Wednesday, May 30th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario 

The Dusk Walk

My walk today began at dusk.  It was at a time when things begin to settle.  Birds quieten down.  People have dispersed from the ravine.  Temperatures are more favourable for a stroll or a strut.  Perhaps trust is also more on the wane at this hour, as the sun disappears.  

Who knows why?  There is the odd murder that takes place in this secluded bush.  Those whom I did see in the ravine or at street level, were mostly couples—some gay—except for the sole, piercing light coming from the deep end of the ravine just before Mount Pleasant Cemetery.  From there, that single night-eye came toward me, and as it moved closer, it revealed itself to be a runner with a head lamp.  I couldn’t see a form, just the light, but then a sound presented, “Hello!”

“Good evening!” I responded to the formless fellow. 

He may have been the last one down in the long ravine, as all life wound down their functions for the day.  

“Haribol!” I said, this time speaking to a rabbit, a nocturnally more active fellow. It looked like this one wasn’t winding down.  

I chanted on my beads the whole hour and forty minutes.  And I hope that one day, as time rolls on in years, and with a change of consciousness in the world, I hope that I’ll not be the only one wrapping up light hours with the Name.  I wish to see others participate in this game of exploration and love. 

May the Source be with you!
7 km


Tuesday, May 29, 2018
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Maple, Ontario

Those Who Are Great

After some hours of spending time with some of our best advisors in leadership, at the meeting place of Subha Vilas, our host, I wrote a poem.

Those who are great to my mind
Are the hard-working peers-pioneers
Of Prabhupada, doing for God
Sowing the seeds of bhakti deeds.  

Those who are great to my vision
Are the ones who I sat with, yes kith
A family extraordinaire, who came from everywhere 
We ate sumptuously in the shaded pleasantry.

Those who are great to my ears
Are the ones who speak wise, beyond disguise 
Open and frank, they are a think tank 
Exploring society anew, for me and for you.

Those who I know are great.
Have no agenda, no motive, just give.
There’s something selfless there, boy do they care
For a world that’s bleeding, there’s need for leading.

May the Source be with you!
4 km



Monday, May 28th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario

100 Autumns

At the wedding yesterday, the brahman (priest) recited several times from a book expressing “one hundred autumns,” referring to the longevity of the marriage of the two people partnering together.  That many autumns is a long time by today’s standards.  May it come to pass for our two young newlyweds.  

“Why autumn?” I questioned.  My speculation leads me to believe that autumn is what ends a full cycle.  It’s harvest time, and all the best things in life are reaped then.  

I got off the train from Windsor and summer suddenly hit.  Spring has been cut short.  Heat and humidity pervade throughout the day.  It is a condition rather cherished by some.  It was in the heat of the day, at high noon, that I was out making observation of the scurrying of lunch hour people.

I sat at a food court waiting for a final adjustment on my phone which is in for repair. I looked out the window from a third storey, at that food area, and viewed the pedestrians from above.  At least there are pedestrians—many of them. The movement is rather robotic, not an aimless approach.  The average person makes a focused march to midday destinations, with the exception of teenage boys, who start-stop-start their journey.  They seem to be the only ones exploring or enjoying.  

My enjoyment was one more afternoon at Ramsden Park, engaged in chanting with sitar this time, plus  other instruments and the good devotees behind them. 

May the Source be with you! 
5 km


Sunday, May 27th, 2018
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New Boston, Michigan

The Wedding

The wedding was late but nevertheless wonderful.  Jahnu, the groom, and Rasa, the bride, tied the knot in a green location—Willow Park. Relatives and friends attended, as did I.  Leading kirtanand filling in space was my job; I volunteered with words and mantras, until the younger men, very expert, took to song.

Kulavir conducted the marriage rites.  He is one of the fellows whom I had in a drama years ago, in Detroit.  It seems that I’ve combed, theatrically, through most of the Vaishnava youth of ISKCON at one time or another.  With them, I see before me a transformation of flesh. Kulavir is one of many now approaching middle-age.  A new generation steps up for matrimony, children are born, and the young whipper-snappers of the time when I became a monk, forty-five years ago, are cracking their whips less and snapping to a slower rhythm.  When I see my peers I don’t often see their age.  I go back in time to when we were running things, hurriedly.

