Festival Alert!! Iskcon Chicago Rathayatra – Saturday, June 17 @…
→ Dandavats



Festival Alert!! Iskcon Chicago Rathayatra - Saturday, June 17 @ 1 pm.
Srila Prabhupada: “..to take part in the Rathayātrā festival means to associate with Kṛṣṇa directly. So in this way, if we associate with Kṛṣṇa’s name, Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes, Kṛṣṇa’s qualities, Kṛṣṇa’s form, then, gradually, we transcend this material existence.”
- Srila Prabhupada Ratha Yatra lecture, London, 1972

Students visit Moscow’s Iskcon temple (Album with…
→ Dandavats



Students visit Moscow’s Iskcon temple (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: It is the duty of the mahatmas to chant the Hare Krishna mantra and try to spread it all over the world to the best of their ability. Unfortunately, society is in such an uncivilized state that there are so-called mahatmas who are prepared to kill cows and children and stop the Hare Krishna movement. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 10.2.37 Purport).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/KOS4AG

Vyasa-puja Lecture: This is my request to you
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 25 April 2017, Radhadesh, Belgium, Vyasa-puja Lecture)

At the end of the day, we are not going to be super-devotees. We would like to be but the reality is that we are not. There is Srila Prabhupada. We cannot imagine the magnitude of Srila Prabhupada´s love for Krsna, his surrender in service to Krsna and how Krsna empowered him. It is inconceivable!

We should know that whenever we do some service for Srila Prabhupada, everything will become magic. We know what he wanted. He wanted the whole world to become Krsna conscious – nothing less and it is there where everything starts to come alive. This is where all the struggle will disappear – when we do something for Prabhupada and it does not matter who you are because everyone is different and everyone will find a way.

This is how you repay me – somehow, do something to make people Krsna conscious. Whatever it is. Give to others. Something. Yes, distribute a book, distribute prasadam or as how Jaya Krsna is doing all these amazing dramas for so many years. Even I watch them on YouTube sometimes. When I am really tired and exhausted and don´t know what to do, I think, “What do I do now?” When I get to the zombie stage, then I watch TV and then sometimes I look at his dramas and it is preaching. I am happy that it is out there; Krsna consciousness is out there in an attractive way. So you do something. This is my request to you!

Just trying to be a devotee is going to be hard. I tell you, it is going to be hard to be a devotee! You are going to struggle in trying to be a devotee and you think it is going to get better… I have got news for you – it is not going to get any better. For your whole life, the element of struggle to be a devotee will stay with you. It is hard to limit yourself to be a devotee, to limit yourself to this way of life. The mind will rebel at times but let us just do something to give Krsna consciousness to others and in that way, Prabhupada´s mercy will start to manifest in our life and miracles will happen.

When the vibrations of different people chanting mantras are different, how does the mantra purify?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post When the vibrations of different people chanting mantras are different, how does the mantra purify? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Pandharpur Yatra 2017 by Iskcon Vapi devotees (Album with…
→ Dandavats



Pandharpur Yatra 2017 by Iskcon Vapi devotees (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The mango fruit is different from the name of the mango. One cannot taste the mango fruit simply by chanting, “Mango, mango, mango.” But the devotee who knows that there is no difference between the name and form of the Lord chants Hare Krishna and realizes that he is always in Krishna’s company. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 10.2.36 Purport).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/H37YYF

How do mantras change our consciousness – by their frequency, word order or word choice?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post How do mantras change our consciousness – by their frequency, word order or word choice? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Ratha Yatra Parramatta 2017 (Album with photos) Prince Alfred…
→ Dandavats



Ratha Yatra Parramatta 2017 (Album with photos)
Prince Alfred Square to Centenary Square Parramatta, Sydney, Australia
Srila Prabhupada: “O Lord,” the demigods say, “the impersonalists, who are non-devotees, cannot understand that Your name is identical with Your form.” Since the Lord is absolute, there is no difference between His name and His actual form. In the material world, there is a difference between form and name. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 10.2.36 Purport).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/7Qh1yi

