Resolutions in the three modes – and in transcendence
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[Class at ISKCON, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA]

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NYC Harinam (Album with photos) Ecstatic Harinama Sankirtana in…
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NYC Harinam (Album with photos)
Ecstatic Harinama Sankirtana in Union Square Park! Friday April 13th.
Srila Prabhupada: The yogis are trying to control the senses by force. “I shall go to the Himalayas. I shall not see any more beautiful woman. I shall close down my eyes.” These are forceful. You cannot control your senses. There are many instances. You don’t require to go to Himalaya. You just remain in Los Angeles city and engage your eyes to see Krsna, you are more than a person who has gone to Himalayas. You’ll forget all other things. This is our process. You don’t require to change your position. You engage your ears for hearing Bhagavad-gita As It Is, you’ll forget all nonsense. You engage your eyes to see the beauty of the Deity, Krsna. You engage your tongue for tasting Krsna prasadam. You engage your legs to come to this temple. You engage your hands to work for Krsna. You engage your nose to smell the flowers offered to Krsna. Then where your senses will go? He’s captivated all round. The perfection is sure. You don’t require to control your senses forcibly, don’t see, don’t do it, don’t do it. No. You have to change the engagement, the status. That will help you. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Bhagavad-gita 2.62-72 – Los Angeles, December 19, 1968
Find them here: https://goo.gl/a261ss

Cow Culture Conference 2018
Bhakti Charu Swami

Om Sri Surabhi Campaign is Presenting Cow Culture Conference 2018. This event is for promoting global auspiciousness by protecting Mother Cow. Great notable speakers like His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaja, His Holiness Bhakti Raghava Swami Maharaja and His Grace Vaisesika Prabhu will grace the...

Harinama at Coolangatta – 08 April 2018 (Album with…
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Harinama at Coolangatta - 08 April 2018 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: My Guru Maharaja used to say, prana ache yara sei hetu pracara. A person can become a preacher if he has got life. A dead man cannot become a preacher. So you must be very enthusiastic that “I shall preach the glories of the Lord to my best capacity.” It is not that one has to become very learned scholar to become a preacher. Simply it requires enthusiasm, “My Lord is so great, so kind, so beautiful, so wonderful. So I must speak something about my Lord.” This is the qualification, enthusiasm. >>> Ref. VedaBase => The Nectar of Devotion – Vrndavana, October 20, 1972
Find them here: Harinama at Coolangatta - 08 April 2018

“Satisfied Yet Dissatisfied” (5 min video)
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“Satisfied Yet Dissatisfied” (5 min video)
Mahatma das: We will do well if we can adopt the mentality of being satisfied with where we are at yet dissatisfied in the sense that we can do better. By satisfied, I mean that we accept who we are and where we are, but focus on becoming the person we want to be and focus on our goals. If we allow our present deficiencies to discourage us, we can’t move forward. Where you are heading is more important than where you are now.

Review of Francis X. Clooney, S.J., His Hiding Place Is Darkness: A Hindu-Catholic Theopoetics of Divine Absence
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Hare KrishnaBy Krishna Kshetra Swami

This affirmation of Jesus leads me, reading the book from a Vaiṣṇava Hindu perspective, to reflect on how the book’s exercise might best “work” for a careful reading by a Vaiṣṇava, for whom it is likely to be Krishna who is the all-in-all—not just as Bhagavān, the absolute Lord, but as the embodiment of ever-expanding love that is ever surprisingly (and often playfully) enacted and just as painfully hidden from view. Suffice it to say here that one challenge for the Hindu might be to resist the temptation to settle for easy parallels as some sort of confirmation that “it is actually the same thing.” For the Hindu to experience a similar opening of space to the Catholic tradition of loving Jesus would require a similar readiness to be unsettled and to suspend a broadly Hindu (or neo-Hindu) tendency to enfold the other into the self. Continue reading "Review of Francis X. Clooney, S.J., His Hiding Place Is Darkness: A Hindu-Catholic Theopoetics of Divine Absence
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1000 Miles Away (Album of photos) Indradyumna Swami: One…
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1000 Miles Away (Album of photos)
Indradyumna Swami: One thousand miles away from Irkutsk, across the frozen Siberian tundra, is Krasnoyarsk, the 3rd city on our Russian itinerary. Here we were greeted by a blissful group of devotees, who introduced us to yet another amazing temple in this far-distant and isolated part of God’s creation. How do they do it? They are faithful followers of Srila Prabhupada, who is blessing them with unlimited mercy. Unique to the congregation is a group of gypsies, old friends of mine, who love to chant and dance in kirtan.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/nhuVFA

Stars and Ribbons On the Domes
- TOVP.org

Headed by Premavatar Gauranga prabhu, the TOVP Construction Manager, we recently began mounting the decorative stars and ribbons onto the domes, beginning with the Planetarium dome.

