Bhagavatam study 1.13.1-7 – The detachment that fosters attachment to Krishna
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[Evening program in London, UK]

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Did Vidura depart because of unbearable criticism or frustration at his counsel being neglected?
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Was Vidura irresponsible in departing when his family was about to fight the worst war of their life?
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Overcoming Pornography Addiction
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Hare KrishnaBy Dhameshvara Mahaprabhu Dasa

In this article, I begin with a confession of what I experience as a common experience for men with an addiction to pornography, based on my life and deep empathetic conversations with others. I will share what I believe to be the way to overcome this addiction in Krishna consciousness. This includes the necessity of an environment with minimal temptations, knowing of the science of overcoming anarthas, and the value of being genuine in relationship with others. I will take the liberty of writing on these topics as a commentary to the Shrimad-Bhagavatam, 1.2.16-22, in literal English verse, which describes the progression of Krishna consciousness from beginning to consummation. Continue reading "Overcoming Pornography Addiction
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Why does our inspiration for service rise on hearing and fall when material responsibilities come up?
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Pingala got realization despite having no spiritual environment – why don’t we get realization despite having spiritual environment?
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Answer Podcast

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Harinama in Barnaul, Russia, 20.05.17 (Album with…
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Harinama in Barnaul, Russia, 20.05.17 (Album with photos)
“We go out on the streets of the city with harinama, and we say to people: "Sing along with us!” Then they come to the temple, and worship the Deities in the temple. We distribute books, and this inspires people to change their lives. If we follow correctly everything that Srila Prabhupada taught us, Radha, Krishna and Vrndavana will unfold in our hearts. There is no doubt about this. The secret is to follow Srila Prabhupada’s instructions in a humble state of mind. To be more humble than a blade of grass, more patient than a tree, and, not expecting respect for oneself, be ready to show respect to everyone. If we get these qualities, and we continue to do what we do, success in spiritual life is guaranteed to us. “
Find them here: https://goo.gl/m84wSG

382. A guest’s ceremony
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On Saturday (yesterday) at the temple, an Australian couple came to conduct a ceremony for a mother of theirs, who passed away. They were so friendly and patient with the devotees, sitting through the whole ceremony with great sincerity. It seemed to be their first. I wanted to ask them what their motivation/inspiration was for choosing the Hare Krishna temple for this personal event in their life. One never knows how we have touched people’s hearts. An interesting part of the ceremony was when the lady asked if a pet doll could be placed next to the mother’s photo. I couldn’t hear what was being said but must have been an item dear to the passed away mother.

Anyways, the small and quiet function ended with photos, a box of wonderful milk sweets and a copy of the Bhagavad-Gita. They seemed so content just with their own initiative to organise their ceremony,  the care given to them by the devotees, the Deities and the gifts. It’s so important that we take care of guests to our temple and also be with them through the various phases they go through.

 

 


Monday, May 15th, 2017
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Champaign / Omaha

Long Drive

A brisk walk for thirty-five minutes was all I could squeeze in before the long haul to Omaha, Nebraska.  Our Ford Freestar appears good on gas.  That is a tension reliever, for sure.

After eleven hours of driving on Interstate 80, we reached our destination, the home of Vanamali, our doctor friend.  I had time to reflect on the previous day, which was Mother’s Day.  In some unique way, I rendered some service to my godsisters in New Vrindavana, West Virginia.  It was lunchtime and the preparations were divine, for lips and tongue.  I had the great honour to take the preps around and carefully spoon out those great works of art in the form of prasadam (sacred food).

It was so heartwarming.  As a monk (a swami), I’m usually the recipient of kind gestures from many people, whether on my walks or during regular duties.  In a sense, it was a meagre gesture, but it was touching for my sisters who are all in their 60s or older.

“You don’t have to do that,” said one of the ladies.

“Oh, yes I do!  This is indeed a special day and mothers of the world, who are terrific, and nurture,  deserve every bit of reciprocation they are offered.”

These ladies, by the way, were like their brothers who pioneered a consciousness of Krishna in the western world.  Tomorrow, I begin to walk the first few steps of ISKCON’s 50th celebration.  Yes, love of Krishna made a stand in ’66 in the west, and in ’67 it actually went to the west coast when our guru, Srila Prabhupada so kindly offered a unique brand of bhakti yoga.

May the Source be with you!


