Planet ISKCON

---

Update: Cape Town 

Download ALL (zip file 649 MB)

KKS_SA_CPT_22February2017_SB_1.1.3.23

KKS_SA_CPT_21February2017_SB_1.11.22

KKS_SA_CPT_21February2017_EveningLecture_DevoteeCare

KKS_SA_CPT_21February2017_Evening_Kirtan

KKS_SA_CPT_20February2017_SB_1.1.3.20

KKS_SA_CPT_19February2017_Kirtan_NrsimhaPranam

KKS_SA_CPT_19February2017_SundayFeast_Kirtan

KKS_SA_CPT_19February2017_SundayFeast_Lecture_BG_9.15

 

 

---

Download ALL (zip file 1.1 GB)

London

KKS_UK_London_07March2017_UniversityProgram_KingsCollege_Kirtan

KKS_UK_London_07March2017_UniversityProgram_KingsCollege_Lecture

KKS_UK_SohoTemple_05March2017_SundayProgram_Lecture

KKS_UK_SohoTemple_05March2017_SundayProgram_Kirtan

KKS_UK_Manor_05March2017_EveningProgram_Kirtan

KKS_UK_Manor_05March2017_Initiation_Lecture

KKS_UK_London_04March2017_PandavaSenaAlumniProgram_Kirtan

KKS_UK_London_04March2017_PandavaSenaAlumniProgram_Lecture

KKS_UK_Manor_04March2017_Lecture_CC_AdiLila_14.40-42

KKS_UK_London_03March2017_HouseProgram_Kirtan

KKS_UK_London_03March2017_HouseProgram_Lecture

 

Amsterdam

KKS_NL_Amsterdam_02March2017_EveningProgram_Bhajans

KKS_NL_Amsterdam_02March2017_EveningProgram_Lecture_BG_9.4

Nārada asks where the world, full of so many amazing specifics, comes from.

Brahmā says it comes from Brahman (“Great Being”) – and the fascinating thing is that this great being is “beyond specification” (“Beyond qualities” – nirguṇa) – because if it can be specified or qualified, then it must be delimitable, and then its greatness is not beyond measure.

Then Nārada asks a very big philosophical question which is a very troublesome riddle for Buddhist and Monist schools: “How is it possible that qualities come from something without qualities?”

It seems Brahmā is saying that the Great Being cannot be qualified at all, which is what Buddhists and Monists say. So Nārada asks for clarification, with this question.

Brahmā answers that the Great Being has Great Power (śakti), and this power has various qualities, so the riddle is solved. Buddhists and Monists cannot give this answer because it goes against their fundamental tenant that the Great Being is absolutely one – if it has power, then, they argue, this power is distinct and different from it, so it is no longer absolutely one.

Bhāgavatam is distinct from Buddhism and Monism because it explains from the outset that the Great Being is “Advaya Jñāna” – which means that it is consciousness (jñāna) in which pluralities (dvaya) are not significant (advaya). In other words, it is a unified whole, with distinct intrinsic parts. So it describes the fullest conception of Brahman (the “Great Being”) as Bhagavān, the possessor of Great Potency.

Potency or Power is śakti – sometimes called “energy” – which is defined as, “the means by which an agent accomplishes an objective.”

Bhāgavatam describes the Great Being not just as “consciousness” (brahman) but as “a conscious entity” (Paramātmā). It is consciousness, and it can use consciousness to perceive and act upon itself, which it manifests in various ways – thus producing the world with so much variety and specificity.

[This conversation between Brahmā and Nārada comes from Chapter Five of Part Two of Bhāgavata Purāṇa. You can read it in my translation: Creating the Creator.]

Tagged: Advaita, Brahman, Buddhism, Monism

By Kripamoya Das

Here is a brief checklist to help you with your testing of a prospective guru. Education. Has he studied Vedic literature sufficiently to become a teacher? Has he become an expert in any particular literature? Has he passed any examinations? Can he recite verses from memory? Does he demonstrate his learning by references when he gives classes? Is he faithful to Srila Prabhupada’s translations and commentaries in his presentations? Are you sure that he does not unduly emphasize any particular portion of the philosophy but provides a balanced presentation? Is he knowledgeable of Deity worship? Does he perform Deity worship himself? Can he conduct ceremonies and teach others how to celebrate festivals? Does he know how to cook for Krishna? Does he know the standard Vaishnava songs and prayers? Continue reading "The Guru: A Checklist
→ Dandavats"

For the pleasure of their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Sri Pancatattva, Sri Nrisimhadev, Srila Prabhupada and all the readers, Mayapur Bhakti Vriksha informing a very remarkable 2nd annual festival UTSAHA that has been held on 26th Feb. 2017, Sunday at Rabindra Bhavan cultural hall, Krishnanagar. This program mainly for the welfare of Mayapur Bhakti […]

The post ‘Utsaha’ Festival appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Work has recently begun on the temple columns’ exterior mock-up, a design which will be used on the columns all around the temple.

