Bhagavad Gita Talk Show in Gramedia Book Store, Bali (Album with…
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Bhagavad Gita Talk Show in Gramedia Book Store, Bali (Album with photos)
Nila Kamal das: Gramedia is the most famous bookstore network in Indonesia. The company was founded in 1970 in West Jakarta and now Gramedia has more than 50 stores scattered around various islands in Indonesia. In Bali itself, it has 5 branches.
On the 12th of May 2017, HG Shyamasundarananda das Brahmacari (Mayapur) was invited by Gramedia management to present a discourse on the Bhagavad Gita. His grace spoke for around one hour touching various subject matters. He emphasized how the Bhagavad Gita is a law book for humanity at large and how it is not sectarian but is applicable for everyone regardless of caste, creed, and gender. To provide evidence for this statement he quoted a verse from the Gita; ‘One who has taken his birth is sure to die, and after death one is sure to take birth again. Therefore, in the unavoidable discharge of your duty, you should not lament.’ This verse, he explained is applicable to every single living being, not just Indians or Balinese.
Another point which touched the hearts’ of the audience was where he explained how that in all the schools, colleges, and universities, the highest education that can be learnt is; ‘We are this body and we have to enjoy this body.’ The Bhagavad Gita however starts at the point where Krishna explains to Arjuna in the second chapter, ‘As the embodied soul continuously passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. A sober person is not bewildered by such a change.’
After the class had ended there was a long session of question and answers that took place from the inquisitive audience. Along with Shyamasundarananda das, HG Gopal das (Spain) answered the questions given. Finally, Bhagavad Gitas were distributed to those in the audience and Shyamasundarananda das signed them. Cake prasad was also distributed to the audience.
We thank the organizers of Gramedia Book Store for giving us the opportunity to speak about the glories of the Bhagavad Gita. We hope that our endeavors to spread the Lord’s message will please Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Srila Prabhupada, and the previous acharyas.
‘Krishna takes a special appreciation for His devotees who are engaged in risking for His preaching work and He will give you special care and guidance at all times because you are sincerely trying to serve Him in this way.’
Find them here: https://goo.gl/9PIk4d

Panchagauda Prabhu Interview
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Hare KrishnaBy Mitra Dasa

How many of you know Panchagauda? I was impressed with his management skills. The Vrndavan temple is so welcoming, so inviting, clean and on time, yet he doesn't show any signs of stress. He always had time to talk with me. I took a half hour to interview him, to get his history which includes 80 mango trees in Miami, a visit to see Srila Prabhupad in Potomac, helping Aindra establish the 24 hour kirtan, Holi and Janmastami festivals in Vrndavan... Continue reading "Panchagauda Prabhu Interview
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1st International Bhagavata Mahotsava, Germany (20-23 July…
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1st International Bhagavata Mahotsava, Germany (20-23 July 2017)
We have the pleasure of inviting you for a very special festival. A festival in which sravanam, hearing, will be the main focus. This hearing will not only be directly from the Srimad Bhagavatam, the ripe fruit of all vedic literature but also from that spoken by highly realized souls. Taking time out to just sit down and listen carefully to the transcendental glories of Lord Krsna will inspire and strengthen our spiritual journey. With the hope of serving the vaisnava community under the shelter of Sri Sri Radha Madana Mohan, we are honoured to organize such a festival.

“ Men become strong and stout by eating sufficient grains, but the devotee who simply eats ordinary grains but does not taste the transcendental pastimes of Lord Krsna gradually becomes weak and falls down from the transcendental position. However, if one drinks but a drop of the nectar of Krsna’s pastimes, his body and mind begin to bloom, and he begins to laugh, sing and dance.“ CC Madhya 25.278
Read more: https://goo.gl/b6ulo4

Hari Sauri Prabhu Interview Discussing Sadaputa Prabhu and Vedic Cosmography
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Hare KrishnaBy Prishni Devi Dasi

As one of the founding members of the Bhaktivedanta Institute, Sadaputa dasa left a large collection of historical materials pertaining to the early achievements of the BI during its pioneering unified phase. Part of the mission of the Richard L. Thompson Archives (RLTA) is to make these historical ISKCON materials readily available to the public, and specifically, to devotees interested in this form of outreach. As a side project, we have also conducted a series of oral history interviews with many leading ISKCON devotees involved with the Bhaktivedanta Institute since its inception. Continue reading "Hari Sauri Prabhu Interview Discussing Sadaputa Prabhu and Vedic Cosmography
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Sunday Love Feast – May 14th,2017 – Vedic Discourse by HG Radha Gopinath Prabhu
→ ISKCON Brampton

Chant: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare And Be Happy!!

