Ratha-Yatra in New Orleans (Album of videos) Drumila Dasa: Our…
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Ratha-Yatra in New Orleans (Album of videos)
Drumila Dasa: Our last Rathayatra was rained out last month, so today we tried again. It was supposed to rain, 100% chance the weather station said. But by the grace of the prayers of all the Devotee’s, and the Lord himself, for the better duration of the parade, we had no rain. Only at the near the very end did it rain, and that is after we had gone by the most populated sections of the French Quarter. I was busy handing out tons of fruit in the form of oranges tangerines and apples(Prasadam of course), books, and pralines which were offering to the Lord. But I managed to stop a few times just to film some of the nectar scenes. So here they are from the beginning of the parade to towards the end love of it.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/hnhtzw

Harinama in Kuta beach, Bali (Album of photos) Srila Prabhupada:…
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Harinama in Kuta beach, Bali (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: We are not afraid of maya because Krishna is there. Krishna says, “My devotee will never be vanquished by maya.” Maya cannot do anything if we become strong. And what is that strength? Chant Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare loudly. (Lecture on Bhagavad-gita, 3.6.10, Los Angeles 1968).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/QBfU6A

In The Land of Confucius (Album of photos) Indradyumna Swami:…
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In The Land of Confucius (Album of photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Our program in Qufu, China concluded last night with a lecture on the “Nature of the Soul.” Afterward, the audience chanted Hare Krishna and danced with us in great ecstasy. My experience is that Lord Caitanya’s formula for awakening love for God works in each and every country of the world.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/SgcasQ

Gita Jayanti 2019 Celebrations!
→ Mayapur.com

“Because Bhagavad Gita is spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one need not read any other Vedic literature. One need only attentively and regularly hear and read Bhagavad Gita.” – Srila Prabhupada, Bhagavad Gita Introduction  Since 1994, the Bhaktivedanta Gita Academy (Mayapur) has been enriching the lives of many with the teachings of the […]

The post Gita Jayanti 2019 Celebrations! appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Photos from London Boxing Day Harinama Sankirtan
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Photos from London Boxing Day Harinama Sankirtan.
Please find below photos from the London Boxing Day Harinama Sankirtan, which was also Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura’s Disappearance Day.
Srila Prabhupada: All glories to the chanting of Hare Krishna mantra or Krishna sankirtana movement. All glories. All victory. How it is victory, all victory? If you chant this Hare Krishna mantra, then the dirty things which have accumulated in your heart due to material contamination will be cleared off. (Purport to Siksastakam).

Spiritual Initiations, December 25, Carpinteria
Giriraj Swami

Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad Bhagavatam 3.15.25.

“On the auspicious occasion of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura’s disappearance day, we were pleased to officially connect Vishal Amarnani and his wife, Shweta, to Srila Prabhupada and the guru-parampara through hari-nama initiation. Their new names are Vraja Bihari dasa and Sveta-manjari dasi. Please bless them and support them in their service to Srila Prabhupada, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and their mission.”

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Initiation Kirtan
Initiation Talk

Uploaded transcriptions for Krishna Lila – Putana,Shaktasura demons
→ The Spiritual Scientist

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/10/demons-krishna-lila-1-metaphorical-points-transcendental-putana-represents-false-guru//

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/10/demons-krishna-lila-2-shaktasura-overcoming-lethargy//

The post Uploaded transcriptions for Krishna Lila – Putana,Shaktasura demons appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

If we are good at something that we do for our career, how can we bring Krishna into it?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post If we are good at something that we do for our career, how can we bring Krishna into it? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Gita Jayanti Mayapur 2019
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Hare KrishnaOn the day of Gita Jayanti, the devotees from the Mayapur community, Brahmacari asrama and department and Sankirtana department recited the entire Bhagavad-gita along with the hundreds of visiting pilgrims. This recitation was headed by His Holiness Bhakti Caru Maharaja, His Holiness Candramauli Maharaja, His Holiness Bhakti Purusottama Maharaja, His Grace Jananivas Prabhu and His Grace Pankajanghri Prabhu, and when they got to the concluding chapter of the Bhagavad-gita, oblations were offered into a fire yajna following each sloka or verse from the 18th chapter of the Bhagavad-gita.

