Planet ISKCON

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The post Acknowledging and regulating our passions – Wisdom on Wisdom 8 appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Today we placed the Planetarium Dome Chakra onto the Kalash for a second test run to insure proper mounting, along with the a special flag pole and test flag. Both items are now aligned and ready for the future permanent installation.

The flag is 5 meters (16 feet) in length. Sadbhuja initially thought this might be too big, but after raising the flag and viewing it from a distance it is clearly the perfect size. The reason for the flag is to allow us to change it regularly for various purposes as required.

The Russian crew who manufactured the Kalashes and Chakras and helped with the installation were very pleased with the results, as was the TOVP Team. And the local devotees were all in bliss, watching with amazement and paying obeisances to the Chakra. Sadbhuja was also very pleased with the Chakra and flag, so much so that he requested to be lifted up to the Chakra in a special cage for a closer inspection.

The post Second Planetarium Dome Chakra Test-Run Installation appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

It can be a challenge to maintain your dignity sometimes. I remember when I became a Krishna monk many years ago and donned the orange robes to venture forth on to the streets. Hare Krishna devotees were not a familiar sight at the time, and we would often encounter a spirited response from onlookers, as we sang and danced our way along the road. On one occasion I was showered with a can of beer, and it took strong resolve on my part to keep my composure.

It’s much better these days. I can’t remember the last time I was told to ‘get a job’, and beer showers are certainly a thing of the past, although that might be down to the cost of the stuff today. Those experiences, however, did teach me something about dignity. In the ancient Indian epic, Mahabharata, it is said that one who keeps his dignity and virtue in a time of stress is truly dignified and worthy of respect. I am reminded of the example of a saint in my line named Haridas, who lived in India around 500 years ago, during the time of the Mughals. He converted to Hinduism, thus inciting the fury of the Mughal ruler, who had him severely flogged. Haridas remained calm throughout, constantly praying for his punishers to be forgiven.

I don’t think I’m ready for anything like that, but I think I’m starting to understand where such serenity and nobility comes from. As did Haridas, I believe we are all parts of God, always under his control and care. It was this faith that enabled Haridas to retain his own dignity, even in the face of extreme provocation. He accepted everything as the Lord’s will, meant for his ultimate good. And more than that, he saw all others as equal parts of God, equally loved by him and thus always worthy of respect.

I hope one day to have such a vision. I’ll be ready for the whole beer barrel over my head.

Start a New Habit Today!
Vaisesika Das: Most of one’s progress in life and work come from the kind of habits one develops.
Dostoyevsky wrote: “The second half of a man’s life is made up of the habits he acquired during the first half.”
Fortunately, as humans, we can develop new habits at any time in our lives. And just one new good habit can turn one’s life in a positive direction.
To improve the quality of your life, start a new habit today.
Decide on something very small and achievable, commit to it in writing, and start doing it.
Next, employ the principle of abhyasa - repetition and practice.

Keep up your practice and over several weeks or months you’ll begin to feel a difference as your new good habit develops.

In the process of bhakti yoga, keeping good habits while performing japa meditation are extremely beneficial.

Here is a japa practice recommended by Srila Prabhupada that is worth developing into a habit:

“As soon as the mind wanders, we should immediately drag it back to concentrate on Krishna. While chanting, our mind sometimes wanders far away, but when we become conscious of this, we should immediately bring the mind back to hear the sound vibration of ‘Hare Krishna.’ That is called yoga-abhyasa, the practice of yoga. We should not allow our mind to wander elsewhere. We should simply chant and hear the Hare Krishna mantra, for that is the best yoga system.”

My godsister Parvati Dasi, who looks after Srila Prabhuapda’s samadhi in Vrindaban, has sent me this letter. She writes for a worthy cause.

Dear Maharajas and Prabhus,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. This is an appeal for your help for Prabhupada’s Vrndavana Samadhi Project.

This year, somehow the donation level has fallen below normal. For the first time in 17 years, I had to break a small Fixed Deposit to put in the working account. More than that, we must re-seal the dome after 25 monsoons, to ensure no leaking or concomitant structural damage. Removing the grouting on all the dome tiles from top to bottom to maintain the waterproofing, then applying the clear silicon coating so the moisture cannot come through the marble, will cost at least Rs. 5 laks or $7500.

This year, we found 3 leaks in the dome, which we sealed up immediately. It is urgent we begin the work without delay to protect the whole dome. Best would be if there were some forthcoming donations. But at this point, the work cannot wait.

