Bhagavad-gita and Modern Psychology 3 – Changing our mind by changing our relationship with the mind
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[Seminar at ISKCON, Towaco, USA]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post Bhagavad-gita and Modern Psychology 3 – Changing our mind by changing our relationship with the mind appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

All India Padayatra Visits Hampi, The Birthplace Of Hanuman In Karnataka
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Hare KrishnaBy Acarya Dasa

Anjeyanadri Hill is surrounded by lovely plantain and paddy fields. The hill has 572 steps to reach the top and offers a lovely view of the valley and of the Tungabhadra River. The Hanuman Temple at the summit is one of the attractions of the Anjeyanadri Hill, a sacred pilgrimage center for Hindus. The temple is a white-washed structure with a pyramidal roof and a mall red dome at the top. A red flag flutters in the air and is easily visible from a far-off distance. This simple temple has an image of Hanuman carved from a rock. There is a small shrine for Lord Rama and His wife Sita inside the temple. Continue reading "All India Padayatra Visits Hampi, The Birthplace Of Hanuman In Karnataka
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My First Experience Of Padayatra In India
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Hare KrishnaBy Abhay Charan Nimai Dasa

One day I met Akhila Dhara Prabhu, a senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada, who told me boldly, “If you want to experience the real nectar, then go on Padayatra”. So I decided to go, thinking, “If I am not going for ever, then at least I should go for a week.” So, on March 13th I joined the Padayatra India party, then in Bangalore, Karnataka. First I saw the magnificent oxen of the Kankrej breed, and I immediately paid my obeisances to them. They are huge and have well shaped body and horns. The two devotees taking care of them, Damodar Lila and Janardan Prabhus, allowed me to help feed and give water to the five oxen. I was told their names were Krishna, Nandulal, Kaliya, Jaya and Narasimha. Having walked 10 years with the padayatra, Narasimha is the senior. Continue reading "My First Experience Of Padayatra In India
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To protect ourselves, we sometimes become insensitive to others – how to avoid?
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Answer Podcast

 

Transcription :

Transcribed by: Dr Suresh Gupta

Edited by: Raji Nachiappan

Question: To protect ourselves, we sometimes become insensitive to others – how to avoid?

Answer: Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura says that aggressive intellectualism is coward atheism. When we are very aggressive that we are right and they are wrong, that is actually because we are ourselves insecure about whether we are right. If we can prove that we are right to someone or if we can convert a person to our path, then we feel vindicated. If someone is doing something different, then that is perceived as a threat to one’s faith. To the extent our faith is insecure, to that extent we will be aggressive in our inter-personal dealings with people of other faiths. This is just a coward way to seek security. However, we need to understand that in actuality, there are different people at different levels in their spiritual evolution and what is right for us now, may not be right for someone else at their level of spiritual maturity.
Krishna says in the Vedic scriptures, that there are many different ways people can grow spiritually. He also says not to disturb the minds of those who are attached.

na buddhi-bhedaṁ janayed
ajñānāṁ karma-saṅginām
joṣayet sarva-karmāṇi
vidvān yuktaḥ samācaran (Gita 3.26) –Do not disturb the minds of those who are attached, even if they are wrong and we are right. Encourage them to engage themselves in a spiritual direction wherever they are. Krishna acknowledges that there are different people at different levels and not everybody will be taking significant leaps forward in their spiritual life. If they cannot take a leap, we do not have to kick them down. We need to encourage them to take baby steps and that will also help them move forward.

Therefore, if we become more secure in our own faith, then we do not have that insecurity within us pushing us to prove to the other person that we are right and they are wrong. Secure faith will come by our own serious practice, systematic scriptural study, and our own strong devotional connections. Once we have this secure faith, we can understand that Krishna has different plans for different people and ultimately Krishna has plan for everyone. Hence, if we are a part of Krishna’s plan for another person taking up spirituality, then Krishna will use and give us the right words and he will also give the person the right receptivity by which our words will be received. However, if Krishna has a plan to uplift someone spiritually, which is not through us but through somebody else, then that is also fine.

