Song by Bhaktivinode Thakura, performed by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Video by ISKCON Desire Tree.

A video by ISKCON Desire Tree.

We long to be free. And we long for love. Yet love and freedom don’t seem to go together.

Bhaktivedanta College's Kirtan Course prepares students for a genuine kirtan experience, giving them the opportunity to enrich themselves in their chanting to the point of having no other desire than to share the knowledge with others.

More Arabic Gitas distributed.
Satyanarayana Das: …With their population now nearing two million (not including the large numbers of tourists and university students who visit there annually from the Middle East), Arabs have been in Spain since the early 8th century AD.
In the year 2018 AD, a sincere, enthusiastic devotee by the name of Bhakta Florian from Barcelona, Spain decided to visit Sri Vrindavan Dham for the month of Damodara. While there – and knowing well about the large Arab population in his birth country – he was very surprised to learn that the local Vraj BBT recently purchased a full pallet of Arabic Gitas for distribution throughout India and nearby.
We received this email from Bhakta Florian a few days later: “…I got very excited and with my friend Mohan we printed the Arabic language cards and I got 20 Bg’s to take back to Barcelona all ready to distribute with the help of the temple president. I’ve sent you a picture of us with the books and the card printed and laminated today….”
And the very next day he wrote us this: “.. 5 of the Gitas have already been distributed!”
All glories to Bhakta Florian and Mohan ji!
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!!!

Rathyatra festival 2018 in Auckland NewZealand (Album of photos)
Friday evening, giving out the mercy to thousands as Jagannat...

Italian Vegetarian Soya Pizza - The Vaishnava Chef.
By Chandrashekara Das

Community devotees graduate in scriptural studies.
The graduation ceremony for the latest cohort of Bhakti Shastri students took place at Bhaktivedanta Manor last October. Eleven students received the full degree and five received certificates of participation. Bhaktivedanta Manor is an approved Bhakti Shastri Degree Centre of ISKCON Board of Examinations. The course is in its twelfth successful year and provides a wonderful opportunity to systematically study four of Srila Prabhupada’s books in the association of devotees. Through a programme of interactive and dynamic lessons, students come away with a deep understanding of the philosophy and how to practically apply the science of devotional service to their lives.
For more information: www.krishnacollge.com

Are You Spirit Smart?
Devotional Psychology by Ananta Gauranga Das.
The demon king Ravana — the quintessence of an intelligent fool — had expert knowledge of the Vedas. However, he abused his knowledge because his selfishness and lack of EI and S.I stole his wisdom. As a result, he exploited his subjects. People with high I.Q — more book knowledge — and low E.I and S.I result in characters without character. When we engage in spiritual subject matter it should not just enter into our heads. Rather it should penetrate our hearts. If you wish to acquire humility it’s not that God snaps His fingers and you suddenly have the tolerance of the earth. We will be placed in situations which will force us to imbibe the qualities of the meek. These challenges afford us the opportunity to act ourselves into new forms of thinking.

Bhakta das: The Melbourne devotees were asked by the Catholic Archbishop Peter Comensoli, to partake in the Red Wednesday service at St Patricks Cathedral. Red Wednesday is a world event where various prominent buildings are lit up with red lighting to bring to the world’s attention an opportunity to stand up for faith and freedom and to put pressure on all governments and the international community to protect people of faith, find solutions to the problems that are fuelling extremist violence and to make our world a safer place.

