Websites from the ISKCON Universe
By Sadbhuja Das I would like to present our quarterly report of the different construction activities of the TOVP. We have now commenced the super structures on the main dome. In this video you can see the devotees and the workers are lifting the superstructure stainless steel parts for the domes and much more. Continue reading "TOVP Report – 3 Month Marathon
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Today’s Govardhana parikrama on the last day of Karthik (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “In Dvapara-yuga one could satisfy Krishna or Visnu only by worshiping Him gorgeously according to the pancaratriki system, but in the Age of Kali one can satisfy and worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead Hari simply by chanting the holy name.” (Narayana-samhita)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/9U6zSY
TOVP Australia-NZ-Fiji Tour.
Ananda Tirtha das: Dear Devotees,
As you may know, HG Jananivasa Prabhu along with Brajavilasa Prabhu will be conducting a ToVP fundraising tour of Australia, New Zealand and Fiji this November:
6-7th Perth
8th Adelaide
9-13th Melbourne
14-20th Sydney
20th New Govardhan
21st Brisbane
22-23rd Auckland
24th Lautoka (Fiji)
25th Sigatoka
26th Suva
27th Sydney
28th Melbourne
30th return to Kolkata
Please spread the word! A promotional video is here:
https://www.facebook.com/tovp.mayapur/videos/1507483779332167/
Jananivasa Prabhu will leave at 5:30 am from the senior Brahmacari asrama if anybody wishes to see him off… .
By Radheshyam Dasa The Vaikuntha residents while travelling in their Airplanes condemn the fragrance of Madhavi flowers in ponds, which indicates that they don’t care for insignificant sense gratification in comparison to the joy they derive in Lord’s service. The only desire the Vaikuntha-vasis have in their hearts is eternal loving service to Lord and nothing else. They have no desire even for Mukti, what to speak of Bhukti or Siddhi. Such purity of desire renders one’s heart clean, fit and offerable to Supreme Lord. Continue reading "The Kingdom of God
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“I am most pleased especially to hear that you are distributing many books. Go on increasing books, and go on increasing my pleasure.” Letter to Giriraja -- Bombay 28 December, 1971 
Visiting the Radha Kalachandji Hare Krishna Temple in Dallas! (11 min video)
Hunter Salazar: I visited the Radha Kalachandji Hare Krishna Temple in Dallas Texas and I was very impressed! It’s been around a while so it is well established with a diverse community, vegetarian restaurant, and beautiful temple space dedicated to many Forms of God! Especially focusing on Rama and Krishna of course. In this video, I share pictures and video I took while I was there and add my own thoughts on this temple!
Thank you for your time and please visit this temple if you are ever in the Dallas area!
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/ep9DB5
The post Daily Darshan: November 04,2017 appeared first on Mayapur.com.
On February 7th, 2018 the Chakras for Sri Sri Radha Madhava’s and Lord Nrsimhadeva’s domes on the TOVP will be installed with a Grand Abhisheka Ceremony and Maha Sudarshana Yajna.
All devotees are invited to come to Mayapur to attend. You can also help by sponsoring a Chakra abhisheka in your name. Read more here: https://tovp.org/donate/once-in-a-lifetime-chakra-abhisheka-seva-opportunity/
The post Chakra Installation Trailer – A Once In A Lifetime Opportunity appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
[Talk at Phoenix, USA]
Podcast
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Answer Podcast
The post How do we overcome ambiguity about going ahead in a relationship? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
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!
The marriage of Tulsi with Vishnu/Krishna resembles a traditional wedding. The marriage ceremony is conducted at homes and temples where a fast is observed on the Tulsi Vivaha day until evening when the ceremony begins.
The bride, Tulsi, is clothed with a sari and ornaments including earrings and necklaces. The groom is a murti or picture of Vishnu or Krishna or more frequently a Salagram-sila, who is clothed in a dhoti.
Both Vishnu and Tulsi are bathed and decorated with flowers and garlands before the wedding.
Audio Podcast :
Video :
The post Prabhupada life-story 12 – Through serious difficulties to serious seekers appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
A video by Jay Shetty.
As thousands gathered for the Diwali fireworks at Bhaktivedanta Manor, the temple leaders and a host of community and political leaders, took to the stage to launch the Nainika Tikoo Memorial Trust’s allergy awareness campaign for places of worship.
New Orleans is known for its seafood and meat dishes, but the Good Karma Café – only the city’s second vegan eatery – is giving people a taste for prasadam, and could change hearts in the process.
Miracles are frequently associated with God, whereas science is usually not associated with him. Science, especially when it adopts methodological naturalism, seeks natural explanations for natural phenomena, leaving God out of the explanatory framework.
On the full moon night in the autumn season, during Krishna’s eighth year, He enacted His Rasa-lila pastimes with the beautiful young gopis of Vraja. This sweet pastime is celebrated every year by the devotees of Lord Krishna on the Rasa Purnima day, which is also the last day of the Kartik month.
