HH Gunagrahi Goswami Eulogy
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Hare KrishnaBy Danavir Goswami

Gunagrahi Maharaja gave everything he had to Srila Prabhupada. He served ISKCON continuously for forty-nine years. He was a master at engaging people in Krishna consciousness. He made friends quickly and for life. He was largely responsible for the successful spreading of Krishna consciousness among the straight-edge youth. He didn't complain and he didn't lament. He had a flair for designing tasteful and novel ways of presenting Krishna consciousness. He innovated incredible Govinda buffet restaurants. He was a leader for inaugurating the nightly guest dinner programs in San Diego. He was a top-notch bhakta program leader. He organized an amazing temple interior for the San Diego temple. Everyone liked to be around him and he liked to be with everyone. He found the good in all souls and fanned it into big flames. He had a fabulous sense of wit and humor. He transcended ordinary constrictive dealings. He recognized and worshiped saintliness wherever he found it. He was a true friend in all circumstances. He was addicted to kirtan. Continue reading "HH Gunagrahi Goswami Eulogy
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Interview-Gunagrahi Maharaj- 1968 Buffalo NY
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Hare KrishnaBy Administrator

Mitrasena prabhu interviews Gunagrahi Goswami. Interesting facts from Iskcon's and older devotees' history. Plenty of entertaining anecdotes from the adventurous life of early Iskcon. Maharaj narrates how he first became devotee, his further involvement in the Krishna consciousness movement and also the beginning of many other devotees' devotional life like BB Govinda Swami, Mahatma prabhu, Prahladananda Swami and many others. A pleasant exchange by an unassuming, humble soul, sincere disciple of Srila Prabhupada who helped many others and is loved by all. Continue reading "Interview-Gunagrahi Maharaj- 1968 Buffalo NY
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Death and Dying in the Vedic Tradition
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Hare KrishnaBy Giriraj Swami

In 1969, when I was a student of psychology at Brandeis University, I met my spiritual teacher, Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. In 1970, after studying with him for a year and a half, I accompanied him to India. And in 1977, he taught us by his example how to leave the world in proper, pure consciousness. He retired to Vrindavan, a holy place in India, and surrounded himself with devotees who were always chanting or reading to him from sacred literature. Being in such a holy place was itself conducive to spiritual consciousness, to God consciousness. And the atmosphere was enhanced by loving disciples singing songs of the Lord and reading books about Him. Continue reading "Death and Dying in the Vedic Tradition
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Gita 18.74 The Gita describes a mahatama and makes its hearer into a mahatma
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Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

The post Gita 18.74 The Gita describes a mahatama and makes its hearer into a mahatma appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Bhagavatam tenth canto study 35 – 10.6.35-44 Bhagavatam highlights the extraordinariness of the Vrajavasis
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Podcast


 

The post Bhagavatam tenth canto study 35 – 10.6.35-44 Bhagavatam highlights the extraordinariness of the Vrajavasis appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

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

When was the first time you connected with someone within the realm of Krsna consciousness? How did that develop into what it did?

All those times in India that I visited, I never met devotees. But, I had seen devotees in my town in Holland. They came in a little grey van and then all these pink men came out of it. It did not seem possible for so many men to fit into such a tiny van. So instantly, I knew that something was up here. (laughter) Then, they made a line and started approaching my way, so I ducked into a shop. There this man said, “This looks like a dangerous sect.” These people looked like the epitome of religious fanaticism on the streets of Holland, dancing to “Hare Krsna Hare Krsna” for hours, and I used to think, “Wow! These people seem so extreme and fanatic!“, which is why I never thought of getting involved initially. However, after spending time in India, I started to realise that this was definitely more Indian than I had thought, so I started to look into it. I found a Bhagavad-gita on the book-shelf of one of my friends, which I read. By then, I was quite familiar with the culture of India, so the message of the Bhagavad-gita made sense to me and I started to relate to it.

The article " Q&A with KKS: First connections " was published on KKSBlog.