24-ISKCON Online-Chant Now Project-Pancharatna Prabhu (audio)
One of the problems with book distribution is that devotees who distribute books, they’re really focused in giving the books out, but often there’s not much follow-up.
Even devotees that put in the effort to follow up find it hard because the focus is on distributing books and getting as many books out there as possible. It takes time and a different focus to cultivate those who are interested…
So what is the solution…?
Listen to the interview with Pancharatna Prabhu as we discuss the Chant Now online preaching project and how it could be a very real solution to the challenge of book distribution follow up…
If you’re a book distributor or a preacher of any kind this could be one of the most useful episodes to date.
Visit the link below.
https://goo.gl/FkC4LF

When practicing spiritual life, we may equate spiritual advancement with denying our bodily needs such as sleep. We may deprive ourselves of sleep to demonstrate our spiritual advancement. However, spiritual advancement centers not on physical deprivation, but on spiritual absorption. To grow spiritually, we need to become conscious of our own spiritual identity and of the supreme spiritual reality, Krishna. The more we become lovingly absorbed in Krishna, the more we advance spiritually. Continue reading "Physical deprivation versus spiritual absorption
→ Dandavats"

Cutting through the web of illusion, The overflowing ocean of mercy called Sri Nityananda Rama Ordained that the flood of love of God bestowed by Him be distributed throughout the world. Unfortunately, those persons to whom the noble responsibility was given to spread this divine God-consciousness Were tragically stricken by the disease of caste-consciousness, And in their hands which were always busy performing formal ritualistic ceremonies, the exalted title “Goswami” became merely another family surname, And the channel of divine current became blocked. Therefore you personally came, O beloved master Srila Prabhupada, To demolish the dam of Maya Continue reading "Entering the Heart of Srila Prabhupada’s Sankirtana Mission
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Verse: SB:9.9.7 Speaker: HG Jananivasa Das Date: 6 Dec 2018. Listen in this class, HG Jananivas prabhu explains in detail on the position of Lord Shiva and different Shiva deities worshipped in Navadvipa dhama. dhārayiṣyati te vegaṁ  rudras tv ātmā śarīriṇām yasminn otam idaṁ protaṁ  viśvaṁ śāṭīva tantuṣu Translation:  Like a cloth woven of threads […]

The post Srimad Bhagavatam Class: HG Jananivasa Das appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Answer Podcast

Transcription :

Transcribed by: Bhaktin Raji Nachiappan

Question: Isn’t the Gita’s comparing women with vaishyas and shudras derogatory?

Answer: This can be explained at three levels:

Firstly, is it that Lord Krishna is endorsing the comparison of women with vaishyas and shudras or is he simply stating that? Let us examine verse 9.32 of Bhagavad-gita where the reference comes:
maam hi partha vyapashritya, ye ’pi syuh papa-yonayah
striyo vaishyas tatha shudras, te ’pi yanti param gatim
Here, what is the thrust of the verse? That even those who are vaishyas, shudras, women and the lowborn can also attain perfection. The thrust of the verse is not to show how women are, rather to show how potent bhakti is. The potency of bhakti is such that whoever you are, bhakti can elevate to the supreme perfection.
Equating women with a particular social grouping is not a teaching of the Bhagavad-gita. That is just a statement where Lord Krishna is just echoing the conceptions of society at that time. Earlier in the Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krishna says sa kalenaha mahata yogo nashtah parantapa (BG 4.2) which means that by the power of time, that primeval knowledge which he had given was lost. That means that the culture that Lord Krishna appeared in, is not the ideal culture. The culture that the Mahabharata describes is the deviated culture. That is why Lord Krishna had to come to correct the situation, dharma samsthapnarthaya (BG 4.8). Therefore, were the cultural conceptions at that time necessarily right? We do not know which one is right and which is not. However, one thing is that, it is clearly not the teaching of the Gita. Everything that is in the scripture is not necessarily the teaching of the scripture. Sometimes scripture may just be describing the socio-cultural reality at that time.

Secondly, even if we consider the social situation at that time, the whole Bhagavad-gita is a description about attaining transcendence or spiritual reality. For gaining spiritual knowledge and attaining spiritual reality, in the broad human society, there are certain dispositions which are more suitable. The brahmanas are more analytical and intellectual and they are best suited for spiritual understanding. Kshatriyas also have some amount of sattva which regulates their rajas and hence they are also suitable for understanding the spiritual reality. Then, there are the vaishyas and the shudras. We need to understand that at times, there are certain people who would be very money minded, not necessarily in a sinful materialistic way. For such people, it is very difficult to think about the other world. In the same way, it was acknowledged that vaishyas and shudras may never be able to take sannyas and they may not even take vanaprastha. Usually brahmanas take sannyas and kshatriyas take vanaprastha.