There is a beautiful prayer of Bhaktivinoda Thakura in the Chaitanya Sikshamrita where he describes his mood if he goes to a place where they are worship God in a way different from what he knows. He says that we should be there in a mood of reverence and appreciating the mercy of God for manifesting there in a form that is different. Therefore, although we cannot appreciate whatever they are doing and what the exact manifestation and practices are, still we can appreciate the compassion of the Lord for the fact that he has reached out to the people in this manifestation. Therefore, our devotion to the Lord in the manifestation that we know increases, knowing how compassionate the Lord is. This way, if we can become secure in our own faith and understand that different people may be going in different directions at different times, then we do not have to become aggressive and insensitive to them.

Education initially is given in terms of black and white, where there are clear distinctions between right and wrong. Therefore, moral categories are drawn very clearly in the initial stages. However, as we grow when we see morality intercepting reality, then we understand that moral categories are not so rigid. For example, generally lying is considered wrong. However, if someone is in a situation where they will be killed if they do not lie or if we do not speak a lie then that can lead to somebody else being killed, then we do speak a lie at that time. The point is that initially education is given in black and white but then we learn to see the shades of grey. In the beginning, students are told three minus five is not possible but then, later they are taught how three minus five is possible. In the same way, initially when we get our spiritual education, the moral boundaries are drawn very rigidly. This may work for our protection initially, but this does have a tendency to make us very judgemental and insensitive. At present, we live in an age where any kind of judgemental attitude is very much frowned at. Hence, we have to recognise that there are many shades of grey in between and as a result we do not have to become judgemental about others.

Therefore, by both recognising that Krishna has many different ways of getting people to him and that between black and white there are many shades of grey, we can do what is best for others, without necessarily judging them based on what we are doing or not doing.

End of transcription.

The post To protect ourselves, we sometimes become insensitive to others – how to avoid? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

“Krishna’s methods of training”
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“Krishna’s methods of training”
BB Govinda Swami: One should feel oneself meek and humble and also has to tolerate. Tolerance without any limits. Krishna will do this to us because that’s the standard. He’ll do it to us. It’s not that He dislikes us for a moment. But He will test our tolerance until the end of our ability to tolerate anything. We think: “After this point I’m gonna go crazy”. And Krishna says “Ok” and will push us a few kilometres beyond that point, to make us see that we have to tolerate everything without limit.

Amara Conference 2018 (Album with photos) Super success of Amara…
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Amara Conference 2018 (Album with photos)
Super success of Amara service launched yesterday, 12th May 2018 at Amara Conference at ISKCON Leicester.
Nurses and doctors from many NHS hospitals attended the Amara conference.
There was also Kripamoya Prabhu’s book launch - “What to do when someone dies”
Bereavement Support for ISKCON devotees Leaflet.
Memory box now available.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/cnCGtZ

A Mother’s Love
Giriraj Swami

“There are very exalted spiritual understandings in Krishna consciousness. They are not fictional, imaginary, or concocted. They are facts, and every devotee can have the privilege to understand and indeed take part in Krishna’s pastimes if he is actually advanced. We should not think that the privilege given to Mother Yasoda is not available to us. Everyone can have a similar privilege. If one loves Krishna as one’s child, then one will have such a privilege, because the mother has the most love for the child. Even in this material world, there is no comparison to a mother’s love, for a mother loves her child without any expectation of return. Of course, although that is generally true, this material world is so polluted that a mother sometimes thinks, ‘My child will grow up and become a man, and when he earns money, I shall get it.’ Thus there may still be some desire to get something in exchange. But while loving Krishna there are no selfish feelings, for that love is unalloyed, free from all desires for material gain.

“You should not expect anything in return. That is real love. Just like a mother is loving her child, not expecting any return. But she still she gives service. So, that is as a little sample of pure love.”

—Srila Prabhupada, talk on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.31, April 23, 1973, Los Angeles, and room conversation, July 13, 1976, New York

 

 

Tuesday, May 8th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario

Green Buds, Yellow Blossoms

Karuna and I walked the trail at David Balfour Park.  Laksman took pictures.  The ravine, with new green growth and yellow blossoms, was a magical place for us to be.

We came upon a person, a man, who was not ‘with’ the place, meaning he was lost.  Karuna and I tried communicating with him, but he was not there.  We met other people, all single males, who all felt one with the ravine.  They were ‘being’ there.  It showed in their faces, their words and how they expressed it in bodily language—a language of feeling nature.  Their words ranged from, “It’s great, isn’t it?” to the most lofty-spirited, “How are you?”

