Scripture glorifies association between seer and seeker – is association of equals also uplifting?
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Answer Podcast

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Chanting Before Srila Prabhupada
Giriraj Swami

This morning while chanting japa before my deity of Srila Prabhupada, I was struck by how merciful he had been to accept me as his disciple, appreciating that, despite all my failings, he will never let me go but would do whatever it takes to deliver me. As he said of his guru maharaja, “My spiritual master was no ordinary spiritual master—he saved me.” Thinking of Srila Prabhupada’s compassionate, selfless commitment, my hard heart melted.

Hare Krishna.

Your grateful servant,
Giriraj Swami

Curbing pride with intelligence
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 04 February 2016, Bhaktivedanta Manor, London, UK, Srimad Bhagavatam 10.2.21)

After the Govardhana pastime, Krsna went to Govardhana Hill to inspect the damage done by Indra’s thunderbolts. During the seven days that Krsna held Govardhana Hill on his little finger like an umbrella, Indra, out of being disturbed, battered Govardhana Hill with thunderbolts. These thunderbolts were very serious and could smash mountains. So Krsna was concerned about Govardhana. But when Krsna went to check out the damage done to Govardhana Hill, Indra also appeared there.

When Krsna saw Indra, he said, “Indra, you are supposed to be a devotee. How could you act in such a demoniac way? That you were ready to kill. This is the behaviour of demons. If you are supposed to be a devotee, Indra, how could you come to this demoniac point of acting?”

Indra replied, “It is because I was proud.”

Krsna continued, “Yes, but Indra, a devotee is meant to curb pride with intelligence.”

Indra said, “Krsna, I was angry. So angry, that I lost my intelligence. Therefore, I was unable to curb my pride.”

So this is interesting. Sometimes, we may look at the sixteenth chapter of the Bhagavad-gita which describes the divine and the demoniac qualities, and think to ourselves upon reading the first part of the chapter (which describes the divine qualities) that, “This is us devotees!” And then we read the second part of the chapter (which describes the demoniac qualities) and think, “This is the neighbours.” (laughter) It is very easy to read this chapter and think in such a way, but actually, we need to consider how much of Kamsa there is in ourselves; how much of Kamsa is living in us. In that way, we can read the Srimad Bhagavatam in a more engaged way.

The article " Curbing pride with intelligence " was published on KKSBlog.

Everything for Krishna and nothing for me
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Hare KrishnaBy Giriraja Swami

After hearing so many complaints from so many devotees, Srila Prabhupada called a meeting of all the devotees. Practically all the devotees in the temple came into Srila Prabhupada’s room, and he listened very sympathetically to what every devotee had to say, and he was really concerned and wanted to improve things. At one stage the GBC for India protested: “Srila Prabhupada, my only intention was to execute Your Divine Grace’s will.” And Prabhupada replied a little sarcastically, “Is it My Divine Grace’s will that the devotees should be disturbed?” And he made a system. He named certain leaders—Tamal Krishna, Yamuna, me—and said that they should get together every week and discuss the problems, and whatever they decided they should write down in a minute book, and they should all sign and then do what they agreed. Continue reading "Everything for Krishna and nothing for me
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A dancing group joins the Harinama party in Ljubljana (5 min…
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A dancing group joins the Harinama party in Ljubljana (5 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: The Hare Krishna mantra is specifically mentioned in many Upanisads, such as the Kali-santarana Upanishad, where it is said: “After searching through al the Vedic literature, one cannot find a method of religion more sublime for this age than the chanting of Hare Krishna.” (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 3.40 Purport)

“Walk through fire”
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Hare KrishnaBy HH Bhakti Bhringa Govinda Swami

Increase the quality of your chanting. Increase the quantity of your chanting. Read more Srimad Bhagavatam. Read Caitanya Caritamrita. Read prayers. Acaryas have written so many prayers. Read prayers of acaryas. Pray to Krishna. Krishna will hear you, when you read the prayers of acaryas - He hears you. When you speak in your own words: “Krishna, help. Krishna, save me”, Krishna will hear you. Continue reading "“Walk through fire”
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When we the prisoners fall in love with our captors
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Hare KrishnaBy Purushottam Nitai Das

