Ahankara – Foundational principle of our material existence
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Hare KrishnaBy Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami

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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Govardhan School Of Yoga Is Now Yoga Alliance Certified. Yoga is…
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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…
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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

Harinama in Paris under the rain (Album with photos) Srila…
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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

Chakra Installation Ceremony Progress
- TOVP.org

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.

My right or My duty?
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(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.

Wasn’t Arjuna passionate about archery – can we be passionate about something and still be devotional?
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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.

Lord Advaita Ācārya’s Divine Appearance Day
→ Mayapur.com

“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…
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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

Lord Advaita Acarya’s Divine Appearance Day “Lord Advaita…
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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…
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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.

TOVP update: Nrshimha Dev’s wing external walls and…
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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

Appearance of Advaita Acarya
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By Bhakti V. V. Narasimha Swami

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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Service matters
→ KKSBlog

(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.

Advaita Acharya Appearance: A Call to Action!
→ Mayapur.com

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.

Nityananda Trayodasi – Monday, January 29, 2018
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!


On Monday, January 29, 2018 we will be celebrating Nityananda Trayodasi, the auspicious appearance day of Nityananda Prabhu. The name Nityananda means eternal happiness. Nityananda Prabhu appeared in the 15th century as the principle associate of Lord Caitanya, who is none other than Lord Krishna Himself. Together they helped spread the chanting of the holy names of the Lord far and wide. Nityananda Prabhu is considered to be the most merciful incarnation of the Lord. 
He was extremely compassionate and often delivered even the most materially conditioned souls. He is always so absorbed in love and devotion. 

Come join us as we glorify and seek the blessings of the merciful Nityananda Prabhu. Festivities will begin at the temple on Monday January 29th at 6pm and will include a special darshan, a discourse about Nityananda Prabhu, a beautiful bhajan, and a vegetarian feast.

Schedule (Subject to change):

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM: Arati and Kirtan
6:30 PM - 6:35 PM: Welcome and Announcements
6:35PM - 7:15PM: Special Class on the Glories of Lord Nityananda
7:15PM - 8:00PM: Special Bhajan Presentation
8:00PM - 8:30PM: Arati and Kirtan
8:30PM - Onwards: Vegetarian Feast


Vedic Roots Montessori Academy is Growing – Enrol Now!
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Vedic Roots Montessori Academy (VRMA) was born in 2015 with a vision to create responsible and conscious future leaders by building excellence through holistic development. We believe that a holistic education (addressing the mind, body and soul) can significantly contribute to a positive childhood experience, which research has shown, is linked to lifelong physical, mental and emotional
well-being.

Over the last three years, VRMA has grown into a successful preschool in Toronto that integrates the world-recognized Montessori curriculum with the timeless wisdom of the ancient Yoga texts (Vedas).

We are very happy to announce that VRMA is growing and it’s first fully-licensed facility is now open for increased enrolment on a first-come, first-serve basis!


Details about the new location:

Address:  42 Tuxedo Court, #Unit 1 (right off the highway 401 on Markham Road South)

Capacity:  32 students in two classrooms - Pre-schooler (2.5 – 6 years) and Toddlers (1-5 – 2.5 years) + waiting list

Timing:  9:00am to 3:30pm (with extended hours care available (7:30-9am, 3:30-6pm)

Holistic Curriculum: Montessori learning integrated with universal spiritual principles, values-based lessons for complete character development, fresh and organic wholesome Ayurvedic meals, yoga and meditation classes, French and Sanskrit classes, community participation, and more!

For full details on our unique program offerings, please visit www.vedicroots.ca

Please call us today to book a tour of our facility and help spread the word!

Contact Details:

416-916-7005
www.vedicroots.ca
Facebook @VedicRootsMontessori


Gita 15.20 Using the knowledge and devotion we presently have propels us symbiotically towards life’s perfection
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Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

The post Gita 15.20 Using the knowledge and devotion we presently have propels us symbiotically towards life’s perfection appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

We want appreciation for making our contribution – what to do about this wanting?
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Answer Podcast

The post We want appreciation for making our contribution – what to do about this wanting? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Sunday, January 21, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Brampton, Ontario

Humanity In Two Days

At the day’s end, I took that stroll down Yonge Street through a light drizzle—a winding-down of sorts. The day was long and the extension to it, the day prior, made it impactful.

