Food for Life Vrindavan organised a Cleaning Drive under Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in Vrindavan.

Chile beach Harinama, Vina del Mar (Album with photos)
My dear King, congregational chanting of the holy name of the Lord is th...

The post Daily Darshan: December 09, 2017 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

TOVP: Amazing time-lapse video of the Kalash and Chakra installation on the Planetarium Dome (2 min video)

A Ray of Vishnu (video)
A class by H.G.Bhurijan Prabhu about the Disappearance day of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur.

Srila Prabhupada: “You know, they think we’re CIA in Bengal.”
Sravanananda: During one Ratha-yatra in New York where both Prabhupada and Jayananda attended, I hired a professional film crew to document the entire event.
It was a random thing I did just so I could take it back with me to India and show everyone there.
In India we had a portable briefcase projector called a Fairchild that was ideal for viewing.
It would pop open and people could watch movies right on their desk or we could flip the lens and reflect it on a large sheet for the villagers.
When I did return to Madras with the film I was able to show it to Srila Prabhupada and he really liked it.
I was very happy I could please him.
The first thing he said was, “You know, they think we’re CIA in Bengal.”
Prabhupada said, “How would people think we’re CIA and put on a Ratha-yatra in Manhattan? What CIA would put on a Ratha-yatra in Manhattan?”
Prabhupada said to me, “Would you mind going to Bengal and show this in every town and village?”
I never thought of that since I was totally entrenched in Madras.
When Prabhupada asked me to go Bengal I said, “Srila Prabhupada, whatever you want.”
The way Prabhupada asked me was just the epitome of humility.
It wasn’t a directive, “Go to Bengal.”
I went to Bengal and went village to village from the Bay of Bengal, to Darjeeling to Assam.
We showed the movie on screens and had reporters attend as well.
We were traveling on the boat program and we were also distributing Gitar Gans.
I wrote a letter to Srila Prabhupada that said we had just distributed sixteen thousand Gitar Gans in one month.
Prabhupada wrote a letter back stating, “That is very results.”
I will always remember that, “That is very results.”
We were ecstatic that we could please him and serve him in separation.
Prabhupada’s instructions in his books were extremely powerful and his desire to save every living entity within the universe by the distribution of not only his books, but prasadam and all the paraphernalia that he introduced was all inspiring.
Prabhupada was also always gracious.
When he was a guest at someone’s house, he wasn’t a king.
He was always a servant.
He was always there to serve even his own disciples.
I felt his greatest kindness when I listened to the audio of Prabhupada on morning walks in Bombay with Dr. Patel.
Dr. Patel would always ask aggressive, somewhat condescending, irritable questions to Srila Prabhupada.
I never saw Prabhupada upset with him once.
I sometimes have to turn off my audio when that man is talking.
It just seems so offensive to me.
But Prabhupada liked that combative mood because he knew the whole world was challenging this philosophy and he was letting us see how to deal with this type of person.
It was almost like Prabhupada was doing the Chinese water torture on him because I met that man after Prabhupada left, and he was crying like a child when the talked about Prabhupada.
Prabhupada wore him down because he never got angry with him.
He just kept answering his questions beautifully.
I never once had a doubt to this day about Srila Prabhupada and I’m just so happy I found Prabhupada or he found us.
That is the mercy of Srila Prabhupada.
—Sravanananda

Devotees to Feed 3,000 London Refugees, Homeless and Students Daily in the UK.
Charity organization Food For All, run by Parasurama Das and other ISKCON devotees, is set to move out of its previous home at Bhaktivedanta Manor and into two purpose-built kitchens in London. The move will see Food For All triple its prasadam distribution.
The first kitchen will be a multi-storey building just down the road from the four-star Kingsway Hall Hotel in the University Area of Holborn, where over forty thousand students study. The building will be a temporary location until Food For All moves into its own kitchen in the Kingsway Hall Hotel itself.
The new kitchen will be kitted out with the best industrial cooking implements, including two 370 liter stainless-steel pots.
Members of Food For All’s fifteen devotee staff will cook rice, subji, salad, cake, and herbal tea daily.

