Is It “All One”?
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Vic DiCara's Astrology

Monism (“Oneness”) is basically a positive outlook on life, because it is aditi – unifying – and therefore results in peace and love. Dualism (“Twoness”) is basically a negative outlook, because it is diti – dividing – and therefore results in competition and violence. What is surprising, though, is that either outlook is very destructive if taken to its extreme and divorced from the other.

Since the late 19th Century (thanks mainly to Swāmī Vivekananda’s speech at the Parliament of World Religions)  when people think of “Indian Philosophy” they actually think, nine times out of ten, of the advaita-vāda of Śankara-ācārya, which ironically is India’s foremost example of Radical Monism taken to its utmost extreme. And so, I’m sure you’ve noticed, when anyone caricatures Indian philosophy they almost always say, “It’s all one. It’s all illusion.”

This school of thought arose out of necessity a few thousand years ago as a successful attempt…

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Auckland Leaders meeting
→ Ramai Swami

The leaders of the New Zealand yatra met in Auckland at our school to tend to ISKCON’s legal requirements, discuss preaching strategies and to hear how the temples and centres were doing.

One of the best parts was the transcendental association and the lectures and kirtans in front of Their Lordships, Sri Radha Giridhari, Sri Jagannatha, Baladeva, Subhadra and Sri Gaura Nitai.

A special initiation ceremony in Radhadesh, May 2017
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On 02 May, Kadamba Kanana Swami did a very special initiation ceremony in Radhadesh where Mariette Mataji received the name Manisha dd which means “servant of prayers”. Manisha dd is from Liege, Belgium and is very sick with advanced cancer. She has come to live in the Radhadesh community since finding out that she is in her final days. She has stopped chemotherapy treatment as it was a very painful experience and decided that since she is in her 80’s, she would like to go peacefully in the association of devotees. Manisha dd felt enlivened that Maharaj visited her, initiated her AND that their conversation took place in French as she is solely French-speaking!

Watch a short video captured by Bhagavati dd by clicking here.

 

Interview- Prabhupada das- 1972 Philadelphia (30min…
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Interview- Prabhupada das- 1972 Philadelphia (30min audio)
“I was a ghetto rat from South Philly. I would harass devotees chanting on the streets. I’d insult them and intimidate them. After four years of this, a devotee approached me. I gave him my usual Junk Yard Dog response and he just blew me off, "You’re just a little punk.” and then he left.
For some reason that really affected me.
I didn’t want to be like that. I looked for him for twenty minutes to apologize.
I got to see Srila Prabhupada five times, to eat from his plate…
It took me forty years to get initiated.“
Listen to it here: https://goo.gl/0jH2aJ

Amazing prasadam distribution with Harinama in Fuchu, Tokyo…
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Amazing prasadam distribution with Harinama in Fuchu, Tokyo (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The holy name of the Lord and the Lord are nondifferent; therefore when a devotee chants Hare Krsna, Krsna and His internal potency are dancing on the tongue of the devotee. (From Srila Prabhupada’s Bg 12.8 purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/TWuqGo

Indradyumna Swami Visits Moscow
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Despite bone chilling weather, Indradyumna Swami and his team's visit to Moscow was blissful due to the warm hearted nature of the devotees who love to chant the holy names and dance in ecstasy. Srila Prabhupada’s visit to Moscow in 1971 planted the seeds of Krsna consciousness which continue to grow in great proportions.