New Goloka Farm
→ Ramai Swami

ISKCON Seattle recently purchased an acreage about an hour’s drive from the temple. This facility is mainly for our beautiful cows and bullocks and also for a Krsna Conscious retreat centre.

The devotees named it New Goloka after the Lord’s abode in the spiritual world. The property itself has a nice house, cottage, studio and two barns as well as many paddocks for grazing and growing fruit and vegetables.

BBT: We make Green Books!
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Hare Krishna Before Srila Vyasadeva recorded the Vedas, fixing them in a written medium, they were passed down in spoken form. An oral culture of transmission relies on an aural culture of reception; that is, the message has to be heard and comprehended in order to be useful. Srimad­Bhagavatam tells us that Vyasadeva wrote down the Vedas because people’s aural skills were diminishing. He wanted to preserve the texts’ content and make it available to all those who would lose “their vision due to the dense darkness of ignorance” that is Kali­yuga. Continuing in that tradition, the BBT is publishing its content, Srila Prabhupada’s works, in print, audio, ebook, and app formats, each as potent as the last in making accessible to one audience or another Prabhupada’s thoughts and mood and the devotional ecstasies he called his purports. The only difference between all these formats is how they are encoded.

Wednesday, September 5th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Fredericton, New Brunswick

Good Finds

What is really special about this time of year, almost anywhere in the northern hemisphere, is the lucky harvest.  For instance, Marshall and I took one of those random trails in the area and we came upon the juiciest apple tree imaginable.  From what we could see, this special tree of red, tart-and-sweet apples is overlooked by all cyclists, walkers and runners.  However, not for us.  No way! To ‘overlook’ was not an issue.  For us it was ‘look over’ and then choose.  

Remarkable was the fact that each apple we sampled, for a taste, was different from the other, although extracted from the same tree.  That is not something you get when you purchase a bag of apples in the grocery store.  Even the organics are disappointing.  I'm sure you’ve had the experience.  We felt very blessed on our walk today because of the great apples.

Other than this brief walk, I stayed indoors all day working on the book, The Walking Monk.  The evening was different.  Marshall, Samuel and I drove to the Breathing Space Yoga Studio with host Kelly.  Twenty or so came.  We were like a family, gathered together to tell of travel tales, chant, dance and eat prasadam.  A fantastic time.  Delicious, like finding the apple tree.

We are up for more exploration with mantrasand trails.  By the way, most trails around here are lined with hundreds of chokecherry bushes. Prepare them the right way and they are suitable to offer to the Lord.  Jahnavi from Regina knows how to prepare them.

May the Source be with you!
4 km


Tuesday, September 4th, 2018
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Fredericton / Saint John

Along the River Shores

The four of us took to a trail again.  Dhruva, Marshall, Samuel and I preferred the footpath along the Saint John River, both the north and south sides, and crossing two bridges.  We met the sun, the slight wind and people.  https://www.instagram.com/p/BnQtXp6g1VB/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1anhy7lto9nrf

We bumped into Amy with surprise.  She came to one of our talks in May at St. Thomas University.  With two small-breed dogs to lead her, or to be led by her, one of them tugged at my dhoti(lower robe).  These two fidos seemed somewhat intimidated by four towering monks.

On the south side we saw a tanned man coming.  Oh!  From India? 

No, Nepal! “My name is Narada.”  

Newly arrived in Fredericton with his family, he is qualified as a professional but says he’s going to take a shot at culinary work, as a chef.  I hope it’s vegetarian.

On the north side, on a relatively new trail, we offered intros to two native men—probably Micmac Nation fellows.  They were curious about our monk-wear.  One of them asked, “Where are you from?”

“The moon,” I said.  It got them laughing.

An elderly woman came along,  pushing an infant in a buggy.

“Yours?”

Sarcastically she said, “What do you think?  No way.  I raised fourteen of my own.”

We also met another man, elderly, walking.  He was definitely a Jesus boy.  He let us know.

