When spiritual culture encourages men to become brahmacharis, how does it spiritualize the male-female relationship?
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Is the love between a pet and a master coming from hormones or from the soul?
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Learn from the Gita the temperament to transform talent into achievement
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Basic Structure of Vedic Text
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Every Veda has four parts:

1) It’s core – the “saṁhita” part 

It’s explanatory appendixices: 

2) explanations – the “brāhmaṇa” parts

3) essentializations – the “āraṇyaka” parts

4) philosophy – the “upaniṣad” parts

Each saṁhita has branches (śakha), and each branch is supposed to have a brāhmaṇa, āraṇyaka, and upaniṣad. Over time many have been lost or blended. Taittiriya Āraṇyaka, for example, presents the essentials of the “Taittiriya” branch of Kṛṣṇa Yajurveda. [Yajurveda has two “trunks” – Kṛṣṇa (black) and Śukla (white).]

Purāṇas (pañcama veda, the fifth veda) don’t have the same structure, because their original intention is to be narrated – so their language is flexible and elaboration can be worked into the text itself as new iterations of purāṇas are recorded, as they are told by new narrators. So separate appendices on Purāṇa are not needed.

Vraja Kishor

www.vrajakishor.com


Tagged: aranyaka, Brahmana, Upanishad, Veda

Traveling Monk 2017-02-13 02:42:08
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11.01.2005

Как и у большинства людей, в начале декабря 2004-го у меня не было представления о том, что значит слово “цунами”. Был бы я туристом, загорающим на пляже в Пхукете, в Таиланде, в те роковые дни удара “прибрежной волны” (перевод японского слова “цунами”), я возможно, и не обратил бы внимания на какого-то отдыхающего учёного, увидевшего, что море загадочно отступает на несколько сотен метров, и кричавшего на бегу, спасая свою жизнь и предупреждая других: “Цунами! Цунами!”. Он-то спасся, а большинство находящихся на пляже – нет.

Жатву смерти, собранную волной-убийцей в двенадцати странах на побережье Индийского океана, не исчислить полностью никогда, но по примерной оценке, погибло более 200 000 человек, и многие тысячи пропали без вести. 500 000 человек были ранены, и миллионы остались без крова.

Я только что прилетел в Австралию, чтобы принять участие в фестивале, посвящённом рождественскому марафону в храме Сиднея. На следующий день после Рождества мы вернулись с весёлой харинамы на переполненных улицах Сиднея, и я впервые увидел слово “цунами” в заголовках вечерних газет. “Огромные волны опустошили населённые области в Индийском океане!” – кричал один.

В течение нескольких часов мир узнал о феноменально смертельном цунами. Причиной его стало подводное землетрясение неподалёку от Индонезии. Энергия, высвобожденная сотрясением, была эквивалентна 40 000 “little boys” – атомных бомб, взорванных над Хиросимой. Она равнялась миллиарду вспышек молний. Взрыв был таким мощным, что, по расчетам, ось Земли может отклониться на дюйм, а продолжительность суток – измениться на микросекунды. Таким мощным, что острова к юго-западу от Суматры (ближайшие к эпицентру) передвинулись больше чем на 20 метров.

Сотрясение сотворило 10-метровые волны, которые разошлись в разные стороны и покатили через океан со скоростью 750 км/ч, обрушиваясь на населённые территории.

Остальное – уже история, а эфир вскоре был насыщен новостями о разрушениях, причинённых волнами.

Как и миллионы людей по всему миру, прочитав репортажи с места событий, я не мог поверить своим глазам. Спасательные работы начались уже через несколько часов во всех странах, затронутых бедствием, включая Индонезию, Таиланд, Индию и Шри Ланку. Беспрецедентный поток сочувствия людей со всего мира помог сразу же собрать более 5 миллиардов долларов на восстановительные работы.

Преданный Господа не равнодушен к подобным катастрофам. Он не воспринимает их просто как глобальную карму. По самой своей природе преданный чувствителен к страданиям других. Хотя беспокойство Арджуны о членах своей семьи и их страданиях часто рассматривают как слабость, оно также описывается как характеристика чистого преданного:

“Каждый человек, имеющий подлинную преданность Господу, обладает всеми хорошими качествами… будучи таковым, Арджуна, лишь увидев своих родственников, друзей и близких на поле битвы, сразу же преисполнился состраданием к тем, кто решил сражаться друг с другом… он плакал из сострадания. Такие симптомы, проявленные Арджуной, являются признаком не слабости его, но мягкосердечия, и это качество чистого преданного Господа”.

[ Бхагавад-Гита 1.28, комментарий ]

Чем больше СМИ освещали бедствия, причинённые катастрофой, тем больше я задумывался о помощи в восстановительных работах. Хотя обычно на меня возложена ответственность за различные проекты, по воле судьбы на момент у меня оказалось свободное время. Сразу после Нового Года я планировал поехать в Дурбан в Южной Африке для месячной передышки.