Kirtan Near A Conflict Zone (Album with photos) Indradyumna…
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Kirtan Near A Conflict Zone (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Dnepropetrovsk is only 200 kilometers from where Ukraine troops and rebels are fighting in a conflict that has claimed nearly 10,000 lives since 2014. Despite the turmoil, local devotees have continued preaching and have learned the art of taking shelter of the Lord’s holy names. The kirtans in Dnepropetrovsk were especially deep and focused on the sound incarnation of the Lord. Devotees appeared especially happy and grateful for our visit. Bada Haridas prabhu and Chaturatma das gave their full energy to enlivening all the devotees.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/g9yGkR

Dharma in Business
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Hare KrishnaBy Anand Caitanya das

Over 150 business professionals & entrepreneurs attended this event. By hearing the experiences of esteemed speakers, the attendees were empowered with answers to the questions “What is the dharma of business? And why is connecting with that dharma vital to the future of humanity and the planet?” Amit Chandra, noted businessman and MD, Bain Capital, called upon the audience to get involved in charitable works and learn to give back to the society. “We must spare at least one-third of the time to do social work,” he said. In a country which celebrates its wealth creators, Amit Chandra and his wife are known to be a couple that both give between 50-75% of their time and annual income to social causes. Many business leaders grapple with the issue of when is the right time to start giving, how much should they give, and should they get involved with their time? Sunil Sanghai in the question and answer session with Amit Chandra requested him to help answer this question for the assembled audience. Continue reading "Dharma in Business
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ISKCON’s Govardhan Eco Village (GEV) wins Smart Village Award 2017
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Hare KrishnaBy Gauranga Das

The Smart Cities Award Ceremony was part of the Mega Event organized by the India Trade Promotion Organization (ITPO) and the Exhibitions India Group. The three-day event hosted over 400 global exhibitors from around 40 countries across 20,000 square-metres of exposition space on the themes of Buildings India, Solar India, Transport India, Smart Cities India and Water India. Along with the expo there was also a three day conference and other key programmes including the CEO Speaks, Mayor’s Conclave, Smart Cities India Awards, Smart Village Conclave and Youth Leadership Summit. GEV also participated as one of the panelists in the Smart Village conclave which was focused on bringing together individuals, institutions, Government, industry/Technocrats, NGOs, etc. to bridge the urban rural divide and provide best practices, learnings or case studies which the other villages can replicate or learn from. Continue reading "ISKCON’s Govardhan Eco Village (GEV) wins Smart Village Award 2017
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Does Surrender Mean to Become Dependent or Independent or …?
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Hare KrishnaBy Atmananda dasa

There is no contradiction. Rather, we become both: simultaneously dependent and independent: independent for Krishna; both surrendered - thinking ourselves fully dependent - and autonomous. By becoming instruments, we act as little Krishnas, manifesting His brilliant and magnetic qualities, as Srila Prabhupada does. He instructs and guides us to become fully qualified - like touchstones – to transform others also, into pure servants of the servants of the Lord. Surrender means that we are willing and able to carry out the apparently impossible mission, the desire of guru and Lord Chaitanya, just as we see Arjuna doing on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Continue reading "Does Surrender Mean to Become Dependent or Independent or …?
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Hear this!
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 03 October 2012, Sydney, Australia, Bhagavad-gita class)

Srila Prabhupada says that hearing is most important:

sravanam kirtanam visnoh smaranam pada-sevanam… (SB 7.5.23-24)

There are nine processes of devotional service and they begin with sravanam, hearing. It is said that when there is hearing about Krsna then the next stage is kirtanam, naturally glorification of Krsna. So, unless one hears about Krsna, how will one be able to glorify him? So, the more we know about Krsna, the more we naturally know how to glorify Krsna! And the more we hear about Krsna, the more attachment to Krsna develops and then automatically chanting comes.

Sravanam, kirtanam and then smaranam, remembrance comes and automatically we will remember Krsna. Obviously, when we remember Krsna then we look at this world in a different manner. Srila Prabhupada, in the introduction to the Caitanya-caritamrta, which is based on five lectures that he gave, describes that Krsna consciousness is like taking off in a plane! He says that as you are going up, then everything down on the ground suddenly becomes very small… houses like match boxes, cars like ants… all very small and immediately their importance diminishes. So, as we are getting more and more involved in Krsna consciousness, in just hearing about Krsna, in just glorifying Krsna and in remembering Krsna, then automatically the importance of material things become less.

