Lord Krsna, the possessor of infinite powers
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Ravindra Svarupa Das

Although Lord Krsna, being the possessor of infinite powers, is the only cause of the creation, maintenance and destruction of innumerable living beings, He simply did not desire to keep His body in this world any longer. Thus He revealed the destination of those fixed in the self and demonstrated that this mortal world is of no intrinsic value. (SB 11.31.13) Continue reading "Lord Krsna, the possessor of infinite powers
→ Dandavats"

Rathayatra and book distribution in Surat (Album with…
→ Dandavats



Rathayatra and book distribution in Surat (Album with photos)
Jagannatha Damodar das: There was arranged the Rathyatra festival on 25 June'17 Sunday, on the auspicious day of Ashadh dwitiya in the city of Surat, Gujarat. Since Surat is one of the major cities of Gujarat, many thousand faithful people took part in it with a great enthusiasm. It was one of the best chance for the devotees to please Srila Prabhupada by distributing his books as Rathyatra is a festival in which totally new beginners who even don’t know the lord, some faithful people, few who do not believe in lord and even the people of different religions and sampradayas take part. As Srila Prabhupada once said in his lecture that “ There is no question of darkness where there is light, and Krishna Consciousness is the light that dispels the darkness of material sense enjoyment.”( Lecture, Ratha-yatra-San Francisco, June 27, 1971 ) and to bring the light of Krsna Consciouness to the conditioned people, under the guidance of the vice president of Surat ISKCON temple H.G. Vrindavan Das, team of around 150 devotees leaded by H.G. Radhesh Das celebrated this festival of Chariot by sacrificing their time totally to book distribution of Srila Prabhupada’s books for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada and in order to bring the Mercy of Lord Jagannatha to every people. The following is the book distribution report:
Maha Big books - 491
Big books - 75
Medium books - 25
Small books - 991
Srimad Bhagwatam full set - 13
Caitanya Caritamrita set - 1
Sri Bhaktisiddhanta Vaibhav - 1 Set
Lose BTG - 860
BTG 1 year subscription - 33
Plus some more books which are not counted
Total 2.07 L INR Lakshmi received.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/3eQ4Eq

Friday June 30, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto/Ottawa

Walking In Beauty

The following poem was shared by a Navajo woman whom I met this week. I, in turn, wanted to share it with our readers.

In Beauty I Walk

With beauty before me I walk
With beauty behind me I walk
With beauty above me I walk
With beauty around me I walk
It has become beauty again (4x)

Today I will walk out, today everything unnecessary will leave me.
I will be as I was before, I will have a cool breeze over my body.
I will have a light body, I will be happy forever, nothing will hinder me.

I will walk with beauty before me. I will walk with beauty behind me.
I will walk with beauty below me. I will walk with beauty above me.
I will walk with beauty around me. My words will be beautiful.

In beauty all day long may I walk.
Through the returning seasons may I walk.
On the trail marked with pollen may I walk.
With dew about my feet, may I walk.

With beauty before me may I walk.
With beauty behind me may I walk.
With beauty below me may I walk.
With beauty above me may I walk.
With beauty all around me may I walk.


In old age wandering on a trail of beauty, lively, may I walk.
In old age wandering on a trial of beauty, living again, may I walk.
My words will be beautiful.


And so I was reflecting on this poem, sometimes referred to as “The NavajoWay”, as I walked along Bloor Street, on a vibrant evening in Toronto. Simple words, but powerful and beautiful.

May the Source be with you!
7km





Thursday, June 29th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Salt Lake City / Toronto

I Will Continue

The sad news is that I'm leaving the road for a month.  One of the main reasons for this is my annual summer obligation to join a young teen-boys’ bus tour.  It will be a time for outdoor events, drama,  workshops and just being there for them.

Still, every day that I’m with these young men—and that time will come soon—I’ll continue on with walking a stretch each day, wherever I am, and give a report of what my day is like.  I’ll miss the road and I’ll miss the state of Utah, but I’ll be back.  Stay tuned with me, please.

So, to relay to you my final exchanges last night with folks on Hwy 191 in Utah for the tail-end of the day, here it is:

A woman pulls over and offers a ride,

“Can I take you down the road?”

“Actually I’m in the middle of a trek to San Francisco from New York.”

“That’s amazing.  You know I just came from Cambodia and there’s monks everywhere,” she said.

“True, but I'm a monk from the Hare Krishna tradition.”

“So, it’s alright to ask a monk about a ride?”

“No harm in asking.”

“God bless you!” she offered.

