Rathayatra in Lenasia in Johannesburg, South Africa (Album of photos)
Bhakti Chaitanya Swami: Photos from our Rathayatra in Le...
Rathayatra in Lenasia in Johannesburg, South Africa (Album of…
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Rathayatra in Lenasia in Johannesburg, South Africa (Album of…
Sri Radha-Madhava Elephant Procession (Album of photos)…
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Sri Radha-Madhava Elephant Procession (Album of photos)
Saturdays around 5:00 pm in Mayapur… Magical moments of Sri Radha-Madhava Elephant Procession.
Mystical sounds could be heard by every single living entity anywhere near ISKCON Mayapur campus. Very intense thundering of large drums beating to the rhythm of two elephant’s hearts, was the best way to bring back to mind some very sweet pastimes of our dear Lord Krsna in Dwarka.
Every Saturday evening, Sri Radha Madhava leave their altar carried by one of our leading Pujari, HG Jananivas prabhu and are reverently placed on our dear elephants Vishnupriya. Her associate the little elephant Laxmipriya also joins the procession.
Two devotees beautifully decorated, have the service of carrying their Lordship on elephants along with some devotees around the Mayapur campus. The fire lanterns being the only source of light during the procession, create a fascinating and kind of mysterious atmosphere which bring everyone to an enchanted mood. The roads are so colorful and beautifully decorated with breath taking Rangoli designs, it is hard to walk without stopping to take a longer look, but we have to follow the procession with hundreds, if not thousands of devotees and pilgrims chanting and dancing with raised arms.
In front of the procession, there is a procession of Sri Gaura –Nitai deities from Bhajan kutir in bullock cart.
The amazing kirtan & mantra chants by Gurukul boys made everyone’s heart melt and voices merged into a one unison sound. All of us present could feel how once again, these pastimes performed by the Mayapur devotees are incredibly powerful and help so much to bring everyone into a good spiritual mood. Krsna consciousness is serious business but, Oh my God… How fun and heart cleansing it can be. So every Saturday evening, we can all really do what Srila Prabhupada said “ Just chant and be happy!”
Hari Haribol !
Find them here: https://goo.gl/BZ5ce6
Saubhari Muni’s story (video)
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Vrindavan Braj Parikrama – Day 8
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Day 8 – 19 November 2018
Written by Candrasekhara das
Most of us on the parikrama are from the West and accustomed to different comforts. Whilst Vrindavan offers its inconveniences, we must remember that Vrindavan is home and that home is nowhere else. We carry this important meditation by Kadamba Kanana Swami from Day 7 into Day 8.
We begin Day 8 with an hour-long drive from bustling Vrindavan to the clear sky-ed Brahmanda ghat. Being more rural, Brahmanda ghat is serene, peaceful and calming to the soul. We sit beside the auspicious ghat shaded by a large kadamba tree eagerly awaiting Kadamba Kanana Swami’s nectarian meditations. The parikrama thus far has been filled with special meditations. Following in the footsteps of Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityandanda, we will distribute these precious meditations to the different corners of the earth when we leave sacred Vrindavan. Brahmanda ghat is celebrated as the place where baby Krsna ate clay and displayed all the universes in his mouth when the concerned Mother Yasoda looked inside. Isn’t Krsna bewildering?
As followers of Srila Prabhupada, Brahmanda ghat is also significant as the place where Srila Prabhupada’s dear disciples gave him an abhishek in 1972 when he bathed in the ghat. Kadamba Kanana Swami made the important point that although the holy dham is filled with mercy, even more mercy is attracted to places where great vaisnavas have been, therefore making Brahmanda ghat especially potent.
Our second stop for the day was the River Yamuna, a few hundred metres from Brahmanda ghat. In that area, the famous Damodara lila took place. HH Bhakti Ashraya Vaisnava Swami captivated the minds of everyone as he sweetly described Krsna’s humorous butter-stealing pastimes.