Prabhupada’s Samadhi needs extra funding on an ordinary basis, but this work is the first order. I need help to cover at least our present crisis now. Therefore I am requesting your help to find donors for this Samadhi work. Though it is an urgent situation, I prefer not to dip into the Samadhi Maintenance Fund if I don’t have to.

Thank you for your kind consideration.

Your servant,
Parvati devi dasi

PS: Depending on where you are, this is where you send donations:

Bank – Andhra bank, Vrindavan.
Acc Name: ISKCON Samadhi Mandir
Acc No. 1885 101000 30840
IFS Code: ANDB0001885
MICR Code: 281011102
Swift Code: ANDBINBBAGR

Checks or Online donations in Foreign Currency:
ISKCON Foreign A/c # 9100100-1456-52389
SWIFT code no. AXISINBB086
IFSC code # UTIB0000794 Axis Bank Vrndavan

For US Tax Exemption
www.vedic-cf.org

The ISKCON Website to use is iskconvrindavan.com.

Thanks so much.

The post Funding Srila Prabhupada’s samadhi appeared first on Jayadvaita Swami.

Reading Works of the Previous Acaryas.
Srila Prabhupada: Within the past five hundred years, many erudite scholars and acharyas like Jiva Goswami, Sanatan Goswami, Vishwanath Chakravarti, Vallabhacharya, and many other distinguished scholars even after the time of Lord Chaitanya made elaborate commentaries on the Bhagavatam, and the serious student would do well to attempt to go through them to better relish the transcendental messages. (Purport to Bhag. 1.1.11.) A sincere devotee must, therefore, be prepared to hear the Vedic literature like the Upanisads, Vedanta and other literatures left by previous authorities or Goswamis for the benefit of his progress. Without hearing such literatures, one cannot make actual progress.
And without hearing and following the instructions, the show of devotional service becomes worthless and therefore a sort of disturbance in the path of devotional service. Unless, therefore, devotional service is established on the principles of sruti, smrti , purana or pahcaratra authorities, the make-show of devotional service should at once be rejected. An unauthorized devotee should never be recognized as a pure devotee. By assimilation of such messages from the Vedic literatures, one can see the all-pervading localized aspect of the Personality of Godhead within his own self constantly. This is called samadhi. (Purport to Bhag. 1.2.12.) Those in the most exalted position of devotional service and ecstasy can live with Krishna always by remembering his pastimes. Srila Viswanath Chakravarti Thakur has given us a transcendental literary work entitled Krsna- bhavanamrta, which is full with Krishna’s pastimes. Exalted devotees can remain absorbed in Krishna-thought by reading such books. Any book of Krsna-lila , even this book, Krsna , or our Teachings of Lord Caitanya , is actually solace for devotees feeling separation from Krishna. ( Krsna, p. 367.)
From KK Bindu #404: https://goo.gl/H5rpAq

Persons who are “spiritual” are expected to be compassionate. Different people in this world have very diverse ideas of what compassion means, and how it should be expressed. Commonly, the worldly notions of compassion are far from what we understand compassion to really mean, and how it is best displayed. What kind of indication do we have from scripture, and from our acharyas, and from our spiritual teachings, about compassion? How we should repose the soul’s natural tendency for compassion, on the spiritual platform? Continue reading "Reposing Compassion Properly
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India elects new President – HG Ram Nath Kovind.
In the photo with Iskcon devotees when he was still a candidate.

Forget about leaving this place without a purchase. The bookstore is a true Mecca for those who appreciate philosophy and rare books. Here you will find a variety of books published by the BBT, classical Vaisnava texts, and also the newest devotional books. Make sure to check the clearance shelf! Continue reading "Beautiful RADHADESH
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A video by Ravi Talsania (Radha Damodar Das).

Answer Podcast

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Answer Podcast

The post Till what level of bhakti can devotees fall away? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Last Manchester conversation.

Dalston Festival, UK - 20th July 2017 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Golokera prema-dhana, this hari-nama-sankirtana, chanting of Hare Krsna mantra, this sound vibration, it is not material. Suppose if I would have advised my disciples that “You chant ‘Mr. John, Mr. John, Mr. John,’ ” this movement would not have spread. [laughter] How long one can chant this “Mr. John, Mr. John”? Therefore it is the proof, that all over the world we have got about hundred centers. Everywhere, hundred, two hundred, three hundred disciples are there. They’re chanting, dancing, with Hare Krsna mantra. Why? Because it is not material sound vibration. This is the proof. Don’t think that Hare Krsna chanting and chanting the name of Mr. John is the same. No. This is the proof. You can go on chanting twenty-four hours, still you will not feel tired. This is the golokera… This is the proof, that this hari-nama-sankirtana, golokera prema-dhana, it is the property for loving. It is the thing which will lead you how to love God, prema-dhana. You will gradually develop your propensity to love Krsna.
From Srila Prabhupada’s lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.15.27 – March 6, 1975, New York
Find them here: https://goo.gl/HN2GEp

