Prabhupada life-story 10 – How Krishna set the stage for Prabhupada

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My husband doesn’t oppose my bhakti, but he wants me to take interest in worldly things that I have lost interest in – what should I do?
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Equality beyond equality
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[Talk at “Krishna and Peace” program at Krishna House, Gainesville, USA to counteract white supremacist rally at Florida University]

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Month of Damodara
→ Ramai Swami

Kartik (Damodar) is the best, the purest of purifiers, and most glorious of all months. Kartik month is particularly dear to Lord Sri Krishna. This month is full of bhakta vatsalya. Any vrata, even the smallest, will yield huge results.

The effect of performing a Kartik Vrata lasts for one hundred lifetimes, Kartik or the festival of offering lamps to Lord Krishna, glorifies Lord Krishna’s pastime of being bound with ropes by Mother Yashoda.

Every night at ISKCON Ujjain, thousands of visitors came to the temple to pray and offer lamps to Their Lordships.

Celebrating the King of Mountains!
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hantayam adrir abala hari-dasa-varyo yad rama-krsna-carana-sparasa-pramodah manam tanoti saha-go-ganayos tayor yat paniya-suyavasa-kandara-kanda-mulaih “Of all the devotees, this Govardhana Hill is the best! O my friends, this hill supplies Krishna and Balarama, along with Their calves, cows and cowherd friends, with all kinds of necessities—water for drinking, very soft grass, caves, fruits, flowers and vegetables. In […]

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Go Matsya Project Sees Resurgence in Distribution of Full Srimad Bhagavatam Sets
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An innovative new project called “Go Matsya” has instigated fast growth in distribution of full sets of Srila Prabhupada’s Srimad-Bhagavatam, and the idea is catching on around the world. BBT Trustee and Sankirtan Strategist Vaisesika Das created the project, which aims to “preserve Vedic culture through mass distribution and education.”

Go-puja in ISKCON-Delhi (Album with photos) Srila Prabhupada: If…

Go-puja in ISKCON-Delhi (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If one somehow or other come in contact with the Hare Krishna mov…

Tulsi Gabbard’s Diwali Greeting 2017 (2 min video)Tulsi…
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Tulsi Gabbard’s Diwali Greeting 2017 (2 min video)
Tulsi Gabbard: Today we celebrate Diwali the festival of lights in remembrance of Lord Rama’s return to his kingdom of Ayodhya after a grueling 14 years of Exile.
Today we remember Lord Rama’s unshakeable courage and selflessness as he left His family and His home to honor His duty or Dharma.
Just as Lord Rama faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles we, as people, face immense challenges.
Whether it’s war, poverty, disease or countless other adversities it is our duty to find ways to work together to break down the walls that divide us and to build bridges that connect us and thus show love and compassion for all of our brothers and sisters in this world.
We look to Lord Rama to remind us that we too have the ability to put the well-being of our communities and our world before our own interests and to treat everyone with love and respect.
Lord Rama’s bravery and conviction should inspire us all even in the face of great hardship.
We each have the choice to choose the path of justice and respect and to do our part to make our world a better place for all so, as we light our lamps this Diwali, let us remember that it only takes one flame to light a thousand lamps and the light and love in each of our hearts has the ability to touch those far and near.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/LZsr2G

“It’s Never Too Late” (Album with photos)…
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“It’s Never Too Late” (Album with photos)
Dharmatma das: When I came to the Temple in Vancouver in early ‘72 Harinam Samkirtan and book distribution was the priority, as per Srila Prabhupada’s desire. Bahudak prabhu was expert in getting everyone out right after breakfast until evening program then an hour door to door then back for hot banana milk and Krishna Book. Those were my wonderful early days in Krishna Consciousness.
Fast forward 45 years and by Srila Prabhupada’s grace and Lord Krishna’s mercy I’ve been fortunate to get back to these basics. Connecting with Harinam Ruci SKP Party a few years back was a Godsend and being in the association of such dedicated book distributors such as Mahavishnu Swami, Kavichandra Swami, Vaisesika Dasa, Visnu Jana prabhu, Gourakarunadas Frantisek Stichauer , Harinamananda Das, Sandipani Muni Krsna, Vrajendra Kumar prabhu, Sundar Nitai Dasa, Adikarta Das, Balavanta Das, Riksaraja Dasa, Jyoti Das and so many more great SKP warriors. The program is 3-5 hours of street Harinam along with book distribution, seven days a week. Simple living and great association traveling to different parts of the world spreading Krishna Consciousness. It’s not easy for this 74-year-old body but it’s so rewarding and satisfying knowing Srila Prabhupada would be pleased.

