Does pursuing knowledge reflect materialistic consciousness – will it keep us dissatisfied?
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Podcast

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Romanticizing Reincarnation – The danger of divorcing knowledge from its purpose
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[Sunday feast lecture at Detroit Indian Center, Farmington Hills, USA]

Podcast

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Sacred Sound 2017 (7 min video) Indradyumna Swami: Over Easter…
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Sacred Sound 2017 (7 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: Over Easter weekend devotees from all over Australia, and beyond, came together at the New Govardhan community to chant and dance in ecstasy to the holy names of the Lord. No one, who was present, will ever forget the happiness and joy they experienced in each other’s association. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/L9h5e0

Easter Saturday London Harinama Sankirtan (Album with photos and…
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Easter Saturday London Harinama Sankirtan (Album with photos and video) Video clip:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/davidcphotography2/33902896232/
alternative version in case the above doesn’t work for you:
http://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_62fHs0aE5XaDJmOFg5ajNXNjQ
Photo slideshow (please turn on sound):
http://davidc.zenfolio.com/easter_saturday_harinama_sankirtan_15042017/slideshow
Photo gallery:
http://davidc.zenfolio.com/easter_saturday_harinama_sankirtan_15042017
With best wishes,
Hare Krishna,
David

Announcement for The Spiritual Scientist app
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We just came to know that the spiritual scientist android app has some bugs and it gives barely 10% of the content published on the site. We are working to fix the bug. but till then to get updates from the spiritual scientist site, please subscribe for the email feed here https://www.thespiritualscientist.com/subscribe/

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Questions and Answers about “Aham brahmāsmi”, Ego, Humility, Karma, Good Karma, Ātma, and Brahman, from chapter 13 and 8 of Gītā.
→ The Enquirer

QUESTION: If Prakriti is changeable then why can’t we change the situations that emerge for us?

You can change them.

Remember chapter 8, bhūta-bhavodbhava-karo visargaḥ karma-saṁjñitaḥ – “karma is the immediate cause of all manifestations.” You change your manifest reality by changing your karmas.

You can’t change the karmas you have already performed – so you can’t change the results they have already produced in the world. But you can change the future shape of the world.

QUESTION: If spirit doesn’t change with whatever happens in the matter then why does all Yoga practices have regulations as the first step?

It is not that matter has no effect on spirit. It is just that matter cannot permanently change the fundamental nature of what spirit is. The goal of yoga is to free spirit from matter. Therefore the yama and niyama are there to regulate its participation in matter.

QUESTION: Can the mind’s desirables be different for different individuals? Is that the reason pigs like stool and we despise it?

Of course.

But if all consciousness is same why in the first place this be so?

Again, remember the beginning of chapter 8: akṣaraṁ paramaṁ brahman – svabhāvo ‘dhyātmam ucyate. “Brahman is consciousness, but consciousness which has a particular individuality (svabhāva) is called ātma.”

We are ātma, that is why we all have different natures, and thus different karmas, and thus we produce different bodies with different desirable objects.

QUESTION: Even hunger is in the Prakriti, so that means the motivation for doing things is external to us. If that be so then how come the spirit becomes enjoyer or feels distress?

Consciousness has the nature of projecting itself into vehicles and tools of experience. Even when watching a drama, a play, or a movie, we can feel that sometimes, when the drama is very good, our own consciousness has projected itself into the character and we are crying or trembling as they would be. And we are wanting the things they would want.

QUESTION: Where does the first will come from that generates Ahamkara?

The svabhāva of ātma is the real basis of ahaṁkāra. In other words, the intrinsic individuality (svabhāva) of a conscious individual (ātma) is the real basis upon which selfish ego (ahaṁkāra) is built.

QUESTION: You explained that consciousness by its very nature is either bahirmukha or antarmukha. Bit can it also, at the very beginning, be Brahaman oriented, neither oriented towards Bhagavān [antarmukha] nor towards Maya [bahirmukha]?

