Community by Design
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Danakeli dasi

Srila Prabhupada wanted us to show by example how to become freed from dependency on city life and satisfied with the village idea. “ But we are not going to develop a competitive farming enterprise for making money. The basic principle is to become independent of artificial city life ...Gandhi had this idea, the one defect was that there was no Krishna in the center. So the same idea of village organization , but keeping Krishna in the center should be introduced on our farm projects . ” Continue reading "Community by Design
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TOVP Australasia Tour Report
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Hare KrishnaBy TOVP staff

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. Continue reading "TOVP Australasia Tour Report
→ Dandavats"

Celebrities and the media along with the public, in India, thrilled by the “Hare Krishna!” film
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Hare KrishnaBy Yadubara das

Actors Namitha and Veera reviews. Financial Express article. Bhanu Swami interview. Yadubara das⁩ interview with Hrishi K on radio one. Urban Asia interview. IANS Review. Movie Talkies Review. Vivek Bindra, a well known motivational speaker, talks about movies then HARE KRISHNA! Continue reading "Celebrities and the media along with the public, in India, thrilled by the “Hare Krishna!” film
→ Dandavats"

ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 12/03/2017
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

 

ECO-Vrindaban New Vrindaban ISKCON cows gardens Prabhupada

ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 12/03/2017

Mission Statement: ECO-Vrindaban promotes simple living, cow protection, engaging oxen, local agriculture, and above all, loving Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON New Vrindaban.

Participating Directors: Anuttama, Chaitanya Mangala (chair), Kripamaya, Ranaka, and Vraja.

Participating Advisors: Bhima, Jamuna Jivani (secretary), Jaya Krsna, Kalakantha (partial attendance), and Makara.

1. Ranaka’s Monthly Report

  • Five cows are being milked by Ananda Vidya & Lalita Gopi at the Temple Barn: Jamuna, Surabhi, Parvati, Laxmi, and Sita. Milk production is approximately 17 gallons per day.
  • Asha has been retired from the milk herd and is now residing at the Valley Barn.
  • Malati returned to the Temple Barn and is due very soon.
  • Sriya and Anjali are both due in February. Subhadra has been confirmed pregnant and is due at the end of May.
  • There are two heifers residing at the Temple Barn: three-month old Lalita, and 11-month-old Vamsika.
  • Jaya Radhe has been moved to Nandagram for breeding with Madhu. Also, Usha is currently residing with Madhu.
  • Ananda Vidya continues to process approximately 15 lbs. of butter, 15 gallons of yogurt, and a half gallon of ghee on a weekly basis, and delivers them to the temple kitchen.
  • The Temple Barn had many guests over Thanksgiving, including Anuradha’s friends who volunteered during an evening milking. Also, Lilasuka and her extended family came for an evening milking.
  • Bhaktin Andrea has been coming every night to help with milking, as has Bhakta Kyle on occasion.
  • Ray completed the work on Dharma the bull’s outside pen expansion project at the Valley Barn. Dharma is content in his new outside space.
  • Ray replaced all of the old fluorescent bulbs and fixtures in the new vegetable processing room with LED lighting which is low-maintenance and energy efficient. In addition, he ran conduit and installed two electrical outlets, one of which services the new freezer.
  • Ray, with Robert’s help, replaced the old deck on the front entrance of Gopal’s Garden. With the help of Brikasanga, he is replacing the siding around the front entrance to the school building.
  • Ray will be handling repairs at the greenhouses at Vidya’s and at Nandagram this month.
  • Caitanya Bhagavat has settled into a winter program of working with Hari Chand in the ox program for one hour each morning, and caring for the Nandagram herd.
  • Suchandra cleaned out all the beds at the Teaching Garden and prepared them for winter by working them up and covering them with compost. Also, she finished planting 400 lily bulbs there. She will finish clearing the beds and digging out the dahlia bulbs at Vidya’s this month.
  • Robert cleared the beds at the Community Garden and readied them for next year.
  • In discussions with Robert, he shared that does not want to take on the responsibility of overseeing the vegetable gardens for 2018. That means ECO-V is still searching for a garden manager for the upcoming season.
  • 2017 Total Garden Yields

Produce delivered to the Temple Kitchen (does not include Freezer Stock):

