Sydney Sunday Program
→ Ramai Swami

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
→ KKSBlog

(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
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Congregation program at Dallas, USA]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post How to immigrate to the spiritual world appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Happy Birthday To The All-india Padayatra! On Radhastami 2018, The All India Padayatra Turned 35
→ Dandavats

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
→ ISKCON Brampton




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!
→ Dandavats

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
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[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
→ Dandavats

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
→ Dandavats"

Man-tra Retreat – Day One (Album of photos) The first-ever…
→ Dandavats



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?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

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
→ Dandavats

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
→ Dandavats"

To change the world is imperative to educate the children!…
→ Dandavats



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…
→ Dandavats



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,…
→ Dandavats



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
→ Dandavats

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
→ Dandavats"

Gita 01.04 Duryodhana tries to change Drona’s emotion for the opposite side from affection to anger
→ The Spiritual Scientist

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
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Talk at the University of Arlington, Dallas, USA]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

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

The way to Vrindavan is through Kurukshetra
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Congregation program at Dallas, USA]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The way to Vrindavan is through Kurukshetra

Q & A

The post The way to Vrindavan is through Kurukshetra appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Tuesday, October 2nd, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

The Chair Room

Another dreary day kept me inside the building.  The greyness and moisture was somewhat intimidating, but more pervasively it encouraged the need for interior attention.  

243 Avenue Road is an old Church—turned Krishna temple.  https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avenue_Road_Church  It was a long time ago, 42 years, which seems like yesterday when a bunch of enthusiastic but inexperienced young monks and nuns moved in.  We worked hard to raise the money for the stately building in a good neighbourhood. It was middle-class then, in ’76, but became high-end—the neighbourhood, that is.  Our edifice has been hard to maintain but it’s still there and doing valuable service.  There are areas of space that still need good definition and the men’s and woman’s quarters are wings that need redoing.

I looked at the deities today and I saw the most gorgeous images of Krishna.  The pujaris (priests) really did an excellent job at their ornamentation.  That temple room glowed today.

Sometimes we fall behind in other areas of efficiency and neatness.  So I tackled the chair room on the main floor, where members tend to just dump or temporarily store stuff.  I couldn’t handle the chaos any more so I sacrificed the walk for rearranging the room. It was therapy.  It was physical work and a good dose of perhaps right and left brain effort together.  I felt great when it was done.  I felt I could breathe well just looking at the space gained.  It was fun and that’s bhakti—fun and stimulating, regardless of the service.

I felt good being inside a nice old building—our temple.

May the Source be with you!
0 km


Monday, October 1st, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

Orange T-shirt

Karuna and I were walking through the drizzle on Bloor Street, when it dawned on me that we had to pick up speed in order to meet my drama teaching committee.  “Let’s take the subway,” I urged.  So we entered at the Ossington entrance.  While on the not-so-full train, a native woman, middle-aged, next to me, started to talk.  I guess my clothes stood out—a pumpkin type of shade.

“Did you know it’s ‘Orange T-shirt day’?” she informed.  

“Well no, I didn’t.  Could you tell me about it?  I think I’m celebrating.  I’m always dressed in orange.”  https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_Shirt_Day

She smiled and went on to explain that it’s an annual recognition of the plight of First Nations people who, as children, were forced into horrific residential schools throughout Canada, and the U.S., and how they suffered terribly for it.  I expressed that I was well aware of their woes.  I was a fan of Buffy Ste. Marie and her music, especially her song, “My Country Tis of Thy People You’re Dying.”  It details the unfair deal the native people received at the time in history when the country, as we know it now, was being shaped.   https://youtu.be/bTqV1pnQoos

I also mentioned that on a recent flight from Philadelphia, I watched what I could of a feature film—with no headphones—of a young native man who grew up in Shield territory and who was forced into the oppressive school system.  I told her I liked it but it got cut short because the plane landed.   http://www.indianhorse.ca/en/film/cast

“The boy went on to become a shining hockey star.”  The woman beamed with a smile.

Karuna and I then had to exit the subway train.

May the Source be with you!
6 km



ISKCON New Vrindaban Seeks Three Executive New Directors
→ ISKCON News

“New Vrindaban is not your average temple – it’s a very big and complex project, because it has so many departments to take care of,” says search committee chairperson Vrindavan Das. “So instead of having one temple president take care of everything, we are restructuring and creating a management team of three ‘executive directors’ who will work as a team.”