Planet ISKCON

[Class at ISKCON, Naperville, USA]

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Podcast Summary

 

Video:

The post To blame is to be lame – stop seeking scapegoats appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Mayapur, Srimad Bhagavatam 8.15.18-28, Class Speaker: HG Sikhi Mahiti Das on 17/04/2018 (video)

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 26 December 2017, Govinda Valley, Australia, Initiation Lecture)

We should understand that we are always accepted by Krsna through the prayer of our spiritual master. Therefore, we continue to remain indebted to our spiritual master. How often emails are exchanged between the Guru and the disciple does not define the relationship. We are living in a crazy world where the communication is bizarre – never have people tried to communicate through telecommunications as much as now – it is just insane! Sometimes I am asked, “Why did you not answer my email?” I could give different answers to that. An answer I sometimes give, “Well, I was chanting Hare Krsna!” If I don’t answer your email, at least know that I was chanting my rounds. The relationship between a Guru and his disciple is very different to all this constant communication!

It is an eternal relationship that can never be broken. Nothing can break it, not even us. One can walk away from it but still we cannot break it. The relationship will always stay! It is a lasting bond that is created between the Guru and disciple where the Guru is the representative of Krsna. When we take the vows to the Guru, remember that we are actually making the vows to Lord Krsna. The spiritual master accepts the vows on behalf of Krsna and supervises them on behalf of Krsna. One might be able to run away from the Guru in keeping these vows but one cannot run away from Krsna!

Krsna once wanted to plant pearls. His parents told him, “What are you doing Krsna? You cannot plant pearls. They do not sprout or produce plants.” But Krsna convinced them that they do! He planted the pearls, watered them with milk and sure enough, these pearls sprouted and produced many bushes that produced many more pearls. Therefore, the vows of initiation are like such pearls. We are getting a great gift. The vows are very valuable and one must do something with them. One cannot just keep the gift, “Yep, got that, initiation done! Now I will just do my rounds and fulfill the daily quota.” No! We must take the vows, take the pearls, plant them and water them with hearing, chanting, devotional service and making sacrifices for Krsna – doing something extraordinary with the vows! If we do, then the vows will produce amazing results – that is the idea! It is a great treasure that we must take advantage of. The job is not done. We got the pearls, now we must plant and water them!

The article " Planting pearls " was published on KKSBlog.

Preaching event in Budapest, Hungary (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: In the beginning, a conditioned soul is bereft of Krsna consciousness and is always morose in his material activities. Later, by associating with a pure devotee, one becomes inquisitive to know the Absolute Truth. In this way one begins to engage in the transcendental service of the Lord. Next, by the Lord’s grace all misconceptions are vanquished and the heart is cleansed of all material dirt. It is only then that the pleasure of transcendental bliss is awakened. By the Lord’s mercy one is completely convinced of the value of devotional service. When one can see the pastimes of the Lord everywhere, he is firmly situated in transcendental bliss. Such a devotee is relieved of all kinds of material desires, and he preaches the glories of the Lord all over the world. These Krsna conscious activities separate him from material activities and the desire for liberation, for at every step the devotee feels himself connected with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Although such a devotee may sometimes be involved in household life, he is untouched by material existence due to his constant engagement in devotional service. Thus everyone is advised to take shelter of devotional service to become happy and liberated. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Madhya 10.119
Find them here: http://tinyurl.com/ycel3xe3

HH Radhanath Swami speaks at the inauguration of new Kitchen and Ganesh Temple in Govardhana Eco Village honoring Srinathji Prabhu and family and drawing parallels from Madhavendra Puri’s pastime

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Super Ecstatic Ratha Yatra parade in Ipswich town in Queensland, Australia (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Maya is very strong. In the name of philanthropy, altruism and communism, people are feeling compassion for suffering humanity throughout the world. Philanthropists and altruists do not realize that it is impossible to improve people’s material conditions… The only benefit we can render to suffering beings is to try to raise them to spiritual consciousness… If one is at all sympathetic or able to do good to others, he should endeavor to raise people to Krsna consciousness. In this way everyone advances spiritually by the grace of the Lord… We should be very careful not to be misled by so-called welfare activities conducted in bodily terms. >>> Ref. VedaBase => SB 5.8.10
Find them here: http://tinyurl.com/yaaojm59

Establishing cow protection is essential to bringing about a more peaceful, compassionate and spiritual world. Considering the chaotic and materialistic state of the world today, any attempt to bring about a more humane and friendly society is a battle or declaration of war. In any fight, some allies join for various reasons of their own. This video is a short discussion about the war to establish cow protection and its allies, like vegans.

