Jayapataka Maharaja’s Sister Visits Sridhama Mayapur
- TOVP.org

It’s always wonderful to get special visitors to Mayapur, and this time we had the opportunity to welcome again His Holiness Jayapataka Maharaja’s sister, Leslie Elizabeth Bauer from the U.S.A. on July 12th.

After a grand tour of the TOVP she expressed how overwhelmed with emotion she was and moved by the sheer size of the project. Being an interior decorator herself, she was particularly impressed with our detailed workmanship overall and specifically the accuracy of the carved marble with its beautiful and colorful inlays on the interior walls of the temple.

Leslie stayed for five days, enjoying her stay in the holy dhama and pondering the glorious achievements of her older brother.

[See image gallery at tovp.org]

The post Jayapataka Maharaja’s Sister Visits Sridhama Mayapur appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Jayapataka Maharaja’s Sister Visits Sridhama Mayapur
- TOVP.org

It’s always wonderful to get special visitors to Mayapur, and this time we had the opportunity to welcome again His Holiness Jayapataka Maharaja’s sister, Leslie Elizabeth Bauer from the U.S.A. on July 12th.

After a grand tour of the TOVP she expressed how overwhelmed with emotion she was and moved by the sheer size of the project. Being an interior decorator herself, she was particularly impressed with our detailed workmanship overall and specifically the accuracy of the carved marble with its beautiful and colorful inlays on the interior walls of the temple.

Leslie stayed for five days, enjoying her stay in the holy dhama and pondering the glorious achievements of her older brother.

[See image gallery at tovp.org]

The post Jayapataka Maharaja’s Sister Visits Sridhama Mayapur appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

If temple management uses philosophy to explain away wrong actions of devotees, what should we do?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post If temple management uses philosophy to explain away wrong actions of devotees, what should we do? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Gita 18.29 To drive purposefully, we need to know the destination, the path and the vehicle
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

The post Gita 18.29 To drive purposefully, we need to know the destination, the path and the vehicle appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Bhagavatam study 105 1.19.7-12 The universal sages come to see of the royal sage
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast


 

The post Bhagavatam study 105 1.19.7-12 The universal sages come to see of the royal sage appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Monday, July 16th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Huntsville, Ontario

Huntsville Again

I hadn’t been to this cute cottage-country town since 1996 when I ventured out on the first Trans-Canada marathon walk.  Well, today I was here for a different purpose.  The local Lion’s Club became our venue for Muskoka’s first-ever Festival of India.  Our group called “Vedic Mace” performed for an appreciative audience.  Because of some mishap with a twelve-seater rental van, half of our crew couldn’t be present until the last minute.

That meant making appropriate adjustments.  With some divine creativity and innovation, we pulled something off which was very much engaging, especially for the younger kids. I was able to employ charades and introduce simple dance steps to the crowd.  Everyone got up onto  their feet.

It was all good, including the food.

Whew!  The day was a sticky one.  After the show, I had the opportunity for a short jaunt to the newly-opened “Marigold Unique Flavors” restaurant of Indian cuisine on Main Street.  The owner asked me to come and bless the new facility, which was formerly a bank.  Nice job done on the décor, I must say.

Locals saw me as a curious sight, not something you see in the Muskokas, as I walked beneath  the shafts of light radiating down from the street lamps.  At the Roadway Inn, clients were sipping beer and looking on, out onto Main, hoping for something to happen.

Well, nothing major happened, really, except for some monk passing by who might have spurred  on some spiritual interest.

May the Source be with you!
2 km

Sunday, July 15th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

At the Island (Centre Island)

Bhakti Prabhava Swami is one of those true-blue monks—honest, well-read, simple—who hails from Belgium, and came to the city for the Chariot Fest.   https://www.facebook.com/festivalofindiato/videos/10156990155405656/

https://www.facebook.com/festivalofindiato/videos/10156990151515656/

This morning was our second day to stroll about with a small band of devotees as we executed our japameditation.

Dominique from Detroit was also with us.  I had a question for him, “What was the contribution that Dominic, who was a saint, gave to the world?”    

“The rosary,” said the Detroit young man, “and he started his own order of monastics.”

“Okay, so he was so immersed in God as sound and he had a following?”

“Yes,” said Dominique in a very reserved type of tone.   https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Dominic

Our talk took place over the preparation of some new initiates going through diksha.  Yuluja is now Yashoda Priya, Pankaj is now Pushta Krishna, Taruna is now Tejasvi, Sunny became Srivatsa, and Shalini is nowShriya.  Two persons, Subhal and Rasaraj, took their second initiations.