Our greatest problem is that we have turned away from Krishna. This one action has turned into our existential dilemma. We are lost servants. But strangely we think, at least unconsciously, that it is Krishna who has abandoned us. Only when we become eager to meet Krishna again, and serve Him with body, mind and heart – as eager as a drowning man is eager to breathe again – can we attain our spiritual success. Real love, however, will only flow when we move out of the center and put Krishna there. For that, hearing about Krishna’s divine characteristics, activities and His sweet relationships with the devotees, is essential. Lila or Krishna’s pastimes, is defined by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakur as that which nourishes and protects us and then gives us an intense desire to attain Krishna (samvardhanam samposanam laulyam dadati lila). When we are fully nourished with Krishna consciousness, we do not feel the need to go to maya in search of false shelter. Krishna affords us with the best protection. So as a result of hearing again and again about Krishna, an intense desire to attain Him is installed in our heart. That is the potency of Krishna-lila. It works for sure. Continue reading "Two Essential Keys To Increase Our Attraction To Sri Krishna
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Фотоальбом на FB

I arrived back home in Sri Vrindavan dhama yesterday. This afternoon I strolled through the town of Vrindavan proper, visiting old friends and making new ones. The sights, sounds and colors of Vrindavan all helped to remind me of my good fortune to once again be present in Lord Krsna’s eternal playground.

“My life and soul is the most opulent land of Vrindavan, which is overwhelmed by the pastimes of Sri Sri Radha and Krsna, which is decorated with many groves and fountains, which is beautified by khadira and sandalwood forests on the banks of the Kalindi River, which is decorated with many beautiful caves at Govardhan Hill, where eternal good fortune is constantly showering, and where Sri Sri Radha and Krsna constantly perform the most wonderful pastimes.”

[ Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati, Sri Vrindavana Mahimamrta, Sataka three, Text 60 ]

Вчера вернулся домой, в Шри Вриндаван-дхаму. Сегодня прогуливался по Вриндавану, навестил старых друзей и встретил новых. Виды, звуки и цвета Вриндавана, – все извещало об удаче вновь побывать на земле вечных игр Кришны.

«Цветущая земля Вриндавана, жизнь и душа моя. Исполнена Шри Радхи-Кришны лилами, украшенная родниками, рощами, лесами из акаций и сандаловых деревьев по берегам Калинди и множеством пещер на Говардхане. Здесь вечная удача льется ливнями. Здесь Шри Шри Радха-Кришна вечно исполняют изумительные лилы».

[ Шрила Прабодхананда Сарасвати, «Шри Вриндавана Махимамрита», шатака третья, текст 60 ]

If Parikshit maharaja had killed Kali instead of forgiving him, we wouldn’t be suffering the effects of Kali now.’ Isn’t this a sensible argument? Let’s analyze… Parikshit maharaja, wanted to protect his citizens from the onslaught of Kali, but at the same time, he did not want to act against Lord’s will of allowing Kali yuga to take its own direction of destiny. Also it is said, that Parikshit did not become envious of Kali, but he kept Kali in bay by administrating his praja in such a way – by utilizing all gold for Sankirtana and prohibiting all sinful activities of animal slaughter, gambling, prostitution and intoxication. Continue reading "Is Kali really the culprit?
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Rathyatra festival 2017 - ISKCON Auckland NZ (Album with photos)
Down the Main Street in Auckland where the street is closed fo...

