Can’t thinking why something bad has happened help us to better address the situation?
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Answer Podcast

The post Can’t thinking why something bad has happened help us to better address the situation? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

All-India Padayatra enters Maharashtra’s Vidarbha Region. By…
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All-India Padayatra enters Maharashtra’s Vidarbha Region.
By Acarya dasa, All-India Padayatra Leader.
HOW DID THE LORD STEAL THE HEART OF AVINASH?
The last time we were in the village of Bori in the Yavatmal district of Maharashtra’s Vidarbha, or eastern, region was in 2009. On that occasion when the villagers came for darsana of Sri Sri Nitai-Gaurasundara, as I was honoring prasadam I called to a young boy who was just leaving to join me. As he accepted one morsel, he said, “Wow! I have never tasted such wonderful prasadam in my life. In our village prasadam means some sugar granules and a small piece of coconut.” As soon I heard this I exclaimed, “Zali krupa Nitai-Gaurasundaran chi,” meaning the Lord has showered His mercy upon you. Now this boy was the special guest of Their Lordships. As I sat with Avinash discussing the glories of the holy names, I told him about our daily programme and invited him to mangala arati. To my surprise, he attended the next day. After the arati, I gave him some beads and he began chanting, spending all day with us and even buying some books. He was soon chanting sixteen rounds daily. The Lord must have made me an instrument to reach his heart, inspiring me to call him for prasadam because from then on, he was constantly on the phone asking the whereabouts of padayatra. He served ISKCON in Yavatmal, staying alone there in the days when the area was isolated, and dealing with threating behavior from the local goons. He tolerated everything by his strong faith in Krishna.
To read the entire article please click here: https://goo.gl/59wf1x

Vrindavan Braj Parikrama – Day 5
→ KKSBlog

Day 5 – 16 November 2018

Written by Vasanti dd

Part 1- Vrinda Kund 

We greeted the beautiful Vrinda Devi deity who was looking out over a small, but powerful, Vrinda Kund (bathing ghat).  The green parrots of Vrindavan are said to be the messengers of Vrinda Devi, who debate among themselves whether Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead or whether Srimati Radharani is, in fact, Supreme since She completely controls Krsna.

Vrinda Devi is the stage manager of the Lord’s past times and she makes all arrangements for the lilas (past times) to take place. True to her nature as a past time facilitator, Vrinda Devi seems to be providing beautiful settings for the pilgrims to visit her to hear about and meditate on some of these divine happenings.

The area was welcomingly quiet and secluded. The trees provided shade for some and there was a gentle breeze blowing – a perfect, spacious setting. Devotees offered their respects, bathed their chanting beads in the Kund and then made their way to the soft, clean, gardens for kirtan and a talk from Maharaj followed by breakfast.

“Here in Vrindavan Dham, we are visiting the pleasure groves of Krsna and His associates…”

It was mentioned that in Nanda and Yasoda’s residence, if one entered the middle palace which seemed smaller from the outside, you’d find no limit of space in there. Time and space are only ingredients in facilitating rasa, or taste. In the spiritual world there is no time and the lilas are not following a sequence dictated by it.

There, the sequence of events is dictated by rasa (taste). So as long as Krsna is enjoying breakfast time, it remains breakfast time.  When He is ready for the forest, that time arrives. Maharaj said that it is difficult to understand the spiritual reality through thought… he said one cannot capture Krsna by thought.

I was reminded of something I’d recently read by Bhaktivinoda Thakur in his biography The Seventh Goswami where he said, “Rational aspects of man are not capable of approaching the Divine sphere of spirit. Reason is quite incompetent in such a matter. Ruchi [taste]has the power to comprehend it.”

Rasa is the driving force.

It is said that Mother Yasoda is expert at churning butter…

And it is said that Vrinda Devi is expert at churning rasa.

All glories to Vrinda Devi, the expert facilitator of divine past times.

