New Vrindaban – The Land of Krishna
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ISKCON New Vrindaban 50th Anniversary

By Madhava Smullen for ISKCON New Vrindaban Communications

Archival Research by Chaitanya Mangala Dasa

In the early 1960s, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the Hare Krishna Movement, was a simple Swami living in the village of Vrindavan, in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Vrindavan, the land where five thousand years ago Lord Krishna grew up tending cows, is one of the most revered places in India and is central to practitioners of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.

Prabhupada’s life there was peaceful – retired from family life, he stayed in a spartan room in the Radha Damodar temple, translating ancient Vedic texts. He could have remained there, living a stress-free existence.

But his mind was set on the instruction his guru, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, had given him back in 1922: to bring the teachings of bhakti-yoga, or Krishna consciousness, to the English-speaking world.

So Prabhupada left Vrindavan to bring Vrindavan to the world. In 1965, at the age of sixty-nine, he begged a free passage aboard a cargo ship, Jaladuta, to New York. Suffering stormy seas and two heart attacks during his 37-day journey, he arrived at Brooklyn pier with just seven dollars in Indian rupees and a crate of his translations.

After much struggle alone, his message of peace and goodwill began to resonate with the young people of America at the time, and they came forward to become serious students of the Krishna Bhakti tradition.

In July 1966, Prabhupada established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) for the purpose of “checking the imbalance of values in the world and working for real unity and peace.” ISKCON centers rose up first in New York, and then in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston and Montreal.

But as well as city temples, Srila Prabhupada wanted to establish a rural community where people would live a simple life based on the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita, just like the residents of Vrindavan.

He had written about this vision while printing Back to Godhead magazine alone in India in 1956. He had also included it in one of his seven stated purposes for ISKCON: “To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler, more natural way of life.”

Starting in October 1967, Prabhupada began to encourage his early American disciple Hayagriva Das to purchase land for such a community in Wilkes-Barre, Pennyslvania:

“Krishna has given you a very nice chance in the city of Wilkes-Barre Penn… I think you can negotiate for this land immediately,” he wrote. “After purchasing the land you can gradually develop it into an ashram by dint of your personal labor as teacher in college. From N.Y. the members may visit the place every weekend.”

In January 1968, he suggested: “The Ashram may be named as “ISKCON-Nagari or New Vrindaban.”

The Wilkes-Barre property never manifested. But in March of that year, Hayagriva and another disciple, Kirtanananda Swami, reported they were negotiating to lease a large piece of land in West Virginia.

Srila Prabhupada saw an opportunity for his vision to be realized: “I wish that this tract of land be turned into New Vrindaban. You have New York, New England, and so many ‘New’ duplicates of European countries in the USA; why not import New Vrindaban in your country?”

From then on, Prabhupada issued a string of enthusiastic letters describing exactly what he wanted the community to be. He stated that residents should take Lord Krishna’s example and make cow protection “the main business of New Vrindaban.” He wanted a “self-governing village” that would set an example for the entire world in simple living, growing its own produce and making its own butter, yogurt and cheese.

He imagined “a new place of pilgrimage for Western devotees” with replicas of the seven main temples of Vrindavan, and institutions of spiritual education for both adults and children.

Above all, he wanted the simple life of New Vrindaban – just like that of the original Vrindavan – to create an ideal environment for its residents to love Krishna, or God, with all their hearts.

Prabhupada hoped that the beauty and simplicity of New Vrindaban would attract neighbors and build good relationships with them. And he thought he might retire there himself to work on his literary legacy: “If this piece of land is turned into New Vrindaban, I shall forget to return to Indian Vrindavan,” he said.

Prabhupada visited New Vrindaban four times, but never did get to retire there. Instead, over the next several years, he circled the globe 14 times, establishing ISKCON worldwide.

Today, New Vrindaban is part of an international spiritual movement that includes 650 temples, 110 vegetarian restaurants, and 65 farms and eco-villages. 9 million worshippers visit ISKCON temples every year, and over 3 billion free vegetarian meals have been distributed to the general public and the needy.

While all this was happening, New Vrindaban devotees continued to pursue Srila Prabhupada’s vision for their community. Over five decades, they encountered many struggles and, at times, took a few sharp detours.

But they also achieved much that Srila Prabhupada was proud of, too.

“You are fulfilling my dream, New Vrindaban,” he told them in October 1977. “I dreamt all these things. Wonderful things have been done.”

Today, Srila Prabhupada lives on in his instructions, and his presence is still strongly felt in the Palace of Gold, his Smriti Samadhi (memorial shrine), which New Vrindaban residents lovingly built in his honor.

And some of his sincere followers continue to make a concerted effort to realize his grand vision for New Vrindaban – the Land of Krishna.