In the image below you can see half the exterior mock-up as it goes around the main column structure. The final product will be made of two pieces which will wrap around the actual column and be joined together to completely encase it.

We are very happy with the design and effects of the mock-up. Once we are fully satisfied we will make the rubber molds and begin casting the column pieces in GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete), after which work will commence to install them.

We are very excited about this new aspect of the interior finishing work that has begun and hope all the devotees are pleased with our progress.

The post Temple Column Exterior Mock-up In Progress appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

TOVP 2017 is a presentation by TOVP Chairman, Ambarisa das, about the current progress of the TOVP construction and an appeal for donations to help continue the current pace towards its completion in 2022. A video by Thakur Saranga Das.

The Sankirtan movement in South Africa (Album with photos)
Bhakti Caitanya Swami: Photos from the last two days of the Verula...

Anwser Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post How can we avoid forgetting in real-life what we learn in classes? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Anwser Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post How can we prevent our faith from flickering amidst problems? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Anwser Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post When guidance is not easily available, how can we make good choices? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Anwser Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post How can we assess our service when we are not pure-hearted? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Anwser Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post How can we avoid over-controlling the things that are in our control? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Anwser Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post In the practical-philosophical categorization, where does the emotional fit in? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Anwser Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post When we face problems, we need practical solutions, not philosophical solutions – how can scripture help? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Anwser Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post What is the best way to monitor our mental habits? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

[Talk at Denver University, Denver, USA]

Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post Demystifying Reincarnation appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Short but amazing aerial glimpse of the Gaura Purnima Abhishek 2017 in Mayapur (1 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: If a living entity is developed in Krsna consciousness and is merciful to others, and if his spiritual knowledge of self-realization is perfect, he will immediately attain liberation from the bondage of material existence. PURPORT In this verse the words daya jivesu, meaning “mercy to other living entities,” indicate that a living entity must be merciful to other living entities if he wishes to make progress in self-realization. This means he must preach this knowledge after perfecting himself and understanding his own position as an eternal servant of Krsna. Preaching this is showing real mercy to living entities. Other types of humanitarian work may be temporarily beneficial for the body, but because a living entity is spirit soul, ultimately one can show him real mercy only by revealing knowledge of his spiritual existence. As Caitanya Mahaprabhu says, jivera ‘svarupa’ haya-krsnera 'nitya-dasa’: [Cc. Madhya 20.108] “Every living entity is constitutionally a servant of Krsna.” One should know this fact perfectly and should preach it to the mass of people. If one realizes that he is an eternal servant of Krsna but does not preach it, his realization is imperfect. >>> Ref. VedaBase => SB 4.29.1b
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/9hJV1m

In the 1960s Ranchor Prime left home to find God. He has been searching through nature and the spirit ever since. In this beautiful book, he reflects on his journey and, one by one, introduces the reader to the eight elements of ancient Hindu cosmology. For more information visit: https://issuu.com/fitzroviapress/docs/elements_issuu_1

The post Daily Darshan: March 15,2017 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Akrura Ghat @ Vrindavan 10/03/2017 (Album with photos)
Deena Bandhu Das: Akrur Ghat is a little distance from Vrindavan in the fields and forest. Because of it’s peace and quiet, Mahaprabhu stayed here on His Vrindavan visit. This is where Akrura saw Krishna and Balaram within the waters of Yamuna. Later Krishna gave the Brijbasis darshan of Vaikuntha and Goloka at this place. Used to be broken down place, but now it is very nice remodeled and maintained. Just down the road in a very peaceful forest, some Babas are maintaining a beautiful gaushala! Vittalrukmini Das checked it out with his friends!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/RMJh32

By Kesava Krsna dasa

Just as the pumpkin transformed into an impressive stagecoach which took Cinderella to the ball, the magic of trnad api …. By which we can obtain Sri Guru’s grace, Sri Nityananda’s grace who as Sri Balarama will be pleased to transform Iskcon into a dazzling Vaikuntha airplane. Our ploughing will then become an easier affair. Continue reading "Opposites & Unlikely Sources
→ Dandavats"