For those of you who need a recharge in your spiritual life, take the risk, pray to Krishna (He will help you), find someone you’re inspired by, watch Vaisesika Dasa Book Distribution Seminar and find a way to get Srila Prabhupada’s books out to the masses. You won’t regret it.

After 8 days in Mexico City my totals were 212 small books and Mucho Pesos to be used in Krishna’s service. Viva Mexico!

Remember it’s never too late !!!!

Hare Krishna training centre graduation 2017 in Nairobi, Kenya
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Hare KrishnaBy Bhakta Wilfred

The Hare Krishna training centre (HKTC) was officially opened in 11th January 2017 by HH. Krishna Gopal Maharaja. Prior to its official opening, the Programs had been in operation since April 2011. With an initial population of 5 students, the centre has seen steady and consistent growth since then and now the total population stands at 43 full time residents and a number of part time weekend only residents. There is emphasis on early morning meditation on the Holy name of Krishna and also heavy discussion on spiritual topics to make better the lives of the students. The students go through morning Srimad Bhagavatam classes and evening discussions on Morality and living a simple life while maintaining higher thinking. Continue reading "Hare Krishna training centre graduation 2017 in Nairobi, Kenya
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Happy Diwali
Giriraj Swami

“The Diwali ceremony can be observed in the temple by illuminating hundreds of candles, in different parts of the temple, and offering special prasada to the Deity. This ceremony was observed by the inhabitants of Ayodhya, the kingdom of Lord Ramachandra, after Lord Ramachandra was out of His kingdom due to His fourteen years banishment by the order of His father. His younger stepbrother Bharata took charge of the kingdom, and the day on which Lord Ramachandra took back the charge from His brother and was seated on the throne is observed as Diwali. This is the original idea of Diwali, or Dipavali. Dipavali means the same thing—Dipa means candles, and vali means numerous. When numerous candles are lighted it is called Dipavali. In India, this Dipavali function is celebrated as a special auspicious occasion. This Dipavali function can be observed on 21st October, and prasada can be distributed on the 22nd October, during daytime, which is known as the Govardhana Puja and Annakuta ceremony. In India, in all Vaishnava temples, this ceremony is observed, and hundreds of people are given prasada according to the capacity of the temple.”

—Srila Prabhupada letter, October 10, 1968

 

Govardhana Puja – October 20, 2017
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

The Toronto Hare Krishna temple will be celebrating Govardhana Puja on Friday, October 20, 2017. Govardhana Puja is an especially "sweet" festival!

During the time of Lord Krishna, the villagers of Vrindavan used to honour King Indra, the demigod responsible for providing rain for harvest. One day, young Krishna convinced the villagers to celebrate Govardhana Hill instead of Lord Indra because it was the soil of the hill that provided grass for the cows and bulls to graze and then they provided milk. Thus, the hill should be worshiped. King Indra got infuriated and sent massive thunderstorms as punishment. Lord Krishna calmly lifted Govardhana Hill with his little finger to provide shelter for Vrindavan’s residents. After seven days of continuous thunderstorms and rain, King Indra surrendered and asked for forgiveness from Lord Krishna. He realized his true position as a servant of Lord Krishna.

On Friday, October 31, 2017, the temple will build a Govardhana Hill replica, made of prasadam, to worship Lord Krishna as the lifter of Govardhana HIll and worship the cows and bulls who are so dear to the Lord.

The program will take place from 6:00pm to 9:00pm!  We hope to see you there!

Honouring Srila Prabhupada – Monday, October 23, 2017
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

The Hare Krishna Temple warmly invites one and all to join us for a reflective evening as we observe Srila Prabhupada's Disappearance Day on Monday, October 23th, from 6pm to 8:30pm. On this day, we reflect on the remarkable life of Srila Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) on the anniversary of his passing (known as the Disappearance Day).

