The Swami Responds – 2
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Hare KrishnaBy His Divine Grace A.C.B. Swami Prabhupada

Dear Swami, Your philosophy states that the soul or Self is eternal, and that God, the Supreme Self, is also eternal. If this is so, then how is God to be considered the Creator ? Sincerely, Mary Welch. Srila Prabhupada: Dear Miss Welch, Creator means the Source, and creation means the emanation from that Source. The Creator and the creation are both eternal but the creation depends upon the Creator, and not vice versa. It is like the sun and the sunlight. They are always together, but the sun is supreme and independent, while the sunlight is subordinate. Still, they are not separable, as we are eternally inseparable from God. Ever your well-wisher, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Continue reading "The Swami Responds – 2
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UDGAAR -An Expression of Goodness and Joy
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Hare KrishnaBy ISKCON YOUTH FORUM Delhi

Udgaar is a youth festival organized by ISKCON Youth Forum, Delhi at regular intervals for inspiring the youths to develop the natural goodness of the heart and persuade them to share it with others. The festival witnessed participation of more than 500 youths from different nook and corner of Delhi-NCR. The festival was presided by many dignitaries like R.P. Singh, BJP national secretary, Gopal Krishna Aggrawal, BJP Spokesperson and others. The festival started with video show and melodious kirtans by devotees which mesmerized the youths assembled. After this exuberant and spiritually enlivening opening, the chief guests performed the Lamp-lightening ceremony in accordance with the Vedic aphorism “Tamaso Ma Jyotirgamya”. This was followed by a seminar on the topic” Transcendental Transformers” by HG Amogha Lila Pr, Vice President ISKCON Dwarka and visiting faculty in IIM Ahamdabad and IIT Patna. He spell bound the youths present with his pragmatic and logical presentation of Krishna Consciousness. The seminar was followed by events like drama, rock show and sumptuous prasadam which helped the audience to relish the variety of Krishna Consciousness in a most pleasing and palatable manner. Continue reading "UDGAAR -An Expression of Goodness and Joy
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It is never too late
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It is never too late to be what you might have been – George Eliot

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Sometimes we feel that life has passed us by, that it is now too late to do many of the things we wanted to achieve in our life. Such thoughts demoralize us and prevent us from taking the small incremental steps on the path to improvement that may still be possible for us.

Amidst such demoralization, Gita wisdom offers consolation and inspiration with the insight that it is never too late because we are eternal. We are at our core indestructible souls who continue to exist even after the destruction of our bodies. With this spiritual worldview, we understand that we will always have opportunities to improve – if not in this lifetime, then in a future lifetime. Such understanding causes hope eternal to spring in our heart. Being animated by this hope, we can resist the temptation to quit.

When we keep trying determinedly, we are often pleasantly surprised to discover that we are able to do many of the things that we had thought were beyond us. Undoubtedly, certain achievements depend on certain material conditions; if those conditions are changed irrevocably, then those achievements may become impossible. A sports player who grows too old to play can’t become a champion in that sport.

Thankfully however, this irrevocability applies only to material achievements, not spiritual achievements. The summit of all spiritual achievements is to connect lovingly with Krishna, our all-attractive Lord whose parts we are eternally, and to rejoice forever in that connection. The opportunity to develop that spiritual connection always stays with us, no matter how many material things are taken away from us.

Thus, the spirit of the statement that we are never too late applies most realistically to our spiritual growth. The Bhagavad-gita explains that the soul never ages. Being eternal, it exists beyond time. And realizing ourselves to be souls opens the door to a fulfillment that exists beyond time, a fulfillment that is never too late to pursue and achieve. Learning to live as souls by practicing yoga, especially bhakti-yoga, raises our vision beyond bodily pleasures. Such pleasures become too late to enjoy when our body ages and loses its capacity to enjoy. Even when the body has that capacity, those pleasures remain at best fleeting and unfulfilling.