Our final stop for the day was Raval – the birthplace of Srimati Radharani. Due to its sanctity, Kadamba Kanana Swami decided that we spend a larger portion of our day at Raval. We sat under a mysterious tree formation which were actually two trees (one blackish and one white) that have intimately intertwined into one tree known as the Radha-Krsna tree. This is just one of many such trees in Vrindavan. Kadamba Kanana Swami, Ramanaji and Gour Krsna each led ecstatic kirtans that had us all screaming Krsna’s holy names in surcharged Raval. How nice it is to scream out Krsna’s names in all corners of Vrindavan! Although Krsna can be accessed wherever we reside in the world, he is especially accessible in holy Vrindavan. Kadamba Kanana Swami concluded the day by reminding us that it is only due to Lord Caitanya’s special mercy that we have all come to Vrindavan. By Lord Caitanya’s mercy, difficult things become easy to achieve and without his mercy, easy things become extremely difficult to achieve. We carry this meditation into the night as we excitedly await Day 9 of our exhilarating parikrama.
The article " Vrindavan Braj Parikrama – Day 8 " was published on KKSBlog.
When 300 voices come together in heartfelt chanting (2 min video)
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When 300 voices come together in heartfelt chanting (2 min video)
We are on retreat in Vrindavan with 300 participants from al...
“The Trees Want To Tell Their Story” (4 min video)
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“The Trees Want To Tell Their Story” (4 min video)
The latest project from The Sacred India Gallery- “The Trees Want To Tell Their Story”. Our Artistic Director Jagattarini Dasi is in Vrindavan sharing insights into the importance of the mystical trees of this timeless land.
Srimad Bhagavatam Class: HH Chandramouli Swami
→ Mayapur.com
Verse number: Srimad Bhagavatam 9.8.23 Date: 01 Dec 2018 Speaker: HH Chandramouli Swami taṁ tvāṁ ahaṁ jñāna-ghanaṁ svabhāva- pradhvasta-māyā-guṇa-bheda-mohaiḥ sanandanādyair munibhir vibhāvyaṁ kathaṁ vimūḍhaḥ paribhāvayāmi Translation: O my Lord, sages freed from the influence of the three modes of material nature — sages such as the four Kumāras [Sanat, Sanaka, Sanandana and Sanātana] — are […]
The post Srimad Bhagavatam Class: HH Chandramouli Swami appeared first on Mayapur.com.
Kirtan Rasa 2018 – Live Kirtan Festival From Dubai (Damodardesh)…
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Kirtan Rasa 2018 - Live Kirtan Festival From Dubai (Damodardesh) (video)
Srila Prabhupada: Instead of actively taking part in ...
SARVA SAUNDARYA SANGRAHAM: Reservoir of All Beauties
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By Gauranga Darshan Das Beautiful forms inspire attraction, but attachment and affection are developed more because of beautiful characteristics. Although physically attractive, if someone doesn’t have good qualities and attitude, people are not inclined to maintain a relationship with him. But if someone is beautiful both in his form and character, relationship with him is most enlivening. Krsna’s form is exquisitely beautiful, and so is His divine character. Continue reading "SARVA SAUNDARYA SANGRAHAM: Reservoir of All Beauties
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If genetically modified bacteria could clean the polluted Yamuna river, is that technology still bad?
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Answer Podcast
The post If genetically modified bacteria could clean the polluted Yamuna river, is that technology still bad? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
Dashavatar Illustrated Story – Kurma Avatar, The Turtle Incarnation
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A video by ISKCON Desire Tree.
We Can’t Nourish Our Souls Amidst People Who Are Out To Sell Theirs
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The word “soul” sometimes refers non-literally to the things that matter the most to us. Such a non-literal usage features in the phrase “to sell one’s soul.”
