Our team of three stayed at the ISKCON Centre, Montreal, overnight. I kept myself clear of any space where incense lingered as it agitates or aggravates my sinuses at present. I have some throat issues. I mentioned to the head priest that it might be something for him to think about and take action on. "We use incense in our services but we might consider cutting down. Some Buddhist monks were found to have lung cancer because of large doses of incense. One of our pujaris (priests) in the San Jose area was found to have cancer from the incense she used several times a day in her service and she never ever smoked cigarettes. What is recommended is to use one instead of three sticks, and just after it is offered to the deity you can put it out."
He listened to my logic that in India incense is used in outdoor courtyard temples. The smoke has a chance to escape. I hope my advice takes hold because our priests are precious.
After a great morning sadhana, we headed off to the rural project called "Nandagram," in Mascouche. They have made progress since last I came. The main resident building has expanded in size due to the hard work of Anu Bhava and Jenke. By spring it will all be ready for our Farmer's Conference in May. Please give support.
On our return, we stopped by historic Prescott along the St. Lawrence for a snack. The new owner, of a convenience shop in Sanjay, fresh out of Mumbai, recognized us as Krishna monks and inadvertently entertained the customers in queue by offering hugs after stepping away from the counter and touching our feet. It is traditional habit that can make life bitter, fun or fatal.
Our "Paramahamster" comic strip follows an enthusiastic devotee as he navigates a 9 - 5 work day in the corporate world. Please check back weekly for new episodes!
Question: Despite your conservative training how did you become so accommodating?
Answer: I would not really use the word liberal or conservative or orthodox because each word comes with a certain connotation. The word becomes charged with certain meanings that later resides in the minds of people. Most liberals use the word progressive for themselves but that also implies that those who are not progressive are regressive. Hence, there is a kind of negative labelling there. I would prefer to use two words – sensible and effective. When I got my training, it was a very rigid practice of Krishna bhakti and I felt nourished by it for some time, but then I had intellectual needs which were not addressed by the kind of philosophical classes I was hearing. After being introduced to the world of intellectuals, I realised that scriptures and the broad bhakti tradition was much bigger. In general, by interacting with devotee scholars who were aware of the bigger picture of the world, I started becoming aware of the realities.
When we live in a monastery as monks, there is tendency to demonise the outer world as an abode of maya. However, a part of maturation is to recognise and appreciate that there are shades of grey. For me, it started by first intellectually appreciating that there are shades of grey and that there are many scholars who may not be devotees but have lot of sensible things to say, not just about the world but even about religion and ISKCON.
Hence, I think it was an intellectual study of the broader world, that broadened my horizons. As I started travelling, not just in India but across the world, and started interacting with people, I realised that the situation and dispositions from where each people came is so widely different from where I was coming. Thus, I realised that they will naturally practice Krishna consciousness according to their situation and dispositions. At first, I went through a phase of being judgemental but over a period, I realised that by being judgemental I was ending up failing to see Krishna, where he was undeniably present. Being sensible and being effective means that while interacting with the world, we can see how Krishna is present somewhere or not. We could see the absence of Krishna consciousness is the problem or we could see the potential for Krishna consciousness as an opportunity.
If we look at the first vision, then the world can appear very dreary and dark place with very little prospects for Krishna consciousness. We might give ourselves a self-congratulatory pat that how demoniac the world is, and how insightful we are in exposing the demoniac nature of the world but such analysis can only be convincing to the convinced or be appealing only to those who are already totally fried out with the world. If we want to appeal and present Krishna consciousness to people who are the movers and shakers of the world or who are going to become the movers and shakers of the world then we need to recognise that we also have to work with the existing system and structures and permeate Krishna consciousness within them; the way, Bhakti Vinod Thakur did when he was in the British administration.
Hence, I would say two things. Firstly, it was study of the world through the eyes of intellectuals and intellectual devotees and secondly, the interaction with people from different dispositions that made me sensible in terms of looking for the potential for Krishna consciousness or how I could make a constructive contribution in such a situation.
The cutting-condemning attitude done by most religions does not work in today’s post-modern ethos where people do not accept any authority. A more experiential soft attitude is what works. I feel that if a doctor is treating a patient, then doctor has certain protocols to follow. However, the doctor has to keep the purpose in mind i.e. healing the patients. Sometimes in some exceptional situations, instead of following past standard protocol that do not work, the doctors may have to create new protocols. They may need to do something new and over a period, create new protocols to serve the old purpose of treating and healing patients.
Hence, intellectual training and intellectual cultural exposure in that order has broaden my perceptions and hopefully by Krishna’s and Vaishnava’s grace made me little more sensible and effective.
How to remain determined in Krishna consciousness.
