Planet ISKCON

Dear Devotees, friends and well-wishers,
Here is the most recent update on Agnideva Prabhu:
By Krsna’s mercy he is doing much better. Wednesday was the first day he ate several times. They were tiny portions, but more than previous days. He is very conscious, aware and cognizant and speaks a lot about Lord Nityananda’s mercy. Yesterday, using a walker bar as support, he stood up and moved his feet forward and backward 10 times. This is significant progress because only last week he was on a ventilator with a collapsed lung and fluid in both lungs. He has a long slow road to recovery but doctors feel he will make progress. Now he gets a nutritional drip only at night and during the day has a protein shake prescribed by a nutritionist in addition to light prasadam.
Now that his respiratory system is stabilized and his digestive, urinary and neurological functions are working doctors performed an ultrasound to check on the faulty Mitral Valve in the heart. The results confirmed that the irregularity of the regulating valve flaps makes Agnideva prabhu very prone to heart failure. His Cardio-Thoracic surgeon recommended surgery to replace this valve and commented that such surgery is urgent. Australia has world class facilities and are leaders in minimal invasive surgery. Agnideva prabhu understands what needs to be done and he and his family have decided to proceed with the doctor’s recommendations.
An angiogram was done today to eliminate any possible complications in the surgery. Unfortunately, a chest CT scan showed Agnideva prabhu has pneumonia in the lower lungs. The doctors are giving him strong antibiotics. Tonight he did not eat as he was nauseous.
Close to bedtime, as a devotee chanted Nrsimhadeva prayers, Agnideva prabhu’s eyes widened and he chanted along with gusto.
Please keep him in your prayers as the doctors perform the medical procedures mentioned above.
Thank you everyone for your donations and prayers!
Your Servant,
Indradyumna Swami

By the GBC-Brooklyn Temple Sale Committee

ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission has appointed a new GBC authority for the Greater New York Area. At the GBC Midterm Meeting in Ujjain (U.P.), India on Oct. 9, the GBC Body added Radhanath Maharaja, Devamrita Maharaja and Vaisesika Prabhu as co-GBC members for the Greater New York Area. The new GBC team intends to help stop the pending sale of the Radha Govinda temple in Brooklyn, prevent the temple from being pulled out of ISKCON, and give new life to the Krishna consciousness movement in New York. Further discussions about ISKCON in the Greater New York Area are expected in February at the GBC’s annual general meeting in Mayapur. Continue reading "New GBC Authority Appointed For Greater New York Area
→ Dandavats"

Answer Podcast

The post If our attitude is determined by our modes, then how much can we change our attitude? 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!

There is no loss or diminution (video)
Srimad Bhagavatam class by H.G.Tattvavit prabhu, November 9, 2017, in ISKCON Vrindavan.<...

Selfishness Is the opposite of Compassion (6 min video)
Mahatma Das: As we advance in Krishna consciousness we become more comp...

The principle of gratitude - the most exquisite form of courtesy.
Radheshyam Das: Gratitude is like gunpowder in a gun or fuel in a Car, without which there is no further action. All great souls have felt deep gratitude to Lord and His devotees who have contributed to their KC.
(Eg) Kunti maharani submitted a long list of protection offered by Lord Krishna for the Pandava children
(Eg) Prahlad remembered his Guru, Narada and aspired only service to him, when Lord Nrsimha appeared
(Eg) Draupadi reminding Arjuna of Dronacarya’s training him and asking Arjuna not to kill Ashwattama.
(Eg) Yudhishthira Maharaja considering Dhrtarastra to be the protector when Pandavas were fatherless children
(Eg) Prabhupada remembering Beatles George Harisson’s help and sending him a ring from his own finger
We could add innumerable examples of gratitude from scriptures.

In the context of Dhruva, Suniti was the one who guided him to go to Jungle to search for Lord Visnu. Similarly in our lives many devotees have contributed to drawing us into association of vaishnavas; some have saved us when we were again trying to return to maya; some others have provided us warmth, guidance and support when we were bewildered about some aspect of philosophy or incidents within ISKCON society; some have shed sweat and toil in purifying our anarthas painstakingly tolerating all the hue and cry we made, as they elevated us!

