The Lotus Feet of Lord Nityananda, January 13, Houston
Giriraj Swami

Giriraj Swami read Srila Prabhupada’s purport and discussed the song Nitai Pada Kamala by Narottama Dasa Thakura during an evening program.

“We talk about association but what does that mean? In the Nectar of Instruction verse 4, Rupa Goswami discusses:

dadati pratigrhnati
guhyam akhyati prcchati
bhunkte bhojayate caiva
sad-vidham priti-laksanam

So, guhyam akhyati prcchati means revealing ones mind in confidence. It is very important that devotees are able to do that. Otherwise they keep things inside and they fester and grow bigger than what they really are. We need that type of association where we can reveal our minds in confidence. And we also have to be confidential. Otherwise we reveal our minds in confidence and the next thing it’s all over Facebook and all over the town and then we wont be able to reveal our mind in confidence again because we don’t have faith that the confidence will be maintained. So, coming back to Nitai Pada Kamala — the idea is that we realize the truth of this song in the association of devotees. And even if we are together now and we have a sense of the import of this song, we may forget it and be carried away once we leave the association of devotees. So, sticking to the lotus feet of Lord Nitayanada means sticking to the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada’s devotees.”

Nitai Pada Kamala purport (Right-click to download)

TOVP Chakra Installation Ceremony Approaching – Sponsor a Chakra Today
- TOVP.org

In less than a month the Grand Installation Ceremony of the remaining two Chakras onto Sri Sri Radha Madhava’s and Lord Nrsimhadeva’s domes will take place. This historic occasion will be ISKCON’s most important event to date and represents almost a decade of effort on the part of all devotees to fulfill the vision of Srila Prabhupada to manifest the adbhuta mandir predicted by Lord Nityananda Prabhu.

Sponsoring one or both Chakras is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve the most auspicious Sri Sudarshana who is dear to the Lord:

“What is this Sudarśana cakra? The Sudarśanacakra is the glance of the Supreme Personality of Godhead by which He creates the entire material world. Sa aikṣata, sa asṛjata. This is the Vedic version. The Sudarśana cakra, which is the origin of creation and is most dear to the Lord, has thousands of spokes. This Sudarśana cakra is the killer of the prowess of all other weapons, the killer of darkness, and the manifester of the prowess of devotional service; it is the means of establishing religious principles, and it is the killer of all irreligious activities. Without his mercy, the universe cannot be maintained, and therefore the Sudarśana cakra is employed by the Supreme Personality of Godhead.”

Srila Prabhupada Summary of Srimad Bhagavatam Canto Nine, Chapter 5

All sponsors will have their names read during the Maha Sudarshana abhisheka and also placed at the base of the Chakra(s) they sponsor. Special imprinted coins will also be awarded to all sponsors as a transcendental souvenir.

Current abhisheka sponsorships

Radha Madhava Chakra – 629 sponsors
Lord Nrsimhadeva Chakra – 722 sponsors

To become a sponsor, go to this link at the TOVP website:
https://tovp.org/donate/once-in-a-lifetime-chakra-abhisheka-seva-opportunity/

The post TOVP Chakra Installation Ceremony Approaching – Sponsor a Chakra Today appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Sri Nrsimhadeva Dome Chakra Ready To Go
- TOVP.org

The Chakra for Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Dome is completely finished and ready for installation. Preparation of the main Chakra for Sri Sri Radha Madhava’s Dome is on target for completion soon. Both will be installed at the Grand Installation Ceremony on February 7th.

To sponsor an abhisheka for Sri Sri Radha Madhava’s and/or Lord Nrsimhadeva’s domes please go to:
https://tovp.org/donate/once-in-a-lifetime-chakra-abhisheka-seva-opportunity/

The post Sri Nrsimhadeva Dome Chakra Ready To Go appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Gaur Nitai Canvas Posters for Staircase Walls
- TOVP.org

In the temple design, one of the highlights will be the images of Gaur Nitai on the front staircase walls of the temple made out of mosaic tiles. We have created a mock-up of those images to scale on canvas that will be placed on the walls. This gives us an indication of the huge size of each mosaic and what it will look like.