Part 2 – Pavan Sarova

The devotees settled down on or near the big stairs leading down into the Pavan Sarova bathing ghat. It was incredibly soothing to look out over that tranquil body of water. The kirtan seemed to echo and bounce off of the liquid surface.

“When we obtain our spiritual bodies, we also obtain our spiritual families. In this world, gradually our spiritual family becomes more important than the material.”

Maharaj told of his Mexican disciple, a grhasta with something like 13 children who each have various roles such as temple commander, temple treasurer etc. in the family home/temple. A well run spiritual family!

For his daughter Srimati Radharani, Nanda Baba constructed a palace at Pavan Sarova so She always had a place to meet all Her needs when She visited there. Maharaj explained this as a place where everyone would meet with Krsna. Cows drank water there as the cowherd boys played.

The devotees also got into the family spirit at Pavan Sarova.

Some brave devotees from the group had ventured out to sit in the sheltered ‘catris’ that were a little way into the water. It was a thin, slippery, moss-covered slab to walk across to get to the structures and the water was waiting readily on each side of the path to catch anyone who lost their grip with a splash.

Maharaj appreciated that they’d ventured out there in a spirit of transcendental fun and once he had put the spotlight on them, they had the daunting task of making it back to the other side without falling in.

There was a camera recording on standby to catch the excitement and the devotees started cheering and jeering, some hoping the brave ones would make it and some hoping they would fall into the water and add to the excitement to the day. A typical family affair!

There were a few close calls, but they all made it back to the other side safe and dry – much to the relief of some and the disappointment of others.

Reunited once again, we packed our things and moved on to our final destination for the day.

Part 3 – Moti Kund

“There once was a time where pearls grew on vines. Now they grow in oysters.”

The scene and mood were nicely set with sand that glistened unusually brightly as if made from layers of crushed pearls. I also noticed a god sister with a pearl hanging off of what looked like a small flute ornament sticking out of her turban.

The last part of the day found the devotees settling down around a shaded tree at Moti Kund to hear Maharaj narrate the story of Krsna  (who was described as a very delicate blue lotus which grew from the womb of Mother Yasoda)  telling Satyabhama the sweet past time from His childhood where He grew pearls on vines with which to decorate His cows because the gopis,  whom Krsna called “hills of pride” for doing so, refused to donate Him even one of their pearls and instead rebuked him with gentle sarcasm.

Krsna then decided to plant some of Mother Yasoda’s finest pearls and grow His own vines. It is said that Krsna watered those pearl vines with the best milk from Nanda Baba’s cows.

Maharaj once again made his famous analogy that at the time of initiation the disciple receives the pearls of vows and instruction from the spiritual master. He said these are gifts we receive which must be nurtured and watered with offerings of devotion.

In order for the initiation vows not to become dry, Maharaj advised watering the pearls with the devotion of our energy, words, wealth, etc. all as offerings toward Krsna.

He said that if this is done, many other pearl bushes will grow, and we might be able to share them with others. The full description of Krsna and Satyabhama discussing the  past time can be found in Ragunath Das Goswami’s Sri Mukta Carita.

All glories to the divine pearl-growing past time.

 

The article " Vrindavan Braj Parikrama – Day 5 " was published on KKSBlog.

Being grateful to my first teacher
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Being grateful to my first teacher.
Hari-kirtan das: I try to make gratitude a part of every day: the preamble to my morning meditation practice begins with a simple yogic breathing exercise followed by a four-part prayer that includes an expression of gratitude.
But like most people, my mind moves - or gets pushed - a little further in the direction of gratitude.
This morning I remembered one of my first teachers, Urjasvat das, and how grateful I am for his generous tutelage, cheerful disposition, and catchy witticisms. He taught me, among many other things, that there are three steps to understanding transcendental knowledge: learning it, living what you’ve learned, and sharing what you’ve learned.