When we honestly consider the contribution of various vaishnavas in our life, our heart would soften and cry. Imagine what we would be now without such support. I would be headlong be marching into material civilization of West like a moth entering fire. More worse is that I would have become proud of my material accomplishments or flying here and there and filling pocket with dollar notes! I would have become an example of what Bhakti Vinod Thakura rightly says, “Vidyara gaurave bhrami deshe deshe, dhana upaarjana kari”. We can look back and see how devotees have saved us, sheltered us and empowered us to be what we are today! Now by honest examination I can say, “I am here still in ISKCON as a practicing devotee because so many devotees have mercifully carried me along and prayed for my spiritual wellbeing.”

The post Daily Darshan: November 10, 2017 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Vrindavan Braj Parikrama - Prema Sarovara and Barsana (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: As stated in the Padma Purana: “One cannot understand the transcendental nature of the name, form, quality and pastimes of Sri Krishna through one’s materially contaminated senses. Only when one becomes spiritually saturated by transcendental service to the Lord are the transcendental name, form, quality and pastimes of the Lord revealed to him.”
Find them here: https://goo.gl/4HGMfK

Opening Ceremony of the Vaishnava Academy in Vrindavan (Album with photos)
Grand opening of the Vaishnava Academy courses in Krishna Balarama mandir.
On 8 November the grand opening of the Vaishnava courses was held in mandir. At The Prabhupada Hall of the Russian house, students of all three courses were gathered: Bhakti programs, BHAKTI-SASTRI AND BHAKTI-Vaibhava, as well as guests and residents of Vrindavan.
The opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries such as the disciples of Srila Prabhupada - HG Dina Bandhu prabhu and HG Vayasaki prabhu, also the president of the krishna consciousness society in Russia (CRO COSKR), leader of the community of the city. St. Petersburg HG Acutatma prabhu, member of the governing council cro coskr HH. Bhagavatamrita Keshava Maharaj.

HG Dina Bandhu prabhu noted in his statement that he was very pleased to see an initiative such as the opening of the vajšnavskih courses, which would include an in-depth study of chastre: “ it is very important for each loyal to listen to the Lord from the mouths of pure So we get good ”.

HG Ваясаки Prabhu has repeatedly stressed in his statement that we are capable of something only by mercy of a spiritual teacher, we must not accept honor and glory, as the true credit belongs to our guru. He also said that the concept of “BHAKTI-Sastry” does not mean that we should be able to learn, receive information and recount it. “BHAKTI-Sastry” means we have to live according to šastrami every moment of our lives.

Е.С.Бхагаватамрита Keshava Maharaj focused attention on the importance of the education course in the holy dhame - in mandir. Vrindavan is the center of krishna consciousness around the world.

In conclusion, е.м.ачьютатма prabhu shared his observation that the consciousness of krishna remains only those who have a deep faith in species: “it is important that the ship does not fall off course, and for that we have guru, sadhu and species”. and Recommended that students find a specific purpose for which they came to study species, only in this case the training will be successful.

After welcoming words and blessings of senior loyal, е.м.дина bandhu prabhu held guru-Šrile Prabhupade, and every student offered rose petals in the footsteps of Ačarʹe-FOUNDER ISKCON.
After that, the solemn part ended with a holiday. And after a little rest, the students gathered in the classroom to continue with their curators.
In 18.00, a festive concert was held in the Russian house.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/UDa1uK

This November, 2017 the TOVP Tour bringing Lord Nityananda Prabhu's Padukas (Divine Shoes) and Lord Nrsimhadeva's Sitari (Sacred Helmet) from Sridhama Mayapur will be setting foot in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.

Hare Krishna free vegetarian meals for Penang flood victims (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Kirtanad eva krsnasya mukta-s...

New Vrajadhama Warms Hearts This Autumn.
Autumn is upon us, and for many that means Halloween, pumpkin spice lattes, and fall ...