Then it would not be ātma, it would be brahman. The ātma has subjective individuality as part of its inherent nature (svabhāva). There is no subjective individuality in brahman. So, consciousness that intrinsically does not identify with any subject or object is not ātma but brahman. It is not an individual entity.

QUESTION: Can you explain “nirgunatvat” a little more? You had said it means, “beyond limiting qualifiers.” But then even beyond limiting qualifiers it remains “I”, so how can being “I”  be beyond limiting?

If we explore it, we will see that a sense of “I” which is pṛthaktva (disintegrated from the whole) produces a reduction and limitation on the ātma. Conversely we can see that a sense of “I” which is integrated with the whole produces infinite expansion and non-limitation of the ātma.

QUESTION: Where does “Aham brahasmi” fit, in relation to Ahamkara and Aham-Artha ?

Ahaṁ brahmāsmi is a statement from Bṛhadāranyaka Upaniṣad, which Śankarācārya declared a “mahāvākya” (super-important statement).

It means “I am brahman.” In other words, “I am pure consciousness.”

It is an encouragement from the Upaniṣad’s for the ātma to seek something better than what can be produced in matter by its karma.

Advaita-vāda misinterprets it to mean that there is no ātma, only brahman. But this requires that they downplay the presence of two individualizing components of the sentence: the pronoun “I” (ahaṁ) and the individualised verb “I am” (asmi). Our understanding of the statement is that the ātmā will feel more at home in the antarmukha/brahman realm (“spirit”) more than it will in the bahirmukha/prakṛti realm (“matter”).

QUESTION: If humility is the first step in education, then a person in Knowledge should also be humble. Can we use this criterion to judge if someone is truly knowledgeable or is just puffed up with his education?

Certainly.

But be careful with your evaluations of others, for you may not be fit to judge. If you yourself are not humble, you may not be able to recognize true humility from counterfeit humility or might even mistake it for non-humility.

QUESTION: What could be the starting point to even comprehend the amazingly diametrically opposite qualities of root consciousness, paramatma? Can we say that his qualities are not like ours or should we comprehend them to be much beyond that of ours?

“tat-tvaṁ-asi.”
“ahaṁ brahmāsmi.”

In the face of such śruti why would you say that you are not like him? That would be a contradiction of śruti. You are like him, except that he does not have the flaws you have. He has your essential qualities, but not their flaws, because he has no ignorance.

QUESTION: Should we understand that Bhagavan has no material qualities or should we understand that He possesses trans-logical qualities?

There is no difference.

If something has “no material qualities” it means that its definition is beyond common perception. This, in turn, means that it is “trans-logical.”

Bhagavan’s qualities cannot be fully put into words, but it doesn’t mean they cannot be partially described. By partially describing them, the heart goes to him, and then, by direct experience granted by his loving connection to us, we comprehend the full Bhagavān directly, in prema.

QUESTION: If I am experiencing happiness most of the time, then how do I understand that my egoism is FLAWED? 

If you are experiencing happiness from your karma, then you must be doing good, non-egoistic things. Keep doing them. That is how good karma helps us progress.

But if you are wise, you will not find the results of karma to be very enjoyable because even when they produce their best possible results they generate fatigue and worry about protecting and maintaining the result, and require some work to create.

Vraja Kishor

www.vrajakishor.com

 


Tagged: aham brahmasmi, Atma, Bhagavad Gita, Brahman, ego, Gita, humility, karma

Easter – Srila Prabhupada on Jesus
→ Ramai Swami

Devotee: Prabhupada, you have said, “Preaching God’s message is a thankless task.”

Srila Prabhupada: Yes, just look at Jesus Christ—crucified. What was his fault? He was simply teaching God consciousness. Of course, he was not killed. Nobody can kill the Lord’s pure devotee.

Devotee: But ungrateful people tried to.