Simultaneous Ratha Yatras Held on Both Sides of Argentina in Historic Event
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Argentina saw a unique moment in ISKCON’s history on Thursday November 22nd. Two major Ratha Yatra festivals took place at the same time on both sides of the country – one in its capital city Buenos Aires, on the East Coast, and one in Mendoza, on the Western border of the country, at the foot of the Andes mountain range.
Expectations
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Have you heard it said these days that the secret to happiness is to lower your expectations? It makes sense, doesn’t it? We often put so much pressure on ourselves or each other, due to our unnecessary or overblown expectations.
The Joy of Krishna Consciousness – Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya by Tarana Chaitanya Das
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A video by ISKCON Desire Tree.
Invitation to Consciousness in Science Conference 2019
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An invitations for scholars and scientists for the "Consciousness in Science" Conference organized by the Bhaktivedanta Institute for Higher Studies, to be held in Gainesville, Florida, USA in January 2019.
Sun Love Feast – Dec 2nd, 2018 – Vedic discourse by Her Grace Mokshalila Mataji
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Adult Education At The Temple
Kalyana Venkateswara, the beautiful Deity of Balaji (3 min…
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Kalyana Venkateswara, the beautiful Deity of Balaji (3 min video)
Bhakti Chaitanya Swami: Kalyana Venkatesvara is a beautiful ...
Tuesday, November 27th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
The Topic of Food on the Walk
Dog sitters, walkers and runners were the folks whom Ananda and I met along the way through the ravine. All of our encounters with them were sweet, though a brief acknowledgement of each other’s presence became our experience.
Ananda and I were also talking about sweet and sour things and what Ayurveda has to say about various foods, exercise and overall good health. His friend, Keshavanand, claims that drinking lots of water as is prescribed in the west, is not good. He says you get your fluids from the food you eat. He also claims sour things are not to be consumed at night. Basically, you shouldn't eat late at night. Anywhere from 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. is actually time for sleeping. Of all exercises, walking is the best. Running is shunned and is not good for the knees. He doesn’t recommend certain foods such as eggplant as it produces too much heat inside. In general, food should be cooked. He says ghee is most favourable, not much, and olive oil is discouraged, while sesame and peanut are preferred. Of course, GMO'd food is to be avoided and one should go for organic. Canned food—not good. Yogurt is to be kept in the fridge or in a clay pot in the evening, while consumption during the day is advantageous.
If you have a sweet tooth, jaggery is recommended, and the processed white sugar is taboo. There was more that we discussed. What I have personally discovered over the years is that your body is its own guru and tells you of comfort or discomfort through the stomach.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Editor’s Note: Always consult with your medical practitioner or advisor when considering dietary or major lifestyle changes. And do your research. As Bhaktimarga Swami suggests, only yourbody can tell you what is best for you.
Monday, November 26, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario
You’re In
Wet is the way to describe the day. I didn’t step outside but inside I did. Lots of service, planning and then rhyming. Here’s what I wrote about the day.
You’re In
Dull time did pass—no break
Something that seemed hard to shake
When out the window there was gloom
A day of utter drizzle doom
Not even a steamy herbal tea cup
Could pull the entire spirit up
For a grey veil did suspend there
Endorsing a world that’s so unfair
Observe the world, it’s most mundane
It can drive one to be insane
If and only if you allow it to
Push one to the shades of blue
You may look at life as so much grief
Or may look at life—what relief!
It’s all in how you come to view
Let others needs pull on you
There is service that’s so much at hand
Then the world’s not puny, only grand
Simply conjure up the joy within.
Explore, evoke, then you’re in.
©Bhaktimarga Swami
May the Source be with you!
3 km
Srila Prabhupada Marathon 2018 by HH Smita Krishna Swami (2 min…
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Srila Prabhupada Marathon 2018 by HH Smita Krishna Swami (2 min video)
Inspirational thoughts and realizations about distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books during the month of December.
Sunday, November 25, 2018
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Brampton/Toronto
Sending a Message for Giving
Once again, an audience of a devotional kind was grateful for a bhakti drama. In a less formal way of speaking, “Many Moms Many Dads” came off as a crowd pleaser and I’m indebted to those who volunteered as actors and technical personnel for the presentation in Brampton.
