How long does it take to experience lasting love – what about the love we find in this world?
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Answer Podcast

The post How long does it take to experience lasting love – what about the love we find in this world? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Giriraj Swami Radio Now Has Over 400 Lectures to Hear
Giriraj Swami

GRS_speaking———————
We have added another 200 lectures by Giriraj Swami to his radio station bringing the total to over 400 talks! Listen on girirajswami.com or tunein.com or install the TuneIn app on your mobile device. You can listen to lectures 24/7 and find other Krishna conscious radio stations too.

Download this playlist file and open Giriraj Swami’s radio station in your favorite media player (iTunes, Windows Media Player, VLC etc.).

If you have a website, copy and paste the following HTML code to embed a small player on your page:

<iframe src=”http://tunein.com/embed/player/s243096/” style=”width:100%;height:100px;” scrolling=”no” frameborder=”no”></iframe>

Hare Krishna!

ISKCON Town Hall Meeting at Brooklyn Public Library
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Hare KrishnaBy the GBC Brooklyn Temple Sale Committee

The pending sale of ISKCON's Radha Govinda Mandir ("Bharati Center") has been a matter of interest, concern and even controversy among temple board members, congregational members, devotees and interested persons in the New York metropolitan area and elsewhere, especially in light of the GBC Body's stated opposition to this sale transaction. In order to foster openness, inclusivity and greater awareness of the current state of affairs as well as to dispel confusion and misconceptions, last year's GBC Executive Committee (now called the "GBC Brooklyn Temple Sale Committee") will host an ISKCON Informational Town Hall Meeting on Mon., May 15,2017 at 7:00 PM sharp. The evening's panel will consist of the following GBC members, assisted by legal counsel: • Bhakti Caru Swami (2017 GBC Chairman / GBC Brooklyn Temple Sale Committee, Member) • Sesa Das (GBC Brooklyn Temple Sale Committee, Chairman / 2016 GBC Chairman) • Praghosa Das (GBC Brooklyn Temple Sale Committee, Member / 2015 GBC Chairman) Interested persons in the New York metropokan area are cordially invited to attend. Interested persons from outside the New York metropolitan area may be seated as space permits. Continue reading "ISKCON Town Hall Meeting at Brooklyn Public Library
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Sweet Harinam Sankirtan Party in Manila, Philippines (Album with…
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Sweet Harinam Sankirtan Party in Manila, Philippines (Album with photos)
Prabhupada gave his disciples credit for chanting kirtans 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.”
(From “Prabhupada Meditations” by SDG)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/xzIsw8

100 Day Project: Fear and Responsibility
→ everyday gita


Lately, I've been closely examining the most important relationships I have in my life. One thing I'm consistently noticing is my challenge to take responsibility in the interactions I have with those people. That is, I find it so much easier to either:

1) blame someone in an interaction or at the very least;
2) tell them how they could have better approached the situation!

It takes dedicated commitment to really see a situation from all angles, not just my own. And I'm not just taking about conflicts, but simple day to day conversations.

To truly see a situation from all angles, it requires building the capacity to hold our emotions; when we're overwhelmed by our own emotions it narrows our ability to see things clearly. And we unconsciously start to live by this statement:

I can only see what I feel.

Unfortunately for us (and especially the person we're interacting with!), that isn't accurate representation of reality. Now experiencing and acknowledging emotions is one thing, but it's also important to see they work to protect the ego. After all, the ego never wants to admit that it is wrong.

Taking responsibility often results in acknowledging to another person that we need to change a habit or outlook that has been ingrained in us. That's confronting! And when we are confronted by something, that can evoke fear.

So what do we do about it? In my own life, a few things have helped me. I still struggle to do them, but when I can, my interactions with my loved ones become so much richer and deeper:

1) In the instances where I am called out on something, I try to not become automatically defensive.
2) I speak about my fear and my resistance/inability to make the change that is required.
3) I ask for help from that person in a very specific and tangible way that doesn't differ all responsibility to them!

What do you do when the fear of change prevents you from taking responsibility? Please share your thoughts and realizations in the comments below!

ISKCON Scarborough – Kirtan by HG Dhiragrahi das
→ ISKCON Scarborough



Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

Kirtan is a practice of meditation through music and mantra.