When we internalize Gita wisdom, we realize that life has much more to offer us than what we had been taught to believe by our prevailing materialistic culture. Life is meant for redirecting our love from the world to the source of the world, the all-attractive supreme, Krishna. When we learn to purify our heart and center it on him, we find ourselves becoming that which is our hearts’ deepest calling.

Ultimately, life’s greatest achievement is not in getting or doing – it is in becoming. Or more precisely, it is a becoming by which realize our being. As souls, we are, by our very nature, blissful beings. Only because we misidentify with our physical bodies and become attached to worldly objects do we become oblivious to our innate blissfulness. We become aware of our essential identity and the concomitant joyfulness by practicing bhakti-yoga. And as bhakti-yoga, the path of eternal spiritual love, is the perennial calling of the deepest layer of the human heart, it is not dependent on anything material, not even age.

So, yes, it is never too late for us to be what we were meant to be – spiritually realized individuals contributing harmoniously to the all-attractive whole and therein relishing sublime, supreme fulfillment.

 

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Meditation on Vrindavan – relishing Krishna-lila and sharing Krishna-shiksha
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My favorite place in Vrindavan is the Kusum Sarovar. During my recent Vrindavan visit, I savored the beauty of the Sarovar in the early morning hours.

A local caretaker took us inside one of the buildings to have darshan of Vishnu’s lotus feet there. He explained how the Rajput kings who had built the Kusum Sarovar had countered through construction the destruction that had been wrought in Vraja by Mughal invaders.

As I meditated on the architectural beauty of Kusum Sarovar, it struck me that the attack on bhakti nowadays was not so much architectural as it was intellectual. Temples are not being widely destroyed today, but the faith that makes people come to temples is being extensively destroyed. Srila Prabhupada has launched a dual program of both architectural and intellectual rejuvenation. He has inspired the building of many beautiful temples and has also inspired the systematic study of bhakti wisdom that will protect and strengthen the faith that drives people to visit the temples. I spoke these thoughts briefly: Kusum Sarovar meditation – Cherishing the culture rich with spiritual stimuli.

As I beheld the beauty of Kusum Sarovar that is evident to our fallible eyes even today and meditated on the timeless beauty of Vrindavan that is revealed through scriptures, I felt a longing to relish Krishna’s Vraja-lila. Many devotees across the world have told me that as they grow older, they feel inspired to cut down on their worldly engagements and focus more on direct devotional service, maybe even relocate to Vrindavan.

I found myself conflicted while praying for something similar because my present service seems to be keeping me away from directly meditating on Krishna-lila. And as I have started focusing on Western outreach over the last few years, I have needed to read, think, speak and write on basic human applications of spiritual principles because that’s what most people nowadays find relevant – that’s what they need to hear before they will even consider Krishna-lila as anything more than religious mythology.

Of course, there are thousands eager to hear direct Krishna-lila. But far more are the people who need to be made ready to hear about Krishna, and serving them happens to be my primary service.

Thinking how far my consciousness was from direct meditation on Krishna-lila had left me feeling a little devotionally forlorn. But I felt strengthened on visiting another of my favorite places in Vrindavan – Prabhupada’s rooms in Radha-Damodara temple. Though Prabhupada had been there, at the lotus feet of Krishna and the acharyas, he had left Vrindavan to go to New York – and there too, to the Lower East Side, the Mecca of the hippies. Why had he embarked on this perilous journey? Because his devotion was not just to relish Krishna’s sweetness, but to get those stooped in degradation to relish that sweetness. It is because of Srila Prabhupada’s selfless sacrifice that I and millions of souls like me have the opportunity to start relishing Krishna-lila.