In Toronto, I gave a class from the Gita highlighting the importance of sharing or giving this wisdom to those who are not so acquainted with it.
Sanjay was the secretary of a blind king, but he had the vision to see the benefits of disseminating this knowledge. Quoting Sanjay, who was in ecstasy personally at receiving the wisdom, he said, “So wonderful is that message that my hair is standing on end.”
For the month of December, devout followers of Krishna bhakti will engage in a book distribution marathon because it is a benevolent thing to do. December is also the month when the Gitawas spoken, so it’s a nice way to celebrate.
After my deliveries in both dramatized and orator fashion, I set myself up for a walk where I could really appreciate the textures and intense colours of the season. Some people make the most of it, décor-wise. At least my eyes were getting a kick out of what I was seeing and feeling in the nighttime stroll, although it wasn’t so extreme as to get my hair “standing on end.”
Yorkville, where I strode for an hour or more, is an ideal place for this kind of sensory satisfaction. I came back to the ashram and had a great sleep by divine mercy.
May the Source be with you!
5km
Saturday, November 24, 2018
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Brampton, Ontario
Not Bull-dozed
I crossed a parking lot in a Brampton plaza to get to Billy’s car. I mentioned to passenger Kamala and Premaroni that I wasn’t so proud of not reaching my usual quota of the day. What can be done? Sometimes it works out that way. I was busy with another one of those dramas. Once again, and for the last time this year, we will stage “Many Mothers Many Fathers.”
These dramas are morale boosters. They are a way of bull-dozing maya (illusion). Groucho Marx one time defined a bull-dozer as “a tranquilizer for a bull.” Ha ha!
Maya, indeed, must be tackled, otherwise the illusions and temptations of the world will tackle you.
I was lucky to get some help from the local Brampton community pulling things together for the drama. Since returning from Argentina, I had been trying to conscript assistance for acting and technical back-up. I needed some extras as queens and jesters. All were rather silent in response to my appeals. I began losing hope. Then the flood of phone calls came in at the eleventh hour; truly at around 11:00 o’clock. It was quite mystical, actually. So practice went on! The extras and prime actors were happy.
When I returned back to the ashram, I pulled out some old photos of dramas past. One picture is of myself as the personification of Dharma, the righteous, as represented by the bull. The bull was not tranquilized.
May the Source be with you!
0km
Marathon Message by Janananda Goswami
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Marathon Message by Janananda Goswami.
It’s never too late. Srila Prabhupada arrived in US at 70 years of age and preached alone in the snow of New York, distributing his Srimad Bhagavatams. We sure can’t imitate Srila Prabhupada, but at least we can try to follow. Last year I had the fortunate experience of trying to distribute books in France, and I do not speak the language. You may know what France is like if you don’t speak French. Still, by the mercy of Lord Nityananda, many books were distributed, and I am no book distributor at the best of times. To be honest I had not been on a full marathon since 1985. Done a few partial ones here and there, in the snow of Newcastle and the sun of the Gold Coast. But Paris was something special - a real dose of mercy and a close feeling of Srila Prabhupada’s presence.
Srila Prabhupada Marathon 2018 by HH Sacinandana Swami (4 min…
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Srila Prabhupada Marathon 2018 by HH Sacinandana Swami (4 min video)
Inspirational thoughts and realizations about distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books during the month of December.
Friday, November 23, 2018
→ The Walking Monk
Toronto, Ontario
A Parcel Arrived
A parcel arrived from Montreal, a bunch of newspaper articles from the U.S. My dear friend, Gokulananda Prabhu, forwarded them from one of my support monks who accompanied me last year. I slid the first article out of the parcel, one from the Grand Island Independent. Did it bring back memories!
