Answer Podcast
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In Gita 09.32, why are women put in a separate category from the various varnas?
Happy Holidays
Giriraj Swami
In the West this is the holiday season, with Christmas and Hanukkah both coming up. As Srila Prabhupada explained, the Lord comes to this world to enlighten people with transcendental knowledge. Sometimes He comes personally, and sometimes He sends His son or His prophet or His representative, but they all come with the same message. They may speak in different languages according to the circumstances and the audience, but the essence of the message is the same: God is great; we are but small parts and parcels of God, meant to serve Him with love; we have come from God and are meant to return to Him.
One of Srila Prabhupada’s purports in the Bhagavad-gita As It Is contains a statement that relates to the holidays people in the West are about to celebrate:
“The avatara, or incarnation of Godhead, descends from the kingdom of God for material manifestation. And the particular form of the Personality of Godhead who so descends is called an incarnation, or avatara. Such incarnations are situated in the spiritual world, the kingdom of God. When they descend to the material creation, they assume the name avatara.’ [Cc Madhya 20.263–264] There are various kinds of avatars, such as purusavataras, gunavataras, lilavataras, sakty-avesa avataras, manvantara-avataras, and yugavataras—all appearing on schedule all over the universe. But Lord Krsna is the primeval Lord, the fountainhead of all avataras. Lord Sri Krsna descends for the specific purpose of mitigating the anxieties of the pure devotees, who are very anxious to see Him in His original Vrndavana pastimes.” (Gita 4.8 purport)
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, Srila Prabhupada’s spiritual master, said that Jesus Christ was a saktyavesa-avatara; he accepted that Jesus Christ descended to the earth from above. That is avatara. And saktyavesa means one who carries the power of the Lord. Thus, he accepted that Jesus Christ descended to earth with the power of the Lord to preach the message of Godhead. And Jesus Christ preached more or less the same message as Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad-gita. Sometimes people would ask Srila Prabhupada about Jesus, and Srila Prabhupada would reply, “In the Bible Jesus said that he was the son of God, and in the Bhagavad-gita Lord Krishna says that He is the father of all living entities, so there is no contradiction.”
Jesus Christ filled the role of a spiritual master, or guru. The spiritual master teaches the science of Godhead, and when a disciple surrenders to a spiritual master, the spiritual master accepts the disciple’s sinful reactions. Jesus Christ performed the same functions in relation to his followers or disciples; he taught them about God, and he accepted their sinful reactions. Sometimes Christians quote Jesus as having said, “There is no way to the Father except through me.” This statement is a little controversial in learned circles—there is some question whether the attribution is authentic or not. But in any case, Srila Prabhupada took the truth in these words to be that one cannot approach the Lord directly; one can approach the Lord only through the Lord’s representative, the spiritual master.
As far as the idea that Jesus Christ accepted the sins, or sinful reactions, of his followers, Srila Prabhupada expressed one concern: The followers should refrain from sin. They should consider, Oh, if I sin, my spiritual master will have to suffer!” Christians in particular may consider, “Because I have sinned, my spiritual master had to suffer! So I should not commit sin any longer.” That should be the basic sense. They should not think, “Oh, poor Jesus suffered for me, but now I can go on sinning.”
So, we accept Jesus as a saktyavesa-avatara, as an incarnation of Krishna. Christmas should be a time when we remember the teachings of Jesus Christ, the mercy of Jesus Christ, and the sacrifice he made for us. And we should resolve to be better followers, better servants of God and God’s representatives, and of all humankind and all living beings.
Hanukkah, in the Jewish tradition, is also an important festival celebrated at this time of year. It is a winter festival, and winter is a dark season, when the sun sets early and rises late. Hanukkah is the festival of light. Historically, the ancient temple in Jerusalem was seized and desecrated, but eventually, with great courage and sacrifice, the Jewish heroes, the Maccabees, won it back. They wanted to clean and purify the temple to make it fit for worship of the Lord, and their worship included a flame that was sustained by sanctified oil, to be maintained at all times. But when the Maccabees regained the temple, they found only one flask of the priestly oil, enough to burn for only one day. Still, they lit the great temple lamp, the menorah, and, according to the story, the oil burned for eight days, until they could get more. So, the miracle of Hanukkah is that the purified oil, which was sufficient to last only one day, burned for eight days, time enough to obtain more.