After our trek we remembered our guru, Prabhupada.  With special prayers of thanks we expressed gratitude on his Vyasa Puja/birthday.

Late afternoon saw us in Saint John for a “Nine Devotions Workshop.”

Thanks Wade.

May the Source be with you!
7 km


Monday, September 3rd, 2018
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St. John, New Brunswick

Full Day

Wow!  The trails in the city of Fredericton are unlimited.  I think the place is ideal for that reason.  The population stands at 60,000, for now, which is modest. It's quiet, safe and doable, plus it has this treasure of trees and pathways on both sides of a grand river, the Saint John.

Part One of today's activities began on the trail, with a serene japasession.  Being that it is the birthday of Krishna, more events were scheduled on our list.  At 1:00 p.m., our public chanting began at St. John, uptown, in a green municipal park. On what's Labour Day, the atmosphere was laid back, except for a young couple who ended up screaming at each other. Seemed like a love/hate situation to us.

Part Three of today found us at a community centre with Bhakta Nick and Bhaktin Sarah, along with a host of yogis and Indo-participants. Here, a smooth-running program, centred on Krishna, accompanied everyone's body, mind and soul.  Balloons were the thing for the young ones.  Song and dance was sweat producing.  Also, students of the town, mostly foreign students from Gujarat, engaged in the butter-pot reaching and breaking, a re-enactment of baby Krishna's endearing antics.

Part Four entailed a fire ceremony, conducted by pujariDhruva, in the Krishna Centre downtown. In the jolly, holy and smoky session, Bhakta Nick received his dikshainitiation, with a new name—Nakula.  Onlookers were awed by this colourful procedure.  Congratulations!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnTdwM3Ajzg/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=107fhywo13ge1

Finally, Part Five was our last kirtan,and then breakfast.  Yes, we fasted until midnight, and then broke fast with prasadampar excellence.

May the Source be with you!
5 km





Sunday, September 2nd, 2018
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Montreal / Fredericton

Good Drive, Good Walk

With the St. Lawrence on our left, and then a second great river, the St. John, to our left again, it made for gorgeous scenery. The condition of the Trans Canada Highway could not have been better.  My companions, Dhruva and two younger monks, Bhaktas Marshall and Samuel, are congenial, and Canadian-born—bred and raised.

For brunch, the boys purchased all ingredients for assembling wraps, and that was the time for me to walk through and beyond Montmagny, a modest-sized tourist trap, for it is here, thousands of white geese make their stopover in the fall—starting next month—before their major migration south. I saw it for myself on the first trek in 1996.  It was stunning.

For now, tourists on this Labour Day morning will have to settle for a monk who's passing through.  Going where?  No one knows. Even I didn't know for a good while. Where are the boys?  Well, they took their time wrapping, I guess.

Finally, after further driving, we entered serious moose country.  For me, it is astounding to see one of those bulls who resemble a king.  Incidentally, even in Montmagny there is promotion for Michael Jackson, King of Pop, in a new production.  Sorry, it thrills me less.  My opinion.

The destination for the drive was Fredericton at the new home of Kadamba Priya, who, along with family—including a new baby—just moved in yesterday; yet they are accommodating four of us monks.  The hospitality is just revolutionary.

May the Source be with you!
12 km

Saturday, September 1st, 2018
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Montreal, Quebec

Going and Stopping East

Our departure by car was at 2:20 a.m., with Hari behind the wheel—his wheel.  We arrived in haste, five hours and fifteen minutes later; enough time to ready myself for delivering the Bhagavatamclass that morning.  From Canto 7, we learned that dictator, Hiranyakasipu, was consoling his relatives who were grieving over the death of his brother, another tyrant.

Hiranyakasipu was a smooth talker, a man with the gift of gab.  He spoke like a pundit. "We met as spirits and in time we disperse and may never come together again."  The message was: Do not be too attached to those you come in contact with.  They will be replaced.

