Suppose a talented, dedicated devotee encounters failure repeatedly – how to respond?
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Anwser Podcast


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How can we counter the mind’s tendency to see the negative even in devotee association?
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Anwser Podcast


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Understanding attachment, detachment, commitment 1 – Frustration is not renunciation
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[Congregation program at Atlanta, USA]

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A Little Sunshine! All it takes is a shaft of sunshine to flood…
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A Little Sunshine!
All it takes is a shaft of sunshine to flood our room and voila! we feel better already. Here’s a great quote that speaks to that:
“If the sun can penetrate within your room, cannot Krishna penetrate within your heart and room and every corner? He is so useless? He’s everywhere, but you have to realize, how He is everywhere.” - Srila Prabhupada
When we look at our growing relationship with Krishna so much of it is linked to the ‘sunshine’ experiences of personal spiritual disciplines. These happen in scheduled and unscheduled ways. The scheduled ones are those daily/ weekly practices that we put on our calendar which are recommended in sastra (Vedic scriptures) - a commitment to a number of mantras chanted, books read, or services offered. It also includes prayers, financial contributions, good conversations with friends and mentors, and quiet reflection.

While such personal discipline is one of the five key ways we grow towards trust in Krishna, they can sometimes be challenging. Life can be full, busy, interrupted, and feel like a never ending list of ‘to-do’s’. If our sadhana (spiritual practices) becomes another to-do, we have a problem. If our chanting stresses us out, our time with Krishna is forced, or giving money creates fear or even bitterness - we really have a problem. We lock down the very thing that can lift us up.

We need to look out for that. We need to create times and environments that really work for us on an individual basis. This may change as our life changes, but the commitment to sadhana should not. A nice definition of spiritual discipline or austerity is finding our best time of the day or week and giving that time to Krishna. We’ll be at our best and what we give will be our best.

A personal discipline means something you commit to again and again to gain a result. The result we are looking for is our faith growing to be ‘unflinching trust in something sublime’. We are building our spiritual muscles so we become strong enough to trust, and thus to love Krishna. That’s the sunshine we want to be shining through the windows of our heart and enlightening our soul, our very self. That’s the place we want to be.