3 km

Sunday, May 14th, 2017
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Moundsville, West Virginia

U.S. Walk

By 4:00 p.m., our U.S. (short for United States) Walk was set to begin by making the long journey from Moundsville in West Virginia, going over Ohio State after crossing the Ohio River, then Indiana, and on  to Champagne, Illinois.  This was all done by the Jaladuta Express, a “Ford Freestar” van, with navigation by Hayagriva and driven by Marshall.  This is my team from Canada—a team of three.  We are going to complete the second half of the U.S. walk this summer.

On our way back to the starting point, the three of us discussed planning.  We’ll have to check out my Go-Pro for pics, acquire a road atlas for the States—in addition to the oft-times evasive maps found on our cell screen—and a host of other projected duties of support once walking starts.  We also reflected on the good weekend in New Vrindavan, with Marshall behind the ‘sound’ of our production, “Mr. Puri.”  With a full house in the community hall lodge, we found the audience was most entertained the previous night.  People came forward to say it was the highlight of the FOI (Festival of Inspiration).  And on the evening before that, Balarama, from Toronto, performed his magic of dancing to my reading of “Narasimha Kavacha,” the words of Saint Prahlad, and an excerpt from the Brahmanda Purana. 

I also conscripted Bhakta Bray, a young father in the community of New Vrindavan.  He is a trained actor, and we both read the parts to “Hiranyakasipu Meets His Maker.” 

Krishna Ksetra’s script is light and, once again, entertaining.

All is good!

May the Source be with you!


0 km

Saturday, May 13th, 2017
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Moundsville, West Virginia

Progressiveness

Just one month ago, the Yoga Shala was inaugurated right here in New Vrindavan, West Virginia.  The “Wheeling News Register” put out an article in the “Life” section detailing the opening of this new facility which should be a draw for those on a health and spirit kick.

This is a progressive move for any ISKCON centre in the world—starting from scratch, raising the funds, and constructing a building where wellness can be experienced on the levels of mind, body and soul.  There has been incremental interest within the Krishna community to support, or rather, receive support, from the yoga system taught by Patanjali, and discussed by Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad-gita.

I can say for sure that if anyone attempted such a project just ten years ago, it would have been met with some opposition.  Why?  Well, a culture of disdain has festered toward yoga poses, yoga breathing, etc. considering it inferior to chanting mantras and executing Vedic rites.

There is something fallacious to the judgement that yoga is illusion (maya).  Something has not been assimilated properly with our very own philosophy.  Something is amiss.  Our guru, Srila Prabhupada, on various occasions, encouraged health approaches through yoga, tai chi and standing-on-your-head in the park.  Such exercise offers a good balance.  After all, health and well-being are required in order for one to execute bhakti-yoga, service to the Creator, the creation and its creatures.

So, bravo to the heroes who established this Yoga Shala, which resembles a rustic chalet.  They have a vision and may they blaze a trail.

May the Source be with you!


4 km

Friday, May 12th, 2017
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Moundsville, West Virginia

Feelin’ Guilty

I do, at times, feel very guilty about not putting in the kilometres / miles I should in the course of a day.  My excuse in places like the New Vrindavan community is that the demands are high for personal attention from friends and students who have converged here for the FOI (Festival of Inspiration).  I am also taking precious time to work with an under-rehearsed cast for our drama, “Mr. Puri.”  I figure “people are first” in the priority list, and with that mind-set, I forget sometimes what I need to do for myself.  That’s either sacrifice or foolishness.

From our stay in West Virginia, our small team of Hayagriva, Marshall, and myself—all monks—will head for Nebraska to reconvene my walk across the U.S.  The second half of the trek from New York to San Francisco is to be completed.

I did bring with me some reading material about walking, which delineates the benefits of this natural event.

·       Walking refreshes the mind, reduces fatigue and increases energy.

·       More than half the body’s muscles are designed for walking; it is a natural movement that is virtually injury-free.

·       Walking provides an enjoyable time for sharing and socializing with friends or family.

·       Regular, brisk walking can reduce elevated blood fats or blood pressure and improve digestion and elimination.

·       Walking strengthens bones and helps prevent or control osteoporosis.

·       Walking relieves stress and tension.

·       Brisk walking trains your heart, lungs and muscles to work more efficiently.

Put out by http://www.mississauga.ca/file/COM/walkingbookENG.pdf

May the Source be with you!