As a service to Srila Prabhupada and his followers, I too need to study and share that which serves his mission. Meditating on Prabhupada’s example reminded me forcefully that speaking is first and foremost a service. What we speak on is not as defining as why we speak it. To think that just by speaking directly about Krishna, we will automatically be closer to him is like thinking that just by being in Vrindavan, we will automatically be closer to Krishna. Yes, speaking directly about Krishna-lila is wonderful, as is being in Vrindavan. But what is more important is the consciousness, the attitude, the intent. Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura has memorably said: “Don’t try to see Krishna – try to serve him in such a way that he will want to see you.” And a variant of that saying applies to those who are trying to share bhakti in today’s world: “Don’t try to see Krishna by speaking about direct Krishna-lila – try to serve Krishna by speaking about Krishna-shiksha, his teachings that will help people come closer to him; and he will reveal himself as per his sweet plan.”

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Monday, August 28th, 2017
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Sand Mountain, Nevada

A Real Chief

He had that iconic or classic look of a wise Native American Chief, in fact he is a Native American Chief—Chief Johnny Bobb, of the Shoshone tribe, his long whitish hair, pony-tailed, frames his face.  He came out of his car and offered some prayers in his language because he understood from my walking purpose that I could use help.

“Just face the sun,” he said.  So I did, and then he tossed water in various directions saying prayers—mantras.

“What does it mean?” I asked after he was finished.

“May your legs and feet be strong.  May you be protected and be successful in your forward journey ahead.”  He offered me a sage brush stick for good luck.
That was so sweet.  I shared with him the maha-mantra.  I believe we had a mutual good wish for each other.  And while I met the chief, I pondered on the whereabouts of the balance of our party—Hayagriva and Marshall.  Apparently they were at Sand Mountain, a two mile long, six hundred foot high dune.  The support van’s wheels got stuck in that sand, which explained the delay. https://instagram.com/p/BYYXlWmlD7U/
With the sun blasting today at 100° Fahrenheit, my umbrella is necessary.  Mystically, objects to shield that merciless sun manifest.  A group of bikers speed by.  Accidentally, one of the biker’s goggle shades came rolling down to my feet.  They’re cool, with a strap.  Further down the road, I see three sets of sun glasses that were rejected and thrown in the ditch.  Hmm!  There’s three of us!
Despite the heat I believe to be smart with the feet.  Chase the right hours and dodge the inferno.
May the Source be with you!

25 miles

Sunday, August 27th, 2017
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Rawhide, Nevada

If You’re Driving…

If you are driving at night in Nevada, you could run into a cow or a bull.  Yes, some of the areas are open range for beef cattle.  They have the right of way.  No problem if you’re walking.  A pedestrian is never fast enough to accidentally collide with one of those bovines.

More than one sweet person on their way to “Burning Man” stopped.  A woman parked her car at the side of the road, laid out her yoga mat and placed coconut water, sugar snap peas, trail mix and a banana onto it, leaving space for me to sit.  She was in the lotus position also on the mat.  Conveniently, she took advantage of the partial shade her hitched bicycle provided.

I told her I couldn’t sit.  “It might be hard to get up again.  I’ve been walking since New York—which is where she is from.  Promoting walking—meditative walking—is my objective.  Our lives are imbalanced…”

“Our country could use that right now,” she said of the U.S.  I inherited the goods on the mat and gave her my best thanks.

Rolin also pulled over.  “Are you developing your personal relationship with God?” I asked him, since last night, outside a bar, he had preached his point.  He’d had a few beers.  So well intentioned he was.  Now I'm facetiously getting back at him.  He took it well.

I also met Italians, two younger men driving through, who stopped to talk.  There were others who handed me much needed water.  That is saving me and also the umbrella.

I must also mention that to our great satisfaction Annaiudyangi aka Annabella, came to greet our party with her great grandchildren, Tommy and Serenity.

The only cool place for the lunch she brought—a picnic—was in a tunnel, six feet high, under the highway.  The lizards who call it home didn’t take too kindly to our presence.  “Hey bro, let’s share space, man.”

May the Source be with you!