An Offering To Gandharvika Dasi
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Gunagrahi das Goswami

Although I am missing you dearly, I am so very happy and proud of you that you you made your life successful by offering it fully at Srila Prabhupada's lotus feet. At our first meeting at Govinda's in San Diego during the early 80's when you were just a new devotee, you expressed your desire to travel alongside our party and help in any way that you could. I told you that at that time that it wouldn't be practical, but I knew then from seeing your wonderful qualities that one day I would be very honored to help you fully engage in Srila Prabhupada's mission. Soon after, you did in fact begin helping me, and you and turned out to become the administrative backbone of every preaching project we pursued. I can truly say that due to your contribution a great deal of the credit for the success we had throughout the years goes to you. You have always been vibrant, enthusiastic, dutiful, dedicated, wise, creative, and resourceful. As such I often deferred to your opinion on many topics. In addition to helping me, you also took up various big responsibilities on your own, and I would watch with great admiration how expertly you carried them out, not just in terms of your ability to organize, but - and more importantly - your way of lovingly dealing with all the devotees. Continue reading "An Offering To Gandharvika Dasi
→ Dandavats"

Jagannath Ratha Yatra on Cilegon Ethnic Carnival (CEC)
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Hari Narayana Das

At 01.00 PM the carnival started. The Mayor of Cilegon, Mr. Tubagus Iman Ariyadi welcomed all the participants and expressed his gratitude to all. "The CEC participants bring a good message that all Cilegon people must unite to realize a peaceful life by appreciating diversity and enhancing ownership," Tubagus said when opening the "Cilegon Ethnic Carnival.” Other important guests who attended the carnival were the Ambassador of the Republic of Panama. Continue reading "Jagannath Ratha Yatra on Cilegon Ethnic Carnival (CEC)
→ Dandavats"

Printing Matters
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy the BBT Communications Team

Every follower of Srila Prabhupada holds his books as sacred. However, his specific instructions that his disciples and followers cooperate with the BBT for the printing and distribution of his books, his formula for allocating BBT profits for BBT and ISKCON development, and his specific written empowerment of legally appointed trustees to oversee these proceedings are also sacred. Srila Prabhupada invested the BBT with the exclusive right to print his books in order to keep the BBT financially solvent and able to print his books in perpetuity. This is something we all want. Continue reading "Printing Matters
→ Dandavats"

Snana Yatra Festival 2017
→ Mayapur.com

With great pleasure, we invite you to join us in celebrating Snana Purnima festival at Sri Rajapur Jagannath Mandir, Simantadvipa.  This year the festival falls on 9th June.  On this day Jagannath Deva, Balabhadra and Subhadra Devi will accept abhishek from every devotee personally. The devotees from Mayapur as well as local villagers and pilgrims from […]

The post Snana Yatra Festival 2017 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Thursday, May 25, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Cozad, Nebraska

Touch History

The jolly farmer got off his John Deere tractor from tilling his field and came over until the ditch to the road was a barrier. He had a load of questions including “Where to?” and Where do you stay at night?”
“I have a support vehicle. The two young men, also monks, come out once in awhile to check on me and see if I'm still alive.” (Laughter!)
I asked him about this Spring’s growing season.
“I've never seen such a crappy crop in all my life.”
“I know farmers depend so much on nature and the Creator. Can I take your picture?”
“Sure!” Click!
Kelly Ninas from the Tri-City Tribune came out to see me from Cozad. He and I were standing by the road, but had to remove ourselves to make way for the trucks coming to lay new asphalt
I, with the boys, spent quite the quality time with Ellen Mortensen, of the Gothenburg Times, in the impressive little downtown of Gothenburg. I told her, as I did Kelly, that I'm walking to encourage getting back to basics and to balancing life, the physical and the spiritual. With journalists, I must always confirm I'm a Hare Krishna Monk and not a Buddhist.
Interesting about this town and Cozad is that we touched history here. The first highway in the world for automobiles, the Old Lincoln Highway, is here, at its midway point. Also in town is the original Pony Express station, established over 150 years ago. Men would carry parcels on horseback over twelve-hour shifts. Wild “Buffalo Bill” did a remarkable 320 mile stretch on one single ride. This also was a fur trading post.