A Bullet Train To Transcendence (Album of photos) Indradyumna…
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A Bullet Train To Transcendence (Album of photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Today we took a bullet train from Beijing to Qufu, the village where Confucius was born 2,500 years ago. In Qufu there is a community of people who revere Confucius and his teachings. I visited them 2 years ago and they invited me back this year for a special gathering. This evening I spoke to 500 people on the similarity of the teachings of Confucius and Chanyaka Pandit of India. I concluded by saying that both teachings are meant to bring us to the mode of goodness, but beyond goodness is transcendence. And transcendence means going back Home to the spiritual world. I received a loud applause. It was all Srila Prabhupada’s mercy. Tomorrow I will speak in the evening on the nature of the soul. They have specifically asked for a long kirtan at the end. So happy to be on the road again!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/6cN2vY

Increasing the Spiritual Family
Giriraj Swami

On the auspicious occasion of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura’s disappearance day, we were pleased to officially connect Vishal Amarnani and his wife, Shweta, to Srila Prabhupada and the guru-parampara through hari-nama initiation. Their new names are Vraja Bihari dasa and Sveta-manjari dasi. Please bless them and support them in their service to Srila Prabhupada, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and their mission.

Thank you very much.

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Uploaded transcriptions for demons in Krishna lila, Janmashtami Krishna-katha and rasa lila series
→ The Spiritual Scientist

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/10/demons-krishna-lila-1-metaphorical-points-transcendental-putana-represents-false-guru//

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/10/demons-krishna-lila-2-shaktasura-overcoming-lethargy//

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/10/demons-krishna-lila-3-trinavarta-giving-useless-argumentation//

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/10/demons-krishna-lila-4-vatsasura-weakness-forgivable-wickedness-isnt//

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/11/demons-krishna-lila-5-aghasura-cruelty-violence//

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/12/demons-krishna-lila-6-bakasura-appearance-substance-transcendence//

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/09/janmashtami-krishna-katha-1-krishna-freed-kings-jarasandha-krishna-frees-us//

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/09/janmashtami-krishna-katha-2-krishna-freed-princesses-naraka//

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/09/janmashtami-krishna-katha-3-krishna-appears-mathura//

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/09/janmashtami-krishna-katha-4-krishna-appears-vrindavan//

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/09/understanding-rasa-lila-1-supreme-shelter-ashraya-becomes-sheltered-ashrita//

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/09/understanding-rasa-lila-2-bhagavatam-establishes-para-dharma-without-trivializing-apara-dharma//

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/09/understanding-rasa-lila-3-arrogance-keeps-us-locked-apara-dharma-para-dharma-get-us//

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/09/understanding-rasa-lila-4-radharanis-apparent-pride-expresses-selfless-love//

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/09/understanding-rasa-lila-5-gopi-gita-1//

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/09/understanding-rasa-lila-6-gopi-gita-2//

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/09/understanding-rasa-lila-7-gopi-gita-3//

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/09/understanding-rasa-lila-9-appreciating-krishnas-mystifying-reciprocation//

The post Uploaded transcriptions for demons in Krishna lila, Janmashtami Krishna-katha and rasa lila series appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Framework for ascertaining non-sectarian dharma
→ Servant of the Servant

Steps to understand that the process of Bhagavad dharma is non-sectarian.

For example, let us say I am sick. Below are the steps I would take;

  1. I have fever, headache and body-ache
  2. I will go to the doctor 
  3. Take the medicine as prescribed by the doctor
  4. No fever, headache or body-ache (healthy)
The above is a real world example every one of us have experienced. It is the same for a muslim, christian, hindu or atheist. 