However, the one lost soul, mentioned earlier, was whimsically there in the ravine, a wanderer in the wilderness.  We felt for him.

This evening I conducted the “Tuesday Sanga,” a gathering of people at our ashram/temple. They came, twenty-five or so, to explore the Gita, Chapter 16, about Divine and Demoniac Natures.  The discussions were stimulating.  After the venture I met at least one good, good soul who used that term “lost” which is how I described our earlier fellow to Karuna in the ravine.

A new word was thrown in there along with “lost,” it was “locked.”  Those two words, united, have a haunting feel. Lost and locked.

To respond to what the good, good soul expressed about personal turmoil, I did what I could to appease by saying, “The world is a place of danger, exhaustion, of being trapped.  Let it go. Place your consciousness in a refreshed view of things.  You can walk out of the lost and locked world.  Call on Krishna to walk out with you.”

May the Source be with you!
5 km

Monday, May 7th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario

Just Today

I’m still reflecting on the guitar kirtan we had at Georgian Bluffs in amidst the rocks yesterday.  In that mood of sharing sacred sound in the out-of-doors, or at least seeking out the ideal location for such a venture in the city, Karuna Sindhu and I set out for a local park.

What we actually had in mind was to plan a place where we could perhaps regularly sit on the ground with a fancy madrasunder us for the summer months.  We actually have a sitar player now, our latest arrival, a monk by the name of Dwarkanath.  We are hopeful that with sitar and drum people in our neighbourhood would be enchanted.

Our location of consideration for such a happening is at the edge of Ramsden Park on Yonge Street, just where the subway has a stop.  People enter and exit there very consistently. There is grass and there are shady trees.  It looks good.

As we made our way back to our ashram we saw an elderly woman strenuously bending over to gather branches and twigs.  There was a storm that whipped through here last Friday taking down trees, damaging roof tops, etc.  The residual debris was left on her side-yard.

Karuna and I offered to help.  She was grateful.  She also mentioned how nice it was when we converted our driveway into a mini farmer’s market in the summer.  Our neighbours really like that.  So in addition to providing mystical music for the nearby folks, we should also endeavor to have for them some stalls with great organic produce.  It brings smiles and happy bellies to the locals.

May the Source be with you!
1 km

Sunday, May 6th, 2018
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Owen Sound, Ontario

Be Like A Tree

Three monks, including myself, and one family man, the driver, went for an excursion north-bound to the tiny city of Owen Sound.  It is the location of the upbringing, and near the burial place of famous Canadian artist, Tom Thomson, a prominent member of the Group of Seven.

Well, our group of four, plus a few more, the Hanna clan, took to trails on the Niagara Escarpment after a chanting session, a talk and a meal. Unique to these trails are the presence of these ancient crevices, deep splits in the rock under you—tight gorges that could turn a wanderer through this area into a frenzied claustrophobic madman, if not prepared.

Garuda, head of the Hanna clan, claims he’s braved some of them. Personally, I wouldn’t venture through them, especially now.  They are piled up with deep snow in the bottom.  It would be risky to tackle them during this season.  Maybe summer could do.  One thing for sure is that a trek through these tight areas would keep you cool, even on the hottest day.

We held kirtanat one site which resembled a grotto, a formation of rocks.  Also in this area, which is edged near Georgian Bay, you find ancient trees.  Trees can always remind us of how tolerant we could be.  They stand there over the years and take in so much.

Whenever I’m in the company of the Hanna’s, I feel like a kid. Three generations of them and they make you feel like you’re supposed to be in the forest and just fix yourself there forever.