By Prahladananda Swami

This seventh issue of the Sannyasa Newsletter includes a variety of information about sannyasa and sannyasis, ancient and modern. In this issue, Srila Prabhupada explains the practical side of how an ISKCON sannyasi should engage his energies in diverse services in Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s sankirtan movement, while Kripamoya Prabhu’s article gives us a history of the various aspects of etiquette and austerity that classical sannyasis in the varnashrama system were expected to follow. Ekalavya Prabhu's article tells us something about the present organization of the Sannyasa Ministry and then we are also told about the services and qualities of one of ISKCON’s senior sannyasis, Bhakti Caitanya Maharaja. Continue reading "ISKCON Sannyasa Ministry Newsletter Volume 7, Sept-Dec 2017
→ Dandavats"

By Gopal Bhatta Das

The overarching theme of the ILS 2018 will be “keep the wheels moving” an expression Srila Prabhupada took from the Indian Railway. He noted, “it is the business of every employee, whether a train driver, a fireman or a clerk in the office, to do their bit so that the wheels never stop. If the wheels stop, business stops.” He wanted our ISKCON movement to keep the wheels moving and thus provide an opportunity for people all over the world to receive the mercy of Lord Caitanya. Continue reading "ISKCON Leadership Sanga 2018 Registration Has Begun
→ Dandavats"

Answer Podcast

The post How can we balance our limited controllership over our children with our responsibility to guide them? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan will sponsor free meals for 1,000 underprivileged children under the Annamrita Midday Meal Scheme of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, an official said here Nov. 6.

ISKCON Leadership Sanga is a wonderful event, with over a thousand ISKCON leaders and potential leaders, from around the world attending. Many will share their skills and knowledge through a wide variety of presentations, seminars, and workshops.

Bhaktivedanta Institute founding member Sadaputa Das’ first book, Mechanistic and Nonmechanistic Science (1981), is finally back in print. The work’s cogent critique of materialistic reductionism received attention from numerous recognized scientists, including Nobel Prize winners Eugene Wigner and Brian Josephson.

Six young people in India discover a major ecological disaster that we all unknowingly contribute. A documentary by Kristina Danka, Ph.D. For more information please visit www.stolenriverfilm.com

Set in the beautiful Ardennes region of Belgium, next to Radhadesh’s picturesque Chateau temple, the College’s scenic, secluded campus is ideal for the study and meditation required of a yoga course.

We feel blessed to be engaged in serving the TOVP along with all of our ISKCON family. I’m especially grateful that our daughters have imbibed this mood of service to Srila Prabhupada as well and have understood the true value of the blessings Krishna has bestowed upon them. 

The BBT is looking for a new cover design for the book The Journey of Self-Discovery, a collection of Srila Prabhupada's articles from Back to Godhead magazin.

In the non devotional world, where sex is the norm, the divorce rate, in many nations, is around 50%. So from that angle, the answer is no, sex does not assure one a successful marriage. And within ISKCON, where sex is discouraged, some estimate divorce rates are even higher. So, that begs a much larger question.

Ter Kadambha is a place where Krishna kept his cows, and where Srila Rupa Goswami performed his bhajan and wrote Upadeshamrita. A video by Ananta Vrindavan.

Originally starting out under the name “CIT (Caitanya’s Instant Theater)” in the early 1970s, the group became known as the Bhaktivedanta Players in 1976. Devotees were inspired to focus on the service when Srila Prabhupada told Mukunda Goswami that England, with its rich culture of theater, could be culturally “conquered” through drama.

Srimad Bhagavatam class by H.G.Malati mataji in ISKCON Vrindavan, Oct 22, 2017 (video)
Nice memories of Srila Prabhupada.
...