Basically, I'm headed east, so Montreal became a stopover, the place where we discussed about the Hiranya boys.  We could learn diplomacy from them, which is in the arena of politics.  "Vaishnavas do not get involved in politics," said Bharadraja, quoting our guru, Prabhupada.  If, however, one enters the administrative ring of today, you just may have to be prudent in what you say and when you say it.  The current times do not reflect such manners.

It was great to hear Bharadraja, who spoke of the old days in ’68, in Montreal.  He and Malati had come to celebrate a golden jubilee of 50 years since our guru came to Canada for visa purposes, and stayed for six weeks!

A large party of chanters then stormed the streets at McGill University and the district where devotees had spent their glorious and humble beginnings of Bhakti, devotion, in Canada.

Fortunately, I got to slip in three kilometres of walking.

May the Source be with you!
3 km


Friday, August 31st, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario

Passion Is Up

The last major weekend has arrived before the holiday vacation comes to a close. Schools will open, welcoming in a new enrolment, perhaps, or rekindling the fire of study which got interrupted. Happy times for students, teachers and professors.

I walked through a segment of the country’s largest university, the University of Toronto, and I could feel a winding up of the fun.  Further west on Bloor, I entered ‘Little Korea’.  Lots of lovers are arm in arm, and lips meet for a last opportunity in passionate summer.  It’s been a ‘hot one’ in more ways than one.  There’s more revving up of boisterous engines than I can remember. Maybe I’m getting old.  Ganja scent is in the air and everywhere.

When I returned to the temple and ashram, I felt peace.  While there’s excitement in the air, and wedding preparations underway, there is this passion, too, but directed somewhat differently.  Kamala Kanta, the groom-to-be, and Prana Rani, the bride-to-be, have come to rehearse tomorrow’s day of uniting.  That’s what all the wonderful fuss is about.  Both groom and bride have their friends here to lay out tables and chairs, as well as put much energy into décor.

It all looks clean and fun, and all on the near eve of Krishna’s birthday, which happens to fall on Labour Day, Monday.  This is one of those many mixed marriages.  She is Hispanic and he is Indian.  Everyone just has the right intent—to grow in experience and to grow in soul.

My congratulations to the two.

May the Source be with you!
6 km



“Secrets to Self-Improvement” (Album of photos)
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“Secrets to Self-Improvement” (Album of photos)
On the 30th of August, 2018, Vaisesika Dasa gave a motivational talk entitled “Secrets to Self-Improvement”, as a part of Mindfulness & Conscious Living Series @Intel HQ in Santa Clara, California. It was attended by 300+ employees worldwide who enthusiastically took back valuable nuggets of wisdom to aid in their personal & professional life.
Vaisesika Dasa reflected on the famous quote of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura,“Intrinsic in every living being is the ability to rise in due course of time”. He shared five practical tips for self-improvement, viz.: write down your goals, get a house-on-fire-desire, gather quality information, collect mentors and practice.

Bhakti & Science – Village to Village. The highlight of the…
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Bhakti & Science - Village to Village.
The highlight of the tour was the Russian conference. When Caitanya Candra Caran Das and Bhakti Vijnana Goswami (originally a scientist himself) heard the news that a representative of the BIHS was in Europe, and wanted to give a seminar in Russia, they gave their blessings to Abhinanda, Vasushretha, and Jagannath Baladeva to mobilize the academic devotees throughout the country. Murali was amazed by their efficiency: “Immediately all these devotees got overnight trains and airplanes from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Ukraine, etc. to Yekaterinburg.” And in two weeks time an elaborate conference was organized for the weekend of July 21-22, with dozens in attendance (many Phd’s). Murali held the the group’s attention all day Saturday with the Mustery of the Sacred Universe seminar.On day two, he gave the “Modes of Material Nature” talk interspersed with snippets of BI history, and the other qualified academics also gave their presentations. Every meal was a feast, and kirtans were plentiful. Murali was surprised that the local devotees had heard of his musical talents, “Then at the end, they gave me a violin. I was a little out of practice, so I just did the Prabhupada tune!”
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/yvwauW

