By Hari Narayana Das

The picturesque view of Negara results from a combination of the mountains, the sea with its black sands beaches lined with coconut trees and vast expanses of rice fields in between the two. The landscape is dotted with Balinese Hindu temples as well as mosques and people generally tend to carry a warm attitude. It was in 2011, during a visit to Negara, Srimat Subhag Swami expressed his feelings that a preaching centre there would be very beneficial for the devotees. Gadadhar pabhu and his family members, all initiated disciples of Srimat Subhag Swami, took it a bit seriously and immediately Mother Sureshwari came forward and offered her family land for the new ashram and dedicate it to Srila Prabhupada. Although in her late sixties and struggling with failing eyesight, Mother Sureshwari is more active than most of the younger devotees in Negara. She looks after melon farms which are spread out for hectares upon hectares and the harvested ripe melons gets transported to many parts of Indonesia. Then there are rice fields, banana plantations, tulasi and flower gardens which she looks after and above all she cooks the best prasadam for Gaura Nitai and of course, for the devotees. Almost two years back she completely lost her eyesight and doctors expressed her inability to cure her, she kept crying and when Gadadhar Prabhu went to console her, she revealed a nice prayer. She was praying to her family deities, Gaura Nitai, that … ‘my dear lord, my only means to render some service to the devotees is by cooking some prasadam for them and now that I am unable see I will no longer be able to serve your devotees anymore.’ Within a short time, to the utter amazement of the doctors, she could see again and ever since she hasn’t slowed down in her service for her deities and the devotees. Continue reading "New Preaching Center Inauguration in Negara, Bali
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By Karnamrita Das

Many people know what their problems are, but are unwilling, or don’t believe it is possible for them, to do the difficult work of change and transformation. Or there may be too much secondary gain for staying the same, regardless of their unhappiness or dissatisfaction. We may wear our past wounds like a badge of honor, hoping to get sympathy strokes from other, as in "woe, is me.” Some call this "wound-ology." Being creatures of habit the thought of change, even positive, beneficial change, is challenging for most people, even if they are currently miserable, and think they “should” change—maybe tomorrow, or that faraway place in the ocean, “Someday Isle.” Continue reading "“Wound-ology” syndrome? Take Practical Actions To Change!
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By Radhapad Das

Wednesday, 7th June this year marked the 501th anniversary of this festival. The Panihati branch, next to ferryghat boasts to be one the rare ISKCON centers on the bank of Ganges with a well maintained bathing ghat. Strategically located next to Mahotsavatala on the one hand, Raghava Bhawan on the other, with deities of Sri Sri Gaur Nitai, Srila Prabhupada, Goddess Jagadhatri, and Lord Shiva in His two forms as Tarakeshwar and Gangadhar this center has a lot to promise. On this occasion the devotees of the ISKCON center Sri Sri Gaur Nitai Mandir at 37, Gauranga Ghat Road at Panihati were all fired up and distributed free Chida Dahi prasadam to 17,000 visiting pilgrims. Continue reading "ISKCON Panihati serves Mahaprasadam to more than 17,000 pilgrims
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Mayapur Darshan (10 min video) The Hare Krishna Mantra by the MADHAVAS Rock Band. A Musical Film By Braj Kishore Das. Watch it here: https://goo....

The post Daily Darshan: June 10,2017 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Gita verse-by-verse Podcast

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On this full-moon day, sixteen days before Ratha- yatra, Lord Jagannatha is bathed. He becomes sick and is confined to rest for fourteen days. He is then offered special care until He comes out for Ratha-yatra.

A special bath of Jagannatha takes place on the Purnima of Jyestha month to commemorate the appearance day of Lord Jagannatha.

About His Grace Subhavilas Prabhuji: It has been over 40 years since he joined ISKCON. He saw devotees chanting on the streets in Toronto and was immediately attracted. He started going to the temple, which at that time in the late 60's was in a small house.He met Srila Prabhupada first time in Chicago.

Srila Prabhupada instructed him and Visvakarma Dasa to secure the current ISKCON Toronto temple and had the great fortune to assist Srila Prabhupada's mission in this manner.He used him as his instrument again to help secure the ISKCON Chicago temple where Sri Kishor Kishori reside today. There were many temple openings and festivals that he has been blessed to coordinate and be a part of in the early days of ISKCON.

