Tuesday, April 4th, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario

On Rama’s Birthday

Today is the birthday of Rama, known as Ram Naumi or Ram Navami.  People come from the area to partake in the celebrations held in the evening.  Where I live in the ashram, community members will come for events like this because attached to the ashram is a temple where Rama (who is an avatar of Krishna) is honoured.

Conveniently, my place of residence is also the place of meditation.  Also located on the premises is our vegetarian restaurant, as well as rooms for workshops or seminars.  It’s rather ideal if you can manage that kind of lifestyle.  Your workplace, living quarters and recreational facility (we sing and dance here) are all under one roof.

Joyously people sang, danced and listened in the temple portion of the building.

The listening session was actually a class delivered by American-born Vasu Gosh, who now resides in India.  His message on Rama was well received.  I consider him a dear friend, although in some areas of discussion our opinions on the subject matter of the guru principle clashes.  While I support the concept of female spiritual masters, he does not.

The argument I would take on the topic is that if one is qualified as a teacher and lives a saintly life, what does it matter the gender that one belongs to?  In my heart I’m a supporter of the old school.  I like the traditional approach and as a part of our tradition with roots from the Gaudiya Vaishnava background, women, in some cases, took on the portfolio of taking students/disciples.

What is the difficulty?

May the Source be with you!


5 km

Monday, April 3rd, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario

A Centipede

A centipede was crawling across the floor.  Rarely do I see one but when one does make an appearance, it’s special for me.

One reason for that being so is if ever anyone questions the extra arms some Vedic deities display, like Vishnu, Durga or the multi-armed, half-man half-lion avatar, then I can point out we have examples in nature which demonstrate multiple arms or legs.  Extra limbs are not limited to God.  Another reason why I consider the centipede to be auspicious is I feel that here, in fact, is a display of nature, which is alive and well.  We humans haven’t succeeded at killing everything—yet.  I know centipedes are in the category of creepy-crawlies which do cause some people to cringe or flee.  They are harmless as far as I can understand.

I’ve heard they can bite, but it’s not fatal.  I definitely wouldn’t want one crawling up my leg while in bed.  That would be irritating or disturbing.

I was watching the fellow trying to make his way around.  Like practically every creature on the planet, there is a search for food.  They go after bugs, worms and spiders, even cockroaches.  I think that’s what he was up to.

One line from the book Bhagavatam states, “Jivo jivasya jivanam,” which means “One living being is food for another.”  The food chain is at work here.

My newly-made friend wasn’t exactly bee-lining his way along.  He looked a little confused.

“Shall I go here, or there?”

I did chant before him, hoping the sound would be of some purification for him.

May the Source be with you!


0 km

Sunday, April 2nd, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario

Everyone Was Out

Everyone was out, meaning in the out-of-doors, wrapped in mild weather.  Wherever there was a trail, families explored with their toddlers and dogs.  The young, the elderly and every age bracket in between came out as nature beckoned.

“Spring is now in the air,” is what Mother Nature seemed to say.

The only thing is you cannot trust this Mama.  She is brown today and will be green next week, then greener, and still greener, in fact so intensely green she will change colours.  She’ll pick a new tone of yellow, orange, and red to deep brown.  Then she’ll become white and silver.  Her texture changes beautifully over the seasons.  She appears to go through emotions and is the ultimate Drama Queen.

But we like the changes.  Variety is the masala—the spice of life.

I had two companions with me as we took to one of those Discovery Walks in the city.  And while we put our hour in for chanting, we also put our legs to work in the ravine for that cherishable escape from indoors.

Praharana, my dear godsister, came in the evening for the Sunday Open House at the ISKCON Centre.  She told me she did the same as we did—strolled and chanted.

Now that would be a perfect world: people going out to touch nature to say to that Queen, “Hello!” and then to “Hello!” everyone else.  If you say the Sanskrit word “Haribol!” then you address the Father (Krishna) and people think you said the more familiar “Hello!”

May the Source be with you!