Book distribution is sometimes like meeting old friends!! The other day I had time between services to go out. Managing to scramble out the door I was Inspired by how Lord Krishna would sometimes dress as a commoner and walk amongst His citizens in cities like Mathura or Dvaraka. Taking note of the people’s opinion and curious of their concerns, the Lord surveyed the scene. I too like to watch people, walk and talk, stroll and drop. When conversations call my attention I swoop in ready to turn something mundane into a transcendental opportunity with Srila Prabhupada’s books. But on this particular day, it struck me to speak to everyone in my path instead, meeting them like old friends. “Hey there, where are you off to today?” I ask while sweeping past an interesting hippy. I tell him that our yoga and meditation center is calling his name, and ask if he’s ever been to Bhakti Lounge. He says, “No.” But looks interested. Turns out he does kung fu and has interest in meditation. I invite him and show him a few books, but he’s got nothing to spare. Still, he has a friendly invitation to our center and an Enough Magazine. Maybe he will come:) Keep going, there’s a sweet young woman quickly walking through the bustling corner of Vivian and Cuba. Luckily, I’m on foot and keeping pace, “HEY! Have you ever been to Bhakti Lounge?” I ask, placing a flyer in her hand. She says, “No!” And we start talking. Her name is Ruby. I tell her that I was JUST reading a book about how out of all jewels the Divine manifests in the form of the ruby in this world. (11.16.30) And then said, “so you have a special name; you must be a jewel.” She bashfully looks at a few books but is in a bit of a rush. “It’s okay, Ruby- I’ll see you at Bhakti Lounge.” She makes plans to attend a meditation event, and is hopefully going to come to Gurudeva’s talk when he comes Nov 15th. Scanning the terrain I see a man at an open bar taking down a beer while enjoying the warm sun seeping in through the open store front. He’s on his computer, sternly looking at the screen as if masterminding some great scheme! “Excuse me sir, you look like someone who works too hard, he’s a card, come join us for a yoga or meditation class sometime.” He extends his hand smiling and I introduce myself. thinking of how responsive he is. He says he will see us there. Crossing the street, there is a guy with a backpack just settling into a picnic table with a tray of french fries. I sit down next to him and ask where he’s from.. He is from Texas. “Texas! Wow, my friend Erica just left Wellington to go back home to Texas today.” He’s from Dallas, so I ask if he’s ever been to their world famous Govinda’s restaurant. After a bit of small talk, I show him Hiding in Unnatural Happiness, and ask what he thinks about the selfish way we think about happiness and how to obtain it. He said, “Our bias (based on what we desire or are attached to) steers us, even in ways that can lead to pain rather than pleasure.” He asks if I’d like a fry, and I ask him if he’d like the book. He takes the book. I politely decline the french fry.. These experiences of meeting and connecting with people over transcendental literature are addictive. It was hard to restrain myself and go to my next service engagement— the streets are like home to me now. It feels like the only constant in my life lately. Circumstances are always changing, relationships, services, etc. but this book distribution is like a thread and everyone in the world a pearl, or a ruby 🙂 Your grateful servant, Kathamrita Devi Dasi

Hare Krishna Auckland: Many people saw our Hare Krishna school kids’ beautiful dance performance at our local Northwest mall today. Our school took part in a West Auckland School’s cultural event. What an awesome preaching opportunity! Jai Srila Prabhupada. (Album with photos)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/iKrZgK

Radha Kunda Seva: October 2017 Photos and Updates (Album with photos)
October bustled and brimmed with the eager devotion of thousands of pilgrims pouring in from all over the world. The Holy Dhama is always magical, but especially during Kartika the buzz of bhakti pulses palpably from every pilgrim on the parikrama paths all over Vraja. Our cleaners were able to keep up with the extra trash, though some festivals, like Bahulastami and Govardhan Puja took some days to recover from. Our widows completed their Kartika vrata (spiritual vows of austerity) and are back to their normal daily fare with occasional feasts. The growing popularity of the Dhama and the lack of adequate sanitation systems is putting a heavy strain on the ecosystem. We are trying to serve the immediate and obvious need to clean waste off the streets and out of the kundas, but the problems are deeper than the surface trash. Last year, it was discovered after a cholera outbreak that the disease was coming from the waters of Radha Kunda. And now, a septic smell coming from the Kunda is clearly conveying the reality that cess pool waste is seeping to the ground water and into Radha Kunda. The sewage system needs an overhaul. But for the present, we are researching and discussing ways to treat and filter the water. By Srimati Radharani’s grace, we hope to soon be part of a carefully planned and organized waste management system to protect the Dham. With your blessings, prayers, and support, we are trying to make some difference in this most holy of holy places, Sri Radha Kunda. Please browse our latest photos and join our efforts by visiting www.radharani.com . Your servants, Campakalata Devi dasi, Padma Gopi Devi dasi, Sri Arjuna dasa, Urmila Devi Dasi, and Mayapurcandra dasa.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/umncF1

