Answer Podcast

The post Is ISKCON’s initial portrayal of the purificatory potency of bhakti unrealistic? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

The post Gita 17.08 Food in goodness provides profusely both nutrition and satisfaction appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Day 4: Today we have reached half way through Navadvipa Mandala. We had the honor to see Samudragar which is the place Lord Krishna appeared during the battle between two great devotees Bhima and King Samudra sena. The Gurukul boys brought the pastime to life, by enacting a drama on it. The devotees were amused […]

The post Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama: Day 4 & Day 5 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Sacinandana Swami: Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said: “Of the nine processes of devotional service, the most important is to always chant the Holy Name of the Lord. If one does so, avoiding the ten kinds of offenses, one very easily obtains the most valuable love of Godhead.” (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya 4.71)



The post Daily Darshan: February 23,2018 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Guru Prasad Swami - If You are Krishna Conscious then Nothing Can Bewilder You (video)
Srimad Bhagavatam Class at ISKCON Chowpa...

In Search of Kartals…
Ananda Vrindavaneshwari Devi Dasi: In search of sweet sounding kartals (small hand cymbals used in kirtan) I was led to the recommended store through the winding streets of the small and sacred town of Navadvipa. When we arrived we took off our shoes and entered a small space filled with brass items of all shapes and sizes.
The shopkeeper, sitting with straight back and cross-legged behind a small desk, held a stoic and serious disposition. As we tested the kartals and asked our questions of quality, weight, and price he barely interacted with us. It seemed he couldn’t care less whether we bought anything or not, whether we were taken care of or not. He was totally disinterested.
I turned to my friend and whispered, “Boy, what a shopkeeper. He is doing his best to ignore us.” She laughed and said, “Sometimes that’s better than the ones who follow you around and insist you buy something.”

On the boat ride back to Mayapur, I reflected on the experience. For my spiritual growth I can learn from both kinds of shopkeepers. In my daily japa meditation I need to be detached and disinterested in all that is going on around me. I need to switch off the world and switch on the focus and presence and absorption in sound. And I need to intentionally create the time and physical spaces in my life to do that.

At other times for my spiritual growth I need to be interactive, and interested, and involved with others. How can I serve them, hear them, support them, work with them with joy and presence and energy. For as much as 1 am responsible for my own personal spiritual journey, that only I can do, I am also totally dependent on the company of others and their lives and journeys.

In the end I did find some sweet sounding kartals and a good lesson as well. All in all, a good day of shopping.

Srila Prabhupada Memories by Nartak Gopal Devi Dasi (video)
Nectarine interview of devotees who have had personal association w...

Wedding couple meets Harinama (Album with photos)
Auckland NZ: Wedding couple happily surprised to received the blessings of Th...

This annual festival is held by the government of Surakarta to memorate the anniversary of Solo city. The committee invited many departments and communities in Solo and nearby. The Narayana Smerti Asram, which located in Jogjakarta about 2 hours from Jogja was invited to participate in the parade. The devotees received the invitation a month before the parade. The committee also gave donation to the devotees.The Ratha yatra Nusantara team then organized the ratha yatra, started from collecting donation organizing the bus and sent the chariot team to prepare the chariot. Continue reading "Sri Jagannatah Ratha Yatra Solo, Indonesia
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Yesterday was a historic day in Prasad Distribution, it was the first day cooking at "Krishna's Castle", the new Prasad Distribution kitchen/ Temple in the City of London. The City of London is a one mile area, established by the Romans in 45AD. Only 9,000 people live here but over 300,000 people come here to work everyday. In other words this is a seriously important place to spread the mission of Lord Caitanya. And according to our Srila Prabhupada the best way to spread the mercy to the fallen souls is through Book distribution, Prasad distribution and Harinam Sankirtan. Presently we are distributing 1,200 plates of free Prasad to university students and homeless community, we will be increasing this to 2,500 meals by next week. Another rickshaw will be used as a book exhibition, with video and diary as. And Harinams in London are famous. Continue reading "Historic day!
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Tamal Krishna Maharaj had come back to Bombay and in the meantime something happened with me. I was getting ready for marriage, it was arranged, temple president was involved and my parents were very happy, thinking that I became normal so they also had come and everything was but then, on the day of the ceremony, the girl’s parents came and then they parked the car, some distance away from the temple. They said jewelleries and sarees for you, please come to the car, they brought her to the car, and made her sit down in the car and (actioning they drove the car away), they kidnaped her. I was very much down thinking why bad things are happening to good person like me? Continue reading "Srimad Bhagavatam Class in Mayapur, 16 Feb 2018
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Motel-Gita: Amazing comment from a thankful receiver - Jon Rodriguez - Guest at Best Western, Memphis.
Jon Rodriguez: The Bhagavad-gita is a profound literature.I thank the motel authorities who allowed me this opportunity.
It has helped me to understand who am I and what is this life about.
Life is much happier and less stressful. I still can’t believe my luck. Thank you!
More photos of MOTEL Owners, happy to receive Bhagavad-gitas in their motels here: https://goo.gl/yXMw6G

Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

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Answer Podcast

The post If a couple can’t have a child, how can they serve Krishna? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

[Class at Govardhan Eco-village, Wada, India]

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The post Everyone’s mind tell them different stories – don’t be judgmental, be purposeful appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

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

Great news! The spring time program “Here Comes The Sun ” is happening! This is a fundraising event, primarily to help FFA (food for all). Also twenty five per cent of the takings will be going to help the cows and oxen at the goshallla.

As you’re probably aware, Parasurama prabhu and the FFA devotees have now built the “Krishna Castle” in Holborn, central London. Parasurama is now aiming to feed up to 2500 a day, people in need and students. Also, he has taken over Gokula cafe pure vegetarian cafe in central Watford. Both of these spiritual ventures,especially FFA require a lot of manpower, physical work and energy, and of course, as most things in this world they require laxmi. Para was telling me that the price, just in paper plates, cups, spoons for one week can be up to as much as £800.00.

So that’s where we’re coming from. We have a whole afternoon of entertainment lined up for you. There will be music from six different groups, drama, poetry, Srila Prabhupada and George Harrison remembrances, dance, magic show and film. Plus kirtan and a sumptuous feast to end off the day. There will be free refreshments and snacks for everyone on arrival.

We have one hundred and twenty tickets for sale at £6.00 each. Okay, in comparison to the overheads that FFA incur on a weekly basis this is just a drop in the ocean and might not seem much, but every little helps. Parasurama prabhu is very happy about this program and has given it his full blessing. In reciprocation for your £6.00, you are getting a whole day of entertainment and a free feast. Generally, when we give to charity we don’t get to anything back other than knowing that we’ve somehow helped in some small way.

As well as being a community program where devotee’s can get together, our aim is to hopefully have many new people in attendance. People can learn more about Krishna consciousness. Also, there will be a talk about FFA, and a talk about the importance of cow protection. There will be a book table, so if people show an interest then they can buy a book or take a leaflet.

We’re hoping to make this event an annual program where we can all come together as a community. Please come along and show your support. I know that the month of May may seem along way away, bit it will soon be here!

On a final note, your support is very much needed and deeply appreciated. We really hope to see you there! Please tell all your friend’s and family, and please forward this email to anyone who you think might like to come along.

Hare Krishna.

Your servant Matty

Dear Devotees
Please accept my humble obeisances
All glories to Srila Prabhupada,
Today was a historic day in Prasad Distribution, it was the first day cooking at “Krishna’s Castle”, the new Prasad Distribution kitchen/Temple in the City of London.

The City of London is a one mile area, established by the Romans in 45AD. Only 9,000 people live here but over 300,000 people come here to work everyday. In other words this is a seriously important place to spread the mission of Lord Caitanya.

And according to our Srila Prabhupada the best way to spread the mercy to the fallen souls is through Book distribution, Prasad distribution and Harinam Sankirtan.
Presently we are distributing 1,200 plates of free Prasad to university students and homeless community, we will be increasing this to 2,500 meals by next week. Another rickshaw will be used as a book exhibition, with video and diary as. And Harinams in London are famous.

“Bhima the Giant” engages students in preparing the vegetables at the Castle.
A tug is needed to pull the rickshaws up the hill to the main road.