BB Govinda Swami: If there’s ever a question to do something conservative or to do something liberal, it’s always better to do something on the conservative side of Krishna consciousness. You know, being more conservative in our frame of mind may not be as expedient in terms of gratifying our senses. But if we have that focus to keep us closer to Srila Prabhupada, and His mood and His instructions, then you’ll be able to remain in your determination more. And then among yourselves, you should be consciously trying to advance in Krishna consciousness. And you should develop sangas among yourselves, serious devotees, who really want to advance in Krsna consciousness. You know, we can always associate with people who are less serious, who are just more interested how to fulfill their material motivations, or you can associate with those who are more serious in Krishna consciousness.
Prema-bhakti, as actually demonstrated by mother Yasoda.
Srila Prabhupada: In the beginning, the Vedic purpose is pursued in three ways (trayi) — by karma-kaṇḍa, jsana-kaṇḍa and upasana-kaṇḍa. When one reaches the complete, perfect stage of upasana-kaṇḍa, one comes to worship Narayaṇa, or Lord Viṣṇu. When Parvati asked Lord Mahadeva, Lord Siva, what is the best method of upasana, or worship, Lord Siva answered, aradhananaḿ sarveṣaḿ viṣṇor aradhanaḿ param. Viṣṇupasana, or viṣṇv-aradhana, worship of Lord Viṣṇu, is the highest stage of perfection, as realized by Devaki. But here mother Yasoda performs no upasana, for she has developed transcendental ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa. Therefore her position is better than that of Devaki. In order to show this, Srila Vyasadeva enunciates this verse, trayya copaniṣadbhiḥ etc.
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, November 2015, Vrindavan, India, Video Interview)
Why I love kirtan? I don’t know if I love kirtan but I am addicted to kirtan! Love is such a big word that I am afraid to use it, because love means really that Krsna is our all-in-all. I cannot say that but somehow or other, I have developed some attachment to kirtan. Of all the material elements, it is said that the ether is the most subtle and within the ether, there is only sound, whereas in other realms there are touch, taste, sound, smell… but in ether, there is only sound. Therefore it is said that sound is closest to the soul.
So I always liked music but when the holy name of Krsna was added to that, it became perfect because Krsna is non-different from his name. Therefore by chanting the name of Krsna, in beautiful melodies, we are getting the association of Krsna, and the melodies are bringing out different moods and rasas, so in that way it is easier to approach Krsna. That is why I like kirtan.
Does love limit freedom?
Love is the limiter of freedom – and its fulfiller too (Based on Gita 18.66)
Chaitanya Charan Das: We long to be free. And we long for love. Yet love and freedom don’t seem to go together.
A historic day for book distribution in UK! (Album of photos)
Sutapa Das: Yesterday was historic - nearly 150 devotees doing door-to-door!!! As a result, we are now at 31,000 doors! 19,000 doors in two days… let’s make this happen for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada!!
PS with unreported scores we are reaching 50,000 books distributed also!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/NjBYQA
Kurma das: Dipak had volunteered for the service of cooking lunch for Prabhupada during his visit to Melbourne. Yet Dipak, usually a proficient cook, was today not his usual confident self. He was nervously dropping butter on the floor, sliding chapatis off the stove and boiling over the milk when he noticed Srila Prabhupada at the kitchen door.
ISKCON Ludhiana’s Ratha Yatra Festival has started (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu recommended five items of devotional service, namely to serve the devotees of the Lord, to chant Hare Krishna, to hear Srimad-Bhagavatam, to worship the Deity of the Lord and to live in a place of pilgrimage. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 3.19.38 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/yZxuo3
Hare Krishna devotee special invitee in a religious ceremony with very distinguished guests.
HH Radhanath Swami was the special invitee to the wedding of Mukesh Ambani’s daughter. He was the first person who was invited onto the stage even before Hillary Clinton and Pranav Mukerji.
Hare Krishna devotees featured on California Camp Fire Charity Album.
Two of the Hare Krishna Movement’s most well-known singers, Jayadev Das and his daughter Gaurangi Devi Dasi, are featured on a new charity record for the California Camp Fire, entitled “Tears Aren’t Enough.”
The Camp Fire, which ran from November 8thto 25th, was the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California history to date. It caused 86 civilian fatalities, covered an area of 153,336 acres, and destroyed 18,804 structures, causing an estimated $7.5–10 billion in damages.
When she saw the devastation, Barbara Sobel, a New York music promoter and CEO of Sobel Promotions felt she couldn’t sit by and do nothing. So she contacted an eclectic group of artists, including Jayadev and Gaurangi, asking for an unreleased song for a compilation charity album.