ILS 2018 will play a critical part in setting the stage for ISKCON’s future. Speakers will explore the challenges and opportunities ISKCON will face as it continues to shift into the hands of the next generations. The ILS provides a unique opportunity for a cross-pollination of thoughts and best practices. It gives a chance for devotees to observe the ISKCON world from a global perspective. In this atmosphere devotees can expand their frame of reference and become invigorated by hearing from and sharing with leaders and devotees serving Srila Prabhupada under many different circumstances. Make new friends from around the world while taking prasadam, hearing Krsna Katha, chanting bhajan and kirtan and enjoying a drama together all in Sri Dhama Mayapur! – the potential benefit for everyone involved cannot be measured. Continue reading "ISKCON Leadership Sanga 2018 (Early Registration Discount extended to Dec. 24th)
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Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu predicted: pṛthivīte āche yata nagarādi grāma sarvatra pracāra haibe mora nāma  “In every town and village, the chanting of My name will be heard.”– Sri Caitanya-Bhagavata, Antya-khaṇḍa, 4.126 To fulfil the desire of Lord Caitanya, Srila Prabhupada globalized the chanting of the Hare Krishna mahamantra and his disciples spread it in cities […]

The post Tribal Care, An Initiative of Love and Care appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Answer Podcast

The post When we have to choose between two ways of serving Krishna, what should we do? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, appeared in Sri Ksetra Dhama, (Jagannatha Puri) on February 6th 1874 as the son of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. In his childhood he quickly mastered the Vedas, memorised the Bhagavad-Gita, and relished his father’s philosophical works. He became known as “The Living Encyclopaedia” for his vast knowledge.

He preached convincingly against casteism and philosophical deviations from Gaudiya Vaisnavism. He tried to unite the four Vaisnava sampradayas by publishing their teachings. Srila Sarasvati Thakura earned the title Nrsimha Guru for his fearless and powerful delivery of the Vaisnava siddhanta.

On January 1st 1937, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati left this world at the age of 63. In Radha-Govinda’s eternal pastimes in Goloka Vrndavana, Srila Sarasvati Thakura serves as Nayana-mani manjari. His puspa samadhis are at Radha-kunda and Radha Damodara temple.

Charity organization Food For All, run by Parasurama Das and other ISKCON devotees, is set to move out of its previous home at Bhaktivedanta Manor and into two purpose-built kitchens in London. The move will see Food For All triple its prasadam distribution.

Many years ago, a relatively small group of devotees claimed that some of Srila Prabhupada’s devoted servants had poisoned their beloved guru. Recently, an attempt has been made to resurrect this dark accusation.

This video shows Balabhadra (ISCOWP president William E. Dove) with students Chaitanya Connor and Hari the ox. The location is at our old farm in West Virginia now owned by ECOV-Vrindaban. The occasion was the meeting of the North American ISKCON Farm Conference. Showing what Hari can do in his first stages of training was the emphasis of the Ox Training Seminar Balabhadra gave. The purpose of training oxen is to defeat the widespread opinion that the ox/steer is useless unless sold for meat. A video by ISCOWP.

The event took place in March 2017. A video by ISKCON Desire Tree.

 The UNESCO expert committee observed it was the largest peaceful congregation of pilgrims on earth.

This comic narrates the glories of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's astrological chart. Sri Nilambara Chakravarthy found esoteric and wonderful signs in every house of the child's astrological chart.

With yoga’s popularity ever on the rise, there’s a huge potential audience for the book. Enter Inner Yoga author Jayananda Das (Janne Kontala), a practitioner of ashtanga-vinyasa yoga since 1992 and an experienced yoga teacher teaching in Helsinki, Stockholm, and now the U.S. Jayananda knows his audience and their needs well.

India’s tribal people are currently undergoing a crucial phase of identity crisis. ISKCON Mayapur's Tribal Care Initiative reaches out to the tribal communities of India, which comprise around 9% of India’s population – over 104 million people.

The post Daily Darshan: December 08,2017 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

While being crucified, Jesus cried. But he did not cry for himself, instead he cried for those who were committing the gravest sin. Jesus was continuously praying to God to forgive those who were menacingly torturing and trying to kill him. Jesus, the son of God, had come to this world to spread the message of peace and love and to effect this change he was ready to sacrifice everything Continue reading "Krishna and Christ: Are they same or different?
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Dear Devotee. Since Christmas is just a few days away, I thought it would be appropriate and enlightening to look at Prabhupada’s views on Christmas and Christ Continue reading "Bhagavata-Bhakta Christ
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, September 2017, Cape Town, South Africa, Evening Class)

Printing books certainly is our family business. There is no doubt about that. Although the early days of ISKCON were centred around harinama and distribution of magazines on the street still Prabhupada printed books. Prabhupada had arranged books to be printed and there were basements filled with books and no one knew what to do with them. 