  • Green beans – 336 lbs.
  • Cucumbers – 20 lbs.
  • Bitter melon – 30 lbs.
  • Summer and patty pan squash – 166 lbs.
  • Zucchini squash – 117 lbs.
  • Winter squash – 15 lbs.
  • Swiss chard – 78 lbs.
  • Basil – 7.5 lbs.
  • Kale – 23 lbs.
  • Lettuce – 8 lbs.
  • Carrots – 36 lbs.
  • Heirloom tomatoes – 122 lbs.
  • Roma tomatoes – 80 lbs.
  • Cherry tomatoes – 42 lbs.
  • Apples – 81 lbs.
  • Plums – 25 lbs.
  • Strawberries – 50 lbs.
  • Blackberries – 5 lbs.
  • Potatoes – 600 lbs.

Freezer Stock:

  • Green Beans – 54 gallons
  • Tomatoes – 33 gallons

Flowers:

  • Big marigolds – 27,000
  • Small marigolds – 25,000
  • Lilies – 525
  • Dahlias – 760
  • Zinnias – 1,500
  • Sunflowers – 575
  • Gladiolus – 75

2. Restructuring ECO-V

The Board explored ways we can encourage more people to get involved with ECO-V. Strategies suggested included:

  • Improve outreach to the local community
  • Connect with people from the WVU College of Agriculture
  • Build relationships with people from Grow Ohio Valley
  • Review wages offered
  • Continue to search within the broader community of devotees while making internal improvements within ECO-V and New Vrindaban in general
  • Attract WWOOFers – Start by offering room and board, then work to eventually be able to offer paid positions and offer training. Look for interpersonal skills within the existing staff to run such a program.
  • Look at possible interfaith connections
  • Reassess past experiences, consider how to highlight the uniqueness of the opportunities ECO-V and New Vrindaban have offer, and revise our methods of recruitment until we find the right people

3. Village Governance vs. Non-Profit Management

Chaitanya Mangala spoke in regards to the need to identify the differences between a village governance and non-profit management, and also to develop language that helps differentiate between the two so the New Vrindaban residents & well-wishers can continue to develop & evolve a proper “self-governing village.”

4. Board & Advisor Application

The Board discussed the possibility of adopting an application recently developed by INV for director and advisor positions and also to explore other ways of increasing involvement with ECO-V. Chaitanya Mangala will share the INV application so it can be considered at the next meeting.

For regular updates please visit and like the ECO-V Facebook page.

All sorts
→ KKSBlog

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

I remember going door-to-door on book distribution and it was all okay until I came to this one house. The door opened and there was a monster – a huge guy, all leather clad, looking like an enormous Hells Angel. In those days, there were many of them.

I was thinking and I started to pray to Lord Nrsimhadeva, “Oh my god, how do I get out of here quietly?” but it was too late and the guy said, “What do you want?”

I go like, (high-pitched soft voice) “Book.”

He says, “Oh, how much?”

I said, “Twenty-five.”

He gave me twenty-five, took the book and said, “Get outta here!”

It is amazing. Sometimes you cannot believe who takes a book. You cannot calculate. You sort of try to figure out who is the one, who is the devotee? You look around the crowd and see one who has a nice smile but he says, “Not interested. No, thank you.”

A man in Boston said to me when I approached, “You cannot speak to me! We have not been introduced.” (laughter) I replied, “Please allow me to introduce myself.”

There are all kinds of people – nice people, crazy people, cold people, arrogant people, destitute people… People that just say that they have no money and people that really have no money. And there are also people that have no money but seem to be so nice that you give them a book for free.

Some book distributors, young men, specialise in young girls. They target only young girls. “Hi…” Blink, blink, blink! “Hi, how are you?” Anyway, those book distributors instead of carrying books; soon they will be carrying babies (laughter). What can we say? That is going on also.

When distributing books, one has to have a sense of being an instrument of the Lord and understand that the mercy is available to all…

Thursday, December 14th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Winnipeg, Manitoba

Winterpeg, Manisnowbha


I looked out the window of Vishal’s home only to find a whiteness which has awakened a stillness.  It’s beautiful really.  Shanti!  There is peace.  Tranquility!  Tranquility of mind.

I don’t mind winter and it is usually full-blown here in Winnipeg.  One devotee from Kazakstan, who drove me to the airport, expressed, “It’s actually pleasant out today—only about -14° Celsius.”