May the Source be with you!
5 km


Manipur Yatra ~ North-East India
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Hare KrishnaBy Chandan Yatra Das

The beautiful state of Manipur is in North-East India. Manipur has a unique culture and is also known as 'Land of Gandharvas' and 'Switzerland of East'. Manipur is a Vaishnava state with Krishna Consciousness been practiced widely amongst the common masses. “Royal families at Manipur and Tripura are descendants of Arjuna's son Babhruvahana”, as stated in Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 1 chapter 12 verse 21 purport by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-acarya of ISKCON. Arjuna begot a son named Babhruvahana by the womb of Citrangada, the princess of Manipur. Continue reading "Manipur Yatra ~ North-East India
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Jagannath Ratha yatra at Cilegon Ethnic Carnival, Cilegon Banten
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Hare KrishnaBy Hari Narayana Das

Sunday night, Cilegon was hot. The moon is not round yet, dimly lighted lights on both sides of the road stretching approximately 250 meters full of people on both sides. Young-old, male-female. All liked getting out of the corners of the City. At 07.00 PM the music thrashed. All participants gathered behind the stage except the Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva, and Subadra Devi sat on the chariot beside the honored guest stage. Continue reading "Jagannath Ratha yatra at Cilegon Ethnic Carnival, Cilegon Banten
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Succeeding in surrender
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 18 March 2018, Durban, South Africa, Sunday Feast Lecture)

Comment:
The process of surrender is meant to be dynamic and continuous. To accept favourable things and reject the unfavourable things, however is not an easy process. Even if we know that ultimately Krsna protects us, it is still not easy to surrender in the moment.

Kadamba Kanana Swami:
Let me read that again and start commenting; “The process of surrender is meant to be dynamic and continuous.”

Well, sometimes it appears that the process of surrender is not so dynamic. Sometimes it seems that it is just not moving at all. What to do we do at times like that when spiritual life seems to be a little dry and stale? Well, during such times, the process of surrender means to be faithful. It is not always that the process of surrender is exciting. Sometimes, the process of surrender is just to be dutiful. Sometimes, the process of surrender is to carry on even when we are weak, to never give up; if we ever slip, which we will, we are to start again!

The process of surrender is not always a glamourous story where in shining lights it reads, “Surrender to Krsna!” Not quite. Sometimes the process of surrender appears to be impossible. Sometimes it looks far. However, if it is far, turn around and get close again. Pick up if you fall. Srila Prabhupada would say, “Failure is the pillar of success.” When there is failure, we must stand up. So surrendering means to never stop. Whatever we do, we must not stop! We must carry on, regardless of what is happening is good or bad, glorious or infamous. Whatever we do, we must never give up the association of devotees – never! We must never give up on Srila Prabhupada, never give up devotional service, never stop chanting! When the principles start slipping, we must return to them and start practising again.

Let these be our default settings: Chanting sixteen rounds and following the four regulative principles. Default settings means that no matter what, we always return to those settings. So surrender may come in many forms. It may come in something dynamic and glorious or it may come in something where we drag our feet. But regardless, we must stick to it. Such a commitment has to be made!

The article " Succeeding in surrender " was published on KKSBlog.

How can we help a non-Krishna conscious person overcome depression?
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Answer Podcast

 

Transcription :

Transcribed by: Suresh Gupta

Edited by: Raji Nachiappan

Question: How can we help a non-Krishna conscious person to overcome depression?

Answer: Ideally speaking, the physical reality outside should be replicated on the inner screen, which is our mind. The screen, or the mind, is meant to act like a window which shows us what is outside. However, at times the inner screen starts acting like a TV and takes us on a journey to the past or future or sometimes all over the world. That is when we get absent minded, which means we are physically somewhere but the mind is elsewhere. When this screen starts going to the past and shows us all the bad things happened to us, that is when we get depression.

Basically, there are two major mental disorders, one is depression and the other is anxiety. In depression, the mind goes off the path and depicts how multiple things have gone wrong in the past, and therefore how the future is also going to go wrong. In anxiety, the mind or the inner screen goes into the future, and is constantly wondering about what if things go wrong. This causes fear, worry and can lead to panic attacks.

Firstly, we need to understand that bad things happen to all of us. For some of us, more bad things may have happened. However, we also need to understand that good things have also happened to us without which we will not be where we are right now. The very fact we are living today means that some good things have happened to us.

Despite all of this, sometimes, our mind is somehow set to look only at the bad things that have happened. Hence, the key is, when the mind becomes like a TV screen playing only bad things, it is needed to get it back to the present. What has happened in the past is history and we should try not to think about it too much. Of course, it is not possible to not think about something. Therefore, we should have something purposeful to think of and something tangible to do. Therefore, in depression, if people have something which they like to do, which is not just casual entertainment but something valuable for them, they should engage in doing that. Often, depression is caused not so much because many bad things have happened in our life or their memories, but because we do not have a worthwhile purpose in our life.