22 miles

If we get dreams of our past profession even after having retired for over ten years, is that good or bad?
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If some devotees feel inspired to hear Krishna’s intimate pastimes, what can they do?
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From love universal to bhakti confidential – Gaudiya Vaishnavism glories 5 – Radha and Krishna are one soul in two bodies
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[Radhashtami morning class on Chaitanya Charitamrita Madhya 8.100 at ISKCON, Denver, USA]

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Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra – Sonepat despite the Turmoil! (Album…
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Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra - Sonepat despite the Turmoil! (Album with photos)
SECTION 144 of IPC (Indian Panel Code) was imposed which prohibits any sort of public gathering or gathering of more than 4 people. Internet was shut for over 5 Days, All public transport was stopped, Over 60 trains were canceled, all School, Colleges & Government offices were not in operation, Markets, Malls & Public services were closed & not in services, To control Violence & Riots The Indian Army had to be in action! Yet ISKCON Kurukshetra took EXCLUSIVE PERMISSION from the Higher Authorities & the Haryana Police for this Jagannath Rath Yatra. The Holy Name is the only solution by which we can get Peace & ever lasting Happiness which was clearly evident during the Rath Yatra. Even though there was complete unrest in the Entire State of Haryana yet everyone came out & greeted the Lord & danced in the Kirtan. Under Heavy Police deployment & Administration watch, The Rath Yatra was taken out! We hearty thank the Haryana Police & the Government officials for their kind cooperation. A complete album of Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra in Sonepat, Haryana.
Hare Krishna from the Land of Bhagavad Gita, Kurukshetra!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/VFfoFe

Radhastami celebration in Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital (Album…
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Radhastami celebration in Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Sadhu-sanga, or association with a devotee, means always engaging in Krishna consciousness by chanting the Hare Krishna mantra and by acting for Krishna. Specifically, chanting the Hare Krishna mantra purifies one, and this chanting is therefore recommended by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 4.24.59 Purport)
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Campakalata Sakhi- The Expert Debater
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Today ( 30 Aug) is the divine appearance day of Campakalata Sakhi. Just before the annual Gaura Purnima festival in Mayapur in 1986, Campakalata Devi, along with three other sakhis, was installed and joined Sri Sri Radha Madhava on the altar. Sri Campakalata Devi is the third of the eight principle gopis. Her father is […]

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Radhasthami at the Iskcon Moscow Temple (Album with…
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Radhasthami at the Iskcon Moscow Temple (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: A devotee always thinks of the Lord continuously. While chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, the words Krishna and Hare immediately remind him of all the Lord’s activities. Since his entire life is engaged n the service of the Lord, a devotee cannot forget the Lord at any time. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 5.1.6 Purport)
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WSN July 2017 – World Sankirtan Newsletter
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Hare KrishnaBy Vijaya das

For the month of july, in the Large Temple category, the temple that had the biggest increase, percentage wise, over last year was Ujjain, with 2,740 book points. Krsna and Balarama attended gurukula not far from there. But the highest score was Mayapur's, with 37,387 book points. Jayapataka Swami has the devotees very fired up. In the Medium Temple category, the highest percentage and highest score was from Curitiba, Brazil: a 349 % increase and 7,447 book points. Nice seva from the devotees in Curitiba. Keep up the good work! In the Small category, as usual RVC was No. 1. I say "as usual," because July is when they do an annual concert tour, "The Warp Tour". The constantly travel around the USA and distribute many thousands of books. They did 21,775 book points. But in percentage increase, Toronto took the lead, with a 837% increase and 6,127 book points. In the Maha Small category (five devotees or less), Florianopolis in Brazil had a 999% increase, with 1449 book points. The No. 1 temple in this category, also in Brazil -- Nitai Gauranga TSKP -- did 8144 book points. Continue reading "WSN July 2017 – World Sankirtan Newsletter
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WSN Special Announcement: Massive increase in Arabic book points!
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Hare KrishnaBy Vaisesika Dasa