A Pilgrim’s Day in Sridhama Mayapur
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Hare KrishnaBy Iskcon Mayapur

The day begins early for visitors to Sridhama Mayapur. They wake many hours before the sun rises, anytime between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., to bathe and prepare to go to the early morning mangalarati. At the temple, the pilgrims get in line and wait to enter the temple. Sometimes, the lines can reach up to 400 or 500 meters! After mangalarati is finished, the devotees in the Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir disperse to various places to chant their japa or do service. The pilgrims are encouraged to stay in the temple and are engaged in chanting a round of japa by an enthusiastic brahmachari. Every morning after Nrsimhadeva arati, this brahmachari gathers the visiting pilgrims and teaches them how to chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra on japa beads. Continue reading "A Pilgrim’s Day in Sridhama Mayapur
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ISKCON’s Governing Body Commissioner Anuttama Das speaking at the World Hindu Congress in Chicago
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Hare KrishnaBy Administrator

ISKCON's Governing Body Commissioner Anuttama Das speaking at the World Hindu Congress in Chicago, USA. On behalf of ISKCON he received the recognition by the World Hindu Congress for taking the message of Gita worldwide and introducing it to the ethnic community of the countries. The audience comprising of Head of States, Business leaders, Scholars, Celebrities along 2500 delegates from 60 countries appreciated the legacy of Srila Prabhupada. Continue reading "ISKCON’s Governing Body Commissioner Anuttama Das speaking at the World Hindu Congress in Chicago
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HH Gunagrahi Goswami left his body in full Krishna consciousness
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Hare KrishnaBy Govinda Swami

HH Gunagrahi Goswami Maharaja, my very oldest devotee friend, the munificent kind soul who made me a devotee, passed away this morning just before 4 AM this morning. He was surrounded by loving godbrothers and devotees, singing the holy names loudly and in ecstasy. He had been unconscious since the afternoon .. but when the end was eminent I was screaming the mahamantra into his ear and each time he would respond. He was such a kind loving devotee. A radiant star has stopped shining in this world .. but now glows brilliantly in Goloka Vrindavan. All glories to my beloved god brother and friend of 47 years. Tonight he conquered his cancer .. and now has a sat cit ananda form and life in the groves of Vrindavan, with Radhe Shyam and all their myriad friends. Continue reading "HH Gunagrahi Goswami left his body in full Krishna consciousness
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Sunday Love Feast – 9th Sep 2018 – Special Vedic Discourse by His Holiness Bhakti Marga Maharaj
→ ISKCON Brampton



About HH Bhaktimarga Swami:

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

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

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

Chant: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare 

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare 

And Be Happy!!

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

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




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

COMING UP AHEAD

Parshva Ekadasi
Fasting.....................on Thu Sep 20th,2018
Breakfast................  on Fri  Sep 21st 2018 b/w 7.04am – 11.08am

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.

Bhagavatam tenth canto study 34 – 10.6.24-34 Contact with Krishna is miraculously purifying
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast


 

The post Bhagavatam tenth canto study 34 – 10.6.24-34 Contact with Krishna is miraculously purifying appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Gita 18.73 Harmony with the divine infuses our fleeting insignificant lives with lasting significance
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

The post Gita 18.73 Harmony with the divine infuses our fleeting insignificant lives with lasting significance appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

If an equal devotee becomes more advanced, how can we avoid envy?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

 

Transcription :

Transcriber: Keshavgopal Das

Question: If an equal devotee becomes more advanced, how can we avoid envy?

Answer: First of all, we need to understand that we have eternal relationship with Krishna. Just because Krishna is reciprocating with someone does not mean that Krishna is not reciprocating with us. It is not a love triangle where two boys are after a girl and the girl goes to only one of the boys. Krishna is infinite and he is available for all of us no matter what happens. Spiritual connection with Krishna, satisfaction, experience of love etc., all this is accessible to all of us all the time. If another devotee advances, it is not going to affect us. There is a place in the spiritual world for the devotee and for us as well. From spiritual perspective it makes no difference. But because we are in the material world, from social and emotional perspective it may matter.

