Gita 01.22 Asking to see something that is already known points to a dynamic that is not known
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

The post Gita 01.22 Asking to see something that is already known points to a dynamic that is not known appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Monday, October 22nd, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Lucknow / Delhi

Moving On With Repairs

A physiotherapist by the name of Sita-Ram did a splendid job on my body just hours before leaving for the Lucknow Airport.  He and his apprentice did a kind of makeover on the machinery.

“What’s bothering you?” he asked first, before beginning the therapy.

“Well, today it’s been the left knee,” I admitted.  So they tackled that and all connected to that pivotal part of the leg. Sita-Ram and companion were thorough and even left me with some exercise moves in order to prolong the improved body. He expressed about the arthritic ‘other’ knee, too.  That’s not news to me, of course.  He encouraged me to keep walking—which I’ve noted just one more time from one more expert.

This body is meant for mobility.  It’s also meant for God.  I just can’t imagine not having it in operating condition, for going to the temple or just that recreational stroll.

I’m seeing my peer monks departing for their distant lands—Ramai Swami—off to Australia, Badri Narayan Swami—off to Los Angeles; he’s moving around with a cane, poor guy.  I might be there some day, but heaven forbid; we will try to avoid that as far as possible.

I tell myself, “Do that walking and be preventative.  Watch the diet.”  So I had bindi the other day.  Bindi means okra and I'm told it’s good for the joints.  I’m glad I'm connected to Indian cuisine, which is big on the stuff.  I love it when it’s offered to Krishna.

May the Source be with you!
6 km


Sunday, October 21st, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

To a Village

There is this fantastic walk-around space that allows for circumambulating the deities of the temple.  The deity’s names are Gaura-Nitai, Radha-Madhava and Sita Rama Laksman Hanuman, and they look to be well maintained.  For the small amount of walking I'm doing while here, at least it is meaningful, stepping around them in the traditional clock-wise fashion which is to include the entire peripheral edge of the building.  https://www.instagram.com/p/BpK1a83lCUs/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1chswiv8zbg6z

I struck it lucky this morning, once again, when Kala Kanta and I, along with Yamal from Delhi, got treated to a visit to a local village.  Typically rustic and peaceful, this place, under the supervision of one of our men, Divya Nitai, is all about eco-ism and agriculture.  The place is super clean with cow/bull dung all about, indicating the presence of such animals, which are loving and extremely pet-able.

In every little nook and cranny of this village, something is going on.  A woman sits quietly husking corn.  A man cuts local fodder-grass with a thrashing machine. You even have a man on a rooftop in the lotus position meticulously shaving himself with a straight-blade, right out in the open.

In this village, which produces cloth, milk, dahl, mustard oil and more, you have plenty of things going on.  Divya showed us around the school, which was not in session today, being Sunday, and all other operations, as well as a great view of the Ganges.  These villages have it all and according to him the place is practically self-sufficient.  It is so inspiring, with the last, most attractive feature being no cars. 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpNfgx0lh8J/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=19aeogi24tee1

May the Source be with you!
3 km

Saturday, October 20th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

Booster Words

In our plenary meetings, many discussions were held, including the topic of having female gurus.  That prospect is looking rather favourable, I’m happy to see.  Still, it’s been some days now sitting.  We all do it as a service.  The talks are necessary and the call of duty is of paramount importance.

Nevertheless, I do get antsy.  I felt blessed to be asked to give a boost talk to the young brahmacharimonks.  Perhaps eighty of them sat snuggly together to hear about inspiration and motivation behind bhakti,and particularly about the walking I’ve undertaken.

I told of stories of bear and moose, of interaction with people, how to contend with the elements, and what that does for me.  Adventure and building strength are always topics appealing to young men.

I noticed a good number of temple visitors also poking their heads into our space, listening intently.  I spoke to the crowd with such words as, “Most of you will be fathers and husbands, unless you already are, and you will have a big responsibility and carry on in life in the spirit of sacrifice.  You’ll be changing diapers (laughter).  So, these days of training are highly important for preparation of life skills. I really wish you the very best.”