ISKCON is now a worldwide movement and is comprised of more than 350 centres, 60 rural communities, 50 schools and 60 restaurants around the globe. This day will provide a great chance to meditate on what Srila Prabhupada means to us.

Please join us for the festivities that will start at 6:00pm with arati and will continue until approximately 9:00pm. Please join us as we glorify Srila Prabhupada on this very important day.

How I Became a Hare Krishna: Karuna Sindhu Dasa
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple is featuring an ongoing series on our website about how active members of our community became practitioners of the Hare Krishna faith.  Written by Krishna Rajesh, a young high school student in our community, this series will share devotees' personal stories of how they became Hare Krishnas!  Please share your encouraging words and feedback with a comment!

How I Became a Hare Krishna - Karuna Sindhu Dasa
By: Krishna Rajesh

“Intelligence, knowledge, freedom from doubt and delusion, forgiveness, truthfulness, control of the senses, control of the mind, happiness, and distress, birth, death, fear, fearlessness, non-violence, equanimity, satisfaction, austerity, charity, fame and infamy—all these various qualities of living beings are created by Me alone”
--Bhagavad-Gita As It Is 10.5

“Sankirtan” is the process of conducting outreach to those who may not know of the power of the divine names of Krishna (God). People mistakenly think that this movement, which was originally started by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (who is none other than Lord Krishna Himself), does not have a major impact in this world. But what they fail to understand is the deep and profound impact that it has on those who are involved and to those who are being reached out to. In fact, sankirtan is one of many outreach tools that have an impact!  Every festival, every kirtan, every sanga, and even just the smiles that are given by devotees make a huge difference. Such, is the story of Karuna Sindhu Dasa and his journey to Krishna Consciousness.

In 1994, Karuna Sindhu Dasa, then known as Kunal Benjamin Kugel, visited the ISKCON temple in Toronto for the first time. He had visited with a friend to eat at the restaurant known as Govinda’s. Struck by the ambience of the temple, Kunal immediately felt a connection. He was drawn to the vegetarian food and the high ceilings in the temple room. He was surprised to see how much things differed from the other Indian restaurants that he had visited.

“It was a special experience that I never forgot. I especially liked the karela (bitter melon) preparation they had that day. It is something you never see in other Indian restaurants.”

In 1996, Kunal had the opportunity to attend the annual Ratha-Yatra festival in British Columbia, Canada. It gave him a deeper insight of ISKCON’s values and he saw how devotees practiced Krishna Consciousness. Kunal then began to regularly attend the Sunday program at the temple, which was four hours away from his residence. He gradually began to make friends within the devotee community and he soon got involved with the temple in many events.  As one thing led to another, Kunal was soon initiated and given the spiritual name, Karuna Sindhu Dasa.

With respect to his reflections on his faith, Karuna Sindhu Dasa said, “It helps me become more peaceful and understanding of others because the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness is that we are all children of the same father, in other words that we are all souls; spirit souls. Due to our previous activities we are in different situations, but we are all children of the same father. That understanding helps me appreciate all those around me. Whereas before, I used to be more intolerant of others and more self-absorbed.”

As you can see, Karuna Sindhu Dasa is one of the many jewels in the devotee community of ISKCON Toronto.

Gita 15.01 The metaphor of the upside-down tree points to the reality beyond the reflection

Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast

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ISKCON Scarborough – Special Govardhana Lila celebrations – Friday- 20th Oct 2017
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Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

The devotees of ISKCON Scarborough will be celebrating the Govardana Lila pastimes in a grand manner tomorrow.
Tomorrow is also Swathi Nakshatra.

We are also very pleased to inform you that HG Rohinipriya das from ISKCON Chowpatty temple will be joining us at ISKCON Scarborough tomorrow.
The program starts at 6.30 pm with Tulasi puja followed by Swathi Natchatra Abhishek. The class by HG Rohinipriya das will commence from 7.15 pm until 8 pm.
Then at 8 pm there will be arti for the Lordship as well as for Govardhana Hill.

Devotees will also be offering ghee lamps to Lord Damodara.
Generally devotees bring different bhoga to be offered to the Govardana Hill.