A materialistic vision of life that defines our self-worth is based on our possessions. A spiritual vision of life defines self-worth not based on our possessions but by our contribution. There is a simple way to understand the difference between material and spiritual consciousness. If we are in material consciousness, when we see another person, we wonder what this person can do for us. Whereas, in spiritual consciousness, we think what we can do for this person.

Hence, if we can help the person find out what is it, they would like to contribute, that can be very helpful. These things should not be superficial e.g. just going to Disneyland for entertainment. We have to find out what would they like to be remembered for at the end of their life. That will give them something worthwhile to do. In this way, we bring them to the present and find a purpose for themselves in the present.

Slowly, the spiritual aspect can be introduced. Actually, we are all eternal indestructible beings. Bad things may have happened to us, however, we are much bigger than our situations and emotions, hence we do not have to be as affected by those. Then, we can slowly bring in Krishna. We have to make them understand that whatever happens, ultimately, God is our well-wisher who always wants our best. What we are is God’s gift to us and what we become is our gift to God. Hence, we have to look at the good things in their life, show them that these are God’s blessings and encourage them to make best use of that. If we can somehow help them understand that God exists and cares and that even if bad things are happening, good can come out of it, it will be very helpful.

In this manner, when we focus on small things, do things one by one, gradually we will realise we have done a substantial amount. Gradually, the depression will decrease.

End of transcription.

The post How can we help a non-Krishna conscious person overcome depression? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Wedding at New Varshana
→ Ramai Swami

On Friday before our AGM in Auckland, two devotees, Krishna das and Sangita Priya dasi had their wedding ceremony in the temple room. Both are from devotee families.

Their Lordships, Sri Sri Radha Giridhari, Jagannatha, Baladeva, Subhadra and Gaura Nitai gave Their darshan to more than two hundred devotees who came for the function.

Everyone was happy as the newlyweds exchanged vows and sat in the yajna performed by local devotee, Govinda das. At the end a sumptuous feast was served celebrating the occasion.

A Tribute to Our Mothers
→ Life With the Cows and Land



The cow is like our mother. Here is a tribute to three special mothers in the ISCOWP herd. They have been through significant difficulties living in the same dairy before they were rescued by ISCOWP members. Through grace and courage, they have forged relationships with each other and other members of the herd. They are noticeably motherly to many of the younger cows and oxen in the herd which helps relieve the sorrow of the children who were taken away from them while in the dairy. Happy Mother's Day to them and all of you! You can adopt a cow for Mother's Day, a great gift. Go to http://iscowp.org/adopt-a-cow/

Iskcon New Govardhana: Harinama at Nimbin Mardigrass – Part 1 of…
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Iskcon New Govardhana: Harinama at Nimbin Mardigrass - Part 1 of 2 - 06 May 2018 (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: When Lord Caitanya asked Ramananda Raya what is the most painful experience in human society, Ramananda Raya replied that separation from a pure devotee is the most painful experience. In other words, when there is no devotee of the Lord present, there is great suffering in society, and association with other people becomes painful. In Srimad-Bhagavatam (3.30.6–7) it is stated that if one who is bereft of the association of a pure devotee tries to become happy through society, friendship and love devoid of Krsna consciousness, he is to be considered in the most distressed condition. In the Brhad-bhagavatamrta (1.5.54) it is stated that the association of a pure devotee is more desirable than life itself and that in separation from him one cannot pass even a second happily. “The Teachings of Lord Caitanya” by Srila Prabhupada
Find them here: https://goo.gl/pYvnnd

Motel-Gita (Placement of Srila Prabhupada’s books in…
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Motel-Gita (Placement of Srila Prabhupada’s books in Motels) (Album with photos)
Super8 Montgomery welcomes Bhagavad Gitas!
Lisa Monfee who is Sales Manager at -Super 8 Prattville Montgomery says she is very excited to have Bhagavad Gitas in her motel as people always like to try new & different things.
She has put them in all the rooms & lobby so people who are really interested can take a copy along with them.

A Tribute to our Mothers
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Hare Krishna The cow is like our mother. Here is a tribute to three special mothers in the ISCOWP herd. They have been through significant difficulties living in the same dairy before they were rescued by ISCOWP members. Through grace and courage, they have forged relationships with each other and other members of the herd. They are noticeably motherly to many of the younger cows and oxen in the herd which helps relieve the sorrow of the children who were taken away from them while in the dairy. Happy Mother's Day to them and all of you!