Devotee means…
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Devotee means...
Vaiṣṇava devotee means give me simply a place to lay down, little prasādam, whatever little service you have got please give me, that's all. -Śrīla Prabhupāda's Letter to: Gurudāsa, Yamunā — Bombay 19 December, 1972 Devotee means he is able to tolerate all kinds of discomfort and whims of the material nature, and because he is so much absorbed in serving Kṛṣṇa, he takes no time to become angry or take offense with others or find out some fault. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Letter to: Haṁsadūta — Ahmedabad 10 December, 1972 Devotee means very liberal and kind to everyone, always gentleman under all kinds of conditions of life. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Letter to: Haṁsadūta — Ahmedabad 10 December, 1972 Devotee means one should be firmly convinced of his being the eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Letter to: Mr. Kair — Los Angeles 8 July, 1969 So to become devotee means to do the best service to the family. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Discussion on Deprogrammers -- January 9, 1977, Bombay A devotee means he knows everything. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s room Conversation with Professor Francois Chenique -- August 5, 1976, New Mayapur (French farm) Devotee means the first sign will be happy, brahma-bhūtaḥ prasannātmā [Bg. 18.54]. If he's not prasannātmā, he's a rascal. He has not entered even devotional life. He's outside. That is the test.-Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Morning Walk -- April 24, 1976, Melbourne Devotee means tattva-darśī. He has seen the real truth. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Morning Walk -- March 25, 1976, Delhi Devotee means who follows Kṛṣṇa. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Morning Walk -- March 25, 1976, Delhi Devotee means sa guṇān samatītyaitān brahma-bhūyāya kalpate [Bg. 14.26]. He is above these material laws. That is devotee. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Morning Walk -- March 25, 1976, Delhi Devotee means brahmacārī. Pure devotee means brahmacārī. Anyabhilasita-sunyam [Brs. 1.1.11]. He has no other desire. That is brahmacārī. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Morning Walk -- November 3, 1975, Bombay Devotee means serious devotee. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Conversation with Professor Hopkins -- July 13, 1975, Philadelphia Devotee means he has no sense gratification. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Room Conversation with Tripurāri -- March 2, 1975, Atlanta Devotee means one who has taken shelter of Kṛṣṇa. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Morning Walk -- June 13, 1974, Paris Devotee means he does not know anything better than Kṛṣṇa, that's all. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Room Conversation -- November 4, 1973, Delhi The devotee means who is always pleasing Kṛṣṇa. He has no other business. That is devotee. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Talk with Bob Cohen -- February 27-29, 1972, Māyāpura Devotee means to hear about Kṛṣṇa, to chant the glories of Kṛṣṇa, to think of Kṛṣṇa, to offer fruits and flowers to Kṛṣṇa. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Departure Address -- Los Angeles, July 15, 1974 Devotee means to become fully qualified with all the noble qualities. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 20.119-121 -- New York, November 24, 1966 Devotee means he must be sinless.-Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.6.1 -- Madras, January 2, 1976 Devotee, means he is prepared to do anything for God. That is pure devotee. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.5.22-30 -- London, September 8, 1971 Devotee means not with four hands or four legs, no. The hands, legs are the same. But his mode of thinking different. That's all. That is devotee. Devotee does not depend on the country, color or religion or circumstance. Devotee means the mind. Anyone who is always thinking of Kṛṣṇa, he is devotee. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.1.50 -- Detroit, June 16, 1976 Devotee means he's not blind.-Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam1.7.40 -- Vṛndāvana, October 1, 1976 Devotee means he does not ask anything from God.-Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam1.3.7 -- Los Angeles, September 13, 1972 A devotee means who is abiding by the laws given by God. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam1.1.2 -- London, August 17, 1971 Devotee means complete spiritual. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Bhagavad-gītā 4.2, Bombay, March 22, 1974 Devotee means he is firmly convinced about his relationship with God.-Śrīla Prabhupāda, Bhagavad-gītā 4.1-6 -- Los Angeles, January 3, 1969 Devotee means servant—not paid servant—but servant by affection. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Bhagavad-gītā 4.1 -- Delhi, November 10, 1971 Devotee means he can act anything and everything for the Lord. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Bhagavad-gītā 4.1 -- Montreal, August 24, 1968 Devotee means one who has engaged his senses cent percent for the service of the Lord, he is devotee, pure devotee. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Bhagavad-gītā 3.6-10 -- Los Angeles, December 23, 1968 Devotee means although he is very, very powerful, he never thinks that "I am powerful." He thinks that "I am acting simply by the order of the powerful." -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Bhagavad-gītā 2.15 -- London, August 21, 1973 Devotee means to finish all miserable conditions of materialistic life. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.12.46

Unique position of Lord Siva
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By Giriraj dasa

There are three things that are inconceivable: the position of Lord Siva, hladini sakti, and, yes, guru-tattva. Among all the spiritual personalities the position of Lord Siva is unique. I used to worship lord Shiva. After coming into Krishna consciousness I still retain a special corner in my heart for lord Shiva and now when I read and hear more lectures from senior devotees about him, the fog of ignorance over his exact position unfolds layer by layer, year by year. Continue reading "Unique position of Lord Siva
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Vanipedia is celebrating 10 years in the service of the devotee community worldwide
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Hare KrishnaBy Visnu Murti dasa

In the ecstatic mission to bring Srila Prabhupada teachings to the forefront; our volunteers have frequently connected with me to express their realizations & breakthroughs in their spiritual lives while performing their services for Vanipedia.  It is their experiences and insights that have actively nurtured our convictions in driving Vanipedia's growth through the years. We wish to thank them for their inspired contribution for the advancement of Srila Prabhupada's vani on the internet on such a grand scale. Continue reading "Vanipedia is celebrating 10 years in the service of the devotee community worldwide
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Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama- Day 2
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Hare KrishnaBy Navadwip Mandal Parikrama devotees