We invite all the devotees to ISKCON Scarborough coming Friday (14th April 2017) at 7 pm to come and engage in the ancient spiritual practice of kirtan, that has been passed down since time immemorial.


The sublime 1-hour kirtan will be led by HG Dhiragrahi das.

Sumptuous prasadam (sanctified free food) will be served after the program.


ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:
www.iskconscarborough.com

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Durban, South Africa

A Stairway to Heaven

In June of 1972, at the Fisher Mansion in Detroit I heard our guru, Srila Prabhupada, mentioned about the villain, Ravana, who tried to build a stairway to heaven.  He also admitted to Ravana’s failure at attempting materialistic enjoyment.

In our new drama we decided to incorporate the Led Zeppelin rock classic.  I hope you readers have a chance to see the drama, “Many Mothers, Many Fathers.”

Here are the Lyrics that seem to shed some spiritual message:

There's a lady who's sure
all that glitters is gold
And she's buying a stairway to heaven.
When she gets there she knows,
if the stores are all closed
With a word she can get what she came for.
Ooh, ooh, and she's buying a stairway to heaven.

There's a sign on the wall
but she wants to be sure
'Cause you know sometimes words have two meanings.
In a tree by the brook,
there's a songbird who sings,
Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven.

Ooh, it makes me wonder,
Ooh, it makes me wonder.

There's a feeling I get
when I look to the west,
And my spirit is crying for leaving.
In my thoughts I have seen
rings of smoke through the trees,
And the voices of those who stand looking.

Ooh, it makes me wonder,
Ooh, it really makes me wonder.

And it's whispered that soon,
if we all call the tune,
Then the piper will lead us to reason.
And a new day will dawn
for those who stand long,
And the forests will echo with laughter.

If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed now,
It's just a spring clean for the May queen.
Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run
There's still time to change the road you're on.

And it makes me wonder.

Your head is humming and it won't go, in case you don't know,
The piper's calling you to join him,
Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow, and did you know
Your stairway lies on the whispering wind?

And as we wind on down the road
Our shadows taller than our soul.
There walks a lady we all know
Who shines white light and wants to show
How everything still turns to gold.
And if you listen very hard
The tune will come to you at last.
When all are one and one is all
To be a rock and not to roll.

And she's buying a stairway to heaven.

Written by Jimmy Page, Robert Plant • Copyright © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc

May the Source be with you!

7 km 

Monday, April 10th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Durban, South Africa

To Be A Butterfly

There was a stop-over in Dubai with no time to relax.  I do appreciate the fact that I could walk between concourses, which was a long haul.

Back again in flight, this time in seat 10D, and my body is weary, but not tired enough for a deep sleep.  Let’s say it’s because I cannot recline, therefore, no slumber.  I dozed at times, but so momentarily.  I had been sipping water, enough to have a half-mouthful, in order to swish it around and bring it to room temperature before swallowing.  At one time, I felt such sleepiness that after swishing I actually closed my eyes and lowered my head.  Fatigue caused my mouth to open and a waterfall ensued, wetting my front.

It was a good thing that those around me were asleep.  The person to my right was immersed in playing his digital game.  I was spared the embarrassment.

At the same time, most people do all kinds of interesting things with their bodies.  There are burps, snores, and other sounds that emerge from any of the nine gates.  Those folks who take advantage of consuming duty-free items usually end up being very giddy, exerting unique kinds of laughing sounds.

I was glad to finally land in Durban, to then arrive at the Chatsworth temple, to eat prasadam, shower, watch live theatre by the Bhakti Theatre group and then lead a group of drama aspirants into a workshop.

We stretched to our outer limits, physically, through warm-up exercises.  This was much needed to pull me out of the cocoon experience I had just gone through.  I felt, suddenly, as if a butterfly.

May the Source be with you!


0 km

Sunday, April 9th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto / Boston / Dubai

Sit / Walk
  
“A day spent in El Peten—notorious bandit territory was counterbalanced by the discovery of some hidden Mayan pyramids in a jungle in Mexico,” tells Levison Wood.  I couldn’t pass up reading an article, “The Wake of Life,” in the Emirates “Open Skies” flight magazine.  This adventurist, Levison, covered 2,897 kilometres on foot from Mexico to Colombia and through Central America.  He’s done several other treks including crossing the Himalayas.