After his brahminical initiation by Srila Prabhupada, he had the privilege to serve ISKCON in many ways including:
Vice President of ISKCON Toronto in the 70's;
 President of ISKCON Chicago in the early 80's;
 Zonal Secretary for USA mid-west in the 80's; and
 GBC(Governing Body Commission) appointed him as Global  Coordinator for Community Relations in the 90.

Chant: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare And Be Happy!!

When? Sunday,June 11,2017 Program starts at 11.00am Where? 6 George Street South Brampton, Ontario L6Y 1P3, Canada Park underground(free) @ City Hall Phone:416-648-3312 New! Listen Click here to listen to previous class recordings on our blog Make a Donation

Bhagavad Gita As It Is (18.66) sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja aham tvam sarva-papebhyo moksayisyami ma sucah Translation Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear. 11.00- 11.15      Tulsi Puja 11.15 - 11.30     Guru Puja                                         11:30 –11:55     Aarti & Kirtan                                     11.55 - 12.00    Sri Nrsingadeva Prayers                12.00 -  1: 00   Vedic discourse   1.00 -   1.30    Closing Kirtan   1.30 -  2.00    Sanctified Free Vegetarian Feast COMING UP AHEAD Yogini Ekadasi Fasting.....................on Tue Jun 20,2017 Breakfast................. on Wed  Jun 21 ,2017 b/w 6.14am-9.44am Every fortnight, we observe Ekadasi, a day of prayer and meditation. On this day we fast (or simplify our meals and abstain from grains and beans), and spend extra time reading the scriptures and chanting the auspicious Hare Krishna mantra.By constantly ‘exercising’ our minds through regular japa we can train our senses to push the threshold of contentment. English audio glorification of all Ekadasis is available here  ONGOING PROGRAMS Japathon-Congregational Mantra Meditation Next program TBC The chanting is a spiritual call for the Lord and His Energy to give protection to the conditioned soul.japa, when performed with focus and attention, can subdue the agitating effects of one’s mind and senses. The senses, of which the mind is also one, are constantly being stimulated by the external world  - by gross and subtle matter. If you have not chanted before, and would like to participate in this program, we will be very happy to show how you can do this. All welcome. We’ll loan you a set of Beads! Sunday School To register,contact us Email:sundayschool108@gmail.com Call:647.893.9363 The Sunday School provides fun filled strategies through the medium of music, drama, debates, quizzes and games that present Vedic Culture to children. However the syllabus is also designed to simultaneously teach them to always remember Krishna and never forget Him. School The Sunday School follows the curriculum provided by the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture (BCEC). Monthly sankirtan Festival(MSF) “One who has life can preach, and one who preaches gets life.”(Previous Acaryas) Every member of ISKCON should have the opportunity to make advancement in Krishna consciousness by preaching.We encourage everyone to come out and participate and make Srila Prabhupada happy. Please contact: Dharma Dasa- dharandev58@gmail.com-647.892.0739(Mississauga and Brampton regions) The Mentorship Program Please note that registration in the Mentorship System is now a mandatory requirement for all initiation requests at ISKCON Brampton.It 1.Facilitates  and nurtures devotees aspiring for first and second Initiation.     2.One-on-One personal follow up on a regular basis. 3.Systematic training to devotees in matters of Philosophy, Sadhna, Vaishnava behavior, etiquette, Lifestyle and attitudes. To find details please click here Gift Shop Are you looking for some amazing gift items which are less expensive and more beautiful for your loved ones for festivals or many other occasions?? Our boutique is stocked with an excellent range of products, perfect for gifts or as souvenirs of your visit. It offers textiles, jewellery, incense, devotional articles, musical instruments, books, and CDs inspired by Indian culture.We're open on all Sundays and celebrations marked in our annual calendar.

Giriraj Swami initiated two new disciples: Andrea Gonzales became Ananda Gopika Dasi and Jahnava became Jahnava Devi dasi.

Recently, the Parliament of World Relegions issued a statement.

Spiritual knowledge given in the Bhagavad-gita is like a life-saving medicine.

A fantastic Ratha-yatra in Panama (10 min video) The weather cooperated perfectly and there were wonderful kirtans, especially lead by Agni Deva....

Don’t believe everything you think!
Vaisesika das: During the summer months, thousands of people visit scenic Pacific Beach in San Diego, California, some of them staying for a week or longer in the pricey rental apartments that line the shoreline.
As I took my daily walk along Pacific Beach this morning, I observed how vacationers there were doing their best to relish the ocean-side environment. Some lay out in the morning sun on the sandy beach, others jogged or rode bikes, while others sat at trendy sidewalk cafes, picking at their breakfasts while talking to friends and family.