To read the entire article please click here: https://goo.gl/29Qk45
Everyone falls short, or doesn’t progress as fast as they would like, on their spiritual journey. Can we ever think we love or serve Krishna sufficiently, when even great souls consider themselves deficient in devotion? Therefore, I always feel it is essential to portray my struggles as well as successes, so that devotees will be comfortable accepting and acknowledging where they fall short—at least with a select group, or a confidential friend. It is a sad truth that too many don't have such a friend and suffer without loving support, or even die alone, forgotten. If we hide behind a veneer of external practice and trying to look good, without admitting and sharing our struggles, we won’t be able to hear how other devotees have dealt with similar problems. Some devotees think they are the only one with a particular challenge or sensual weakness, but if there was more honest sharing of experiences, devotees would see that while the exact details and degree of intensity vary, most of us have many of the same issues and struggles. Continue reading "Encouraging Words → Dandavats"
An August Assembly (Album of photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Yesterday, Pundrik Goswami of the Radha Raman Temple in Vrindavan asked me to accompany him to a lecture he was giving in Agra, not far from the famous Taj Mahal. The program, by invitation only, was attended by many of Agra’s most influential and distinguished citizens. The title of the lecture was: Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Goswami kindly had me speak to the audience for 20 minutes before his lecture. I explained the scriptural references to Lord Caitanya’s appearance as well as His introducing the Yuga Dharma of chanting the Hare Krsna mantra. I concluded by sharing with the audience how Srila Prabhupada took Lord Caitanya’s message to the west and how the chanting is now being heard throughout the entire world. I am grateful to Goswami for allowing me to address such an august assembly.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/dnUmRo
An affective feeling towards a person or group member based solely on that person’s group membership.
An unfair and unreasonable opinion or feeling, especially when formed without enough thought or knowledge.
An unfavorable opinion or feeling formed beforehand or without knowledge, thought, or reason.
Any preconceived opinion or feeling, either favorable or unfavorable.
Unreasonable feelings, opinions, or attitudes, especially of a hostile nature, regarding an ethnic, racial, social, or religious group.
I left Cleveland via air with a stop-over in Detroit, and after a second flight, which landed me in Toronto, my two companions, Ananda and Jay, drove me to Montreal. We were on the go. But for a slight delay in Toronto—one winter tire was to replace the summer tire—we kept flying. While the tire was being replaced I saw the opportunity to head south on Dufferin and walk into pure sunlight.
Now, when I say ‘flying’, the two drivers were actually more like pilots. They took turns behind the wheel but their right feet were a little heavy on the pedal.
"Guys, slow down! We're going to die!"
Other than that the drive was pleasant on the 401, the country's busiest road. As a monk who travels constantly I have to be innovative when it comes to engaging myself on long journeys like this. Most motorists will have the radio on or play their favourite music. However, those of us who follow a spiritual culture will have our preference of listening to devotional sound, or reading from a text, such as we did. The book, Chaitanya Bhagavat, follows the life of the iconic kirtan monk, Chaitanya. It is relishable to move in the footsteps of such a renunciant's travels.
After reaching our destination on Pie IX Boulevard in Montreal, we caught the tail end of the reading of the Bhagavad-gita. It just so happens that today is the anniversary of when the Gitawas spoken by Sri Krishna, a message relatable to all. How does one resolve uncertainties in life? How do we increase our coping power? How can we implement acceptance over apprehension? How to clear doubt? The Gita addresses opportunities.
Arjuna has been in prison for fifteen years and has a short time left to complete his sentence for manslaughter. Those details are interesting and he's been doing extremely well as an inmate. They loved him at Trumbull Correctional Institute and now he stays at a new facility where it proves the same. He gets along with everyone.
Arjuna was not always "Arjuna." He added that spiritual name to his family and given name which is Aaron, some eight years ago. My friend from Salem, Ohio, is Akilananda, and he is a chaplain who introduced me to this young(er) man. He steadily chants his mantras and works out.
"I try to get outside (within the fence) as much as I can," he told me today.
He's in good shape on the physical and spiritual level. We are proud of him.
"Krishna's looking after me."
Adios, Arjuna, and good luck with your upcoming welding career.
Michael and Paurnamasi, my hosts in Cleveland, are a fine couple, and after the trip to prison, the three of us ventured over to the Metro Parks System in Cleveland for a walk in this diverse deciduous-tree haven. The leaves are on the forest floor leaving it easy to spot a deer, woodpecker, chickadee and various other forms of wildlife. Rocky River is a river vein that attracts the wild wonder. On one rock, there is inscribed a quote from John Muir. "But in every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks."
This is absolutely true. Thank you, Divine Couple, and thank you Akil, Kaustuba and Dhananjay. Good to meet you Jason.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna many times talks about the equanimity of the mind. He says we have to treat success/failure, honor/dishonor, pain/pleasure equally and such equanimity of mind is called yoga or mind control or mindfulness.