Only a year and a half ago, in the state of Nebraska, on a cold Monday, I had walked with strain on this overpass. The wind was fierce up there. It was outside the city of Grand Island, the birth place of actor Henry Fonda, if I’m not mistaken. The journalist from The Independent honked, waved and indicated he’d see me at the end of the overpass, in a place for safe parking on the road’s shoulder.
The interview went great. I changed my mind about the town. There was a mix of good and bad vibes to it. Hayagriva and Marshall, my support monks, remember it well for being a stinky place. In the centre of town is perhaps one of the largest slaughterhouses in the country. The smell of death-blood can occupy your nostrils for twenty miles in any direction. It depends on the way the wind blows, I guess.
The time I reached the town, employees were just changing work-shifts; employees from all over the world, and of all different races: blacks, whites, Mexicans etc. I recall female drivers pulling up to pick up their husbands who had just come out of the facility, a tall grey, massive fortress-type of structure. I also recall meeting a cyclist, a wanderer type headed for Pennsylvania.
I ended the walk on that cold, grey day, at a cemetery. Though there was darkness in a pervasive way, the news article from Grand Falls was generous, informative. It was kind to a Krishna monk.
May the Source be with you!
5 km
Darsana of Varadaraja and Maha Laksmi in Kanchipuram (2 min…
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Darsana of Varadaraja and Maha Laksmi in Kanchipuram (2 min video)
Bhakti Chaitanya Swami: Some very rough footage of darsana ...
When Hitler met a Vaishnava
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When Hitler met a Vaishnava.
From the book “Blazing Sadhus” by HG Acyutananda Prabhu ACBSP.
“We sat on the veranda, and Bon Maharaj told us how he met Adolf Hitler. "I saw Hitler down a long hall. He was pacing furiously. The war was on. This was before Britain was in the war because the British would never allow any Commonwealth citizen to associate with the enemy. Anyway, Hitler was pacing furiously down the end of a hall. He stopped and looked at me. I walked down the hall, and he immediately shook my hand.” I found this astonishing because it is well known that Hitler refused to shake the hand of Jesse Owens after the Olympics, yet he did shake the hand of Bon Maharaj, who was very dark-skinned. Bon Maharaj went on, “I knew Hitler was trying to find any kind of evidence to support his Aryan culture. I told him we Indians are the true Aryan culture from ancient times.” Hitler said, “Thank you,” in English and then turned me over to a secretary/officer who arranged to have me stay with a German family. The officer ordered me, “At the beginning and end of every lecture you must raise your right hand and say, `Heil Hitler.’ ”
Read More...
Angkor Wat: City Of The God Kings (Ancient Civilisations Documentary)
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800 Kg Bhagavad-gita Set to be Largest Sacred Text in the World
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The giant book is funded by ISKCON Italy through donations and designed by the Mediterranean branch of the BBT, which claims it will be the largest sacred text in the world.
Going off-course is not the problem; staying off-course is…
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Chaitanya Charan Das: Suppose a plane flies from Los Angeles to New York. During 90% of its flight time, it is off-course. Why? Because of its own momentum and the atmospheric conditions.
How, then, does the plane get to its destination? By the pilot’s repeated reorientation.
(This post has been viewed 610 times so far)
Сбор средств ХВП в #ЩедрыйВторник обрел небывалый успех
- TOVP.org
Каждый год некоммерческие организации по всему миру устраивают онлайн инициативу #ЩедрыйВторник, названную на веб-сайте www.givingtuesday.org «Международным днем благотворительности». Людей вдохновляют открыть сердца для благотворительности, по крайней мене в этот день, и поддержать проекты, которые важны для них.
В этом году Facebook и YouTube в США объединились для того, чтобы софинансировать пожертвования, полученные через портал Facebook в США, в размере до 7 миллионов долларов. И, хотя мы начали позднее остальных, так как не были знакомы с программой #ЩедрыйВторник, пожертвования ХВП для марафона «МИССИЯ 22» достигли 25 829 долларов США. Почти сто преданных вызвались помочь, понимая, что их пожертвования будут софинансированы. Мы очень признательны за их энтузиазм и поддержку.