When?

Sunday,May 14,2017
Program starts at 11.00am

Where?

6 George Street South
Brampton, Ontario
L6Y 1P3, Canada
Park underground(free) @ City Hall
Phone:416-648-3312

New! Listen

Click here to listen to previous class recordings on our blog
Make a Donation
Bhagavad Gita As It Is (18.66)
sarva-dharman parityajya
mam ekam saranam vraja
aham tvam sarva-papebhyo
moksayisyami ma sucah
Translation
Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear.




11.00- 11.15      Tulsi Puja
11.15 - 11.30     Guru Puja                                        
11:30 –11:55     Aarti & Kirtan                                    
11.55 - 12.00    Sri Nrsingadeva Prayers                
12.00 -  1: 00   Vedic discourse
  1.00 -   1.30    Closing Kirtan
  1.30 -  2.00    Sanctified Free Vegetarian Feast


COMING UP AHEAD

Apara Ekadasi
Fasting.....................on Mon May 22,2017
Breakfast................. on Tue May 23 ,2017 b/w 6.24am-10.27am


Every fortnight, we observe Ekadasi, a day of prayer and meditation. On this day we fast (or simplify our meals and abstain from grains and beans), and spend extra time reading the scriptures and chanting the auspicious Hare Krishna mantra.By constantly ‘exercising’ our minds through regular japa we can train our senses to push the threshold of contentment.
English audio glorification of all Ekadasis is available here 

ONGOING PROGRAMS
Japathon-Congregational Mantra Meditation

Next program TBC

The chanting is a spiritual call for the Lord and His Energy to give protection to the conditioned soul.japa, when performed with focus and attention, can subdue the agitating effects of one’s mind and senses. The senses, of which the mind is also one, are constantly being stimulated by the external world  - by gross and subtle matter.
If you have not chanted before, and would like to participate in this program, we will be very happy to show how you can do this.
All welcome. We’ll loan you a set of Beads!


Educational Course
An eight Week course will be starting at ISKCON Brampton on Nectar Of Devotion from May 6 to June 24,2017(9am-12pm).
HG Vaishnava Das will be facilitating the course.Registration is a must for this course.For registration and more details ,please contact mother Prema Gaurangi Devi Dasi by Apr 16.
Lunch will be included!!
Sunday School
To register,contact us
Email:sundayschool108@gmail.com
Call:647.893.9363

The Sunday School provides fun filled strategies through the medium of music, drama, debates, quizzes and games that present Vedic Culture to children. However the syllabus is also designed to simultaneously teach them to always remember Krishna and never forget Him. School
The Sunday School follows the curriculum provided by the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture (BCEC).

Monthly sankirtan Festival(MSF)
“One who has life can preach, and one who preaches gets life.”(Previous Acaryas)
Every member of ISKCON should have the opportunity to make advancement in Krishna consciousness by preaching.We encourage everyone to come out and participate and make Srila Prabhupada happy.

Please contact:
Dharma Dasa- dharandev58@gmail.com-647.892.0739(Mississauga and Brampton regions)

The Mentorship Program

Please note that registration in the Mentorship System is now a mandatory requirement for all initiation requests at ISKCON Brampton.It

1.Facilitates  and nurtures devotees aspiring for first and second Initiation.    
2.One-on-One personal follow up on a regular basis.
3.Systematic training to devotees in matters of Philosophy, Sadhna, Vaishnava behavior, etiquette, Lifestyle and attitudes.

To find details please click here

Gift Shop

Are you looking for some amazing gift items which are less expensive and more beautiful for your loved ones for festivals or many other occasions??
Our boutique is stocked with an excellent range of products, perfect for gifts or as souvenirs of your visit. It offers textiles, jewellery, incense, devotional articles, musical instruments, books, and CDs inspired by Indian culture.We're open on all Sundays and celebrations marked in our annual calendar.