Find Your “Jaladuta-Mission”
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Find Your “Jaladuta-Mission”
Sacinandana Swami: Recently we celebrated Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance festival at the Bhaktivedanta Ashram, just by the side of Govardhan Hill. Several Prabhupada disciples were present and spoke about their offerings to Srila Prabhupada and their realizations. Interestingly, a golden thread ran through the individual minds and realizations, this was “Find your Jaladuta”.
Srila Prabhupada had received an instruction to go to the West from his spiritual master and he took a ship called “Jaladuta” (“water messenger”) and no matter the obstacles he encountered, both on the journey to America and once he got there, he held on tightly to the instruction of his spiritual master.

Gita 02.01 The intensity of Arjuna’s emotion conveys the potency of Krishna’s solacing wisdom
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Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

The post Gita 02.01 The intensity of Arjuna’s emotion conveys the potency of Krishna’s solacing wisdom appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

The theatrical Krishna takes us to the transcendental Krishna
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[Congregation program at Towaco, USA]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post The theatrical Krishna takes us to the transcendental Krishna appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Monday, November 19th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Buenos Aires, Argentina

By the Rivers

The local brahmachari monks, in addition to many friends made, took to a walk along the popular rivers that come to confluence, one of them bearing the name “Tigre.”  It was a holiday called “Islas Malvinas,” and in memory of lost lives—remember the Falkland Islands War. So many people were out along the waterfront.  We received many mixed reactions, mostly favourable, toward our unique and exotic dhotis,the attire of some of us.

At one spot where two rivers meet, we decided to sit under shady arched vines and have an impromptu chat.  We were determined for a ten minute kirtan which was just too much to handle for a couple of local, middle-aged ladies.  They let us know, in Spanish of course, that they didn’t approve of our sound which in our estimation was soft and sweet.  Meanwhile boats with powerful and boisterous engines were constantly flying by and I guess their “noise” was okay for our two agitated people, who went away in a huff and a puff.

It was a six kilometre trek which began from DakshaVegetarianoRestaurant, and ended there after a loop of a trail.  Daksha is the owner and operator of the cozy facility, where she treated forty of us to an amazing gesture of kindness—a grain-less ekadasifeast.  What a fine way to end my visit, which included an extensive massage circle at the outdoor section of the café.  https://www.instagram.com/p/BqZRbhpgssq/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=icd99dlz3316

It was also departure day for a number of us.  The walk, the meal were garnished with some tears.

May the Source be with you!
6 km

Sunday, November 18th2018
→ The Walking Monk

Buenos Aires, Argentina

They Wanted More

The crowds wanted more.  “Kirtan! Kirtan! Kirtan!” was repeatedly shouted. It was 8 o’clock at night, the end of the stage show.  Merudevi, the prime organizer of the Festival of India (year after year) asked me to close the show.  I was given a half-hour.

So, there we were at the location of Plaza Mitre with its amphitheatre dynamic, putting a closure to a fine and exhilarating event for the day.  Mrdunga and djembe drummers were behind me. Women dancers in traditional garb were to my left, demonstrating the movement I established for the animated crowd.

All that our guru taught us, the mantra, the dance, the joy (feliz) of the Jagannath culture is what we were immersed in. It was most satisfying.  With the grand finale now over, came all these folks, one-by-one, with their smart phones, wanting a photo and giving congratulations for the kirtan and the play: “Mucho Madres, Mucho Padres.”

By the way, our drama crew was splendid.  To get an outside crowd to remain focused on a tearful, emotional piece is not easy, but somehow or other the magic worked. Coming an extra day early, paid off.  It allowed for a tighter more practised production, one that I feel Prabhupada, our guru, would be proud of.

Also, I had such a nice group to work with.  Mostly devotees from the radical punk scene.  I am usually surrounded by an Indian, immigrant-based community. Here it’s a hard-core, soft-hearted bunch of people.  Both are wonderful. https://www.instagram.com/p/BqR-J8nAnhC/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=6jv34bzhhrqg

May the Source be with you!
8 km



Saturday, November 17th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Stir It Up

I find the trees rather tall in Buenos Aires, and during my walk in the city they appeared very plentiful.  Today I discovered that these jolly green giants are perched and climbed on by birds and squirrels and also quite frequently by man.  They have a system here where a company comes to thin the tree branches.  Guys in green were really at it with the cherry pickers, pulleys and chainsaws.