Swathi Nakshatra celebration:
Swathi Nakshatra, is the birth star of Lord Narasimhadev, and to mark the occasion a grand Abhishek will be performed on Lord Narasimhadev.


Govardhana lila:
The day after Diwali is referred to as Annakuta, or Govardhana Puja. On this day, the inhabitants of Vrindavan would hold a harvest festival in honour of King Indra, the demigod who provided the rains essential for the harvest.

One day, however, Lord Krsna wanted to teach Indra a lesson. He convinced the inhabitants of Vrindavan to honor Govardhana Hill instead, whose fertile soil provided the grass upon which the cows and bulls grazed, and to honor the cows and bulls who provided milk and plowed the lands. Outraged, Indra retaliated with terrifying thunderstorms. The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krsna, calmly lifted Govardhana Hill with the little finger of his left hand. For seven days and seven nights the Lord held up Govardhana Hill, providing a giant umbrella to shelter the inhabitants of Vrindavan from the torrential rain. Realizing the futility of his actions, King Indra bowed down before the Lord with folded hands and offered prayers of supplication. In this way, Lord Krsna demonstrated that He is Deva Deva, the lord of the demigods, and that any purpose for which demigods might be worshiped could easily be served by worshiping Him, the cause of all causes.

We warmly welcome you, your family, relatives and friends to take part in this wonderful program tomorrow.

ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7
Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com
website:
www.iskconscarborough.org

By Her Grace: A Visit to Vrinda Kunda

Vrinda Kund is the eternal abode of Vrindadevi, Krsna’s Lila potency. Early every morning she, Purnamasi and Nandimukhi meet at this kund to arrange Radha and Krsna’s pastimes. By Her grace, we were fortunate to spend the day there with our parikrama party to hear and chant her glories and beg for her divine mercy.  A video by Ananta Vrindavan.

TOVP Chakra Installation Abhisheka Seva Update
- TOVP.org

Sponsorships for the Chakra installation abhisheka seva are starting to come in as more and more devotees hear about and become enthused by the idea of personally bathing the Chakras that will be placed onto the TOVP Domes.

This is a once-in-a-Lifetime opportunity to participate in a most amazing historic and prophesy fulfilling seva, our focused effort to build the TOVP as our combined offering to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, as well as the new home for Sri Sri Radha Madhava.

“Similarly, if one is a businessman, an industrialist, an agriculturist, etc., then one should spend his hard-earned money for the cause of the Lord. Think always that the money which is accumulated is the wealth of the Lord. Wealth is considered to be the goddess of fortune (Lakṣmī), and the Lord is Nārāyaṇa, or the husband of Lakṣmī. Try to engage Lakṣmī in the service of Lord Nārāyaṇa and be happy.”

Srila Prabhupada, Srimad-bhagavatam 1.5.32

Here are the current numbers of sponsorships:

Radha Madhava Dome: 63
Lord Nrsimha Dome: 98

These sponsorships include individuals as well as entire temples. To read more about becoming a Chakra abhisheka sponsor, visit the TOVP website here: https://tovp.org/donate/once-in-a-lifetime-chakra-abhisheka-seva-opportunity/

The post TOVP Chakra Installation Abhisheka Seva Update appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Decorating the West Wing Dome Ribs
- TOVP.org

We are now decorating the ribs of the West Wing Planetarium Dome with titanium nitride along with a special gold paint from Germany.

This is the final decoration on the ribs and then we will be placing beautiful titanium nitride Stars onto the blue tiles. This will be the last phase to complete the Dome after which we will do the same on the remaining two Domes.

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If our past bad relationships make us averse to exploring new relationships, what should we do?
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How can we emotionally accept that people who treat us like crap are delivering us our past karma?
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What are the precursors to anger – how can we know that we are likely to explode at someone?
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How can we preach with sincere devotees who are desensitized to newcomers’ sensitivities?
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Overcoming negative emotions 4 – Overcoming anger through forgiveness
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[Talk at North Florida University, Jacksonville, USA]

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The need for appropriate adaptors when transmitting the current of bhakti
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[Morning class at Bhakti House, Jacksonville, USA]

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