May the Source be with you!

20 miles




Wednesday, May 24, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Lexington, Nebraska

The Place Was Cool To Us

Bob Brogan of KRVN Radio found me at the east end of town just where the sidewalks begin, and asked a number of questions including how we funded our operation. I explained that through some initial seed capital, speaking engagements, and the kindness of people along the way, we manage. And I gave the example of the woman who pulled along the shoulder of Hwy 30 and offered a ride. I told her I am walking to San Francisco and she pulled out a twenty.
Bob also wanted to know if we are aiming to create a specific awareness by doing this walk.
“Yes, I'm looking to promote a Walking Culture, being mindful, taking care of ourselves, and of course, there’s the spiritual side….” http://krvn.com/krvn-video/
Kevin, from the Lexington Clipper, also had a list of questions, and that was good. At break time, in a  park, we met Ann who works at a senior’s home. She was intrigued, and in her own funny way, slipped out the word damn, and then covered her mouth. She's very animated in her conversation.
“We’re not offended. Our Guru (Srila Prabhupada) would use it sometimes in certain contexts.”
We also met Al on Road 759, way out in the country, where I prefer to walk to avoid the ‘Terrible Tilt’ of the highway’s shoulder. Al was all excited about the walk and talked also about the cattle business. I just walked past a massive number of beef cattle.
“How many do you have?” I asked.
“Here,” he said, pointing, “we have 35,000 and on another plot we have 21,000.”
Al was really friendly; kind to talk to me and the boys. Thus far, folks have been great to us, including the many Mexicans, and also Africans in traditional Islamic garb.

May the Source be with you!

20 miles

Editor’s note: Correction for May 23rd post. The Beacon Observer was misnamed as the Beacon Publisher. Our apologies for any confusion.



Tuesday, May 23, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Elm Creek, Nebraska

Sharing A Good Thing

The fellow who pulled over with his bicycle was curious and wanted to know what I was all about. He introduced himself by name and then said he was a Sioux.
“You’re the first Native person I've met since starting from New York,” I said, happy about meeting him.
“Well, you're the first Monk I ever saw in my life,” he responded.
It was on this day, the same morning I was interviewed at Radio Station KGFW by Kyle. The talk went on for a good thirteen minutes. I took a break after pushing through a cold wind. Turkey vultures and I had shared the road, as well as rabbits, deer and possums.
The interview went extremely well and captured the attention of motorists—if not folks at home or in the workplace—through the radio waves. It caught Doug’s ears. He was on his way home from work and decided to walk a stretch with me, since part of the interview addressed the fictitious character of “Forrest Gump” who had people trek/run with him across the U.S. 
Doug, though, is more keen on the spiritual side of things, has read the Bhagavad-Gita, and has emailed me that he is enthused to go at it again. I also had a group of three high school grads walk with me for a short length of Hwy 30, the Old Lincoln Road, established in 1913. To spread the good word of pilgrimage, Michael interviewed me in Elm Creek for the “Beacon Publisher” paper. It's about sharing a good thing.
What I should not fail to mention was my jaw-dropping reaction to a train load of army tanks and jeeps heading west. Just what is to come down the pipeline? is my question.

http://www.sewardindependent.com/news/local_news/on-the-road-again-walking-monk-starts-second-leg-of/article_e425901a-3ffa-11e7-a9e7-5b99a570f8b6.html

May the Source be with you!

