Tulsi Salagrama Vivaha
→ Ramai Swami

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.

Gita Jayanti – Wednesday, Nov 29, 2017
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

On Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at 6pm, the auspicious festival of Gita Jayanti will be celebrated at the Toronto Hare Krishna Temple. Gita Jayanti marks when Lord Krishna expressed the truth of life and the philosophy of the Bhagavad-Gita to his student, Arjuna.

The Bhagavad-gita continues to be one of the world's most popular and inspiring books, covering topics such as the immortality of the self, the origin of all existence, how to remain peaceful in the most trying circumstances, and the relationship between us and God.

To celebrate Gita Jayanti, we will be reading the entire Bhagavad-Gita during the festivities.  We will alternate between reading Sanskrit and English chapters.We warmly invite you and your family to come join us for this very special festival on Wednesday, November 29, 2017.

Schedule:

6:00pm - 8:30pm: Recitation of the Bhagavad Gita
8:30pm : Vegetarian Feast

Sri Krishna Rasa Yatra
→ ISKCON News

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.

Tuesday, October 31st, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Oakville, Ontario

On Halloween

I picked up a pair of new shoes, Ky boots, compliments of Jagannatha Misra.  To acquire them, I took to the GO commuter train.  When going to the ticket wicket, I asked for a Senior’s Day Pass, my first time at taking advantage of reaching 65.  There was some disbelief that I was that age.  The ticket seller doubted.  I reached for my passport, but before I was able to pull it out, she said, “No! No! It’s okay!”

Thanks for the compliment, I thought.

There was also uncertainty in the looks of the passengers on the train, whether I was in Hallowe’en costume or not.  Half of them were in some kind of unique apparel.  When exiting the train, I asked a young man for directions.  I don’t normally use the train, and Union Station, to me, is a big and crazy network of people going every which way.

I received good pointers on where to go, and after that, the fellow asked, “By the way, are you an actual…?”

“Yes, I’m the real thing—a Hare Krishna monk.”

“Cause I was just in Tibet.”

“Our order is rooted in India where it all started–the notion of devotion.”

Grateful, he was happy to have met a monastic person.  I was happy to meet him, a new person, a new contact, perhaps, a new spiritual seeker, perhaps, otherwise why would he go to Tibet and widen his eyes at the mere appearance of a monk.  Well, let’s say I’m trying to be.  I feel as long as I’m regulating my life in abstinence with no meat diet, no gambling, and no substance abuse, while trying to do a meagre service, I’m in, somehow.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Monday, October 30th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

St. John’s, Newfoundland

Last Day in Newfoundland

It’s been good being with the Newfoundlanders.  We made awesome contacts with Brad, Josh and Justin who are local.  Paul is from Grand Prairie, and grew up there in a Hutterite community, most of his life.  Tinu is from Kerala, India, born Christian and now exploring a similar consciousness—more expanding perhaps.  It’s all good!

There’s the people and then there’s ‘the rock’ itself—the Island.

Hayagriva, Marshall and I trekked to the edge of the continent.  Cape Spear is the name.  It’s a spot I'm also familiar with.  It’s the ideal spot for marathon-anything, as a starting point. https://instagram.com/p/Ba7iYTZlfSy/

Incidentally, I'm not off on a major walk anywhere real soon—just little jaunts here and there.

We met Michael, a local, and a young woman from Scotland, who’s researching the frequent mishaps of whales entangled in fishing nets.  On her list of places are California, Vancouver, Cape Cod and now, Newfoundland.

We shared our brunch with the two, up at the peak by the lighthouse.  The Cape does attract tourists.  Everyone seems to capture a very good vibe from the place.  And much to our luck, there was hardly a breeze.  It does get frightfully cold at times.  When I came up here in 2002 with the film crew of the  documentary, “The Longest Road”, they wanted my hands in pranamsto the ocean and elements.  They took so many takes with the camera and me chanting mantras.  It was so frigid.  I swear those exposed hands felt like they were just going to drop off.

Our happy ending in the St. John’s area was here.  We chanted to the whales.

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Sri Krishna Rasa Yatra
→ Mayapur.com

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.

Sri Krishna Rasa Yatra
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy 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
→ Dandavats"

Govardhana parikrama! (Album with photos) Bhakti Caitanya…
→ Dandavats



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)…

Tulasi Shaligram Vivah 2017 at Vrindakund (Album with photos)
Deena Bandhu Das: On Wednesday, we celebrated the Sacred Marriag…

Report on Bhakti Vriksha Seminar in Mayapur (28th-29th October…
→ Dandavats



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.

ISKCON New Vrindaban Takes Steps to Rebuild Local Relationships
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

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.”

A new look for KKSBlog in 2017
→ KKSBlog

It took us almost a whole week to give KKSBlog a makeover. And that is excluding the planning that happened beforehand. But we think the end result was worth it! We hope you like the new feel & look which, in turn,  should work even better on mobile devices. Please visit www.kksblog.com to check it out yourself.

What changed?

The main theme (layout) was changed plus the color scheme. We introduced fresh colours like green and dark blue to offer good contrast between main design elements like buttons, navigation and headers. A lot of effort was put into matching the design and colours to make it a good looking but also readable website.

The homepage was completely redesigned and so was the main navigation menu. The new menu should make it even more quicker to find what you are looking for. And the sidebar was removed to make viewing content on a mobile device more clear. We hope you like the new look and don’t hesitate to let us know when something isn’t working!

Support KKSBlog

If you enjoy KKSBlog, receive our newsletter or follow us on Facebook and Twitter then you can show your appreciation by supporting us. Visit the online store and support by buying, or send us a donation directly. Go to our Support Us page for more info.

When chanting, should we just hear the holy name or try to focus the mind on Krishna’s lotus feet?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post When chanting, should we just hear the holy name or try to focus the mind on Krishna’s lotus feet? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

What is the relationship between science and atheism?

Answer Podcast

The post What is the relationship between science and atheism? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

The four regulative principles. Bhakta Derek who studies at San…

The four regulative principles.
Bhakta Derek who studies at San Jose State University in California joined me for book distribution. Derek was talking to one of the professors who came to the table, the professor mentioned that he tried to meditate but it is very difficult. Derek responded back in a gentle yet firm way. He said, “If one lives a pure life of no meat eating, no gambling, no intoxication and no illicit sex, then one’s meditation is thousand times easier.” The Professor was deeply impressed by his response and he immediately took the book and gave a good donation.
Your servant,
Madhava Govinda Das