To control the elephant is humanly impossible. So as soon as the baby elephant is born, the elephant trainer ties him with a rope to a pole. Initially the baby elephant tries his best to break the rope but because of his tender body he fails. The newly born elephant tries again and again but every time he fails. The baby elephant gets convinced that he is not strong enough to break it. He accepts it to be his destiny and continues to be tied. And even when he grows up acquiring a gigantic form he can still be tied by a rope. Although he can now easily break the rope but remains bound because since his infancy days his mind has been programmed to believe without any doubt that he does not have the strength to free himself from the bondage. Continue reading "When we the prisoners fall in love with our captors
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Saturday, June 9th, 2018
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Moundsville, West Virginia 

More Medicine

The concluding day for the Bhaktivedanta Medical Association Retreat included grainless meals to honour the bi-weekly Ekadashi.  (That was #1.)

2)   Improving japachanting
3)   Financial Planning for seniors (I led this discussion)
4)   Asanas/ postures and stretches
5)   Physical / mental foundation ofMahamantrayoga
6)   How to grow your own food
7)   Medical updates
8)   Spiritual Jeopardy
9)   Spiritual journaling
10)How well do you know your spouse (a workshop)
11)Breathing Exercises
12)Raising Conscious Children
13)(Finally) A Swan Boat Festival with Kirtan

In addition to the above, we also made a visit to the first old barn where the community began in ’68.  It is quite the vintage home.  Inside we sat, discussed and explored the contributions that our guru, Srila Prabhupada, gave to the world.  Here is what the group came up with:

Srila Prabhupada was the one…

1)   To introduce kirtan to the world
2)   Who mass-propagated Vedic philosophy
3)   Who fought war on drugs throughbhakti
4)   Who mass-propagated vegetarianism
5)   Who encouraged the back-to-land lifestyle
6)   Who mass-propagated reincarnation
7)   Who introduced to the West, ancient rites from the East
8)   To promote peace through mantratherapy.

This was to name but a few.  https://instagram.com/p/BjyharMATx4/  https://instagram.com/p/Bj2X90iAL_m/

May the Source be with you!

5 km











Friday, June 8th, 2018
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Moundsville, West Virginia

With Doctors

Here were some of the activities that doctors and healers, who had converged in New Vrindavana, took part in.  I witnessed and partook of the education and fun, too.

1)   A full morning sadhanaof chanting, a lesson from the Bhagavatam,and a wholesome breakfast
2)   Pranayama / good breathing
3)   Surya Namaskar
4)   Cooking demo on an oil-free meal—quick enough and easy for doctors on the go
5)   Lunch from the demo—chili, quinoa, oat and banana cookies and asparagus
6)   Stroll to Palace of Gold and temple cleaning
7)   Kartalplaying lessons—by yours truly
8)   Family bonding games—charades
9)   Hearing from a youth’s perspective
10)Heart 2 Heart Panel discussion
11)Dinner
12)Campfire kirtan,and, in the rain

Most activities were held in the Yoga Shala.

Many interesting subjects came out of the sessions.  Sad, but true, a high percentage of doctors in America suffer from doctor’s burn-out.  Suicide is high in the profession.

We did discuss some factors that could alter the figures, such as boosting spirituality, a better pacing of oneself in the profession, and making families strong through communication input.

Simple statements, but much work needs to be done, for medical students, as well.

May the Source be with you!

3 km



Thursday, June 7th, 2018
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Moundsville, West Virginia

Next to Me

Next to me on the Air Canada flight was Justin, a cradle/born Catholic, and a medical practitioner in the field of radiology in a hospital in Pittsburgh.  He struck me as being a nice caring guy—caring enough that I could have a conversation with him about life for almost the entirety of the plane ride, which was only an hour or so, but still.

Justin told me he has a friend from India and that he heard about karmafrom him.  Indeed he also learned of dharma,and, in my analysis, couldn’t put the two rhyming words together.

“If we pay attention to our dharma, we would produce a much better karma,” is what we both concluded from our conversation; that in performing duty (dharma) well and then inherent reactions (karma) will be of a greater ease.

Justin agreed with me that Krishna and Jesus walk in parallel, and are not opposed to each other, so to speak.  They are for elevating the consciousness.  They embrace and convey the same universal principles.

