In the preface to Krishna: The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Beatle Guitarist and songwriter George Harrison wrote, “All you need is love (Krishna)”. I am glad that he specified what he meant by love. The Hare Krishna movement took roots in the Western World, by the grace of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Shrila Prabhupada, during a time of free love, which he came not to stop, but to redirect. He gave us the Nectar of Devotion, where he explained how “Our love can be fully satisfied only when it is reposed in Krishna.” Continue reading "Learning to love according to the sastras
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 16 August 2017, Ljubljana, Slovenia, Srila Prabhupada Vyasa Puja Evening Lecture)

Sometimes there are devotees, that when you ask them, “What have you read?”, they say, “Oh, many of Prabhupada’s books.” Then they give you a whole list of all small books: Elevation to Krsna Consciousness, The Perfection of Yoga. Then they say, “Well, I am trying to finish the Bhagavad-gita…” and then I ask, “Bhagavatam?” and they reply, “Well… not yet but I am planning to start it.”

Bhagavatam is the central core of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s movement. It is Bhagavatam that is the essence of all our literature. The Bhagavad-gita is simply the introduction. It gives us the basic philosophy. It describes the position of isvara (the Supreme Lord). It describes the position of the jiva (the living entity). It describes prakriti (material nature). It describes karma (cause and effect). It describes kala (time). Like this, Bhagavad-gita gives us the five main topics and the relationship between all those: (1) the relationship between the jiva and the Supreme Lord, (2) the living entity situated in prakriti – in the material world, (3) how to get out of this material world, (4) how the living entity is marginal energy and can be also in the spiritual world, (5) how in the material world everything is under the influence of time and under the influence of karma. All these things are explained in the Bhagavad-gita and it establishes our constitutional position as the eternal servant of Krsna.

That is very nice but it does not say much about Krsna. Although all knowledge is given in the Bhagavad-gita for going back to Godhead and for attaining the transcendental platform, what is missing is the nectar of Krsna’s pastimes on this planet, the nectar of Krsna’s activities. That is in the Bhagavatam! But one cannot understand Krsna’s pastimes on this planet unless one has read about the all the other incarnations of the Lord because one must understand how Krsna he expands himself – advaitam acyutam anādim ananta-rūpam (Śrī Brahma-saṁhitā 5.33) – in his endless forms. So one must understand the endless forms of Krsna through the Bhagavatam and then Bhagavatam in the tenth canto describes to us everything about Krsna. Bhagavatam is the book of this movement!

Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

The post Gita 16.02 Our godliness needs to be seen in our harmonious interactions with others appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Answer Podcast

The post If we are too passionate to separate ourselves from our mind, what to do? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Ambarish Maharaja das and Ananga Manjari devi dasi have been serving at the Wellington temple for ten years since coming from Pune, India.

Although both working, they seem to have boundless energy for preaching. In the last few years they have developed Bhakti Vrksa groups and Bhakti Shastri courses.

I was invited for an evening Bhakti Vrksa program and about sixty devotees came for kirtan, lecture, questions and prasadam.

“The Stolen River,” which deals with an issue that has been of deep concern to devotees as well as environmentalists for years now, about the pollution of the Yamuna river, received its world premiere in India in October 2015. Since then, it has won Best Green Film at the LIFFT India Filmotsav, and was in the official selection at many other film festivals.

GOD ON TRIAL SHOWDOWN (27 min video)
Atheistic Scientists challenge God to show up in court or face charges of non-existence. (This video was shot in 1997 & 2000 on Standard Definition equipment.)

Live Virtual Reality 360 Flower Festival 27 Jan 2018 ISKCON Chowpatty.

A speech given by Guru Das on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of ISKCON Juhu, Mumbai, India.

4th Anniversary Celebration - ISKCON Juhu, Mumbai, India. A video by ISKCON Desire Tree.