So the books were being stored in the basement but one devotee in particular, Buddhimanta, once he took some of these books with him in the car. At one point, they needed petrol and had no money so he did a swap – the book for petrol and that is where it started. “People actually take these books. They are not only basement books. They are not only just sitting there but people are actually interested in them.” That is basically what was discovered at the time and book distribution began.  Buddhimanta was one of these pioneers who would drive people. He was like the army sergeant type.

Later, he went to Australia and Hari Sauri mentioned that Buddhimanta just basically told him, “Hari Sauri, get out of the car and distribute this book.”
His mind was totally freaking out, “Please, anything but out of the car.”
“No, out of the car and on the street.”
So he approached someone and that person just took the book. He did not even have to say anything, Krsna was there. That is a fact that the Supersoul is present and if the Supersoul was not there, what can we do? But because Krsna as the Supersoul, as Paramatma is within the heart of everyone, he can just take over!

Narada Muni’s mercy (video)
Srimad Bhagavatam class by H.H. B.A. Janardan Swami in Vrindavana.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/KZ1Lgt

“I try to find common ground. I think that’s a good way to hold a discussion.” Josiah (in the photo) said.
Mitra Dasa: I was impressed with this 19 year old. He had clarity, wisdom, humility and kindness.
“Your parents did a good job on you.”
He agreed. “Thank you sir. I love them both.”
Josiah was trying to understand the book I’d given him from the Christian perspective he’d grown up with. “If something is true,” he said, “Truth with a capital -T- how can I neglect it? How can I go elsewhere? Jesus made the perfect sacrifice for me. I accept that and shaped who I’ve become.”
“I can see that, and it serves you well.” I replied, “I don’t want to interfere with it”
“But still, I’d like to understand what this book says. Can you explain just a bit?”
“I’ll try, and I’ll be brief because I know you’re busy as a college student you have a heavy study load.”
“No. I’m good. I want to know about this.Tell me as much as you want.”
“Well, in brief, this book begins by saying there’s an unlimited source, an unlimited supply it’s infinite. We have nothing to fear, no worries. The next verse says if you follow the rules, take only as much as you need, there will be plenty for all. Greed is sinful and brings suffering and shortages.” I paused to see his response.
“I’ve got a problem with that.” He said.
“How so?”
“Well, are you married?”
“Yes.”
“Every time you do something for your wife, are you doing it because of rules or is it out of love that you…?”
“I see what you’re getting at and I’m glad you brought that up. Actually rules are meant to bring us to the platform of love. But even in love, you’ve got to have rules. I’ve been married 32 years. Rules hold the daily stuff together, it’s a platform for trust to build and THEN love can grow.”
Josiah agreed.
“Does this book talk about that level?” He pointed to the Ishopanishad in his hand, “I’d like to learn more about it.”
“Uh, well, actually…” I reached into my backpack. We’d been talking a good twenty minutes already. It wasn’t a debate. We were trying to understand each other, sharing. There was no conversion attempt on either side, just sharing. “…this book goes into it more clearly.” I put the Bhagavad Gita into his hands. He looked at it respectfully.
“Is this your main book?”
“Well, sort of, there are…, well, let’s say it’s a good start. We have a lot of books.”
I explained the story line of the Gita, Krishna’s teaching to Arjuna, “See all beings as souls, eternal souls, all bodies change, everything changes and is therefore insignificant, not worth worrying over.”
Josiah agreed.
Then I figured I’d drop the big topic on him, “Krishna reveals that He’s God.”
“Whoa, what? Wait a minute. The chariot driver is God?”
“Yup. And why not? Who can put a limit on what God can or cannot do?”
“Well, I guess they tried to do that with Jesus.”
“Yeah. This is going to challenge what you’ve grown up with. Do you think you’re up to it?”
“I want to look into it.”
“I’m not trying to change your belief. I think you’re mature enough to consider that the truth with a capital T is big enough to accomodate a lot of things you haven’t heard. There’s very little we can understand of the unlimited.”
“Yes, we’re so tiny.”
“What Church did you go to? They did a great job. They must have an excellent youth program.”
He agreed. I don’t remember the name of their church. It used to have the name Baptist in there, but they wanted to open it up, to make Catholics and Lutherans feel welcomed.
“I’m traveling with two monks who live in a van. They do this year round, visiting schools and showing these books. They asked me to try to get donations for them so they can buy gas and stuff. Would you be willing to help at all?”
“Sure.” Josiah opened his wallet and selected a ten dollar bill. “I appreciate what you guys are doing here. I wish I could have conversations like this with my friends.”
“Wow! That’s a sacrifice, coming from a college student. I really appreciate that. Thank you so much.”
We talked some more. I said, “You know, I’ve got to get going and you probably have things you need to do. I’ve taken up your entire morning.”
“Yes, I should get going.”
We talked another twenty minutes, sharing stories, wisdom, challenging each other.
“This is a good sign.” I said, “It’s hard to say goodbye. Which way are you going though? I’ll walk with you.”
“Yes, I’ve got your email. Let’s stay in touch. Let me know next time you come to Clemson.”