He reminded us that Srila Prabhupada's purports are his spiritual ecstasies. Reading and hearing is non different, therefore we get the direct association of Krishna and Srila Prabhupada simply by reading the Bhagavatam daily. He concluded his speech: " First you come to the Dhama and serve it properly. Then what happens? You will get sadhu sanga: the association of devotees who want to chant and hear the pure glories of Gauranga . So what is our goal ? Krishna Prema. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati said: 'First serve the Dhama, then being purified... chant the Nama.... chant and hear the name purely, then you get Krishna Kama, pure devotional service in love of God.'" Continue reading "Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama- Day 2
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First Ratha Yatra Of Natal – Brazil (Album with photos) Radha…
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First Ratha Yatra Of Natal - Brazil (Album with photos)
Radha Gopali devi dasi: Here in Brazil we have a very famous festival that is called “Carnaval”
So we decided to make the first Ratha Yatra in the middle of this Carnaval.
It was last Saturday February 25.
It was very very nice….we built 3 cars…Jaganatha, Baladeva and Subhadra,
another one with Goura & Nitai and the other with Radha and Krishna.
More than 5.000 thousand people chanted the Maha mantra HARE KRISHNA!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/0gEK2C

From Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir – Srimad Bhagavatam class, February 22, 2017
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Hare KrishnaBy Devamrita Swami

Remember, right before Prabhupada’s departure he said something very extraordinary, because devotees were concerned, they have the big concern, how they would know what to do after Prabhupada’s disappearance in this world. I’ll speak in the context of what previous speakers have informed you that during our sanyasi GBC guru Sanga, so many senior Vaishnavas brought up the point that reading Srila Prabhupada’s book. How we get tremendous renaissance when reading Prabhupada’s books. So, if you recall right before Prabhupada’s departure, the devotees asked, they went in anxiety totally justified how do we know what to do, how do we know how to make the right decisions after your departure. Srila Prabhupada. And he responded very interesting, very interestingly he said come together read my books and discuss them everything will become clear and how to proceed in the future? So we should remember that. Try it because at first our material intelligence will tell us, Look I have got many practical consideration, logistical considerations strategic consideration to make. Just get in together with Vaishnavas, opening Prabhupada’s books, reading them and discussing them, the way forward is with all my practicalities in the material world, they all will become clear, we should try it. We need a renaissance in this approach, then we can evaluate the results. Let’s take this instruction of Srila Prabhupada deeply into our hearts. Continue reading "From Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir – Srimad Bhagavatam class, February 22, 2017
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Gita 13.17 The all-round glory of the Absolute includes its glory as the destroyer
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Gita verse-by-verse Podcast


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Hike to Three Sisters Falls
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We’ll be going on a hike to Three Sisters Falls on March 5th, 2017, Sunday.

Meet up at the Krishna Lounge on Sunday, March 5th, at 9:30am, or at the Three Sisters Falls trailhead at 11am.

Krishna Lounge address is 1036 Grand Ave., San Diego, CA 92109.

Three Sisters Falls trailhead is located at the following coordinates: 32°59’04.3″N 116°40’37.9″W. You can use these coordinates with your GPS or Google Maps. Click HERE to get driving directions in Google Maps.

Rides: If you need a ride, please text or call me at 858-366-5704.

The trail is about four miles long, two miles each way. However, please note that hiking back we will be mostly going uphill which makes this hike somewhat challenging. In one point we will need to climb a ten feet high rock with the help of a rope. This is, by the way, not as difficult as it sounds. See images below.

We recommend that you bring a hat to keep your head from direct exposure to sun. Please bring at least a gallon of drinking water. I never used it, but many like to wear sunscreen. You may also bring something to snack on.