Figuratively, the temple is the heart. Cleaning the temple means cleaning one’s heart of the many dirty things that accumulate there by material association. That dirt includes false identification with the body and material desires for the gratification of the body’s senses and mind independent of God’s sanction and God’s service. And figuratively, the light is transcendental knowledge, or consciousness of God, which illuminates the heart and dispels the darkness of ignorance.
Just as the year has its cycles, we also pass through phases. We wish we could always be fully God conscious, but practically we may find cycles in our spiritual life, periods of increased devotion to God interspersed with periods of increased preoccupation with other matters. And the Hanukkah festival, the lighting of the candle or burning of the lamp, means brightening our hearts with God consciousness, with Krishna consciousness—cleaning the temple of the heart and rekindling the light of God consciousness, devotion to God, within the heart.
But we require help with such devotional activities, because alone each of us is quite weak. In the face of the material world, in the face of maya, we are weak and feeble, and we need the support and help of other devotees. If one person alone had to clean the temple, he or she would have a very hard job. But when all the devotees clean the temple together, the job becomes much easier.
The most complete science of God consciousness is presented in Srimad-Bhagavatam, which nicely explains the process of cleansing the heart:
srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah
punya-sravana-kirtanah
hrdy antah stho hy abhadrani
vidhunoti suhrt satam
“Sri Krsna, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramatma [Supersoul] in everyone’s heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted.” (SB 1.2.17)
The Bhagavatam says that hearing topics of Krishna, of God—just as we are sitting here and listening to Krishna’s message—is itself a pious activity, a form of devotional service. We have only to open our ears to the message of Godhead and we become pious (srnvatam sva-kathah krsnah punya-sravana kirtanah). Then, hrdy antah stho hy abhadrani: the inauspicious things in the heart—we could say the dirty things in the heart, our evil thoughts and selfish desires—become cleansed. How? Vidhunoti suhrt satam: The Lord Himself helps the truthful devotee to clean the dirt, because the Lord Himself is already there in the heart. He is already there, but because the heart is covered by material contamination, we cannot perceive the Lord’s presence; we cannot hear His voice. However, when we show our eagerness to hear the Lord’s message through our ears, the Lord within reciprocates. He helps cleanse the dirty things from the heart so that we can hear Him there, guiding us. And when we surrender to the Lord and make sacrifices for Him, He supplies unlimited fuel for maintaining our heart’s flame of devotion.
Satam means “truthful devotee.” The truthful devotee is honest in his or her endeavors in Krishna consciousness. One who is dishonest will make a show of piety or religiousness, but behind the show he will have other interests. He will harbor other ambitions. But the truthful devotee actually wants to understand the science of God and to serve the Lord and all living beings. Though he may be weak, if he is honest in his endeavors to listen to the messages of Godhead and apply the principles in life, even if he is incapable of executing the orders perfectly, still he is considered satam, a truthful devotee. And the Lord within the heart, who acts as the well-wishing friend of the truthful devotee, will cleanse the heart of the dirty things that have accumulated there.
Again we see how important association is, because the process for cleansing the heart is hearing the messages of Godhead, and only in the association of devotees can we receive the messages properly. Through our hearing and then chanting and repeating what we have heard, the heart becomes cleansed by the grace of the Lord. Ceto-darpana-marjanam: By chanting the holy names of God and by hearing the transcendental glories of God, the heart becomes cleansed and the light of Krishna consciousness there burns more brightly. It spreads throughout the entire body and then emerges—through the skin, through the eyes, through all the different sense organs. Especially, it comes out through the mouth in the form of transcendental sound, which comes from the heart. The messages that one has received through the ears and that have entered the heart come out again through the mouth and spread light, enlightenment, throughout the world.
So, tonight we greatly appreciate the efforts of Mother Urvasi, for she works so hard to create a situation where we all can come together and speak about God, hear about God, and remember God. Holy days are special occasions when we can get together and remember the Lord’s appearance, or the appearance or disappearance of great devotees, or great events that have taken place in the service of the Lord. And when we get together and hear about the Lord and the great devotees of the Lord and the great service and miracles that have taken place in relation to the Lord, we become purified. And we become enlightened and engladdened.