Work is progressing rapidly and three segments have already been completed. Once completed, each segment is sealed and waterproofed insuring they will maintain their integrity and beauty for hundreds of years into the future.

TOVP Stars and ribbons on the dome

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TOVP Euro Tour Day 1: Radhadesh, Belgium
- TOVP.org

With great pomp and ecstacy, the TOVP Euro Tour led by Lord Nityananda’s Padukas and Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Sitari and accompanied by Their Graces Jananivas and Braja Vilas prabhus departed Mayapur, arriving in Belgium on April 10th. This is the third year of such touring, bringing the mercy and darshan of Lord Nityananda and Lord Nrsimhadeva to devotees in every corner of the world.

The first stop of this tour was the Radhadesh temple in Belgium. The program was held at the temple on April 11th and was attended by the entire small community of devotees headed by GBC Hrday Caitanya prabhu and temple president Manohar prabhu. As usual the Padukas and Sitari were properly greeted with kirtan, arati, an abhisheka, etc., followed by presentations and talks by Jananivas and Braja Vilas prabhus. The intimate gathering of 30+ devotees was highly enthusiastic and generous and a total of $95,000 U.S. was pledged.

This was a very auspicious start for the tour. But the next day Braja Vilas met with a few wealthy Indian diamond merchants who were so enthusiastic they want to organize a large event with many of their friends at a future time to raise funds for the TOVP. Undoubtedly, the Lord is providing us with new avenues to pursue in our fundraising efforts during the next four years of the MISSION 22 marathon.

The next stop is Cologne, Germany on April 13th. The Tour will remain in Germany for three days. The complete Euro Tour schedule is below.

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If during a class some children are distracting everyone, why isn’t anything done about it?
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Answer Podcast

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How can we perceive Krishna’s love amidst our and others distresses and conditionings?
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Answer Podcast

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Is our attraction to Krishna a conditional attraction generated by devotional conditions?
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Answer Podcast

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Are our mistakes part of Krishna’s plan? – 2
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[Talk at Raleigh, USA]

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Science & Spirituality – Why psychiatry can’t replace spirituality
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[Talk to Duke University students, Durham, USA]

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New Raman Reti – Alachua – Eco Farm Update – Building a Small…
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New Raman Reti - Alachua - Eco Farm Update - Building a Small Log Cabin.
Mukhya devi dasi: Our latest project happening is building a small log cabin which might serve as a little shop to sell the crafts and output from our devotees and our farm. Akuti devi dasi has been directing many sustainable projects at the Eco Teaching Farm including building a cob oven, the new Vrinda Devi temple, a sustainable flourishing garden, our biogas digester, a chikki hut with a cow dung floor, and more! Future projects for the Eco Teaching Farm include building tiny houses for volunteers & for retreats, building bamboo trellises for the garden, using the back fields for growing our staple foods, collecting the cow urine for different uses, making herbal salves, making sustainable organic clothing made from banana trees, learning to become a totally sustainable and zero waste farm…well, the sky’s the limit!
The log cabin is in the process of being built right now using local trees like White Pine and Swamp Maple. We have had some volunteers come and stop in for a few hours to help out and we’d love to have more. If anyone is interested in volunteering or just stopping by to learn how to build a log cabin, feel free to come by! This project is somewhat experimental so we will be learning how to build this together as we go. Thus far we have Akuti devi dasi heading it up with help from: Kaliyapani das, Purana Rishi, James and Erin, Jaya Nitai and Steve Hunt.