Godbrothers and Godsisters came together to remember Rsi, aka Rick Hobson, who recently passed away. His sister, Sandra, came, as well as his stepson, Kailash. What we recalled of Rsi was this soft-spoken, but humerous side of him. Those of us from the Toronto community credit him for being a pioneer of book sales of the Bhagavad-gita, distributing prasadam in Govinda’s, in addition to being a receptionist.

Dear Rsi, you won’t be forgotten.

Within these last two days, I have been approached by varying individuals to pray for them concerning illness, relationship issues, exams, and for someone perishing. Lots of prayers. This activity, of course, is a component of devotional life.

An “Evening of Bhakti” held in the temple room drew a crowd of kirtan lovers. I also had dinner with Ritesh, a tabla master, along with partner, Melissa. And one outstanding event to write home about was the grand opening of a new centre for ISKCON Brampton, located near Dixie and Derry Roads.  Wow! What a turnout! Great food! Congratulations to all the hard-working devotees including Radha Gopinatha, Aindra, Nimai Nitai, and families. They now have a spacious facility with two levels, plenty of parking and plenty of potential to make it a centre for education, science and culture.

Worship is a small fraction of the building’s purpose. It is here to help people cultivate their spiritual consciousness.

In Toronto, I introduced to the crowd, Baladeva, aka Barry Brown, with his new book, Humanity: The World Before Religion, War and Inequality.

May the Source be with you!

4 km

Saturday, January 20, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario

A Vandalistic Act

I made a police report on an act of vandalism today. It started off like this: “At approximately 10:40 a.m. today, Saturday, 20th of January, 2018, a man known to us, of medium build, about 6’1” in height, entered the temple room while I was sitting in the southwest corner area. He is white and has wavy/curly hair of brown-to-reddish colour. He wore brown pants and a sleeveless see-through top of purplish colour…”

After he entered the temple room today, he did a prostration before a statue of our guru and then wandered briefly about, making odd grunting sounds like those of a caveman. I got up and addressed him saying that he had to leave the premises...

“After he stepped outside, he picked up a rock (sometimes used to hold doors open) and tossed it into the arched, double-panelled window in the door, leaving the glass severely cracked and damaged. Looking out, I saw him going eastbound on Roxborough Street. I contacted another temple resident who called the police. They arrived about twenty minutes later. When asked by an officer, I indicated that we would like  to press charges for this act of vandalism. I would say that this individual is mentally unstable and unpredictable in action…”

In hindsight, the incident could have been worse. A rock could have been hurdled at one of our members and there could have been bloodshed; possible death, God forbid. This was my reflection as I returned from my night walk with Jaya. I peered at the glass, all cracked and fragmented.

May all prospects of illusion be shattered like that.

May the Source be with you!

4 km  

Friday, January 19th, 2018
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Toronto, Ontario

Air Weather

Radha from Argentina is a fairly recent arrival to Canada, and like all of us, since New Year’s, has gone through an interesting deep freeze.  She was sitting at the bottom of the stairs in our ashram, when I happened to make one of my rounds through the building.

“Oh, how are you?”

“I’m fine,” she said.

“You’re surviving the extremes?”

“Yes, but now it’s good.”

“It’s now in the plus-Celsius.”

“I like it,” she remarked, vouching for the conditions of the previous two days.

“Weather here in Canada is very dramatic. You never know.” I thought of the famous line from “Forrest Gump: “…life [is]…like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.’”

It surely is a merry-go-round, or maybe even a roller coaster. Remembering the weather I braved outdoors with Jaya, on a slow walk in the neighbourhood, I found the air, with the movement of wind, to possess such great prana, or life force. It reminded me of the Spring in Radha’s country, in Buenos Aires which means “clear air.”

Clear air has just got to be one of the greatest gifts of all. It’s taken for granted so much. Mentioned in the Gita as a major purifier, it is life giving, by nature. It is to be appreciated. It is something which we should be most grateful for.