18 miles






Monday, May 22nd. 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Kearney, Nebraska

Frogs and Crickets Over Engines

I always prefer the sounds of frogs and crickets over the sounds of engines.  Those melodies of nature are what I usually hear when trekking in the early hours, around 5:00 a.m..  Today was different.  I walked on Central Avenue in Kearney (not like New York).  It was peaceful, broken up only by the rare motorist and two young, warrior-built types—zestful.

“How’s the walking doing today?  We read about you in the paper.”  That was gracious, considering people are a little reserved in this farm country.

Weather was great, about 58°F; perfect for sauntering.  It looked like we were going to see the sun for a change.  One more neat discovery—Hayagriva and I followed the main street in the town of Gibbon.  Bee-lining our way, the railroad service road was beckoning us.  This was favourable.  It’s soft with dirt, and relatively flat.  The terrible tilt of the Lincoln Highway’s shoulder was challenging, as is any highway with its engineered slant.

My body could feel the difference on the rail’s service road, which I couldn’t see from the other side of the tracks these last few days.  I took this route until I reached town.  At one factory, an employee saw me, as often happens.  “You’re not going to continue here?” he asked after I told him I'm on my way to San Francisco.  “There’s muddy corn fields ahead.”  Perhaps, he hadn't noticed the road of the railway men.

By the afternoon’s end, I was meeting more people.  Ride offers came; of course, I politely bow out.  There’s gifts of water coming my way, too.  I don’t meet too many yogis, except for one fellow.  “I do it for my lower back,” said the motorist.

Such was a day of sunshine in a temperate climate.  Thanks to the “Shelton Clipper” newspaper for taking our photos and info.

May the Source be with you!


23 mi

Sunday, May 21st, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Omaha, Nebraska

The Attempted Suicide

Today was a day off.  Our alternator needed replacing.  The mechanic (not the boss) took $30 off the price from his labour because he liked our project of walking across America.

I was resting my gout foot (the left one) at our host’s home, Vanamali and family.  We sat together along with my crew of two to discuss the episode of Chaitanya, the Great Walker, and his dear associate, Sanatana.  Sanatana had traversed the jungles of Jarikhanda (Bengal), had bathed in some bad water and for lack of good edibles, he felt sick and contracted an infection.  The symptoms were painful itching sores, rashes and who knows what else.

The disease was challenging enough to the point where Sanatana wanted to give up his life.  At the upcoming Rathayatra festival in the eastern town of Puri, Sanatana thought to throw his wretched body before the wheel of one of the chariots.  When news reached Chaitanya, he approached Sanatana with compassion but firmly denounced such a plan as suicide.

“Your body does not belong to you so you have no right to leave your body.  Your body is sold out to others, in benevolence.  Besides, I have plans for you—to excavate the places where Krishna had enacted His historical pastimes.”

Sanatana heard the words of his master, Chaitanya, and as he did so, Chaitanya offered an embrace which Sanatana felt bad about.  “I’m diseased!”

Chaitanya was not deterred and forced the hug, saying that Sanatana was a good soul.

An exchange with the Great walker.

May the Source be with you!


0 mi

Saturday, May 20th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Lincoln, Nebraska

Indoor Trekking

We had to backtrack some.  Marshall and I checked into an indoor walking track at the YMCA.  For practical reasons, the three of us, including Hayagriva, could not see ourselves driving to the Kearney area 2 hours away, then back three hours to Omaha for an evening program, and then back again for the next morning’s walk.  Secondly, I just wanted to stay dry and warm, so the indoor walking track did the job.  Too much rain and cold!

At twenty-two laps you cover a mile.  That brought Marshall and I to just under two-hundred laps.  We trekked clockwise and then counter clockwise.  We also chanted on our beads, but softly, in order not to disturb the basketball players in the same room but below us.  Our track was suspended.

I contemplated all the good folks I met on the road yesterday.  Good Samaritans.  One woman offered a ride to Kearney.

“I’m trekking it out to San Francisco.”

“Well,” she said, “yah have to have faith, otherwise you don’t have anything!”

“Agreed.”  I said, but I had faith in today.