One local devotee, Seva Kunj, mentioned to me that the storms here cause major damage with falling branches on cars, homes and even people.

I was thinking that pruning or a weeding of sorts is a personal undertaking we should always apply to our varying levels of contempt, anger, lust and so on.  I’ve always found mantrameditation to have a good effect in this area.  It is a way to surface the poisons within.  It reminds me of the story of the churning of the ocean of milk, by gods and demons.  They stirred up all the contaminants that lay beneath before the great treasures were to be enjoyed.

The message is: “Stir it up!” and “Get to the essence!”

Outside of hearing a nice class from Bhakti Gaura Vani Swami, eating and some greeting, another day was spent in the drama practice.  It’s a meditation in itself.  What talent there is in the form of these volunteers!  Such patience too!  I am blessed as director.

May the Source be with you!
4 km

Friday, November 16th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Long Day, Fine Night

It had been a long day of immersion into the story of King Chitraketu through drama practice.  It involves twenty-five volunteers plus, and we all work hard.  That, and e-mail correspondence, brought me to beyond midnight. I began my committed chanting of sixteen rounds on my meditation japabeads, while pacing back and forth in the courtyard under a fun sky, where whitish clouds appear and move on, at play with a glowing moon.  The air and wind are very alive at this time of year, full of prana, life force.  It is spring here.

My walking was in a shape of eight, just to add an extra feature to the already beautiful and peaceful moments that were passing.  At one point, I walked to the entrance of the courtyard by the wrought-iron gate, only to see or hear people active in the party-mode.  Loud voices, especially, filled the atmosphere, and I questioned, of what value is most of the boisterous conversation?  Not worth much, I concluded.  Under the influence of substance, what priceless parlance could there actually be?  Especially if it rattles on and on.

God, I thank you for sparing me from the lifestyle I am hearing outside the gate.  I was there before.  I reflected on the verse that I spoke from in the Bhagavatamclass earlier, yesterday.  It is a well-quoted one, spoken of by our guru, Prabhupada.  From 10.14.8 it reads as such: tat te’nukampāṁ susamīkṣamāno… Translation: Oh Krishna, one who constantly waits for Your causeless mercy to be bestowed and who goes on suffering the reaction of past misdeeds, offering You respects from the core of the heart, is surely eligible for liberation for it has become his/her rightful claim.

I guess I better get eligible.
https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-members-participate-in-parliament-of-the-worlds-religions,6753/

May the Source be with you!
6 km

TOVP: Inspection of the GRG factory (Album of photos) Sadbhuja…
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TOVP: Inspection of the GRG factory (Album of photos)
Sadbhuja Das: Today we had a visit on the ToVP site from Ambarisa prabhu on his tour around the ToVP construction site. He’s inspecting the GRG factory (glass reinforced gypsum), which is going to be used for the coffered ceiling in the inner domes. He checked the quality strength and ability of the production and he was very satisfied with what we are doing.
Thank you very much,
Hare Krishna!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/kp4dFU

Iskcon devotees’ harinama in Puri completely captivated…
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Iskcon devotees’ harinama in Puri completely captivated the people (Album of photos)
Bhakti Chaitanya Swami: Yesterday we went on a big harinama around the Jagannatha temple. There were close to 200 devotees, and many thousands of other pilgrims. It was Purnima so everywhere was completely packed. There was a television crew there and they extensively interviewed various of us and took about 20 or 30 minutes of video of the harinama. The ladies were dancing with nice paraphernalia, and it was quite a mind-blowing experience for the people.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/NHjE4W

Perfect explanation of the “summary of all scriptures” (1 min video)
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Perfect explanation of the “summary of all scriptures” (1 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: In this age, no one is expected to be highly educated in the Vedic ways of understanding because people are very slow, lazy and unfortunate. Therefore Lord Caitanya has recommended the sound vibration Hare Krishna. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 4.4.6 Purport)