“And you!”

Right behind her car another pulled up.  It was three men.

“A ride?”

You readers know the answer.

I delivered my line, mantra cards, and kept walking until Vyenkat and Hitesh drove up from Salt Lake.  They love to walk and to talk, and so we did, until the sun was gone.

May the Source be with you!

0 miles


ISKCON Scarborough – Very special kirtan night with Haribhakti Dey and Ajamil das – coming Friday- July 7th 2017
→ ISKCON Scarborough



Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

We warmly invite all the devotees with your family members to a very special night of kirtan at ISKCON Scarborough coming Friday.

HG Haribhakti dey, HG Ajamil das and the kirtan group will immerse us in the neatarian ocean of the Holy names.

The program starts at 6.45 pm on July 7th 2017.


Haribhakti Dey

"I was fortunate to be raised by musicians. Both, my father and mother are trained musicians and come from completely different musical and cultural backgrounds. My father was born in West Bengal, India, and was trained in the popular Bengali Folk style. My mother is from Colombia and grew up with Flamenco and South American music. From a very young age, music has been my passion”.

Born in 1982, inspired and taught by his father, Haribhakti developed a deep appreciation and love for devotional art and music. At the age of eight his father sent him to learn from Pt. Pradeep Gosh, a much respected and well known Music teacher in Kolkatta.

Later, Haribhakti Dey moved to Mumbai and continued his learning from Pt. Ajoy Pohankar, one of the most renowned Indian classical vocalists.

This Guru was a strict disciplinarian, and the long and arduous training made Haribhakti Dey a dedicated student and exponent of devotional Indian classical music.

The creative brilliance in Haribhakti Dey lies in his distinctive blend of styles. His pulsating rhythmic play and the cascades of his powerful, lightening-swift “Taans” are thrilling. His virtuosity, sensitivity, light singing, Alaap, slow and fast tempo, and total control of “Sur” and “Taal” have the captivating ability to touch the hearts and souls of his listeners.


Haribhakti Dey has performed numerous concerts throughout India both as a solo artist and in the company of other famous Indian musicians. He has taken Bhajan Sangeet to the world stage, performing sell-out concerts in Canada, USA, England, Australia, Dubai, Brazil, Hong Kong and the Philippines.




Stonehenge and Glastonbury Festivals
→ simple thoughts

Share

Summer Solstice Festival at Stonehenge UK
Each year on the longest day of the year, a great festival takes place at the ancient Stonehenge site. The “English Heritage” invite us to perform the Midnight Rathayatra and to do the mass Prasad distribution. Enjoy the video.

Glastonbury Music Festival .
Following In Tribhuvanath Prabhu’s foot steps, we maintain this dynamic preaching initiative, as when he was physically with us.
Enjoy the video

Your servant
Parasuram das

New Location for Ratha-Yatra – July 14-16, 2017
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!


We would like to humbly invite everyone to join us this year, from July 14th-16th, 2017 for our 45th Annual Ratha-Yatra here in Toronto.

As the whole city has noticed, the Toronto Islands have flooded due to the high amounts of rain this spring and summer.  The city has closed the Toronto Islands, including Centre Island, to the public until at least August 1st.  For this reason, our festival will now be taking place at a beautiful new park called Sherbourne Common (more information below)!

Festivities will kick off on Friday, July 14th as we celebrate a 12-Hour Kirtan, featuring Madhava Prabhu, Agnideva Dasa, Amala Kirtan Dasa, Jahnavi Jivana Devi Dasi and more (see below)!  We will be blowing the roof off New Remuna Dhama (ISKCON Toronto) with this 12-hour kirtan marathon.  Once again, the special event is planned for Friday, July 14th from 10:00am to 10:00pm. This kirtan event is not to be missed!

Of course, this precedes the big weekend!  Toronto’s Ratha-Yatra is one of the largest Ratha-Yatras in North America with tens of thousands of people in attendance each year!

Some of the unique features of Toronto’s Ratha-Yatra include:
  • A Parade Right Through Downtown Toronto
  • A “Bhajan Kutir” with Non-Stop Kirtan
  • “Yoga Meltdown” – A Mini Yoga Festival
  • Live Cooking Demonstrations
  • Arts & Culture Showcase and much more!
Immediately following the parade, festival-goers will be able to attend the two-day festivities at Sherbourne Common, a beautiful new park right at the waterfront and which is a short walk from the end of the parade.  The main festival-pavilion will also host a children’s area featuring fun and wholesome, Vedic-themed activities and events.  All in all, Toronto's Ratha-Yatra will offer everyone a chance to experience a unique festival promoting simple-living and high-thinking!