Your servants
The Prasad Distribution Team

2018 Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama Day 5 (Album of photos)
“Arkadeva (the sun god), being merciful upon me, will appear in front of me with his reddish complexion, wearing saffron-colored cloth, his whole body smeared with sandalwood and tears flowing from his eyes while he chants the holy name of Gaurahari.” Hare Krishna, After traveling though Ritudvipa and Jahnudvipa, today the international party has arrived in Modadrumadvipa. First devotees took darshan of Vasudeva Datta’s deities, which are ever so charming. Then they visited the birthplace of the celebrated Vrindavan das Thakur the compiler of many books, out of which Sri Caitanya Bhagavat stands out. He is an incarnation of Srila Vyasadeva, who came in this age to narrate Lord Caitanya’s pastimes. He was the last disciple of Sri Nityananda Prabhu. After listening about his sublime character as well as pastimes of Lord Ramachandra who wanders through Modadrumadvipa accompanied by mother Sita and Laskhman. Next devotees came to Vaikhuntapur, Mahatpura and Arkatila where HG Pancaratna Prabhu and HG Sikhi Mahiti Das together put a spontaneous drama about Narada Muni and this place. Tomorrow there will be a boat ride, which is everyone is waiting for. Tonight after Priti Vardhana Prabhu’s lecture all devotees drink their evening milk and head toward their camp… waiting for one more wonderful day. Nityananda prabhu said, “This place, which is situated in one corner of Navadvipa-dhama in the shape of an eight-petalled lotus, is undoubtedly Vaikunthapuri. Lord Narayana resides in this Sri Vaikuntha, which is situated in the spiritual sky, Paravyoma. Vaikuntha lies beyond the Viraja River. Maya or illusion has no influence upon this place. Here Lord Narayana is served by Sri-devi and Bhu-devi, and the brahmajyoti is the effulgence of this spiritual land. With their material vision, people cannot understand the transcendental nature of this place. In his Narayana-dhama, Narada muni once saw the Lord with his transcendental vision. Narada saw the Narayana form turn into the form of Gaurasundara. After seeing this, Narada Muni stayed here for some time. ” Navadvipa Dhama Mahatmya, By Bhaktivinoda Thakur
Find them here: https://goo.gl/wmwywK

Knowledge about Krishna protects and propels (4 min video)
Gita Daily Author - Chaitanya Charan Prabhu.

The Power of faith by Gauranga Das (3 min video) - Yoga Stories.
Srila Prabhupada: “Aryan” refers to those who are civilized, whose manners are regulated according to the Vedic rituals. Any devotee who is chanting the holy name of the Lord is the best kind of Aryan. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 3.33.7 Purport)

Harinama in Paris (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Because human society is poverty-stricken and men are devoid of Vedic k...

Bhakti Chaitanya Swami: Today is the 5th day of the Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama, 2018. (Album of photos)
We went through Jahnudvipa to Modadrumadvipa, visiting the temple of Saranga Thakura, the area where Vasudeva Datta’s house was, the birthplace of Vrindavana das Thakura, and Arka Tila.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/6AEmpb

Reading Uddhava Gita.



The post Daily Darshan: Feb 22,2018 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Blissful Harinama in Narayana Ghat, Nepal 2018 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: When the Hare Krishna mantra is chanted by...

Answer Podcast

The post Even when we accept a spiritual purpose, spiritual practice remains difficult – what to do? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

The post Gita 17.06 Defying scripture, be it for pandering the body or tormenting the body, is demonic appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Srila Prabhupada said the chanting of Hare Krishna is the panacea for all material problems and all diseases. But at least for myself I find it's very hard to chant attentively day after day, month after month, year after year. It's very easy to take it for granted. The mind is continually thinking of things in the past, is thinking of things in the future that we have no control over, so by the influence of passion and ignorance we're being robbed of that opportunity to associate with the Holy Name! Srila Prabhupada was once questioned by a devotee, he said sometimes devotees they have a hard time chanting because of the mind and Prabhupada said it is not a question of the mind, you simply chant and hear, simply chant and hear. It's something so simple yet so immensely profound! Continue reading "Srimad Bhagavatam Class in Mayapur by HG Partha Das on 21-02-2018
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It was the 4th day of the Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama today. (Album of photos)
Bhakti Chaitanya Swami: We went from the Ganga...

• Indradyumna Swami’s kidney stone operation
• Despite a sattvic lifestyle material bodies ultimately wear out
• It is good to start spiritual life young so that one can accomplish something by an older age
• We should not waste time
• Śrīla Prabhupāda’s health difficulties
• Leaving the world can be a very extrapolated or dramatic thing
• Only Kṛṣṇa consciousness can help at the time of passing from the world

Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama 2018 Day 3 (Album with photos)
“Gauuuuuraaaangaaa! Early this morning when it was still cold and foggy the parikrama reached Brahma Pushkara, followed by Dharmakshetra, Kurukshetra.

ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 02/11/2018

Mission Statement: 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.

Participating Directors: Chaitanya Mangala (chair), Jamuna Jivani (board secretary), Olivia, Makara, Ranaka, and Vraja.