Последние двенадцать месяцев были особенно насыщенными, и мне было крайне необходимо в течение какого-то времени восстановить здоровье. Также я с нетерпением ждал, когда смогу как следует почитать и повоспевать. Я планировал заняться этим во Вриндаване во время месяца Карттика, но пожертвовал временем, чтобы водить своих учеников на парикрамы. Поразмыслив, я решил, что вследствие физического истощения и чтобы подзарядиться духовно, я все-таки, как и планировал, отправлюсь в Дурбан.

2 января я прилетел в аэропорт Сиднея, чтобы успеть на рейс до Мумбая и пересесть на дурбанский. Проходя по аэропорту, я оказался завален информацией о трагедии со стороны СМИ. На первых страницах газет и журналов всё ещё пестрели сообщения о разрушениях. Телеэкраны в залах ожидания показывали разрывающие сердце сцены разрушений и взывали о помощи.

Я остановился на минуту перед одним кафе и присоединился к группе людей, смотревших новости, где говорилось, что до некоторых труднодоступных областей и островов у Индонезии спасатели всё ещё не добрались, хотя прошло уже две недели после трагедии. Ведущий сообщил, что племена, живущие на индийских Андаманских и Никобарских островах, могут погибнуть полностью. Слегка улыбнувшись, он рассказал про град стрел, выпущенных из леса одного крохотного островка в вертолёт индийского офицера береговой службы, пролетавшего над ним, предположив, что там было, по крайней мере, несколько выживших. Но, посмотрев на людей, смотрящих этот репортаж рядом со мной, я не заметил ни единой улыбки. Они не нашли в трагедии ничего смешного.

Я зарегистрировался на рейс и снова оказался перед дилеммой. “Множество людей продолжает страдать, – подумал я. – Весь мир, похоже, пытается помочь им так или иначе. Конечно же, преданные тоже должны быть там, предлагая духовное благо в виде прасада и святых имён. У меня есть время для оказания такой помощи. Возможно, мне и вправду следует поехать туда”.

После проверки билетов я пошёл к месту досмотра багажа неподалёку от места выхода на посадку. Когда я поставил свои сумки на конвейер для просвечивания, охранник по ту сторону барьера улыбнулся мне. Когда я прошёл через терминал, он подозвал меня и попросил открыть одну из моих сумок. Пока я стоял там, он сказал:

– То, что вы делаете – замечательно!

Немного удивлённый, я переспросил:

– Простите?

– Отправляетесь туда, чтобы помочь людям, – сказал он. – Я знаю, Харе Кришна раздают много пищи здесь, в Австралии. Но сейчас она, действительно, нужнее в местах, затронутых цунами.

– Но я, вообще-то… – начал я.

– Я поехал бы туда, если бы смог, – перебил он. – Но на самом деле, это работа таких как вы. Помогать другим – ваше дело.

Я стоял без слов.

– Да благословит вас Бог, – сказал он, похлопав меня по спине.

Я повернулся и пошёл к воротам.

Самолёт набирал высоту, я смотрел в окно. Слова охранника эхом отзывались в моём уме. “Помогать другим – ваше дело”.

“Но мой отпуск.., – говорил я себе, – мне нужен отдых”. И мои мысли устремились к Дурбану и тёплой летней погоде, к бассейну, где я бы совершал ежедневные заплывы, к дополнительным кругам, которые я смогу прочитать, к книгам, которые изучу.

“Я поступаю правильно, – подумал я. – В конце концов, Кришна говорит в Бхагавад-гите, что йог должен уравновесить свою работу и отдых:

йуткахара вихарасйа
йукта чештасйа кармасу
йукта свапнавабодхасйа
його бхавати дукха ха

“Кто уравновешен в своих привычках
в еде, сне, отдыхе и работе,
может смягчить все материальные страдания,
практикуя систему йоги”

[ Бхагавад-гита 6.17 ]

Только такая сбалансированная программа обучения и проповеди приносит человеку квалификацию достичь Вайкунтхи, духовного мира. Если я всерьёз собираюсь достичь совершенства жизни, мне необходимо поддерживать равновесие”.

Вымотанный продолжительным фестивалем в Сиднее, я вскоре провалился в сон. Примерно через час я услышал, как кто-то зовёт меня.

– Простите, – сказал стюард. – Я вас разбудил?

– Нет, всё нормально, – ответил я. – Я просто дремал.

Он сел в пустое кресло позади меня.

– Такие люди, как вы, меняют жизни тех, кто страдает от ужасных бедствий, – сказал он.

Мои брови поползли вверх в удивлении.

– Когда я был молод, то часто заходил в ваш центр в Мельбурне на Кросс-роадс, чтобы поесть, – сказал он. – У меня были сложные времена тогда. Если бы не ваша пища, я не знаю, что бы со мной стало. Вы, наверное, отправляетесь в Индию, чтобы кормить жертв цунами? Или на Шри Ланку?