Pictures of Sherbourne Common (New Festival Location):











In ancient India, there were many different belief systems, as there are now – why is this?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post In ancient India, there were many different belief systems, as there are now – why is this? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

If someone helps us but makes us feel bad about having taken their help, should we keep a distance from them?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post If someone helps us but makes us feel bad about having taken their help, should we keep a distance from them? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

If we practice bhakti simply to look good in others’ eyes, how can we advance?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post If we practice bhakti simply to look good in others’ eyes, how can we advance? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Is there a fine line between when matter takes us towards Krishna and when it takes us away from Krishna?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post Is there a fine line between when matter takes us towards Krishna and when it takes us away from Krishna? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

How can we remember that we are devotees when we are with materialistic people?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post How can we remember that we are devotees when we are with materialistic people? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

If we surrender to Krishna because of fear that we will face problems otherwise, is that surrender genuine?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post If we surrender to Krishna because of fear that we will face problems otherwise, is that surrender genuine? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

After practicing spirituality, we feel less materially insecure – does that mean we are spiritually advanced or are irresponsible?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post After practicing spirituality, we feel less materially insecure – does that mean we are spiritually advanced or are irresponsible? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

If we cursed someone who disappointed us in a relationship, are our present problems a karmic reaction for cursing that person?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post If we cursed someone who disappointed us in a relationship, are our present problems a karmic reaction for cursing that person? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

The Flowering of Consciousness
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Bhakti Charu Swami

Man has the chance to bloom spiritually by raising himself to the highest level of love of God.The Vedic scriptures divide consciousness into five categories, namely covered, shrunken, budding, blooming, and fully bloomed. Trees and plants, for example, are almost inert. They fall into the “covered consciousness” category. They seem to show no sign of consciousness, but when we observe them carefully, we see they have a limited consciousness. Other living entities, such as worms, insects, and other animals, are in “shrunken consciousness.” They are not as covered as the plants, but their consciousness is not fully developed either. Human beings have “budding consciousness.” A bud appears shrunken, but it has the potential to bloom into a flower. Human consciousness has similar potential; it appears shrunken like the animal’s, but humans have the innate ability to develop their consciousness to an almost unlimited extent, up to the point of knowing the Absolute Truth, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Continue reading "The Flowering of Consciousness
→ Dandavats"

Mindful Leadership – Radhanath Swami Speaks at the Bank of England
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Administrator

If you met someone in the heart of London’s financial district and told them a monk was speaking at the ‘Old Lady’ of Threadneedle Street, they might be in disbelief. Although he hasn’t had a bank account or signed a cheque since 1969, and to the humour of the hundreds that attended when he admitted that, Radhanath Swami spoke at the Bank of England on Wednesday 22nd March 2017. Founded in 1694, the Bank of England is a public institution responsible for maintaining the monetary and financial stability of the United Kingdom. It serves as the model on which most modern central banks have been based. Continue reading "Mindful Leadership – Radhanath Swami Speaks at the Bank of England
→ Dandavats"

Snana-Yatra Festival this Sunday, July 2, 2017
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

A sure sign that the annual Ratha-Yatra (Festival of India) is just around the corner (July 14-16, 2017) is the annual Jagannatha Snana-Yatra festival!

Snana-Yatra is a wonderful festival, wherein Deities of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balarama and Lady Subhadra will be bathed amidst amazing kirtan and chanting!

After the bathing ceremony (Snana-Yatra), Lord Jagannātha becomes "sick". He is therefore removed to His private quarters, where no one can see Him. 

During the Ratha-Yatra Festival on July 15th, Lord Jagannātha will once again come before the public. Thus for thirteen days after the bathing ceremony, Lord Jagannātha is not visible to any visitors! Don't miss out this last opportunity to see Lord Jagannatha before his grand Ratha-Yatra festival!

Don’t Miss the 12-Hour Kirtan – Friday, July 14, 2017
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

TORONTO’S BIGGEST ANNUAL KIRTAN DAY!
Harinama Eva Kevalam

The much awaited annual pre-Rathayatra 12-Hour Kirtan is just sround the corner!  Featuring kirtan leaders from around the world, this is certainly a day not to be missed!  Being held on Friday July 14th from 10am - 10pm at the Toronto Hare Krishna Temple at 243 Avenue Road, it promises to be the best 12 hours of your life!

Book the day off work or school as this is your opportunity to immerse yourselves in 12 amazing hours of the transcendental vibrations of the maha-mantra accompanied by singing, dancing, drumming and clapping.