Pola Festival – A Special Day For Our Padayatra Oxen
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Hare Krishna Pola is a festival of farmers where they respect and worship their oxen who are working hard on their farms by plowing fields, hauling things and also for occasional transport. This festival occurs after the monsoon sowing and the field work, in late August or early September. Oxen are an essential part of the procession where farmers celebrate the crop season during a traditional village festival. On this day no farmer let his oxen work. First of all, all farmers give a thorough bath to their animals and decorate them with ornaments and shawls. Then they nicely paint their horns and adorn their necks with flower garlands. They also offer prayers to the oxen and give them special food to eat like fresh green grass and fruits. During this unique festival in Maharashtra the animals are the focus. In the evening the farmers take their decorated oxen to a large field, accompanied by music and dancing.

Request for prayers. Giridhari Swami: My dear Devotees, Please…
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Request for prayers.
Giridhari Swami: My dear Devotees,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It is my duty to inform you that I will undergo an operation on my left eye Monday, Oct. 8 from 8:30am to approximately 10:30am in Hong Kong.
I will be getting a posterior vitrectomy, or surgical removal of vitreous gel from the middle of the eye, which is causing my vision to blur. At the same time the surgeon will remove a cataract. This is by no means a life-threatening operation. However, as with all operations there are risks of complication either during the procedure or afterwards. My ophthalmologist has told me not to travel for at least 2-3 weeks after the operation to insure complete recovery. I will reside in Hong Kong during this period.
If you wish to offer some prayers on my behalf, that would be most welcome.
Hopefully, with improved vision, I will be able to “see” how to better serve you all.
Hare Krishna and I pray this meets you well.
Your servant,
Giridhari Swami

My dear godbrother: Vaisesika prabhu!
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Hare KrishnaBy Indradyumna Swami

You are surely worthy of all the eloquent words being spoken at this occasion in honor of the amazing service you are rendering to our spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada and his movement. Personally I feel you are the one specifically empowered to carry on his most cherished desire that his books to be distributed far and wide all over this planet. And because you have done it extensively, written about it in a most perfect way and are inspiring so many devotees to follow in your footsteps, you are most certainly receiving the full blessings of Srila Prabhupada and our entire disciplic succession. This is evident whenever you deliver your eloquent, scholarly and sweet sloka-laden classes. You can’t imagine how many devotees listen to your lectures around the world … myself included. Continue reading "My dear godbrother: Vaisesika prabhu!
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5 open secret techniques to improve your Naam Kirtan
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Hare KrishnaBy Sacinandana Swami

You need to use your body, sit properly or dance. Then you need to pronounce the mahamantra. You need to focus your mind. No inattention. Prabhupada said just try to listen to yourself chant sincerely. And you need to think of Krishna, whose name your chant. Yes, you need to bind, it’s called sambandha to Krishna. And you need to bring the mood of longing, O Krishna, I miss you! If you chant without thinking of Krishna, like most people do, you’ll only have shadow chanting. Shadow Kirtan! It does not nourish you. Continue reading "5 open secret techniques to improve your Naam Kirtan
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Can saying that Krishna sees inside-out lead to devotees refusing to be accountable to other devotees?
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Answer Podcast

The post Can saying that Krishna sees inside-out lead to devotees refusing to be accountable to other devotees? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Gita 01.06 Duryodhana diplomatically continues to incite Drona against the Pandava army
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Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

The post Gita 01.06 Duryodhana diplomatically continues to incite Drona against the Pandava army appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Mastering the Art of Unplugging and Managing Stress
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Hare KrishnaBy Felipe Araujo

“I was coming into a lot of conflict within myself about the hedonistic lifestyle I was leading. Although I had lots of money and lots of things that people tick off their bucket list, I wasn’t genuinely finding deep, profound happiness.” By then, his best friend and his wife were already part of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The two of them were making a quarter of Jai’s salary, and that was just fine with them. Continue reading "Mastering the Art of Unplugging and Managing Stress
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Sydney Sunday Program
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It’s been a few months since I visited Sydney temple and this time I was able give the Sunday feast class and lead the 12.30pm arati.

The Sydney Management changed the timing of the program from late afternoon to midday to accommodate guests and devotees who needed to be home early for work the next day. It started a little slow but by the end the temple was packed out.

 

Q&A with KKS: First contact with spiritual master
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 07 January 2018, Brisbane, Australia, Q&A Programme)

Can you tell us how you came into contact with His Holiness Jayadvaita Swami, your spiritual master. How did you choose him and how did he help you in your progress in spiritual life?