All the Upanisads are like a cow, and the milker of the cow is Lord Shri Krishna, the son of Nanda. Arjuna is the calf, the beautiful nectar of the Gita is the milk, and the fortunate devotees of fine theistic intellect are the drinkers and enjoyers of that milk.

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By Romapada Swami

Srila Prabhupada told us later that he received some direct instruction from Rupa Goswami. Rupa Goswami came and said to him: Take courage, I will be with you, your mission will be successful! Go forward, complete the instruction given to you by your spiritual master and I will help you! Because the quarters where Srila Prabhupada stayed is, just outside the window, is the bhajan-kutir and samadhi of Srila Rupa Goswami, the principle Acharya following Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Continue reading "Gratitude rooted in Srimad Bhagavatam and Nama Prabhu
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By Subhangi Devi Dasi

More than 20000 people lined the streets of Ipswich in Queensland Australia as Jaganath, Subhadra and Baladev distributed Their mercy freely. Crowds were dancing, chanting and clapping as Their Lordships and the harinam party went by. A kirtan party lead by visiting kirtanyas 'Harinam Ruchi' also known as 'The worldwide harinam sankirtan party' along with many devotees from Iskcon Brisbane yatra, Bhakti Centre Gold Coast and New Govardhan farming community participated in pulling the cart the 3 kilometers of the parade route chanting and dancing all the way. At the end of the parade everyone enjoyed sumptuous Prasadam. Continue reading "Rathyatra at Festival of Lights Parade Ipswich QLD Australia
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​Inviting all!
WINDOWS TO THE SPIRITUAL WORLD - PRABHUPADA’S PAINTERS​
2018 Prabhupada Festival - New Dwarka (LA) May 26-27
http://prabhupadafestival.com
​ and​ https://www.facebook.com/prabhupadafestival
Theme: Windows to the Spiritual World- Prabhupada’s Painters
Artists attending: Baradraja, Rukmini dd, Shyamarani dd, Puskar, Dhirlalita dd, Ramdas, Dhriti dd, Jahnava dd
Special guests: Srimati dd and Nanda Kishore
​Kirtan, Harinam, Prasadam, Katha, Sanga, - FREE!​
Rukmini dd: I remember the first thing I did after receiving my first book written by Srila Prabhupada was to look at the pictures. I would sit in my room and just stare at these amazingly beautiful pictures. I had no clue really what they were about but I could not take my eyes away from them. I would get lost in their beauty and wonder.
“Windows to the Spiritual World” and “Filled with bhakti” is what Srila Prabhupada said about these beautiful paintings. The paintings have had and continue to have a profound effect on people when they see them in the books. These paintings were done by devotee artists and depict the scenes from Lord Krishna’s pastimes when He appeared on this planet 5000 years ago.

Srila Prabhupada knew the paintings held great importance in attracting people to Krishna Consciousness and so he oversaw every aspect in the creation of the early paintings to ensure that all were correct in every way. He told the artists what needed to be painted and told them exactly how to paint the scenes and personalities. The descriptions of the Lord’s pastimes and the form of the Lord have been passed down through the disciplic succession since the time of Krishna’s appearance on this earth and must be painted just as described.

“Their paintings are not imaginary. The description is given through disciplic succession, just like that given by Narada Muni, who sees the Lord and describes His bodily features. Therefore, such descriptions should be accepted and if they are painted, that is not imaginative painting.” (Srila Prabhupada, Srimad Bhagavatam purport 4.8.46)

If a painting did not show the Lord and/or His associates and pastimes correctly or if the artist painted for his own sense gratification then Prabhupada would not accept the painting and it had to be redone.

“This is not a good style of painting. It is an artistic style for sense gratification only. I can not encourage this style - it should be stopped immediately. Paintings should be like deities, formal and worshipable. This type of painting is not authorized.” (letter to Madhudvisa, 12/8/73)

Boy & Ox Friends for Life (4 min video)
Chayadevi: Balaji and Devakinandana, a rescued ox, have been friends since 2014 when Balaji was five years old, and Devaki was a few days old. Devaki was one of eight calves who was rescued at the auction barn from slaughter. Devaki and the other calves had to be fed with milk bottles for six months since they did not have enough time with their mothers and did not get enough nutrients. Now four years later Balaji and Devaki are still buddies. Balaji is lucky that Devaki has developed into a friendly, careful ox. With Balaji and the rest of the ISCOWP staff, he never butts or swings his horn or pushes. Devaki is living the good life far from the slaughterhouse.
Watch it here: https://youtu.be/DA2eWeFwJas

In the Skanda Purana (Utkala-khanda, Chapter 29) it is described that Lord Jagannatha instructed King Indradyumna to keep His transcendental body cool by applying sandalwood paste all over His divine form: vaisakhasya site pakse tritiyaksaya samjnikatatra mam lepayed gandha lepanair ati sobhanam “Smear fragrant sandalwood paste on My body on the day of Aksaya-trtiya during […]

The post Chandana Yatra & Akshaya Tritiya appeared first on Mayapur.com.

