From fictional enjoyment to spiritual enjoyment through explanations, exponents and experiences – Hindi
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Gitamritam class at ISKCON, Nasik, India]

Podcast

 
Podcast Summary

Video:

The post From fictional enjoyment to spiritual enjoyment through explanations, exponents and experiences – Hindi appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Understanding various ways Krishna protects – Bhagavatam characters analysis
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Bhagavatam study circle at Nasik, India]

Podcast

 

Podcast Summary

Video:

The post Understanding various ways Krishna protects – Bhagavatam characters analysis appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

The mind is like a madhouse – 4 strategies for managing it – Hindi
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Bhagavatam class on Srimad-Bhagavatam on 11.23.46 at ISKCON, Nasik, India]

Podcast

 

Podcast Summary

Video:

The post The mind is like a madhouse – 4 strategies for managing it – Hindi appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

For meditation, we need the right object and the right conception
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Bhagavatam class on Srimad-Bhagavatam 3.28.23 at ISKCON, Perth, Australia]

Podcast

 

Podcast Summary

The post For meditation, we need the right object and the right conception appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

New York Attorney General Urges Court to Reject Pending Petition to Sell Krishna Temple in Brooklyn
→ ISKCON News

New York Supreme Court for Kings County Room was filled with Krishna devotees opposing a petition seeking approval of the sale of their temple in Brooklyn. Also appearing in court to oppose the proposed sale were attorneys for ISKCON's Governing Body Commission (GBC), an attorney for the newly reconstituted Bharati Center board, and a New York Assistant Attorney General.

“Farewell Wonderful Mexico” 2017 (Album with photos)…
→ Dandavats



“Farewell Wonderful Mexico” 2017 (Album with photos)
We ended our two-month Harinama tour of South America in my favorite city. One last week of totally amazing Harinama’s and book distribution. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better place. People are friendly, inquisitive, generous and love taking part in the Harinama. Huge Christmas crowds greeted us every day in the city, what to speak of the packed Subway trains to and from. My sincere appreciation and gratitude to all of the sweet devotees who took such good care of us, especially my dear daughters, Sakhi Vrinda and her wonderful sister, Syama Priya Thakurani and their loving parents, Mahasankarshan and Amrtananda prabhus! By the grace of Srila Prabhupada, my book score was close to 400 small books.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/iDEtaz

TOVP: Preparing for Gaura Purnima (Album with photos) Sadbhuja…
→ Dandavats



TOVP: Preparing for Gaura Purnima (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: Kindly see some images of the works going on in the ToVP in preparation for the Gaura Purnima Festival time.
Between painting and installing the dome’s ribs, stars, works on Chatris and assembling the Chakra, there are many things happening.
Everyone is working around the clock to bring this marathon to success.
Stay tuned for the second part of our update - the Domes and Kalash!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/vX5TLz

NASN November 2017 – North American Sankirtan Newsletter
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Mayapur Sasi dasa

For the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada this report contains the following North American results of book distribution for the month of November, 2017. North American Totals, Monthly Temples, Monthly Weekend Warriors. Monthly Top 100 Individuals, Monthly Top 5, Cumulative Countries, Cumulative Temples, Cumulative Top 100 Individuals, Cumulative Top 5 Continue reading "NASN November 2017 – North American Sankirtan Newsletter
→ Dandavats"

The “Hare Krishna!” film screens throughout India and creates a sensation across the nation
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Visakha Dasi

Starting today, Friday December 15th, the Hare Krishna! film will begin screening in theaters throughout India! Here are some reviews and notifications: (please note: the Times of India is India's largest English language newspaper with a circulation of almost 3 million) Continue reading "The “Hare Krishna!” film screens throughout India and creates a sensation across the nation
→ Dandavats"

Tuesday, December 12th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk


Winnipeg, Manitoba

Good Day in Winterpeg

Daruka was my support person for one and a half trips across Canada, ending in 2014.  Along with his blue-front Amazon parrot, we appeared to conquer a good chunk of this planet simply by trekking along over diverse terrain and meeting people, many of whom finish each sentence with “eh.”

This afternoon was a little reunion for the three of us at Daruka’s loft apartment in the neighbourhood.  Daruka found himself in three major accidents—none being his fault—beginning at our departure in 2014.  His mother remarked, “You never had these problems with the Swami.”  Daruka is fortunate to be alive.  And alive he is, with a full beard and moustache.

Walking in Winnipeg was unfavourable outside with weather being what it is.  My host, Visvambhara suggested the newly opened Dakota Fieldhouse, a privately owned community workout facility.  We walked in and met the fellow at the desk.

“It’s $30.00 for a monthly membership.  For a drop-in, it’s $5.00!”

“I just wanted to walk on your running track.  I’m a monk.  Here for two days.  Have walked Canada four times and the U.S. just this summer…”

“Wow, well you don’t have to pay anything.  Here’s your entry wrist band.  Have a great walk.”

So, I did, and what a fine track we are looking at.  Thank God for such community centres.  With my Kyboots on I felt like flying.  I only had to worry about keeping an eye on figures—the time.