For the shudras, it is said that the only reformatory ceremony is vivaha or marriage. What does this mean? This means that in the Vedic culture, it was acknowledged that certain people may not be at a level to embrace renunciation or the path of spiritual elevation. This is simply a fact of life with respect to peoples’ spiritual receptivity.

Similarly, with regards to women. Generally, in the female body, the primary purpose is to nurture and nourish. For nourishing a new life, emotionality is very important. Children or babies are not rational, and similarly if mothers were rational, they may not be best suited to take care of the baby. For mothers to have that emotional connect with children, they will need to have emotional nature. This is not a disadvantage. It is needed for the purpose of nurturing and it is a great strength also.

To achieve spiritual growth, one way is through philosophical analysis, wherein we understand the futility of the material world and then look for a higher alternative. There are certain kind of people, who are just not suitable for that path because they may not be philosophical enough. Hence, Lord Krishna is saying is that some varnas are not qualified for the analytical and intellectual approach to spirituality. However, they are still qualified for the path of bhakti. Therefore, the thrust is that bhakti is possible for everyone. The psychophysical nature and its limitation is a limitation on the path of intellectual spirituality but it is not a limitation on devotional spirituality. In that sense it is not an accusation or condemnation.

Thirdly, Gita begins by saying that we are not our bodies and that we are souls. That means our bodily designation is our temporary situation. There is a dynamic balance or tension between how we act spiritually and how we act physically. Different people grow spiritually in a different way. There are exceptions also in the broad Vedic tradition. There are examples of great sages who were females. In the Upanishads, there is an example of a lady sage, Gargi. It is mentioned that when there was a debate in Mithila, she defeats everyone. No social categorization is watertight. The Shrimad Bhagavatam also says lakshane prokta – ultimately it is by characteristics that we are meant to be known. There are some women who may be very philosophical and analytical. Such women are not to be deprived.

Therefore, if we understand the context, then such statements will not seem very jarring. It is only when we see the statement in isolation from what is being spoken, then they become very jarring.

End of transcription.

The post Isn’t the Gita’s comparing women with vaishyas and shudras derogatory? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Klungkung is the smallest regency in Bali, Indonesia. It has a population of approximately 200,000 people. Some years ago, the devotees purchased some land that was formerly a rice field.

Now, we have a beautiful temple and asrama where Their Lordships, Sri Sri Radha Kunjavihari and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai reside. I visit here regularly.

[Seminar at ISKCON, Bahrain]

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The post Responsible relationships 1 – Hurt people hurt people appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Cultural appropriation has been a hot topic lately, in society and in particularly on university campuses. At its heart the term refers to disrespectful, offensive and ignorant use of another culture’s sacred symbols and traditions. But what happens when the fight is taken too far, with no distinction between different cases? 

‘Outstanding’ Grade for the Manor Pre-School!
Jagadhatri dasi, the Head of the Manor’s Pre-School, was enthusiastic to share the results of the latest Ofsted inspection, wherein the Pre-School was graded as ‘Outstanding’. Only a small number of providers achieve this level, awarded to those showing ‘exceptional care, learning and development’ support to the children under their care.

As we approach the close of yet another successful year towards the Grand Opening of the TOVP in 2022, we look forward with great anticipation to the progress ahead. 2018 saw many accomplishments and ongoing work in several areas, all of which couldn’t have happened without the help of the worldwide devotees who sustained our efforts financially. We wish to thank everyone for their support and sacrifice to please Srila Prabhupada and make his dream come true. Continue reading "TOVP End of the Year Worldwide Fundraising Marathon
→ Dandavats"

Government’s Head of Outreach.
Oliver Dowden MP introduced Ms Amy Fisher, the Head of Outreach based at Number 10 Downing Street, to key members of Bhaktivedanta Manor’s community. During the tour, which she found most memorable, Mr Dowden fulfilled one of his ambitions by taking the reins and driving a bullock-cart!