Srila Prabhupada: Yes. Such a great personality, the son of God. He wanted to deliver God consciousness. And in return, he was crucified. We don’t take Jesus Christ as insignificant. We give him all honour. He is a pure representative of God. Of course, he directed his preaching according to time, place, and circumstance, the era and region and people’s mentality. In any case, he is a pure representative of God.

Over the Easter period, there were about 400-500 guests visiting ever day at New Gokula, mainly coming up from Sydney and the surrounding areas.

Friday, April 14th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Durban, South Africa

Jesus / Jagannath

Every year, the Christian community holds a procession in the Chatsworth area where I’m accommodated.  Perhaps it also goes on elsewhere in the Durban district.  Being Good Friday, Jesus is  remembered during this Easter weekend in many places around the globe.

The procession I viewed was comprised of followers on foot and in groups, each one having one person dressed as Christ, and two others as representatives of the Roman Empire who would feign flogging him as he carried a crucifix.  There were cries of “Jesus” in a joyous tone.  Most people in the procession were clothed in casual wear—T-shirt and pants, both men, women and children.

I’m glad to see that a spiritual theme of sorts is at the heart of Easter.

For Vaishnavas, those dear to Vishnu, or Krishna, (and hopefully perceived as dear to people) are also celebrating someone.  His name also starts with a J.  The name is Jagannath, which means “Lord of the World.”  It is one of many names which refer to Krishna.  A large procession takes place near the beachfront in Durban every year.  Here, Krishna, His brother, and His sister are honoured in wooden image forms as they are situated on three large chariots pulled by ropes, as chanting happily pierces the air.  Basically, we are looking at a re-enactment of an ancient festival from Puri, India.  To my knowledge the procession has been an attraction for 2,000 years in that part of India—Orissa, although the original chariot ride by the threesome was much older.

Apparently Jesus visited Jagannath in Puri during his time.

May the Source be with you!


6 km

Thursday, April 13th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Durban, South Africa

Intense Fun

One of our girls, during our drama practice, went through an epileptic attack.  It lasted briefly.  Fortunately one of the boys had a first aid background and knew what to do.  The group of us came to her side and chanted softly.  She was revived in a matter of minutes.  She was such a good sport, I mean to say, a good team-player.  She smiled when she saw us.

“Does this happen often to you?” I asked.

“No, it hasn’t for a while.  Funny thing is, I work at a hospital.”

There was a hyped-up scene from “The Gita” that we were enacting and that seemed to stir her up.  The scene portrays the personification of the mind chasing the soul, the victim.  This scene usually excites the audience so I can understand how it arouses the actors.

Actors do try to get into their parts.  It is much like becoming one with the role in which you play.

Since I arrived in Durban it has been non-stop with rehearsals, sadhana(which includes walking) and giving classes.  I manage some sleep but not much.

The intensity of it all is somewhat easy to bear because the results are rewarding.  I’m seeing my crew (mostly young folks) thrive on the practices.  They are learning the philosophy.  And very important is the sense of numbers or counting.  It’s four beats or four counts, even to some of the martial arts moves.  Fun discipline!

May the Source be with you!


5 km

Focus on the best in the past, be present in the present and shape the future
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[Evening program at Grand Rapids, USA]

Podcast

Podcast Summary

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Did Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection make his blood pure, making him into God?
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Answer Podcast

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How can those with an impersonal understanding of God be helped to taste bhakti?
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Answer Podcast

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Although material things are temporary, those things matter to us – how can we balance our material and spiritual side?
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Answer Podcast

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Ratha Yatra festival all over Indonesia
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Hare KrishnaBy Hari Narayana Das