The above steps can be categorized as follows;
  1. Problem
  2. Method or process
  3. Solution
  4. Problem solved
Using this four-step framework, we can apply this to Bhagavad dharma;
  1. Problem - Human's false identification with the body and mind (experiences duality/birth&death or samsara)
  2. Method/process - logical deduction, instructions of the sages, and vedic literature
  3. Solution - Surrender to Lord Sri Krishna who is seated within the heart
  4. Problem solved - No false identification with body and mind, hence does not experience duality/birth&death or samsara.
Now, people in general (majority) do not even accept they have the problem of mis-identification. However, we simply have to be sober and introspect our own self to ascertain that it is a problem. There is ample evidence from scientists also suggesting the same (if we have the will to research, we will find evidence). Through some personal effort, certainly we can ascertain the problem. 

The method or process requires faith. This faith is not blind. When we see self-realized sages who are not attached to their body and mind, we want that. We want a state where we are not attached to enjoyment or renunciation (duality) like the sages. We can gather that evidence by simply studying the sages. If a sage is not interested in the duality of  enjoyment or renunciation, then we can conclude he or she is not attached to the body and mind. We approach them like we go to the doctor and inquire from them as to how they reached that stage. According to great sages like Ramanuja and Madhwa, we learn that by taking shelter of Krishna and surrendering unto Him we will also reach that state of existence non-duality (advaitam).

We practice with due diligence and realize the truth for our self.

Anyone regardless of their political, economical, and religious biases, if they take to this process, they will realize the truth and this is the essence of non-sectarianism. Anybody regardless of background will get the same results. 

Hare Krishna

Chant for upliftment
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, November 2015, Vrindavan, India, Video Interview)

We chant the Hare Krsna maha-mantra because it is said that by chanting these sixteen syllables all the influence of the Kali will be destroyed. Under the influence of Kali, we are becoming totally degraded. Illicit activities such as meat eating, gambling, intoxication and illicit sex are rampant in the world. Day-by-day, we become pulled down more and more, and degraded more and more and we sink deeper into the swamp of suffering. But, the chanting of Hare Krsna can liberate us from all this suffering. Therefore we must chant that name of Krsna as recommended in Kali-santarana Upanisad: Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.

The article " Chant for upliftment " was published on KKSBlog.

Krishna will always accept you, no matter what!
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Krishna will always accept you, no matter what!
(Source: https://goo.gl/dKfN2g)
Gopi Gita Devi Dasi: There are times in all of our lives, as progressing spiritualists, where no matter how hard we work/surrender/strive for the highest level of purity and love, we fall flat and feel not enough; unable to be enough; ready to give up.
We may feel the challenges we face outwardly and inside our hearts to be insurmountable. We may feel that we are making no progress as to the lessening of material desire, attachments, lust, anger, greed and so much more.

Sharing love of God on Christmas (Album of photos) Indradyumna…
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Sharing love of God on Christmas (Album of photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Christmas In Beijing. Practically speaking there is no Christmas in China. The communist government does not encourage it. I saw one single Santa Claus while roaming around Beijing this morning - and that was a Santa Claus doll in a shop window. Nevertheless, I shared the spirit of the holiday season by holding two programs in different homes throughout the day where we discussed the philosophy of Krsna consciousness, had kirtan and wonderful prasadam. I really enjoyed the day. As Jesus said: “It’s better to give than it is to receive.” And what better gift is there to share on Christmas day than love of God?
Find them here: https://goo.gl/wsQW47

Change of Heart
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Hare KrishnaBy Giriraj Dasa

As we come into Krishna consciousness then many a times we may get lost in the philosophy itself. The mind too likes newer subjects and intellect is also satisfied by gaining deeper understanding. However we should be careful not to feel satisfied remaining at these levels. Most of us do understand that our real position in the material world is not unlike that of a criminal put in a prison for reform. Criminals can also, rather they do, have high level of mental and intellectual capabilities! Continue reading "Change of Heart
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Is satisfaction an austerity of the mind or it is an illusion that traps us?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post Is satisfaction an austerity of the mind or it is an illusion that traps us? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Maharaja Disappearance day
→ Ramai Swami

In the course of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati’s travels throughout India he became much pained at the erroneous teachings of many pseudo sects and sahajiya groups. 