Peace on earth and goodwill toward humanity actually can be achieved through God consciousness. The Bhagavad-gita explains how we can achieve peace: we must first make peace with God. If we reestablish our relationship with God and experience God’s peace and friendship, then we can have real peace and friendship amongst ourselves and help each other in our relationships with Him.
Srila Prabhupada said, “God consciousness is there. You have begun these Christmas holidays in your country. Throughout the whole month of December, you’ll observe nice festivities. Why? It began with God consciousness. Jesus Christ came to give you God consciousness, and in relation to him these festivities are going on. It may have degraded into another form, but the beginning was God consciousness. Now we may have lost it. But people cannot be happy without reviving God consciousness. It may be named differently—‘Krishna consciousness’—but that means God consciousness. That is the necessity. We want to love somebody. Our love will be perfected when we love Krishna, or God. We are teaching that. Try to love God, and if you love God, if you love Krishna, then automatically you love everybody. That is the perfection of love.”
Are there any questions?
Guest: I want to ask how you feel about a belief I am entertaining, namely that Jesus was a spiritual master because he had attained a spiritual level of consciousness or ascendancy through releasing his ego attachments and becoming transparent to God, and that statements attributed to him such as “No one can come to the Father but through me” and “I am the way, the truth, and the light” could be referring to the way that he had attained his level of spiritual mastery. That is, such statements may be indicating that one cannot come to the Father in any other way but to release ego attachments and create this transparency to God. I realize that you were referring to the need for a spiritual master to assist one in achieving a level of spiritual ascendance, but could Jesus have been saying, “This is the way—the way I’ve done it”?
Giriraj Swami: What you say could be true. In fact, Srila Prabhupada used to describe the spiritual master as transparent. To be transparent, we have to purify ourselves of all material dross, and the subtlest level of material contamination is false ego. We cannot be transparent unless we become free from false ego. However, we do not accept the idea of the impersonalists that we give up our ego to merge and become one with God. Rather, we accept the instruction of the Bhagavad-gita, of Jesus Christ and other theists, to give up the false ego, the misconception that “I am the body, I am the Lord, I am the controller, I am the proprietor, I am the enjoyer” in favor of the real ego, the true understanding that “I am the eternal servant of God.” Certainly the spiritual master is the eternal servant of God, or Krishna, so he can properly represent Him and direct others to Him. And certainly the process of giving up the false ego in favor of the real ego, the process of devotional service, is the only process that will bring us to God, that will enable us to fully realize we are eternal servants of God rather than illusory masters of the world.
Hare Krishna.
[Adapted from a talk by Giriraj Swami, December 17, 2000, Ojai, California]
Monday, December 3rd, 2018
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Havana, Cuba
More Good Stuff
Fishermen find this spot along the Malecon sea wall, to make their catch. They know that the predawn time is perfect for sending the line and hook into the sea. For Ananda and I, we find it ideal at this hour for walking and putting out our hook, the mantra. We could not fathom eating fish now. I left such consumption behind a half a century ago when dropping in to the fish ‘n chips eatery in downtown Chatham, the town where I was born.
At 10:00 a.m., we conducted a standard sadhana, a spiritual workout at Chaitanya Priya's home. At 3:00 p.m., we ventured off to Cobija Teatro to talk on "The Nature of the Soul," according to the Vedas. Kirtan took up half of our precious time in the Cultural district. The room was quite plain. "No money," said the director, a very animated sixty-eight-year-old woman.
I asked our musicians to sit in the centre of the stage, and the balance of us circle danced around. "This is the way it should be," I thought. "When synchronized with music, song and choreography, it becomes engaging, attractive and a happy experience."
The place is a hang-out for young artists. It's the kind of location we would like to be present at. The energy just thrives here.
On any off-time while in Cuba, I relish moments reading the book Chaitanya Bhagavat. This becomes fresh material for a new story, a new drama. Of course, it will involve walking and wandering mendicants, some who are real angels and some who are absolute pains in the butt.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Sunday, December 2nd, 2018
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Havana, Cuba
They Are Warm
At 5:20 a.m., I trekked to the Maleson, the sea wall at the north shore in Havana. I headed east. There, sitting on the sea wall, was Ekanath, a young Cuban I had given diksha, initiation, to about five years ago.