By Braja Vilasa das

This Wednesday, April 18, is Akshaya Tritiya, one of the most important days in the Vedic calendar. Akshaya means “imperishable” or “that which never diminishes”. Traditionally, this is the best day for starting important endeavors or projects. For example, Vyasadeva and Ganesa chose this day to start writing the Mahabharata, and every year construction of the huge Ratha carts in Puri also starts on this day. Srila Prabhupada chose this day in 1953 to start the “League of Devotees” in Jhansi. Continue reading "Akshaya Tritiya 2018 Message from TOVP
→ Dandavats"

This Wednesday, April 18, is Akshaya Tritiya, one of the most important days in the Vedic calendar. Akshaya means “imperishable” or “that which never diminishes”. Traditionally, this is the best day for starting important endeavors or projects. For example, Vyasadeva and Ganesa chose this day to start writing the Mahabharata, and every year construction of the huge Ratha carts in Puri also starts on this day. Srila Prabhupada chose this day in 1953 to start the “League of Devotees” in Jhansi.

Akshaya Tritiya is the appearance day of Lord Parasurama, and it is also the day that the Ganges descended to the earth. Most devotees know it as the beginning of Candana-yatra, but actually many of Lord Krishna’s other pastimes also took place on this day, specifically those which demonstrate Krishna’s extremely generous and intimate reciprocation with His devotees.

On this day, Sudama gave the Lord a tiny portion of chipped rice and was rewarded with unimaginable opulence. Draupadi was protected by Lord Krishna twice on this day, once when He provided her an unlimited sari at the dice game in return for a tiny piece of cloth, and later, when she needed to provide food for Durvasa muni, the Lord took a single grain of rice from her pot and satisfied the hunger of all the sages.

ISKCON’s most important project at the present time is the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. There are only four years remaining till the Grand Opening in 2022 and there is still much work to do. This four year marathon has been appropriately named MISSION 22, and the next two years are the most crucial to achieve our final goal. We require $10 million annually during these two years to close previous contracts, purchase materials, etc.

Please take advantage of this auspicious occasion by making a contribution on this day. If you have already made a pledge but have not yet started making payments or need to restart your payments, this would be an ideal day to do so. If you are able to give a larger portion of your pledge, increase the monthly payment amount to pay it off quicker or pay it off completely on this day, please consider that as well. As Srila Prabhupada assures, you will be rewarded millions of times over.

“If the devotee offers something to the Lord, it acts for his own interest because whatever a devotee offers the Lord comes back in a quantity a million times greater than what was offered. One does not become a loser by giving to the Lord; one becomes a gainer by millions of times.”

Krsna Book Ch. 81, The Brahmana Sudama Blessed by Lord Krishna

You can find all the information you need to donate on our website: http://tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities/

Click on this link to signup for TOVP News and Updates

https://goo.gl/forms/ojJ2WcUUuqWh8bXt1

Visit us at: www.tovp.org
Follow us at: www.facebook.com/mayapur.tovp
Watch us at: www.youtube.com/user/tovpinfo
Support us at: www.tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities/
Download the TOVP phone App here: http://tovp.org/news/announcements/new-tovp-phone-app-goes-live/

The post TOVP – Akshaya Trtiya: A Special Time for Seva appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

On Friday, April 13th we arrived in Koln, Germany and made our way to Gauradesh, home of the Deities Sri Sri Vijay Gauranga Doyal Nitai. Two programs were scheduled here for Saturday and Sunday to accommodate guests who could not come on Saturday.

As usual, the programs included arati, a pushpa abhishek, kirtan and talks by Their Graces Jananivas and Braja Vilas prabhus. His Holiness Bhakti Bhusana Maharaja was also present and spoke very enthusiastically to all the devotees and congregation members present both days.

From the photos you can see that this is a small community of devotees led by temple president, Keshava das. Based on his expectations we were not anticipating any huge financial collections, but were satisfied to bring Lord Nityananda’s Padukas and Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Sitari to bless the devotees there and receive Their mercy in whatever way They desired. However, to everyone’s surprise, this became a miraculous visit with less than fifty devotees pledging over $150,000 U.S.! This precedent setting example shows that the hearts of the devotees and not the size of the temple is what really counts. When there is a will, there is a way. Make the commitment and the means will manifest. This was also Srila Prabhupada’s mood.