World renowned kirtanyas will be descending on Toronto from around the world, including Madhava Prabhu from Switzerland, Agnideva Dasa from the West Indies, Amala Kirtan Dasa from Brazil, Jahnavi Jivana Devi Dasi from the United Kingdom and many more! Make sure you come early as your favourite kirtanya might be chanting earlier than you expect!

Don’t forget to invite and bring your family and friends on Friday July 14th, 2017. We look forward to seeing you there!



Unfolding Srila Prabhupada’s biggest vision on…
→ Dandavats



Unfolding Srila Prabhupada’s biggest vision on Education.
Srila Prabhupada incorporated his worldwide mission with deep concern for the suffering humanity. He outlined seven purposes which capsulized the essence of his mission. In these seven purposes Srila Prabhupada has immensely stressed on education.
Srila Prabhupada wanted to provide opportunity for all people to gain a systematic understanding of the profound vedic scriptures.
Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakura mentioned in a letter to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura in 1910 – “Saraswati! I had a special desire to preach the significance of such books as Srimad Bhagavatam, Satsandarbha and Vedantadarshan. You have to accept that responsibility. Sridham Mayapur will prosper if you establish an educational institution there”
Also, Srila Prabhupada wrote in a letter to Atreya Rishi Prabhu in August 20th 1971 - “Throughout the whole world there is no institution to impart knowledge in the matter of spiritual understanding. So we are going to open a big centre in Mayapur where this education will be internationally imparted. Students from all parts of the world will go there to take education in this important subject.”
All our previous acharyas - Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakur, Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakura and Srila Prabhupada desired to establish educational institute at Sridham Mayapur for the benefit of devotees worldwide.
To fulfill this vision of our previous acharyas, Mayapur Institute (MI) was established in the year 2000. Since the launch of the Institute in 2000, over 3500 students of various race, ethnicity, gender, and economic status coming from various places like USA, UK, Russia, China, Australia, Africa, Europe, etc. have been benefited immensely from different courses at MI.
Due to significant growth in student enrollment every year, the current Mayapur Institute classrooms and offices are inadequate. Hence, MI had embarked on setting up an exclusive campus at Mayapur.
Now, Phase-1 of the Campus Project is almost ready and the time has come to offer this to our previous acharyas for their pleasure.
3rd July is going to be a historical event as the vision of our acharyas will start to unfold, creating facility for hundreds of students to come to Mayapur to study the scripture.
We invite you all to witness this wonderful historic event.
On 3rd Jul 2017, 8.30 Am onwards
Venue: MI Campus, Crossing Taranpur Road, Mayapur
Program details: Kirtan, Srila Prabhupada arrives at MI Campus from Temple, Guru Puja, Video Lecture by Srila Prabhupada, Speech by HHJPSM, Sannyasis, SP Disciples and Senior devotees, Inauguration and offering of the New Campus to Srila Prabhupada by H.H. Jayapataka Swami followed by Mahaprasadam at 12.00 PM

Harinam, book and prasadam distribution @Bajrasandi Park, Bali…
→ Dandavats



Harinam, book and prasadam distribution @Bajrasandi Park, Bali (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “As a result of chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, one makes such great advancement in spiritual life that simultaneously his material existence terminates and he receives love of Godhead. The holy name of Krishna is so powerful that by chanting even one name, one very easily achieves these transcendental riches.” (Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.28)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/EqX4A3

Help Needed! – Hospitality for Ratha-Yatra
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

Are you getting excited for our community to host the 45th Annual Ratha-Yatra (Festival of India)? As the largest of it's kind in North America, our festival draws people from around the world. To that end, we need some help! Specifically:
  • Airport drop offs / pick ups during the week of the festival
  • Donations to the temple of bedding, fans, and air fresheners
  • Hosts for visiting devotees 
If you're able to help, please email hospitality@festivalofindia.ca. Remember, this is your festival - let's show the world how hospitable Torontonians are!  Hare Krishna!

To evaluate devotion by its material benefits is like evaluating dancing by the distance covered Gita 02.44
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast

The post To evaluate devotion by its material benefits is like evaluating dancing by the distance covered Gita 02.44 appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

If we can’t decide whether a particular desire is good or bad, what should we do?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post If we can’t decide whether a particular desire is good or bad, what should we do? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

If my job requires me to do medical testing on animals, how can that be reconciled with bhakti?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post If my job requires me to do medical testing on animals, how can that be reconciled with bhakti? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.