The class was to run for an hour but somehow or other it extended itself, with questions, for an extra hour.  Oops! I was late for the afternoon session of meetings.

May the Source be with you!
2 km

Friday, October 19th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Bathoor, Uttar Pradesh

Places

Four of us, Radha Krishna from Hungary, Achintya from India, Kala Kanta from South America and I were escorted to Bathoor and beyond.  We visited three auspicious places.  First of all, today is the first day of Dussehra.  People celebrate the time when Ravana, the epitome of evil, was vanquished by Rama.  This is, of course, a great triumph, and people were starting to get out and about, however, we were lucky.  Our first stop was at the birth place of Dhruva, the saintly boy who demonstrated so much courage at age five.  This place, next to the Ganges, is full of shanti, peace.

Our next point of interest was Brahmavarta, the place where progenitor, Brahma, performed his tapasya, austerity.  We found many pilgrims bathing there.  Our attention was brought to a small hole in the ground from where a spring of water spews out water, and is the site where Brahma sat.  https://www.instagram.com/p/BpIGySDl8IA/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1gl4jyz3cww43

Then, surprisingly nearby, is the location where Valmiki wrote the epic, Ramayana.  This was also a place less travelled.  On top of a hill is a shrine in the sage’s honour.

We indulged in these three treasures, but when we got back to the temple—which is not at all ancient compared to the places of tirthawe visited—it was celebrating its fourth anniversary.  Much went on, including an abhisheka—washing of the temple deities.  Kirtan came on strong.  I was asked to lead.  Shortly after Lokanatha Swami arrived, I gave the mic to him and stood up for dance. The new brahmacarisand I became like ‘wild childs’.  God, it was fun—spiritual, and fun.

May the Source be with you!
3 km



Hare Krishna Movie News
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Yadubara Das

The Gujarati dubbed DVD of the hit movie “HARE KRISHNA – The Mantra, the Movement and the Swami who started it all” was launched at the ISKCON Ahmedabad Ram Vijaya Festival on Oct. 19 by the Honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat Vijay Rupani. Yadubara das, the film’s director spoke to the audience of 2000 on Srila Prabhupada’s remarkable life and accomplishments and added that no one in history has done so much to spread the glories of India’s authentic spiritual culture than Srila Prabhupada. As such, he should be recognized as India’s preeminent spiritual ambassador to the world. Continue reading "Hare Krishna Movie News
→ Dandavats"

Thursday, October 18th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

A Sharing to the Outside World

Between today’s meetings, the local television outlet came to interview me. I couldn’t get the name of the station but one of the participants to interview me, a Krishna devotee, was keen to know about two major things:  Why all the walking?  And, secondly, what is it about Krishna Consciousness that youth can find stimulating?

First of all, the long walks through countries are a way to connect with people. You are trekking along by the road and a motorist takes a fancy, offers a ride, to which you decline, and then you strike up a conversation, bringing them that much closer to nature and its maker. I also explained that numerous opportunities arise to speak to the public by way of media networks and talking engagements at community centres, libraries, yoga studios, and so forth. “The health benefits of walking are also immeasurable.”

The big draw for youth to the Hare Krishna, in India and abroad, is the practice of kirtan.  “Kirtanis a collective effort to share the joy of the soul.  People love the beat of the drum which makes you want to dance.  The singing is uplifting and is an import beyond the universe.”  I went on to say that it is a party.  Young people in particular are trying to find their place in the world.  Kirtanis very grounding.

Before the crew left, I asked if the group would speak with their feet.  I had an incentive now to be the interviewer and ask them something basic for Instagram.  So we did something. https://www.instagram.com/p/BpFlTLelbaV/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=xnsy7gairue3

May the Source be with you!
4 km

Wednesday, October 17th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

With the Stars

I started my day under the stars, both outside and within the temple courtyard.  It was quiet.  At 3:00 a.m., however, there were still some lingering sounds—songs and bhajansof sorts in praise of some god.  It was live music, amplified from nearby temples, and always with a popular/Bollywood genre.  Other than that, there were the stars to remind me of my smallness.  It only required a slight stretch of the neck and there they were.