2 km

Kalash Assembling Commences
- TOVP.org

We are very pleased to announce that a team of Engineers from the Manufacturing Company in Moscow that built the parts for the TOVP Kalashes has arrived in Mayapur.

A group of six engineers came to our site to assemble the grand Kalashes and no time was wasted as they enthusiastically began the work without delay. When Bhavananda prabhu heard of the beginning of such work, he rushed to meet them and admire the elements of the Kalashes.

Within a few months time, the Kalashes for the two small domes will be installed. We are expecting the delivery of the main dome Kalash in the near future. Once completed, the three domes will be the crown jewels of the TOVP, to be finally topped with all auspicious gold-plated Chakras.

The post Kalash Assembling Commences appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

TOVP: The Wonder Team is here (Album with photos)
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Hare KrishnaSadbhuja Das: The Wonder Team is here After much awaiting, the team of the Manufacturing Company from Moscow arrived to Mayapur. A group of 6 engineers has come to our site to assemble the grand Kalashes. No time was wasted as they enthusiastically begun the work. We are very thrilled for the team's arrival and for the new relationships that are building this great offering! Jai!

Appreciation Ceremony Honors 1,000 Collective Years of Service
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Hare KrishnaBy Madhava Smullen

From the very beginning, Tejomaya braved many austerities. He and Manonatha worked with Madhava Gosh in the garden, and would get badly suburnt after a whole day in the sun. By night, they would mix and carry cement used to build Prabhupada’s Palace. In October 1974, the two friends were initiated by Srila Prabhupada. Tejo was transferred full-time to the Palace construction crew, and became integral to the team of whom Prabhupada said, “These devotees are my jewels.” Continue reading "Appreciation Ceremony Honors 1,000 Collective Years of Service
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381. HH Bhakti Vikas Swami Vyasa-Puja day
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Today was nice. I didn’t realise that the Vyasa puja celebration (appearance day/birthday) of His Holiness Bhakti Vikas swami was being celebrated at the Sydney temple at noon. My plan was to finish my morning service, attend the bhagavatam class, have a full breakfast ? , finish my rounds and head home. As i had started my day at 2:30 AM, by the time i reach home at 2:30 PM, i would have covered 12 hrs already. But as i read the morning verse on the whiteboard, i noticed on the corner a message that there would be the observing of the Vyasa puja today at 1PM. Obviously, my plan changed – i would stay.

i love Vyasa pujas. Sitting with other devotees and hearing the glories of their chosen spiritual master, their personal realisations and engagement with him, often gets my throat choked. Many times, i have seen devotees cry and unable to speak. Having a spiritual master is the most wonderful thing that can happen in one’s life – infact it is a part of life’s perfection. A spiritual master is a representation of the Supreme Lord, who holds your hand and takes you closer to Lord Krishna, step by step, service by service, advice by advice. The relationship is completely spiritual and one that is eternal. When the student is sincere in his search for his relationship with the Lord, providence arranges for him to meet his spiritual master. As they say, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear”.

His Holiness Bhakti Vikas Swami is a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) or the Hare Krishna movement. Originally from England, he became an initiated disciple of Srila Prabhupada in 1975. You can read more about him on his website here – http://www.bvks.com/about/his_holiness/biography/

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His Holiness Bhakti Vikas Swami (image from http://www.bvks.com)

I remember seeing him for the first time in Mayapur (West Bengal, India), on 11 April 2010, when he was giving initiations along with His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami, HH Jayapataka Swami and HH Bhakti Vaibhava Swami. I had written an article about that visit to Mayapur then – here it is: article # 196. What stood out for me then was his fluency over the Bengali language. It had the local crowd enthralled! HH Bhakti Swami who was translating for him jokingly said to the crowd, “Swami has got an English body and a Bengali heart!” and that he himself was a Bengali speaking in English ? The next day when i was exiting my pilgrimage trip to Yogapith (birthplace of lord Chaitanya), he was entering the same compound. Someone told me that he was out on a parikrama. He looked very serious and determined on that walk, i remember.

Anyway, at the temple today, few young devotees and few visitors had gathered in front of his photo. We had kirtan, offered bhoga, chanted the prayers and did pushpanjali (offering of flowers) also.

His only disciple here i think, His Grace Prem Sagar prabhu managed to put this all together. He had only just come to Australia in Feb 2017 but his humble nature, ready smile, hard work at the kitchen has earned him a lot of friendships. The feast that he put for all of us was one of the best i have ever had!! There must have been atleast 20 preparations!