If you have any questions, feel free to text or call me at 858-366-5704.

Three Sisters Falls

Three Sisters Falls

Three Sisters Falls

Three Sisters Falls

This is the section where we will need to use rope to climb this rock.

This is the section where we will need to use rope to climb this rock.

Devotee means…
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Vaiṣṇava devotee means give me simply a place to lay down, little prasādam, whatever little service you have got please give me, that's all. -Śrīla Prabhupāda's Letter to: Gurudāsa, Yamunā — Bombay 19 December, 1972

Devotee means he is able to tolerate all kinds of discomfort and whims of the material nature, and because he is so much absorbed in serving Kṛṣṇa, he takes no time to become angry or take offense with others or find out some fault. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Letter to: Haṁsadūta — Ahmedabad 10 December, 1972

Devotee means very liberal and kind to everyone, always gentleman under all kinds of conditions of life. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Letter to: Haṁsadūta — Ahmedabad 10 December, 1972

Devotee means one should be firmly convinced of his being the eternal servant of Kṛṣṇa.  -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Letter to: Mr. Kair — Los Angeles 8 July, 1969

So to become devotee means to do the best service to the family. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Discussion on Deprogrammers -- January 9, 1977, Bombay

A devotee means he knows everything. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s room Conversation with Professor Francois Chenique -- August 5, 1976, New Mayapur (French farm)

Devotee means the first sign will be happy, brahma-bhūtaḥ prasannātmā [Bg. 18.54]. If he's not prasannātmā, he's a rascal. He has not entered even devotional life. He's outside. That is the test.-Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Morning Walk -- April 24, 1976, Melbourne

Devotee means tattva-darśī. He has seen the real truth. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Morning Walk -- March 25, 1976, Delhi

Devotee means who follows Kṛṣṇa. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Morning Walk -- March 25, 1976, Delhi

Devotee means sa guṇān samatītyaitān brahma-bhūyāya kalpate [Bg. 14.26]. He is above these material laws. That is devotee. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Morning Walk -- March 25, 1976, Delhi

Devotee means brahmacārī. Pure devotee means brahmacārī. Anyabhilasita-sunyam [Brs. 1.1.11]. He has no other desire. That is brahmacārī. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Morning Walk -- November 3, 1975, Bombay

Devotee means serious devotee. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Conversation with Professor Hopkins -- July 13, 1975, Philadelphia

Devotee means he has no sense gratification. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Room Conversation with Tripurāri -- March 2, 1975, Atlanta

Devotee means one who has taken shelter of Kṛṣṇa. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Morning Walk -- June 13, 1974, Paris

Devotee means he does not know anything better than Kṛṣṇa, that's all. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Room Conversation -- November 4, 1973, Delhi

The devotee means who is always pleasing Kṛṣṇa. He has no other business. That is devotee. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Talk with Bob Cohen -- February 27-29, 1972, Māyāpura

Devotee means to hear about Kṛṣṇa, to chant the glories of Kṛṣṇa, to think of Kṛṣṇa, to offer fruits and flowers to Kṛṣṇa. -Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Departure Address -- Los Angeles, July 15, 1974

Devotee means to become fully qualified with all the noble qualities. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 20.119-121 -- New York, November 24, 1966

Devotee means he must be sinless.-Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.6.1 -- Madras, January 2, 1976

Devotee, means he is prepared to do anything for God. That is pure devotee. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 7.5.22-30 -- London, September 8, 1971

Devotee means not with four hands or four legs, no. The hands, legs are the same. But his mode of thinking different. That's all. That is devotee. Devotee does not depend on the country, color or religion or circumstance. Devotee means the mind. Anyone who is always thinking of Kṛṣṇa, he is devotee. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 6.1.50 -- Detroit, June 16, 1976

Devotee means he's not blind.-Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam1.7.40 -- Vṛndāvana, October 1, 1976