To do this,
We have to learn to tolerate both good and bad. If we become too happy then naturally we will also not react well when things go wrong.
We also have to refrain from interpreting incidents in our life as gain or loss. When we qualify something or someone as favorable (gain) or unfavorable (loss), then invariably we will fall in the trap of duality of happiness or sadness.
We have to spend time understanding that my life, my family, my job and my assets is a result of something more than just me or my efforts. No doubt, because of our hard work, we reach a certain socio-economic status but it is incorrect to think that I am the sole reason for my success or failure. There are other moving parts that we do not control and those parts either assist or desist our progress. So having a broader vision for life is necessary to understand our own progress.
We have to be grateful not as a matter of political correctness but genuinely from the heart understanding truly the assistance we received. In this way, we must be grateful to mother nature as she is providing our needs, great sages who have given us spiritual wisdom,other beings such as animals who help us with our needs,family and friends,other humans who participate in our life,and parents/grand-parents/fore-fathers without whom we cannot be where we are. We have to acknowledge and be anxious to return the favor we receive.
Finally, like it or not, this creation exists due to a super intelligent being whom many call God or universe etc. Whatever superlative we want to use, we have to accept there is a grand design in this universe and without that we cannot do anything. To the ultimate designer, with a pinch of affection and love, we doff our hat!
By having an all-encompassing thought process (aka mature) about life with all its variety, we will only be centered and not skewed one way or other. This centeredness or equanimity is essential for having a peaceful mind.
I consider myself to be in good hands—God's—when trekking a trail. Despite the mild weather of today and the willingness to experience the +3°C, destiny had it that I was to be temple-bound all day long. For me the high point of the day entailed the morning discussions at the Bhagavatam class led by Hara Kumar on yogis who took to spontaneous combustion.
The Lord’s Holy Names continue to be chanted in every town and village, no matter how exotic or remote. Devotees on Réunion Island held their second annual Rathayatra in the city of St. Pierre on Saturday December 8th, summertime for the island.
ISKCON Philadelphia Deities Move Into Beautiful New Temple Room.
Around six hundred congregation members and newcomers visited ISKCON Philadelphia on December 8thto celebrate as the presiding Deities moved into Their beautiful, spacious new temple room.
“What’s a Woman to Do?” a new 32-page booklet written by Srila Prabhupada disciple and author Visakha Dasi, and released on Gita Jayanti day, reflects on women’s services in Srila Prabhupada’s Hare Krishna Movement.
When she saw the devastation, Barbara Sobel, a New York music promoter and CEO of Sobel Promotions felt she couldn’t sit by and do nothing. So she contacted an eclectic group of artists, including Jayadev and Gaurangi, asking for an unreleased song for a compilation charity album.
Gaurangi’s song features Boy George, lead singer of the 1980s pop hitmakers Culture Club. Entitled “Human Beings,” it’s an epic, heartfelt ballad, taken from Jayadev’s 1990s musical Nimai: The Spirit of Vrindavan.
With over 25 songs with various instrument accompaniment and many dance routines and their skills in kirtan, the Mayapur International Preaching group is fully equipped to inspire through their own example how to live a Krishna conscious life. These devotees inspire thousands upon thousands of people, because to the people, seeing these devotees giving up their material comforts and desires to take up their own Vaisnava culture puts things into perspective for them.
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 03 May 2016, Vrndavana, India, Bhagavad-gita 3.34)
We may not be fully Krsna conscious, our love for Krsna may not be so deep and there may be other desires. But this is just restlessness. How much faith do we have in these other desires? Which devotee can claim to have full faith in sex life? We may be attracted to sex life but do we have full faith that it will make us happy? After having heard transcendental knowledge, it is hard to have full faith in material enjoyment. Still, we may have a flirtation with these desires here and there sometimes. For a moment we may be in the pink cloud of illusion, but then we come back to the hard reality of suffering and again, we endeavour more seriously to get out of the material world.
“Preaching can be a difficult, thankless task, but a preacher must follow the orders of the Supreme Lord and be unafraid of materialistic persons.” – Srimad Bhagavatam 6.5.39, purport His Grace Sudama Das (ACBSP) recalled when Srila Prabhupada was leaving Tokyo to go to India. “He (Srila Prabhupada) said, ‘I have opened the West. Now […]
By Karnamrita Das
Bomb scare at LA Temple, mandatory evacuation
With over 25 songs with various instrument accompaniment and many dance routines and their skills in kirtan, the Mayapur International Preaching group is fully equipped to inspire through their own example how to live a Krishna conscious life. These devotees inspire thousands upon thousands of people, because to the people, seeing these devotees giving up their material comforts and desires to take up their own Vaisnava culture puts things into perspective for them. 