Brazil's BHaktivedanta Institute became a pioneer for being possibly the first course of bhakti-yoga to use elements of “gamification”, application of game-design elements in its curriculum. 

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

There are techniques to book distribution. Vaisesika Prabhu is not only a leading distributor in our society but Vaisesika has demystified it. Book distribution has always been sort of a mystical thing! How do you do it – is it hypnosis OR is it just being assertive OR do you sweet talk people into it, “Hi, are you from here or out of town? Well, you are the lucky one! Congratulations, only a hundred people today get a promotional copy of this book. There you go… ”

Then comes that point when you have to ask them for money, “You know, maybe you can help out a little with the printing costs. In the shop, a book like this goes for a lot more but today on the streets, we are only asking for the printing cost and whatever extra you give, it goes for the good work. You have a good heart!” All kinds of things; just trying to talk people into it.

Some people just naturally sell books but others struggle. There seemed to be some kind of mystic power that some people had whereas others did not. Of course, some people can sell anything, they are just salesmen but is that what it takes?

Anyway, Vaisesika did not just give pep talks but he started to do seminars where he explained what to do and one technique that he presented was ‘asking a question’. A question is a hook. That is one major principle he has, to keep on asking questions. Try not to tell things but ask questions. That is a good tip, it is something not all of us knew.

“Are you from Cape Town or are you from out of town?” Keep them busy. “Are you a student or are you are working? What do you do? Something academic? You look very intelligent.”

Flatter; there is no such thing as flattering too much, Vaisesika says. You think that you would have to be a little subtle about it. No. He says the more you flatter, the better.

I do not know if you can deal with all these technical things but it is very interesting. On YouTube, there are some of his seminars. He is now the international leader of book distribution who can really teach us how to do it. His approach is that we are not only trying to sell a book but we are trying to keep the relationship positive at every stage. He has definitely got it down. I am not that smooth a salesman. I am sometimes too strong, sometimes too overpowering a presence for people. Apparently. What to do? Such is life.

On November 5th, under the guidance and mercy of Lord Nityananda’s Padukas and Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Sitari, Their Graces Jananivas (Mayapur Head Pujari) and Vraja Vilas (TOVP Global Fundraising Director) prabhus set off for a month long TOVP fundraising tour to Australasia (Australia, New Zealand and Fiji). Their Graces Ambarisa and Svaha prabhus joined them in Melbourne, Australia.

Several similar tours have already been successfully completed around the world and the Lord’s direction is always seen as the guiding hand in this service. The conviction of the fundraising team is that by serving the Holy Dhama of Sri Mayapur all temples will benefit in the same way that rising water raises the level of all boats and ships floating within it. Srila Prabhupada confirmed this esoteric principle when he said:

“The more you help develop Mayapur, the more Lord Chaitanya will bless your area of the world and it will flourish.”

Letter to Hari-sauri

The tour stopped in the cities and communities listed below and achieved great success, being met by enthusiastic and supportive devotees who made small and large financial sacrifices according to their means for the project. The total amount of pledges exceeded $3 million U.S., an astounding amount considering the small size of some of the communities. All these devotees are to be thanked.

The following leaders are to be thanked for their cooperative and dedicated spirit in helping to make this tour a success, as well as all the general devotees who helped them to organize the events.

Ramai Swami
Devamrta Swami
Bir Krishna Goswami
Sitaram das
Adi Purusha Krishna das
Aniruddha das
Vijay Gopikesha das
Ajit das
Jaya Vijay das
Varshana Radhe devi dasi
Kalasamvara das
Visvanath das
Jayram das
Parasuram das
Gita Kirti devi dasi

February 7th, 2018 will mark yet another milestone in the progress towards the completion of the TOVP. The two remaining Chakras will be placed upon the Domes above Sri Sri Radha Madhava’s altar and Lord Nrsimhadeva’s altar. This will be an historic event and a once-in-a-lifetime occasion to attend.

To sponsor an abhisheka for one or both Chakras please go to:
https://tovp.org/donate/once-in-a-lifetime-chakra-abhisheka-seva-opportunity/

The post TOVP Australasia Tour Report appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

[Brahmachari class at ISKCON, Nasik, India]

Podcast

The post Dealing with insecurities – Hindi appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Chant: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare And Be Happy!!

Bhagavad Gita As It Is (18.66)
sarva-dharman parityajya
mam ekam saranam vraja
aham tvam sarva-papebhyo
moksayisyami ma sucah

Translation

Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear.