Я колебался с ответом. Приняв моё молчание за проявление скромности, он положил руку мне на плечо.

– Спасибо! – сказал он. А потом встал и ушёл.

Пассажир в ряду напротив, услышав его замечание, обернулся и кивнул мне, оценив мою предполагаемую миссию милости. В ответ я немного склонил собственную голову – на самом деле, от стыда за такую незаслуженную похвалу.

Я отвернулся и снова стал смотреть в окно. Смеркалось. “Всё это лишь совпадение или Кришна пытается сказать мне кое-что?” – подумал я. Затем, глядя на собственное отражение в стекле, я тихо сказал себе: “Если отбросить мистику в сторону, все очевидно. Ты не находишься ни в одной из областей, разрушенных цунами”.

Я взял со столика, вмонтированного во впереди стоящее кресло, дорожный журнал и просмотрел карту мира на задней обложке. Ченнай, одно из мест, пострадавших от волны, было ближайшим к Мумбаю, где мне предстояло провести день перед вылетом в Дурбан.

По приземлении в Мумбаи я отправил е-мэйл Бхану Свами, спросив, не нуждается ли он в помощи для восстановительных работ. Ответ пришёл быстро: “Сейчас мы раздаём прасад в Ченнае, где погибло не слишком много народа. На Шри Ланке дела обстоят плохо, на Суматре – ещё хуже”.

Шри Ланка была явно ближе, поэтому я позвонил в храм Коломбо и поговорил с президентом храма Махакартой прабху.

– Сейчас у нас недостаточно снаряжения для оказания серьёзной помощи, – сказал он, – но мы надеемся нарастить его.

Моим последним шансом была Индонезия, но вечером я узнал, что Гаура Мандала Бхуми, преданный, отвечающий за местную общину ИСККОН послал сообщение, что в настоящий момент он и другие преданные могут сделать немного, поскольку поражённая площадь простирается на 2 000 км и к тому же труднодоступна.

Не видя, чем я мог бы помочь, на следующий день я сел на свой самолёт до Южной Африки.

Прибыв в Дурбан рано утром, я быстро расположился в своих апартаментах в храме. Аккуратно размещая все свои книги на полке около стола, я подумал: “Начну с Чайтанйа-Чаритамриты, через несколько дней возьмусь за второй том “Брихат-Бхагаватамриты”.

Вставляя компакт-диски в держатель на столе, я думал: “И буду слушать каждый день по три лекции Шрилы Прабхупады и по нескольку лекций моих духовных братьев!”

В полдень я дал указание поварам: “Пока я здесь, я хотел бы получать простой здоровый прасад. Побольше салатов”.

А моего помощника Анеша я попросил: “Запиши меня в какой-нибудь местный зал. Я бы хотел ежедневно плавать в бассейне по два часа”.

Вечером я составил для себя расписание, начав с подъёма в 2 утра и укладывания в постель в 8 вечера.

– Через шесть недель я буду настроен, как скрипка, – пошутил я с Анешем.

– И, к тому же, хорошо начитаны, – ответил он с улыбкой.

Становилось поздно, я собирался отдохнуть и сказал Анешу:

– Скачай, пожалуйста, мою почту перед тем, как я отправлюсь спать.

Погружаясь в дрёму, я услышал слова Анеша:

– Вам четыре письма, Шрила Гурудева.

– От кого? – полусонно спросил я.

– Так… первое от Махакарты даса со Шри Ланки, – сказал он.

Мои глаза распахнулись, и я вскочил с кровати.

“Я думал о тебе с того нашего разговора, когда был в Тринкомали, – начал Махакарта. – Некоторые местные поддерживают нас, и мы успешно раздаём там прасадам. Но на протяжении последних двух дней поступило множество предложений помощи от преданных со всего мира, желающих пожертвовать деньги и даже лично поучаствовать в восстановительных работах. Пожалуйста, умоляю тебя, приезжай и помоги нам всё организовать”.

Я просидел какое-то время в кресле, раздумывая.

– Гурудева, – произнёс Анеш, – уже поздно. Вам пора ложиться спать.

– Возможно, Кришна действительно пытается сказать мне что-то, – тихо сказал я сам себе.

– Что? – переспросил Анеш. Я поднял взгляд:

– Как можно быстрее закажи мне билет до Шри Ланки.

Он был ошеломлён:

– Гурудев! Билет куда? На Шри Ланку? Вы же только приехали!

Несколько следующих дней я собирал пожертвования у местных преданных. Они подавали щедро, как и все люди мира.