Incidentally, I recall reading that overhead banner at the Thunder Bay Airport before coming here.  What was being promoted I couldn’t understand but it read, “A beaver can take down a tree in 20 minutes!”  Incredible figure!

May the Source be with you!

7 km


Monday, December 11th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Taking Pictures

Today I became practically housebound, perhaps not by choice. I remained in the home of host, Prem Kishor, and did some quality pacing in his basement. Through the windows I could see those beautiful flakes of snow descending. “Flakes” is a word appropriate for nature. When applied to a human, it is somewhat derogatory.

I was hoping to capture with my phone camera some imagery like on all other days, but being inward-bound I was limited. The weather turned to swirly snow and I wasn’t so well prepared –footwear-wise.

Only in the evening, for the 7:00 p.m. arati at the Vedic Culture Centre on Victoria, did I get the chance to get out and view more interesting images. Before I began giving a Gita class—broadcast online—my eyes caught the image of the mrdanga drum, I had just sat in place. I had to snap an image of that, finding the instrument to be all-attractive. The additional features of the text, The Gita, and a pair of kartals—hand cymbals—became irresistible for accompanying the drum. These are all very sacred items.

I also noticed at the base of the shrine there are images of das avatar, the ten prominent avatars, or incarnations. My eyes gravitated to the picture of Vamana, the monk who is a dwarf and is hailed for being a walking God. Only three glorious steps of his put Him in the Vedic “Hall of Fame.”

I returned to Prem’s home and there I saw on his (de-caffeinated) coffee table, a copy of the Thunder Bay tourist magazine called, “Thunder Bay Experience.” On the front page is featured the Colour Fest of this past September, staged by Prem Kishor himself. “You’re a champion, Prem!”

I snapped that image also.

May the Source be with you!

5 km




Planting the seed
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, September 2017, Cape Town, South Africa, Evening Class)

There are always people who will say no to a book today. In their mind, they had to make the choice and they said no. However, some attachment, some curiosity has been awakened and the next time you offer it, again they may say no but then one day, they will come on their own. They say, “Excuse me. Can I have one of those books?” People like that come out of nowhere. Those are the people who got the ajnata-sukrti (unknown spiritual benefit). Those who say NO today are the ones who will say YES tomorrow. So we should not be discouraged when people say no. Of course, easier said than done, it is discouraging but at least people get purified a little.

Mayapur Institute’s First Classroom “Kutir” is the Perfect…
→ Dandavats



Mayapur Institute’s First Classroom “Kutir” is the Perfect Setting for Study.
Kutir Experience - 55 students from worldwide are now enjoying the wonderful Kutir experience as they are now attending the classes in the MI Campus s first Kutir Classroom.
Built with natural, environmentally-friendly local materials like bamboo, bricks and thatch, the kutir makes students feel like they have stepped back in time to learn with the sages of the Srimad-Bhagavatam.
But the hut doesn’t eschew modern facilities either – electricity inside provides power for ceiling fans and wall projectors to give Power Point presentations.
“The mixture of ancient and modern is ideal,” says Mayapur Institute Director Padmanayana Das. “Many students have commented that ‘Just by entering the kutir, we feel like studying.“
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/jP2Sv6

The power of one book! Kadamba Kanana Swami: We do not know the…
→ Dandavats



The power of one book!
Kadamba Kanana Swami: We do not know the power of what one book will do. The Bhagavad-gita made me a devotee! It was a Bhagavad-gita that I got from a friend. My friend bought it, read it and then passed it onto me. I have no idea where that Bhagavad-gita ended up after me. I still had it when I moved into the temple but what happened to it after that, I cannot remember.
The books we distribute lives a life of its own and goes from one person to another. It finds people. It is not just that we find people; the book finds people! Somebody will find it and pick it up. Sometimes it is very mystic – Krsna is also part of it. One book can find a hundred people or maybe a thousand. Who knows how many people can actually become devotees because of one book? A book will go here, there and everywhere. So many people may get influenced by it

World Enlightenment Day is December 16th
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Vijaya dasa

In a lecture in Los Angeles, Srila Prabhupada said, “If he reads one sloka, his life will be successful. If he reads one sloka, one word. This is such a nice thing. Therefore we are stressing so much: ‘Please distribute book, distribute book, distribute book.’ A greater mrdanga. We are chanting, playing our mrdanga. It is heard within this room or a little more. But this big mrdanga will go home to home, country to country, community to community.” Life is short. In the short time we’re here, let’s try to find some time when we can do what we know is very pleasing to Srila Prabhupada and Krishna. Why is book distribution pleasing to Krishna? Because He doesn’t like His parts and parcels to suffer, any more than a father likes to see his children suffer. Krsna is known as para dukha dukhi, because when He sees others suffer, He becomes concerned. He has come to help us to become free of the misery of material existence. Srila Prabhupada’s books have helped millions of people feel the joy of spiritual life. Continue reading "World Enlightenment Day is December 16th
→ Dandavats"

The power of one book
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, September 2017, Cape Town, South Africa, Evening Class)

We do not know the power of what one book will do. The Bhagavad-gita made me a devotee! It was a Bhagavad-gita that I got from a friend. My friend bought it, read it and then passed it onto me. I have no idea where that Bhagavad-gita ended up after me. I still had it when I moved into the temple but what happened to it after that, I cannot remember.