Lord Nrsimhadev Harinam in Central London
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Share

Dear Devotees,
Please accept my humble obeisances,
All glories to Srila Prabhupada

Here is a video of the powerful Harinam in Central London for Lord Nrsimhadev 9th May 2017.

Lord Caitanya organised His Harinam parties in a very exact way.

Technicalities of our Harinam.
This is what we done on the Nrsimhadev Harinam to avoid weak, slow, and yodelling Kirtan.
If Kirtan is so important , why not put the energy into it . A big sound system is required that doesn’t run out of battery, without taking away the spontaneous ras there is still a good idea to orchestrate the Harinam to some degree.

Govinda prabhu sang first, started in the key of F and then change to G as planned. A cheeky wink gave the musicians the time to change tune or key. Sruti Dhar Prabhu continued in the key of G. Then Tribhangananda Prabhu waited for his key , the key of G and as planned sang the Prabhupada tune, as did Sakshi Gopal Prabhu. Singing in the key of G is in my opinion the best key for male devotees to sing in, for street Kirtan. At least one female Vaisnava should sing and that was Ratnavali dasi who always sings in the key of D, ( gents and ladies generally sing in different keys). We controlled the mixing desk, and made the vocals dominate. In the future we wish to get five mrdangas , tuned together and played to a strong marching beat but right now our drummer Matt Prabhu, professional drummer from the band Razorlight, played the Tribhuvanath beat for the whole Harinam as did Ratnavali dasi which they perfectly done. The Tribhuvanath beat is a special powerful beat ideal for a marching Harinam. Because we grew up on this beat and because the festival team don’t play any other beat, this is what we choose. Tribhuvanath Prabhu left us 15 years ago, still his beat goes on which is made up of 3 different moves according to the speed of the Kirtan.

Enjoy the movie

Your servant
Parasuram Das

When chanting becomes fun
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 29 June 2009, Japa Talks)

The importance of attentive chanting is stressed again and again. There are many things one can do to improve one’s performance –  chanting early in the morning after enough rest in a peaceful place, in devotee association. We try to focus the mind especially on hearing the name. I aim at chanting sixteen rounds in about two hours, sometimes it takes a little longer and sometimes it is a little faster. Skipping beads has been mentioned. Skipping beads can happen in various ways, sometimes I catch myself that I am not changing the beads exactly at the end of the mantra and the beginning of a new mantra. This is not good because then one could easily go through more beads than mantras.

Anyway there is so much about attentive chanting – I try to focus and the mind sometimes drifts, when I become aware of it, I try to bring it back. Still although attentive chanting is important, that is not my only meditation while chanting. If that was all there was, then chanting would be a struggle and a stressful activity. Rupa Gosvami in his famous verse: tunde tandvini ratim vitanute tundavali, describes how the Holy Name dances in the mouth and he desires millions of mouths and millions of ears. It is clear that Rupa Gosvami’s meditation is on the wonderful nature of Krnsa. So we may not have the same deep level of absorption as Rupa Gosvami but we can make a start now and besides trying to be attentive, we should also appreciate Krsna’s wonderful nature and how he is so mercifully is present in his name. Then chanting is not just a struggle but chanting becomes fun…

Washington ISKCON50 Gala Video Released
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A 10-minute video has been released about the prestigious ISKCON50 Gala event that took place in September 2016 at the Hilton Presidential Ballroom, in Washington, D.C. Over 300 people attended the event, seventy-five of them special invitees including religious leaders, religious liberty experts, members of the media, and political leaders. The video presents the highlights of the Gala, including some of the speeches and Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard's leading kirtan. 

Nrsimha-caturdasi, May 9, Carpinteria
Giriraj Swami

05.09.17_01.Nrsimha_Chaturdasi_Carp“When we come into the material world and want to compete with Krishna, the first thing we need is another identity — not ‘servant of Krishna’. That is the false ego. Then the mind is the agent of the false ego. That is why the mind is so difficult to control — because it is the false ego’s agent to make sure we don’t surrender. So, we really need mercy. We need the association of each other — we really need association.”