5 km

Ecstatic Harinama at Leicester Square, UK (4 min. video) Srila…
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Ecstatic Harinama at Leicester Square, UK (4 min. video)
Srila Prabhupada: That there have been no newly initiated devotees from Japan is all right. It doesn’t matter whether they are initiated or not. If they are coming in large number, that is the success of our mission. We are not after making initiated members very many but our concern is that people understand this philosophy in wider circles. Initiated members are for managing the temples and preaching work, but our program is to invite people to our feasts, let them hear our philosophy and dance and chant. That is the basic principle of our philosophy in preaching work. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Sudama – Bombay 11 April, 1971
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/hBGPRg

The passing of Joan Fielder, also known as Yamuna. Ramai Swami:…
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The passing of Joan Fielder, also known as Yamuna.
Ramai Swami:
Joan Fielder, also known as “Jamuna” by the devotees, had been visiting New Gokula farm on and off for around twenty years.
In the last few years she was a regular at the Bhakti tree in Newcastle where she loved to talk to the devotees, listen to kirtan and have nice prasadam.
At a recent Friday evening program, after listening to the kirtan and sitting to take her meal, she had an attack and was taken to hospital by ambulance.
Unfortunately, Jamuna, who was 87, passed away while in the ambulance. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and devotees. Her last moments were in the Bhakti Tree after kirtan and prasadam.
May Lord Krishna bless her soul to continue the journey back home, back to Godhead.

Govardhan Ecovillage Hosts the 2017 GBC College Residential Program
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Hare KrishnaBy GBC College Staff

The first residential session of the 2017-2018 academic year of the GBC College was held at Govardhan Ecovillage (GEV), a farm community and retreat center located in Wada, two hours north of Mumbai at the foothills of the Sahyadri mountains. The residential involved 12 days of training in the fields of leadership development. The GBC College is focusing on imparting training to leaders to establish Zonal Supervisors across the globe. Twenty-five devotee participants attended the residential program, the curriculum for which included lessons in the areas of leadership and management. Participants enrolled in this program came from eleven countries- India, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, Kenya, Nigeria, Hungary, Russia and Italy. Rasika Raman Prabhu from GEV was the organizer of this residential program and arranged for the various speakers and instructors to participate in it. Continue reading "Govardhan Ecovillage Hosts the 2017 GBC College Residential Program
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GBC: Protecting the Reputation & Ensuring the Endurance of ISKCON
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Hare KrishnaBy the GBC

Srila Prabhupada expressed in the pages of Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.3.23, purport) his own protective feelings about ISKCON: “Devaki and her husband, Vasudeva, were assured that their child was the Supreme Personality of Godhead and could not be killed by Kamsa, but because of affection, as they thought of Kamsa’s previous atrocities, they were simultaneously afraid that Krsna would be killed. This is why the word suvismita has been used. Similarly, we are also astounded upon thinking of whether this movement will be killed by the asuras or will continue to advance without fear.” Continue reading "GBC: Protecting the Reputation & Ensuring the Endurance of ISKCON
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The time is NOW!
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 26 January 2010, Cape Town, South Africa, Srimad Bhagavatam 7.3.33)

In spite of all our transcendental knowledge still, we are running out of time. Everyone gets caught like that. We are running out of time. A lot of time is spent in preparation for better times to come but for how long are we preparing!?

Then one day, from the preparation stage, we just go straight into the “run-out-of-time” stage. This is actually how things move along. Therefore one must be quite resolute in Krsna consciousness and say, “I’ll do it NOW! I’ll do something NOW! I’ll get serious NOW! I will not postpone it.”

This stage of devotion is nista (steadiness) and this is the beginning; the stage where spiritual life begins to enter into the realm of taste, a higher taste!

The passing of Joan Fielder
→ Ramai Swami

Joan Fielder, also known as “Jamuna” by the devotees, had been visiting New Gokula farm on and off for around twenty years.

In the last few years she was a regular at the Bhakti tree in Newcastle where she loved to talk to the devotees, listen to kirtan and have nice prasadam.

At a recent Friday evening program, after listening to the kirtan and sitting to take her meal, she had an attack and was taken to hospital by ambulance.

Unfortunately, Jamuna, who was 87, passed away while in the ambulance. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and devotees. Her last moments were in the Bhakti Tree after kirtan and prasadam.