"I can't believe. I was praying (chanting) to God and my guru shows up." It was mystical for the two of us. We made the best of the encounter. "I couldn't sleep last night." he said. "I decided to come here, by the ocean to chant."
"Fine. Let's walk." So we did and then sang the song to honour the guru. It was time to now prepare for the wedding of George and Elizabeth. The venue was near the ocean in the midst of shady mango and avocado trees. Bananas were nearby and the devotee property of 2.6 acres has plentiful cacti to border the lot.
The marriage was wonderful. Ananda did a masterful job as priest. I spoke from 8.14 of the Gita. The place was so wild. We extended our stay to a good six hours.
The newlyweds found out about Krishna Consciousness through the book fair of last year where Bhaktivedanta Book Trust had publications on display. One thing led to another and before you know it, we had married them. They now read and chant daily. They are moving along nicely in spiritual life.
In general people are great in Cuba. They are warm.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Saturday, December 1st, 2018
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Havana, Cuba
A Day at Lessons
It is yearly that I get to do a presentation at the Episcopal division of the university. I've gotten to know professors both active and with emeritus status, although their names sometimes escape me. The department head came by to listen. He approved. I was asked to speak on the relevance of the Gita. For most students, it was introductory. I highlighted two forms of mantra meditation mentioned in the Gita—japa and kirtan. I asked all to stand and to move with the sound of Ananda's drum and the sound of the mantra. I can say honestly that the students and teachers were ‘lit’!
The second opportunity for playing the teacher's role was once again, in the tunnel, the "Vivarta Teatro." In a unified effort, Prana, Ananda and I gave lessons, practically, in harmonium, drum and kartals respectively. We divided the tunnel space in three and carried on in teaching these essentials. Followers in Cuba have little access to training so it was very gratifying to see some progress made in this department.
Daily I make it a point to walk, and in the last two days it involved reaching our destinations by way of legs and feet while carrying our instruments. Walking to an area where supposedly you get wifi proved unsuccessful as far as getting connected and caught up with correspondence. Such is Cuba. While this may be a downside, optimism comes from the people themselves. You sit on a park bench and they come to you. One man, Eduardo Martinas, was trying to understand what I eat. With sign language—since my Spanish is weak—I described a pineapple. He finally got it. We had a good laugh.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Friday, November 30th, 2018
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Havana, Cuba
In the Bigger City
A small brigade of us trudged along from Havana's concrete jungle centre to the university district, and then through the areas of embassies and colonial homes owned by millionaires of the past. There, the three of us took to a rented room by a genuine Madelaine.
We were a curious lot. Ananda was playing his dafli drum. We all were chanting and carrying our luggage, in addition to instruments such as a massive box with contents, and the djembe, resembling something like a small refrigerator in its package.
Sidewalks are uneven, in disrepair. We were better off to just walk the street itself which is somewhat doable in these residential areas.
Today's program was held at the Vivarta Teatro, basically a tunnel under a major thoroughfare. It's lit up, and fortunately, three fans were plugged in for air circulation. I began the seminar for kirtan standards which included practical application. Indeed people were moving to the sound of drum and mantra. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq54LsNAZy7/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=x0vban773sky
This time around many followers of bhakti-yoga came to our location from various parts of Cuba, including Matanzas, Rodas, Santa Clara and Cienfuegos instead of us travelling to those destinations. We held a meeting and are slowly getting organized for sharing this higher consciousness that our guru, Prabhupada, taught us.
Despite the sometimes rough conditions and lack of efficiency the simplicity of life patterns in Cuba does have its advantages. There is a slower and more loving mode of life.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Food for Life Vrindavan
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Made by Emmy award-winning producer Robyn Symon.
Thursday, November 29th, 2018
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Varadero, Cuba
Back In Cuba
It's a three hour flight from Toronto and then you land in Cuba, Varadero to be exact. A bus takes you from the airport to Memories Resort where one of the world's ‘Top Ten Beaches’ is to be experienced. I'm with another monk, Prana Gauranga from Montreal, and an expert drummer, Ananda, now from Toronto.
