Disagreement is alright but…
→ Servant of the Servant

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna talks much about duty and freedom from attachment to fruits of labor. Perhaps one such place where we can implement this idea is in the department of disagreement. In this day of social media, practically everyone has access to an audience and practically everyone has an opinion. Nothing wrong with that! Srila Prabhupada says where there are two people, there can be disagreement. In other words, as meager as two people can disagree what to then speak of a bigger group or an institution or community etc. 

There is disagreement in the Bhagavatam. Divine and exalted souls, we read, disagree and put forth opposing views in the presence of the Supreme Being. Certainly, therefore we can conclude,agreeing or disagreeing is within our domain. The problem with kali yuga disagreement is it comes with a selfish agenda of some sort. In other words, we disagree when our agenda is under threat or when we feel my thoughts or I will not be given importance. Such disagreement invariably will lead to discord and fight. However, if we disagree with someone or some principle according to the conclusion/essence of the shastra/guru vakya (not selfish) and satisfied with what Krishna provides, such disagreement will not create bitterness in our heart. 

If we do have bitterness, it is a sign that we are doing this for something selfish and that it is time for introspection!

Hare Krishna

Winning with emotional intelliigence 1 – Personal competence through self management
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Seminar at Microsoft, Seattle, USA]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

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Video:

The post Winning with emotional intelliigence 1 – Personal competence through self management appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

ISKCON has to be a friendly movement
→ Servant of the Servant

I am copying Maharaj words.

(HH.Kadamba Kanana Swami, 18 October 2017, Melbourne, Australia, Srimad Bhagavatam 4.3.17)

ISKCON has to be a very friendly movement. A very accommodating movement that is ready to give everyone a chance; ready to not find fault in others. To not find fault in others is hard. We may catch someone lying and say, “He is a liar! Shame! This person needs to be rejected!” Well, have we ever lied? Never, ever? That is a lie! So yes, even if we catch someone lying, it does not mean that that person has some weakness. It does not mean that we can say, “This person is a write-off! I do not want to deal with such people!” Because then, we cannot deal with ourselves either. We are all fallen. We are all simply here by the mercy of great devotees and by the mercy of Lord Krsna.

But then, “How do you correct someone?”

Chanakya Pandit has mentioned that you cannot correct anyone unless you are in a senior position to that person. And even when you are in a senior position to that person, you cannot correct them unless you have a heartfelt friendship with them. If you are not senior and do not have a heartfelt relationship, then you do not correct them. Instead, you go to someone who has that relationship and say, “Well, these things are going on. I do not know what to do, but if you think something should be done…  I just want you to know.” That is all!

It is not that we go around, “That is not really right, Prabhuji. That is not our standard… That is very offensive!” Through this, we just create a movement that nobody wants to be a part of it for a long time. If it is fine to tell everyone off then we cannot live in such a movement for a long time.

We need a movement which is based on deep friendship and deep appreciation. We do not need a boarding school. If we create a movement which is like a boarding school where everyone is looking at everyone else like, “Prabhuji, are you doing this correctly? That should go over there!” Then, in one’s mind, one may start to think, “I want to break loose. I want to run free. I want to go.”  

We become split personalities in such an environment. We have a façade and the façade is all external rules, regulations and standards. And behind the closed curtains, the real self comes out. No, we do not want that. We want a very mature movement. A movement with deep friendships amongst everyone. And then, we help each other and we realise, “Today I help you and tomorrow you help me.”

Hare Krishna

Safari devotees at Sylhet, Bangladesh, the birthplace of…
→ Dandavats



Safari devotees at Sylhet, Bangladesh, the birthplace of Jagannath Mishra (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Because people are suffering for want of this knowledge, therefore our Krsna consciousness movement is the only movement – I can declare very proudly -which can actually do some benefit to the human society. It is the only movement. All other, bogus movements, I declare. Let them come and study the sastras and decide for themselves. They’re all cheating. Srila Prabhupada’s lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.5.30 – Vrndavana, August 11, 1974
Find them here: https://goo.gl/w2GMVV

ISKCON has to be a very friendly movement!
→ Dandavats



ISKCON has to be a very friendly movement.
Kadamba Kanana Swami: A very accommodating movement that is ready to give everyone a chance; ready to not find fault in others. To not find fault in others is hard. We may catch someone lying and say, “He is a liar! Shame! This person needs to be rejected!” Well, have we ever lied? Never, ever? That is a lie! So yes, even if we catch someone lying, it does not mean that that person has some weakness. It does not mean that we can say, “This person is a write-off! I do not want to deal with such people!” Because then, we cannot deal with ourselves either. We are all fallen. We are all simply here by the mercy of great devotees and by the mercy of Lord Krsna.

Read More...

Telangana Padayatra Still Going Strong
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Hare KrishnaBy Visnuswami Dasa

Community members are providing accommodations for devotees and supplying grass for the oxen, contrary to my expectations. I thought that getting accommodations and grass would have been difficult in the cities but by Caitanya MahaPrabhu mercy we are getting these easily. The difference between villages and cities is that in cities we have to purchase grass. We get plenty of vegetables in vegetables markets, but only after 8.30 pm, when people go home with what was not sold. Srinivas Sevananda brahmacari feeds the oxen with different vegetables, wet grass, dry grass and paddy; as a result they are very healthy and strong. Some devotees Dilsukhnagar congregation participated with us in the Telephone Colony nagar sankirtana. Continue reading "Telangana Padayatra Still Going Strong
→ Dandavats"

Chaitanya Charan Radio launched
→ The Spiritual Scientist

In response to several requests, we are happy to announce the launching of a 24-hour radio “Chaitanya Charan” that will make it easy for you to hear the audios of Chaitanya Charan.

You can hear the radio on tune-in at:

You can also download the tune-in app on your phone.

You can also access the radio:

Listen to Radio Online

The post Chaitanya Charan Radio launched appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Temple Opening Ceremony at Khulna, Bangladesh. March 07, 2018…
→ Dandavats



Temple Opening Ceremony at Khulna, Bangladesh. March 07, 2018 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Convey my ardent affection and blessings for all the boys and girls. I am very much hopeful of my movement. Please keep steady, follow all my instructions scrupulously, chant Hare Krishna and Krishna will give you all strength. (From Srila Prabhupada’s letter to Brahmananda - 24 July 1967)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/ytzaBg

A friendly movement
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 18 October 2017, Melbourne, Australia, Srimad Bhagavatam 4.3.17)

ISKCON has to be a very friendly movement. A very accommodating movement that is ready to give everyone a chance; ready to not find fault in others. To not find fault in others is hard. We may catch someone lying and say, “He is a liar! Shame! This person needs to be rejected!” Well, have we ever lied? Never, ever? That is a lie! So yes, even if we catch someone lying, it does not mean that that person has some weakness. It does not mean that we can say, “This person is a write-off! I do not want to deal with such people!” Because then, we cannot deal with ourselves either. We are all fallen. We are all simply here by the mercy of great devotees and by the mercy of Lord Krsna.

But then, “How do you correct someone?”

Chanakya Pandit has mentioned that you cannot correct anyone unless you are in a senior position to that person. And even when you are in a senior position to that person, you cannot correct them unless you have a heartfelt friendship with them. If you are not senior and do not have a heartfelt relationship, then you do not correct them. Instead, you go to someone who has that relationship and say, “Well, these things are going on. I do not know what to do, but if you think something should be done…  I just want you to know.” That is all!

It is not that we go around, “That is not really right, Prabhuji. That is not our standard… That is very offensive!” Through this, we just create a movement that nobody wants to be a part of it for a long time. If it is fine to tell everyone off then we cannot live in such a movement for a long time.

We need a movement which is based on deep friendship and deep appreciation. We do not need a boarding school. If we create a movement which is like a boarding school where everyone is looking at everyone else like, “Prabhuji, are you doing this correctly? That should go over there!” Then, in one’s mind, one may start to think, “I want to break loose. I want to run free. I want to go.”  

We become split personalities in such an environment. We have a façade and the façade is all external rules, regulations and standards. And behind the closed curtains, the real self comes out. No, we do not want that. We want a very mature movement. A movement with deep friendships amongst everyone. And then, we help each other and we realise, “Today I help you and tomorrow you help me.”

The post A friendly movement appeared first on KKSBlog.

Tuesday, March 13th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Alachua, Florida

Nippy in Florida

It’s nippy in Florida.  I set out on foot at 6:00 a.m. when I could see my breath.  It was still dark.  An opossum scurried in front of me.  Once he crossed the road and hit the bush, I could hear a loud rustling.

By 7:00 a.m., I reached the temple.  Still dark.  I gave to and received hugs from those I hadn’t seen for a year.  Everyone is getting just a little older.  I have to be careful.  My hug might hurt some of them.

The young did come.  Punctually, every Tuesday morning, young Vaishnavas come from the local school to attend.  There were fifty of them (my guess), boys and girls, pre-teens.  I got excited.  When they sat in front of the low lectern where I was situated, I thought, “Yes, we’ll go for some interactive-ness.  Have them clap hands and sing the song, ‘Radha Madhava.’”  

Then I engaged them in charades with the day’s verse and purport.  The message of the verse had much to do with accepting a guru.  I mentioned to the students that all of them have a guru.  They were surprised to hear that.

“Guru means teacher.  You all have teachers don’t you?”

“Yes!”

“Then you have a guru, or gurus—plural.”

I’m no scholar but in some way I tried to appeal to stretching their intelligence.  “We have to look at the word guru in a broad sense.”

We cracked some jokes.  At the end, during question time, I was asked about my U.S. walk.  So I delivered.  

Jenya came from Dallas to receive diksha (initiation).  His new name is Janaka.

My hour walk back to Ananta Sesha’s permitted me to see spring birds.  I have in my sight a cardinal.  I could not see my breath.

May the Source be with you!

9 km


Monday, March 12th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Miami, Florida

Trying to See

I was booked in for a room at the Hampton Inn, where I rested and awoke for the 4:30 a.m. arati, or the first service of the day.  A short walk with Murari Gupta, a surgeon, took me to the ISKCON Centre on Virginia Street.

There was a small attendance—seven of us.  We engaged in chanting the praises to our version of the Creator, Krishna.

The class I gave then was from the Bhagavatam, Canto Seven, wherein sage Narada expresses his appreciation for the saintly boy, Prahlada.  You might say that this was a glorification of a godly soul.

Murari Gupta then drove me to the airport for a flight to Gainesville.  I sat at the gate for my departure and was trying to conjure a continuity of the theme ‘praise’.  At the departure lounge, I saw no deity of Krishna, could not hear His name—outside of my soft japa chanting—and I also could not perceive a saint from amongst the crowd.  I did see, however, two nuns in the distance, down the corridor.

I also saw scantily clad ladies and some body building men, busting with muscle.  I saw gangster clothes and one fellow proudly walking with a skeleton frame imprinted on his coat.  Where is a saint to be found, what to speak of God?  How could I perceive divinity?

Those who were officials working at the departure gate were warm, friendly and keeping order.  In them, I started to see some element of holiness.  I was pacified at this.

I took one last stroll after I arrived in Gainesville.

May the Source be with you!

8 km

Sunday, March 11th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Miami, Florida

Here in Miami

I was treated quite wonderfully at the ISKCON Miami Centre.  Special lunch items were prepared.  Quite spontaneously I arrived—almost last minute.  Also spontaneously, I was asked to speak from “Wherever you like.”

Okay then.  I chose verse 15.15 from the Bhagavad Gita beginning with the word from God Himself, “I am seated in everyone’s heart.”  The verse goes on to say that God is the source of all wisdom and ignorance as well.

We all experience, at times, a state of forgetfulness.  I know I have my senior moments.  And sometimes there are incredible things to remember at the speed of light—an important name of a person, place and details—which I need at the tip of my tongue.

I also spoke at the home of a Krishna devotee, where friends gathered.  From the book, Bhagavatam, I read to the group about the twenty-one avatars.  The Bhagavatam, however, offers a larger number.  Amongst them there are different categories of avatars.  These different manifestations of the Absolute can make it very complex.

When wasn’t the world complex in its cosmic make-up?

I guess it is something to ponder.  One thing is for sure, we are all very tiny and hopefully humble.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Saturday, March 10th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Brampton, Ontario

Nighttime Trail

As the coyotes howled, Murli, his two daughters and I took to the streets.  It was nightfall.  We had parathas, succulent and dripping with the power of ghee.  They were stuffed with fenugreek, some with cauliflower and potato.  To work  them off, we walked the streets near Chinguacousy.

Well, they weren’t actual streets to my mind.  They were too new—not even developed because Murli’s neighbourhood is not full blown.  Some houses have a sign that reads “Home Occupied” which means some in this burb are not.  Those that are obvious are revealed by their interior luminations.  Some exude garlic odour which reaches our nostrils.  Garlic, for what it is, does not need a major exhaust to be detected.

Like most new developments in this area, a pond has been dredged.  The geese, in good numbers, have sought this one out.  I love it.

A park nearby was on our trail.  The space accommodates a playground with a walkway the shape of an 8.  “Eight gopis,” I tell Murli and his daughters.  “Yes, eight is great,” I thought.  Krishna has many friends.  Among them eight stand out as faithful and confidential.

The clocks will jump ahead an hour, a minor austerity.  For some of us on tight regimen, it means one less hour of sleep.  Within minutes I’ll be away from here—in Florida.

May the Source be with you!

4 km

Krishna Consciousness: The Golden Opportunity
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Satyaraja Dasa

In general, people like gold. It represents wealth and success. A golden age refers to an era of goodness and plenty, acknowledged in Greek, Roman, and Indian cultures. If you have everything, you were born with a golden spoon in your mouth. The Golden Rule is the epitome of cosmic justice or fairness: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. As the saying goes, "As good as gold." In Krishna consciousness we have the Golden Avatar, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the best of divine incarnations. He is Radha and Krishna combined, and it doesn't get any better than that. To be more specific, He is of golden hue because, though Krishna, He has taken on Sri Radha's mood and complexion (radha-bhava-dyuti suvalitam). Thus, He is female and male, a particularly profound manifestation of the supreme. His golden complexion is emblematic of His intense beauty. Continue reading "Krishna Consciousness: The Golden Opportunity
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On 15th March, Gaur Gopal das addressed 500 most influential…
→ Dandavats



On 15th March, Gaur Gopal das addressed 500 most influential personalities from 35 different countries at the 12th Annual Mountain Partners Network Event Unternehmertag at Lake Tegernsee, Germany. He spoke on “Impactful, purpose-driven success.”
As global Company Builder headquartered in Zurich (Switzerland), Mountain Partners manages more than 90 investments in the e-commerce and web services, digital payments and fintech, and technology and security sectors.
Thanks to Dr Cornelius Boersch, Founder & Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors at Mountain Partners Group
(Album of photos) Find them here: https://goo.gl/oSaMwB

Sruti Dharma Das Begins His Fight Against Cancer
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Gauri das

Over the next weeks and months, Sruti Dharma will undergo both radiotherapy and chemotherapy supported by a host of holistic treatments. He has a superb team of health care professionals who are evaluating further treatments available outside of the UK. During this time of treatment he requires to rest and recuperate. He is at home with family and still very much keeping up with temple matters and the construction plans for the Shree Krishna Haveli community facility. The family is grateful for the unprecedented support from the community, and they remain optimistic. We ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy at this time. Continue reading "Sruti Dharma Das Begins His Fight Against Cancer
→ Dandavats"

Sunday Love Feast – Mar 18th, 2018 – Vedic Discourse by His Grace Subhavilas Dasa
→ ISKCON Brampton



About His Grace Subhavilas Dasa
It has been over 40 years since he joined ISKCON. He saw devotees chanting on the streets in Toronto and was immediately attracted. He started going to the temple, which at that time in the late 60's was in a small house.He met Srila Prabhupada first time in Chicago.