Однако в течение дня нам стало известно, что фонд софинансирования Facebook / YouTube уже распределен и софинансирования пожертвований более не будет. Мы не были уверены, что это только слухи, и также беспокоились, что спонсоры будет разочарованы, если их пожертвования не софинансируют. Мы обсудили возможные последствия и представили их вниманию Амбариши прабху, председателя ХВП. Он разрешил дилемму, сказав, что сам софинансирует пожертвования, если Facebook и YouTube не сделали этого. Наш герой.
Мы все еще ожидаем информации от Facebook, были ли наши пожертвования частично или полностью софинансированы, но, в любом случае, все наши спонсоры могут быть полностью уверены, что их усилия по получению софинансирования пожертвованных средств обязательно принесут свои плоды. Спасибо еще раз, вся слава вашему служению.
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 Сбор средств ХВП в #ЩедрыйВторник обрел небывалый успех appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
TOVP #Giving Tuesday Fundraiser a Grand Success
- TOVP.org
Every year, non-profit organizations worldwide organize an online effort called #Giving Tuesday described on the website www.givingtuesday.org as a “Global Giving Movement”. People are encouraged to open their hearts to the giving attitude, at least on that day, and support Causes that are important to them.
This year, U.S. based Facebook and Youtube teamed up to match donations given through the U.S. Facebook portal up to $7 million. And although we got a late start, not being familiar with the #Giving Tuesday program, our TOVP fundraiser raised $25,829 for the MISSION 22 MARATHON. Almost one hundred devotees stepped up to the plate and gave their might to help with the understanding that their donations would be matched. We are most grateful for their enthusiasm and support.
However, during the day we heard that the Facebook/Youtube matching funds account had already been dispersed and there would be no more matching of donations. We weren’t sure if this was just a rumor, and were also concerned that donors would be disappointed if their donations were not matched. We discussed the implications amongst ourselves and brought this to the attention of Ambarisa prabhu, the TOVP Chairman. He solved the whole dilemma by himself offering to match the donations if Facebook and Youtube did not. Our hero.
We have yet to hear from Facebook if our fundraiser was matched, either in part or whole, but in either case all our donors can rest assured that your efforts to have your funds matched will bare their fruit one way or the other. Thank you again and all glories to your service.
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 #Giving Tuesday Fundraiser a Grand Success appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
The Prabhupada Marathon
Giriraj Swami
Srila Prabhupada personally wrote me, “Go on increasing books, and go on increasing my pleasure.” The December marathon is a special opportunity to increase the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada and the parampara by distributing books about Krishna consciousness. So, I encourage you all to increase their pleasure—and your own—by distributing as many books as possible. As Srila Prabhupada said in Los Angeles, “So, I took up this from [Guru Maharaja’s] mouth, that he is very fond of books. And he told me personally that ‘If you get some money, print books.’ Therefore, I am stressing on this point: ‘Where is book? Where is book? Where is book?’ So kindly help me. This is my request. Print as many books in as many languages and distribute throughout the whole world. Then the Krishna consciousness movement will automatically increase.”
Hare Krishna.
Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami
Sankirtana Expands from Mayapur
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By Giriraj Swami In Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Srila Prabhupada explains the reasons for Sri Krishna Chaitanya’s appearance. Lord Krishna, in His pastimes, was unable to experience the glory of Srimati Radharani’s love for Him, the wonderful qualities in Krishna that She relishes through Her love, and the indescribable happiness She feels when She realizes the sweetness of His love. Thus, Lord Krishna, assuming the guise of a devotee, adopted the mood and complexion of Srimati Radharani and descended in Navadvipa-dhama to fulfill His innermost desire: to experience Srimati Radharani’s ecstatic love for Him. Continue reading "Sankirtana Expands from Mayapur
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Gita 02.07 Seek first to understand the question to best understand the answer
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast
The post Gita 02.07 Seek first to understand the question to best understand the answer appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
How do we deal with fear of success because after success, failure will come?