Our conversation started with talking about the poor and not pure quality of food, and the less than good performance in life, which for many people is no performance—meaning sedentary.  We eventually evolved into talking about spirituality, so all was good, and it warmed me up for the retreat I’m attending at New Vrindavana, the countryside haven near Moundsville.  The event is called “Bhaktivedanta Medical Association Retreat.” I am honoured to be invited.

May the Source be with you!
5 km


Wednesday, June 6th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario

The Downtrodden Man

The morning’s discussion with the resident men proved lively.  It entailed modes of transportation in the ancient Vedic context, particularly by horse and chariot.  We identified several famous charioteers.  There is Akrura, who came to Gokula to give Krishna and His brother a lift to nearby Mathura.  Krishna had a regular chariot driver when residing in Dwarka, Daruka was his name. And let’s not forget Krishna Himself in the position as a chariot driver to friend, Arjuna.  Also, what came to mind was the adoptee-father of warrior Karna, Atiratha was his name, and like the story of Moses, Karna was found as a baby while floating in a basket by way of a river.

Enough of reflecting on mobile chariots.  Karuna and I committed ourselves to a walk along Bloor Street. Yes, it is leg power that we use as an approach to getting around.  It is a three kilometre trek to Christie Pitts.  We made some observations along the way.  The Trinity-St. Paul’s United Church is holding a Blessing of the Bikes (another mode of transport).  And on June 10th, the church is conducting a Blessing of the Animals. That’s commendable!

We also took note of the sculpture in front of the iconic building at Rochdale.  The artist was Edward Apt.  The figure is of what looks like a downtrodden man, called “The Unknown Student”.  He looks absolutely depressed.  The Rochdale Building was a student-run operation.  It failed.  Some Krishna families lived on a floor of that structure in the ’70s.   http://unknownstudent.blogspot.com/2011/05/unknown-student-sculpture.html

May the Source be with you!
6 km


Is aversion always bad – isn’t Yamunacharya averse to sensual pleasure? (Vedic wisdom)
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Tuesday, June 5th, 2018
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Bracebridge, Ontario

From Wilson Falls

What is quite surprising to me is witnessing the enthusiastic devotion of a small group of people living in a little place far, far from a temple.  The eight men who trekked with me brought with them their japa meditation beads.  When this group of people goes for a walk, it is synonymous with chanting. This motivation amongst them occurs under the influence of two brothers, Jaya Gopal and Vyasacharya.

Today, we took to trekking a short distance along the Great Trail—formerly the Trans Canada Trail running at 24,000 km—which meanders along the Muskoka River.  Our brief walk began at Wilson Falls.

It is at locations like this where I can’t help myself but to point out wild vegetation, which I have some meagre knowledge of.  “Here is poison ivy, cedar, honeysuckle, horse tail, etc.”  This is all new to my co-walkers who have given little attention to such things. Frankly, most of us were concentrating on protecting ourselves from the eager mosquitoes.

We continued with our devotions with a discussion from The Mahabharat, and the section of a glimpse into the Kali-yuga—prophecies.  This was followed by a Mexican-style lunch.  On the theme of conflict and subsequent resolve, a group of the Tuesday Sangha and I looked at Chapter 18 of the Gita, after returning to Toronto.  We read together the entire chapter and then highlighted the entire Gita’s conclusion.  Please look at 18.65 to 66 for that.

May the Source be with you!
5 km


We may be hurt, but we don’t have to stay hurt
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[Sunday feast class at ISKCON, Mira Road, Mumbai, India]

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The evolution of consciousness
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 03 January 2018, New Govardhana, Australia, SB 1.2.15)

As soon as we enter into the material body, the body begins to dictate many strong needs which are not possible to be denied. At the time of death however, when the living entity finally exits the material body, all of that falls away, leaving behind one’s immediate identification. Despite this, the previous reactions all remain stored within the consciousness. Therefore, at the time of death, it is not only the soul that exits the body but it is also the subtle body that goes along with this soul. And that means, that the same mind is accompanying us on our entire journey through the material realm, life after life. Since it is the same mind, all kinds of impressions from the unlimited previous lifetimes are stored within and are still acting upon us, day after day. So this means that even certain animal lives that we may have lived in previous births may influence our thoughts and actions today.