Interfaith presentation at Watford Boys’ Grammar School.
During the annual Interfaith Week, Watford Boys’ Grammar School hosted an interfaith event for a Sixth Form assembly. Tulsi Seva dasi representedHinduism on the panel. The assembly theme was “What does your faith mean to you?” Tulsi Seva explained, “I spoke about my Hindu upbringing and how the basis of my path was set by the example of my parents. The general thread with all the speakers was love and service to each other, so my explanation of Bhakti and Shri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was very appropriate.”

Sastra Dana and Motel Gita Deliver the Ultimate Gift This Christmas.
One hotel owner was initially very reluctant to keep Bhagavad-gitas, worrying that guests would react negatively. Devotees convinced him to put the sacred books in just some of his rooms as an experiment. Soon after, a guest approached the hotel owner. He shared that he had checked into his hotel room in a depressed state of mind, planning to commit suicide. When he found a Bhagavad-gita in his bedside drawer and began to read it, however, the book opened up his mind, showed him a different perspective and gave him a reason to live. “Thank you so much,” the man said. “This book saved my life.” The owner immediately called devotees and ordered Bhagavad-gitas not only for all the remaining rooms of the hotel but for all his other hotels as well.

Two programs are gifting Srila Prabhupada’s books to thousands of people every year and will change lives across North America this Christmas.

In this week’s episode with Pancharatna Prabhu, we listen to something that could be really helpful for you if you’re a book distributor or a preacher in any way. One of the problems in book distribution that we’ve observed is that devotees who distribute books, they’re really focused in giving the books out, but often […]

The post 24-ISKCON Online-Chant Now Project-Pancharatna Prabhu appeared first on Successful Vaisnavas - Personal Development for Hare Krishnas.

В преддверии окончания еще одного успешного года на пути к торжественному открытию ХВП в 2022 году мы c великим предвкушением ожидаем дальнейших успехов. В 2018 году многое было достигнуто, во многих сферах строительства мы значительно продвинулись вперед. Все это было бы не возможно без финансовой поддержки наших усилий преданными со всего мира. Мы хотим поблагодарить всех за ту помощь и те жертвоприношения, которые они совершили для удовлетворения Шрилы Прабхупады и воплощения его мечты в реальность.

В этот последний месяц 2018 года мы просим вас сделать пожертвование ХВП и помочь нам достичь нашу цель на этот год, вне зависимости от того, жертвуете ли вы впервые или снова. Если вы совершаете ежемесячные платежи в счет уплаты обещанного пожертвования, возможно, в этом месяце вы сможете перевести более крупную сумму, чтобы быстрее выплатить ваше пожертвование. Для поддержания текущего объема работ нам необходимо ежемесячно получать 800 тысяч долларов США, и мы не можем потерпеть неудачу в достижении наших целей. Нам важна каждая копейка, так как мы стремимся построить храм Господа Чайтаньи руками всех преданных. Все крупные взносы, полученные в рамках этого сбора средств, пойдут в счет погашения обещанных пожертвований, но, пожалуйста, сообщите нам на электронную почту tovp2016@gmail.com о том, что вы сделали платеж.

Чтобы сделать пожертвование на общие цели, вы можете перейти на страницу Возможности служения на сайте ХВП и выбрать опцию Общее пожертвование или перейти на страницу сбора средств на Facebook и пожертвовать любую сумму через этот портал (обратите внимание, что пожертвования через Facebook доступны не во всех странах). На странице Возможности служения доступно множество других замечательных вариантов пожертвований, в том числе новые – Ежедневное поднятие флага и Кирпич Гуру-парампары, а также другие варианты кирпичей.