I met Jayadvaita Maharaj in Vrndavan in 1978 when he had just taken sannyasa . In Vrndavan, they have a counter with maha-prasadam in leaf cups. So he went to that counter and had grabbed a stack of those leaf cups. This is when I happened to be walking past him and said, “You really hungry there, Maharaj?” (laughter) I just needed to say that, didn’t I? Anyways, so Maharaj then went, “Oh good, you can carry them for me.” So I carried them all to his room behind him. After having prasadam, he laid down on his bed, passed me the Krsna Book and asked me to read from it. After about 10 minutes, I thought he had dozed off, so I stopped reading and was about to tip-toe out of the room when I heard someone say, “Don’t stop reading!” So I started reading again and every 10-15 minutes, this kept happening. He continued to fall asleep, so I continued to escape, but then he continued to ask me to stay and keep reading about Krsna. This went on for another 1.5 hours or so! (laughter) Anyways, so this is how our relationship started and it eventually evolved to a friendship which then eventually evolved into a guru-disciple relationship.

The article " Q&A with KKS: First contact with spiritual master " was published on KKSBlog.

QA transcriptions uploaded on 07-Oct-18
→ The Spiritual Scientist

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/04/can-internalize-mood-mission-teachers/

http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/02/can-overcome-tendency-indecisive-hindi/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/04/go-dry-phases-chanting/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/04/move-temple-whose-mood-different-native-temple/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/can-practice-bhakti-todays-competitive-world/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/04/not-doers-material-nature-held-responsible-actions/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/can-deal-friends-hurt-us/

http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/02/can-person-suffering-incurable-disease-overcome-resentment-hindi/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/can-prevent-repeated-falls-shaking-faith-bhakti/

http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/02/intelligence-supersouls-voice-many-intelligent-people-act-sinfully-hindi/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/suppose-talented-dedicated-devotee-encounters-failure-repeatedly-respond/

http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/02/ravana-knew-scripture-abduct-sita-hindi/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2018/04/analyzing-mind-avoid-paralysis-analysis/

The post QA transcriptions uploaded on 07-Oct-18 appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

How to immigrate to the spiritual world
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[Congregation program at Dallas, USA]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

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Happy Birthday To The All-india Padayatra! On Radhastami 2018, The All India Padayatra Turned 35
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Hare Krishna To this day Padayatra had circumambulated India 5 times and it is now on its 6th tour. This is the first round for Vitthala and Panduranga, the new pair of oxen who has joined us last July. Padayatra India has attended 5 Kumbha-melas; we stayed one month at the 2013 Allahabad mela, doing preaching programs every day. It has also inaugurated the Vraja-Mandala Parikrama and the Navadvipa-Mandala Parikrama, which continue every year since. We could only accomplish this due to the causeless mercy of our spiritual master and Padayatra minister, Lokanatha Maharaja.

Sunday Love Feast – Oct 7th, 2018 – Vedic Discourse by HG Radha Govind Das
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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     Vedic discourse
  1.00 - 1.30      Closing Kirtan
  1.30 - 2.00     Sanctified Free Vegetarian Feast

COMING UP AHEAD

Pasankusa Ekadasi
Fasting.....................on Sat Oct 20th, 2018
Breakfast................  on Sun Oct 21st 2018 b/w 7:40am – 11:15 am

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.

PADAYATRA NEVER ENDS!
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Hare Krishna Hare Krishna. My name is Sarasvati and I am 13 years old. Padayatra is a wonderful festival and experience. Service on padayatra is unlimited – from difficult managing to sweeping. My primary service at padayatra is to dance Bharat natyam every evening during the program for visitors. I love this dance and I’ve been dancing it for 7 years. This year’s padayatra was special because during the previous ones there were only about 3 or 4 children but this year we were sometimes even more kids than adults. All the kids were taken very seriously and our commander Adi Purusa – who not long ago was also one of us children – divided services so that each child would feel needed and important, which helped them to engage with even more enthusiasm in their duties.

The MIND enigma – Mystical, Impressionable, Neutral, Directable – Insights for better mental health
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[Talk at University of Texas, Dallas, USA]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:
The MIND enigma – Mystical, Impressionable, Neutral, Directable – Insights for better mental health

QA – The MIND enigma

The post The MIND enigma – Mystical, Impressionable, Neutral, Directable – Insights for better mental health appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Wandering Mind, Diamond Throne
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Hare KrishnaBy Kesava Krsna Dasa