To sponsor an abhisheka for Sri Sri Radha Madhava’s and/or Lord Nrsimhadeva’s domes please go to:
https://tovp.org/donate/once-in-a-lifetime-chakra-abhisheka-seva-opportunity/

The post Gaur Nitai Canvas Posters for Staircase Walls appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Stars and Ribbons Being Mounted on the West Wing Dome
- TOVP.org

We have commenced the mounting of the titanium nitrite Stars and Ribbons onto the tiles and ribs of the West Wing Dome. This process is ongoing and we will hopefully be able to complete much of the mounting by the time of the Chakra installation ceremony on February 7th.

To sponsor an abhisheka for Sri Sri Radha Madhava’s and/or Lord Nrsimhadeva’s domes please go to:
https://tovp.org/donate/once-in-a-lifetime-chakra-abhisheka-seva-opportunity/

The post Stars and Ribbons Being Mounted on the West Wing Dome appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Nimananda das and family
→ Ramai Swami

Nimananda Prabhu came with his family from Fiji to New Zealand some twenty years ago. He and his wife performed services in our temples like cooking, deity worship and HK Food for Life.

After a time he started selling bhuja and yoghurt to Indian stores in Wellington and Auckland. His business went so well that he thought to supply the Supermarkets.

He found that the demand was so great he needed to rent a factory in Auckland. Everything grew to the point where last year he bought a bigger factory and now will supply milk and ghee as well.

I went with Kalasamvara to visit Nimananda and his son Kanai at their new factory.

First Ever One Day Padayatra Organized By Iskcon…
→ Dandavats



First Ever One Day Padayatra Organized By Iskcon Jalgaon.
January 18, 2018
By Paramatma Dasa and Saranga Thakur Dasa.
The devotees of Jalgaon, under the guidance of Caitanya Jivan Dasa, organized a first ever one day padayatra on December 16th, 2017. Jalgaon is a major city in western India, located in the northern part of the state of Maharashtra within the region of Khandesh. We have a small ISKCON center there, of which, I, Paramatma Dasa is the president.

Kirtan and preaching program at Krishna Village, Australia – 17…
→ Dandavats



Kirtan and preaching program at Krishna Village, Australia - 17 January 2018 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: When one is free from offenses in chanting Hare Krishna, he develops the ecstatic bodily features called pulakasru. Pulaka means “symptoms of happiness,” and asru means “tears in the eyes.” The symptoms of happiness and tears in the eyes must appear in a person who has chanted the holy name offenselessly. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 3.15.25 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/iUXpyF

The new KKSBlog page on Facebook
→ KKSBlog

At some point, you become too famous, even for Facebook! Our Facebook account has grown steadily and reached the limit of 5000 friends over a year ago. For some reason, only known to Mark Zuckerberg, we cannot accept more friends. And after reaching this limit, Facebook starts “suggesting” that you create a page. After months of getting those “suggestions”, we decided to breathe life into an official KKSBlog Facebook Page.

Visit the KKSBlog Page

Like. Follow.. No escape…

We already published the latest articles from KKSBlog to our spanking new page. And, if everything went according to plan, you should see the new articles appearing on your wall.

Didn’t get any news?
No worries. Visit the new page and hit that “Like” button and you are all set. And if you don’t want to miss anything click the “Follow” button and check the “See First”. Now you can’t escape us anymore!

 

Newsletter & other sources of inspiration

Still attached to email? Join our Daily or Weekly newsletter
Twitter aficionado? Check out our Twitter feed
Using an RSS reader? Go old school
This blog is too much reading! Watch some videos

Who is KKSBlog?