The ambiance created by sacred and clean mrdunga beats was unparalleled.  I thank Rajasuya and Dharma for the ceremony.

A swim in Lake Ontario was so deserving.  It’s been a hot mid-thirties day.  The World Cup was won and having the game on at the same time as our Chariot Fest could have posed competition, but that didn’t happen this time around.

Our invited kirtanleader, Madhava, roused the crowds at the end; all were up and dancing.

May the Source be with you!
8 km


Saturday, July 14th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

46thAnnual

People visiting us for the Ratha Yatra Fest have some wish to travel and see the neighbourhood, simply by going on a japawalk with me.  So, for those out-of-towners, I will take them through the winding residential streets of Rosedale.  However, what everyone will really get to know about Toronto, on this special day, is the southern-most stretch of Yonge Street, because that is the route of Jagannatha, the universal superhero.

CBC came with cameras to interview a number of us who are the organizers.  They stayed with us for the whole procession.

“It’s a 5,000 year old event involving Krishna, and His Brother and Sister, enjoying a chariot ride.”

“How many people will be attending?” asked the CBC rep.

Rukmini gave the total of about 1,000, for starters, and then explained that it builds up. It’s true.  From the reference library at Yonge and Asquith, where the procession of chariots begins, that is so.  By the time we reached the overpass at the tunnel near the lake, it was a good attendance, and the numbers just blossomed into the thousands.

My usual parrot friend from King City came over to rest on my shoulder.  Sunil, the pet owner, brings him to witness Jagannath on His chariot.  Both Krishna, in the form of Jagannath,and the Amazon parrot are vivid in colour.  People who are unaware of the traditional festival are just surprised—in a good way, of course.    https://www.instagram.com/p/BlJ0adugNfl/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=rrbgxu2uenow

https://www.instagram.com/p/BlRwpk1HoKp/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=3htsv2rm8vcz

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/festival-of-india-2018-toronto-1.4747492

May the Source be with you!
9 km



Friday, July 13th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Scarborough, Ontario

Today

Today was special.  Some international kirtanchanters came to Toronto to converge for a 12 hour marathon of mantras.  The venue at 243 Avenue Road was decorated like the Milky Way.  It was awesome.  As per usual, during these events, when in Toronto, I have the privilege to start the chanting immediately after Sanskritist Dravida utters invocational mantras.

The main occupation for me today, however, was to stage “The Shakti Show” with a group of performing artists called Vedic Mace.  Our audience has roots in Bangladesh and we performed kirtan, a magic show, a satire on yoga, and classical Odissi dance.  It was much loved by the audience.  Held in Scarborough in their community hall, we opened up the program with food.  Yes, it was Friday night.  People came directly from work.  The show was to start at 7:30 p.m.  Not everyone turned up right then, naturally.  The management decided, with some input from my side, to serve the nice veg preps and kichari early, instead of at the end—10:30 p.m.  Can you imagine eating that late?

Five hundred plus folks came to see and hear of the Krishna culture in action. It is what our guru, Srila Prabhupada, encouraged us to do—present culturally.  He implied that the world would be won by this approach.  There is so much to share philosophically, and morally, in story format.

May the Source be with you!
4 km

Are some sections of the scriptures outdated? – Understanding the compassionate intent of the Vedas 2
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post Are some sections of the scriptures outdated? – Understanding the compassionate intent of the Vedas 2 appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Behind The Scenes – Summer Krishna (13 min video)
→ Dandavats



Behind The Scenes - Summer Krishna (13 min video)
A detailed look into the activities and philosophy behind Viva Kultura’s stage show which is the very center of our festival program. Meet the actors and witness both their practice sessions and live performances on stage. The professional nature of the show, along with the devotion of the actors, combine together to enthrall audiences night after night this summer along the Baltic Sea coast in Poland. Under Indradyumna Swami’s guidance, the powerful spiritual message of India is slowly but surely penetrating the hearts of the people of this country.