We would like to give you a 6 months of finishing work that we have achieved at the ToVP. This video will give you a glance on how the project is progressing with its embellishments and finishing works. Continue reading "TOVP: Midyear report
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By the inspiration of Jayapataka Swami, The Mayapur Chandras team organizes Kartik Navadvip Mandal Parikrama every year. For more information please visit: https://www.facebook.com/Mayapur.Chandras

The walk began from Canterbury Cathedral - the mother of all pilgrimage sites in the UK. The devotees were blessed by the Dean of Canterbury Cathedral for a safe journey, providing an auspicious start to the festival of peace. The opening ceremony was also attended by Cathedral officials, local dignitaries, members of the Canterbury interfaith group.

A new rendition of the famous “The Boat Man & The Scholar” story by the Bhaktivedanta Players of Bhaktivedanta Manor (17 min video)
There was a poor boatman in a village. He was illiterate. He used to row boat to meet his both ends…
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/7wgRoV

Hare Krishna! The Mantra, the Movement, and the Swami Who Started It All had its world premiere in June, at the Illuminate film festival in Sedona, in the USA. At the time of writing, the well-known movie review site Rottentamatoes.com, was reporting that 92% of their visitors who rated the movie liked it. The professional critics are not so sure, giving it only 14% on the Tomatometer. 

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 31 July 2005)

The scripture says that if you chant the Holy Name of the Lord even once, you will be purified for more sinful activities than you can commit in an entire lifetime; imagine that! So can we all say the whole mantra just once:

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

That was quick, wasn’t it, more sinful activities destroyed now than we can commit in an entire lifetime! Have you ever thought of the power of the maha mantra in that way? It is certainly not an ordinary thing. We are just not aware of the power of the Holy Name, the power of this Movement.

Just to bow down before the deities with our head on the ground, that alone will be sufficient for Krsna to accept us as his devotee! All these things are extraordinarily powerful, yet we do them very casually. There is also maha prasadam, it tastes very nice but consider the potency of it! The potency is inconceivable and just by doing these things, one transforms!

What does a prayer mean?
Question: My contemplations on prayer find me asking for a clear definition of what prayer is. I heard that it means to glorify the Lord. Also that chanting the Holy Name is the best prayer. Also that prayer means an intense desire.
What does a prayer mean? Is it accepting Supreme position of the Lord and subordinating my will to His Will?
How can I pray with a heart that gets frequently doubtful about Krsna and His devotees? Nonetheless I pray because I have seen nothing else working out and I have been recommended to do so. Reading some of your kind answers I felt like seeking this clarification.
———
Answer by Romapada Swami: Prayer, or vandanam, is the sixth of the nine processes of devotional service. The dictionary meaning of prayer is defined as “a spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession.”

Prayer is a unique way of expressing our heartfelt expressions to Krishna; it is a way of expressing our heart to the Lord. Prayer expressed with deep feeling and sincerity is what is accepted by the Lord. Prayer indicates something that is above us, higher than us, or even beyond us. That which the senses and mind cannot reach, prayers can reach, although we are using the senses and mind to pray.

The best way to pray in this age of Kali is to chant the Maha-mantra with all of one’s sincerity.

The real purpose of prayer is not to gain material resources or even spiritual salvation for oneself. The power of prayer comes when we call to Krishna out of a desire to do His will. Such pure prayers are not means to the end but are themselves loving exchanges between the Lord and His pure devotees. Whether we call on Him from the darkness of our fallen state in the material world, or whether we praise Him in the midst of His liberated associates in the kingdom of God, the pure prayer is the same: “Please engage me in Your service”.

Srila Prabhuapda explains the meaning of the Hare Krsna Maha Mantra as follows: “The mantra is a spiritual call to the Lord, meaning, ‘Oh energy of the Lord, please engage me in the loving service of Lord Krishna.’ This chanting of Hare Krishna is directly enacted from the spiritual platform, surpassing all lower stages of consciousness, namely sensual, mental, and intellectual. There is no need to understand the language of the mantra, nor is there any need of mental speculation, nor any intellectual adjustment for chanting this maha-mantra. It springs automatically from the spiritual platform, and as such anyone can take part in this transcendental sound vibration without any previous qualification and dance in ecstasy. The word Hara is a form of addressing the energy of the Lord. Both Krishna and Rama are forms of directly addressing the Lord, and they mean “the highest pleasure.” Hara is the supreme pleasure potency of the Lord. This potency, addressed as Hare, helps us in reaching the Supreme Lord. The three words-namely Hare, Krishna, and Rama-are the transcendental seeds of the maha-mantra, and the chanting is the spiritual call for the Lord and His internal energy, Hara, for giving protection to the conditioned souls. The chanting is exactly like genuine crying by the child for his mother. Mother Hara helps in achieving the grace of the supreme father Hari, or Krishna, and the Lord reveals Himself to such sincere devotees”.