TOVP Australasia Tour, Days 8-10 – Fiji
Reaching Fiji on November 24th, we were greeted with great care and attention as preparations were in order for our visit to five temples and communities in Fiji.
Immediately upon our arrival we held our first program in Nadi where twelve families combined together to pledge $30,000. The same evening we were whisked away to the next program in Lautoka where one hundred devotees congregated for the program and together pledged a total of $130,000. The next day, November 25th, we visited the Sigatoka temple where ten families pledged $35,000. On our last day, November 26th, we again had two programs. In Suva the devotees’ combined pledge surpassed $650,000, and finally, in Naosori, 60 devotees pledged an amazing $220,000. In addition, Visvanath prabhu, the organizer of the entire tour personally donated $108,000. The total pledges for our Fiji Tour came to over $1 million!
We want to thank Visvanath prabhu and his father Jayram prabhu for organizing the tour as well as all our visas to Fiji. We also thank Parasuram prabhu and Gita Kirti devi dasi for their support and dedication.

Some of our Kirtan Leicester team chanted backstage with Russell Brand yesterday when he was in town for his Re:Birth tour!

A message from Iskcon Nepal (3 min video)
Do you have 3 Minutes to watch this video?
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Alachua Iskcon community on the rise!
Vaisesika Dasa: This photo brings back good memories! It is from last weekend in Alachua, Florida where my wife and I visited to get the association of the advanced devotees who live there, to participate in book distribution, and to attend the wedding of my dear friend, Divyanga’s eldest son. Last Saturday, 85 devotees from that illustrious community went out together to distribute books, door to door, in various spots around the area. Near the end of the day, many of us gathered together at a middle-class apartment complex where we engaged in canvassing for Lord Caitanya. This photo was taken after we had finished knocking on every single door in the complex and we were just about to go back to the temple for prasadam and sharing of stories and realizations for the day. I must say that I am very impressed with the devotees at ISKCON Alachua. The temple president, Mukhya Dasi is keenly focused on devotee care, community development, and book distribution, and sets a stellar example for all. And then there’s Alachua’s Sankirtana leader, Sri Vrindavana Dasi, who is a brilliant organizer and under whose watch book distribution in Alachua is on the rise. We found the devotees of Alachua to be highly enthusiastic about all forms of devotional service. We were touched by how they pour out their love and affection to those who visit the community. All glories to Team ISKCON Alachua (TIA) and all the devotees there! My deepest thanks to all the devotees in Alachua for their supreme hospitality.