—————-

05.09.17_02.Nrsimha_Chaturdasi_Carp05.09.17_03.Nrsimha_Chaturdasi_Carp05.09.17_04.Nrsimha_Chaturdasi_Carp05.09.17_05.Nrsimha_Chaturdasi_Carp05.09.17_06.Nrsimha_Chaturdasi_Carp05.09.17_07.Nrsimha_Chaturdasi_Carp05.09.17_08.Nrsimha_Chaturdasi_Carp05.09.17_09.Nrsimha_Chaturdasi_Carp

——
Nrsimha-caturdasi talk
Nrsimha-caturdasi prayers

Don’t just stand – take a stand
→ The Spiritual Scientist

“You may not keep the birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building a nest in your hair.”

–        Martin Luther

We live amidst a culture of violence and indifference. Some people resort to violence at even the slightest provocation and others often just stand by, watching indifferently, as if they were seeing a movie spectacle rather than seeing the victimization of a living human being, who is essentially just like them. This prevailing culture of violence and indifference can make us apathetic, unless we ourselves are targeted.

Yes, in the world there’s much wrong that we can’t change. But still there are things we can change. At the very least, we can change our defeatist attitude that we can’t change anything. Actually, nothing will change if we don’t change our notion that nothing will change.

It is easy to blame others for the state of the world. But the easy way is hardly ever transforming or fulfilling.

We often stand passively when things go wrong in the world. And when things go wrong in our own life, we stand passively in another way – we, in the sense of our intelligent side, stands passive and paralyzed while our emotions take over and make us act in ways that simply worsen the situation.

Consider a situation when we find ourselves in a conflict with someone. Whenever any conflict involving us escalates, we are responsible, even if we are not the cause. We are responsible for how we conduct ourselves in that conflict, whether we arouse the fire or whether we douse it. If we let our situations determine our emotions and thereafter our actions, then we become reactive, thereby arousing the fire of conflict further. If we decide in advance the principles we wish to live by, and then let our emotions and actions be determined primarily by those principles and secondarily by the circumstances we find ourselves in, then we can ensure that we do our part in dousing the fire of conflicts.

We could label the other person as irrational, sentimental, delusional. And, sadly, those labels do apply to some people. Yet labeling anyone thus does little to resolve conflicts. People may be what they are, but we don’t have to give them the power to make us what they are. And unwittingly that’s what we do when we let our responses be determined by anger or other such emotions.

We are not here to see through each other – we are here to see each other through. This becomes our guiding principle when we internalize spiritual wisdom. The Bhagavad-gita (06.32) states that the topmost yogis exhibit empathy, seeing others’ joys and sorrows similar to their own joys and sorrows. Gita wisdom explains that we all are interconnected, being parts of the Whole, the supreme spiritual reality that is the source of everything. The more we become spiritually conscious, the more we become sensitized to see how others are ultimately like us, how we too might be acting the way they are acting now if we had been in their circumstances.

Gita wisdom helps us sharpen our spiritual intelligence. This intelligence helps us to cut through the fog of emotion that clouds our inner world whenever we are confronted with unreasonable, aggressive people. We learn to go beyond the emotions to the actual issues and respond appropriately.

Grounded in spiritual wisdom, we get the strength to take a stand. Firstly, we take a stand in our own inner world, refusing to be swept away by the stormy emotions that impel us to kneejerk reactions. We stand firm in our knowledge of our core identity as parts of God and in his love and guidance. With our mind thus calmed and clarified, we can take a worthy stand externally too – we can do our part in solving the problem, and in going through and growing through the situation.

The post Don’t just stand – take a stand appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Iskcon related news and stories from May 12th, 2017
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Srila Prabhupada: "But one thing is, you were spending $900 monthly for deity expenses, and still you are spending $900, so if total income is increasing more than double, why not increase also expense for the deity? We may spend anything and everything for the deity, as long as there is no scarcity, and by that lavish spending to glorify Radha and Krsna, they will become very much pleased upon you and bless you more and more." Letter 31 December 1972

Meeting Srila Prabhupada
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Hare KrishnaBy Bhuvana Pavani Devi Dasi