May Lord Krishna bless her soul to continue the journey back home, back to Godhead.

Small steps to success
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, April 2012, Radhadesh, Belgium, Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya Lila 200-250)

In spiritual life, we are all facing challenges. We are aiming at a very high goal but we do not want to approach it with fanaticism where we are just going to push ourselves into the most austere situation and try to maintain it. No, sometimes we have to take small steps but we should never take a step back! One should not go backward in spiritual life. Whenever one has accepted a level of higher commitment, one must maintain it!

Harinama Ruci Sankirtana around Taipei (Album with photos) HH…
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Harinama Ruci Sankirtana around Taipei (Album with photos)
HH Mahavishnu Swami and Harinama Ruci devotees.
In Goloka Vrindavan, all speeches are songs, all steps of walking are dancing, everything is just sweet nectar, and the constant companion in everyone’s heart is the sweet sound of Krishna’s flute.
HH Mahavishnu Swami with Harinama Ruci devotees inspiring the street-artist joining the Harinama by playing his musical instrument
Wherever Maharaji and the devotees go, they always try to enlighten people to take Prabhupada’s books and take part of the chanting and singing Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra in the ways under the circumstances that people are with the available facilities ~
Krishna’s devotee-s are the Artist of all artisits ~ All talents and abilities are because of Krishna’s love to His devotees and the devotees’ love for Krishna ~

Spiritual life sometimes may seem lonely as it’s extremely challenging for determination to go against the material flow, to go against the social trends of fashion, to endure the heat and cold of material temperatures, for getting out of the external layers and layers of material coverings from millions of repeated birth-and-deaths, which people are so bound up by their personal material desires, which are the causes of sufferings ~

Therefore, one must strive for on-going advancing on the path of pure devotional services to Guru and Krishna, faithfully with patience, starting from the hearing and chanting the Hare-Krishna Maha-Mantra ~

Let the body and mind be 24 hours engaging in hearing, chanting, remembering and serving Krishna in all circumstances ~

Simple-Living + High-Thinking ~ ~ ~
Simple-Living for Krishna + High-Thinking for Krishna ~
Krishna Consciousness life is ever-lasting promising to all souls ~
*
( Singing+ distributing books in the Boulevards around the toppest Tower Taipei-101 area, blissfully bringing up the good fortune to the people, 2017.April-2.)
*

Jaya Nityananda Gauranga ~
Sri Harinama Sankirtana Ki Jaya ~
Find them here: https://goo.gl/c3NzB7