The word ‘stars’ is so loosely used.  They certainly do twinkle; bright lights that sometimes fade.

Sitting to my right in today’s meetings is Radha Krishna Das from Hungary.  He’s sharp and attentive to details, especially on today’s basic topic of varnashram, the four social and spiritual orders Sri Krishna speaks about in the Bhagavad-gita.

To my left is seated Bhakti Brngha Govinda Swami, born in Memphis, Tennessee, and known for his musical output of the popular kirtan.  He’s more of the artist type.  During the afternoon session of talks on the above subject, which lasted for some hours, he leaned over to me and whispered, “How about you and I jump up on these tables and get some dance going?”

Like him, I find the discussions go on and deserve attention.  Still, it’s good to have a break now and then and perhaps entertain a bit.

In any event, I was sandwiched between two ‘dudes’ who are really lit.  They’re my stars.

May the Source be with you!
5 km


When the source of liberation becomes the source of illusion 2 – Mohini-murti pastime analysis
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Congregation program at Charlotte, USA]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post When the source of liberation becomes the source of illusion 2 – Mohini-murti pastime analysis appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

How to transform our heart 2 – Vritrasura’s dramatic transformation
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Bhagavatam class at Charlotte, USA]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post How to transform our heart 2 – Vritrasura’s dramatic transformation appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Prehistoric art hints at lost Indian civilization
→ Vedicarcheologicaldiscoveries's Weblog

The discovery of rock carvings believed to be tens of thousands of years old in India’s western state of Maharashtra has greatly excited archaeologists who believe they hold clues to a previously unknown civilisation, BBC Marathi’s Mayuresh Konnur reports.

The rock carvings – known as petroglyphs – have been discovered in their thousands atop hillocks in the Konkan region of western Maharashtra.

Mostly discovered in the Ratnagiri and Rajapur areas, a majority of the images etched on the rocky, flat hilltops remained unnoticed for thousands of years.

Image copyright BBC Marathi

Most of them were hidden beneath layers of soil and mud. But a few were in the open – these were considered holy and worshipped by locals in some areas.

The sheer variety of the rock carvings have stunned experts – animals, birds, human figures and geometrical designs are all depicted.

The way the petroglyphs have been drawn, and their similarity to those found in other parts of the world, have led experts to believe that they were created in prehistoric times and are possibly among the oldest ever discovered.

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-45559300?SThisFB&fbclid=IwAR04rfNNPtpqWMg6RcQkrGQ70iow7jFlgBYHFp-cRzuohYpzoPjOl-2tzBQ

Petroglyph in India May Be Oldest Known Sky Chart and Supernova Depiction
→ Vedicarcheologicaldiscoveries's Weblog

Archaeological investigators from India claim their in-depth research of historical night sky charts backs a theory that ancient rock art that depicts an astronomical event. Experts suggest the find may be the oldest star chart ever discovered, as well as the very first portrayal of a supernova.

Mysterious Rock Art Puzzles Scientists

As International Business Times reports , the peculiar rock art dates back to between 2100 and 4100 BC and was found at the Burzahom Neolithic site in the Kashmir region of Asia in Northern India. According to the archaeologists, it portrays a sky with two glaring objects in it and figures of humans and animals below. At first sight, both the animals and humans appeared to be part of a hunting scene, but after detailed examination, scientists have concluded that the figures depict star patterns and the two bright objects are a sun or moon and a supernova.