Although things might seem to go on automatically, it actually is a big operation done by our team. Daily and weekly newsletters, new articles on KKSBlog, Facebook, Twitter and on top of that (live) videos. Without the continuous (almost daily) input of our editor, our in-house technician, our transcribers and our various other contributors (who help with recordings, taking photos and supplying other media), this would not be possible. You can see who is and who was on the team, on our About page. And of course, a big thank you to Kadamba Kanana Swami for being the source of all our material ?

Support KKSBlog

Yep, things cost money and so does our website, software and other needs. But instead of just asking for financial help we offer you something better; why not make a purchase from our online store. In that way, you give and get something. The perfect combo!

Closet Catholic
→ Seed of Devotion

I entered the church and the vaulted ceilings lifted my breath and my gaze and my mind.

Inhale. 

Exhale. 

The morning light filtered through the high windows and stained glass. Warm pools of light illuminated wooden pews, cream-colored pillars, and the massive murals of Saint Brigid and Saint Emeric. The cloth of their painted robes billowed in an unseen breeze, their faces gentle.   

That day was our School Mass for the Immaculate Conception of Mary, which takes places several weeks before Christmas.

Although filling with children from ages seven to fourteen, the Church echoed with only quiet shuffles and murmurs. I paced down the center aisle then directed my eighth grade class to file down the wooden pews. When everyone had settled, I took a seat and gazed up at the giant effigy of Christ on the cross.

The service for this special day was filled with devotions for Mother Mary, songs and prayers in her honor. Towards the end of the service, I rose to direct my students to file out of their pew to receive the Eucharist, the sacred wafer that represents the body of Christ. I approached the priest and folded my arms across my chest, which is a sign that I won't receive the Eucharist itself as I am not Catholic, but I would like to receive a blessing. (As a note, one may receive the Eucharist even if one is not Catholic but for now this is my preference.) With a soft smile, the priest put down the wafer and placed his hand on my head in blessing. I felt warm all over. 

I walked back to my pew and took a seat. I could see many students had taken to kneeling again. Their elbows were placed on the pew in front of them, their palms folded, heads bowed in silence.

I swung down my kneeler with a soft clunk and knelt on the padded bar. I followed the lead of my students and also placed my elbows on the pew in front of me and clasped my hands together. I bowed my head. Sudden tears came to my eyes.

Thank you, Mother Mary.

Thank you for bringing me to this school to serve and to learn about you and your son, Jesus Christ.

Thank you, Lord, for always protecting me with your loving arms. 

I cannot escape You. You will always come for me, even if I do not ask you to come. You have come for me in the form of this position as the English Language Arts and Religion teacher. Every day I get to talk about you and learn about you and share your love. I didn't ask for this, but you guided me here.

That is grace. 

What an unexpected, undeserved gift. 

Thank you Lord, for showing up in my life, unconditionally. No matter the form you may take, you are here, you are here. 
Subscribe

Monday, January 15th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Montreal, Quebec

Some People

I spent some time conversing with my Quebec friends, including Gokul, Bhakti Lata from Jamaica, Gord from northern Ontario and a few more.  Anubhava is one of my favourite Canadian leaders.  He administrates, but maximizes more on ‘doing’.  Currently, he’s doing carpentry and making extra space above the auditorium stage.

Madri came to Krishna Consciousness about four years ago.  She arrived with plenty of insecurities in life but much of that is now behind her.  She has built up so much confidence.  She keeps herself occupied.  She’s blossoming.  I'm happy for her.

Gokul and I lunched together.  They make good prasadam here in Montreal—although eggplant curried veggie preps don’t always hit the mark for me. It was something I consumed in the evening.

I was satisfied to deliver two talks today here in the ISKCON temple/ashram, the second one concentrating on one of those beautiful flowing verses from the Bhagavad-gita.  From Chapter 2, verse 20—I will avoid the Sanskrit or Roman transliteration for brevity’s sake and in English, not French. Sorry.