The devotees in Jogjakarta jubilee received the invitation and it was announced through the social media. Blue print for the participation in the festival was brought upon the discussion table. When the all preparations were ready, the chariot was carried to Jogjakarta tourism department. Flowers for decoration arrived from Bali and devotees who help in the preparation came from all over Indonesia. Srila Prabhupada’s mercy is certainly amazing; just imagining how devotees coming from different backgrounds, from different places, who hardly knew one another some time back are coming together to participate in the Ratha Yatra festival and assist Srila Prabhupada in his preaching movement, is simply wonderful and awe inspiring. Thank you Srila Prabhupada. Continue reading "Ratha Yatra festival all over Indonesia
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Nrsimha Caturdasi, Maha Sudarshana Yajna and Harinama Yajna
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Hare KrishnaBy Sunanda das

As is our annual custom, Nrsimha Caturdasi will be observed in Sridhama Mayapur as a three day festival from May 7th – 9th. The first day will be celebrated with a huge procession throughout the ISKCON Mayapur property and on the second day we will be performing a three hour long Maha Sudarshana Homa before the Deity of Lord Nrsimhadeva. The third day is observed as Nrsimha Caturdasi. We would like to offer you an opportunity to personally benefit from the Sudarshana Yajna by participating in the offering as explained below. Continue reading "Nrsimha Caturdasi, Maha Sudarshana Yajna and Harinama Yajna
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A Work In Progress
- TOVP.org

Exterior finishing work on the TOVP continues without interruption. In the last few weeks the following has been going on:

  • Blue tile laying has begun on the small dome of the planetarium wing. Work is progressing rapidly and the tiles are now significantly prominent and can be seen from the main gate of the ISKCON property.
  • Waterproofing of the planetarium dome can also be seen on two grey layers above the blue tiling.
  • Marble cladding of the temple exterior walls with white marble from Vietnam is ongoing.

Sadbhuja and Prem Avatar Gauranga prabhus paid a visit to the GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete) factory. Production of numerous items for the interior and exterior finishing work of the temple is coming along nicely. The huge brackets for the main dome are also now in production.

The post A Work In Progress appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Srila Prabhupada and His Lady Disciples. Sydney, April 1, 1972….
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Srila Prabhupada and His Lady Disciples.
Sydney, April 1, 1972. Srila Prabhupada returned to the temple that evening to attend the 7 o'clock arati and kirtana, and to give a class on Bhagavad Gita. As he entered the small temple room, he was pleased to see it packed with guests and devotees. The vyasasana had been moved, so he could now sit with his left side to the altar. He nodded approvingly.
The pujari blew a big pink and white conchshell. The red velvet curtain swished open, revealing the Deities. After offering prostrated obeisances, Srila Prabhupada stood. Powerfully built Nanda Kumara picked up a clay mrdanga and began to sing the evening arati prayer. Srila Prabhupada remained standing and glanced at Syamasundara, who opened a small velvet bag and passed Srila Prabhupada a highly-polished pair of karatals. Prabhupada played deftly, head slightly to one side, as he stood, looking lovingly and attentively at Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha on Their beautiful new altar. After continuing like that for a few minutes, Srila Prabhupada sat down on his vyasasana and chanted with the kirtana.

After forty minutes, the jubilant kirtana drew to a close. Srila Prabhupada opened up his Bhagavad Gita set on a simple wooden bookstand balanced atop two red velvet covered steps in front of him. Wally, sitting on his right, set up the heavy reel-to-reel tape equipment, ready to record the class. Prabhupada again picked up his shiny karatals, wrapping the red straps deftly around his fingers, closing his eyes and striking the shiny brass cymbals in the familiar one-two-three, one-two-three fashion. Seated amongst the crowd of devotees, Jagattarini was feeling completely satisfied after the joyous kirtana. She had almost forgotten a secret desire that she had been maintaining for a long time: considering herself a good singer, she had hoped one day to sing for Srila Prabhupada.

Nanda Kumara, seated next to Prabhupada on the floor, had scarcely placed the heavy clay mrdanga on his lap when Srila Prabhupada suddenly stopped playing his karatals and opened his eyes. Scanning the silent crowd for a brief few seconds, his eyes fell on Jagattarini seated close by.

