A devotee in the South Asian Dance Final.
A mighty congratulation to the BBC South Asian dance winner, Shyam Dattani. Shyam has spent much of his life at Iskcon’s Bhaktivedanta Manor in UK.
The finalists in this category showcase two of the most popular classical Indian dance styles - Kathak and Bhatanatyam. Judging them is a panel of three of the UK’s top dance experts: the choreographer, performer and academic, Chitra Sundaram; performer, teacher and leading exponent of Kathak dance, Kajal Sharma; and general adjudicator - judging across all four BBC Young Dancer categories - the critically acclaimed choreographer and dance producer, Shobana Jeyasingh. For one of the dancers a place in the Grand Final awaits, with the opportunity to dance on the main stage at Sadler’s Wells.
The finalists are: Akshay Prakash, Jaina Modasia, Anaya Bolar, Shyam Dattani and Anjelli Wignakumar. http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08l6sm0
Three months after establishing the GBC, Srila Prabhupada wrote: “Formerly I issued one circular letter requesting all GBC members who are zonal secretaries also, to give me a fortnightly report of the activities in his jurisdiction, but I am not receiving. I’ve received no letter since a very long time from Karandhara, and I’m very interested to know how things are going in L.A. We have a great responsibility to pay $2,000. monthly to the church trustees.” (Letter to Rupanuga, October 28, 1970) Srila Prabhupada acted as overseer of the (then) twelve GBC members and was expecting regular reports of their zonal work. In his physical absence, the GBC should ensure that its commissioners and Zonal Secretaries fulfill their obligations and appropriately supervise and develop their zones, that its Ministers fulfill their mandates, etc. Continue reading "GBC: Ensuring Accountability among Its Commissioners and throughout the Society → Dandavats"
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, June 2011, New Ekachakra, Slovakia, Lecture)
Growing old happens slowly! You don’t notice it until one day you look in the mirror and you think, “Oh my God! I have a lot of lines! I never had those before.” That is how growing old is, you grow old every day but you do not see it every day. In the same way, we make spiritual advancement every day but we do not see it. But sometimes we have a moment where we feel, “I’m actually getting somewhere!” We are making advancement all the time so we must continue to serve, to endeavour…
Radha Kunda Seva: March 2017 Photos and Updates (Album with photos)
7000 buildings around the parikrama path had been marked for demolition and demolished they were. March was a traumatic month for many Govardhan residents …and for us as well when we saw a giant red X painted on the pillar of our temple freshly built at the front end of our property. So far, by Radha and Krishna’s mercy, the government has spared our temple, instead only knocking down the front gate and some of the wall encircling our land. We will put up a temporary fence to replace the broken wall. And our construction managers are cautiously recommending that we delay the building of the kitchen and residence facilities a few months until after the mayhem has died down. And so we wait. With the help of a lawyer, we have now received official permission from the Radha Kunda district magistrate to reinstate feeding chenna prasada to parikrama pilgrims and to continue cleaning all around Radha Kunda. And so with a new sense of confidence and your steady support, we continue the daily service of cleaning and prasadam distribution in Radha Kunda. Please browse our latest photos and join our efforts by visiting www.radharani.com. Your servants, Campakalata Devi dasi, Padma Gopi Devi dasi, Urmila Devi Dasi, and Mayapurcandra dasa.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/sVoI49
Question: Why does the Gita consider karma-yoga better than jnana-yoga when jnana-yoga is higher in the yoga ladder?
Answer: As per popular conception, action (karma) in this world is a source of bondage and disconnection (sannyasa) from this world is a source of liberation. This was the same paradigm based on which Arjuna’s question begin in the Gita. He thinks that if he fights the war, he will be bound. On the contrary, if he does not fight the war, he will be liberated. Krishna in the Gita challenges these fundamental conceptions. He says, “Yes, action leads to bondage and renunciation leads to liberation. But things are not so simple. Action, if done with renounced spirit, can also lead to liberation. Also, renunciation, if done without purification, can also lead to bondage. Spiritual growth is a matter of changing our intention.”
The whole principal of the yoga-ladder is based on gradual elevation of our intention.