Lord Caitanya then inquired: What is the most profitable thing in the world, the essence of all auspicious events? Ramananda Raya replied that there is nothing as profitable as the association of pure devotees.” (Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Page 341) When did I meet Srila Prabhupada? The year Srila Prabhupada arrived in Butler, Pa. (Sept. 1965). Is it possible I was visiting my Grandparents in Butler? Did I happen to catch a glimpse of Srila Prabhupada? Or the following summer, at the age of 13, did I happen to walk downtown Butler where His Divine Grace had previously walked? There is no question that Srila Prabhupada’s very presence, his kirtan and bhajan, his transcendental preaching, purified the material atmosphere of the Butler area like nothing ever before… at least in THIS age! Continue reading "Meeting Srila Prabhupada
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Iskcon Informational Town Hall Meeting At The Brooklyn Public Library
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Hare KrishnaBy the GBC Brooklyn Temple Sale Committee

The pending sale of the ISKCON Brooklyn Temple (Radha Govinda Mandir) has generated interest, concern and even controversy in ISKCON, not just in the New York Metropolitan Area but also around the world, especially in light of the GBC Body’s stated opposition to the sale (see attached GBC Resolution no. 314). In order to foster openness, inclusivity and awareness of the current state of affairs as well as to dispel confusion and misconceptions, the GBC Brooklyn Temple Sale Committee is hosting an ISKCON Informational Town Hall Meeting at the Brooklyn Public Library on Monday, May 15, 2017 at 7:00 PM sharp. The evening’s program and ground rules are set forth below. Continue reading "Iskcon Informational Town Hall Meeting At The Brooklyn Public Library
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Life’s unfairness does not give you license to walk the wrong path of dharma!
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Life’s unfairness does not give you license to walk the wrong path of dharma!
Karna asked Krishna - “My mother left me the moment I was born.
Is it my fault I was born an illegitimate child?
I did not get education from Dhronacharya because I was considered a non Kshatriya.
Parshu-Raam taught me but then gave me the curse to forget everything since I was a kshatriya.
A cow was accidentally hit by my arrow & its owner cursed me for no fault of mine.
I was disgraced in Draupadi’s swayamvar.
Even Kunti finally told me the truth only to save her other sons.
Whatever I received was through Dhuryodhana’s charity. So how am I wrong in taking his side?”
Krishna replies, “Karna, I was born in a jail.
Death was waiting for me even before my birth.
The night I was born I was separated from my birth parents.

Celebrating Nrsimha-caturdasi with Srila Prabhupada in Juhu
Giriraj Swami

Narasimha and Prahlada in dramaOn Nrsimha-caturdasi in Bombay in May 1974, the devotees performed a drama of the story of Prahlada, Hiranyakasipu, and Nrsimhadeva, and afterward, the actors, still in their costumes, sat down for Prabhupada’s lecture. “Today is the appearance day of Lord Nrsimhadeva,” he began. “I am so pleased that within such a short time these boys have nicely learned how to play, and especially I have to thank Mr. Hiranyakasipu,” at which everyone laughed and applauded. “Mr. Hiranyakasipu has played his part very nicely.”

And Prabhupada concluded his talk, “So the atheist and the theist will never agree. But the theist will never submit to the atheist. This is the principle. Prahlada Maharaja was put into so many troubles by his father, but he never forgot chanting . . .

“So we should take lessons from this story, that even in a dangerous position, we should not be forgetful of Krishna. Krishna will save us. It is said in the Bhagavad-gita,

yam labdhva caparam labham
manyate nadhikam tatah
yasmin sthite gurunapi
duhkhena na vicalyate
      [Bg 6.22]

‘Established thus, one never departs from the truth, and upon gaining this he thinks there is no greater gain. Being situated in such a position, one is never shaken, even in the midst of the greatest difficulty.’ Krishna consciousness is so nice that if one gets Krishna consciousness, yam labdhva caparam labham, aparam labham, any other benefit or gain is never considered. We are hankering after getting this, that, this, that, so many things. Dehi, dehi, dehi, dehi. But as soon as you get Krishna consciousness, you will be satisfied. As Dhruva Maharaja said, svamin krtartho ’smi varam na yace. Just like Prahlada Maharaja—he was offered all benediction: ‘My dear Prahlada, whatever you like, you can ask.’ He never asked anything. But he was so kind. That is the example of a Vaishnava son in the family. Despite so much troubles given by his father, still, he begged from Narasimhadeva, ‘My Lord, my father has committed so many offenses. Kindly give him liberation.’ He did not ask anything for himself. So Nrsimhadeva immediately said, ‘Why do you speak of your father? Your father’s father, his father, fourteen generations—all are liberated because a son like you is in this family.’ This is the benefit. If a son becomes a pure Vaishnava, devotee, he can deliver fourteen generations. That is a special prerogative because he is born in a certain family. So, what we can give service to the family, nation, materially? If we become devotee, we can give best service to the nation, to the family, to the humanity. That is the philosophy.