Когда преданные везли меня 11 января в аэропорт, сердце у меня колотилось в ожидании предстоящей миссии. Я держал в руках историческую возможность. Большая часть мира помогает людям, пострадавшим от цунами. Сюда отправлены миллиарды долларов помощи. Были мобилизованы все основные гуманитарные организации, в пути тонны продуктов, медикаментов и одежды. ИСККОНу сложно было бы состязаться с такими ресурсами. Но у нас есть своя партия в этом оркестре. Скромная настолько, насколько скромны будут наши усилия – немного прасада и киртан святых имён – то, что принадлежит к духовной природе, что способно освободить из мира рождений и смертей.

Поднимаясь на борт рейса до Коломбо, я знал, что принял правильное решение. Долг преданного – блюсти интересы других прежде своих собственных. А что же насчёт моего акцента на баланс между садханой и проповедью, чтобы отправиться в духовный мир?

Если слова того стюарда – правда, мне не о чем беспокоиться.

“Помогать другим – ваше призвание, – сказал бы он. – Господь благословит вас”.

***

“Самосияющих планет Вайкунтхи, чьим отражённым сиянием и светят все планеты этого материального мира, не могут достичь те, кто не милостив к другим живым существам. Только личности, постоянно занятые в деятельности, направленной на благо других живых существ, могут достичь планет Вайкунтхи”.

[ Шримад-Бхагаватам 4.12.36 ]

Circular Authorizations
→ The Enquirer

Q: OK, “Vyāsa had a perfect perception of reality and recorded it in the Veda,  especially the Bhāgavatam.” However, he establishes his credibility as an āvatāra in the same work. This seems like circular logic to me.

The depiction of Vyāsa as an avatāra is in Bhāgavatam 1.3.21, which was spoken by Bhāgavatam’s 2nd narrator, Sūta, not Vyāsa. So your statement, “he establishes his credibility as an avatāra…” is incorrect. Sūta, not Vyāsa, described Vyāsa as an avatāra.

Much more importantly, however, you seem to have the misconception that credibility depends on being an avatāra. It does not. 

To illustrate this point very profoundly, Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī gives the example of Buddha, whom Vaiṣṇavas consider an avatāra but whose teachings Vaiṣṇavas do not always fully accept (particularly his teaching to ignore the Veda, which resulted in his school teaching that nothing is real).

If you want to really grasp the Vaiṣṇava darśan, it is essential that you really clearly understand and embrace the concept that pramāna (credibility) comes from accurate and thoroughly wholistic interpretation of the Veda (particularly Vedānta, which for Gauḍīyas particularly involves Bhāgavata Purāṇa). It is essential to grasp that Vaiṣṇava credibility is not a product of being or not being an avatāra, a guru, a handsome or beautiful person, an impressive speaker or writer, an appointed or voted-in position, or anything else.

Credibility comes from accurate wholistic interpretation of the Veda, not from being or not being an avatāra, a guru, a handsome or beautiful person, an impressive speaker or writer, an appointed or voted-in position, or anything else.

Vraja Kishor

www.vrajakishor.com


Tagged: bhagavata, Sastra, shastra, Vyasa, vyasadeva

Gita 12.20 The concluding verse reiterates and reinforces the starting verse
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Gita verse-by-verse Podcast


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Offerings to the spiritual master
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 08 October 2016, Johannesburg, South Africa, Nama Hatta Lecture, Bhagavad-gita 9.10)

Even on the strength of good karma, one cannot maintain high standards. It is not possible but by the mercy of a pure devotee, it is possible. And that mercy is not just a once-off, it is ongoing. It must be on an ongoing basis that one must take shelter. Everyday is offered to the spiritual master. Then it is possible. It is not, (Indian accent) “Yes, yes. I got the mercy. Thirty-three years ago, I got that mercy. Yes, I still remember it like the day of yesterday…” No, that will not work. From day to day, always fresh, the relationship with the spiritual master is always fresh. It should be always fresh and then our spiritual life is fresh and then we can take shelter of the Bhagavad-gita.

So every day, one begins the day by offering obeisances to spiritual master. As soon as we wake up, this is the first thing we do and again the last thing we do at night is to offer obeisances to the spiritual master. First obeisances and then the bed. At the beginning of the day, we offer our obeisances to remind ourselves, “I am going to offer this day to my spiritual master.” And again at the end of the day, we offer our obeisances and say, “Well, I am sorry. It was not much of an offering. Anyway, you know, I will try to improve tomorrow.”

Wednesday, February 8th, 2017
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Mayapur, India


Putting Patience In Place


The situation with the gout in my left foot is improving.  Internal medicine, massage, rest and diet adjustments are making the difference.  I just can’t do my usual Mayapur trek along the elephant trail, the Taranpura Road and the pathway parallel to the Jalangi River.

I’m a patient so patience is required.  Yes, patience is that great virtue that dallies with time.  It is a good wait.

I’m trying to train those who attend my drama practices in punctuality.  And punctuality has all to do with respecting time.

“Time is God,” according to the Gita.  It is certainly one way to view the Absolute.