We wish to thank His Holiness Bhakti Bhusana Maharaja for his inspiring presence, Keshava das for his support, Vidyanath das for organizing the program and Dina Sharana devi dasi (GBC) for her facilitating our visit.

The next stop on the tour is Poland where we will remain for two days. The complete Euro Tour schedule is below.

Click on this link to signup for TOVP News and Updates

https://goo.gl/forms/ojJ2WcUUuqWh8bXt1

Visit us at: www.tovp.org
Follow us at: www.facebook.com/mayapur.tovp
Watch us at: www.youtube.com/user/tovpinfo
Support us at: www.tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities/
Download the TOVP phone App here: http://tovp.org/news/announcements/new-tovp-phone-app-goes-live/

The post TOVP Euro Tour Days 2 and 3: Koln, Germany – Gauradesh appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Answer Podcast

The post Are rocks alive – can we become rocks in our future life? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Answer Podcast

The post If someone takes retirement and then feels unengaged and disoriented, what should they do? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Balaji and Devakinandana, a rescued ox,  have been friends since 2014 when Balaji was five years old, and Devaki was a few days old. Devaki was one of eight calves who was rescued at the auction barn from slaughter. Devaki and the other calves had to be fed with milk bottles for six months since they did not have enough time with their mothers and did not get enough nutrients. Now four years later Balaji and Devaki are still buddies. Balaji is lucky that Devaki has developed into a friendly, careful ox.  With Balaji and the rest of the ISCOWP staff, he never butts or swings his horn or pushes. Devaki is living the good life far from the slaughterhouse.

[Sunday feast class at ISKCON, Central New Jersey, USA]

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The post Focus on life, not on the mind’s commentary on life appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

[Class at Bhakti Center, New York, USA]

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The post Where does the power of mantras lie – in letters or meaning or somewhere else? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

[Class at Bhakti Center, New York, USA]

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The post If everything is God’s will, how do we have free will? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Gadadhara Pandita-The Embodiment of Pure Love for Lord Caitanya Today ( 16 Apr 2018) is the appearance day of Sri Gadadhara Pandit. gadadhara-paṇḍitadi — prabhura nija-sakti tan’-sabara carane mora sahasra pranati “I offer my respectful obeisances unto the internal potencies of the Lord, of whom Sri Gadadhara Prabhu is the foremost.” (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila 1.41) […]

The post Sri Gadadhara Pandit Appearance day appeared first on Mayapur.com.

The process of Krishna Consciousness is a humbling process. No other spiritual path or method of worship (to other gods) is humbling. Only Krishna when approached first will purify us (which is humbling) and then accept our offering. Those willing to accept Krishna’s medicine (medicine will hurt our ego), tolerate the hurt, be humble transform the heart, and proceed on-wards in their service, to that person Krishna will show mercy. But if we do not accept Krishna’s humbling methods (even if  initiated) but be rigid on our path, then we will not make spiritual progress.

So if we want Krishna’s grace we have to be willing to go under the operating table to be cleansed before we can get accepted by Krishna. Other spiritual paths or Gods do not require this purification process hence even though there are exalted students in other paths’, still they are not completely pure.

Only those who aspire to serve Krishna and accept Krishna’s demands humbly will be able to proceed. The rest will not.

Hare Krishna

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 24 December 2017, Sydney, Australia, Bhagavad-gita 1.1)

It is said in the scriptures that when we have a goal which is other than satisfying the senses of Krsna, then we will remain in anxiety. When our goal is to control, then anxiety will follow – “Will I get it? What do I do? I hope nothing will go wrong! Is it going to work or not? Let me cross my fingers, cross everything, even my toes!” Everything is crossed in the hope that it will go according to our wishes, but there is no guarantee, none at all. This is because the protection of Krsna is the only thing that can give us continuous success. Temporary success without Krsna can be attained, but then one might start to think, “I am a self-made man. I started with nothing, but by hard labour, I built up this entire business empire. It was all my own strength”. Self-made man, huh? So they did not have a father or a mother? One simply takes advantage of the material opportunities available to them, and it is Krsna who presents the results to them.

In India, almost every shop owner starts the day by performing a puja of Goddess Lakshmi – “Lakshmi Lakshmi Lakshmi!”. All everyone wants is Lakshmi. But there is still no guarantee, because even after one performs such puja of Lakshmi, it does not mean that Lakshmi will stay. This is because Lakshmi is cancalam (‘fickle’).