Yes, that’s true, I thought.  Winter, especially in Winnipeg, is indeed ‘epitomized harshness’ so far as weather is concerned.  And December is that time of great reflection.  Walking by the Red or Assiniboine Rivers are ideal locations for this kind of reflection or introspection.

I tend to remember the image of the iconic two—Krishna and Arjuna—poised as teacher and student.  It was at this time of year that the dissemination of wisdom by Sri Krishna took place.  Arjuna possessed a mind of turbulence.  Krishna was calmness personified.  The weak required the strong.  Weakness is something to keep in check.

I’m especially excited to see Krishna charging with His horses, headed toward the enemy—the enemy ultimately referring to vice.  Lust, anger and greed are the vices identified.  This is the image I see in my mind’s eye after hearing the description in the Bhagavad-gita of Krishna and Arjuna setting out to task, to duty.

And when the opportunity arises to glance at the Gita’s cover depicting the two just before the charge, when Arjuna is at his lowest point, it beckons me to enter into the mysteries of life.

So, Winnipeg—your snow conjures up good thoughts.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

Wednesday, December 13th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Winnipeg, Manitoba

What We Do Have

We have no temple or official centre for Krishna Consciousness, in Winnipeg, of substantial size as of yet.  Operations at 108 Chestnut Street have been running successfully under the careful guidance from Vrinda’s home for some time, and have more recently shifted to an area of St. Vital’s where a group of young couples reside.  They call this group the’Bhakti Village’ and I'm so proud of them for conducting courses in devotional education.  I'm confident we’ll see a steady growth and progression.  May speed be a reality.  Blessings!  Thank you Vrinda for being the teacher.

One of the younger householders, Vishal, and his wife, Ankeet, are hosting me.  As part of starting operations I thought to approach Vishal and say, “I have a quota of kilometres to walk.  Can you join me for an outside experience?”

Vishal is from India and is somewhat apprehensive about the Winnipeg ‘winter wonderland’.  “Let’s go!” he said, putting faith in the swami.  I made no conditions and put no time limits until well into the walk.  All went fine.  I then suggested one and a half hours.  It was a little more than he had in mind.  We just kept going, exploring streets and trails.  Twenty minutes became thirty, forty.  We were climbing with time.

“Okay,” I said when we reached the Hindu Temple at St. Ann’s, “What time are we looking at now?”  We were now well past the halfway point where we had needed to  turn around.  When we reached the finish point, his home, it was exactly 1.5 hours later.  Our chanting and chatting had caused time to fly.  What an achievement, Vishal!

We achieved a fine distance despite winter weariness.  We also came together as a larger group to discuss the power of devotion in the form of chanting.  Just ask Yamaraja!  From the Bhagavatam, Canto 6, he glorifies and gives a boost to chanting.

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Concern and Prayers
Giriraj Swami

I have been moved by the many devotees who have written me expressing their concern about the wildfires in the Carpinteria area and informing me of their prayers for me and the other residents. Your concern and prayers mean much to me, and I feel obliged to you all and offer you my heartfelt thanks. Your care is much appreciated, and you all are very dear to me.

Hare Krishna.

Your grateful servant,
Giriraj Swami

 

Govardhan Retreat 2017
→ ISKCON News

In the sublime atmosphere of Giriraja Govardhana, devotees immersed themselves in the magical world of Krishna’s pastimes in the association of Sacinandana Swami, Bhurijana Das, Jagattarini Dasi, Madhavananda Das and Adi Purusha Das during the annual VIHE Govardhana Retreat.

There are techniques
→ KKSBlog

(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.

TOVP Australasia Tour Report
- TOVP.org

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.

Perth, Australia November 7th $270,000
Adelaide, Australia November 8th $165,000
Melbourne, Australia November 11t $500,000
Sydney, Australia November 18t $165,000
New Govardhana Farm November 20th $85,000
Brisbane, Australia November 21st $350,000
Auckland, New Zealand November 23rd $300,000
Nadi, Fiji November 24th $30,000
Lautoka, Fiji November 24th $130,000
Sigatoka, Fiji November 25th $35,000
Suva, Fiji November 26th $650,000
Naosori, Fiji November 26th $220,000

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.

Sunday Love Feast – Dec 17th, 2017 – Vedic Discourse by HG Radha Gopinath Prabhu
→ ISKCON Brampton



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.

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)…
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“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