Special Extended Program

 10.45 - 11.00 Tulsi Puja

 11.00 - 11.30 Guru Puja  Pushpanjali To Srila Prabhupada

 11:30 - 11:55 Aarti & Kirtan           

 11.55 - 12.00 Sri Nrsingadeva Prayers

 12.00 -   1:00 Vedic discourse

   1:00 -   1:40 Closing Kirtan

   1.40 -   2.00 Sanctified Free Vegetarian Feast

 

COMING UP AHEAD

Putrada Ekadasi
Fasting.....................on Fri Dec 29th,2017
Breakfast................  on  Sat Dec 30th ,2017 b/w 7.42am-8.25am

Every fortnight, we observe Ekadasi, a day of prayer and meditation. On this day we fast (or simplify our meals and abstain from grains and beans), and spend extra time reading the scriptures and chanting the auspicious Hare Krishna mantra.By constantly ‘exercising’ our minds through regular japa we can train our senses to push the threshold of contentment.
 

English audio glorification of all Ekadasis is available here 
 

Christmas For Kids
Celebration on Mon Dec 25th at 11am

Please get your chid registered with our Sun School ASAP to receive gift from Bhakta Santa.
To register:
Email:sundayschool108@gmail.com
 

ONGOING PROGRAMS

 

Japathon-Congregational Mantra Meditation

Next date is to be announced shortly!

The chanting is a spiritual call for the Lord and His Energy to give protection to the conditioned soul.japa, when performed with focus and attention, can subdue the agitating effects of one’s mind and senses. The senses, of which the mind is also one, are constantly being stimulated by the external world  - by gross and subtle matter.
If you have not chanted before, and would like to participate in this program, we will be very happy to show how you can do this.
All welcome. We’ll loan you a set of Beads!


Sunday School

To register,contact us
Email:sundayschool108@gmail.com
Call:647.893.9363

The Sunday School provides fun filled strategies through the medium of music, drama, debates, quizzes and games that present Vedic Culture to children. However the syllabus is also designed to simultaneously teach them to always remember Krishna and never forget Him. School
The Sunday School follows the curriculum provided by the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture (BCEC).

Monthly sankirtan Festival(MSF)

“One who has life can preach, and one who preaches gets life.”(Previous Acaryas)

Every member of ISKCON should have the opportunity to make advancement in Krishna consciousness by preaching.We encourage everyone to come out and participate and make Srila Prabhupada happy.

Please contact:
Dharma Dasa- dharandev58@gmail.com-647.892.0739(Mississauga and Brampton regions)

The Mentorship Program

Please note that registration in the Mentorship System is now a mandatory requirement for all initiation requests at ISKCON Brampton.It

1.Facilitates  and nurtures devotees aspiring for first and second Initiation.    
2.One-on-One personal follow up on a regular basis.
3.Systematic training to devotees in matters of Philosophy, Sadhna, Vaishnava behavior, etiquette, Lifestyle and attitudes.

To find details please click here

Gift Shop

Are you looking for some amazing gift items which are less expensive and more beautiful for your loved ones for festivals or many other occasions??
Our boutique is stocked with an excellent range of products, perfect for gifts or as souvenirs of your visit. It offers textiles, jewellery, incense, devotional articles, musical instruments, books, and CDs inspired by Indian culture.We're open on all Sundays and celebrations marked in our annual calendar.

SB 01.14.01-2 TIME Magazine Test 2013-03-26

Lecture – Srimad Bhagavatam 1.14.1-2 TIME Magazine Test 2013-03-26 Radhadesh

SB 05.04.07 Expert Discrimination 2013-03-22

Lecture – Srimad Bhagavatam 5.4.7 Expert Discrimination 2013-03-22 Vrindavan

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

Agnideva received double bypass surgery, and was then kept in an induced coma for some time. Just over a week ago, he was moved from the hospital to a rehabilitation center, where he received 5 hours of physiology therapy per day.

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.

Our "Paramahamster" comic strip follows an enthusiastic devotee as he navigates a 9 - 5 work day in the corporate world. Please check back weekly for new episodes!

“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

Life Beyond Borders - Radhanath Swami | Veda London (video)
We were honored to host our keynote speaker Radhanath Swami, who explained that “there can be no darkness in the presence of light”, and “our true success is in how we sustain our values.”
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/q857HD

Chosica Mandir Darshan, Lima Peru (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Devotee means very liberal and kind to everyone, always...

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

The post Daily Darshan: December 15,2017 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

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"

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"

(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.

The post Daily Darshan: December 14,2017 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

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

“Fan the Spark” media presents HG Vaisesika Prabhu’s lecture, given at Iskcon center of Silicon Valley, Dec 10, 2017, about Pure Devotional Service (video)
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/kBgB7P

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

ISKCON Auckland NZ: Today (Album with photos)
Rathyatra festival 2017,
By the mercy of Srila Prabhupada!
Giving out t...

HH Swami Bhakti Vighna Vinasa Narasimha Maharaja has been admitted to Bangkok Hospital for dengue fever (confirmed) for a week. Please kindly pray for Maharaja’s quick recovery.

Update about Mukunda Maharaja: He had surgery almost immediately when he felt sick and the operation was successful. The doctors said it was just in time. He’s still in hospital but has 24 hours assistance from his disciples. We don’t know when he’ll come back home. Your prayers are welcome. Thank you

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"

(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!