Initially, the intention is, “I want to enjoy the world”. This is basically karma-kanda mindset. This intention then elevates to “I want to live in this world so that I do not suffer.” This is karma-yoga mindset. Next, the intention elevates to, “This world is a place of trouble, I want to stay away from the trouble, so let me stay away from this world.” These are jnana-yoga and ashtanga-yoga intentions.
Largely, all these yoga processes (karma, jnana, ashtanga) are “I” centric – whether I am enjoying, or staying away from trouble. Bhakti-yoga focusses on Krishna – How can I best serve Krishna? The mindset of a bhakti-yogi is – “If I can serve Krishna by acting in this world, I will act. If I can serve Krishna by renouncing this world, I will renounce.”
In the bhakti perspective, it is possible to have a person connected in this world having a purer intention to serve Krishna than a person who has renounced the world. The person who has renounced the world from material perspective is less entangled in this world. However, the person is still entangled in self-obsession (I do not want to suffer in this world). Therefore, Bhagavad-gita gives a normal hierarchy – action (karma) > renunciation (jnana, dhyana, ashtanga) > devotion (bhakti).
The normal hierarchy that has been talked in Bhagavad-gita is described from 18.47-55. In 18.47-48, Krishna talks about daivi-varnashrama (svakarmana tam abhyarcha, by your work worship him). Then from 18.49-53 Krishna talks about jnana-yoga, renouncing the world (sannyasam upashritaha). Then in 18.54-55, Krishna talks about those who have attained brahman realization (brahma bhuta prasannatma) will attain my bhakti (mad bhaktim labhate param). Therefore, the hierarchy is – karma > jnana > bhakti.
Then in 18.56, Krishna says, “You do not have to go through all this.” (sarva-karmany api sada kurvano mad-vyapashrayah – whatever level you are located at, you start practicing bhakti you will be liberated).
Therefore, one hierarchy is action>renunciation>devotion, but if the action itself is done with devotional intention, then the person is higher than the person who has renounced the world.
So, when, Krishna says, that karma is higher than jnana or ashtanga yoga, he is not simply saying karma as action, but he is saying karma done with yogic (or devotional) intention. Action done with devotional intention is higher than renunciation of the world without devotional intention.
If we see devotion as the criteria for spiritual advancement, then the normal hierarchy can be suspended or rearranged.
Tom and I hit the trail. Down the ravines we went as the sun was also making a descent. That good hour permitted an immersion in conversation. We talked about the world.
Tom is a retired teacher and in the late ’80s taught students in Spence Bay or what is now known as Taloyoak in the northern Canadian territory of Nunavut.
“It was interesting up there.Lots of substance abuse up there.It’s definitely Kali Yuga (Age of Darkness).Things are also bad here—all around, everywhere.Maybe I’m getting old,” he said.
Tom is only sixty-two, but, like anyone at that ripeness of age, there’s a tendency to view the world negatively.I do the same.I tend to see flaws, but would subjectively say I also like to draw out what is not pejorative.Tom is lively, though, and chuckles enough at any discussion.For someone who has collected 5000 comics over the years, you’ve got to be an optimist.There’s always a happy ending.
To put in my two nickels worth (pennies make no sense [cents] these days), I must add that we cannot be naïve about the world’s current state of affairs.I reflect on the misdirection of today—the deception.The big lie. “I am this body,” is the huge fib.In truth, “I am spirit.”
In ’96, on my first marathon walk, many newspapers covered my story.It made the front page of Sudbury’s main paper.The article made reference to my statement about this “Big Lie.”
I came upon a statement by Mark Twain on the subject of lying.“A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.”
Today is the birthday of Rama, known as RamNaumi or RamNavami. 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.
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.
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!”
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:
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.
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 → Dandavats"
Why it is said that religion is about being happy and Vaisnavism is the opposite, how to get suitable devotee association, and about the eternality of Dvaraka and Bali Maharaja’s compassion.
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 → Dandavats"
(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!
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.
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 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
“ 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.
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) Read More...
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 → Dandavats"
By The GBC
By GBC College Staff
By the GBC
By the GBC