The​​ ​​Dress​​ ​​Shop’s​​ ​​new website.
The​ ​ISKCON​ ​Deity​ ​Worship​ ​Ministry​ ​would​ ​like​ ​to​ ​share​ ​with​ ​you​ ​its​ ​new​ ​website​ ​for The​ ​Dress​ ​Shop​ ​in​ ​Mayapur!
The​ ​Dress​ ​Shop,​ ​Mayapur​ ​is​ ​a​ ​project​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ISKCON​ ​Deity​ ​Worship​ ​Ministry​ ​to support​ ​devotees​ ​needs​ ​for​ ​offering​ ​beautiful​ ​and​ ​custom​ ​made​ ​dresses​ ​for​ ​temple and​ ​home​ ​deities.
The​ ​shop​ ​is​ ​managed​ ​and​ ​operated​ ​by​ ​ISKCON​ ​devotees​ ​and​ ​ensures​ ​the​ ​finest quality​ ​of​ ​deity​ ​dresses​ ​on​ ​time!​ ​The​ ​Dress​ ​Shop​ ​Mayapur​ ​understands​ ​how essential​ ​these​ ​two​ ​components​ ​of​ ​timeliness​ ​and​ ​quality​ ​are​ ​when​ ​preparing anything​ ​to​ ​offer​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Lord.
This​ ​special​ ​project​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ISKCON​ ​Deity​ ​Worship​ ​Ministry​ ​allows​ ​devotees​ ​the opportunity​ ​to​ ​receive​ ​a​ ​beautiful​ ​product​ ​while​ ​feeling​ ​confident​ ​that​ ​they​ ​are spending​ ​Srila​ ​Prabhupada’s​ ​money​ ​within​ ​ISKCON​ ​and​ ​supporting​ ​the​ ​various ISKCON​ ​Deity​ ​Worship​ ​Ministry​ ​projects​ ​around​ ​the​ ​world. We​ ​hope​ ​that​ ​you​ ​will​ ​allow​ ​us​ ​the​ ​great​ ​opportunity​ ​to​ ​serve​ ​you​ ​and​ ​your​ ​temple​ ​in providing​ ​a​ ​gorgeous​ ​offering​ ​to​ ​your​ ​beloved​ ​deities. Please​ ​visit​ ​our​ ​new​ ​website​ ​at​ ​https://www.thedressshopmayapur.com,​ ​and​ ​allow​ ​us​ ​to serve​ ​you.
Hare​ ​Krishna!

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Feed 1,000 Kids for a Year Through ISKCON’s Meal Scheme.
On the occasion of her 44th birthday, Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, on Monday donated free meals to 1000 children for a year under the Mid-day meal scheme of Annamrita Foundation set up by International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
An official statement issued by ISKCON said that Radhanath Swami Maharaj, ISKCON spiritual leader said the Annamrita Scheme, which started in 2004 from a small room with meals being prepared for just 900 children, today serve meals to 12 lakh children across seven states in India.
Through 20 hi-tech ISO 22000-2005 certified kitchens, Annamrita reaches out to nearly 500 municipal schools in and around Mumbai along with over 2000 schools in Maharashtra with heavy nutritious meals.
Swamiji added, ‘My Guru Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada had once seen a dog and a child trying to pick up the food packet in the street garbage bin, he was taken aback by
this incident and had instructed the devotees of ISKCON that no child in 10 miles radius of ISKCON temple should sleep hungry.

'Following the instruction of our Gurudev, we have been distributing Krishna’s Prasad in the form of Khichdi to all the poor around our temple and from 13 years we are reaching out to feed more and more children through our Annamrita project.’

TOVP Australasia Tour, Day 1 – Perth, Australia (Album with photos)
The Perth temple is a mid-size community of devotees numbering about 200-250, many of them new practitioners of Krishna consciousness. Their Graces Jananivas and Vraja Vilas prabhus arrived on Monday, November 6th in preparation for the first program of the Australasia tour on Tuesday, November 7th.
Being a weekday only 150 devotees were able to attend, but the excitement of those devotees soon became apparent during the abhisheka of the Chakras and Sitari and the ecstatic kirtan. They were further enthused by the talks of Jananivas and Vraja Vilas prabhus and the special video presentation. When the fundraising program commenced devotees went wild and a total of $270,000 was pledged.
We wish to thank Sitaram prabhu, the temple president, for his support and dedication, and for organizing such a wonderful program for the service of the TOVP and the arrival of Lord Nityananda’s Padukas and Lord Nrsimha’s Sitari in Australia.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/8L1vrT