→ The Spiritual Scientist
Answer Podcast
The post How do we deal with fear of success because after success, failure will come? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
Story of stuff
→ Servant of the Servant
We should be a good steward of the resources of this world. Srila Prabhupada was adamant in not wasting anything as he saw everything as Krishna's energy. This video can inspire us to reduce waste and live a more natural life.
Hare Krishna
Holy Name retreat, Govardhana (Album of photos)
Day 4: Going…
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Holy Name retreat, Govardhana (Album of photos)
Day 4: Going Deeper- Friday, November 30
Seminar by HH Sachinandana Swami
Topic: “Learning The Living Name-” Learning to Chant with Absorption"
Find them here: https://goo.gl/UftHbh
Sankirtana Expands from Mayapur
Giriraj Swami
In Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Srila Prabhupada explains the reasons for Sri Krishna Chaitanya’s appearance. Lord Krishna, in His pastimes, was unable to experience the glory of Srimati Radharani’s love for Him, the wonderful qualities in Krishna that She relishes through Her love, and the indescribable happiness She feels when She realizes the sweetness of His love. Thus, Lord Krishna, assuming the guise of a devotee, adopted the mood and complexion of Srimati Radharani and descended in Navadvipa-dhama to fulfill His innermost desire: to experience Srimati Radharani’s ecstatic love for Him.
So, Navadvipa-dhama is a manifestation of Srimati Radharani’s love for Krishna. The Puranas also describe that when, in the state of mahabhava, Srimati Radharani reached the extreme in ecstatic feelings of separation from Lord Krishna, He entered into Her heart and “stole” Her feeling of mahabhava. That mahabhava became manifest as Navadvipa-dhama.
Thus, to better understand Sri Mayapur-dhama and the mood of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, as well as Srila Prabhupada and our own devotional service, we should understand Radharani’s mood of separation.
Once, when Krishna left the company of the gopis, Radharani began to search for Him in one forest after another, crying in intense separation. She approached a kadamba tree, “Where is Krishna?” She approached Govardhana Hill, “Where is Krishna?” She wandered everywhere throughout Vrindavan, crying, “Where is Krishna? He is more dear to Me than My own life. How can I live without His service?” Then, in divine madness, She fainted.
After some time, when Krishna appeared, He addressed Srimati Radharani, “I am extremely pleased with You. You may ask from Me whatever You wish.” And Radharani requested three things: “Please promise Me that You will always remain in Vraja, unseen by those without devotion; please never disappoint the devotees who reside here, maintaining their lives by their love for You alone, hoping to attain Your lotus feet; and please always shower Your mercy on Your devotees and give them shelter at Your lotus feet.”
We see that even though Srimati Radharani had been experiencing extreme separation from Krishna, when Krishna asked Her what She wanted, She did not think of Herself; She thought of the suffering of others. This is the mood of separation. Srimati Radharani’s desire to please Krishna is so pure and so intense that She wants to engage every living entity for Krishna’s pleasure, to give them Krishna’s service and association.
Krishna has an unlimited desire to enjoy. Radha has the unlimited desire to fulfill Krishna’s desires. And Lord Chaitanya and Srila Prabhupada have the same desire to engage unlimited numbers of living entities in Krishna’s service. Like Srimati Radharani, the preacher wants to arrange for others to get Krishna’s association, to serve Him.
Srila Prabhupada especially wanted unlimited numbers of books to be distributed so that unlimited numbers of persons would be engaged in devotional service. Every book distributed means another brick for the Mayapur City temple, and as the city manifests, more and more devotees will be attracted to the dhama, to develop the same mood of sankirtana. And as they become inspired to distribute more and more books, more and more people will become devotees. And thus the Vaishnava’s desire will be fulfilled.
Hare Krishna.
Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami