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Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

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Christian, Mohammedan, Hindu – it doesn’t matter. If he is simply speaking on behalf of God, he is a guru. Lord Jesus Christ, for instance. He canvassed people, saying, “Just try to love God.” Anyone – it doesn’t matter who – be he Hindu, Muslim, or Christian, is a guru if he convinces people to love God. That is the test. 

The guru never says, “I am God,” or “I will make you God.” The real guru says, “I am a servant of God, and I will make you a servant of God also.” It doesn’t matter how the guru is dressed. As Caitanya Mahaprabhu said, “Whoever can impart knowledge about Krsna is a spiritual master.” A genuine spiritual master simply tries to get people to become devotees of Krsna, or God. He has no other business.

• Surabhi Swami ISKCON architect started the first temple in Punjabi Bhag
• Prabhupāda finding Indians disinterested went to the West to spread the message of Lord Caitanya
• The yuga-dharma of Kali-yuga is nāma-saṅkīrtana
• Kṛṣṇa’s name is non-different from Him
• Finding the balance of our obligations in life: put first things first
• Attachment can be either beneficial or a hindrance in life
• Birth in India is most glorious if one follows the path of dharma
• Education should be based on śāstra and make us better human beings
• To advance in meditation we need to make an effort, practice and have a conducive lifestyle
• Controlling the mind is oly possible when the heart is pure
• A good investment is in eternal things
• How and why I came to spiritual life
• There is power and there is the powerful
• Saffron color stands for celibacy
• We are chanting to a person
• Village lifestyle is more conducive to spiritual development

Please find below the link for the photos from this week’s London Saturday Night Harinama Sankirtan, which happened to fall on Hanuman’s Appearance Day.
Slideshow (please turn on sound):
http://davidc.zenfolio.com/hanuman_app_day_2018_harinama_sankirtan/slideshow
Gallery:
http://davidc.zenfolio.com/hanuman_app_day_2018_harinama_sankirtan
With best wishes, Hare Krishna, David

[Congregation program at Columbus, Ohio, USA]

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>A nice new melody of the Hare Krishna mantra by BB Govinda Swami and other Vaishnava musicians from the afternoon session of the Sacred Sound Kirtan Retreat, Australia (video)
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The Queens of Victory & Escape - ISKCON Pune Drama (video)
Performed by ISKCON Pune, a spectacular dramatical extravaganza of fearless devotion, spiritual patriotism, immense love, intense separation, chivalrous valor, astounding miracles and breathtaking adventure, all culminating in an enormous leap of faith.

“How To Deal With Praise and Criticism” by HG Mahatma Prabhu (5 min video)
When someone criticizes you, they are helping you become lower than the straw; and when someone glorifies you they are telling you the qualities you should work on.

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Vaisesika Dasa: My dear false ego,
It has taken me quite some time to find the courage to write you this letter, and I realize that it may come to you as a surprise since we have been together for so long and we’ve been through so much.
I know also that I’m the one who started this relationship in the first place, but I’ve changed. I now know that what we had was unhealthy: especially my depending on you to watch and appreciate every move that I made, and your telling me that I was great, wise, clever and so on, even when I wasn’t.

Harinam Sankirtan in Union Square park!
Saturday, March 31st (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: We are creating so many centers. We are teaching how to become bhagyavan, fortunate, how to go back to home, how he can be happy. Now, if one is fortunate, they will take this instruction and turn his life. Therefore this is mission. But without becoming bhagyavan, nobody can go. Srila Prabhupada – October 18, 1975, Johannesburg
Find them here: https://goo.gl/Q5iTUV

• Repoting in from hot New Delhi
• Priya Dāsa’s Bhaktamālā makes the mistake of equating Prabhodānanda Sarasvatī and Prakāśānanda Sarasvatī
• Gopāla Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī’s guru, Prabhodānanda Sarasvatī is Tuṅgavidyā gopī
• Caitanya-caritāmṛta states that Lord Caitanya stayed at the house of three Śrī Vaiṣṇavas: Veṅkata, Tirumala and Gopāla-guru (later Prabhodānanda)
• Prabhodānanda Sarasvatī lived in Kāmyavana
• Books by Prabhodānanda Sarasvatī are Saṅgita-mādhava, Vṛndāvana-mahimāmṛta, Rādhā-rasa-sudhā-nidhi, Caitanya-candrāmṛta
• Prakāśananda Sarasvatī is mentioned in Caitanya-caritāmṛta and Caitanya-bhāgavata as a māyāvādī in Kāśī who  preaches the non-existence of the Lord
• Equating Prabhodānanda Sarasvatī and Prakāśānanda Sarasvatī is a foolish proposal
• Another misunderstandig is that Prabhodānanda Sarasvatī was part of the Rādhā-vallabha sampradāya
• His samādhi is at Kāliya-daha
• As Gauḍīya-vaiṣṇavas we should know our legacy and be able to defend our ācāryas and correct misinformation

The GBC Body grants Romapada Swami a Leave of Absence based on his below letter: I am requesting permission from the GBC Body to take a leave of absence from my GBC duties and ISKCON management responsibilities until the Freeport Temple litigation is finally resolved. I will, however, continue as before with the performance of my duties as the GBC for the Freeport Temple. My reasons are: 1. To dedicate myself to the Freeport Temple litigation, which I have been handling on behalf of the GBC Body for many years and which I intend to continue handling until that litigation is finally resolved; Continue reading "Romapada Swami on Leave of Absence
→ Dandavats"

Whereas the GBC law passed as resolution 104 of 1999 “COMPLAINTS ABOUT SANNYASIS” states as follows in its entirety: THAT the GBC Sannyasa Sub-committee shall deal with any complaints against sannyasis. An investigation will be initiated if a majority of the members judges a complaint to merit investigation. Decisions will be made by a majority vote. The GBC Executive Committee shall present the decision to the GBC Body either by correspondence or at the next annual general meeting. A decision of the Sannyasa Sub-committee will be overturned by a majority vote of the GBC Body; otherwise the sub-committee’s decision remains in effect. A sannyasi who does not abide by the decision shall be subjected to penalties according to ISKCON Law. If there are complaints against sannyasis who are also GBC members or gurus, the GBC Executive Committee may decide to deal with them itself; however, in that case the Sannyasa Minister should also participate in the decision-making process. Continue reading "Sannyasi Standards and Discipline
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For nearly five decades, His Grace Harivilas Prabhu has been exemplary in his service to Srila Prabhupada. From the beginning of his life in Krsna consciousness, Harvilas Prabhu earnestly took on the responsibility of Srila Prabhupada's mission in many capacities and many places, beginning with the development of the French yatra. Along with much service responsibility, Harivilas Prabhu has been an ideal grhastha, caring for his family and giving generously towards the printing of Srila Prabhupada's books from the profits of his successful business. As Harivilas Prabhu continues to expand his services for ISKCON, we thank him for his thirty years of commitment to the GBC Body. In recognition of his uncompromising dedication to Srila Prabhupada's GBC, we are honored to present him with the title of GBC Emeritus. Continue reading "Letter of Appreciation for Harivilas Das
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Sacred Sound Kirtan Retreat - Day Two - 31 March 2018 (Album of photos)
Iskcon New Govardhana, Australia.
Srila Prabhupad...

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/doesnt-krishna-feel-bad-something-wrong-doesnt-make-unwilling-shelter-us/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/can-assess-service-not-pure-hearted/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/can-avoid-controlling-things-control/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/someone-rationalizes-wrongdoing-saying-krishna-loves-us-unconditionally-respond/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/practical-philosophical-categorization-emotional-fit/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/womans-unchaste-dressing-responsible-mans-misbehaviour/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/isnt-iskcon-sectarian-stops-devotees-hearing-vaishnava-groups/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/best-way-monitor-mental-habits/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/face-problems-need-practical-solutions-not-philosophical-solutions-can-scripture-help/

https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/2017/03/take-get-blessings-someone-actually-happens/

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[Talk at ISKCON, Laguna Beach, California, USA]

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Haribol dear devotee’s.

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

Free food Monday was another great success this week, 26th March, with over thirty people coming along and having a hot nutritious meal. Free food Monday (FFM) has been running since January from Gokula pure vegetarian cafe in Watford. FFM is now unofficially a part of FFA (Food For All) because as you know, Parasurama prabhu has now taken over the cafe.

The object is to help the homeless and those who are socially excluded in society. The people that come are welcome to stay all day, in a warm and friendly environment. Hot drinks are provided, and a hot food take away service is also available. Also, people can take away fruit, vegetables, bread, cake and whatever else is available. Also when available, toiletries are given to those who may want them.

Unofficially, advice and emotional support is available to anyone who may be in need of it.

This week on the menu was freshly cooked cauliflower, potato and cabbage sabji in a rich yogurt sauce. Toor dal with tomatoes in a mild spiced masala. Plain white rice with cumin seeds and freshly made hot chapatis. Everything was cooked using ghee, and then offered to Their Lordships Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai. Salad is also available, as well as homemade cakes and biscuits.

I had the great fortune to have Jagat Bhandu Das prabhu (ACBSP) who came along to help me cook, and he made rice and the chapatis. His chapatti’s are just divine! It’s such a blessing that more and more devotee’s are showing an interest in coming to help me cook. On another note, the FFA van made the ITN six o’clock news again two weeks ago as the news reported that homelessness in London is on the increase.

If you would like to help out in anyway on a Monday then please let me know. Or if you find yourself in Watford town on a Monday, then please pop in to see us. This is only a small service, but I am very happy to be somehow engaged. By the mercy of Srila Prabhupada, Lord Krishna is very kind.

Hare Krishna.

Ys and friend Matty.

Romapada Swami speaks on Brahma Samhita (5.1-28, 5.57-62), Iskcon Seattle (video)

• Hari-Hara-kṣetra parikrama account
• Jagat-bandhu prabhu left the world while offering obeisances to the Lord
• A gift of Lord Nṛrsimhadeva’s tooth

Iskcon New Govardhana - Sacred Sound Kirtan Retreat (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: So far your concern about management,...

ISKCON of Silicon Valley Harinama in Palo Alto - March 23rd, 2018 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: When I was child, I was not desiring to take medicine, but my parents desired. That desire should be forced. Similarly, this Hare Krsna mantra, if actually the state is serious to do the best desirable thing, they should make a law that anyone who is not chanting sixteen rounds, he will be hanged! Then everyone must chant: Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna – the whole world. [laughter] -From Srila Prabhupada’s discussion of the philosopher John Stuart Mill
Find them here: https://goo.gl/X2KuF8

Festival Of Chariots Durban SA-People - for South Africans in South Africa and expats I Love Durban ISKON ISKCON Durban Iskcon Phoen...

A visit to the beautiful Bhaktivedanta Manor (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Discuss Bhagavatam daily, as much as possible. Everything will be clarified. Because Bhagavata is the essence. Nigama-kalpa-taror galitam phalam idam [SB 1.1.3]. And vyasadeva-krta. Kim anyaih sastraih. When he’s self-realized, he made this. Maha-muni-krte. So the more we read Srimad-Bhagavatam, the knowledge becomes clarified. Each and every verse – transcendental. Srila Prabhupada – October 21, 1977, Vrndavana
Find them here: https://goo.gl/T93sKs

Although this letter is delayed by the unforeseen change of agenda at the Midterm General Meetings in Ujjain, please accept our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for the decades of service you have rendered on behalf of Srila Prabhupada's GBC Body. For twenty years, you have shouldered the responsibility for the Russian yatra, which is not only one of our largest yatras, but also one of the most successful under your capable leadership. Over and over again, the future of Krsna consciousness in Russia was put into jeopardy, but you heroically led the devotees in defeating all those that opposed Srila Prabhupada's mission. While capably managing so many challenging situations, you simultaneously maintained focus on strengthening the spiritual standards of the devotees, providing them guidance, inspiration, and practical opportunities to deepen their bhakti. Continue reading "Letter of Appreciation for Bhakti Vijnana Goswami
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We write to you with saddened hearts. As you well know, HH Bhakti Visrambha Madhava Maharaja has been faithfully and steadily serving his spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, and the global ISKCON society for more than four decades. From his years of preaching and serving in temples in the United States and India, up to his taking sannyasa so that he could even more fully dedicate his life to Srila Prabhupada's mission, Maharaja has been an example of loyal and humble service to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. But now, by the influence of time, Maharaja's physical and psychological health have become compromised. Continue reading "Regarding Bhakti Visrambha Madhava Swami
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The GBC directs the Mayapur Executive Board (MEB) to approve the request from the Jayapataka Swami Sisya Samuha to build a structure designated for the purposes of a Guest House, Devotee Care Facility, Offices, Archives and Museum on the five acre plot of land as proposed to the GBC on February 16, 2018. The MEB should ensure the project goes through the standard review procedures with special attention to guarantee proper green space and height limitations. Also, there should be restrictions put in place regarding external signage to ensure any signs are tastefully done. In addition, the GBC directs the MEB to place reasonable limits on the amount of floor space to be used for Museum purposes, for example no more than 10-20% of the total available floor space. Continue reading "Jayapataka Swami Sisya Samuha Project
→ Dandavats"

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[Congregation program at Laguna Beach, USA]

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