The training was held in October 28th and 29th, 2017, and twenty two devotees from China, Portugal, Qatar, Nepal, Italy and various parts of India participated.
ISKCON Pakistan celebrated Diwali with a 2-day "ISKCON Diwali Gala Festival" in Karachi. Among many dignitaries, he event was attended by Mohammad Zubair Umar Governor of Sindh. During the 2-day festivities Bhagavad-gitas, chanting beads and delicious feast was distributed to the over 2,000 people in attendance.
Cc Antya 17-19.
And Reene ask if its OK to chant the maha-mantra Hare Rama Hare Rama etc.
anganam anganam antara madhavo madhavam madhavam cantarenanganah ittham akalpite mandale madhya-gah sanjagau venuna devaki-nandanah “Lord Madhava was situated between each pair of gopis, and a gopi was situated between each pair of His manifestations. And Sri Krishna, the son of Devaki also appeared in the middle of the circle, playing upon His flute and singing.” […]
The post Sri Krishna Rasa Yatra appeared first on Mayapur.com.
The post Daily Darshan: November 03,2017 appeared first on Mayapur.com.
By MCO Staff On the full moon night in the autumn season, during Krishna’s eighth year, He enacted His Rasa-lila pastimes with the beautiful young gopis of Vraja. This sweet pastime is celebrated every year by the devotees of Lord Krishna on the Rasa Purnima day, which is also the last day of the Kartik month. In Bengal, many people celebrate this day by going on pilgrimage to holy places. On this day, almost two-hundred thousand pilgrims come to Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir to take part in all the festivities. Continue reading "Sri Krishna Rasa Yatra
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International Devotee and Guest Care (IDGC)- Gada Bhavan, Mayapur.
Hare Krsna
Please accept my humble obeisances
All ...
Govardhana parikrama! (Album with photos)
Bhakti Caitanya Swami: On the 31st we did half a Govardhana parikrama, stopping at so many sacred places on the way and talking about them. We started at 7 in the morning, and returned to our ashrams at 5 in the evening. It was a wonderful day. Govardhana is so rich in transcendental lilas that it’s a shame to rush through it in just one day. There is another section of photos of this part of the parikrama, which we have just put up also. View at full screen.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/YVGG6U
Tulasi Shaligram Vivah 2017 at Vrindakund (Album with photos)
Deena Bandhu Das: On Wednesday, we celebrated the Sacred Marriag…
Kusam Sarovara and Radha Kunda (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Yesterday we visited several of the most beautiful trans...
CALI, Colombia, Halloween - Harinam 2017 (Album with photos)
Big friendly crowd of revelers, mostly bored until Harinam Ruci Ha...
Report on Bhakti Vriksha Seminar in Mayapur (28th-29th October 2017)
Nityanand Ashraya Das: Congregational Development Ministry (CDM) Mayapur had organized a 2 Day workshop entitled “Bhakti Vriksha Hands-on Training” for the leaders from all over the world between 28th-29th October 2017. Around 22 devotees from China, Portugal, Qatar, Nepal, Italy and various parts of India participated in this workshop. This workshop was facilitated by Nityanand Ashraya Prabhu from ISKCON Punjabi Bagh, Delhi.
In the workshop, Nityanand Ashraya Prabhu thoroughly discussed on preaching techniques in Bhakti Vriksha, pitfalls in delivering lessons and their solutions, interactive ways of learning and much much more….
At the end, devotees from all over the world shared their experiences in their field of preaching through Bhakti Vriksha.
Class about the Bhagavad-gita by H.H.Kadamba Kanana Swami in Iskcon - Vrindavan, 31.10.2017 (video)
Watch it here: Read More...
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Answer Podcast
The post Why do people who live religiously suffer terribly? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
By Madhava Smullen for ISKCON New Vrindaban Communications
Ratha Yatra Parade in Wheeling Downtown.
At the second annual Rathayatra in Wheeling, West Virginia – New Vrindaban’s neighboring city – on July 8th, over two-and-a-half thousand locals delighted in Lord Jagannath’s parade. When interviewed they said they loved the energy, prasadam, trying out japa meditation, and the family-friendly activities.
INV Communications director, Vrindavan das, Mayor of Wheeling, Glenn Elliott, WV House of Delegates, Erikka Storch, and Mayor of Moundsville, Eugene Saunders.
Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliot spoke at the event, saying he was honored New Vrindaban had chosen Wheeling for the Festival and praising the diversity it brought to the community; Congresswoman Erikka Storch thanked devotees for sharing their culture and tradition. Meanwhile two local TV stations previewed and covered the event along with four local newspapers, including a glowing front page article.