While on the bus, Ananda picked up his daflidrum and started to strike it in rhythm. It aroused the passengers like anything. Hola Cuba!
We checked into our room and headed for sunshine, sand and ocean. To get our five kilometres in for the day, the beach provided the almost perfect foot-path. I say almost perfect because in time, knees or something or other, are going to feel some irregularity.
Prana was working on our Cuban connections, acquaintances who have set up our itinerary during our stay on the island. Most of our time will be spent in Havana, conducting classes and workshops on the science of bhakti or devotion.
Before resting for the night, the three of us moved about in the lobby making friends. With not an ounce of shyness, Ananda proceeded to play on his massive djembe by seating himself next to the pianist who was on her numbers of "Raindrops Keep Falling on my Head," and Lennon's "Imagine." Well imagine that—blending in your African drum with a piano rendering.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Wednesday, November 28th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
East On Danforth
There was good prana in the air, that is it was ‘very alive’ as I breezed through with a confident step. The particular area where you catch a nice wind, or rather it catches you, is on the Danforth Bridge over the Don Valley. There, you are way on top, above a river, train tracks, a foot-path, many shrubs and scattered trees as well as a massive lake beyond it—Lake Ontario.
Once I arrived at Danforth Avenue, it became a pedestrian vibrancy. With schools around, you have students, teenagers, who are a bit into their own world. As I approached Pape Avenue, a thin middle-aged male came up to me at a juncture while I was waiting for green to light up.
"What order do you belong to?" he asked after seeing an obvious robe.
"Hare Krishna,"I said. "You're familiar?"
"Yes!"
"Our guru arrived in '65 to introduce a much older tradition with roots from India."
"Yes, I've read the Gita by your guru. It's an amazing dialogue."
I concurred. "It's so relevant. We all hit low points, as Arjuna did. Then Krishna delivers the eloquent pep-talk which can apply to all of us even today."
My new friend, Mario, seemed to be on the same page with me. He wanted to keep in touch, which is a good sign. Had I been in civies (civilian clothes) we would not have been able to meet, most likely.
It was a good walk.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Amara Jivana Sada Pape Rata (Vaishnava Bhajan)
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Song by Bhaktivinode Thakura, performed by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Video by ISKCON Desire Tree.
Illustrated Story – Purushottam Kshetra Jagannath Puri
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A video by ISKCON Desire Tree.
Love Is The Limiter of Freedom – And Its Fulfiller Too
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We long to be free. And we long for love. Yet love and freedom don’t seem to go together.
Kirtan Course – Teachers Stories – Bhaktivedanta College Radhadesh
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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.
Words of encouragement
→ Servant of the Servant
Today is HH Radhanath Swami Maharaja's birthday so I would like to copy his words to his disciples in Sri Radha Gopinath Mandir, something for all of us to meditate upon.
Hare Krishna
To the Worshipable Devotees of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Brahmacari Ashram and Congregation,
Please accept my respectful obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I am very grateful to receive the very kind letters, which many of you have sent to me. Thank you very much. I have been traveling quite extensively. At present I am at Purandara Misra Prabhu's home near Viareggio in Italy. Last night we had a program on a high mountain in a dense forest of olive trees. We were gathered amidst large ancient rocks and beautiful caves. I was very much remembering Gahvarvan in Vrajadham. In that natural, austere atmosphere everyone was very pleased to worship Sri Radha Vrajasundara by hearing Their glories and chanting Their Sacred names.
I cannot properly express to you the major impact that all of you are having on thousands of peoples lives all over the world. It is certainly difficult to believe how Srila Prabhupada is allowing you to be so very instrumental in inspiring faith and hope in devotees hearts. I beg of you, be very careful to protect the sacred service, which you are being blessed with. Please remain humble and united under all circumstances. Kali will present every possible reason for you to disagree and feel enmity for each other. We must take shelter of the higher principle of bhakti. The root cause of all of our problems is that we want to be the enjoyer. We must humbly surrender to the precious jewel that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has blessed us with. The divine consciousness of being the sincere servant of the servant of the servant.