IMG_20170520_140138

Prem Sagar Prabhu – a disciple and a cook!

He was telling me with great enthusiasm how he came under the care of his spiritual master, HH Bhakti Vikas Swami, some 10-11 years ago:

“I was working in Mumbai and staying with other friends. I have a nature where I cannot sleep more than 4-5 hours at a stretch and then I need to take a break from my sleep! One such night, i had woken up and decided to watch T.V. Casually, I tuned into ATMA TV where there was a program from ISKCON. It was a lecture given my a caucasian but speaking in fluent Hindi!! I was surprised because I had never met an English speaking citizen speak an Indian language like that. It was Bhakti Vikas Swami delivering the talk on TV. I listened with great delight and at the end, they had mentioned in the credits that he was at ISKCON Juhu (Mumbai). So, I tried to visit him a few times but always missed him. Later I went to the Dubai and decided to go the ISKCON program there and to my surprise, he was there! After a long wait, I managed to have a darshan (personal audience) with him and we connected right away! He asked where I was from originally in India and I said Bengal and I was surprised once again when he now spoke in Bengali!!! Then later on I had the opportunity to serve him via cooking as I am a Chef by profession. Then in 2006, he initiated me. When I came to Australia, I was thinking how I can honour the Vyasa puja of my spiritual master especially when I have no other God family. But Ghanashyam Brahmacari (a temple resident) helped me much in getting it all together and with all your mercy, I feel it was a success!”

We think so – below is what he had made for his spiritual master and for us, the hungry lot!

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Pasta salad, Pasta in tomato sauce, biriyani, Bengali Jackfruit curry, roasted plantain dishes, raita, bean dishes, daal, sweet rice, cabbage curry, potato and cauliflower subji and so many others which i don’t know!

What always comes out in a Vyasa Puja is the love of the disciples towards their spiritual master. It was no different today. As we heard him speak and the effort he put into the feast preparation, we could easily gather that his soul was satisfied. Thank you dear Prem Sagar prabhu!

Below is a short video of the offering of the flowers to the photo of HH Bhakti Vikas Swami.


Prem Sagar prabhu ki jaya! His holiness Bhakti Vikas Swami ki jaya! His Divine Grace Bhaktivedanta Swami ki kaya! ISKCON ki Jaya!


For want of any taste for Your pleasant shining… / “…не имя никакого вкуса к Твоему доставляющему радость сиянию”
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Dear disciples, friends and well-wishers: Thank you all for your birthday greetings. Please always keep me in your prayers!

“One aged devotee of Krsna addressed Him in this way: ‘My dear Krsna, O killer of the demon Agha, my body is now invalid due to old age. I cannot speak very fluently, my voice is faltering, my mind is not strong, and I am often attacked by forgetfulness. But, my dear Lord, You are just like the moonlight, and my only real regret is that for want of any taste for Your pleasant shining I did not advance myself in Krsna consciousness.’ This statement is an instance of lamentation due to one’s being unable to achieve his desired goal.” [ Nectar Of Devotion, Chapter 29 ]

Дорогие ученики, друзья и доброжелатели, спасибо вам всем за поздравления ко дню рождения. Пожалуйста, всегда вспоминайте меня в своих молитвах!

«Один пожилой преданный Кришны обратился к Нему так: «О мой дорогой Кришна, убивший Агхасуру. Тело мое в старости стало ни на что не годно: речь моя медленна, голос дрожит, ум ослаб, на меня часто нападает забывчивость. Ты же, мой дорогой Господь, подобен свету луны, и единственное, о чем я жалею, что, не имея никакого вкуса к Твоему доставляющему радость сиянию, я ничуть не продвинулся в сознании Кришны». Это пример сокрушения из-за неспособности достичь желаемой цели». [ «Нектар преданности», глава 29 ]

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10209205221910579&set=a.3707173840886.2134384.1321748113&type=3&theater

Spiritual Perspectives on Material Beauty – 2 – Should we be disgusted with the body?
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[Bhagavatam class at ISKCON, Soho Street, London, UK]

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Gita 13.13 Bhakti wisdom frames our knowledge and our need for knowledge within our aspiration for eternity
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Bhakti-yoga is the balancer of our emotional and rational sides
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[Evening class at London, UK]

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