How hurt people hurt people 2 – Learning to process our emotions before acting on them
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Podcast

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Gita 12.08 Living in Krishna is a matter of not just relocation, but also of realization
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Podcast

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Gita 02.07 When surface identities lead to conflicting duties, seek the fundamental identity
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Podcast

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When results are determined by our past karma, can results be used to evaluate the soundness of our decisions?
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Answer Podcast

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What is the difference between processing emotions through self-help principles and through bhakti principles?
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Answer Podcast

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How can we overcome our false ego and rise from our material identity to our spiritual identity?
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Answer Podcast

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So what’s your latest realisation?
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Share

One amazing devotee whenever he sees me asks what I believe to be one of the perfect questions and always leads to an interesting discussion, it simply goes “So what’s your latest realisations?”

This is the science of self realisation and each time we meet there’s always something new to change; however he will never accept an answer if it’s based on someone else’s realisations unless it’s facilitated a greater understanding.

So I shared this time the thoughts that as devotees we are actually facilitators to help those we meet advance in Krishna Consciousness, that as a devotee we help those willing to advance explore and have their own personal realisations.

I realised that we need to allow for mistakes and misunderstanding but to make sure that we’re always there; indeed this was one of the expert way the devotees inspired and encouraged me in those early days.

It’s good to share thoughts and realisations, it can allow one to develop, but the mistake is forcing views onto people it may work for a while; however when things get tough or problems arise because it’s not personal remaining determined on a spiritual path becomes hard.

It’s these personal realisations that have always helped me remain practicing Krishna consciousness being convinced that it’s the only way to escape the misery of material life.

I described how actually we go on a journey, we’re on our own personal journey and we assist others in their journey; both benefit, both learn and indeed strength comes in a friendship based on helping each other advance. Indeed I’ve seen a number of those individuals who once looked at me as a teacher of bhakti now surpassing me in their devotion and personal realisations, it does make me smile as I then learn from them.

But realisations also come out of mistakes sometimes one has to experience difficulties to deepen one’s relationship with Krishna and the devotees, understanding this one can allow and understand mistakes.

A spiritual journey has many twists and turns, and for me it’s always much sweeter when I see how many after many many years still practice and in their own way making progress, it’s a good question to ask “so share with me what’s your personal realisations?”; It’s the start of a wonderful conversation.

And over the years it’s also allowed for me to learn and at times be corrections, but never ever chastisement as this indeed benefits no one.

It reminded me that Srila Prabhupada said this is the science of self realisation, best facilitate this not force on our own realisations, facilitate the journey

That was my realisation on this time of asking, but who knows what it will be next time I’m asked.

Thursday, May 11th, 2017
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Butler / Moundsville

Going Through

Going through customs with our vehicle was more of a breeze than I thought it would be.  Our Canadian contingent of monks, consisting of Hayagriva, Marshal and myself, along with Balaram, a Toronto member, arrived at the American Peace Bridge customs gate. We handed over our passports for inspection and all was good, including for Balaram, who is Mexican born.

With the new or latest federal administration in the U.S., there have been more stringent and tough policies exercised on foreigners as of late.  The ultimate question arises, facing all of those who pass borders, including,“Who are you?” and perhaps, “What are you doing?”

Now, here we can get a bit philosophical, in answer to the fundamental query, and say, I am a spirit and I'm trying to reform.”  An answer like that would not go over too well with any exacting authority.

We decided after leaving customs and putting in some miles through New York and Pennsylvania states, that a break in Butler, Pennsylvania, would be a good idea, given that it was here, where our guru, Srila Prabhupada, humbly began the whole mission of Krishna Consciousness.  When I passed through Butler in the fall of 2015, on foot, my support person, Vivasvan from Detroit, met an historian from the Butler Library.  He was a senior, well-read person, who was quite surprised when told that Butler, with its one month stay by the swami, before breaking ground in New York, was the actual birth place of this world-wide movement.  “You mean it started here?”

“Yes,” replied Vivasvan. “In September of ’65, it all began.”

May the Source be with you!


5 km

Wednesday, May 10th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario

Sweet Guy!