This was an ocean away from the response to New Vrindaban devotees just a few years ago. Even recently, the national press were still dredging up past transgressions in every article; and some locals would yell at devotees to leave town when they went shopping.
But with resolution to the past crimes and scandalous behaviors, accompanied by a genuine effort from devotees to connect with their neighbors and build relationships, attitudes have gradually been changing.
Strides have been made particularly since former Bhaktivedanta College Director Jaya Krsna Das became ISKCON New Vrindaban president in 2011.
When asked during a local TV interview about New Vrindaban’s history of child abuse and other crimes, his communications director Vrindavan Das acknowledged it head on and accepted that New Vrindaban had deserved much of its negative reputation over the years.
At the same time, he said, devotees had learned from their mistakes; were now following the laws of the land; had a zero tolerance policy for child abuse; and were being better neighbors and members of their community.
With efforts like this interview, trust began to develop as the press saw devotees’ sincerity. Vrindavan Das worked hard to develop personal relationships with reporters and news directors. Gradually, the press began to approach devotees in New Vrindaban for stories.
Today, nearly every one of the community’s major events receives a positive article in at least one local newspaper, sometimes four or five; with a few front page stories a year. The Pittsburgh Post Gazette, a major regional newspaper with over 300,000 readers ran three stories about New Vrindaban this year. And local CBS and NBC affiliates run positive coverage of many events.
Along with the more positive press, devotees are starting to be seen less as weirdo recluses and more as valuable contributors to society. When the City of Wheeling invited different religious organizations to tackle social issues like drug addiction, for instance, they included amongst their speakers devotees such as Vrindavan Das, who suggested Krishna conscious solutions.
It’s a move toward Srila Prabhupada’s vision of New Vrindaban as a center for spiritual education. So too is is the increase in invitations devotees regularly get from professors to give lectures on Krishna conscious lifestyle and philosophy at local institutions such as Bethany College. Student groups from Ohio State University, Carnegie Mellon University, West Virginia University, Wheeling Jesuit University, West Liberty University and more regularly visit New Vrindaban for field trips.
Prabhupada also put a lot of emphasis on reaching the leaders of society. Trying to follow in his footsteps, New Vrindaban devotees have begun to build relationships with the local governor, tourism commissioner and US Senator. And next spring, many politicians and other leaders are expected to attend a VIP event for New Vrindaban’s 50th anniversary.
But perhaps nowhere is the change in attitudes more evident than amongst New Vrindaban’s neighbors. Whereas before there was mutual distrust and judgement, devotees have gone a long way towards healing relationships with the public by getting involved in their community, making friends, developing a more humble attitude and reaching out through festivals.
Festival of Colors, launched in 2012, leads these. Drawing several thousand people from neighboring areas like Wheeling and Moundsville WV, Washington PA, and St. Clairsville OH for a day of Mantra Music and color throwing, it’s growing every year.
“At first, mainly youth unfamiliar with New Vrindaban’s past came,” says Vrindavan. “But over the last two or three years, a lot of family people who have lived in the area for 30 or 40 years have started attending too, showing that we’ve started building up their trust again. Now many know us as the fun, peace-loving, colorful people.”
An open-house inviting all New Vrindaban’s neighbors for its 50th anniversary should go even further to building that trusting, mutually appreciative relationship.
Meanwhile, relationship-building has also affected tourism. Devotees are now on the board of the Marshall County Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB); Vrindavan Das serves as its vice president; and Prabhupada’s Palace is seen as one of the four main attractions in the county.
This official standing comes with a lot of benefits. All marketing costs are covered by the State’s tourism budget. This includes free ads in the State Travel Guide and county tourism office, and displays and brochures in two highway welcome centers on the West Virginia State border.
In addition the other three main attractions in the county – Grand Vue Park, Grave Creek Mound and West Virginia Penitentiary – also all recommend New Vrindaban to their visitors.
The result is that the number of tourists, pilgrims and visitors has considerably increased in the last few years.
What’s more, New Vrindaban recently hosted the bi-monthly West Virginia Regional Tourism Meeting for the second time on June 21st this year, with 23 representatives from five surrounding counties.
After their meeting the representatives all took a tour of Sri Sri Radha Vrindaban Chandra’s Temple, Prabhupada’s Palace, and the goshala, and asked many questions about Krishna conscious philosophy and lifestyle.
“It’s definitely got to the point where people now feel that we are part of the greater community, and that we contribute substantially,” Vrindavan says.
He adds: “Srila Prabhupada envisioned New Vrindaban as a place of pilgrimage for all. So having good relationships with our neighbors is important – it creates trust and appreciation.”
He encourages devotees at other ISKCON temples around the world to also reach out to their local officials, send press releases to the media about special events, and connect with neighbors.
“Srila Prabhupada’s transcendental movement is for everyone – so share it,” he says. “Reach out and tell people how you plan to contribute to your community and help make your country a better place.”
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