, with little spiritual direction, little strength to maintain their identity, and you do not know where they are going to end up culturally.
However, Hindu parents should know better than this. They should be educated in their own culture and philosophy enough to know how to answer questions of their children. They should be willing and able to show a strong dedication to their Vedic culture and its traditions so the children will also pick up on that and understand the benefits that it provides, and what is the basis of these traditions. The Hindu temple priests should also be willing and able to explain the details and reasons of any ceremony. The point is, that it is the family setting and environment, and the example of the parents that creates a strong Hindu identity in the youth, which is especially important when they are young, which can then help continue the tradition in the future. Without this, the continuation of Vedic Dharma becomes questionable.
Naturally, as Hindus or Vedics, we are respectful of all religions. But there is no reason why we should not be more so toward our own. And this starts in the family. It is the attractive nature and the universal spiritual principles in Vedic Dharma that draws people to it. We are not interested in converting people, especially by tricks, force, intimidation, fear tactics, or economic manipulation. But in India, these have been important tactics for converting Hindus to other religions for years. I especially saw this while doing two lecture tours in India’s northeastern states. And the same tactics are appearing elsewhere, like in Tamil Nadu. They have no qualms about saying things like Hinduism is the worship of devils and demons. I have even heard televangelists say that here in America. And should we not be able to defend ourselves from such things? Should we not be able to speak out? The strength to do so depends on our upbringing or background.
Not long ago I was invited by a young Hindu in Houston to participate in a Hindu youth camp. I had booked the plane ticket and everything. But later it was decided that I should not be invited. The reason was because the previous year, another popular western Hindu speaker had been there and was describing his story of how he became a follower of Vedic Dharma. In telling his story, he mentioned that Christianity and Islam did not have what he was looking for. A simple statement, I would think, and hardly anything political. He was simply relating part of his development. But that statement created a backlash at the camp. So, it was decided this year that they did not want to take a chance of someone saying something similar. And this was supposed to be a “Hindu camp.”
The youth I was speaking to came from a strong Hindu family, and he was telling me that he felt frustrated by the whole thing because many of his age group lacked the backbone or strength to stand up for their own culture. Plus, only a short time earlier, at a nearby university the president of the Hindu Student Council, which is known for supporting strong Hindu ideals, converted to Islam because she wanted to impress the parents of her Muslim boyfriend. This leads to question how much Hindu are they. How strong are they in their allegiance to and participation in the Vedic traditions and Hindu community if they cannot even stand up for their own culture or remain in the Hindu fold? So, the question is: Do Hindus have a right to defend themselves? Can I say why I left a previous religion to follow Vedic Dharma? Apparently not when other Hindus object.
Certainly, Hindus can do better than this. I do not like to feel that I am in a minority of those who are strong enough to take a stand and say that I’m proud to be a Hindu or Dharmist, and also have the information and the willingness to explain why. Or am I alone here, like a dying breed?
We should be willing to stand up for who we are, and not be afraid or intimidated by those who challenge us or our tradition. But we need to be educated to know how to do that in the right way. But if we are going to be afraid to defend ourselves, or try to be overly politically correct which paves the way for others to walk all over us, then what is the future of Hinduism going to be? If we cannot even say why we chose Vedic Dharma over other religions, because some may interpret that as a criticism of others, then what kind of spineless person are we? I may not be criticizing other religions, but I should certainly feel strong enough to explain what I find attractive and profound about Vedic Dharma. And if that is a problem, if that is typical about the mindset of Hindus, then others will and do take advantage of that.
The conclusion is that the future of our freedom to participate in the traditions of Vedic Dharma and its continuation starts with the family. This should not be neglected, nor should we assume that everything will be all right, or someone else will take care of this and I do not need to be concerned about my children. We need to recognize how our actions can make a difference in our own sphere of influence, starting with our family. That is why a strong Hindu family can set the stage for strong Hindu youth, which, along with the continued spiritual development of everyone, is the purpose of Vedic culture.
[More information at http://www.stephen-knapp.com]