The latest news from the Hare Krishna Festival of India Tour.
Sankirtan Yajna Prabhu distributed Srila Prabhupada’s books directly to students at the Festival of India at George Mason University. This is one of the Universities where Festival of India has been sponsored to set-up our exhibits, tents, and distribute Krishna Prasadam and Srila Prabhupada’s books. Please contact us for details how to bring the Festival to a University near you. This is a sure way to get Srila Prabhupada’s and Lord Krishna’s mercy.
As Lord Krishna says in the 68th and 69 verses of the 18th chapter of the Gita: For one who explains the supreme secret to the devotees, devotional service is guaranteed, and at the end he will come back to Me.
There is no servant in this world more dear to Me than he, nor will there ever be one more dear.
So let us continue, at every festival introducing students, and everyone else we meet to this sublime science of Krishna Consciousness, as it will guarantee your devotional service and in the end you’ll go Back to Godhead. Hare Krishna.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/mo3rFb

Mayapuris’ New Album To Have Intriguing Concept.
It’s been seven long years since kirtan band The Mayapuris released their debut album “Mridanga,” hitting the top five in the iTunes World Music chart.
The Mayapuris were one of the original second generation ISKCON groups to bring Gaudiya Vaishnava kirtan to the forefront of the burgeoning mainstream kirtan scene.
Since their debut, others have continued to forge the path, with Madi Das and his Bhakti Without Borders charity album winning a Grammy nomination.

A new sannyasi for Iskcon.
Markendaya Rsi Prabhu took his sannyasa initiation from Jayapataka Swami. His new name is Bhakti Mu...

By Kripamoya Das

I often get asked questions by people who are looking for a guru: “What sort of teacher should I be looking for?” is shortly followed by: “And where do I begin looking for someone like that?” After they’ve thought a few moments the next question is: “What sort of things do I have to do before I can become someone’s student?” “What happens if I don’t quite measure up?” Some time later the questions are more about what will happen after they become initiated: “What is he supposed to teach me?” “How do I know if he’s teaching me the right things?” Lots of questions but, strangely enough, the same questions that people have been asking for a long time. Proof of this is that way back in the 14th century a great spiritual teacher named Vedanta Deshika gave answers to these questions in a short book – Nyasa Vimsati. The answers proved so popular and correct that Gopala Bhatta Goswami included them in his handbook of devotional practise, standard for Gaudiya Vaishnavas for the last 500 years. Continue reading "New questions same as the old ones
→ Dandavats"

Dear Devotees 

Kadamba Kanana Swami is receiving Ayurvedic treatment at the hospital in Coimbatore, South India. He is strictly prohibited from using his phone, computer, etc. and cannot reply to emails and other messages. Please allow him space to undergo his treatment peacefully! We will do our best to keep you updated on his stay in hospital via KKSBlog and Facebook.

 

 

 

The last day of the Jagannatha Gauranga Temple festival was celebrated by the abhiseka of the new deities, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra Devi.

Priti Vardhana and some of the gurukula boys from Mayapur performed the necessary rituals, bathing and the senior devotee brahmanas were also invited to bathe Their Lordships.

First arati was around 2.00pm and that was followed by an initiation ceremony of new disciples by HH Kavicandra Maharaja. The 7.00pm Gaura Arati was attended by hundreds of enthusiastic devotees.

By Bhaktivedanta Book Trust

Our Relationship with Srila Prabhupada’s Books. Srila Prabhupada was concerned that devotees (“centres”) producing his books independently was undermining and potentially threatening the viability of the BBT. · “This must not go on” illustrates an unambiguous desire on his part to stop any printing of his books separate from the BBT. · He stresses that he created the BBT specifically to be the exclusive medium by which his books, lectures, and so on, are to be published and made available. · The BBT has an economic role in funding ISKCON projects. · Diverting revenues elsewhere (by setting up independent printing operations) would undermine the revenue sources for such projects. Continue reading "BBT Day 2017
→ Dandavats"

By Bhakta Vatsala Das 

After visiting London (03-08 March), Kadamba Kanana Swami travelled to India. He arrived in Mumbai on the 9^th and was received by Sri Govinda (SA), Brajmohan Prabhu and myself. Maharaj went straight to Mira Road temple and thereafter to see HH Jayadvaita Swami in Bhaktivedanta Hospital who was recovering from pneumonia.