Srila Prabhupada instructed him and Visvakarma Dasa to secure the current ISKCON Toronto temple and had the great fortune to assist Srila Prabhupada's mission in this manner.He used him as his instrument again to help secure the ISKCON Chicago temple where Sri Kishor Kishori reside today. There were many temple openings and festivals that he has been blessed to coordinate and be a part of in the early days of ISKCON.

After his brahminical initiation by Srila Prabhupada, he had the privilege to serve ISKCON in many ways including:
Vice President of ISKCON Toronto in the 70's;
 President of ISKCON Chicago in the early 80's;
 Zonal Secretary for USA mid-west in the 80's; and 
 GBC(Governing Body Commission) appointed him as Global  Coordinator for Community Relations in the 9

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

Kamada Ekadasi
Fasting.....................on Tue Mar 27th,2018
Breakfast................  on Wed Mar 28th ,2018 b/w 7.06am – 11.17am

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 


Grand Celebration on the way:
March 25th

 
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.

Understanding how bhakti addresses anxiety
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Program at ISKCON, Portland, USA]
Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post Understanding how bhakti addresses anxiety appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

The Human Connectome Project
→ Servant of the Servant

Who am I? - this is an eternal question asked by many.

According to science, "I" is a combination and connection of neurons and neural activity in the brain. Brain has approximately 80 billion neurons and each human being is unique because these neurons snap and interact differently. The flow of information is different for different individuals hence the individuality and hence the difference in reaction and memory. Our taste, love, desire etc all stem from these connections, essentially transfer of electrical and chemical impulses between neurons. In other words, "I' and the feeling of "I", implied here, is reduced to chemical and electrical properties.

Besides, not sure what science tells about the reason behind a particular type of synapses or connection? Why is it connecting differently for different people? To me, it just explains the mechanism (the how and what) but not the why? For that again, we have to look elsewhere for the answer.






Hare Krishna

Harinama by ISKCON Ljubljana devotees, Slovenia, 10 March 2018…
→ Dandavats



Harinama by ISKCON Ljubljana devotees, Slovenia, 10 March 2018 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The Supreme Personality of Godhead is so kind to the conditioned souls that if they call upon Him by speaking His holy name, even unintentionally or unwillingly, the Lord is inclined to destroy innumerable sinful reactions in their hearts. Therefore, when a devotee who has taken shelter of the Lord’s lotus feet chants the holy name of Krsna with genuine love, the Supreme Personality of Godhead can never give up the heart of such a devotee. One who has thus captured the Supreme Lord within his heart is to be known as bhagavata-pradhana, the most exalted devotee of the Lord. SB 11.2.55, text
Find them here: https://goo.gl/bEjoWh

Confessions of a Prasadam Addict: Every devotee is a potential maha thief
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Taru Das

You see, the horrible truth to the matter is that every devotee is a potential maha thief. It is hard to trust anyone, save and except the self-realized souls, to be alone in the same room with maha prasadam. That is why the maha cabinet is necessary. Without it, none of the maha prasadam would ever live to see the sun rise. I believe that the situation is much more acute at New Vrindaban than in other temples around the world. I remember that in the first temple I stayed, there was a refrigerator full of left-over prasadam that was always open to the public. But in New Vrindaban, it is pretty hard to come up with anything in-between meals. Continue reading "Confessions of a Prasadam Addict: Every devotee is a potential maha thief
→ Dandavats"

South Africa Padayatra
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaKishore Badal, chairman of the Hindu Coordinating Council (HCC) of Gauteng , South Africa, forwarded an invitation to ISKCON to participate in their 26th Shivratri Walk. Various temples in Johannesburg were also invited to participate in the walk with various floats to honor Lord Shiva, the topmost Vaishnava. The organizers had also asked the ISKCON devotees to provide the lunch for the public and all the walkers. Caitanya Dasa, temple president of ISKCON Lenasia, welcomed the invitation and immediately gave approval and funding.

On selecting friends
→ SivaramaSwami.com

  • Lord Kapila says that attachment for the material is the greatest entanglement
  • Attachment should be to those who are self-realized or who want to be self-realized
  • One should associate with like minded souls who have the same purpose in life
  • A man is known by the company he keeps
  • Real friendship is with those on the path of self-realization
  • To know who a friend is you have to be learned