If we see other person becoming more advance, getting more appreciation, so we can see that as a spur to ourselves becoming more dedicated. We can think that if this person can advance then why can’t I? Nobody is born a pure devotee. May be this person’s life was more favourable or was already advanced from previous life. If they have gone that far in their journey, I can also progress similarly in my life. Somebody’s advancement can give us faith in the process of bhakti.

Sometimes advancement may not be just an external activity. A devotee may be doing a lot of service and getting appreciation because of the same. However, whatever service the other devotee is doing, if we also appreciate the devotee, we will also make advancement. We may not get spontaneous appreciation within us, but if we appreciate in the mood of doing service, it will purify us and will inspire us to look into the positive.

End of transcription.

The post If an equal devotee becomes more advanced, how can we avoid envy? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

George Harrison Eric Clapton and the maha-mantra
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Hare Krishna

Eric Clapton: It was an amazing experience to be listening to it in the condition we were in. They had begun to explore Indian mysticism, perhaps as a result of George's influence and at some point the chanting of 'Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare' began to be heard in the club... we were all dancing to the rhythm. I have to admit we were pretty moved by the whole thing


Read More...

Ratha Yatra Celebrations in Negara, Bali – 2018
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Hare Krishna Negara is a city situated in Western Bali around two and a half hours from Denpasar. It is the capital of Jembrana and has a population of around 300,000. On the 1st of September 2018, in conjunction with the cities’ 123rd anniversary, devotees held a grand Ratha Yatra celebration. This was the second time the festival was held with the first being on a small scale in 2010; 8 years prior.

Q&A with KKS: First trip to India
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 07 January 2018, Brisbane, Australia, Q&A Programme)

What was it that first gave you the idea to travel to India? What was the inspiration behind going there and how was your first experience?

I started travelling around 1970 and one of the first places I visited was the coast of Croatia where younger people who had been to India… there was something different about them. I went to India by walking across the border from Pakistan as there were a lot of tensions in the region during that time. I walked into the country and there were big green palm trees on both sides of the lane. There was an officer at the end of the lane, a sardar with a turban and a big moustache, who asked me, “Why have you come to India?” (laughter) I replied, “I hear India is a very spiritual country.” So the sardar said, “Ahh very good! Then, you will go to Banaras (Varanasi).” So this officer actually bought me my train ticket from Amritsar to Banaras.

Would you say that when you went to India you were looking for God?

No, I was looking for the truth. I remember the lyrics to this song back then, “I am nothing but a stranger, always around. I am nothing but a seeker, for what I’ve never found.” So, I was looking for something. I was not sure what it was, but I knew that I was looking for the greater truth. Over those 8 years before I joined the movement, I was living in Holland and around, but every year I visited India.

The article " Q&A with KKS: First trip to India " was published on KKSBlog.