How can we inspire ourselves to chant when we don’t feel any immediate benefits?
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“ Hare Krsna” TV launched! Hare Krsna TV Channel is…
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“ Hare Krsna” TV launched!
Hare Krsna TV Channel is an effort to celebrate the diverse cultural elements of our planet, all weaved together with the strong bond of Krishna consciousness.
* 7 hours of fresh content daily
* 3 distinct time bands: Breaking Dawn / Afternoon / Evening
* Content from across 6 continents
* Engaging and Exclusive World-Music content
* Thought provoking discourses on ancient Indian Vedic texts in English
* Popular talks by the most prolific and entertaining speakers
On the occasion of Janmashtami, we feel privileged and grateful to share with you the HARE KRSNA TV app for android devices.
You can download it on your android smartphone from the following link
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.harekrsnatv.app&hl=en
You can also watch the HARE KRSNA TV on your computer screen at http://harekrsnalive.com/
With this streaming app, you can experience the grace of the Hare Krsna movement popularly known as ISKCON flowing into your life
As we evolve, we will feature amazing content from around 600 ISKCON Centres worldwide and showcase the best of Music, Events, Yatras, Kirtans, Bhajans, Lectures, Documentaries, Talks, Entertaining stories, Food shows, Lifestyle content, Children’s shows, Vedic analysis, Geeta Discourses and much more…
Here is the current programming lineup
#1 RECITATION : Bhagavad Gita - ‘As It Is’
The most important text of Indian culture is passionately narrated by the best of the ISKCON speakers, from around the world. The treasure of Srila Prabhupada’s glorious translation is shared through fascinating tales and anecdotes that make for an engaging show
#2 SATVIK : Cook for the Higher Taste
The passion and joy of cooking the most delicious yet nutritious recipes from the world of ISKCON which runs over 100 restaurants around the world. Featuring facts on nutrition and the spiritual significance of ‘Satvik’ or ‘Pure’ food for human life
#3 KIRTAN: When the Soul Sings
The essence of ISKCON is ‘Bhakti Yoga’ and its clearly reflected in the infectious ‘Kirtans’ of the Hare Krsna devotees from around the world. We bring to you the best of the magical Kirtans, throughout the day and each one is going to lift your spirits to deliver eternal joy
#4 KINGDOM OF WISDOM
ISKCON’s core is formed by deep knowledge of the divine and Lord Krishna is revered for his wise ways of living life. We bring to you curated wisdom offerings from the wisest and most influential personalities from the world of ISKCON and brighten your way to this kingdom of wisdom
#5 Q&A SHOWS THE WAY
The seeking spirit is always encouraged at ISKCON. Come and explore the world of Krishna Consciousness and get answers to your every question on life & beyond
#6 THE HIGHER TRUTH: ISKCON Documentaries
Discover the world of ISKCON through the most thought provoking documentaries made by passionate filmmakers from around the world. Each one is is a class apart and has been made by absolute surrender to the divine
#7 PATH OF THE PLAYFUL : Kids Animated Stories
ISKCON has always revered the playfulness of Krishna through the children of its devotees. This show is completely dedicated to our little playful Krishnas who are sure to enjoy amazing stories from the world of ISKCON and Lord Krishna
#8 RHYTHM DIVINE: Vaishnava Bhajans
Singing in praise of the divine and forming an eternal bond with the Lord has been the highlight of the ISKCON movement. We bring to you the best bhajans from around the world, that will take you on a rhythmic joyride to discover the divinity within
#9 GURU’S GRACE : Radhanath Swami Lectures
Much respected and honoured worldwide for being one of the the most influential and prolific spiritual guides of our time, His Holiness Radhanath Swami will mesmerise us with his pearls of wisdom
#10 LIFE AT ISKCON
A life dedicated in the service of the divine and inspiring generations after generations to leave the path of destruction and discover everlasting joy, love, peace and harmony with fellow humans … is what makes the the life of these extraordinary folks so graceful. We feature them all with great reverence
#11 HOW I CAME TO KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS
With millions of devotees and each one speaking the language of love, this show will feature several human stories from around the world and show us how and what makes the ISKCON movement the most inspiring phenomenon of the human race
#12 ISKCON RATH YATRA
Although there are many variety of events conducted by ISKCON, Rath-Yatras are the most interesting, colourful, musical and exciting roadshows that also touch upon the lives of several non-devotees who witness and participate in the joy of celebrating life. We feature the most vivid and assorted Rath-Yatras from around the world
The channel is set to launch soon on Android & IOS also in some MSO & DTH on INDIA. Its currently Broadcasted on Real Tv In Australia , & ZTV4u in Netherlands , Germany , Sweden & neighbouring areas.
A feed is also available through live streaming on www.harekrsnalive.com

The Law of Large Numbers
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The Law of Large Numbers.
Vaisesika das: “In probability theory, the law of large numbers (LLN) is a theorem that describes the results of performing the same experiment a large number of times. According to the law, the average of the results obtained from a large number of trials should be close to the expected value, and will tend to become closer as more trials are performed.” (Wikipedia)
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GBC: Maintaining the Principle of Unity in Diversity
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Hare KrishnaBy the GBC

Srila Prabhupada wrote: “Now this displeasing of godbrothers has already begun and gives me too much agitation in my mind. Our Gaudiya Math people fought with one another after the demise of Guru Maharaja but my disciples have already begun fighting even in my presence. So I am greatly concerned about it . . . Material nature means dissension and disagreement, especially in this Kali yuga. But, for this Krsna consciousness movement its success will depend on agreement, even though there are varieties of engagements. In the material world there are varieties, but there is no agreement. In the spiritual world there are varieties, but there is agreement. That is the difference. The materialist without being able to adjust the varieties and the disagreements makes everything zero. They cannot come into agreement with varieties, but if we keep Krsna in the center, then there will be agreement in varieties. 15 This is called unity in diversity. I am therefore suggesting that all our men meet in Mayapur every year during the birth anniversary of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. With all GBC and senior men present we should discuss how to make unity in diversity. But, if we fight on account of diversity, then it is simply the material platform. Please try to maintain the philosophy of unity in diversity. That will make our movement successful.” (Letter to Kirtanananda, October 18, 1973) Continue reading "GBC: Maintaining the Principle of Unity in Diversity
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Inner power means to act intelligently, not impulsively
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[Youth Program at Dayton University, Dayton, USA]