There arose in his heart a burning desire to widely preach the true siddhanta according to the desire of the Six Goswamis and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

Srila Prabhupada states, “From childhood he was a strict brahmacari, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja. And he underwent very severe penances for starting this movement: world-wide movement. That was his mission.”

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura spread the teachings of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, especially in the early twentieth century. He preached against the deep-rooted influences of caste-ism and impersonalism. 

He wrote over 108 essays and books and regularly met with scholars, educators, and other leaders, presenting Krsna Consciousness as a science worthy of serious study. He established 64 temples, known as Gaudiya Maths, inside and outside of India.

More photos from the amazing Ratha Yatra Festival in Ludhiana…
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More photos from the amazing Ratha Yatra Festival in Ludhiana 2018, probably the biggest in the world (after Puri)
“In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy the only means of deliverance is the chanting of the holy name of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.” (Brhan-naradiya Purana)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/4E277D

Gita Jayanti Celebrations in Vrindavan
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Hare Krishna Vrndavan Krishna Balarama Mandir celebrated its 19th Annual Recitation of the Sanskrit verses of the Gita Mahatmya and the Bhagavad Gita in the temple courtyard 19 Dec. 18, Moksada Ekadasi. It was a wonderful Community Event and we thank everyone for their participation, including the chanters and those who helped set things up. We began by 9:30 a.m. with a short aroti to the Bhagavad Gita, and finished the ecstatic recitation just before 12 noon, followed with Ekadasi Makana (lotus puff) Prasad, a big draw! That evening, our verse for the daily BG class was 7.18, given with video presentation by Sureshvara das.

Gokula Cafe Initiative
→ simple thoughts

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Hare Krishna,

Please accept my humble obeisances

All glories to Srila Prabhupada,

It will soon be two years since our friend BhajaHari Prabhu left us.  He asked me to look after the Gokula Cafe, we planed the New Year’s Maha Harinam, what sound systems and how many booklets, we finished our conversation about the evenings preparation, seconds later he had a heart attack and that was it. So now we are going to double the Prasad distribution, in his honour, and in an attempt to get Srila Prabhupada’s mercy.

Starting from the new year , Gokula Cafe runs as “Pay As You Can” system, those with money can pay and those without can have a full meal for 5p or less.

We are looking for volunteers to make Prasad, such as cakes, or make pan cakes in the cafe, or just help out. We will open the cafe daily from 11am to 3pm.

Today we had our Christmas Feast for the homeless at Gokula Cafe, 120 people attended.

Your servantParasuram Das 

Done It! Sutapa Das: By the combined efforts of so many…
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Done It!
Sutapa Das: By the combined efforts of so many vaisnavas over 50,000 doors have been knocked this month in UK! The last 3 days have been magical - so much energy, enthusiasm and inspiration… we wish it could go on and on… these are all the transcendental pastimes of the Lord…
“Gauranga Mahaprabhu’s pastimes are going on even today, and one who is fortunate can witness those transcendental lilas” (Caitanya Bhagavat)
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Kavicandra Swami: What could be more astonishing than this?
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Kavicandra Swami: Yesterday was a wake-up call day. I was asked to “bless” two cremations. Both were for elderly matajis who were serving up until the end, in spite of infirm bodies. The devotees, of course, were there and chanting. When we arrived at the second one the crematorium was so crowded that everything was behind schedule, so due to another temple program, I was not able to stay.
For the soul, there is neither birth nor death.


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