Lord Chaitanya From Bengali To Tamil!
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Hare KrishnaBy Bhakta Mohana Rangan

Many prominent Sri vaishnava Scholars and many eminent Social leaders and eminent media celebrities also graced the event. They spoke on the need for more information and awareness on God consciousness of ancient India and congratulated Sri Giridhari Prabhu for his work in this field. The honorable chief minister of Tamilnadu though couldn’t make up for the event but send an appreciation note. A part of which is as follows “I appreciate the activities of ISKCON spreading devotion to all without any discrimination of caste or religion. “I believe that release of this Chaitanya Caritamritam in Tamil will establish peace in society and serve as a great contribution to Tamil literary world. ” Continue reading "Lord Chaitanya From Bengali To Tamil!
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Sun Love Feast – May 13th, 2018 – Vedic discourse by His Grace Kratu Prabhu
→ ISKCON Brampton

About HG Kratu Prabhu
Kratu Prabhu was born in aristocratic Gujarati Gaudiya Vaishnava family.
His first exposure to ISKCON happened in 1970, at St. Louis. He later joined full-time in 1974, in Toronto. He met his Guru, His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada in 1976, from whom he received a direct order for preaching Krishna consciousness. He and his wife were initiated by Srila Prabhupada in 1977 in Toronto, Canada.

While in West, he worked as a professional engineer for five years in Toronto. In Chicago, he worked for Chicago temple as director of congregational preaching. He then became temple President of Vancouver temple in 1987. In 1993, he moved to Baroda, Gujarat and conducted college and school preaching. He also started a book distribution program by Bullock Cart for every town and village. In 1997, he became temple President of ISKCON, Delhi and continued house and pandal preaching programs.

In 2002, he became an initiating spiritual master in ISKCON and is ever since vigorously travelling and preaching all over the world and regularly visiting USA, Canada, UK, Europe and continuously preaching in India, conducting pandal programs, educational programs and devotional tours.



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

Padmini Ekadasi
Fasting.....................on Fri May 25th,2018
Breakfast................  on Sat May 26th, 2018 b/w 5.42am – 8.12am

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.

A Reflection on Friendship
→ Seed of Devotion

I have lived and traveled in a plethora of places in the world, and what stands out to me no matter where I've been is the amazing connections I've made with beautiful women and awesome men of all ages, races, nationalities, languages, and backgrounds. Many a night I have stayed up until 2 in the morning in a corner of a castle or home or a bus discussing the most profound and beautiful mysteries of life - love, service, God.
Now that I am 31 years old, I am reflecting upon friendship and all of its amazing packages. Shasta Nelson, in her book Friendships Don't Just Happen, writes that there are several kinds of friends, all ranging in levels of intimacy and commitment/consistency, and they are all beautiful and valid.
Personally, though, in my life I find that I am craving *less* friends and *consistent* friends. Nelson quotes Dr. Paul Dobransky - a board-certified psychiatrist: "friendship is consistent, mutual, shared positive emotions." Nelson writes that "His definition is not warm and fuzzy, fun and flowery, or clever and memorable. It is, quite simply, a formula.
Dobranksy's Friendship Formula:
C+M+S+PE = Friendship
"As with any math equation, if we remove one of the four entities - consistency, mutuality, sharing or positive emotion - then we don't have a friendship!"
I feel that the "sharing" and the "positive emotions" are pretty accessible for me. At the same time, what a fascinating concept, that friendship should be consistent. Throughout my life I have considered someone a close friend by how deeply we have bonded in the moment. In this mathematical equation, though, sharing and positive emotions are only half the story.
I am discovering that in my life, I may have experienced high levels of intimacy and yet at the same time very little consistency. And consistency means commitment! Week after week, month after month, year after year, showing up, showing up, showing up. I've never really considered that a friendship would require commitment. I just thought that if we had enough in common, and we shared deeply enough, then that is enough for deep friendship.
I am discovering my own limitations regarding committed friendship, my hesitations to commit, and feeling grateful for my expanding understanding of what it truly takes to develop consistent, mutual, and positive friendship.


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