Left, photograph of the petroglyphs. Right, a sketch of it. (Image: IGNCA)

Left, photograph of the petroglyphs. Right, a sketch of it. (Image: IGNCA)

“We reinterpret the picture with emphasis on the two extremely bright celestial bodies shown in the picture. There is clear indication that the two celestial objects drawn are very bright. One of the objects is either the Sun or bright Moon and second object is relatively close to the first. They cannot be Sun and Moon since, with such proximity to the Sun, the Moon would be in a partial phase around the new and hence not very bright. We investigate the possibility that the observed object is not a star pair as even in other prehistoric drawings from European caves, stars are never shown as large disks,” scientists theorize in a paper that was published in the December issue of the Indian Journal of History of Science .

https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/petroglyph-india-may-be-oldest-known-sky-chart-and-supernova-depiction-021794

The month of Kartik, the month of Radharani
→ Dandavats



Kadamba Kanana Swami: In the Bhagavad-gita 10.35, Krsna says that of all the months, “I am marga-sirsa,” which is a name for the November-December period. It is said that before Krsna, first comes Radha… Radha-Krsna, Radha-Syam, Sita-Rama, like that. First the consort of the Lord is mentioned. Therefore the month of Kartik, which comes before this month of marga-sirsa, is a month of Radharani. It is a month when we are meditating on pure devotional service because she is the proprietor of pure devotional service! No compromise at all, no self-interest whatsoever, only the interest of Krsna in mind and nothing but the interest of Krsna.


Read More...

The month of Radharani… The month of devotional service
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 11 October 2011, Melbourne, Australia, Home Program)

In the Bhagavad-gita 10.35, Krsna says that of all the months, “I am marga-sirsa,” which is a name for the November-December period. It is said that before Krsna, first comes Radha… Radha-Krsna, Radha-Syam, Sita-Rama, like that. First the consort of the Lord is mentioned. Therefore the month of Kartik, which comes before this month of marga-sirsa, is a month of Radharani. It is a month when we are meditating on pure devotional service because she is the proprietor of pure devotional service! No compromise at all, no self-interest whatsoever, only the interest of Krsna in mind and nothing but the interest of Krsna.

That is pure devotional service and that is found in Srimati Radharani, so this month of Kartik is about that. So everyone who is ordinarily sort of compromised in his devotional service, in the month of Kartik, will try for pure devotional service. In this month, one can take vows to perform some special service because this month is the month of Srimati Radharani. She is especially noticing the service that we render and when she recommends us to Krsna, then Krsna will also be inclined towards us. Radharani is very compassionate and soft-hearted. Therefore, this month is especially a very favorable time to try and attract the mercy. In that way, we prepare for the month of Kartik and see what special service can we offer!

The article " The month of Radharani… The month of devotional service " was published on KKSBlog.

The disappearance day of Sri Murari Gupta
→ Dandavats



Giriraj Swami: Today is the disappearance day of Sri Murari Gupta. Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, Chapter 10, describes him:
Murari Gupta, the twenty-first branch of the tree of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, was a storehouse of love of Godhead. His great humility and meekness melted the heart of Lord Caitanya.

Read More...
(This post has been viewed 824 times so far)

Kids Bhagavatam by LightOfGodhead
→ Dandavats

Hare Krishna The taste I received of Srimad Bhagavatam during our Bhakti-Vaibhava studies under HG Radha Krishna dasa (TKG) from Houston was kindling my desire to share the Srimad Bhagavatam with our twin boys somehow. For few years I kept this desire in the core of my heart not knowing how to teach the boys in a formal way given they were very young (< 5 years).

The History Changing Evidence of Ancient Mankind That They Didn’t Want You to Know
→ Dandavats



The History Changing Evidence of Ancient Mankind That They Didn’t Want You to Know. By Drutakarma Das (Michael Cremo) (video)
Many ancient wisdom traditions say that humans like us have existed for millions of years, going back to the beginnings of life on earth. Today, many scientists say that is just mythology. They say all the physical evidence shows that humans like us first appeared about 150,000 years ago.