We’ve cleared an area and measured up for the 10 x 10 cabin. The guys cut down and collected some White Pine & Swamp Maple trees. They measured 14 foot section of logs and put them on the trailer. It took about 3 or 4 guys to pick up one log, but strangely Akuti prabhu was able to carry one log by herself. The guys were a bit unsure about how they would feel pulling trees from in and around the swamp where the snakes hide, but they braved it and pulled the logs through. We’ve build tripods to hold logs as we peeled the bark back. Next we will let the logs dry for a few months. This week we are hoping to finish peeling all of the logs and next week we will be starting forms for the foundation by mixing and pouring the cement pillars. The week after that we are going to be working on making the framing for the wood floor and laying the logs. In four weeks we are going to start laying and saddle notching the logs. Anyone who is interested in learning how to build a log cabin is welcome to come to our workshops. Our volunteer hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. If anyone is interested in donating any materials for any of our sustainable projects, it would be much appreciated. Thank you to everyone who has helped with our sustainable projects and with The Eco Teaching Farm! Stay tuned for more of projects.

Sun Love Feast – April 15th, 2018 – Vedic discourse by His Grace Kashyapmuni Prabhu
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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


Mohini Ekadasi
Fasting.....................on Wed Apr 25th,2018
Breakfast................  on Thu Apr 26th ,2018 b/w 6.17am – 10.56am

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 



Narasimha Caturdasi (Fasting till Dusk)
Celebration on Sat April 28th
The fourth incarnation is Nrisimhadeva. Nrisimhadeva appeared to save Prahlada Maharaja, who was five-years-old boy and he was being tortured by his atheistic father. His only fault was that he was Krishna conscious. He was devotee of Krishna.  Hiranyakasipu took benediction from Brahma that he’ll not be killed by any man or any animal. So the Lord appeared neither man nor animal. Hiranyakasipu was one of the stalwart materialistic and he wanted to live forever to enjoy.

Program details will follow shortly!



ONGOING PROGRAMS



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. School
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.

Bhakti Vedanta National School
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Sri Navadvipa Dhama has long been a center of learning and education. In the time of Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu, people would come from all over India to Navadvipa – the educational center of the world. Now, Sri Dham Mayapur has three esteemed schools for children’s education, one of which is the Bhaktivedanta National School […]

The post Bhakti Vedanta National School appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Sunday, April 8th, 2018
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Phoenix, Mauritius

People Coming Together

From an overnight stay at Haridev’s, a small group of us ventured through a quiet, gardened neighbourhood.  It was wet after an evening shower; typical weather dynamics since being here.  These massive spiders abound.  Intentionally permitted to trapeze their way through these enclaves?  Or not? I don’t know.  Are they there to protect the fruit from bugs?

Anyway, as Trump would say, “They’rehuuge!”

Some of the fruit trees were also covered with man-made mesh, apparently to protect the trees from bats with an appetite.

Today was the second day for our performance in the best theatre in Mauritius, the Serge Constantin Theatre, and we had a full house again at this matinee. Our play was preceded by an impressive mrdungadrum demo.  After that program, we proceeded to the ISKCON temple for a talk I led, based on the Bhagavad-gita, Chapter 10, verse 9.  This passage highlights the pleasure derived from keeping our conversations positive and spiritual.  The joy of this approach is also directed to the Divine.

On the same theme, we then held a sangha,in Flacq, focused on appreciation of each other’s part in the play. I mean, this was a real party—people were coming together to express their love for individual input in a project, which created a harmonious bubble of safety and satisfaction.

May the Source be with you!
5 km


Saturday, April 7th, 2018
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Phoenix, Mauritius

The Shakti Show

We started with a walk at Belle Mare, then a swim, and then a discussion from the Bhagavatam1.1.1., right on the beach.  I did not have a book with me to read or reference from, directly, but I have that verse memorized, better in Sanskrit than the English. My favourite aspect of the verse addresses the issue of separating reality from illusion.  That discussion, plus our chanting on beads and singing—while in the water—the prayers to the guru, in my opinion, made a morning program of sadhanarather complete.

Time was short today as we had to rush to another section of the island, the central part, near Phoenix.  It was near Phoenix that we staged “The Shakti Show.”  Hats go off to Kala, a French descendant of Mauritians, who organized the program.  Held at the venue “Serge Constantin Theatre,” you could not find a better location.  It seats only three hundred, but it was full, and there’s another show on Sunday, a matinee, tomorrow.

The program began with a kirtanby local devotees, followed by an instrumental ensemble called “Confluence,” local artists on sitar, vina, violin, mrdangam and tabla.  With no vocals, it lent itself to the pure sound of raga.  They were good.