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While speaking from shastra, should we consider what people will feel about it?
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Vyasapuja offering to HH Jayapataka Swami- HH Bhakti Charu Swami
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Dearest Jayapataka Maharaj, Please accept my most humble obeisances on this very auspicious day of your Vyasa Puja. All glories to our most glorious spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. I am eternally indebted to Srila Prabhupada for connecting me to you and allowing me to be in your intimate association. For last 41 years, I have […]

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Back In Australia / Возвращение в Австралию
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Фотоальбом на Facebook

Yesterday, in a beach town on the Gold Coast just north of Brisbane, we had a wonderful kirtan program leading up to the marriage ceremony of my disciples Bhakta Jiggy and Kaishori Sindhu dasi, which takes place this Sunday. Bada Haridas, Sri Prahlada and myself chanted for over 3 hours. The devotees, who are coming for the wedding from all over the world, danced in great happiness. Great to be “Downunder” with so many sweet devotees!

Вчера в одном городке на Золотом Побережье к северу от Брисбана у нас была чудная программа с киртаном, предваряющая свадебную церемонию моих учеников Бхакты Джигги и Кайшори Синдху даси, которая пройдет в это воскресенье. Бада Харидас, Шри Прахлада и я пели больше 3 часов. Преданные, съехавшиеся на свадьбу со всего мира, танцевали в полном счастьи. Здорово оказаться “вверх тормашками” со столь многими милыми преданными!

Camden Town, Hippest New Centre
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Camden Town is London’s hippest part of London, attracting thousands of tourists daily. We have been preaching here since 17 years and now we managed to open a nice centre. A four story building just off the high street.

We have daily prasad distribution, yoga classes, plans to open a juice bar but the main thing is we have an oasis for devotees to live and hold the Friday Feast , a chance to give Krishna to the conditioned souls, requesting the devotees blessings.
Your servant
Parasuram das

Rama Navami celebration in Moscow Russa (Album with…
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Rama Navami celebration in Moscow Russa (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The Personality of Godhead Sri Krsna appeared before us just a little prior to the beginning of Kali-yuga, and He returned to His eternal home practically at the commencement of Kali-yuga. While He was present, He exhibited everything by His different activities. He spoke the Bhagavad-gita specifically and eradicated all pretentious principles of religiosity. And prior to His departure from this material world, He empowered Sri Vyasadeva through Narada to compile the messages of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, and thus both the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam are like torchbearers for the blind people of this age. In other words, if men in this age of Kali want to see the real light of life, they must take to these two books only, and their aim of life will be fulfilled. Srila Prabhupada’s purport to SB 1.3.43
Find them here: https://goo.gl/JVshd6

How can we integrate in bhakti a profession that is not directly usable in bhakti?
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In dealing with our desires through indulgence in householder life, isn’t there a danger that the desires may not go away?
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If someone is spiritually unreceptive, does the sincerity of our prayers determine whether they become receptive?
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When the mind wanders off, how can we become more aware of its wandering faster?
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When our values are different from partying professionals, how can we set an example in our material life?
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ISKCON Auckland NZ: Ekadasi harinam (Album with photos) Srila…
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ISKCON Auckland NZ: Ekadasi harinam (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: This Krsna consciousness movement is the greatest boon to humanity because it keeps one always engaged in Krsna’s service. The devotees think of Krsna, act for Krsna, eat for Krsna, sleep for Krsna and work for Krsna. Thus everything is engaged in the service of Krsna. A total life in Krsna consciousness saves one from material contamination. Srila Prabhupada; SB 4.30.19 purport
Find them here: https://goo.gl/96BLYp