“Consumption” Video for the day by His Grace Mahatma Prabhu (6 min video)
We can look at consumerism as an addiction, we can look at it as a disease and we can at least acknowledge that the disease is there, or the potential to be addicted or maybe acknowledge that we already are addicted that you know perhaps we waste money or we waste time in shopping so a good motto which I learned from my father when you want to shop is just ask yourself do I need it or do I just want it, and it’s maybe hard to admit that you really don’t get it like you really don’t need that upgrade but of course sometimes you get it for free so that’s ok but if you have to pay you know this has some new bells and whistles but you really don’t need them but you want them and so as devotees I think we should be more in within that culture of simplicity purchase based on needs rather than wants and anyway these are some ideas on consumerism I’ll leave it up to you to process it as you like but I like to start as I thought it was worthwhile to share these things.

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Says Narendra Modi.

All India Padayatra In Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, South India, June 9, 2017 (Album with photos)
By Acarya Dasa
Anantha: On April 14th we reached Thiruvananthapuram, formerly known as Trivandrum. It is the capital and largest city in the state of Kerala. The city’s name comes from the presiding deity of the ‘Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple’, who is also known as ‘Anantha’ (one who reclines on the serpent, Anantha). It is said that the deity was originally 18 miles (28 kilometers) long and it would take devotees three days to do parikrama (holy walk) around the Lord. After hearing the prayers of His devotees, the Lord reduced His size to 18 feet (0.3 meters).

A friend from Gujarat

We took darsana of the Lord and the pujaris there helped us arrange our accommodation. We stayed there for a few days doing sankirtana at the beach. We even gave our Lordships, Sri Sri Nitai Guarsundar, a dip in the ocean. One day while doing sankirtan in some part of the city, a gentleman approached us. He was very happy to hear us singing the maha-mantra. I spoke to him and told him about our Lordships and how we started our padayatra from Dwaraka and coincidently he was from Gujarat. He was really surprised, “Wow! So you all are coming from my home town. Jai! And the Lord also came to give us darsana”, he said. He was so happy that he invited us to his home for sankirtana and prasadam. This gentleman had five brothers all of whom attended our sankirtana program the next day. One of them was named Rakesh, and he was blind. He told us he had once heard a recording of Srila Prabhupada singing the maha-mantra. He then started to sing in exactly that manner. We were so happy to see him singing for the pleasure of Sri Sri Nitai Gaurasundar. The Lord showers his mercy on each and every one of us. The family gave us a donation of 7000 rupees and they also took a Bhagavatam set.

Book scores for Kerala

Since entering the district of Kerala on April 6th, we have distributed so many books. It was amazing, anyone who we tried giving a book to would wait, listen to us and then usually after seeing the book they would buy it. To date we have distributed:

5776 Maha Big Books

694 Big Books

4698 Small Books

Total books distributed: 11315

Anandi Gaura Dasa

Anandi Gaura Dasa joined our padayatra party in Nagpur last month. He is very enthusiastic. In South India we have a lot of challenges with language since the majority of people speak Tamil or English but not Hindi. Anandi Gaura Dasa was a great help; he translated from Hindi to English to everyone I spoke to. He also distributed a lot of books: 598 maha big books and 168 small books.

Matsya Avatar Dasa & Uttamnarahari Dasa

Other devotees who also distributed a lot of books were Matsya Avatar Dasa and Uttamnarahari Dasa. Matsya Avatar Dasa distributed 505 medium books and Uttamnarhari Prabhu 486 medium books.

All the padayatris did book distribution. Our book distribution was done to such a large scale that we had to constantly order new sets of books and as soon as I would order them they would get finished. This was all the mercy of the Lord, these were all chamatkars (miracles) and we, padayatris were nimitta-matram (just instruments). We spoke to Lokanath Swami about the book distribution. He was very happy, he said, “Keep going on, support each other and serve the Lord.”

We also attended a one-day Jaganath ratha-yatra (chariot festival) in Trivandrum where we distributed the following number of books:

230 Maha Big Books

60 Small Books
Find them here: https://goo.gl/T57ADV

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 25 April 2017, Radhadesh, Belgium, Srimad Bhagavatam 7.15.68)

The sound of Krsna’s flute was heard by Lord Brahma and then, the sound of that flute came out of the mouth of Lord Brahma through the Gayatri Mantra. So through the Gayatri Mantra we can hear Krsna’s flute. This makes second initiation a little more exciting. It is not only about being a brahmana. It is not only about the mode of goodness but you also hear the Gayatri Mantra which was what came out of Brahma’s mouth after hearing Krsna’s flute. It is said that the Gayatri Mantra is like the sound of Krsna’s flute in mantra form. This is very interesting, this is why it is a secret mantra!