We were, and some are still, leaders.  Slowly a new crop takes over, just like the way of waves on the lake.  If you go to Lake St. Clair, which is not far from the park, you see that one wave succeeds the next at the shore.  It is a continuous movement of souls hitting dry ground, and then starting again to move as moisture.  We become matter: water, fire, air and ether.

Somewhere along the journey, we become human, and that can change everything so far as free destiny is concerned.  When one marries, one is meant to be a life-partner who assists another in real progressiveness.

Congratulations, Jahnu and Rasa.

May the Source be with you!
4 km

Conference with Russian speaking devotees (English/Russian)
→ SivaramaSwami.com

  • Russian vlog posts should be subtitled rather than voice over
  • People are very distracted so they also need to read what they hear and subtitles can be read in a work place
  • Promotion of Dāmodara-jananī in Russian
  • Aruddhā mātājī educated his sons via the Bhāgavatam
  • One gets the mercy of guru and Kṛṣṇa by following their instructions and thus pleasing them – their well-wishes help us advance
  • The mark of an attentive devotee is that he is not selective in accepting instructions
  • Giving one’s heart to the guru means following instructions
  • Those who strictly follow Śrīla Prabhupāda are the greatest inspiration
  • The most practical way of beginning the varṇāśrama mission is by having a systematic approach to cultivating the mode of goodness
  • SRS Book Club Newsletter is for Lal readers, not meant for general devotees

A historic first internet conference with English speaking devotees
→ SivaramaSwami.com

  • The quality of devotion is determined by the quality of faith and knowledge
  • Demigods aren’t visible to ordinary people and when a devotee is passing away not everything is visible to all – it depends on the consciousness of the observors
  • With exclusive devotion to Kṛṣṇa and Caitanya one will go to one of Them, but with inclusive relationship one can go to both of Their pastime places
  • When one leaves the material world one always leaves a material body behind
  • Friendship and conjugal are the relationships Lord Caitanya’s followers practice
  • Devotees go through phases in their attraction and gradually their inclination matures
  • We should encourage anyone’s worship and devotion
  • There is more than meets the eye to protect the confidential nature of Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes and bhakti, and to give materialistic people arguments to strengthen their position
  • In philosophy Bhāgavatam dominates over any other scripture but does not focus on chronological details
  • Universal form helps people with materialistic outlook
  • Our future reltionships in Gaura’s and Kṛṣṇa’s eternal pastimes
  • What we desire as sādhakas is what we will achieve as siddhas
  • Following Puruṣottama month
  • Non-Gaudiya pactices may be encouraged if they increase faith

The Future of Indonesia get a taste of the Bhagavad Gita
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Gadadhar Das

Bali has a Hindu population of around 85%. Most of the Hindus in Bali practice the orthodox religion which has been dated back for centuries. The ‘Student Community of Hindu Dharma, Indonesia’ is the largest Hindu youth organization in the island. The mission of this organization is to spread the fundamental teachings of Hinduism to others. In every province in Indonesia there is a branch but the headquarters are in Jakarta. Although Hindus and Muslims live peacefully together in Indonesia there is a vast increase in the conversion rate of Hindus. To strengthen the faith of the Hindu community, especially the youth, the Student Community of Hindu Dharma started to actively preach about Hinduism to try and preserve this age long culture. Continue reading "The Future of Indonesia get a taste of the Bhagavad Gita
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The power of gratitude 2 – How to cultivate gratitude
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Seminar at ISKCON. London, UK]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post The power of gratitude 2 – How to cultivate gratitude appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

The power of gratitude 1 – How gratitude empowers us
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Seminar at ISKCON. London, UK]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post The power of gratitude 1 – How gratitude empowers us appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Volvo Ocean Race, and my realizations
→ simple thoughts

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One of the things I had the opportunity to be a part of was the Volvo Ocean Race as one of the boat operators had been approached to assist the camera crew, so early Monday morning we went out into a calm lovely Bristol Channel to check the equipment worked correctly.

Then a long wait till the early hours of Tuesday Morning when the call came, there here lets go film crew picked up and off we went into a much choppier Bristol Channel, first across the line was Brunell after navigating the heavy oceans from Newport America to Cardiff Bay here in South Wales.