“So our Krishna consciousness movement is preaching this philosophy, that ‘You take to Krishna consciousness; your life will be perfect.’ And the method is very simple.

harer nama harer nama harer namaiva kevalam
kalau nasty eva nasty eva nasty eva gatir anyatha

Three times. Three times means yajna-dana-tapah-kriya. There are many other things: meditation, sacrifices, worship in the temple. In this age all these things are impossible to be performed, but even a child can chant Hare Krishna maha-mantra. That is proved here. Whenever there is Hare Krishna maha-mantra, even a child can take part, and old man can take part. That was the teaching of Sri Prahlada Maharaja, and we are following his footsteps. Let us stick to his principle, mahajano yena gatah sa panthah, and thus become more and more advanced in Krishna consciousness.”

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Sunday, May 7th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Burnaby, British Columbia

The Perfect Trek to Take

Adriano, from Brazil, and a host of other walking enthusiasts, joined me for a trek along Byrne Creek, a place well known as a habitat for coyotes.  Adriano is relatively new to our Krishna culture, but has been attending the Enchant sessions, in Vancouver, which are conducted by Krishna devotees.  I consider him very genuine in his pursuit of spirituality.  It’s gatherings like this, the stroll by the creek, outside of chanting sessions, where he’s seeing our more casual side.

Right alongside the walking, is talking.  They are two activities which are so compatible with one another.  The only thing that can possibly create some clumsiness in our discussion is the needed attention to where we are stepping.  The trail is not totally flat.  It’s a terrain of ups and downs, and there’s fifteen of us.  You just have to observe the presence of the persons in front of you, or the one behind you.  Single file.  There’s other people sharing the trail.  It is Sunday, after all, and the weather couldn’t be better.

I see and greet regular Canadians, Eastern Europeans, Chinese, and Hispanic folks along the way.  I see them first, since I'm taking the lead on our petite safari.  In fact, our whole team makes acknowledgement of the other trekkers through the common courtesy of saying, “Hello!  Good afternoon!  Namaste! Or Hare Krishna!”  Greeting someone with warmth in the course of the day is a yogi’s obligation.  It’s a symptom of being sattvic, even saintly.

Adriano had lunch with us and to provide him with more experience, he stuck around for the Sunday program and to view the drama presented by the Saranagati group.

May the Source be with you!


8 km

Saturday, May 6th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Vancouver, British Columbia

What Do You Think?

The topic of discussion at the Bhagavatam class was a lesson from Canto 7, given by monk, Narada, who has a large waterfall named after him in the state of Washington.  Narada is speaking to the righteous king, Yudhistir, about the impartial nature of the Divine.

The students of the academy from Saranagati Village were there to listen and to appreciate the topic on “the fairness of God.”  The major point being made was that every soul is given an equal opportunity.  This is the initial offer.  The sad element behind the disposition of equanimity displayed by the Supreme is that the independent and free-minded soul makes bad decisions.  Yes, “bad” leads to “sad.”

Indeed, some people, whom we observe, appear to have a raw deal in life—bad karma.  Somehow or other, during the process, some lifetimes ago, we all fell from grace and went onto the wrong track.  However, there is a way to redeem oneself.

“What do you think?” I asked the group from Saranagati.  “What are the steps one can take to improve one’s life?  How do you make a negative become a positive, karmically?”

Hands shot up accompanied by their answers and suggestions.

“Eat prasadam(blessed food).”

“Take up chanting with feeling.”

“Look at everyone as a soul.”

“Familiarize yourself with sastra (Vedic wisdom).”

The list could go on with:
Be fair in your dealings as God (Krishna) is fair, and it’s always more healthy to put the blame on yourself.

May the Source be with you!