Our guru, Srila Prabhupada, was such a believer in punctuality.  He didn’t like it when the chowkidar (security guard) was late in ringing the bell at the temple entrance.  It would have to be rung on the hour, at least.

I remember the town I grew up in, where the church bells would sound especially at high noon.  It was really pleasing to the ears.  Those chimes were of a joyous nature.  It reminded me of God’s presence.  I wasn’t always a great lover of sitting in the classroom.  I felt, often times, more at home in church.  I guess I felt more patient there, more sattvic (calmed).

Tomorrow marks the first day of the AGM in Mayapur and I pray for patience as we leaders discuss various issues.

May the Source be with you!


3 km

Tuesday, February 7th, 2017
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Mayapur, India

Gene from Ohio
  
“Hello!” said the caller.

“Hello!”

“I wanted to speak to the Walking Monk.”

“Yes, that’s me.”  I had noticed the origin of the place where the call came from.  It was Ohio.  I was surprised.  I’m here in India.

“This is Gene.  I met you on your walk.  I’m the car salesman.  Remember?  It was raining.  I called you into my shop in Ohio.  I told you I know someone from Ontario, like yourself.  He’s from Wawa–a friend of mine.  Lives here now.  You met him.”

Of course, I remember.  And Wawa?  Well that is a notorious place for hitchhikers in Canada.  In the sixties and seventies the word was, “Don’t get dropped off in that place.  You’ll never get out”

“Gene, it’s a pleasure.”

“I wanted to know how you’re doing?  I can send you a donation,” said Gene.

Gene was one of those happy-go-lucky guys, generous as anything.  He told me he was willing to give me the shirt off his back.  Literally.  He was serious, especially when he saw me all wet.  His kind is rare.  He melted my heart.

When he understood he had called India, he was conscientious.  “I won’t hold you up too long.  It gets expensive.”

He’s melting my heart once again.

Of all the people and places…. I was flabbergasted that someone would go out of their way as he did.  I recall he appeared to me as a cross between Burl Ives and the sun–a jolly fellow.  I think he’s a saint.  I’ll follow up when I get back home.

May the Source be with you!


3 km

Monday, February 6th, 2017
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Mayapur, India

Are You A Fly?

The message broadcast this morning read something like this:  “There is a fly and it is always going to the sore (or the infection).  Then there is the bee and it makes its way to the essence of the flower (to produce honey).  When you find fault in others consistently, you are like a fly.  And when you are one to spot the good qualities in someone,you are likened to the honey bee.  A Vaishnava (saintly person) detects the good in people.”

The message was quoted from Srila Prabhupada, our guru.

Being that Mayapur is a thriving community of Vaishnavas who adhere to bhakti yoga, there is a clear dynamic of relationship-building here.  You have people on an international scale, from all over the world.  You have generations of people–babies, teens, adults, and elders.

It is a town of 5000, I’m told, and growing.  We have our own unique culture here with houses, schools, temples and other facilities.  Neighbouring people from the local Hindu and Muslim communities come here for some employment.  The situation is such that most try to get along with each other, bringing to the table, so to speak, many strengths and qualities.

There have been some minor rifts in the past.  It is expected.  We are human.  But by and large unity must remain strong.  When you have the spiritual component it is possible.

May the Source be with you!


4 km

Sunday, February 5th, 2017
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Mayapur, India

A Day
  
At the waking and walking hour of 3 a.m. the jackals howl and fog hangs thick in the air.  I’m on my way to the Samadhi temple for the 4:15 arati.  I see less of those unfortunate fellows–the sickly dogs along the way.

“Are they dying off?”  I wonder.  Stray dogs don’t have a master, after all.  They may be missing out.  At least for a human, playing and being in the servant’s role is a real plus.

After the arati I make my way to the Radha Madhava temple for more kirtan and hopefully, someone like Jambhavan of South Africa may be there to accompany me.  The pujaor worship of tulasi, the sacred plant, is a highlight, and I see Jambhavan is getting a big kick out of it. It is a chanting session with a focus on ‘holy green’, the tulasi herself.

Announcements follow, and today a quote from our guru, Srila Prabhupada, addresses the hazards of gossip.  Very profound.

Dogs don’t gossip.  They might bite but it’s less painful.  Humans are excellent at the art.  I question why there are no championships set up somewhere in the world.  More societies frown upon gossip and rumor-mongering but it often enjoys a healthy existence wherever you go.

To counter this tendency toward usage of the evil tongue, we are encouraged by Sri Krishna in the Gita to execute austerity of the tongue.  “Silence is golden,” seems to reflect His message.

There’s always a “Krishna Katha”–talking about what is divine.

May the Source be with you!


4 km

Saturday, February 4th, 2017
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Mayapur, India

Drama Coming Along Like Magic
  
I’m getting around with lesson of a hobble.  From room to temple, to auditorium, to eating lounge and back to the room, services are being covered. 