Home Deity Worship Seminar at the London College of Vedic Studies
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Hare KrishnaBy London College of Vedic Studies

The seminar concluded with a live demonstration of bathing and dressing small Gaura-Nitai deities. Undoubtedly, this part of the seminar was greatly appreciated by the attendees, who asked several questions pertaining to their specific life situations that affect their home worship and also on general, desirable guidelines of worship. Continue reading "Home Deity Worship Seminar at the London College of Vedic Studies
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Gita 01.46 The significance of our actions depends not just on the actions but also on the situations in which we do those actions
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

The post Gita 01.46 The significance of our actions depends not just on the actions but also on the situations in which we do those actions appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

“The cult” of Caitanya Mahaprabhu and a book distribution…
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“The cult” of Caitanya Mahaprabhu and a book distribution story.
Bhakta Pratham: “Queen Street is one of New Zealand’s busiest streets. On one of the not so busiest of days, around an hour in, I spotted a young adult who seemed like a death-metal fan. She had pink hair, dark makeup, tattooed arms and legs, and piercings all over her face.
Usually, I would not try to stop a person like that, because in the past all I have received back were four-letter words and middle fingers. So with no hope of stopping her, I still decided to say something as she walked past.

I said “Hey, miss, nice hair color. Is that natural?” She was walking really fast, and she didn’t even look at me. With hate and disrespect in her voice, she said: “I don’t want to be part of your cult.”

I instantly responded, “Why not? It’s a beautiful cult!”

She somehow found that really funny and started laughing. She stopped and walked back toward me and said, “You know what? You’re the first Hare Krishna who ever made me smile.”

I replied, “Really? I’m not even the funny one.”

Then she started talking about how she sees people trying to stop her and bother her every time she walks on Queen Street. We are everywhere, and she basically just hates to see us on the street. I told her a few things about us, like how we are just trying to help.

And then I presented a copy of “Hiding in Unnatural Happiness.” After spending a few minutes talking about the book, she said she had been going through lots of anxiety and nothing seemed good about life. I asked her to read the book and invited her to The Loft. She happily took the book and gave a donation. Before leaving, she also said, “Thank you for doing what you are doing” in a really polite and friendly voice.

What started out as arrogance and ignorance was blissfully transformed by “the cult” of Caitanya Mahaprabhu. All glories to the sankirtana movement!

Your aspiring servant,
Bhakta Pratham

Sun Love Feast – Nov 25th, 2018 – Theatrical Presentation by His Holiness Bhakti Marga Swami Maharaj
→ ISKCON Brampton



About HH Bhaktimarga Swami:

Over forty years ago it was a youthful quest for life that led Chatham, Ontario born Bhaktimarga Swami, (formerly John Peter Vis), to adopt an Eastern order of monastic life that landed him in the Hare Krishna movement. Since that time, as a celibate monk, Swami has evolved as an instructor of bhakti-yoga and mantra meditation. His presentation on this subject of life, based on the popular Hindu text, “Bhagavad-gita” is lively, candid and informative.

With a background in fine arts, Swami also developed a passion for the performing arts. Even in the course of his duties as a monk, he expands his portfolio and manages to take an active role in theatrical productions from epics of ancient Indian origin. Casting, scripting, and directing morality theater takes him annually to venues from North America to India and Africa.

Finally, Bhaktimarga Swami achieved a remarkable feat in 1996 when he went the way of a pilgrim and walked on foot cross country from west to east and then back for a return journey from Cape Spear, Newfoundland to Vancouver Island in 2003, going full circle. He likes to share of his unique experiences and fond memories on the road after trekking 16,000 kms. Swami is a consistent feature in “The Longest Road”, a recent National Film Board documentary detailing the history of the people who shaped or were shaped by the Trans Canada Highway, the world’s longest continuous maintained road.