One can take the human form of life after being various species of animals. It is said that there is an evolution of consciousness when one reincarnates through these species. It is after three animal forms that one can finally come to the human form. Those who are influenced by ignorance come from the monkey form to the human form, those influenced by passion come through the form of the tiger and those who are influenced by goodness come through the form of a cow to the human form. So this is interesting how one develops in this life, originally from an animalistic mentality. One becomes completely concerned with their own feelings, where there is no sense of sacrificing for others. Generally speaking, we usually see this behaviour in many animals, except for when they are sacrificing for their young ones.

But animal life is very different from human life, in the sense that during an animal life, one is not making new karma. In animal life, one is only getting karma from previous lives. So the animal can do whatever it wants and there are no reactions. Human life, however, is of a different nature, because in the human form of life, we are responsible for our actions. Therefore, there are karmic reactions for everything we do. So there is an interesting mechanism available for a person who wants to be free from all moral limitations, and be freed from being chained by all these social impositions. However, all of that will lead us to the animalistic platform only. When we experience it, we realise that this path of freedom is not the path to liberation. It does not elevate us, and we reach that point of understanding that, “This is never going to work. This is never going to cut it for me!”

The article " The evolution of consciousness " was published on KKSBlog.

Sadhu Sanga Retreat 2018 (14 min video)
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Sadhu Sanga Retreat 2018 (14 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: This year’s Sadhu Sanga Retreat in Boone, North Carolina, USA was the best ever. Over 2,000 devotees from all over the world attended and there were over 150,000 views of the live stream videos. Prasadam was served 3 times a day which amounted to 20,000 plates served over the entire event. There were 14 kirtaneers - some of the best in ISKCON - who melted the hearts of everyone who attended. Everything was 1st class: the organization, the facilities, the prasadam, the decorations, the sound system and the transcendental atmosphere.

The Welfare Of Others
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Hare KrishnaBy His Divine Grace A.C.B. Swami Prabhupada

May there be good fortune throughout the universe, and may all envious persons be pacified. May all living entities become calm by practicing bhakti-yoga, for by accepting devotional service they will think of each other’s welfare. Therefore let us all engage in the service of the supreme transcendence, Lord Sri Krsna, and always remain absorbed in thought of Him. Just like a desire tree, a Vaisnava can fulfill all the desires of anyone who takes shelter of his lotus feet… he prays not for himself, but for all living entities—the gentle, the envious and the mischievous…This is the attitude of a Vaisnava, who always thinks of the welfare of the entire universe. Continue reading "The Welfare Of Others
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Spiritual Television: Is the World Ready for a True Spiritual Network
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Hare KrishnaBy Yogesvara dasa

A Native American storyteller named Ron Evans tells a tale that warms the heart of all who agonise over the effects of contemporary media. Ron visited Africa some years ago and was present the day electric lines were installed for the first time in a tiny village. Along with wiring came a gift from the local government: the village's first television. Ron describes how the entire village sat mesmerised for three days watching every programme. Then as if on cue, rose, turned off the set, and went about their business. Curious as to their motives, Ron approached the village chief and asked, 'Why did you stop watching the television?' The chief smiled and replied, 'We don't need the television. We have our storyteller.' Delighted but not completely satisfied by the reply, Ron commented, 'The television knows many stories, too.' The chief bowed his head thoughtfully, then looked up with a smile and said, 'Oh, no doubt the television knows many stories. But our storyteller knows us!' Continue reading "Spiritual Television: Is the World Ready for a True Spiritual Network
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The Art and Mechanics of Inspiration
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Hare KrishnaBy Dayananda das

“Everything should be done on the basis of love. Strictness is not very good. The students should act automatically, out of love. That is wanted. [However,] Superficially, strictness may be necessary—some material laws or basic principles—and if they don't follow they'll be reprimanded. But they should develop the idea of love. Sometimes you have to [force], but even so, the basic principle should be love. Sometimes, out of love, a father must force his son to do something; that does not mean the father is the enemy of the son. [If the teacher or preacher has not yet cultivated love:] In the meantime our regulated living will teach. Either with your son, your disciple, or your student, you should always strictly enforce the rules. Don't be lenient. Out of love, shall we let our disciples and sons go to hell? That is foolishness.” Continue reading "The Art and Mechanics of Inspiration
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