What are those services? Presently we’re participating in hearing, chanting, reading, writing, and drama.  I’ll increase it to eating, greeting, smiling, encouraging, and sleeping, not to leave anything out.

I am spending considerable time teaching drama, as well.  I have a seven-year-old boy from France, Narada Muni, whom I’m training for a part in our play, “Mr. Puri.”  Yes, he’s young but he’s learning fast.

The whole assemblage is coming together like magic.  As usual, over and above the three or four people I’ve lined up, I have to scout and hunt for actors here on the grounds in Mayapur.

I met Narada Muni and his parents quite by accident on my first day here.  He told me he’s been watching my dramas on YouTube.  To his parents I asked, “Would you be interested in having your son audition?”  They went for it.

The next day I went to the Panca Tattva Hall to hear Bhagavatam class.  Near the end of the class, a young fellow headed for the exit; to do so, he had to pass through the crowd and by me.  He looked Hispanic and I could tell by the way he pleated the front of his dhoti (lower garment) that he’s an artist.  I set my hands to pranams.  He did so as well.  I grabbed those hands of his and set him down next to me.

“Do you do dramas, and do you dance?”

“Yes, I’m a professional.”

One thing led to another and he’s now on board.

May the Source be with you!


3 km

Friday, February 3rd, 2017
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Mayapur, India

Meaningful Means of Transport


Some walking, some standing by way of ferry and some sitting by way of toto were my means of transport today.

To get to the local city, Navadvip (population 40 – 50 lakhs,) where I needed to pick up some supplies, you have to cross the holy Ganges River.  The wetless way to go about it, is by purchasing a two rupee ticket with which you earn a ten minute boat ride to the other bank.  The boat or ferry is a primitive-looking, gondola-like, rustic contraption with a motor that does the job.

I asked my friend Basudev, a Napalese native, what the sign in Bengali says that’s propped up in the middle of the ferry.

“This facility can reach maximum capacity at 250 passengers.  Smoking and drinking prohibited.”  That capacity was not reached on our passage.  Many bicycles and rickshaws—with their personal operators—filled up the space.  Some carried filled containers of milk which had cut straw, moulded inside, over top of the milk to keep it from splashing.

Usually on every ferry I’ve ever been on in the area, there’s always some passengers who carry japa mala (beads) for chanting.  And that usually means they are loyal to Krishna.  However, many folks in Bengal are goddess worshippers.  Saraswati or Durga are honoured in the spring, as in now.

A toto means of transport is a battery-operated, quiet and environmentally-friendly carriage that gets you around.  These I like.

Despite the presence of gout, it is now less painful and so I’m getting some walking in.  Thanks to  Keshava and Suniti for the excellent meal.

May the Source be with you!


3 km

Thursday, February 2nd, 2017
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Mayapur, West Bengal

Attire
  
The other day, just before I left for India, I got out of a car to attend a devotional meeting when a motorist noticed me.  He hollered out some message that did not come clear but for three words. “Fix your dress…” was all I could decipher in reference to my robes.  The tone was slightly derogatory.

I thought that in Canada—a rather pluralistic society where residents see people in all kinds of attire—it was a bit surprising.  Anyway, “Thanks for the tip, Buddy,” I thought.  All was in order as far as my dhoti (lower robe) was concerned.

Now here in Mayapur, a town of thousands of people (Vaishnavas), you actually stand out if you wear pants.  There is an understood code of dress, in this land of comfy clothes which move at every dance step in kirtan, as much as they would move when outside in the blowing wind.

I’m staying in Room 1104 in the Isodyan Hall and adorning the wall is an ISKCON classic print of kirtan master, Chaitanya.  We could also credit Him with being the Father of Kirtan.  There in the print, He has arms upraised while draped in golden-hued cloth that falls in fine folds.  His associates are also clothed in a similar manner as they are captured in a frozen moment during an outdoor chanting session.

The picture displays a celestial moment of suspended and splendid movement.

I do see, as I’m walking (at a slow pace), pilgrims who have chosen modern attire, largely under the influence of Bollywood.  What to do?

May the Source be with you!


2 km

Wednesday, February 1st, 2017
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Kolkata / Mayapur
  
Encounters


Luggage took forever to secure from the carousel.  Some of these planes are too big and passengers carry endless items.  It was not easy to acquire wheelchair help once reaching the airport in India.  I gave up on the idea.

While in the queue to re-check my luggage for a domestic flight to Kolkata, two families just jumped in front of me.  I was already running late.  I gave the intruders my temper.  I let them know, “I love India.  I love her people, but it’s this butting in that gives it a bad name.  Learn some manners.”

My offenders backed off.

Then I came to security.  I stood by the line ready for authorities to search me through the security checking arch.  Again, someone walked right in front, not recognizing I was next in line.  Well, I let him have it.  I am usually soft, but I became loud.  All security looked our way.  “Who do you think you are?  Bhagavan?”  I addressed the one who barged ahead.  “Stop this nonsense!”  I told him.