• The benefits of blessings of great souls
• Śantanu Mahārāja’s austerities to get Bhīṣma as his son
• Leaving the world at the right time
• Bhīṣma’s siding with the Kauravas
• Mahājanas don’t make mistakes but sometimes do the wrong thing to set an example
• Be careful with what you eat

In other words, the influence of false ego in this world is so powerful that it is extremely difficult to overcome. In fact the hindrance in the path of devotional life is nothing but false ego. Therefore as long as false ego remains, it is difficult to make progress on the path of devotional life - in the path of bhakti yoga. It is always easy from this conception for everybody to blame others and think himself or herself to be right and the other person to be wrong. This tendency becomes very prominent. We have to realise that the progress in devotional life will become very slow as long as this type of feeling or mentality or behavior is there in the mind of each one of us. In other words, the most important principle in the process of bhakti yoga is primarily to remove the influence of ahankara or false ego. This is done by the process of sadhana bhakti. Sadhana bhakti means devotional life with rules and regulations i.e. following the principles - the disciplined way of learning devotional principles. The whole process in sadhana bhakti is to remove this false ego. Until and unless this covering of false ego is removed, it will take lot of time to progress in devotional life. Continue reading "Ahankara – Foundational principle of our material existence
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Telegram Channel for Srila Prabhupada lectures.
“Hare Krsna, this post is to inform you about a channel in Telegram App featuring Srila Prabhupada’s lectures in a systematic manner.
Every day one lecture is uploaded.
To join, click on the below invite link:
http://t.me/srilaprabhupadavani
NB: You should have a Telegram App Account to join.”

Govardhan School Of Yoga Is Now Yoga Alliance Certified.
Yoga is one of the fastest growing vogues of the 21st century and while the whole world is rushing on the progressive path of hedonism, Yoga has appeared as a sharp curve where the world seems to be turning back to the roots. While a majority of yoga schools limit the experience to a physical aspect of learning asanas and pranayama, there are few who allow you to explore the deeper aspects of this ancient science. Lately, there is also a rise in the seekers who are looking for a more transformative experience beyond the physical bending and breath control. Another positive development is that many yoga aspirants are seeking an integration in yoga with the profound philosophy of Bhagavad Gita along with the sublime experience of bhakti & kirtan. With an aim to cater to this growing need, Govardhan School of Yoga was commenced in 2015 at ISKCON Govardhan Ecovillage, Maharashtra, India and has been offering a 28 day residential Yoga Teacher Training Course. Having finished a stipulated requirement of 2 years, Govardhan School of Yoga is now officially a registered Yoga School for its 200-hour teacher training program as per international standards led by Yoga Alliance, USA.

In the past two years more than 100 students from over 10 different nationalities have graduated from Govardhan School of Yoga. Set in the serene ashram setup of the environmental haven of Govardhan Ecovillage, the students experience not just physical transformation, but a makeover of their broken hearts for their yoga practice is coupled with the visits of Vrindaban forest, attending Yamuna arati, serving the cows and rendering seva in the village. The 28-day course is scientifically organized to give students a broad understanding of the different systems of yoga, while equipping them with systematic teaching skills, understanding of human anatomy, fundamentals of Ayurveda and sattvik lifestyle. With daily morning & evening satsangs along with philosophy classes by the resident devotees, the course is designed not just to make a living off yoga, but to live by yoga! The next batch is starting March 4th 2017. Please visit http://www.ecovillage.org.in/yoga for further details.

Harinama Sankirtana in Moscow, Russia (Album with photos)
Anna Tronina: Today was a nectarian Harinama! Snowstorm, blizzard, frost…all of it had disappeared, and we found ourselves in a wonderful dimension, where everybody is dancing and singing…and everything really!
It was amazing to see the kids who were dancing with us. Then a young couple…they have been with us almost from beginning to end, following the parade, chanting and dancing along, although it was the first time they saw it!
And of course, incendiary, huge dance, it was all magical!
Thank you for such ecstasy!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/bVC2dN

TV is a Drug! (3 min video)
Sivarama Swami suggests to move it out of the house so that you can start thinking again and you ca...