The walking went well; so did the sanga in a beautiful South Indian temple.  Great attendance and different demographics of people.

Challenges came our way after the program.  Our van, the “Jaladuta Express” doesn’t operate.  On top of that I have a serious gout attack.  Very painful this time.  With some faith all will be resolved.

May the Source be with you!


9 mi
http://media.kgfw.com/Podcasts/3949/TOT%20The%20walking%20Monk%205-23.mp3.  

Panama Professionals Flock to Bhakti Yoga Center
→ ISKCON News

On May 7th, well-known “spiritual scientist” Chaitanya Charan Das, a former engineer who has an online following of some 400,000 spoke on the topic “Reincarnation – Myth Versus Reality” at the five-star Hotel El Panama in Panama City. The talk drew 350 doctors, architects, real estate agents and government workers from Panamanian, Colombian and Venezuelan backgrounds.

The Best Policy
→ ISKCON News

One of the biggest criteria for deepening our spirituality is the strength to be open and honest. Instead, however, we are often closed and pretentious. In the name of saving our face, we kill our soul.

Negation of a positive state is not without attributes
→ Servant of the Servant

arupa - no form
nirguna - no guna
nirakar - no character

If you study the words above, it is negation of a positive state. For example, if I say "no money", it means there is no money. If I say "no water", means there is no water. It is simple right! But in order to negate a positive thing, that thing first of all has to exist. So now let us look at "no money". Does it mean no money as in there is no money currently or there is no such thing as money? It actually means there is no money but to say there is no such thing as money in creation ever is illogical.How can we negate that which never exists?

Similarly, people use the above words to describe Brahman as arupa, nirguna, nirakar etc and then claiming God has no form, quality etc. But if we use the no money simile, then we have to conclude that for negating the positive word "form" (arupa), first of all there has to be form (rupa). So this positive word "form" so far in our experience is tied to our reality which is material. So when we use the word arupa , then we can only say it is negation of material form and not complete negation of that attribute ever.

But certain class of vedic followers make that jump by saying that arupa means no form at all ever hence God is formless ever. But why cannot God have a spiritual form and still be arupa because our experience of rupa is material.

Therefore, more accurate interpretation of the words describing Brahman is the absence of material form, quality and character etc but certainly the positive state of form, character and quality exists in Brahman and because Brahman is all spirit, that positive state is also spiritual.

Hare Krishna

Printing Matters
→ ISKCON News

Recently, the BBT trustees became aware that Jitarati Das, through his company Pristine International, printed sets of Srila Prabhupada’s Srimad-Bhagavatam in New Delhi without consulting with or being authorized or licensed by the BBT. This is a serious legal matter, and his printing also has ramifications for the worldwide distribution of Srila Prabhupada’s books.

The Golden Rule
→ ISKCON News

Many faiths share a common belief in treating others the way you would like to be treated. The Golden Rule is something we can all agree on. A video by FaithCounts.

Her Grace Gandharvika Dasi has left this world. Gandharvika…
→ Dandavats



Her Grace Gandharvika Dasi has left this world. Gandharvika Dasi, previous Iskcon San Diego Temple president has left her body. She left quickly, with family and friends, while listening to Srila Prabhupada chant, with Lord Nrsimhadeva’s dhoti (from Mayapura) touching her head, and with Ganga jal and Tulasi in her mouth… on her way back to Sri Sri Radha Giridhari’s Lotus Feet.
Please send prayers for Gandharvika, her husband, her young son, mother, father, siblings, other family members, and friends. Gandharvika is loved by so many and has deeply touched so many hearts. Her ability to selflessly give is not of this world. She will be missed, but her transcendental legend will live on.
Radha Dasi just shared her realization with me, “Gandharvika did three lifetimes of service in one lifetime.”
Thank you, Gandharvika, for your beautiful life, an example for us to treasure and remember. She is free now from this condition and in the hands of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna.
All glories to Gandharvika devi dasi!“