I met up with Pariksit, who’s in his early 20’s and one of my actors for our performance of the drama “Mr. Puri.”  The drive with him by cab to Mayapur was pleasant.  I calmed down.

Finally I was able to get quality—but slow—walking in on the grounds of Mayapur.  After two weeks of zero walking I feel somewhat liberated.  The pace is slow but it’s sure, and it’s barefoot.

Frankly, it’s glorious to be in sacred space.  It takes your mind off of pain.  I’m already on my annual mission of activism, trying to discourage the use of motor-bikes.  “This machine is bad for you and the environment” is what I said to three cyclists.

I felt good.

May the Source be with you!


2 km

Tuesday, January 31st, 2017
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Amsterdam, / Delhi 

Born to Run
  
Biranchi Das ran a judo school for orphans in Odisha, India.  One four-year-old, Budhia Singh, joined his school and he saw in the boy a natural runner, and so began coaching him, hoping that one day he would become India’s champion in future world competitions.  One marathon began and the boy, Budhia performed an astounding feat (with his feet).  The marathon was a 65 km stretch, including the famous Jagannath Puri pilgrimage site.

Young Budhia ran the whole distance without stopping.  Only at the end (and, of course, the bulk of Odishans cheered him on every bit of the way) did he require some medical attention.  He was fatigued and dehydrated.

Budhia was a real morale booster for his people.  Not everyone, however, was behind the training.  The Children’s Welfare agency was opposed.  Biranchi became a controversial figure and was even arrested for training the child in a rather relentless way.

This true story also tells us that on April 13, 2008, Biranchi was murdered.  I was impressed by the story which captured my attention from the choice of films / documentaries you can watch.  Budhia is still alive, and just fifteen years old this year.  I’d love to meet him some day although I’m just a walker.

I saw the film on Jet Airways, on my way to India just now.  It’s called “Budhia Singh: Born to Run.” It was directed by Soumendra Padhi.  (Here’s a link to the film on YouTube.   https://youtu.be/3uQMLeNRjOU ). I was able to stay awake to watch it because the dark chocolate keeps me up, and I’m taking it to relieve the gout in my left foot.

http://www.thenewsminute.com/article/his-story-hits-big-screen-marathon-boy-budhia-singh-opens-about-dream-unfulfilled-47398

May the Source be with you!


0 km

ISKCON and Modernity
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Hare KrishnaBy Shaunaka Rsi dasa

A lecture, given in Iskcon DC, Potomac. What is Iskcon's position in relation to the democratic system of government? Is it true that the brahmanas adopt anarchy, ksatriyas adopt monarchy, vaisyas apply capitalism and sudras follow communism, all systems simultaneously existing? In modern, secular society religion is sometimes regarded as backward looking and the source of conflict and communalism. In this view, as scientific knowledge and technology develop, religion will fade into the past and people will leave behind a superstitious phase of their development. Yet in spite of this assumption religion continues to exert force in the contemporary world. In this talk we will explore one tradition, the Hare Krishna Movement, and its relationship with modernity, including issues of freedom, democracy, individualism, science, and secularism. Continue reading "ISKCON and Modernity
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Lord Nityananda App Day 2017 – Auckland, New Zealand (Album with…
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Lord Nityananda App Day 2017 - Auckland, New Zealand (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: So especially you must encourage the students to read our books throughout the day as much as possible, and give them all good advice how to understand the books, and inspire them to study the things from every point of view. Better to boil the milk very vigorously and make it thick and sweet–that is the best progress. So let us concentrate on training our devotees very thoroughly in the knowledge of Krsna consciousness from our books, from tapes, by discussing always, and in so many ways instruct them in the right propositions. (From Srila Prabhupada’s letter to Hamsaduta, June 22, 1972)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/hUL0WR

Braja Mohan (Album with photos) Deena Bandhu Das: Today was…
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Braja Mohan (Album with photos)
Deena Bandhu Das: Today was Narottam Das Thakura’s Appearance Day and there is one of the Deities from Kheturi Festival staying in Vrindavan. They are the most enchanting Sri Sri Radha Braja Mohan! We all went there, did Narottama’s bhajans, Narottama katha, then delicious Bengali Feast! Join us through the pics of Vittalrukmini Das!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/egkQxe

From Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir – Srimad Bhagavatam class, February 10, 2017
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Hare KrishnaBy Malati Devi Dasi