Harinama in Paris under the rain (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s transcendental mission is to distribute love of Godhead to everyone. Anyone who accepts God as the Supreme can take to the process of chanting Hare Krishna and become a lover of God. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 4.41 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/bjhXiQ

A Visit to Advaita-vat (Album of photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Yesterday, here in Vrindavan, we celebrated the appearance day of ...

By the mercy of Mahaprabhu and the hard work of all the TOVP Team, preparation work for the Chakra installation ceremony is progressing rapidly.

The Nrsimhadeva Dome Chakra is complete and now devotees are working day and night to attach the Navayogendras and the central piece of the main Chakra to the 6m (20’) frame.

The post Chakra Installation Ceremony Progress appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

The post Daily Darshan: January25,2018 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 07 October 2017, Canberra, Australia, Srimad Bhagavatam 4.27.25)

I was reading a book about human rights where it said that in Vedic culture, there is no such thing as looking at the human’s right but instead, they look at the human’s duty. This is very interesting because the Western approach to life is about, “My rights! I have the right to be who I am.  I have the right to live my own way!” But in Vedic culture, it is not like that. In Vedic culture, it is about dharma (religious principles) and in every situation, one is supposed to ask, “What is my duty? What is our prescribed duty?” Gradually, one has to learn to mould his life according to prescribed duty. Duty prescribed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead and that is an important principle of the mode of goodness.

Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

The post Gita 16.01 Godliness is both a decision and a disposition appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Answer Podcast

The post Wasn’t Arjuna passionate about archery – can we be passionate about something and still be devotional? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Srila Prabhupada Memories with H.G. Shyamasundara Prabhu and H.G. Gurudas Prabhu (video)

“Lord Advaita Ācārya is the incarnation of Mahā-Viṣṇu , whose main function is to create the cosmic world through the actions of māyā. Because He is non-different from Hari, the Supreme Lord, He is called Advaita, and because He propagates the cult of devotion, He is called Ācārya. He is the Lord and the incarnation […]

The post Lord Advaita Ācārya’s Divine Appearance Day appeared first on Mayapur.com.

TOVP: The Chakras are manifesting gloriously! (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: With Mahaprabhu’s mercy and the whole ToVP team’s hard work, the development for the Chakra installation is progressing rapidly.
Having only 14 days left, the pressure of organizing and having everything ready is strong.
The wonderful team is doing an amazing job pulling together all the preparatory works.
Today, continuing the days and nights of work, both the Navayogendras and the central piece of the Main Chakra are being installed on the 6M frame.
The Chakras are manifesting gloriously.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/JZQR9a

The post Daily Darshan: January 24,2018 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Lord Advaita Acarya’s Divine Appearance Day
“Lord Advaita Acarya is the incarnation of Maha-Viṣṇu , whose main function is to create the cosmic world through the actions of māyā. Because He is non-different from Hari, the Supreme Lord, He is called Advaita, and because He propagates the cult of devotion, He is called Ācārya. He is the Lord and the incarnation of the Lord’s devotee. Therefore I take shelter of Him.”
- Śrī Caitanya Caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 1.12-13
Śrī Advaita Ācārya is the disciple of Mādhavendra Purī and is combined incarnation of Mahā-Viṣṇu and Sadāśiva. He is one of the main personalities of the Pañca-tattva and stands on Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s far right, next to Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu. He was born on the seventh day of the bright fortnight in the month of Magha in the year 1433 AD, in a village named Lauda in Srihatta. From there, he left and moved to Navahatta and later to Śāntipura. He also has a house in Navadvīpa, near the Yoga-pīṭha birthplace of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.
Seeing the condition of the illusioned souls of the world, Advaita Ācārya worshipped and appealed for the Lord’s descent to deliver mankind. The only thing Advaita Ācārya was concerned about was the elevation of consciousness of the conditioned souls. He wanted to elevate their consciousness to the platform of devotional service to Śrī Kṛṣṇa. It was only by the request of Advaita Ācārya did the Lord descend upon the earth planet just a little over 500 years ago.
In Śrī Māyāpur dhām, Advaita Ācārya’s appearance day is wonderfully celebrated. Beginning preparations from the day before, the Mayapur community devotees prepare flower decorations for the pleasure of the Lord. They make beautiful flower mukut, or head pieces as well as a floral effulgence to be placed behind Advaita Ācārya. They also make a beautiful replica of His lotus feet with the various auspicious markings. Around 11am, they have kīrtan leading up to a wonderful abhiṣeka of Sri Advaita Ācārya.
In Śrīla Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura’s song Sāvaraṇa-Śrī-Gaura-Pāda-Padme from Prārthanā, he prays, “Be merciful, Advaita Prabhu, husband of Sītā. On the strength of your mercy, I will attain Caitanya and Nitāi.”
And so in this way, we should all pray to Sri Advaita Ācārya for his blessings so that we can access the mercy of Gaura-Nitāi.