Devotee means he does not ask anything from God.-Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam1.3.7 -- Los Angeles, September 13, 1972

A devotee means who is abiding by the laws given by God. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam1.1.2 -- London, August 17, 1971

Devotee means complete spiritual. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Bhagavad-gītā 4.2, Bombay, March 22, 1974

Devotee means he is firmly convinced about his relationship with God.-Śrīla Prabhupāda, Bhagavad-gītā 4.1-6 -- Los Angeles, January 3, 1969

Devotee means servant—not paid servant—but servant by affection. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Bhagavad-gītā 4.1 -- Delhi, November 10, 1971

Devotee means he can act anything and everything for the Lord. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Bhagavad-gītā 4.1 -- Montreal, August 24, 1968

Devotee means one who has engaged his senses cent percent for the service of the Lord, he is devotee, pure devotee. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Bhagavad-gītā 3.6-10 -- Los Angeles, December 23, 1968

Devotee means although he is very, very powerful, he never thinks that "I am powerful." He thinks that "I am acting simply by the order of the powerful." -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Bhagavad-gītā 2.15 -- London, August 21, 1973

Devotee means to finish all miserable conditions of materialistic life. -Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.12.46

Hare Krishna

Sunday, February 26th, 2017
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Mayapur, India

A Day of Lightness

In many ways every day is the same.  The sun rises gloriously over the eastern direction.  It is a clear and round redness and moves ever so subtly.  A perfect example of levitation—you can find in the sun.  At least it looks like the sun is the perfect yogi.

Most mornings display layers of fog.  As a group of us were ambling along, with coriander fields on both sides of our trail, we were frivolously doing limbo under the lowest layers of mist.  We cleared that bar of fog quite easily.

Limbo, we could do.  Levitate, we could not.

Devananda is a Bengali pujari (priest) who served in our Toronto temple some years back.  He returned to his homeland and built up a business and a house, and now we have found ourselves in his simple tiny, but charming, home.  What a feast he cooked up for us!  We were in a light mood after that meal and consequently posed ourselves into a service mood.  We formed a massage circle and went to it, hoping to assist in digestion.

I reflected on the night before, when the kirtan mela (chanting festival) was in full swing.  The Pancha Tattva Hall, the venue, was just packed with enthusiastic youths engaged in surrender to the mantra.  The body was in motion, as in dance.  The mouth was fully sounding out that mantra.  The mind was absorbed in abandonment to the service.

When I jumped into the circle of dancers, it excited the guys that an old geezer like myself would join them.

May the Source be with you!


7 km 

Saturday, February 25th, 2017
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Mayapur, India

A Book on Monks

I am thoroughly enjoying reading Yadunandana Swami’s book, Sannyasis in Modernity.  Yadunandana is a monk from Spain and has done a scholarly look at the history of monastics in the Hare Krishna society.  In Chapter One he opens with the foundational elements of his research.

“A prominent characteristic of the early twenty-first century is the rapid worldwide growth of secularization.  Many accept humanistic values and material development as top priorities in life.  Although many people identify with a religious community or denomination, tendencies toward spirituality and religious practices are decreasing in favour of more ‘tangible’ goals like economic development and worldly pleasures.  Then again, practitioners and communities of religious and spiritual traditions are endeavouring to maintain and promote their core values by expressing them in ways adapted to the present socio-cultural context…

“In this study I examine how ISKCON members live the ancient practice of sannyasain a social environment that promotes values opposing this practice.  The etymological meaning of sannyasa is ‘complete renunciation.’  Sannyasa is the last of four life stages followed by practitioners of Hinduism.  It was traditionally practiced by mature elderly men with a lifelong monastic inclination…

“There are two types of ISKCON monks, brahmacaris (celibate students) and sannyasis (mature renouncers).”

Published by SANKIRTANA BOOKS. It’s a good read.

May the Source be with you!