It was emotional seeing them come over the finish line but still the crew had a lot to two, one had to admire there courage and commitment given that even the swells of the Bristol Channel was making me feel a little unwell.

So it made me think, what joy there must be as each devotee arrives home after negotiating the rough sea of material nature, hopefully by following the instructions of Sri Guru and the many well wishing devotees all the difficulties will be navigated nicely.

Seeing the other boats come in was also as emotional up till the point were sea sickness took over and well i hugged the side of the boat, thankfully the camera crew checked and they had enough time to take me back to the bay and drop me off at barrage south. whew

it reminded me of the fact that as we are battered by material nature taking refuge in the association of devotees, spending time at the temple is a relief and gives us time to reset ourselves before heading back out into our formal jobs and home life.

So a day busy in work I eventually arrived back home, seeing the Volvo Ocean Race come into the bay was amazing, my realisations on how I can learn more about bhakti and negotiating the material ocean of happiness and distress still forming.

It reminded me that we can learn always from our experiences and also use them to develop more in understanding how best to negotiate and remain fixed in our love of Krishna and maintaining focus on fulfilling the instruction given us by our spiritual master.

And yes more sailing coming up, this time I’ll be doing all the tacking and sail trimming under the eye of an expert skipper, but only for an hour; I’ll leave the oceans to the experts.

And more than ever a determination to remain focused on fulfilling the promise I made to my guru maharaja many many years age.

Sriman Caru Gupta Dasa ACBSP left his body. Kurma Dasa: I…
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Sriman Caru Gupta Dasa ACBSP left his body.
Kurma Dasa: I received a message from our Godsister Sukla Dasi that her brother, Caru Gupta dasa, passed away suddenly a few days ago at home on Australia’s Gold Coast.
Caru Gupta had been suffering from Kidney disease.
He leaves a wife and 6 children, all devotees of Krishna.
We pray that Caru Gupta prabhu has attained the shelter of Srila Prabhupada’s Lotus Feet.

Vaishnava Wedding: Jahnu and Rasa. Bhaktimarga Swami: The…
→ Dandavats



Vaishnava Wedding: Jahnu and Rasa.
Bhaktimarga Swami: The wedding was late but nevertheless wonderful. Jahnu, the groom, and Rasa, the bride, tied the knot in a green location—Willow Park. Relatives and friends attended, as did I. Leading kirtan and filling in space was my job; I volunteered with words and mantras, until the younger men, very expert, took to sing.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/LYbcwK

Switzerland street kirtan (Album of photos) Srila Prabhupada:…
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Switzerland street kirtan (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Although a Vaishnava is the most exalted person, he is prideless and gives all respect to everyone, knowing everyone to be the resting place of Krishna. If one chants the holy name of Lord Krishna in this manner, he will certainly awaken his dormant love for Krishna’s lotus feet. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, 20.25.26)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/bqET8B

Diary of a Traveling Monk: “He Did His Time”
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Indradyumna Swami

I arrived in America on Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day is reserved for remembering the American soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country in the wars over the centuries. I had just come from a similar event in Moscow, Russia, where the day is called Victory Day. Every year, the Russian people remember their victory over the Nazis in World War II by holding a military parade in Red Square where thousands of soldiers and endless weapons are paraded to patriotic songs. Displays of nationalistic fever occur throughout the entire country. Continue reading "Diary of a Traveling Monk: “He Did His Time”
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Fifty Years Later . . .
Giriraj Swami

After almost fifty years, I was surprised to receive a letter from my freshman roommate at Brandeis University. He had heard that I had “changed my name” from Glenn Teton to Giriraj, and he had traced me, followed me, and written me, saying that he would be in Santa Barbara on Friday, June 1, and asking if he could visit. I welcomed him, and we spent two wonderful hours together. Since Brandeis, he had become a clinical psychologist, specializing in marriage, and I had become a Hare Krishna devotee. We remembered old friends and professors, shared experiences and lessons learned, and found that fifty years had not diminished our affection and appreciation for each other. He gave me a copy of his book Will Our Love Last? A Couple’s Road Map, by Samuel R. Hamburg, Ph.D., and I gave him a copy of my Life’s Final Exam. Sam, thank you so much for remembering me and visiting me. I treasure our friendship.