Мы желаем вам всем очень счастливого окончания этого года и наполненного сознанием Кришны следующего, 2019 года. Пусть Господь благословит вас и ваши семьи и ведет вас по пути обратно к Своим лотосным стопам.

«Когда преданный предлагает что-нибудь Господу, он делает это для своей же пользы, ибо его дар возвращается к нему, многократно умноженный. Отдавая что-либо Господу, мы ничего не теряем, но приобретаем в миллион раз больше».

«Кришна. Верховная Личность Бога», Глава 81 «Господь Кришна благословляет брахмана Судаму».

Ваш слуга,
Враджа Вилас дас
Директор по сбору пожертвований

НОВОСТИ ХВП – БУДЬТЕ В КУРСЕ

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

The post Международный декабрьский марафон ХВП по сбору средств appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

As we approach the close of yet another successful year towards the Grand Opening of the TOVP in 2022, we look forward with great anticipation to the progress ahead. 2018 saw many accomplishments and ongoing work in several areas, all of which couldn’t have happened without the help of the worldwide devotees who sustained our efforts financially. We wish to thank everyone for their support and sacrifice to please Srila Prabhupada and make his dream come true.

This last month of 2018 we would like you to consider making a donation to the TOVP to help us reach our annual goal, whether giving for the first time or once again. And if you are making monthly payments towards a pledge please consider offering a larger amount this month to pay off your pledge faster. To sustain the current work level and expense budget we require $800,000 monthly, and falling short of our goals is not an option. Every little bit helps as we all endeavor to build Lord Caitanya’s temple by the hands of every devotee. All large donations through this fundraiser will go towards pledges, but please email us at tovp2016@gmail.com to let us know you made a payment.

To give a general donation you can either go to the Seva Opportunities Page of the TOVP website and select the General Donation option or go to the Facebook Fundraiser Page and donate as much as you like through that portal (please note that not all countries will allow you to make donations through Facebook). However, from the Seva Opportunities Page there are many other wonderful donation selections available to you such as the new Victory Flag and Guru Parampara brick options and various other brick choices.

We wish you all a very happy year’s end and Krishna conscious 2019 ahead. May the Lord bless you and your families and lead you on the path back to His lotus feet.

“If the devotee offers something to the Lord, it acts for his own interest because whatever a devotee offers the Lord comes back in a quantity a million times greater than what was offered. One does not become a loser by giving to the Lord; one becomes a gainer by millions of times.”

Krsna Book, Ch. 81

TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH

Visit us at: www.tovp.org
Follow us at: www.facebook.com/tovp.mayapur
Watch us at: www.youtube.com/user/tovpinfo
Phone App at: http://tovp.org/news/announcements/new-tovp-phone-app-goes-live/
Mailing List at: https://goo.gl/forms/ojJ2WcUUuqWh8bXt1
Support us at: www.tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities

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Today, in the business and political world, narcissistic behavior is often celebrated, encouraged, and even taught to some degree. In fact, it can be argued that narcissistic behavior even contributes to their success (as they define it). But it is not only limited to the business and political world. Narcissism affects every area of culture because it affects people. Therefore, it affects churches, ministries, and families as well. Narcissism is not a church issue—it is a human issue. Continue reading "Spiritual Narcissism
→ Dandavats"

Visvambhara Das: Some time ago l met a family in Uxbridge. After they received a Gita from me, they said, “Our son Kesava received the same book 3 months ago from an Italian priest called Raffaele from Watford mandir. Kesava was on a wheelchair. When he came home, he was reading it every day”.

[Brahmachari class at Govardhan Eco-village, India]

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The post Emotionally healthy spirituality in the renounced order appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Answer Podcast

The post If we can’t chant attentively, is it better to chant less with greater attention? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

[Bhagavatam class at Govardhan Eco-village, India]

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The post Dealing with faultfinding mentality – 3 reflections appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

В «Шри Чайтанья-чаритамрите» Шрила Прабхупада объясняет причины явления Шри Кришны Чайтаньи. В Своих играх Господь Кришна не мог понять величие любви Шримати Радхарани к Нему, прекрасные качества Кришны, которыми Она наслаждается в Своей любви, и неописуемое счастье, которое Она испытывает, когда осознает сладость Его любви. Так, Господь Кришна, приняв облик преданного, перенял настроение и цвет кожи Шримати Радхарани и снизошел в Навадвипа-дхаму, чтобы исполнить Свое сокровенное желание – познать экстатичную любовь Шримати Радхарани к Нему.