“Therefore every one of you should become pure devotee, first-class devotee. First-class devotee is that... In this age it has been made very easy. Simply keep yourself cleansed, not to indulge in the four principles, prohibition, and chant Hare Krsna. Then you will be all first-class devotees. And wherever you will go, you will be able to purify there. Wherever you go. Wherever you speak, wherever you'll sit. So keep this spiritual strength intact. Tirtha-bhutah. Tirthi-kurvanti tirthani sva antah-sthena. The Hare Krsna mantra chanting means keeping Krsna always within your heart. Continue reading "Wandering Mind, Diamond Throne
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Man-tra Retreat – Day One (Album of photos) The first-ever…
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Man-tra Retreat - Day One (Album of photos)
The first-ever men’s retreat within ISKCON.
Srila Prabhupada: All glories to the all-blissful holy name of Sri Krishna, which causes the devotee to give up all conventional religious duties, meditation and worship. When somehow or other uttered even once by a living entity, the holy name awards him liberation. The holy name of Krishna is the highest nectar. It is my very life and my only treasure. (Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, 4.71 purport).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/LsmyYZ

Does becoming spiritually advanced means treating all situations and all people equally?
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Answer Podcast

The post Does becoming spiritually advanced means treating all situations and all people equally? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

European Leaders Meeting 2018 Report
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Hare KrishnaBy ELM staff

The first presentation and discussion was on the subject of ISKCON membership. In ISKCON we have been a little befuddled and challenged for sometime regarding how to categorise membership. Should it be something for the people to aspire to or should it be more easy and simple to be counted among ISKCON's membership?Should it be based on initiation or is that too guru centric? Should we do so on the same basis as the Catholic Church and introduce the equivalent of their baptism? Whatever we proceed with it must give people a sense of identify with, and pride in, being a member of ISKCON. We then invited Kaunteya prabhu to give a presentation based on the work of the constitution committee and their deliberations on the topic of membership. Following that we had an additional presentation by Sivarama Swami on the same subject reflecting the work that the Hungarian yatra has done on this subject over the last number of years. Continue reading "European Leaders Meeting 2018 Report
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To change the world is imperative to educate the children!…
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To change the world is imperative to educate the children! (video)
SB Class By HG Urmila Mataji (ACBSP) ISKCON PUNE 06 Oct 2018.
Lord Chaitanya’s movement won’t spread simply by bringing adults into Krishna consciousness.
Unfortunately, devotee families nowadays choose to not have many children and educate the rest of the few ones about technology and how to make money.
How Iskcon is investing in educational arrangements to provide a proper system and facilities for the children of the devotees.

MANtra Retreat (October 5-7) started at New Vrindavana. Event…
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MANtra Retreat (October 5-7) started at New Vrindavana.
Event Highlights: Kirtan with Gaura Vani Drama by Bhaktimarga Swami Yoga classes with Damodara Dasa Comedy with Yadhunath Dasa Hikes with the Walking Monk Sports Bonfires Srila Prabhupada Stories
Panels: Opening keynote: “The Role of Men in ISKCON” with Professor Burke Rochford “Being Yourself in Krishna’s Service” “Navigating the Male-Female Paradox”
Workshops: “The Ability in Man: How to Find Your Style!” with Bhuta Bhavana Dasa “The Matter of Spirit: Harmonizing Worldly & Spiritual Pursuits” with Anuttama Dasa “Grow Stronger Through Challenges: The Kurukshetra in Our Lives” with Partha Dasa

Vaishnavi Retreat began at MANDALA wellness retreat center,…
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Vaishnavi Retreat began at MANDALA wellness retreat center, COBB, CALIFORNIA (Album of photos)
A 3-day iNTERACTIVE retreat to celebrate and connect with other women of Bhakti and spiritual seekers alike in a refreshing, supportive environment. Through illuminating classes and seminars, meditative japa and kirtans and spirited festivities, this retreat’s purpose is to inspire you to progress in your spiritual journey back to Godhead. Both body and soul will be nourished with pure Krishna prasadam, sanctified vegetarian meals prepared and offered with love.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/iJ9Trb

ISKCON PRISON MINISTRY Craving to read about KRSNA over the mundane
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Hare KrishnaBy Bhakta David

The other inmates do not bother me anymore as I have a decent reputation here about the way I am. My willingness to help others without strings attached (as is the norm in prison), has endeared me to many. Being an instructor and mentor in the Skills Program has also worked in my favor. And my open-mindedness to other religions has unlocked many doors. Prisoners, for the most part, are good judges of character (don’t BS the Bser’s). As such, my sincerity and devotion to my beliefs show (or so I have been told) and so I am able to just be me and no one really gives it a second thought; be it the tilaka, the bead bag, the paintings (people dig them!) Continue reading "ISKCON PRISON MINISTRY Craving to read about KRSNA over the mundane
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Gita 01.04 Duryodhana tries to change Drona’s emotion for the opposite side from affection to anger
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Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

The post Gita 01.04 Duryodhana tries to change Drona’s emotion for the opposite side from affection to anger appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

The power of purpose
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[Talk at the University of Arlington, Dallas, USA]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post The power of purpose appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.