—Giriraj

House Warming program
→ Ramai Swami

Shyamananda Krsna and family have been living in Newcastle for the last couple of years. Previously they were in Adelaide but moved when he got a new job as a lecturer at Newcastle University.

The family started off in a small house but got the opportunity to purchase a larger one nearer his work. I was invited, along with other devotees for a “house warming” function.

It was Purusottama month so we had a nice kirtan, read from15th chapter of Bhagavad-Gita and offered lamps to their deities, one of which was Purushottam Krsna.

Eternal relationships
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 20 December 2012, Durban, South Africa, Srimad Bhagavatam 12.6.40)

Sometimes, some souls stay together for a number of lifetimes in different relationships. It depends; they may not always be husband and wife. They may change roles – the husband may become the wife and the wife becomes the husband, or one may become a child. So many varieties of karmic relationships may be there, changes may be there but some souls may be connected for a while, then time will separate them. But between vaisnavas, eternal relationships can be established. They exist when vaisnavas engage together in glorification of the Supreme Lord. Then everything becomes eternal… relationships become eternal and continue in the spiritual world. That is even possible for devotees to continue their eternal relationships in the eternal realm.

Also, the relationship between Guru and disciple is described to be eternal. But the question may be raised, does that mean that the relationship was already there before!? Eternal means ever after but also ever before! This is a topic that has been debated many times and there are opinions, and it is not so (clear), we don’t have so much clear indication. Some have said yes, eternal means ever after and ever before! Others have said, eternal means from now on forever. That if a relationship develops here in this world that it continues forever. Whatever may be, the most important focus for us is that it is forever…

The article " Eternal relationships " was published on KKSBlog.

Balance is the force
→ Servant of the Servant

All said and done, we need this material life to spring-board us to the spiritual world. Even though we are pure spirit (devoid of matter) still we have been here since time immemorial, hence we are as good as matter. Therefore, we have to use this matter (not relinquishing it) in such a manner that we become liberated from it and launch our self into the spiritual realm. It requires intelligence, practice, guidance and above all a deep willingness to enter the spiritual world.

To balance matter and spirit is the force!

Hare Krishna

Uploaded transcriptions for Mahabharata Characters from 01 to 19
→ The Spiritual Scientist

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/05/mahabharata-characters-01-three-understandings-of-the-timeless-classic/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/05/mahabharata-characters-02-bhishma-01-the-fierce-vow/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/05/mahabharata-characters-03-bhishma-02-the-fatal-complication/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/05/mahabharata-characters-04-bhishma-03-a-test-of-faith/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/05/mahabharata-characters-05-bhishma-04-the-celibate-becomes-the-match-maker/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/05/mahabharata-characters-06-bhishma-05-the-sacrifice-of-reputation-for-devotion/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/05/mahabharata-characters-07-bhishma-06-the-heartbreaking-conflict-among-loved-ones/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/05/mahabharata-characters-08-bhishma-07-transcendental-devotion-amidst-violent-confrontation/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/05/mahabharata-characters-09-bhishma-08-the-grandsire-on-the-arrow-bed/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/05/mahabharata-characters-10-bhishma-09-the-ideal-departure/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/05/mahabharata-characters-11-drona-01-from-poverty-to-power/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/05/mahabharata-characters-12-drona-02-the-teachers-tests/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/06/mahabharata-characters-13-drona-03-the-blunder-under-pressure/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/06/mahabharata-characters-14-drona-04-repaying-deceit-with-deceit/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/06/mahabharata-characters-15-dhritarashtra-01-the-blindness-of-attachment-begins/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/06/mahabharata-characters-16-dhritarashtra-02-how-the-attached-get-manipulated/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/06/mahabharata-characters-17-dhritarashtra-03-blaming-destiny-for-irresponsibility/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/06/mahabharata-characters-18-dhritarashtra-04-losing-everything-before-losing-blindiness/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2014/06/mahabharata-characters-19-vidura-01-a-true-friend-affectionate-but-not-attached/

The post Uploaded transcriptions for Mahabharata Characters from 01 to 19 appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.