То есть, Навадвипа-дхама – это проявление любви Шримати Радхарани к Кришне. В Пуранах также описывается, что, когда в состоянии махабхавы Шримати Радхарани достигла наивысшего экстаза от разлуки с Господом Кришной, Он вошел в Ее сердце и «украл» Ее махабхаву. Эта махабхава проявилась как Навадвипа-дхама.

Таким образом, чтобы лучше понять Шри Майяпур-дхаму, настроение Чайтаньи Махапрабху и Шрилы Прабхупады, а также наше собственное преданное служение, мы должны понять настроение разлуки Радхарани.

Однажды, когда Кришна покинул общество гопи, Радхарани начала искать Его в лесах, плача от чувства сильной разлуки. Она подошла к дереву кадамба: «Где Кришна?» Она обратилась к холму Говардхану: «Где Кришна?» Она блуждала по всему Вриндавану, плача: «Где Кришна? Он дорог Мне больше жизни. Как Я могу жить без служения Ему?» Затем, объятая духовным безумием, она потеряла сознание.

Через некоторое время, когда Кришна появился, Он сказал Шримати Радхарани: «Я очень доволен Тобой. Ты можешь просить у Меня что угодно». И Радхарани попросила три вещи: «Пожалуйста, пообещай Мне, что Ты навсегда останешься во Врадже, невидимым для тех, у кого нет преданности; пожалуйста, никогда не огорчай находящихся здесь преданных, кто живет исключительно любовью к Тебе и надеется достичь Твоих лотосных стоп; и, пожалуйста, всегда проливай Свою милость на Твоих преданных и давай им прибежище у Твоих лотосных стоп».

Мы видим, что, хотя Шримати Радхарани испытывала великую разлуку с Кришной, когда Кришна спросил, что Она хочет, Она не думала о Себе, Она думала о страданиях других. Это и есть чувство разлуки. Желание Шримати Радхарани удовлетворить Кришну настолько чисто и сильно, что Она хочет вовлечь каждое живое существо для удовлетворения Кришны, дать им служение Кришне и общение с Ним.

У Кришны есть безграничное желание наслаждаться. У Радхи – безграничное желание удовлетворять желания Кришны. У Господа Чайтаньи и Шрилы Прабхупады есть то же желание вовлечь бесконечное число живых существ в служение Кришне. Подобно Шримати Радхарани проповедник хочет, чтобы другие обрели общение с Кришной и служение Ему.

Шрила Прабхупада особенно хотел, чтобы преданные распространяли бесчисленное количество книг, чтобы бесконечное количество людей вовлекались в преданное служение. Каждая распространенная книга – это еще один кирпичик для храма в Майяпуре, и, как только город проявится, все больше и больше преданных будут привлекаться дхамой и желать развить то же умонастроение санкиртаны. И, когда они воодушевятся распространять все больше книг, все больше людей будут становиться преданными. И, таким образом, мечта вайшнавов станет явью.

В 1971 года, когда Гирирадж Свами был начинающим преданным в Калькутте, он подошел к Шриле Прабхупаде и сказал: «Я пытался понять, в чем заключается Ваше желание. И, кажется, две вещи радуют Вас больше всего – распространение Ваших книг и строительство большого храма в Майяпуре». Лицо Прабхупады озарилось, глаза широко открылись, и он улыбнулся. «Да, ты правильно понял… Если вы построите этот храм, Шрила Бхактивинода Тхакур лично придет и заберет вас всех обратно к Богу».

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