May the Source be with you!
2 km

Thursday, January 18th, 2018
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Brampton, Ontario

Got A Call

Uber picked me up for a fast drive to Brampton, to a lawyer’s office, to sign papers for securing a new location for an ISKCON Centre.  It will be ours—a unit in a plaza on Steeles Avenue—and much larger than our current rental place on George Street.  The papers were signed and a grand opening happens on Sunday.

On my way to the lawyers, I received a call on my cell.  “Nevada” showed up on my screen.  Oh, that must be someone I met on last summer’s walk, I thought.

“Hello!”

“Yes, hello! I met you at the Shanti Ashram near Silver City and I need some advice.  I’ve been a Kali follower for three decades.  I was given a mantra by a guru.  Would you suggest I stick to that mantra to respect the Goddess?”

“Yes, I think I remember you.  It’s great that you have a mantra and you just might stick to it, but I’ll tell you, frankly, that I derive a lot of pleasure from the maha mantra.  You might add this mantra: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.

“Here’s a definition of this mantra: ‘O awesome Creator, please allow me to be of blissful service to You and Your creation.’”

I don’t know that my caller, a woman, would take to heart my suggestion, but at least I had the privilege to give some advice to the powerful combination of the sounds in the great mantra of deliverance.

“It’s a mantra that expresses ‘giving’ as opposed to ‘taking’.”

She appreciated the talk. 

“Call me anytime!” I said.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Home Program, January 19, Houston
Giriraj Swami

Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.8.6.

“The progress of culturing knowledge by the jnanis or the bodily gymnastics by the yogis are ultimately given up by the respective performers, but a devotee of the Lord cannot give up the service of the Lord, for he is ordered by his spiritual master. Pure devotees like Narada and Nityananda Prabhu take up the order of the spiritual master as the sustenance of life. They do not mind what becomes of the future of their lives. They take the matter very seriously, as the order comes from the higher authority, from the representative of the Lord, or from the Lord Himself.” SB 2.8.6 purport.

Kirtan (Right-click to download)
Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.8.6 (Right-click to download)

H.H. Jayapataka Swami Official Health Update January 22,…
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H.H. Jayapataka Swami Official Health Update
January 22, 2018
This message is to report the reason why Jayapataka Swami in the last few weeks has been in-and-out of hospitals. Several devotees from around the world have expressed their valid concerns so we hope to clarify the current situation and emphasize that all efforts are being made for ensuring that Maharaja’s health is maintained to its best possible capacity.
A brief recount of the latest happenings around Maharaja’s health condition: After he attended health check-ups in late last year (November), it was noticed a gradual decline in Maharaja’s condition (liver, kidneys, etc.). Specialist doctors recommended that he postponed his visit to South America due to the high risks involved in such a long journey given Maharaja’s already delicate health condition.

After a short visit to Bangladesh, Maharaja flew to Delhi to be assessed at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Science (ILBS) in Delhi. After discharge, he went to Chennai to continue evaluating different health treatments there. Meantime, Maharaja decided to attend the 40th anniversary of ISKCON Mumbai inauguration. In Mumbai, some complications presented and he was admitted at the Bhaktivedanta Hospital.

Presently Maharaja is considering the best options to improve his health and participate in the upcoming ISKCON Leadership Sanga (ILS) and Gaura Purnima festival this year. He is –as usual- alert, jovial and making decisions regarding his health and traveling. However, he has also expressed great discomfort and pain in public communication broadcasted in the last few days where he indicated that the best way to help him, with these serious health problems, is by strictly following the regulative principles and helping him to “make more devotees”. With his known heroic attitude, he wants to actively continue his preaching and performing his services for Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya. Thus, we request everyone’s prayers for him to fulfill his purpose.

On behalf Maharaja’s Health Team,

Mahavaraha das (H.H. Jayapataka Swami traveling secretary)

Is bhakti philosophy pessimistic – Hindi?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Bhagavatam class at ISKCON, Pune]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary

Video:

The post Is bhakti philosophy pessimistic – Hindi? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.