Scandinavian Bhakti Sangam 2018 (Album of photos) Srila…
→ Dandavats



Scandinavian Bhakti Sangam 2018 (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: In the transcendental loving service of the Lord, it doesn’t matter whether we are working, cooking, painting, writing, chanting, or whatever; they are all the same. There are no such distinctions of higher and lower on the transcendental platform. The important thing is that we are engaging our time and energy in the service of the Lord. After all, we are so tiny, what can we do? Krishna sees simply that this time is being spent in His service. Letter to Karunamayi, February 25, 1968.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/bCWb8B

Finance Exec Talks Krishna Consciousness in the Workplace. One…
→ Dandavats



Finance Exec Talks Krishna Consciousness in the Workplace.
One colleague, saying goodbye before he left to start his MBA, asked, “Why are you always so happy?”
“Because I feel like I’ve been given knowledge that reveals the secret of happiness,” Yasoda-dulal replied. He then handed his colleague a copy of “The Journey Home,” which tells the story of how Radhanath Swami discovered that secret. The man returned four days later saying, “I finished the book. It’s mindblowing.” He has kept in touch ever since.
When colleagues have shown interest, Yasoda-dulal has also given them copies of other books like the Higher Taste cookbook and Srila Prabhupada’s “Science of Self-Realization.” He has invited some of them to kirtans, yoga or introductory talks at the Bhakti Center, where they have enjoyed the programs and connected with teachers such as Radhanath Swami and Niranjana Swami.
To read the complete article please click here: https://goo.gl/kjXfUF

Grand Jagannatha Ratha-yatra festival in Bali Indonesia
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Hari Narayana Das

Diversity was the mercy of the Lord. When the diversity of people brings about good performance; progress & prosperity. When our country has social harmony, stability & security. No riots, no civil wars, no burning of each other’s places, no fear because of your age, gender, dress, skin colour. Then the peace of the country can be established. This message was brought by the committee of Jagannatha Ratha Yatra Bali, July 14-15, 2018.  The diversity of the religion was presented in front of Lord Jagannatha. This is annual Ratha Yatra in Bali. This year the committees presented different things at the festival. Youth from interfaith presented their performance in front of Lord Jaganath. Continue reading "Grand Jagannatha Ratha-yatra festival in Bali Indonesia
→ Dandavats"

Happy 20th Anniversary to the Oxford Centre For Hindu Studies
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Shaunaka Rishi Das

A gathering of around 270 people met and dined together in the magnificence of Oxford Town Hall on Monday, 2nd July . The grand event was held by the OCHS to say a great big 'Thank You' to all our friends, benefactors and well-wishers who have helped to make our success of today! A fusion of Academia and lay folk, a meeting of east and west all joined together in celebrating Hinduism and the growth of OCHS into a world-renowned Centre for the academic study of Hinduism. Many dignitaries including the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University, Louise Richardson FRSE, Mr Ajay Pirimal, Indian Industrialist, Lord and Lady Dholakia, Ms Chandrika Tandon, Businesswoman and Philanthropist were present, just to mention a few names. All agreed unanimously to further the cause of Hinduism studies in whatever capacity possible. The OCHS looks forward to continuing a beautiful and productive relationship with all its supporters as it enters into its next phase of growth. Continue reading "Happy 20th Anniversary to the Oxford Centre For Hindu Studies
→ Dandavats"

Hera Panchami Pastime recreated at ISKCON Mayapur
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Subroto Das

By the mercy of Srila Prabhupada, today Hera Panchami is celebrated by devotees all across the world and with each passing year the size of the festivities is growing. More than 500 years back Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu along with His devotees use to derive ecstatic pleasure when Hera Panchami pastime of Lord Jagannath was enacted in Puri. He used to be so filled with so much love for Krishna in the mood of Vrindavan that He sang and danced for long hours without being fatigued. Continue reading "Hera Panchami Pastime recreated at ISKCON Mayapur
→ Dandavats"

Constructing an Approximate Time-line of Mahaprabhu’s Life Events in Gregorian Calendar
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Khonika Gope

We all know that Mahaprabhu was born on February 18, 1486. Other than these broad chronologies, we know very little about the exact timelines of His life events. The difficulty in constructing a reliable timeline of His life events lies in the fact that the years of most of those events are hardly recorded. However, Krishnadas Kaviraj Goswami, the most prominent biographer of Mahaprabhu, does mention the seasons/months and the duration of the major events in his most celebrated book, Sri Caitanya Caritamrita. We also get to know some event details from Kavi Karnapura’s play Sri Caitanya Candrodaya, and Murari Gupta’s Sri Krsna Caitanya Carita Maha Kavya. After careful evaluation of these sources, it is possible to construct a pretty coherent timeline of the major Chaitanya Leelas. First, I give a summary of the timelines in the following table constructed based on these books. Subsequently, I provide the detailed references and associated logics used in determining the proposed times. Continue reading "Constructing an Approximate Time-line of Mahaprabhu’s Life Events in Gregorian Calendar
→ Dandavats"