5 km

Friday, February 24th, 2017
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Mayapur, India

Satisfy the Self

My artist friend, Puskara, from Florida informed me that a barefoot walker across America was struck by an SUV and killed in Florida just outside of Mossy Head very recently.  His crusade had to do with raising awareness for climate change. http://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/2017/01/23/man-walking-barefoot-across-america-killed-florida/96950426/

Due to limited access to international ground-breaking news, I have few details on the incident.  It was indeed sad news to hear.  It reminds me of the passing of the Peace Pilgrim who died from a head-on collision when being transported to a program.  This woman who referred to herself as the Peace Pilgrim had walked tens of thousands of miles through the U.S. and Canada. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Pilgrim

Meanwhile, here in not-so-peaceful Mayapur, the motor-bike culture persists.  Noise and speed are the culprits that threaten a sattvic(calm) environment.  Fortunately, someone by the name of Tara heads up the transport department and he sounds very positive about tackling the monsters.  Hopefully by next year some positive progress can be made.

Peace comes from hearing something soothing.  I cannot credit myself for any reassuring words.  I can only function as a parrot and repeat the message that ignites progressive action.  I was invited to the Chaitanya Bhavan to speak to a Spanish group on a famous verse from the book “Bhagavatam.”  From the first Canto, the verse reads like this: “The supreme occupation for all humanity is that by which people can obtain to loving devotional service unto the transcendent Lord.  Such devotional service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the self” (SB 1.2.6).

May the Source be with you!


4 km

Won’t picking and choosing sections of philosophy or process rationalise rejecting important aspects of bhakti?
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Anwser Podcast


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Is adopting something because it works a sufficient criterion for choosing a spiritual path?
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When devotees debate fiercely over different aspects of bhakti, how should we respond?
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Anwser Podcast


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How do we balance hunting for the rhino in our services with being realistic?
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Lord Caitanya and the Muslim Chand Kazi
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Hare KrishnaBy Chandan Yatra Das

When Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu was in Mayapur, Chand Kazi was the Chief Magistrate of Navadvipa. It is described in Sri Navadvipa Dhama Mahatmya by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, when Lord Nityananda Prabhu while taking Jiva Gosvami on Navadvipa-Mandala Parikrama, entered Chand Kazi’s Village, Lord said, "O Jiva, hear My words. The Chand Kazi's village is none other than Mathura. After performing kirtana, Gauranga gave love of God to the Kazi and liberated him. Mathura's King Kamsa of Krishna-lila became Chand Kazi in Gaura-lila. For that reason Gauranga addressed the Kazi as His maternal uncle, and out of fear the Kazi took shelter of Gauranga's lotus feet. Under orders from Hussain Shah, who was the king of the Bengal empire, the Kazi caused disturbance during kirtana performance by breaking the mrdangas. The Lord, appearing in the form of Nrsimhadeva put fear in the Kazi's heart. Like Kamsa, the Kazi cowered in fear. Sri Caitanya, however, gave him prema and thus made the Kazi a great devotee. The very fortunate hear this story of the Kazi's liberation.” Continue reading "Lord Caitanya and the Muslim Chand Kazi
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Analyzing Near Death Experiences – Has the white crow been spotted?
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[Talk at Bhakti house to University of North Florida students, Jacksonville, USA]

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Go beyond the painkiller of karma-kanda or modern science to the curative medicine of bhakti
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[Bhagavatam class at ISKCON, Alachua, USA]

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4th generation devotee, 6 years old Madhurika Dasi chants during…
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4th generation devotee, 6 years old Madhurika Dasi chants during the Kirtan Mela in Mayapur (17 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: My Guru Maharaja explained that you haven’t got to learn anything extra for Krsna’s service. Whatever you know, you just apply it. Then you become successful. Because our time is very short. We do not know when I am going to die. (Srila Prabhupada, Conversation - July 16, 1968 - Montreal)
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/B2O2lu