Like all crazy walkers, Levison has taken his chances with the elements, jungles, wildlife and people.  Yes, people.  Gangs are something to contend with, through the Americas, he admits.  In that regard he’s a survival expert, partially because he takes help from those who can take him through treacherous trails.  One time it was a pastor who knew his way around.

It’s stories like these, about people with bravado, that are inspirational.  I’m not sure that Wood has taken up spirituality on any of the treks, but I bet you anything, at least he is likely to see divinity in the natural world around.

To hear about some of his adventures in a synopsis of his walk through Mexico and South America was enough to cause my jealous side to surge.  I was stuck in a confined chair, strapped down.  The only difference between my seat at 18D and an electric chair was the zap.

It is tapasya, austerity, an inconvenience that leads to a greater gain.  I had to switch my paradigm and come to terms with a willing acceptance of the inconvenience.  I’m sure that Levison is in situations where he finds himself in a chair for several hours. 

Physically, in order to walk, you must sit for some time.  In order to sit, you must walk for some time.

May the Source be with you!


0 km

Saturday, April 8th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Brampton, Ontario

New Sacred Space

What sent me to Brampton today was the opening of a new home in the northwest end, in a truly urban-sprawl part of the city.  Manish and Deepa are the happy owners of this new place, on a new street, with new mud all about.  Yes, there’s been rain, but today’s sun seems to shine on the house and the proprietors.

I arrived at noon, after the havan ceremony, a fire ritual, which was conducted by a brahmana priest.  In attendance were a lot of new faces.

My role was the usual—give a holy pep talk and lead in some kirtan.  I had youngsters sit in front and parents behind.  It was a bit tough trying to capture the attention of one boy, about seven, as he was immersed in his device.  Overall, the technique works rather well—keeping children in the front and actually focusing my message on them.  Parents love the interaction I encourage.

Buying a new or second-hand home is fairly common within our community.  This one is medium in size.  Some of them are monster homes; imposing large ones.

One local person said, “This location is at the very edge of Brampton’s limits,” indicating ‘development’ is a true phenomenon.  I mentioned wildlife from the area are being pushed further and further away.  Bears were once here.  Cougars also.  They’ve been long gone.  So much for coyotes, fox and other native and glorious creatures.  “Expect the skunks to hang around.”  With that, Manish had a good laugh.

“Manish, please make your home a sacred space for chanting, spiritual reading and welcoming people.”

May the Source be with you!


0 km

Friday, April 7th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Scarborough, Ontario

Don’t Take It Personally

One of the worst feelings anyone can encounter is the feeling of rejection.

It was approaching 11:00 p.m. and I wasn’t familiar with the area.  I was told I would be reaching the subway station, the city’s transit entrance, after two kilometres of walking, but there was no sign of it. I saw a pedestrian coming, a woman, and I thought I’d ask directions.  She had huge head-phones on.  When I spoke and tried to gesture for attention, she just walked right past me, absorbed in her listening.

That didn’t feel too good, although it was not anything major.

On the previous night, I spent some time with a young father who’s going through a tough time. Without pointing fingers as to who’s right or who’s wrong, his life partner let it be known that the relationship is not for life, and to leave the house (the one he built).  He was expressing pain, especially because children are involved.

Rejection is hard on a person.

Actually, I walked this night, returning home after viewing the documentary, Walking: The Wisdom  of the Road, which features a group of individuals, myself included, who each went through a period of some rejection in life, but who came to some resolution. https://www.facebook.com/wisdom4theroad/

Michael Oesch is the producer/director of this excellently crafted film not yet released.  Watching the almost finished product, along with the others in the film, is what made me late.

I finally happened on the subway and then it was announced that all passengers exit the train since it needed servicing.  Everyone got out.  No one took it personally.  Another train came. 

After the ride, with just another two kilometres to walk, I reached my destination.  People that I passed smiled at me.  It was alright in the end.

May the Source be with you!


5 km

Thursday, April 6th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

North York, Ontario

Nothing Today

We are looking at above freezing weather.  Rain is very persistent, not coming down in buckets, but it is very clearly contributing to the regeneration of natural things.  It’s a system of cycles.  We were here before, experiencing spring rain, and we will encounter it again through seasonal wonders.