Today marks the birthday of Dharmaprana.  If you ever want to meet someone who is super-positive then that would describe him.  He turned sixty-eight today. He suffered a stroke years ago, which hampered his speech and movement, but such occurrences never soured this man.

Dharmaprana is actually a monk residing in our ashram in Toronto.  He manages to get around with his daily walks.  I believe he sustains himself through the routine walking in the residential and downtown areas.  Whomever he meets, always receives a heartfelt greeting from him.  It could well be that one of the reasons people like to visit the ashram / temple is because of him.  He’s very good at reminding people to be not only optimistic but spiritual, as well.  He gets you to say, “Hare Krishna,” “Prabhupada,” and “Radha Ksirchora Gopinatha (the presiding dieties).”  He keeps us on our spiritual toes.

Naturally, a birthday party was thrown in his honour.  The prasadam (food) was ultra-rich, with cake and everything North-Indian style, and lasagna added on.  It was so rich that it warranted a walk (for me).  I took to the neighbourhood which is full of pretty, well-maintained Victorian homes.  The sidewalks, houses, and trees of the area are like Dharmaprana himself, in that they’ve been around for a while and are sweet.  Yes “sweet street” might be a way to describe Roxborough Street and the safe, clean and surrounding areas where we are located.

Thank you, Dharmaprana, for the happy day.

May the Source be with you!


5 km

Tuesday, May 9th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario

What They Said and Did!

The folks I met on the way from the ashram to the corner of Yonge and Dundas downtown, had lots to say.

 “I love what you’re wearing,” said the woman as she passed by me near College Avenue.

“Hey!” said the man near Yonge and Davenport, as he was smoking a cigarette.  “I’m your neighbour.  I just live across the street from you guys.  I should come in and pay a visit.”

“Yes!  You should.  It’s your home.”

“I will.”

Near Yonge and Charles, four south-east Asians were standing, grouped together.  I offered my pranams (hands together).  I was checking; if they’re Hindu, they will respond.  They did.  Each one put hands together.  “ISKCON?” asked one, indicating that Hare Krishna is very popular in India, where they just came from.

“Are you Gujarati?”

“Yes.”  They were surprised at my guess.

“Surname Patel?”  Again, they were surprised.

“Come to our temple.  It’s your home away from home.”

One block away, I met a group of Caucasians.  One fellow from the group said, “Buddha!  Namaste!”

I said, “Krishna!  Namaste!”

On my return to the ashram at Roxborough, a homeless type said, “Yah know, this world is transitory.  Nothin’ permanent here.”

“Agreed!  One hundred percent!”  I was pleasantly surprised to hear this from him.  “You have some realization.”

May the Source be with you!


7 km

Monday, May 8th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario

Ownership

Karuna, Luv and I had a good reason to be out.  Spring is in the air.  Blossoms beckon.  Dandelions demand.  Yes, attention must be given to the colours of the season.  And the smells as well.  So we put on our stinky shoes and sauntered through Rosedale.

“It’s pretty affluent here, isn’t it?”  Luv asked.

“Yes, and it’s quite safe.  People in the neighbourhood have seen us for years.”  Then I realized I've been walking the area and claiming the territory for much longer than most people who’ve lived here.  There’s something to be said for walking a trail over time.  You feel it’s yours.  In reality it doesn’t belong to anyone, including myself.  Remotely, with Bhagavan as distant proprietor, and closely, with Paramatmaas the in-dwelling person, it comes as false proprietorship to anyone who stakes claim by paper or personal presence.

In the Gita, the appropriate line that conveys the reality of the situation goes as follows: sarva-all, loka-places, maheshvara-great owner.  Sarva loka maheshvara.  This is listed as one of the items that is the component to inner peace.  Everyone is looking for peace and it will most naturally come when peace arises from within.  It begins with appreciating genuine ownership.

There is nothing you can take, or hold in your arms and walk away with, especially with regard to the body at the time of departure.

May the Source be with you!


3 km (only)