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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Answer Podcast

The post Is aversion always bad – isn’t Yamunacharya averse to sensual pleasure? (Vedic wisdom) appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

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
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Sunday feast class at ISKCON, Mira Road, Mumbai, India]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post We may be hurt, but we don’t have to stay hurt appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

The evolution of consciousness
→ KKSBlog

(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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Fiji Kirtana Mela 2018 (Album of photos) Srila Prabhupada: The…
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Fiji Kirtana Mela 2018 (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The purpose of pronouncing omkara is to address the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vasudeva (om namo bhagavate vasudevaya). And the purpose of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra is the same. Hare: “O energy of the Lord!” Krishna: “ O Lord Krishna!” Hare: “O energy of the Lord!” Rama: “O Supreme Lord, O supreme enjoyer!” (Srimad Bhagavatam, 9.14.48 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/UwLU6x

On Friday evening 7 ladies went out door to door to distribute…
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On Friday evening 7 ladies went out door to door to distribute books in the Kingsbury area, UK.
We encountered people from different backgrounds, cultures, ages and races.
One such was an Iranian lady who was an author on yoga and self-help books. When we knocked on her door she was deeply engrossed in her writing but admitted that she was going through writer’s block. So, seeing the meditation books in our hands, she became really excited and said that these books will help her with her writing. She took 6 books, including Bhagavad Gita and was thoroughly fascinated by the contents of the Gita. She became even more excited when we told her that there was also a vegetarian book in the pack. She said that she’s been vegetarian for the last 6 months but finds it hard to explain to her family because she comes from a culture of heavy meat-eating. We will invite her to some yoga classes at the temple and the Sunday feast.
The photo is of a gentleman we met on the street, again very much interested in meditation and courses that we offer. He was so happy to receive our books. Hopefully we will see him at the Manor soon….

Vedic Wisdom from Srimad Bhagavatam 6.12.15 by HG Vaisesika…
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Vedic Wisdom from Srimad Bhagavatam 6.12.15 by HG Vaisesika prabhu at the Bhakti Center, 10th of June 2018, New York (video)
“One who knows that the three qualities — goodness, passion and ignorance — are not qualities of the soul but qualities of material nature, and who knows that the pure soul is simply an observer of the actions and reactions of these qualities, should be understood to be a liberated person. He is not bound by these qualities.”
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/mcu7oD

Spiritual Need, Pain and Care: Recognition and Response in ISKCON
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Hare KrishnaBy Hari-dhama dasa

In this presentation, Hari-dhama dasa discusses an important social issue for the Society: that of providing care for the terminally ill in the movement. Since Vaisnava hold very dear the hope of dying in the association of devotees and at a place of pilgrimage, ISKCON faces a challenging task in providing this facility and care for its members. The author argues that both spiritual care and medical care should be available to patients, be they in a secular hospice or in a religious institution. He goes on to present some possible methods of approach to both carers in ISKCON and the caring profession in general. Continue reading "Spiritual Need, Pain and Care: Recognition and Response in ISKCON
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A Prayer / Молитва
→ Traveling Monk

1. O Lokanatha Gosvami! O my master! I beg for the shelter of your lotus feet. If you are satisfied with me then please place your merciful glance upon me.

2. If you are pleased with me then all the wishes of my mind will be attained and my thirst for happiness will be satiated. Then I will attain the association of Lord Caitanya and Sri Sri Radha and Krsna.

3. O master, if you do not become merciful to me then what will become of me? Please fulfill my mind’s desire at least this one time.

4. In the entire world there is no one as much in need of your mercy as me. Please be merciful to me and give me shelter at the soles of your lotus feet.

5. Although he spends all his days and nights glorifying the transcendental pastimes and virtues of Sri Sri Radha and Krsna, Narottam dasa knows that his desire to attain Their association cannot be fulfilled without your mercy.”

[ Srila Narottam das Thakur, Prarthana, Song 20 ]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10212036236044163&set=a.3707173840886.2134384.1321748113&type=3&theater

We Shall Call Our Society ISKCON
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Hare KrishnaBy Satsvarupa Dasa Gosvami

July 11, 1966. 26 Second Avenue, New York City: A few sympathetic, interested people gather in a small downtown storefront to help an Indian swami's mission by adding their signature to a legal document. Today, ISKCON has branches all over the world. Millions of lives have been transformed by the Hare Krishna mantra and the philosophy of the Bhagavad-gita—thanks to the vision of Srila Prabhupada and the efforts of his sincere followers. But in 1966, no one (except Prabhupada himself) could foresee how this society could ever manifest on such a scale. Here's an excerpt from Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita, a detailed biography of Srila Prabhupada, describing the humble yet momentous event of ISKCON's incorporation. 1966: The Lower East Side, New York. The building was humble, the membership small, yet Srila Prabhupada's vision encompassed the whole world. Continue reading "We Shall Call Our Society ISKCON
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Popcorn
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Hare KrishnaBy Srutakirti dasa

One evening, Srila Prabhupada spoke at the University of California in Berkeley, the heart of the hippie capital. The San Francisco devotees enthusiastically received him and relished his lecture. They prepared barrels of popcorn and distributed it following Srila Prabhupada's lecture. "What is that?" His Divine Grace asked. "Popcorn, Srila Prabhupada," Jayananda explained. "Would you like some?" "Yes, give me some," Srila Prabhupada said. The devotees gave him popcorn which was being distributed in little bags printed with the Hare Krsna mantra. Srila Prabhupada ate the fluffy, spiced kernels with great relish. "Oh, this is nice," Srila Prabhupada told them. All the devotees, especially those who had cooked and distributed the prasadam, felt so much pleasure. Now they were certain their offering had been accepted and their lives were successful. Continue reading "Popcorn
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