Man Sarovar (Album with photos) Deena Bandhu Das: Last week we…
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Man Sarovar (Album with photos)
Deena Bandhu Das: Last week we went to Maan Sarovar, the Lake of Radharani’s Tears. The pujari let us get rare pictures of the Radharani Shila there. Then we went to Bhandirvan, where Lord Brahma did the marriage of Radha and Krishna. Finally we came to Baelvan, where Laksmiji is engaged in penances to be able to enter the Rasa Lila. We returned by boats floating down the Yamuna. Come along with us through the pics of Vittalrukmini Das!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/Smh1U5

Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama- Day 1
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Hare KrishnaBy Navadwip Mandal Parikrama devotees

There are about 1.400 devotees in the International party this year. Out of them 800 devotees are camping. Parikrama is the time when you can be fully engaged in hearing, chanting and remember Lord Caitanya's holy names and pastimes. Following will be the highlights of the day: The Parikrama first crossed the Jalangi by boat heading towards Am Ghat- famous for its amazing mangoes planted by Lord Caitanya Himself. Then we reached Suvarna Vihara where the golden Lord appeared to King Suvarna Sena. "Suvarna" means "gold" and "vlihar" means "moving." The devotees were overjoyed to watch the drama on this Lila, directed by HG Pancharatna Prabhu (ACBSP). There we had katha by different senior devotees such as HH Bhakti VV Narasimha Maharaja, HH Bhakti Dhira Swami and HG Rajendra Nandana Prabhu (ACBSP). We heard about the importance of chanting since we are in GODRUMA DVIPA wherein the process is kirtanam! Continue reading "Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama- Day 1
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Rathyatra in Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic
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Hare KrishnaBy Dhaniya devi dasi

The Dominican Republic proved itself to be not only a hotbed of enthusiastic, powerful local devotees, but also a wonderful place for preaching. The people are inquisitive, receptive and looking for an opportunity to learn more about God consciousness. Latin America is brimming with chances to spread the Holy Names and any and all services are welcome from any devotees looking to participate in next year’s festival. Continue reading "Rathyatra in Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic
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Guidelines for Cow Protection from the Mahabharata / О защите коров, из Махабхараты
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1. One should never kick cows, for one who does so will have to suffer in hell for a hundred lives. Cows are the abode of all auspiciousness. For this reason, they always deserve worship.

2. Bullocks should never be struck harshly with a goad or whip.

3. One should not proceed through the midst of cows.

4. When cows are grazing or lying down, one should not disturb them in any way.

5. When cows are thirsty and are refused water [ because a person is obstructing their access to a water tank or river ] merely by glancing at such a person a cow will create great difficulties for him along with all his relatives and friends. What creatures can be more sacred than cows, whose very dung is purifying?

6. That man who, before eating himself, gives everyday for a year a handful of grass to a cow belonging to another person, is regarded as undergoing a vow or observance which bestows the fruition of his every wish. Such a person acquires children, fame, wealth and prosperity and dispels all evils.

7. The cow should never be given away for slaughter.

8. A bull or bullock can be used for ploughing, but a cow should never be used to till the soil.

9. A cow should not be given to an atheist.

10. One should not, even in thought, injure a cow. One should always show compassion towards cows.

11. One should never show disregard for cows in any way.

12. One should never cast one’s urine, excreta and other secretions on cow dung.

13. One should never obstruct cows in any way.

14. One should not disrespect cow dung. The circular marks in the cow dung represent Lord Visnu’s chakra.

15. He who, without being checked by the restraints of the scriptures, sells a cow for slaughter, kills a cow, or eats the flesh of a cow, or for the sake of money causes a person to kill cows, rots in hell for as many years as there are hairs on the body of the slain cow.

[ Mahabharata, Anusasana Parva ]

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Gita 13.16 The Gita’s Absolute reflects not naive anthropomorphism but profound sophistication
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Gita verse-by-verse Podcast


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