Radha Kunda Seva: May 2017 Photos and Updates (Album with photos) We are happy to report that in this blazing hot month of May, our service in R...

Hollywood actress Marie Avgeropoulos visits Vrindavan and starts a campaign for its underprivileged girls.
The campaign aims to raise funds to support the education of a thousand more girls at the three Sandipani Muni Schools in Vrindavan, Lord Krishna’s birthplace. During her week-long visit, Marie spent her time trying to understand and document the problems underprivileged Brijabasi girls face. Her six-part documentary series on her experience will be released by Without Exception Films through an online campaign this month and will premier during a series of fundraising events in Los Angeles starting with one hosted by Marie herself on June 15th.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/KaoHnw

By Sacinandana Swami

You must know that there is bhakti with nectar and bhakti without nectar. Bhakti without nectar means that we do not obtain a taste from our spiritual practices that is higher than the taste created by material things like smartphone apps, movies and all the other ‘maya’ our town has to offer. Thus, it is very important that we perform bhakti with taste.

In other words, we need to know how we can relish the five processes of bhakti and avoid boredom. This is much like drawing juice from sugarcane. If you do not apply the technique of professional sugarcane juice vendors, the sugar cane will only be a dry wooden stick to you. In the same way, the practices of bhakti can be only an external dry ritual if you do not know how to draw out the nectar within them.

Here I will teach a simple process for reading the Srimad-Bhagavatam (or Bhagavad-gita or any sacred bhakti text) with relish. This process of studying sacred scripture is given in the Brhad-aranyaka Upanisad. It entails three elements and the Vaisnavas have added the fourth item:

1) Sravanam – collecting the information in the text, that is, hearing or reading the text, much like attentively listening to a lecture at the university.

2) Mananam – reflecting on the subject matter

3) Nididhyasan – contemplating on how I can practically apply this text in my own life

4) Vandanam – praying for realization

I think the main reason why people give up relishing the Bhagavatam is that they only know and apply the first step of this process: collecting information. Only reading or hearing the Bhagavatam in this way can be compared to just bringing food in front of the mouth, but not eating it – this will never nourish you.

Following this analogy, reflecting on what you have heard is like chewing the food. At this stage the body is already somewhat nourished through the vitamins it draws through the mouth. However, going through the third step, nididhyasan, contemplating how you can apply what you have heard and then applying it, can be compared to swallowing and digesting the food and being fully nourished by it. In other words, only hearing a sacred text is not enough engagement with it. You will remain ‘hungry’ and look for your ‘food’ somewhere else.

You may also suffer from an information overdose. I see this a lot in spiritual communities – devotees hear their 1000th lecture, and when you ask them “So, what did you hear?” they reply “Oh, I think it was about Krishna.” Therefore, you must learn to reflect on sacred texts: “What struck me? Have I heard something similar somewhere else? How could this be important for my life?” And then you must think about how you can apply it and then apply it in your life (nididhyasan).

Finally, because the subjects are sometimes a little advanced for us, you may need to do vandanam, or pray for realization. If you allow yourself to enter this four-step-process, you will allow yourself to have a spiritual experience by reading the Bhagavatam.

The post Daily Darshan : June 09, 2017 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

By Ananda V. Devi Dasi

Over 35 years ago I sat before the fire and took the same vows. I am grateful to still be practicing. Later that day I heard a talk which shared 4 reasons why devotees sometimes give up the process of Krishna consciousness, the one they once started so enthusiastically. Turning them into positives, here are 4 things, if we do them well, that can bring us success in our spiritual endeavor, which is to awaken love for Krishna and live to in congruence with that wholesome truth. Humility, offenses, sanga, knowing the path. Continue reading "4 Ways to Stay
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Boat Festival At GEV Wada (7 min video) The boat festival (Nauka Vihar) was celebrated at the Govardhan Eco Village Wada India (ISKCON). It can b...

[Talk to IIT Kharagpur students at Kharagpur, India]

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Marie Avgeropoulos, one of the American stars of popular sci-fi TV series The 100, recently visited Food For Life Vrindavan’s Sandipani Muni School for underprivileged girls. Her visit marked the beginning of the #SheMustCount campaign, an initiative started and supported by the Lubert family and Without Exception Films in Los Angeles.