0 km

akinchanatvam
→ Servant of the Servant

In my last post, I mentioned saralata or simplicity as a key ingredient for surrender. Another ingredient is akinchanatvam, meaning "not interested in things other than service to Krishna". For example, Hanumanji had mystical powers (material powers), He had immense strength and I believe He could have single handedly defeated Ravana. These siddhis could be considered extraneous but because He used it in the service of Lord Ram, His powers were not kinchana, but rather akinchana. So akinchantatvam necessarily does not mean material poverty but the inner desire to not possess anything for one's own pleasure but only for the pleasure of the Lord. Vibhishan, Prahlad, Dhruva,Yudhistira etc all were powerful material married kings with family possessing lot of wealth and power and fame. Because they employed their kinchana properties in bhakti, they could approach akinchana gochara Lord Sri Ram or Sri Krishna. Therefore akinchanatvam is a key ingredient in surrender to Swayam Bhagavan!

Hare Krishna

ToVP Launches Virtual-reality Panorama Site
→ ISKCON News

The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (ToVP) team has announced the launch of a new website, tovp360.org, which offers a virtual tour through the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, in Mayapur, India, one of the largest temples in the world. The virtual-reality panoramas in this site will show every nook and corner of the magnificent temple. From 24 different places, people can see all around and look both above and below to get a feel of this sacred space.

ISKCON Communications Conference to Discuss Politics, Gaudiya…
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ISKCON Communications Conference to Discuss Politics, Gaudiya Math, and Religious Freedom.
Forty communications staff will meet in Villa Vrindavana, Italy from May 13th to 16th for the European ISKCON Communications Conference. The conference will tackle several issues that are very relevant to ISKCON today.
ISKCON Communications is an organization that builds relationships with groups outside of ISKCON – such as politicians and world leaders, leaders of other religious groups, and the media. It also reflects to ISKCON leadership how our society is perceived in the world and how we can improve, remedy shortcomings and connect more with people.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/ILxjk5

Iskcon related news and stories from May 11th, 2017
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Hare Krishna"I remember at the Ardha Kumbha Mela in Allahabad, when some of your disciples felt it was too difficult to rise early, take bath and attend the morning program with you. Seeing this, you encouraged us by personally going outside in the dark of night, at 3 A.M., to bathe in unheated water and in near freezing weather, despite your age and dwindling health. Then, wrapped head to toe in wool, you sat with us outside in the wet predawn cold for a full three-hour morning program—without fail. In this connection, I pray that this vision of you always remain framed in my heart to give me strength against austerities."

Simhachalam Festival, Germany (Album with photos) Srila…
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Simhachalam Festival, Germany (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: So this is the mission of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, that you go and preach and make propaganda about krsna-upadesa. This is Krsna consciousness movement. We are teaching all our men how to spread krsna-upadesa, how to spread Krsna consciousness. Then anartha upasamam saksat. Then all the unwanted things he has contaminated will be finished. Then pure consciousness… Pure consciousness is Krsna consciousness. (From Srila Prabhupada’s class on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.7.7 – Vrndavana, April 24, 1975)
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Sri Jagannath Boat Festival
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Following the tradition of Jagannath’s boat festival at Narendra SFollowing the tradition of Jagannath’s boat festival at Narendra Sarovar at Puri, where Lord Jagannath enjoys water pastimes for 21 days of Chandan yatra, at Rajapur, which is non-different from Puri dhama, Jagannath Boat festival shall be celebrated for 2 days. It was a bonus for […]

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How to break habits
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Hare KrishnaBy Romapada Swami

The process of retraction of bad habits can be summed up as follows: Recognition, Regret, Rectification, and Reinstatement - aided by saintly association and devotional practices. Retraction of bad habits was compared by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura as being synonymous to the jiva’s returning back to the spiritual world, because in effect these bad habits are nothing but the binding effects of our long material association and past activities. The first step in overcoming this material conditioning is of course to recognize the bad habits themselves. This recognition should be accompanied by sincere regret followed by firm resolve to give up the habit. But often we find that despite being aware and regretful for their habits, many people are unable to avoid their sinful tendencies, because of the lack of proper effort. It takes great commitment sustained over time to accomplish the result. Continue reading "How to break habits
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