Finally our local talent, in addition to Pariksit’s co-direction and some South African input, presented, “Many Mothers, Many Fathers.”  WOW!  They were good.

We still have a distance to go in terms of real fine hosting of a program on a stage, but Sambha did well enough behind the microphone.  Overall, presentation wise, I believe our guru, Srila Prabhupada, would be pleased. 

May the Source be with you!
5 km

Friday, April 6th, 2018
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Belle Mare, Mauritius

At Belle Mare

There is this decent trail of sand amidst green trees that we embarked to walk upon. Japa is the rule before fun. Chant first, have fun.  Swim second, have fun.  This is our morning sadhana.

Once hitting the water, we sing in praise of Guru, Prabhupada.  That is also fun, while reverential.  Then we use the ball; volley it to each other while in the water. The ball is blue.  It represents Krishna.  You bounce it to each other on a count and you try not to have it contact the water.  The goal is to reach 108 hits with the ball.  At one point, we made the goal 174.  That’s our game.

It is a real pleasant workout.  You are forced to reach, to stretch and to keep Krishna from being out of His devotee’s grip.  After all, the players, who are actual players—being in the play (drama)—need this relief.  They work harder, harder than I—at least physically.

Our drama is, “Many Mothers, Many Fathers,” and while some experienced key players such as Pariksit, Jambhavan, Sukadeva and Govardhan are with us from the Mayapura experience, we also have our local volunteers.  They are doing wonderfully.

The whole crew comes together at Amar’s place.  We practise and bond.  The parents and friends of the actors come and bring food—prasadam.  It is such a wonderful gathering each year.  I’m in my element.

Walking, chanting, swimming, mingling and drama-ing.  That’s the life.  

May the Source be with you!
4 km


Sri Varaha Nrsimha Swamy Temple at Simhachalam
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Hare KrishnaBy Chandan Yatra Das

Simha means “lion” and chalam means “hill”. So this is lion’s hill, the hill of Lord Nrsimhadeva. The Deity here, Sri Varaha Laxmi Nrsimha Swamy, is popularly known in Sanskrit as Simhadrinatha or in local Telugu language as Simhadri Appanna (“the Lord of the Lion Hill”). The Sthala Purana of Simhachalam recounts the history of the great devotee Prahlada Maharaja and his demonic father, Hiranyakasipu Continue reading "Sri Varaha Nrsimha Swamy Temple at Simhachalam
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Documentary about a revolutionary spiritual master! Avant…
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Documentary about a revolutionary spiritual master!
Avant Premiére, April 3, 2018
Buenos Aires, Village Recoleta
Have you ever encountered a man you thought was supernatural? Were you ever encouraged that perhaps the world had a promise of a spiritual future? Those who attended the incredible gala last night of the movie, “Hare Krishna. The Mantra, the Movement, and the Swami Who Started it All” left feeling inspired and hopeful.“ This film by John Griesser portrays the arrival of Srila Prabhupada, a saintly sage, in America. This spiritual personality, despite so many obstacles, revolutionized the hearts of millions of people and developed the Hare Krishna movement in these latitudes.
Participants filled the room: authorities of different faiths, government members, journalists and devotees. We all received superb attention from the organizers including vegetarian snacks, music, kirtan, and the chanting of mantras. There was time for questions and answers after the film while savoring traditional Indian dishes. Free distribution of a biography of this revolutionary saint, the subject of the documentary, was available for those interested in further understanding.. Every detail of the gala was involved in the message and atmosphere that Srila Prabhupada infused into the movement: humility, tolerance, joy, and vocation of service … These were two hours of a time without time, or even better, of a sacred time!

TOVP Fundraising Event Radhadesh (Album of photos) A very nice…
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TOVP Fundraising Event Radhadesh (Album of photos)
A very nice fundraising event was organized for the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) in Radhadesh on the 11th of April in the presence of Lord Nityananda’s Padukas and Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Sitari (helmet) from the Mayapur Chandradoya Mandir, accompanied by His Grace Jananivas prabhu and His Grace Vraja Vilas prabhu representing the TOVP.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/Z3oaHq

During chanting, can we have aids to get the mind from the physical level to the spiritual level?
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When science requires only working assumptions, why do you say that science requires faith?
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