The next day began with Maharaj giving the morning Srimad Bhagavatam class in Hindi at the temple. More than 200 devotees attended and again, Maharaj rendered an earth shaking kirtan and devotes didn’t want to stop dancing! Unfortunately, there are no photos as I was busy cooking.

Later that day, we all travelled to Sangamner near Nashik, about 170 km from Mumbai. Our godbrother, Swayambhagawam Prabhu, manages a centre there located at an engineering college. Upon arrival, more than 100 bright, young engineers welcomed Maharaj with kirtan.

On Saturday, the 11^th, we went out on parikrama and more than 200 devotees came along, some having travelled from 400 km away. Sadly more than 40 devotees were turned away as our buses were full!!

During our parikrama, we went Jatayu Samadhi. “Jatayu was a great hero who fought with Ravana and although he was defeated, he was victorious over birth and death for sacrificing his life to save Sita. It is nice to come to this place; the land where the Ramayana is still alive…” said Maharaj. We visited the actual spot where Jatayu fought with Ravana. We also visited the pond of holy water which manifested when Lord Ramachandra shot his arrow to provide water to Jatayu when he was thirsty after being injured. The locals say that the pond always remains filled with water! We also visited the place where Kapiladev instructed Devahuti on sankhya philosophy. And later that day, Maharaj did the ceremony for a devotee’s child where the child wrote his first letters of the alphabet.

We had a wonderful festival for Gaura Purnima (12 March). Maharaj gave class again in Hindi, in the evening. He spoke on the glories of Lord Caitanya and shared many enlivening stories, and as usual the programme ended with a rocking kirtan. During the kirtan, the drummers surrounded Maharaj and blocked him from leaving and the kirtan continued until their fingers were bleeding!

On Monday morning, Maharaj started his journey to Coimbatore. He is now in the Ayurvedic Hospital for three weeks of treatment. While in hospital Maharaj is offline – there will be no internet reciprocation i.e. no answering of emails. Please allow to him to recuperate and we will send you periodic updates!

Visit Flickr to see all the photos.

Gaura Purnima 2017 ISKCON Nepal
(126 Photos)
Gaura Purnima - An Appearance Day of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
Celebr...

Anwser Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post How can we help those who are suffering but are still imagining that they are enjoying? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Anwser Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post If someone rationalizes their wrongdoing by saying that Krishna loves us unconditionally, how do we respond? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Anwser Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post Doesn’t Krishna feel bad when we do something wrong – doesn’t that make him unwilling to shelter us? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Anwser Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post If our mistakes have got us into trouble, how can we overcome the guilt that disheartens us while taking shelter of Krishna? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Anwser Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post Can followers of other religions who don’t follow the regulative principles go back to Krishna? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Anwser Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post Is Vedic philosophy confusing because it has so many holy books, unlike Christianity and Islam that have only one holy book? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

[Talk for Intel employees at house program, Phoenix, USA]

Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post Changing the default settings of our mind appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

[Talk at Intel, Phoenix, USA]

Podcast

Download by “right-click and save content”

The post MIND the MIND appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

By Romapada Swami

We are very limited. We have tiny knowledge and tiny happiness and tiny free will. We don’t miss our free will, proof is, here we are the place people reside who misused their free will. Some few rathayatras ago I was introduced to a Chinese lady, married to an Indian man. That was a very interesting combination. An elderly, little older and when introduced to her she said I just have one question. What is that? Why creation? I said fantastic question. And the short answer is two parts. We wanted it, when we make a mistake isn’t there a good reason for wanting it? Try to come up with the good reason for wanting it, there isn’t any good reason. It was bad and its really dumb to make such a free will choice, as wanting a place of enjoyment separate from Krishna, such a place doesn’t exist there is no such thing, its illusion, its maya, that's what maya means, that which it is not. Ma Ya, not this. Doesn’t exist, we desired it, that’s one of the reasons. Opportunity for living to try to fulfill their desire and enjoy separately from Krishna, when here is no such thing. So, the creation comes. And the other is, for Mahavishnu to provide an opportunity for the living entities to come to the position where the fullness of their happiness can be experienced, that’s the hidden purpose of creation. The misery and disappointment, when we want happiness, we get something else, is to help us have the impetus to turn to Krishna again. And there is another reason giving maya something to do. It's compassion, compassion, and compassion. Continue reading "Back home, to our True Shelter
→ Dandavats"

Nartaka Gopala dasi: Our dear Radharani devi dasi (Maria Rosa Jerves Batallas) passed away Saturday, March 11, 2017, in Cuenca, Ecuador.