Read More...
(This post has been viewed 663 times so far)

The Divine Night
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Radhanatha Swami

Within Krsna’s heart arose the great desire to satisfy the hearts of His most beloved devotees. At that time on the bank of Yamuna, under the holy Vamsivata tree, Krsna played the fifth note of His flute. The essence of the love of His heart came through His lips into the holes of the flute and formed into a beautiful song. It filled the atmosphere, entered the gopis’ ears, through their ears it entered into their hearts, and within their hearts it plundered the treasure of their entire consciousness. The song of Krsna’s flute stole the hearts of the gopis. They were in such absorbed state of remembering Krsna, wanting to please Krsna through their services that they abandoned whatever they were doing. Continue reading "The Divine Night
→ Dandavats"

International Seminar at the Islamic State University of Bandung, Indonesia
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Nila-kamala das

On the 22nd of October 2018, His Holiness Subhag Swami Maharaj was invited to speak about the importance and the significance of the Hare Krishna Movement to an audience of 200 students, faculty chairmen and faculty secretaries. The Islamic State University is a prestigious institution in Bandung with many departments. The university gives their students a chance to go deeper into scientific disciplines, sciences, Islamic studies and studies of other faiths. ‘…it is nice that you are infiltrating into the schools and colleges. These are the best customers for our philosophy. Give them nice philosophy…’ SPL to Danavir 12 December 1971 Continue reading "International Seminar at the Islamic State University of Bandung, Indonesia
→ Dandavats"

Gita 01.21 The non-partisan position of the Gita’s revelation points to its universality
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

The post Gita 01.21 The non-partisan position of the Gita’s revelation points to its universality appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

When the source of liberation becomes the source of illusion 1 – Mohini-murti pastime analysis
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Congregation program at Charlotte, USA]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post When the source of liberation becomes the source of illusion 1 – Mohini-murti pastime analysis appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

How to transform our heart 1 – Vritrasura’s dramatic transformation
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Bhagavatam class at Charlotte, USA]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post How to transform our heart 1 – Vritrasura’s dramatic transformation appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Kanpur Deity Anniversary
→ Ramai Swami

There are three altars at the Kanpur temple. The deities are, Sri Radha Madhava, Lalita, Visakha, Sri Sita Rama, Laksman, Hanuman and Sri Gaura Nitai.

During our meeting, the anniversary of the deity installation was observed by abisekha of the small deities. A big crowd of devotees gathered to chant while the pujaris bathed the Them with many auspicious liquids.

Mothers & Love
→ Clouds.

"Mamma look!" Damodar squealed excitedly as he walked into the kitchen holding one month old Deva in his arms with my mother close behind him ensuring he is holding Deva well.

It was such a proud big brother moment for him as he walked in with the brightest smile ever, his eyes just sparkling with joy at holding a small baby. It then hit me.....my little boys are not so little anymore! Damodar suddenly looked like such a mature older boy - when did that happen??

I have always joked to everyone that I must be the only mother counting down days till Damodar and Sridhar start college. Suddenly I'm not so sure I'm looking forward for that day. I suddenly feel a loss and a twinge of sadness that in a few years they will not be dependent on me anymore. When just a year ago I was complaining with such exasperation, "Oh when will they be able to take a bath and eat on their own??!! "
Now they do and I feel a little lost.

Being born as a woman definitely has us as the disadvantaged sex. We see that even more these days with the #metoo movement, unfair wages etc. In spite of being disadvantaged, women always manage to be strong, focused and be successful. While I do feel the this disadvantages sometimes, when I look at my kids, I truly truly feel so blessed! Who else in this material world can experience the closest thing to spiritual love other than a mother?? And I feel so special that I can actually get a glimpse of what true unconditional spiritual love can be like. It feels so empowering!

Govindaji! (12 min video)
→ Dandavats



Govindaji! (12 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: Two days before Kartika we journeyed to Jaipur to see the beautiful deities of Radha Govinda. The citizens of Jaipur’s love for these historic deities is evident in the fact that they come in large numbers each morning and evening to see their Lordships and to sing and pour their hearts out to Them. Such bhava, such love, is contagious!

Coffered Ceiling Progress Report
- TOVP.org

We have completed the research for the ingredients that will be used for the coffered ceiling sections within the domes of the TOVP.

Based on that research we have found Glass Reinforced Gypsum (GRG) to be the most suitable material for our purposes for many reasons. In the video below you will find a description of the different properties of GRG.

 

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 Coffered Ceiling Progress Report appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.