Participating Advisors: Jaya Krsna

1. Welcome New Directors and Advisors

The ECO-V Board welcomes three new directors: Jamuna Jivani, Makara, and Olivia; and one new advisor: Kripamaya.

2. Ranaka’s Monthly Report

• Ananda Vidya and Lalita Gopi are currently milking 5 cows: Jamuna, Surabhi, Laxmi, Sita, and Malati.
• Milk production is holding steady at approximately 20 gal. per day.
• Sriya and Anjali are both due in February. Subhadra is due the end of May.
• There are three heifers residing at the Temple Barn: one-year-old Vamsika, four-month-old Lalita, and one-month-old Gopi Katyayani.
• Parvati has been moved from the Temple Barn to the Valley Barn for breeding with Dharma.
• Jaya Radhe and Usha are still residing in Nandagram with Madhu for breeding.
• Ananda Vidya continues to produce approximately 15 lbs. of butter, 15 gal. of yogurt, and half gallon of ghee on a weekly basis, and delivers them to the temple.
• Ananda Vidya is getting good results producing skim milk soft-pressed American cheese and Colby cheeses on a small scale.
• Ananda Vidya and Lalita Gopi are gradually clearing out the old lumber from the upstairs of the Temple Barn.
• The siding around the front entrance to the school building remains about halfway finished. The material to finish the job, along with lumber to finish the loading chute at Nandagram, was ordered this week and will be delivered on Friday. Work will resume on both projects when the weather permits.
• Greenhouse repairs at Vidya’s and Nandagram still need to be finished.
• Ray is moving hay from the Valley Barn to Nandagram to keep them supplied through the rest of the winter.
• Caitanya Bhagavat continues working with Hari Chand in the ox program for an hour each morning, along with daily Nandagram herd care.
• Caitanya Bhagavat, Ray and Ranaka decided on a proper fencing scheme to divide up the barns and pastures at Nandagram, along with upgrades for the bullpen and shed area. Ray and Caitanya Bhagavat have completed approximately 70% of a permanent loading chute, and repaired one of the sliding doors and floor at one of the barns.
• Suchandra and Vidya have been putting in seed orders and determining their ground cover needs for the upcoming season. Suchandra has also been removing old mulch and plant residue, along with putting down some ground cover in walkways at the Community Garden when the weather permits.
• Suchandra, Ray, and Ranaka are planning a walkthrough at the Community Garden to discuss manure spreading and tillage plans for that area.

3. 2017 Finalized Operating Budget Approval

WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to review ECO-V’s income and expenses for the previous year.

RESOLVED: The Board approves a finalized operating budget of $296K for 2017.

4. 2018 Operating Budget Approval

WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to set projections of ECO-V’s income and expenses for the upcoming year.

RESOLVED: The Board approves an operating budget of up to $350K for 2018.

5. External Funding Request: IMCPA 2018 Grant 

WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to support self-sufficiency and cow protection throughout ISKCON.

RESOLVED: The Board approves a grant up to $5,000 to the ISKCON Ministry for Cow Protection and Agriculture, towards its expenses for 2018.

6. Internal Funding Request: March 2018 Appreciation T-shirts & Plaques

WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to acknowledge key community members, as well as offer a token of appreciation to the INV and ECO-V staff and volunteers.

RESOLVED: The Board approves up to $4,000 as a budget for plaques and t-shirts to distribute during the March meeting weekend.

7. Celebrate the Cow Festival

ECO-V board members are interested in organizing and hosting an annual festival as a way of honoring our cows, as well as educating others about them. Olivia volunteered to develop a proposal for this festival.

8. Tattva’s Property Purchase 

On January 16th, 2018 ECO-V purchased the property formerly owned by Tattva, Amritanam & family for $252K. The property includes 61.8 acres along with a house, barn, and outbuildings. More discussion is necessary to decide how to best utilize this new asset, but the intention is to use it in the development of future homesteads.

9. Annual Grant for Gopal’s Garden 2017-2018

WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to support the educational needs of the youth in New Vrindaban.

RESOLVED: The Board approves $15,000 for the Gopal’s Garden School 2017-18 academic year.

10. Director Commitment Agreement

WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to clarify the roles and responsibilities of its directors.

RESOLVED: The Board adopts a Director Commitment Agreement, which all directors are requested to sign and submit to Ranaka for official ECO-V records.

For regular updates please visit and like the ECO-V Facebook page.