“For the soul there is neither birth nor death at any time.  He has not come into being, does not come into being, and will not come into being.  He is unborn, eternal, ever-existing and primeval.  He is not slain when the body is slain.”

The verse was discussed.  We had our eggplant and we went to rest.

A thought came to mind, as crazy as it was.  I had the image of Napoleon; his right hand concealed in his waistcoat.  Was he secretly chanting on japa meditation beads?

May the Source be with you!

0 km




Sunday, January 14th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Montreal, Quebec

Transit to the East

I had booked a train because experience tells that in the days of extreme winter weather, a train has no delays.  The ‘iron horse’ (the train) plows through it all.  However, my trip to Montreal saw something different.  There were delays. https://instagram.com/p/Bd9-0O7FEtG/

During those delays, and otherwise, I peered out the window from seat 15A, Car 6 of Via Rail, quite often.  For anyone who knows this route, you get some pretty good views of massive Lake Ontario.  There’s abundant trees and fields, and I could see cleared walking trails alongside bush and creek areas.  It was enticing.  The sun shone and all of nature looked clean.  I even viewed young boys on a natural ice rink where they were skating and carrying hockey sticks.  How endearing!  How Canadian!

I saw, through my window frames of peace, 19thcentury buildings—at least the backs of them—and to a past with the vision of towns of long before. Very Victorian! I appreciated the train stations themselves. Before the automobile, they meant everything to people. It was nostalgic to see it all.  A former life—or lives, and there perhaps—made me fall in love with those former hubs of activity.

I arrived in Montreal to be greeted by Dhruva.  I took a shower, ate some wraps and was rushed to the main temple hall at Pie IX Blvd., a snow-occupied world.  By morning, the snow will be removed for ample parking.  Each and every one of us are required to remove the snow from our hearts, as well as the street.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Study scripture as an existential seeker, not as a historical…
→ Dandavats



Study scripture as an existential seeker, not as a historical investigator!
Chaitanya Charan Das: Some people study scripture largely, if not entirely, from a historical perspective – they focus on when it was written, what was the general culture then, and what were the specific contexts for its statements.
Such a history-centered approach, though useful in understanding some aspects of scripture, misses its essence. Scripture essentially is divinity’s guiding revelation to humanity, offering wisdom on life and living whose relevance extends throughout history. The Bhagavad-gita (03.31) declares that its insights are eternal (avyayam) – they can offer liberation and life eternal to one and all at all times.
A trans-historical disposition is evident in the Gita itself – in the words of both the seeker Arjuna and the seer Krishna. Arjuna is confronted by a confounding historical context: indecision at the start of a fratricidal world war. Yet despite the pressures of the situation, his merely question to Krishna (02.07) is not contextual but existential: not “What should I do now?” but “What is my dharma now?” Dharma, as we know, refers to time-independent principles and practices of living.
Krishna responds to Arjuna in not historical but existential terms. He doesn’t analyze the historical context to drive home the socio-political necessity of the war. In fact, a direct call to fight occurs in the whole Gita less than half a dozen times, with no reference at all in its last six chapters. It focuses unrelentingly on perennial existential questions of identity, activity and destiny. The dharmic worldview delineated in the Gita answers the deepest questions that underlie our very existence: “Who am I? What is life? What am I meant to live for?”
If we approach the Gita in the mood of an existential seeker, not a historical investigator, we will discover it to be an unending mine of jewels of ever-fresh wisdom.