While performing japa, bhajan and kirtan strive to be enthusiastic and attentive. Carefully guard against the ten offences. They are like highway robbers always waiting to plunder you of all the fruits of your devotional service. Seek shelter of the Holy Names from the core of your hearts. Desperately beg for humility, honesty and a deep desire for pure bhakti. Continuously, allow the nectarean Ganga of the Holy Name to wash away all sins and water the seed of Divine Love. May your sincere chanting of the Maha Mantra attract the most precious mercy of Sri Radharani. Hari Katha will nourish your heart with the unlimited mercy of Sri Guru and Gauranga. Each day bathe your consciousness in Srila Prabhupada’s books and our Vaisnava Sastras. Earnestly pray for genuine eagerness to hear and chant the divine messages of our Worshipable Parampara. Absorb your consciousness for Krishna's pleasure in everything you do at every moment of your lives. Be enthusiastic to perform each and every service you are given with sincere gratitude.
Complaining is the pastime of the mind immersed in petty selfishness. Meditate upon the humility of our beloved Acaryas. Although they are eternally immersed in the sweetest rasas of Vrindaban’s Lila, they consider themselves lower than the worm in stool, paying their heartfelt dandavats to every devotee, feeling themselves to be the most fallen, praying with the heart of an insignificant beggar. Without sincerely striving to imbibe this sacred mood of humility, our knowledge will remain theoretical and will expect to be worshipped while seated on the ornamented throne of the material intelligence.
Please, never forget the infinite causeless mercy that Srila Prabhupada has bestowed upon you. He is your eternal well wisher. His mercy is all that we are made of. As the preeminent Guru of your life, Srila Prabhupada is eager to shower His Divine Grace upon you. Always remain faithful to his Divine Mission. Never lend your ears to those who try to delude you by the propaganda that they possess the key to something higher. Dance and chant together in great joy. Study together. Preach together. Honor prasadam together. Worship the mood of being a servant and see all others as your master. Honor all vaisnavas and vaisnavis with great care and from the heart.
In a hundred year old building in Chowpatty, Bombay, Srila Prabhupada is miraculously revealing the transcendental abode of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath. Please, remain united, faithful, humble and pure. Throughout the world; many are depending upon you. With whatever insignificant sincerity I have, I place my lowly head at your holy feet and beg you to take these words as your life and soul. I pray that Sri Sri Radha Gopinath may forever bless you with Their causeless mercy. I hope this letter meets you in the best of health.
Your servant,
Radhanath Swami
Hare Krishna
To the Worshipable Devotees of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Brahmacari Ashram and Congregation,
Please accept my respectful obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I am very grateful to receive the very kind letters, which many of you have sent to me. Thank you very much. I have been traveling quite extensively. At present I am at Purandara Misra Prabhu's home near Viareggio in Italy. Last night we had a program on a high mountain in a dense forest of olive trees. We were gathered amidst large ancient rocks and beautiful caves. I was very much remembering Gahvarvan in Vrajadham. In that natural, austere atmosphere everyone was very pleased to worship Sri Radha Vrajasundara by hearing Their glories and chanting Their Sacred names.
I cannot properly express to you the major impact that all of you are having on thousands of peoples lives all over the world. It is certainly difficult to believe how Srila Prabhupada is allowing you to be so very instrumental in inspiring faith and hope in devotees hearts. I beg of you, be very careful to protect the sacred service, which you are being blessed with. Please remain humble and united under all circumstances. Kali will present every possible reason for you to disagree and feel enmity for each other. We must take shelter of the higher principle of bhakti. The root cause of all of our problems is that we want to be the enjoyer. We must humbly surrender to the precious jewel that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has blessed us with. The divine consciousness of being the sincere servant of the servant of the servant.
While performing japa, bhajan and kirtan strive to be enthusiastic and attentive. Carefully guard against the ten offences. They are like highway robbers always waiting to plunder you of all the fruits of your devotional service. Seek shelter of the Holy Names from the core of your hearts. Desperately beg for humility, honesty and a deep desire for pure bhakti. Continuously, allow the nectarean Ganga of the Holy Name to wash away all sins and water the seed of Divine Love. May your sincere chanting of the Maha Mantra attract the most precious mercy of Sri Radharani. Hari Katha will nourish your heart with the unlimited mercy of Sri Guru and Gauranga. Each day bathe your consciousness in Srila Prabhupada’s books and our Vaisnava Sastras. Earnestly pray for genuine eagerness to hear and chant the divine messages of our Worshipable Parampara. Absorb your consciousness for Krishna's pleasure in everything you do at every moment of your lives. Be enthusiastic to perform each and every service you are given with sincere gratitude.