Today was one of those unfortunate days for me, having not moseyed for even a kilometre.  Weather was being somewhat of a deterrent.  I did pace a piece indoors, the only claim to keeping up a reputation of sorts as a walker.

I took a ride to Rupanuga’s place, and there, with his daughter Radha Bhakti and her hubby, Hari Prasad, we were set to talk about controversial topics.  These topics revolved around same-sex relationships and marriages—to include a discussion on the position of women, as well as the status of people of different skin colours.  Juicy stuff!

Just what is the Krishna Conscious standpoint on these subject matters?

It’s too bad that we actually never got to the topics as we set out to.  Time was restrictive and an ekadashi (grainless) meal occupied minutes.  “Keep topics light over eating” is the habit of those in Vaishnava traditions.

So there will be some quality time set aside for important katha (dialogue) in the future, since no official statements have been made by our leaders on these matters.

It’s important.

May the Source be with you!


0 km

Giriraj Swami: This morning while chanting japa in front of my…
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Giriraj Swami: This morning while chanting japa in front of my deities, I perceived some lingering impersonalism within me, and to purify myself, I thought of presenting Srila Prabhupada’s strong refutation of impersonalism from his morning walk on Juhu Beach on January 12, 1976, which I had heard just the night before.
“Impersonal philosophers are more dangerous than atheists,” Prabhupada began.
“That you think,” Dr. Patel retorted.
“No, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu says. Veda na maniya bauddha haila nastika. Vedasraya bauddha-vada nastika ke adhika. We accept as atheist, one who does not believe in the Vedas. Therefore we have rejected the Buddha philosophy. They could not exist in India. But those who are preaching atheism through the Vedas—impersonalism—they are more dangerous.”
“For example?” an Indian man asked.
“Any impersonalist—‘God has no form.’ There are so many rascals. He has got form to speak against God, and God has no form. This is going on all over the world. He speaks against God, that ‘God is not a person.’ So, he is a person, and God is not person. Just see their foolishness. He is made by God, and he is a person, and He who made him, He is not a person. This is foolishness”
The Indian man agreed, “Yes, there’s good sense in what you say.”
“Therefore the impersonalists are senseless. It is understood that I am person, my father is person, his father is person, and the supreme father is not a person. Just see. If the supreme father is not a person, then wherefrom these personal fathers came? Mudho nabhijanati mam ebhyah param avyayam [Bg 7.25]. ‘Mam’—this is person. The mudhas cannot understand that the supreme father is a person. Therefore when Arjuna understood Bhagavad-gita, he declared that ‘It is very, very difficult to understand Your personality. It is very, very difficult.’ Arjuna said. And he accepted Krishna as person, purusam sasvatam: ‘You are eternally person.’ Param brahma param dhama pavitram paramam, purusam sasvatam divyam adyam [Bg 10.12]. These things are there. The real understanding is there. And Arjuna said, ‘This is accepted by Vyasadeva, Narada, Devala.’ Svayam caiva: ‘And You are also speaking.’ Then where is the question of imperson? Therefore Krishna says, bahunam janmanam ante jnanvan mam prapadyate [Bg 7.19]: ‘You are person; I surrender unto You’—this knowledge comes after many, many births of the impersonalist. Vasudevah sarvam iti sa mahatma: ‘That great mahatma is very rare.’ So one who believes and accepts the Supreme as person, he immediately becomes a mahatma. Otherwise he remains duratma.”
Srila Prabhupada reminded me of his description of his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura:
“Absolute is sentient
Thou hast proved,
Impersonal calamity
Thou hast moved.”
I earnestly pray that Srila Prabhupada will remove all impersonalism from within me, so I can properly worship the holy names, my deities, and all persons.
Hare Krishna.