Our congratulations to you for the extraordinary work you are doing to inundate the world with Srila Prabhupada's transcendental literatures. Lord Krishna's topmost devotees, the Gopis, glorify your service: The nectar of Your words and the descriptions of Your activities are the life and soul of those suffering in this material world. These narrations, transmitted by learned sages, eradicate one's sinful reactions and bestow good fortune upon whoever hears them. These narrations are broadcast all over the world and are filled with spiritual power. Certainly those who spread the message of Godhead are most munificent. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.31.9) Continue reading "WSN Special Announcement: Massive increase in Arabic book points!
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Becoming Instruments for Mahaprabhu’s Mercy; A Blissful and Productive Weekend for ISKCON Brooklyn
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Hare KrishnaBy Vaishnava Das

On Sunday, August 27th, a beautiful sunny day in New York City, congregation members of the ISKCON Brooklyn Hare Krishna temple and other sangas gathered in Tompkins Square Park for a Community Picnic. The day started off with HH Chandrasekhar Swami leading an upbeat kirtan in the north end of the park. The mrdanga, karatalas and chanting could be heard from outside the park, even from the south side- even though a large Jazz festival was getting ready for their afternoon program, and we had no amplification! A large group of devotees had already gathered and were chanting when HH Bhakti Charu Swami and HG Hansarupa das arrived, and the kirtan’s momentum picked up. Continue reading "Becoming Instruments for Mahaprabhu’s Mercy; A Blissful and Productive Weekend for ISKCON Brooklyn
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Radhastami in Carpinteria
Giriraj Swami

For Radhastami, the devotees decorated our altars in Carpinteria beautifully.

One of the Six Gosvamis of Vrindavan, Srila Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, prayed to Srimati Radharani:

tavaivasmi tavaivasmi
na jivami tvaya vina
iti vijnaya devi tvam
naya mam caranantikam

“I am Yours. I am Yours. I cannot live without You. Understanding this, please bring me to Your lotus feet.” (Stavavali)

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service, Giriraj Swami

SP Radhastami 2017 RR Radhastami 2017 GG Radhastami 2017 GRS with Bead Bag

Radhastami
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Srila Prabhupada said of Srimati Radharani:

tapta-kāñcana-gauraṅgī rādhe vṛndāvaneśvarī vṛṣabhānu-sute devī pranamāmi hari-priye

Rādhārāṇī is hari-priyā, very dear to Kṛṣṇa. So if we approach Kṛṣṇa through Rādhārāṇī, through the mercy of Rādhārāṇī, then it becomes very easy. If Rādhārāṇī recommends that “This devotee is very nice,” then Kṛṣṇa immediately accepts, however fool I may be. Because it is recommended by Rādhārāṇī, Kṛṣṇa accepts. Therefore in Vṛndāvana you’ll find all the devotees, they’re chanting more Rādhārāṇī’s name than Kṛṣṇa’s. Wherever you’ll go, you’ll find the devotees are addressing, “Jaya Rādhe.”

If you go by the speculative process to understand Kṛṣṇa, it will take many, many lives. But if you take devotional service, just try to please Rādhārāṇī, and Kṛṣṇa will be gotten very easily. Because Rādhārāṇī can deliver Kṛṣṇa. She is so great devotee, the emblem of mahā-bhāgavata.

I was fortunate to to be able to celebrate Radhastami at a program in the home of Cairns devotees Adi Kesava and Syamarupa.

Learning to not go up and down with life’s ups and downs – Gita 02.54-57
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[Bhakti Shastri class at ISKCON, Denver, USA]

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From love universal to bhakti confidential – Gaudiya Vaishnavism glories 4 – Relishing the transformational legacy of God’s greatness and sweetness
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[Chaitanya Charitamrita class on Madhya 8.76 at ISKCON, Denver, USA]

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When Prabhupada says that God can never be illusioned, how can we understand that Krishna comes under Yoga-Maya?
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Should we study books about God’s greatness and sweetness progressively or in parallel?
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Should we not read advanced krishna-lila because we aren’t mature or read it because we need to know our ultimate goal?
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By focusing on future spiritual happiness, are we running away from living in the present?
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