The books we distribute lives a life of its own and goes from one person to another. It finds people. It is not just that we find people; the book finds people! Somebody will find it and pick it up. Sometimes it is very mystic – Krsna is also part of it. One book can find a hundred people or maybe a thousand. Who knows how many people can actually become devotees because of one book? A book will go here, there and everywhere. So many people may get influenced by it!

 

Sunday, December 10th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Thunder Bay, Ontario

Cold? No Problem


It is a two hour flight going northwest to Thunder Bay from Toronto.



Surely there would be snow in this town, being closer to the Arctic! As we landed it was confirmed. The white stuff had made a light covering over the area. No problem for me.



It’s also no problem for Jayosh, 53, the flight attendant who sat next to me for a good fifteen minutes. He’s quite devotional. He chants on his beads and told me that on one flight that was particularly bumpy—turbulent—when all passengers were told to remain seated, he also sat and began his routine chanting. Two ladies nearby saw his lips moving and this was translated as prayer and they assumed the plane was definitely going to crash—as if he knew something they didn’t. They became very restless. “Freaking out,” as he put it, and he had to allay their fears, like a good flight attendant.



At the terminal I was greeted by Prem, a hero for me. He’s got the Colourfest down and annually throws the best colour/powder party in Canada—this year in September, when new students were freshly arriving in town. The Marina Park overlooking Lake Superior was the location for the fun.



Incidentally when I meet those students, many of whom are from warmer climates, I have to get my sermon out that cold is good. “Mind over matter,” and “if you warm up to the cold the cold warms up to you. Dress warm and no problem.”



Not being a hypocrite in this regard, I passionately did two sessions of walking in the now soft, snow-bound streets, all bright and clear, and relished the trek near Mount McKay.



May the Source be with you!



8 km

Saturday, December 9th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk






Brampton, Ontario



New Home



Arjuna offers his apologies to Krishna. This is evident in verses 41 and 42 from Chapter 11 of the Bhagavad-gita, which I used as a reference at the home blessing of Rajasuya and Surabhi’s house. The passage is as follows:



“I have in the past addressed You as, “O Krsna,” “O Yadava,” “O my friend,” without knowing Your glories. Please forgive whatever I may have done in madness or in love. I have dishonored You many times while relaxing or while lying on the same bed or eating together, sometimes alone and sometimes in front of many friends. Please excuse me for all my offenses.”



Approximately ten couples and children sat to hear and explore the topic of relationships and how especially in a spiritual community the exercise of personal dealings is of paramount importance. Communication and fair listening skills become key ingredients in creating a successful relationship. It’s something that you shape—or “cultivate,” as our guru, Prabhupada used to say. The principle of ‘Respect’ needs to be implemented, and one must push familiarity far away as it does have a tendency to conjure up contempt.



How precious it is to have a life partner who is spiritual in heart and practice, on top of being a mate.



Breaking a pattern of familiarity can be realized from the realm of humility, and sometimes apology, when applicable. It’s what Arjuna used to make his relationship with Krishna deeper and stronger.



May the Source be with you!



5 km

Friday, December 8th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk



Toronto, Ontario



Forgive Them



People appear to put in many a mile, or kilometre, for their shopping, thus it is a marathon they are on this season. It’s quite an odd game—a mad rush to get to the finish line marked by December 25th.



I was walking today on Bloor and a thought came to my head. If Jesus was walking right next to me, I would like to see the expression on his face when he sees that it has all come down to this. He just may do what he did when he entered the temple and, angered as he was, turned over the tables and let vendors have it.



The quote from the gospel of Matthew 21:12-13 reads like this:



Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. ‘It is written,’ he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,” but you are making it “a den of robbers”.’ New International Version-UK.



The shops on Bloor are not places of worship, but for merchandise. However, a fiasco—or nothing short of one—is in our midst. An event, formerly celebrated as the birth of a person whom we refer in Sanskrit to as a shaktyavesh avatar (a God-empowered person), has turned into a very mundane time. It doesn’t have to be like this, Sweet Jesus.



With him at my side, (I’m dreaming really, but if he were) I would say, “You do have the faithful ones, but for a lot of folks I may have to say something you said, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34).



May the Source be with you!

5 km





Perth Govinda’s Restaurant (Album with photos) Ramai Swami:…
→ Dandavats



Perth Govinda’s Restaurant (Album with photos)
Ramai Swami: Occasionally, when I travel to our ISKCON centers, I like to visit the restaurants to see how they are going. Generally, all of them do very well and some exceptionally well.
On a recent visit to Perth I headed into Govindas with Yadu-Shrestha and Sita Rama Laksman and had a wonderful lunch. It was around 2.30pm so the restaurant was a little quiet but those who were there seemed happy with their meal.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/nD8J16