Famous Celebrity ‘Michael Emerson’ Gets Rare Books…
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Famous Celebrity ‘Michael Emerson’ Gets Rare Books (Album with photos)
Drumila Dasa: Famous Tv Personality 'Michael Emerson’ from the Mega Hit CBS TV Show 'Person of Interest’, and formerly of 'Lost’ and 'The Practice’ gets books by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He is an 'Emmy’ award-winning actor with many accolades. And I can attest, he has not let it gone to his head. One of the most down to earth and unassuming persons I have ever met. He even commented before we parted ways that he was all about the books that I gave him. 'Chant and be Happy’(an interview with George Harrison about mantra meditation). And the best translation of the Bhagavad-Gita that one could ever receive, called the 'Bhagavad-Gita As it Is’ which is considered like the Bible of India. It is the sourcebook of all knowledge on karma, yoga, meditation, reincarnation, the soul, and God.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/ZUqjyq

TOVP: See the walls covered with marble (Album with…
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TOVP: See the walls covered with marble (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: On the outside entrance, just before you go into the temple room, you can see the walls covered with marble.
Now we are placing the sandstone decoration around the walls and building up to do the windows a little bit above them as well.
You can see the artwork on the sandstone and what it will look like when it’s completed.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/o8D5tl

If our spiritual master is not easily accessible and other spiritual masters give time primarily to their disciples, how can we get inspiration?
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Podcast

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Why is devotee association sometimes more stressful and misunderstanding-prone than nondevotee association?
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Podcast

The post Why is devotee association sometimes more stressful and misunderstanding-prone than nondevotee association? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Sometimes devotee association agitates us – then how can we feel sheltered by it?
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Podcast

The post Sometimes devotee association agitates us – then how can we feel sheltered by it? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

If an initiated devotee does something non-standard such as eating food cooked outside, will the spiritual master get the karma?
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Podcast

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If we can’t follow certain standards while practically living in the world, how should we adjust?
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Podcast

The post If we can’t follow certain standards while practically living in the world, how should we adjust? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Euphoric Xpressions of the Youth
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Hare KrishnaBy Radha Sakhi Dasi

8th April 2017 marked the day when over 15000 Youths from across State of Uttar Pradesh, India were blown away by spiritual serenity and positive confidence in a star studded event, ‘Xpressions 2017’ in ISKCON Kanpur. Emphasizing on De-addiction and Value Empowerment within youth, Xpressions 2017 was an effort by a team of ISKCON devotees to bring the Youth closer to their roots, re-introducing them to the rich cultural heritage they have inherited, focusing on the need for a positive approach to life, believing in themselves and working hard. It inspired youths for De-addiction through the ever joyful process of Devotion and showed them how bhakti can be Fun. Continue reading "Euphoric Xpressions of the Youth
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Tejomaya Das: A Diamond From the Rough
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Hare KrishnaBy Madhava Smullen

“Tejo made Ekadasi bearable with his fantastic breakfast tapioca,” says Advaita. “And he was well-known for his Gauranga potatoes, bharats, and palak paneer. Like the other pit cooks, he’d be cooking outdoors with nothing but a tin roof overhead in the dead of winter, starting fires from scratch with frozen wood at 3 o’clock in the morning, and dragging forty-gallon soot-covered pots to the pot room to scrub them in cold water. It was tougher than you can imagine!” Continue reading "Tejomaya Das: A Diamond From the Rough
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Hosting Dignitaries at Ramanavami festival
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Hare KrishnaBy Radha Mohan das

Member of Parliament Bob Blackburn, who has been coming to the Manor for the last 30 years spoke with pride about his pleasure that the “temple’s future is secure” thanks to the Haveli. Much of the Manor’s success in getting this far with the Haveli is thanks to support from significant members of society. In this vein, Kripamoya Das thanked servicemen and members of parliament for their dedication serving society, poignant on the birthday of Lord Ram who dedicated his life to serve the citizens of Ayodhya, as the 'Maryada Purshottam’, or ideal man. Temple president Srutidharma das thanked the counsellors for their kind words and reminded the assembled devotees that the message for the festival was the importance of helping others. Continue reading "Hosting Dignitaries at Ramanavami festival
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Oral History of New Vrindaban
→ NY Times & Bhagavad Gita Sanga/ Sankirtana Das


New Vrindaban's 50th anniversary is coming up next year. I am in the process of putting together an oral history of the early days for NV archives, which might also be used in book, video etc. Want to contact and interview devotees who lived or stayed in New Vrindaban ANYTIME during it's beginning in 1968 and into the 1970s to the opening of Prabhupada's Palace. If you know anyone, please spread the word. THANKS. . . .  Contact me at -- story108@juno.com  --  SUBJECT - Interview.   I'm a longtime resident. More about me at www.Mahabharata-Project.com