Goodbye My Friend (Album of photos) Indradyumna Swami: Three…
→ Dandavats



Goodbye My Friend (Album of photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Three days ago I flew to Australia to pay my final respects and say goodbye to my godbrother, Venu Gopal dasa, who is dying of cancer. A senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada, Venu Gopal prabhu has been instrumental in pioneering the Krsna conscious movement in Australia since the early 1970’s. Each day a steady stream of devotees visit his home, situated near the beautiful New Govardhana farming community, to show their love and appreciation for this most wonderful devotee. Everyone remarks how fearless he is in the face of death and how jovial he remains despite the fact that he has only a couple of weeks to live. He is setting such a wonderful example for all of us. I brought him a very special gift from Vrindavan; a beautifully carved Tulasi necklace with numerous transcendental items contained in a box attached to it, including: the 700 verses of Bhagavad Gita, water from 1,108 kunds in Vrindavan, dust from many holy places in Vrindavan, the names of many great devotees of the Lord, remnants of clothes from the dresses of Radharani from all the prominent temples in Vrindavan, maha prasadam from Lord Jagannatha in Puri, clothes from Lord Jagannatha in Puri, the Chatur-slokas of Srimad Bhagavatam, dust from the forest of Naimisaranya and prayers in glorification of Srimati Radharani. The necklace was made by a famous devotee of the Lord who lives at Varsana. Venu Gopal prabhu was so happy to receive the gift. Venu, we’ll all miss you more than you’ll ever know ….

Find them here: https://goo.gl/xJwScF

Vaikunthanath: The Montreal temple was going very well, but we…
→ Dandavats



Vaikunthanath: The Montreal temple was going very well, but we always had a difficult time paying the monthly rent, and there was some danger that they would lose the temple at one point because they just didn’t have the rent money.
Prabhupada actually proposed the idea to me and Pradyumna that we should go out and meet people in the Indian community and explain to them that we are trying to establish this Radha-Krishna temple here and maintain this temple and that we would like their support and help.

Govinda’s Restaurant among top vegan food places in…
→ Dandavats



Govinda’s Restaurant among top vegan food places in London
Our restaurant, Govinda’s has been listed as one of the best vegan food places in London by London Evening Standard. If you haven’t tried it, check it out the next time you visit us.
“Tucked away in Soho Square, just around the corner from the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street, Hare Krishna restaurant Govinda’s is known for serving a wide range of delicious vegan curries. Its location makes it a pretty ideal lunch spot for shoppers in the area and the healthy, affordable menu is one to try out. 10 Soho Square, W1D 3DL​”
Source: https://goo.gl/qNxs4W

Sriman Kedarnath Dutta’s (Bhaktivinoda Thakur) Govt. Service records from 1866 – 1896
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Bhaktivedanta Research Centre

Sriman Kedarnath Dutta, later known as Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur (1834-1914), belonged to the kayastha community of Bengali intellectual gentry that lived during the Bengal Renaissance and attempted to revive key strands of Hindu tradition and practice. In his youth he spent much time researching and comparing various religious and philosophical systems, both Indian and Western, with a view of finding among them a comprehensive, authentic and intellectually satisfying path. He tackled the task of reconciling Western reason and tradition by exploring religion in its phenomenal and transcendent aspects, thus accommodating both modern critical analysis and the core tenets of Vaishnavism in his writings. KedarnathDutta's spiritual quest led him at the age of 29 to become a dedicated follower of Caitanya Mahaprabhu (1486–1533). He applied himself to a deep study and committed practice of the teachings of the Chaitanya school, soon emerging as a reputed leader within the Caitanya Vaishnava movement of Bengal. Continue reading "Sriman Kedarnath Dutta’s (Bhaktivinoda Thakur) Govt. Service records from 1866 – 1896
→ Dandavats"

NASN December 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 December 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 December 2017 – North American Sankirtan Newsletter
→ Dandavats"

Mayapur – Where every word is a song and every step a dance
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Purushottam Nitai Das

The stars are still smiling in the sky, the birds are still sleeping in their nests, the big trees and the small plants are curiously looking around enjoying the spectacle, the water in the nearby Ganges are resting peacefully, the cool breeze is singing shyly occasionally touching the sacred river gently and immediately racing to catch up with the devotees who are quickly walking towards the temple. Men, women, children walk briskly lest they miss the momentous opportunity. When clock calls 4:30 a.m., pujari blows the conchshell reverentially and opens the gigantic curtain hurriedly. Hundreds of devotees raise their arms in jubilation when Sri Sri Radha Madhav along with eight gopis and Panca Tattva appears to enjoy the celebration. Their looks are from the spiritual sky, they are always full of smile, their stunning glance give devotees immense joy. Continue reading "Mayapur – Where every word is a song and every step a dance
→ Dandavats"

Recordings – Australia, December 2017
→ KKSBlog

Please find below, audio recordings of lectures and kirtans by Kadamba Kanana Swami captured during December and January in Australia.