Complaining is the pastime of the mind immersed in petty selfishness. Meditate upon the humility of our beloved Acaryas. Although they are eternally immersed in the sweetest rasas of Vrindaban’s Lila, they consider themselves lower than the worm in stool, paying their heartfelt dandavats to every devotee, feeling themselves to be the most fallen, praying with the heart of an insignificant beggar. Without sincerely striving to imbibe this sacred mood of humility, our knowledge will remain theoretical and will expect to be worshipped while seated on the ornamented throne of the material intelligence.
Please, never forget the infinite causeless mercy that Srila Prabhupada has bestowed upon you. He is your eternal well wisher. His mercy is all that we are made of. As the preeminent Guru of your life, Srila Prabhupada is eager to shower His Divine Grace upon you. Always remain faithful to his Divine Mission. Never lend your ears to those who try to delude you by the propaganda that they possess the key to something higher. Dance and chant together in great joy. Study together. Preach together. Honor prasadam together. Worship the mood of being a servant and see all others as your master. Honor all vaisnavas and vaisnavis with great care and from the heart.
In a hundred year old building in Chowpatty, Bombay, Srila Prabhupada is miraculously revealing the transcendental abode of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath. Please, remain united, faithful, humble and pure. Throughout the world; many are depending upon you. With whatever insignificant sincerity I have, I place my lowly head at your holy feet and beg you to take these words as your life and soul. I pray that Sri Sri Radha Gopinath may forever bless you with Their causeless mercy. I hope this letter meets you in the best of health.
Your servant,
Radhanath Swami
Sun Love Feast – Dec 9th, 2018 – Vedic discourse by His Grace Vaisnava Prabhu
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Adult Education At The Temple
More Arabic Gitas distributed
→ Dandavats
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…
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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
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Community devotees graduate in scriptural studies.
The…
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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?
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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.
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Bhakta das: The Melbourne devotees were asked by the Catholic…
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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
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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
Physical deprivation versus spiritual absorption
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By Chaitanya Charan Das 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
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Entering the Heart of Srila Prabhupada’s Sankirtana Mission
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By Srimati Dasi 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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Srimad Bhagavatam Class: HG Jananivasa Das
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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.
Isn’t the Gita’s comparing women with vaishyas and shudras derogatory?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
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.
Radha Kunjavihari Temple
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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.
Responsible relationships 1 – Hurt people hurt people
→ The Spiritual Scientist
[Seminar at ISKCON, Bahrain]
Podcast
Podcast Summary
The post Responsible relationships 1 – Hurt people hurt people appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
Bhakti Yoga Club Accused of Cultural Appropriation and Shut Down
→ ISKCON News
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,…
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‘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.
TOVP End of the Year Worldwide Fundraising Marathon
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By Braja Vilasa das 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
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Government’s Head of Outreach.
Oliver Dowden MP introduced Ms…
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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…
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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
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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.
Sastra Dana and Motel Gita Deliver the Ultimate Gift This Christmas
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Two programs are gifting Srila Prabhupada’s books to thousands of people every year and will change lives across North America this Christmas.
24-ISKCON Online-Chant Now Project-Pancharatna Prabhu
→ Successful Vaisnavas – Personal Development for Hare Krishnas
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.
Международный декабрьский марафон ХВП по сбору средств
- TOVP.org
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.
TOVP End of the Year Worldwide Fundraising Marathon
- TOVP.org
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
The post TOVP End of the Year Worldwide Fundraising Marathon appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
Spiritual Narcissism
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By Jeremy Caris 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
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First Vaisnavi Retreat in Chile
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The retreat featured morning program, Srimad Bhagavatam class, interactive Bhagavad Gita classes, hatha yoga and abundant prasadam. The last night the devotees made a bonfire and sang the maha mantra to the sound of the guitar.