“You lead,” Srila Prabhupada said. Mohanananda looked at Syamasundara in amazement. Jagattarini could hardly believe it; she swallowed and sang ‘Jaya Radha Madhava Kunja Vihari’ as loudly and nicely as she could. Srila Prabhupada and the devotees sang the response. Srila Prabhupada’s karatals chimed sweetly as Nanda Kumara increased the tempo with his rhythmic mrdanga beats. The song reached its climax and stopped. Jagattarini, her desire fulfilled, opened her eyes to see Srila Prabhupada staring at her intently. “Krsna has been so merciful to you,” Srila Prabhupada said, and began his evening class.

After the discourse, Srila Prabhupada again glanced lovingly at the altar. Radha and Krsna were wearing impressive handcrafted crowns of soft blue and pink stones, the whole effect reminiscent of mother-of-pearl. He looked around the room, “Who has made these crowns?”

Rasarani flushed and slightly raised her hand. Srila Prabhupada smiled and Srila Prabhupada said, “Very nice”.

(from The Great Transcendental Adventure, by Kurma dasa)

Sacred Sound Kirtan Retreat at Iskcon New Govardhana – 15 April…
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Sacred Sound Kirtan Retreat at Iskcon New Govardhana - 15 April 2017 (Album with photos)
Prabhupada gave his disciples credit for chanting kirtanas with heart and soul as he did. One evening we had a small, informal kirtana in Prabhupada’s hotel room in Hawaii. Since there was no official program at the temple, Prabhupada was spending a quiet evening working, and his servants were also busy with their tasks. However, Prabhupada called us together and asked us to chant. I came from my editorial desk, Pradyumna came from his Sanskrit work, and Bali Mardana and Sudama also came. Prabhupada asked Sudama to lead the singing. As Sudama began to sing a particular tune, he became self-conscious and stopped. He said, “That’s not the right tune.” He meant that it was not the tune that Prabhupada usually sang. Prabhupada encouraged him, “That is all right. That is your ecstasy.” It enlivened us to think that Prabhupada said we had ecstasy within us, and that even a neophyte devotee’s choosing of a particular tune could be called “his ecstasy.”
Find them here: https://goo.gl/vkYyRZ

ISKCON Auckland NZ: 45th anniversary of Sri Sri Radha-Giridhari…
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ISKCON Auckland NZ: 45th anniversary of Sri Sri Radha-Giridhari (Album with photos)
One time, during the annual Gaura-Purnima festival in Mayapura, Prabhupada called his GBC men to his room to tell them that he was hearing and take pleasure in the kirtana. With his leaders gathered before him in the room, Prabhupada stated that all the devotees in the world should come to Mayapura and constantly have kirtana. He was very blissful as he told them of Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s statement that he had searched the fourteen worlds but found nothing of value except the chanting of the holy names.
(From “Prabhupada Meditations” by SDG)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/B20JqT

Cryptic clues
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 04 June 2012, Leicester, England, Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.7)

I got one of those sweatshirts with a hoodie and it said BBT. It was not from the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust as it was bought from some karmi shop. But I thought to myself, “Just see, Krsna sent me this because I am a sankirtan devotee.” Then I got a hat and the label inside it read BIG BIG UNIVERSE, “Yes, I’m preaching all over, a big preacher!” Within no time I put the hat within the pocket of my sweatshirt but I forgot it somewhere and never saw it again.

Then I got a new hat and on the label, it read INQ and I knew what that meant, “Is not qualified.” And that one, I just couldn’t get rid of, it stayed with me for years and years because Krsna puffed me up with BBT and BIG BIG UNIVERSE but after that, I had INQ forever and I will always remember, “Is not qualified.” So one can see Krsna in such things. One can see that Krsna is with us, playfully teaching us. He is with us and we are not left alone!