Download ALL (Zip file, 2.4 GB)

KKS_Australia_07Jan2018_Brisbane_Programme_QandA

KKS_Australia_07Jan2018_Brisbane_Programme_Kirtan

KKS_Australia_07Jan2018_Brisbane_Lecture_SB_1.7.20

KKS_Australia_07Jan2018_Brisbane_Programme_at_Govindas_Short_Lecture

KKS_Australia_07Jan2018_Brisbane_Programme_at_Govindas_Kirtan

KKS_Australia_04Jan2018_New_Govardhana_CC_Anta_Lila_7.4

KKS_Australia_03Jan2018_New_Govardhana_SB_1.2.15

KKS_Australia_02Jan2018_New_Govardhana_SB_1.2.14

KKS_Australia_02Jan2018_Home_Programme_Lecture

KKS_Australia_02Jan2018_Home_Programme_Kirtan

KKS_Australia_30Dec2017_Gold_Coast_Bhakti_Centre_Lecture_BG_8.20

KKS_Australia_29Dec2017_New_Govardhana_Krsna_Village_Kirtan

KKS_Australia_28Dec2017_New_Govardhana_SB_1.2.10-12

KKS_Australia_28Dec2017_New_Govardhana_Krsna_Village_Lecture

KKS_Australia_28Dec2017_New_Govardhana_Krsna_Village_Kirtan

KKS_Australia_26Dec2017_Sydney_Programme_at_Govindas_Ashram_Kirtan

KKS_Australia_26Dec2017_Govinda_Valley _Initiation_Lecture

KKS_Australia_25Dec2017_Govinda_Valley _Kirtan

KKS_Australia_24Dec2017_Sydney_Lecture_BG_1.1

KKS_Australia_24Dec2017_Sydney_Kirtan_1

KKS_Australia_24Dec2017_Sydney_Kirtan_2

KKS_Australia_24Dec2017_Sydney_Kirtan_3

Saturday, January 13th, 2018
→ The Walking Monk

Vaughn, Ontario

Application of Our Faculties

As Doctor prescribed, I need to relax those legs, apply the Ayurvedic oil and take digestive aid in capsules (organic).  “With that, you’ll get better.”  And so I’ve been complying.

In the meantime things must go on.  Correspondence.  Counselling.  Planning.  Leading a chanting session before a crowd in Vaughn.  Also, there was an appreciation lunch for the cast of “Many Mothers, Many Fathers.”  We watched a video of the January 1st performance.  Not bad.  A one camera angle shooting doesn’t do justice but we thank Sati for putting it together.  We see the embellishments that the play carries, and many saw where there is need for fine tuning.

For the pleasure of guru and God, one puts their best effort forward and keeps striving for excellence.  Endeavouring toward improvement keeps a person alive, otherwise you are facing dry routine.  It’s a matter of application of the heart that brings us beyond the mechanics.

When leading the chant at the large home of one particularly sizeable and extended family, we asked participants to use their voice, hands, heart and smile.  That combination of our faculties seems to work.

We also applied leg power—dance—and got the crowd to form circles of fun.  After all it was Saturday and you’re supposed to have a fever—“Saturday Night Fever,” is how the Toronto Star described our ecstatic dance procedures at the Sunday Love Feast back in the early 80s.  A John Travolta film, if I'm not mistaken.

May the Source be with you!

1 km