Outlined below are few of the many benefits of Chanting the Maha Mantra:

1. One can be liberated from the effects of all sins simply by chanting the holy name of the Lord.

2. One is directly associating with Krsna by chanting the Hare Krsna maha mantra.

3. Chanting Hare Krishna awakens love of God.

4. Chanting Hare Krishna brings liberation as a side benefit along the way.

5. When one chants Hare Krishna, one automatically develop knowledge and detachment.

6. Chanting Hare Krishna gets one out of the endless cycle of birth and death.

7. Chanting Hare Krishna cleanses the heart of all illusions and misunderstandings.

8. By chanting Hare Krishna, one becomes free from all anxieties..

9. There are no hard and fast rules for chanting. One can chant anywhere, any time, under any circumstances.

10. Krishna Himself is fully present in the transcendental sound of His name.

11. All other Vedic mantras are included in the chanting of Hare Krishna maha mantra.

12. A person who chants Hare Krishna develops all good qualities.

A video by Ananta Vrindavan.

Interview with Jaya Jagannath Das.
They call me “Jaya”. My spiritual journey began when I was 17. At that time, I was training as a ballet dancer in New York (I had started training when I was 11 years old). I was also on the quest for love. I had a vague idea what to look for, but nothing that was very concrete. Sometimes, I would walk a hundred blocks hoping that I would bump into love someday! Of course it never happened. Later on, my roommate and cousin introduced a book to me by Carl Jung called “Man and His Symbols”. In that book he talked a lot about consciousness and super consciousness, dreams and architypes, dreams and songs. That kind of steered my quest for love in the spiritual direction. So, I started reading a lot of philosophical and religious books in order to inform myself about what love was.
I started reading a lot of philosophical and religious books in order to inform myself about what love was. So both of their conclusions were not satisfying… One day, I stumbled upon Srila Prabhupada’s book called “The Science of Self-Realization”
So, I started reading a lot of philosophical and religious books in order to inform myself about what love was. I was reading a lot from both Eastern and Western traditions. What I liked about the Western traditions was that their conclusions often were about the relationship with God, although it was very vague. What I liked about the Eastern traditions was that they had a lot of philosophical content that was just absolutely profound. But their conclusion was often very morbid: either you cease to exist (my understanding of the Buddhists at that time) or you merge with the Absolute and also cease to exist. So both of their conclusions were not satisfying, although the profound philosophical content was very interesting, fascinating, and nice. One day, I stumbled upon Srila Prabhupada’s book called “The Science of Self-Realization” (I was 18 at that time). The way I stumbled upon this book – I was starting to get into hip-hop. I was also writing hip-hop and we found a friend who was an actual artist (a lot of his music was about spiritual subject matter). So, I became his friend just to kind of pick his brain on spiritual subjects.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/gB2QSX

The Original Formula (7 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: Lord Caitanya’s movement started with Harinam samkirtan - going out and chanting the holy names in the street with musical instruments. The process is as effective now as it was then. And it will work for the next 10,000 years. All glories to Sri Krsna samkirtan!
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/BjdDES

Guruvayur, also called ‘Dwarka of Southern India’, houses the famous Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple. Guruvayur Sri Krishna, also affectionately called as “Sri Guruvayoorappan”, the presiding deity, was installed by Brihaspati and Vayu. Sri Guruvayoorappan is a four-armed form of Lord Krishna in standing posture with a chakra in the right hand, conchshell in the left, and mace and lotus flower in the other two. Lord Krishna displayed this form of His only twice during His appearance on earth: once to Arjuna just before the battle of Kuruksetra while speaking the Bhagavad-Gita, and once to His parents, Vasudeva and Devaki, at the time of His appearance in Mathura. This deity was worshipped by Vasudeva and Devaki in Dwarka. When Lord Krishna wanted to end His manifest pastimes on this planet, He entrusted His devoted friend Uddhava, to take good care of the Deity. Lord Krishna prophesied to Uddhava that at the end of His earthly sojourn, the island of Dwarka would be swept away by the sea, 7 days after He would leave. Continue reading "Sri Guruvayur Yatra
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Saturday night Manchester.