Of course, Srila Prabhupada did something wonderful that no other previous acharya had done, and that is he actually brought life to the words of Lord Caitanya who said that His names will be chanted in every town and village. Prior to Srila Prabhupada's arrival in the west, this "every town and village" was limited to the sphere of Bharat Varsh, to India. It was considered unholy for a saintly man or a sadhu to leave India. Lord Caitanya said every town and village. Those with higher vision such as Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, they understood and they were promoting in this way. Srila Prabhupada accepted their instruction and made it his life and soul. Because he did that, we have the good fortune of having the example of a nitya siddha devotee who came to personally instruct us how to become devotees. By his mercy, he is still doing that today. Continue reading "From Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir – Srimad Bhagavatam class, February 10, 2017
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Gita 12.19 Seek satisfaction not by horizontal improvement, but by vertical advancement
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Gita verse-by-verse Podcast


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Gujarat Tour a Grand Success
- TOVP.org

We are pleased and excited to announce the wonderful success of the first TOVP fundraising tour of 2017 in Gujarat, India. Pledges were in excess of $1.5 million and we left with the overwhelming feeling that Lord Nityananda is Himself in charge of this historic project and is blessing us.

On January 28th, under the shelter of Lord Nityananda’s Padukas and Lord Nrsimha’s Sitari, the TOVP Team consisting of Jananivas prabhu, Ambarisa prabhu, Mother Svaha and Braja Vilas prabhu made their way to Gujarat for a nine day tour of the cities of Vallabh Vidyanagar, Baroda, Surat and Ahmedabad, organized by His Grace Yasomatinandana prabhu. We held programs at all the major temples as well as with private groups of business people, speaking simply and plainly the glories of this project. We didn’t know what to expect considering the uncertain financial situation in India.

To our amazement and surprise, the devotees all came forward with their pledges, even some that had donated before. In Surat the Bhakti Vrksha leaders were so enthused they had already raised their pledges before our arrival!!! On top of that the temple management from every temple also made commitments for donations spanning the next five years.

Local media also came forward and covered our fundraising events in some locations. Please see the article below from the Times of India.

Once again, we experienced firsthand that the Lord is really in control of the TOVP project, and as long as we cooperate to fulfill His desire and the desire of His dear servants, the acharyas, He will reciprocate in kind and allow us to be instrumental servants for His pleasure. What more can we ask or aspire for?

Additionally, we realized Srila Prabhupada’s words that the individual temple’s will also offer their financial support to build this temple, not just the members. If this idea can be implemented in all parts of the world as was spontaneously done in Gujarat we will achieve a milestone in our fundraising efforts. With straw in our teeth we humbly request all temple managers to kindly consider this idea.

Lastly, we would like to recognize and thank all the leaders and managers of the Gujarat Yatras who helped make this possible, especially Yasomatinandana prabhu, the zonal GBC. He went beyond the call of duty to organize, inspire and personally attend all the fundraising events. His example of dedication and support of the TOVP fills our hearts with love and gratitude for his unswerving service to Srila Prabhupada. We also thank Vrindaban, Visnunama, Satcitananda, Basu Ghosh and Nityananda Rama prabhus and all the numerous others who assisted them. Without their dedicated and inspired efforts this tour would not have been possible at all.

Our next tour to Malaysia is scheduled for this April/May. Tours to China and other parts of India are also in the process of being scheduled. Please pray for our continued success. We are moving forward with remarkable speed on all fronts of fundraising and construction and are on track and on schedule for the Grand Opening of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium in 2022.

To make a donation or pledge please click on the link below:

https://tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities/

The Times of India – Ahmedabad

Gujaratis donate over $1mn for ISKCON temple project

Ahmedabad: Alfred Brush Ford and his wife Sharmila organized a fundraiser at Iskcon temple on Saturday evening for the ambitious Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir (Temple of the Vedic Planetarium). Ford had started his Gujarat travels from February 1. It was the first state on his pan-India itinerary.

Alfred is the great grandson of the founder of Ford Motor Company, Henry Ford.

“Gujarat is a state blessed by Lord Krishna,” Albert said at the Ahmedabad meeting. “It is a great pleasure to be here. I had been to Rajkot and Dwarka several years ago. Our collection of funds is going very well. We were ably supported by Jasumatinandan Das in the cause. We have collected over US $1 million (approximately Rs 6.72 crore) in just three days which is very encouraging.”

Talking about the temple project that started in 2009, Albert Ford said they are following in the footsteps of Srila Prabhupada, founder of Iskcon, who had dreamed of a spectacular temple at Mayapur as a tribute to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. “The process started with his travels to the West and sharing his dreams to revitalize Veda and ancient culture in India,” said Ford, who is chairman of the project.

His wife Sharmila said that, for the first time, visitors will be able to see 3D model of the universe as explained in the Hindu scriptures. The 350-feet-high temple will show Golok Dham at the top and Patal at the bottom, Ford said.

Braj Vilasa Das, director of fundraising, said that apart from personal donation of Rs 250 crore by Ford, the project has collected an additional Rs 100 crore for the temple which is expected to cost Rs 700 crore. “Around 95% of the construction for the primary structure has been done. We expect the project to be complete by 2022. An 80-feet-high Kalash will be established above the dome this March,” Das said.

The Times of India

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