ISKCON Kiev: Most spectacular offerings for Srila…
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ISKCON Kiev: Most spectacular offerings for Srila Prabhupada’s Appearance Day (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If one can please a pure devotee of the Lord, such action means immediate satisfaction of the Lord, even though such a person is not officially qualified to receive the mercy of the Lord. Letter to Yeager, December 20, 1970.
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True religion; a need to question and explore
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As I sat talking to an old friend of mine the discussion turned to the old faith we both grew up in and it always becomes lively and interesting. One thing that was mentioned was that the Lord Jesus Christ who came in disguise he found only one true religion which was well the faith we used to be a part of.
Well it’s easy to make a claim so I looked at justifying this apparent revelation by God and this is what I came up with:
Hindu – Isn’t authorized as they worship idols and the bible speaks against idol worship
Muslim – Does not use god’s name but emphasises the prophet putting the prophet above God which the bible speaks out against
Catholic – Has the pope and as the bible speaks against the use of high names and status in a religious context this discounts them and again don’t use god’s name
Church or England – Has the queen as head so again not a true religion one shouldn’t put man (or women) above god, and doesn’t use god’s name
Other Christian denominations, recognise Jesus but don’t see him as God’s son so don’t know God or his name; so this discounts them
Jewish – If you study the Old Testament of the Bible they were condemned by God himself and that they will be persecuted and the land will ever see peace so in this case cannot be seen as a true religion
Taking this into account then Yes the faith we grew up in must be the one true religion, we laughed and suggested maybe we should rejoin.
However that is over simplistic one thing we learn from Srila Prabhupada is to test and ask questions and look at things from all angles and become convinced; this Krishna Conscious Movement is very scientific.
Indeed philosophically the faith we grew up in falls down on the basic question on it’s teachings indeed the more you look the more holes are found in the teachings.
False idols are indeed mentioned in the bible but understanding why they were told not to worship idols is often misunderstood or discussed; it was simply that they didn’t follow the principles of idol worship and worshiped objects that shouldn’t be.
This is one of the many examples we looked at and indeed it was enlightening doctrine is one thing but one should be able and free to test and question; being told what to think, feel and say may work in unification but long term doesn’t satisfy the spirit soul.
It impresses on me the need to allow each person to learn and progress at their own pace but also our experience help develop who we are and also gives us a unique position to help others who are also on their unique path of spiritual awakening and advancement; these experiences means we can help others we meet and in this way both make more advancement in Krishna Consciousness.
Questioning has to be there and in this way we can make the greatest advancement as we journey in a unique path; looking at the philosophical and scientific becoming convinced is the key and in this end open discussion and questioning is needed and must be encouraged.
Hare Krishna.

Going Nowhere In Particular
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Hare KrishnaBy Kesava Krsna Dasa

It appears that a number of atheistic scientists have caught wind of the accusation of ‘No-purpose’ levelled against them. They have done some homework and figured out cute responses in debate. They now try to make atheism appealing for the heartstrings, like religion does. “Yes, of course there is purpose to our lives... and we love and want to share that love...” is their charming open-arms invitation. Is there such a thing as scientific love? How would such ‘love’ benefit humankind? It should be a very interesting concept. We are considering soul-less love, mechanistic love, God-less love, mammal love and the rest. Continue reading "Going Nowhere In Particular
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In the Lap of Mother Nature
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Hare KrishnaBy Vamshi Vihari Dasa

God is our supreme father, and one of His energies, nature, is our mother. A mother nourishes her child with the milk from her body, and she also sees to the overall development of her child by imparting proper culture and education. Similarly Mother Nature cares for her innumerable children by providing grains, fruits, flowers, and medicinal herbs, and she showers her motherly affection on us by giving invaluable lessons, guiding us on the journey of life. Continue reading "In the Lap of Mother Nature
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The Divine Form
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Hare KrishnaBy Ananta Shakti Dasa

The Divine Form. "Then, as if by divine providence, an art college friend, upon returning from a visit to Bangkok, gave me some rice-paper rubbings taken from bas-reliefs of divinities of the temple of the reclining Buddha. Although I didn't know it at first, the images depicted the pastimes of Lord Ramachandra. I immediately appreciated the combination of delicate exquisiteness and divine irresistible power that Ramachandra personified while upon His chariot, bow drawn, ready to slay His evil enemy." Continue reading "The Divine Form
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Sri Vyasa Puja – ISKCON of Alachua (Album of photos) Srila…
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Sri Vyasa Puja - ISKCON of Alachua (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The secret of surrendering to Krishna is that such surrendered devotee sees that everything is part of Krishna’s plan. Whatever is meant to be I am doing. Let me do it with my full attention to every detail. Let me become absorbed in such service, never mind what it is. Let all other considerations be forgotten and only my desire to do the thing best for Krishna’s alone pleasure is my motive. Letter to Jayapataka, December 19, 1972
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