First Time in world Live Virtual Reality 360 Flower Festival by ISKCON Chowpatty!
Kindly go to vrdevotee.com and download the app applicable to your phone. This app is created by a company that is going to do live on this app. The special thing is that they are spending Lacs of rupees on this event. This is first time in world where any temple will go live with 360 degrees virtual reality. You can install this app on any mobile and watch it there. Also if you want enhanced experience, you may buy a Virtual reality set available at discount online on the same website or from Chowpatty temple gift shop. In case you are buying online then please order it ASAP. If you don’t want to spend Rs 750, you can still watch it online on the app. Remember to rotate the app in all directions to see all around view of the temple hall. The broadcast will start from approximately 6 pm onwards.

Click on below links to get idea of what you will experience on that day -
https://youtu.be/uhqq-EW8VDE
And also
https://youtu.be/XgOkaDO6KFo

More instructions are available on the following link presented by your humble servant here -
https://youtu.be/nZfJvQFYWaw

For any query WhatsApp +919321164690.

Preaching program in school by ISKCON Dwarka New Delhi (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Chanting of the Hare Krishna mantr...

Every year I make my personal finances public. Attached is an accounting of my finances for 2017.

Jayadvaita Swami 2017 financial report

The post My personal finances, 2017 appeared first on Jayadvaita Swami.

TOVP update: Nrshimha Dev’s wing external walls and staircases (Album of photos)
Sadbhuja Das: As Gaura Purnima approaches fast many preparations and activities are taking place.
There has been a lot of effort to prepare Nrshimha Dev’s wing external walls and staircases.
First, the Jali windows were set in place, followed by the GRC cornices and pillars.
Now, as you can see in the images, the top levels have been reached. The last raw of GRC pillars is being installed as well as the small windows cornices.
This is work will also follow all around the temple walls.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/CqZpvF

So this is one of the two verses which are used in the beginning of Caitanya-caritamrta by Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami to introduce us to Advaita Acarya. The chapter then goes on to explain how Advaita Acarya is the second branch of the tree of Caitanya Mahaprabhu - the first branch of course being Lord Nityananda and the main trunk being Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Himself. Continue reading "Appearance of Advaita Acarya
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 26 December 2014, Cape Town, South Africa, Srimad Bhagavatam 9.19.26) 

We are not being judged by material qualifications, let that be. Do not get worried about that. If you get worried about that then you get stressed out. We are here to do some service! And the more service you do, the more you become a nice devotee. So do not dwell on these material things, just dwell on service!

The spiritual master is simply aloof, he does not look at where someone is coming from, although he can see. In terms of sinful activities, he can see the result of sin in a person. But anyway, he does not care about that. He cares about how much service you are going to do or how serious are you. And the more serious you are, then the more all that sin does not matter.

Today ( 24th Jan) is the auspicious appearance day of Sri Advaita Acharya. Jagat-mańgala advaita, mańgala-guṇa-dhāma mańgala-caritra sadā, ‘mańgala’ yāńra nāma Being a reservoir of all auspicious attributes, Śrī Advaita Ācārya is all-auspicious for the world. His characteristics, activities and name are always auspicious.   Advaita Acarya’s life and soul is service to Lord Caitanya […]

The post Advaita Acharya Appearance: A Call to Action! appeared first on Mayapur.com.