Bhagavatam study 104 1.19.1-6 If sinful reaction rectifies sinful mentality, then the reaction is auspicious, not inauspicious
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast


 

The post Bhagavatam study 104 1.19.1-6 If sinful reaction rectifies sinful mentality, then the reaction is auspicious, not inauspicious appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Should we correct devotees and become a bad guy in their eyes or just turn a blind eye to their wrongdoings?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post Should we correct devotees and become a bad guy in their eyes or just turn a blind eye to their wrongdoings? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Gita 18.28 Doers in ignorance act destructively for others and even for themselves
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

The post Gita 18.28 Doers in ignorance act destructively for others and even for themselves appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

If demons are devotees descending for mausala-lila, will they go to brahmajyoti on being liberated?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post If demons are devotees descending for mausala-lila, will they go to brahmajyoti on being liberated? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Understanding the compassionate intent of the Vedas 1 – Are the Vedas agnostic?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Bhagavatam class at ISKCON, Sydney, Australia]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post Understanding the compassionate intent of the Vedas 1 – Are the Vedas agnostic? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

There is no better alternative!
→ Servant of the Servant

There are times when spiritual practice feels like a routine and feels like we are neither in the material nor in the spiritual. At times of plateau, it is important to realize that our process of spiritual practice is coming down through the ages through great yoga masters and it takes patience and perseverance to sustain a steady practice. We should also have an objective and unbiased understanding of the material reality we live in. Though material life on the surface always looks glossy, we have to look past the veneer and appreciate the true meaning of materialism. Honestly, there is nothing worthy to mention. Therefore, we may feel less enthused by the routine of spiritual practice but still if we continue with faith on the great yoga masters and the insightful instructions of the scriptures, certainly, one day we will experience a higher taste. I do not think there is any better alternative!

Hare Krishna

Krishna’s presence is more precious than his present
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Seminar at ISKCON, Sydney, Australia]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post Krishna’s presence is more precious than his present appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

How devotion makes the insurmountable ocean of material desires insignificant
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Brahmachari class at ISKCON, Sydney, Australia on Bhagavatam 10.3.30-33]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post How devotion makes the insurmountable ocean of material desires insignificant appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Krsna’s mercy
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, November 2015, Vrindavan, India, Video Interview)

When the living being turns away from Krsna then suffering begins. Happiness only exists in the relationship with Krsna so when we turn away from Krsna, we begin to suffer. Then Krsna has also added a little suffering, he added some sand-in-the-sweet-rice. Why is this so? Because Krsna loves living beings dearly and Krsna is more eager for living beings to go back to the spiritual world than the living beings are themselves. Therefore Krsna cannot wait, so sometimes he puts a little sand-in-the-sweet-rice just so that when we take sense gratification, we come to the understanding that maybe sense gratification is not worth it – it will not let us go back to the spiritual world! So ultimately, the elevated liberated souls see even suffering as the mercy of Krsna.

The article " Krsna’s mercy " was published on KKSBlog.

Krishna Wisdom Open Day 2018 in the Manor, UK (Album of…
→ Dandavats



Krishna Wisdom Open Day 2018 in the Manor, UK (Album of photos)
What an absolutely incredible day, thank you to all those that made it possible! And check out our website www.krishnawisdom.com for more information! Photography by Tadas Prabhu. We had to compete against World Cup ‘England vs Sweeden’ on the day, but still, so many loving people came to experience Krishna consciousness.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/sm2i9Z

You’ve never seen a Govinda’s restaurant like this! …
→ Dandavats



You’ve never seen a Govinda’s restaurant like this! (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: In the transcendental loving service of the Lord, it doesn’t matter whether we are working, cooking, painting, writing, chanting, or whatever; they are all the same. There are no such distinctions of higher and lower on the transcendental platform. The important thing is that we are engaging our time and energy in the service of the Lord. After all, we are so tiny, what can we do? Krishna sees simply that this time is being spent in His service. Letter to Karunamayi, February 25, 1968.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/HeU3bK

Ratha Yatra in Prague, Czech Republic (Album of photos) Srila…
→ Dandavats



Ratha Yatra in Prague, Czech Republic (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: We are not afraid of maya because Krishna is there. Krishna says, “My devotee will never be vanquished by maya.” Maya cannot do anything if we become strong. And what is that strength? Chant Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare loudly. (Lecture on Bhagavad-gita, 3.6.10, Los Angeles 1968).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/fA5qho