So then we are restless, like a child going from a book to an iPad to sitting down to jumping; constantly changing. That is the nature of material existence – to have a flickering mind. So we must try to fix our mind on Krsna, because that is the only place where the mind can remain fixed. Everything else we want for ourselves, but even when we attain that material goal of ours, we will still not feel satisfaction, because our desire for wanting more will always remain.

The article " Combatting anxiety " was published on KKSBlog.

Govinda Swami - Important Kirtan Points (10 min video)
We are extremely honored to have had the wonderful opportunity of interviewing His Holiness Bhakti Bringa Govinda Swami about the important points to be practiced in Kirtan or mantra meditation. Please listen attentively and our humble prayer is that your life may become sublime!
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Back in the U.S.S.R.- Krasnoyarsk (11 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: The third stop on our tour across the entire country of Russia was Krasnoyarsk, deep within the Siberian countryside. There 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. Unique in the congregation of devotees was a group of gypsies, old friends of mine, who relished our visit as we chanted and danced together in great happiness.

So you want a happy life? Here is Bhismadeva’s advice: Maha­raja Yudhi­sthira inquired, “How should one act so that he can very easily pass his journey through life?”
In reply, Bhishma advised, “My dear King, a person who wants to avoid putting himself into great difficulty should carefully avoid performing three acts with his body- the killing of other living entities, stealing, and the enjoyment of others’ wives.”

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ECO-Vrindaban promotes simple living, cow protection, engaging oxen, local agriculture, and above all, loving Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON New Vrindaban.

ISKCON Mayapur: The Candana-yatra festival perfectly exemplifies the sublime and wonderful nature of Krishna consciousness. Krishna consciousness is simply sublime because we are constantly engaged in serving Krishna somehow or other.

By Bhakta Mohana Rangan

14th April 2018, New year according to Tamil lunar calender will remain forever in the memory of North Chennai devotees as it does every year. 4th Annual Sri Sri Gaura Nitai Ratha yatra organized by ISKCON Perambur enliven the streets of North Chennai (Chaitanya nitai Desh) last Saturday. Hundreds of devotees from all across the south India especially from different parts of Chennai, Nellore, Aruppukottai, Neyveli , mangalore etc.,. attended the event. The inauguration ceremony was graced by HH Bhanu swami maharaj (Srila prabhupad disciple and ISCON GBC), HH Sukhadeva swami maharaj (ISKCON Nellore) and many senior devotees along with eminent political leaders. Continue reading "4th Annual Sri Sri Gaura Nitai Ratha Yatra in North Chennai
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By Nikunja Vilasini Devi Dasi

Dhruva was elated to see his Lord face to face, but he felt ashamed. “O my Lord," he said, "because I was seeking an opulent material position, I was performing severe types of penance and austerity. Now I have gotten You, who are very difficult for the great demigods, saintly persons, and kings to attain. I was searching after a piece of glass, but instead I have found a most valuable jewel. Therefore I am so satisfied that I do not wish to ask any benediction from You.” (Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya 7.28) Continue reading "Finding Ultimate Meaning
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Lecture from the home program in the Gypsy Village by Indradyumna Swami (video)

Public program at Karur, Tamilnadu, India (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: We are all set of puppets of Krsna. I am also puppet. This is disciplic succession. We have to become puppet. As I am puppet of my Guru Maharaja, if you become my puppet, then that is success. Our success is there when we become puppet of the predecessor. Tandera carana sevi bhakta sane vasa. To live in the society of devotees and to become puppet of the predecessor acarya. This is success. So we are trying to do that. Krsna consciousness society and serve the predecessor. Harer nama harer nama… >>> Ref. VedaBase => Morning Walk – Los Angeles, April 19, 1973
Find them here: https://goo.gl/h4D4jq

By Mayapur Sasi dasa

For the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada this report contains the following North American results of book distribution for the month of March 2018. North American Totals, Monthly Temples, Monthly Weekend Warriors. Monthly Top 100 Individuals, Monthly Top 5, Cumulative Countries, Cumulative Temples, Cumulative Top 100 Individuals, Cumulative Top 5 Continue reading "NASN March 2018 – North American Sankirtan Newsletter
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Answer Podcast

The post Does the mind look for change and the soul look for the unchanging? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Answer Podcast

The post Does our spiritual master know everything about us? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Recently, I attended a fund raising dinner for the Sydney West temple construction project. The dinners are organised three times a year as a means to raise much needed laksmi.

Special guest was my godbrother, Yasomatinandana das, who is the temple president for Ahmedabad,India.

As usual, the night started with kirtan, then dance, speeches, project information, fund raising and finally a wonderful prasadam dinner.