Chant: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 

And Be Happy!!

ayur harati vai pumsam
udyann astam ca yann asau
tasyarte yat-ksano nita
uttama-sloka-vartaya

Both by rising and by setting, the sun decreases the duration of life of everyone, except one
who utilizes the time by discussing topics of the all-good Personality of Godhead.
 ~ Srimad Bhagavatam 2.3.17




11.00 - 11.15      Tulsi Puja
11.15  - 11.30     Guru Puja                        
11:30 - 11:55     Aarti & Kirtan                      
11.55  - 12.00    Sri Nrsingadeva Prayers
12.00 - 1:00     Theatrical Presentaion
  1.00 - 1.30      Closing Kirtan
  1.30 - 2.00     Sanctified Free Vegetarian Feast
COMING UP AHEAD

 Utpanna Ekadasi
Fasting.....................on Sun Dec 2nd,2018
Breakfast................  on Mon Dec 3rd, 2018 b/w 8:22am – 10.32am

Every fortnight, we observe Ekadasi, a day of prayer and meditation. On this day we fast (or
simplify our meals and abstain from grains and beans), and spend extra time reading the scriptures
and chanting the auspicious Hare Krishna mantra.By constantly ‘exercising’ our minds through
regular japa we can train our senses to push the threshold of contentment.
English audio glorification of all Ekadasis is available here 



ONGOING PROGRAMS

Adult Education At The Temple
ISKCON Brampton offers various courses and Seminars for adults. The courses take a personal approach to learning. It encourages the student not only to study thoroughly the contents of Srila Prabhupada’s books but also to clearly understand the philosophy and practically apply it. The course focuses on behaviour and character, nurturing students in appropriate Vaishnava values.
Professionally designed and presented, it draws on the principles of Krishna consciousness
and the best of progressive education. In this way, it is true to ISKCON’s heritage and at the
same time relevant to its mission in contemporary society.

For further information, please contact HG Prema Gaurangi Devi Dasi @ premagaurangi.jps@hotmail.com


Sunday School

To register,contact us
Email:sundayschool108@gmail.com
Call:647.893.9363

The Sunday School provides fun filled strategies through the medium of music, drama, debates,
quizzes and games that present Vedic Culture to children. However the syllabus is also designed
to simultaneously teach them to always remember Krishna and never forget Him.
The Sunday School follows the curriculum provided by the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture (BCEC).


Monthly sankirtan Festival(MSF)
“One who has life can preach, and one who preaches gets life.”(Previous Acaryas)
Every member of ISKCON should have the opportunity to make advancement in Krishna
consciousness by preaching.We encourage everyone to come out and participate and make
Srila Prabhupada happy.

Please contact:
Dharma Dasa- dharandev58@gmail.com-647.892.0739(Mississauga and Brampton regions)


The Mentorship Program

Please note that registration in the Mentorship System is now a mandatory requirement for all initiation requests at ISKCON Brampton.It

1.Facilitates  and nurtures devotees aspiring for first and second Initiation.
2.One-on-One personal follow up on a regular basis.
3.Systematic training to devotees in matters of Philosophy, Sadhna, Vaishnava behavior, etiquette, Lifestyle and attitudes.

To find details please click here


Gift Shop

Are you looking for some amazing gift items which are less expensive and more beautiful for your
loved ones for festivals or many other occasions??
Our boutique is stocked with an excellent range of products, perfect for gifts or as souvenirs of your
visit. It offers textiles, jewelry, incense, devotional articles, musical instruments, books, and CDs
inspired by Indian culture.We're open on all Sundays and celebrations marked in our annual calendar.

The Spiritual Significance of Thanksgiving – Occasion, Expression, Intention
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Talk at ISKCON, Connecticut, USA]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post The Spiritual Significance of Thanksgiving – Occasion, Expression, Intention appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Appreciating Sanjaya’s appreciation of the Gita
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Class at ISKCON, Hartford, USA]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post Appreciating Sanjaya’s appreciation of the Gita appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Who is a leader? – LEAD acronym
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Talk at University of Bridgeport, Connecticut, USA]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

PPT:

Video:

The post Who is a leader? – LEAD acronym appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.