Planet ISKCON

Ramiya das has been accepted by the Religious and Spiritual Life Network of University of South Florida. This is the closest one can...

By Mukhya Devi Dasi

Recent studies have shown that excessive incense smoke inhalation is on a similar level to inhaling secondary cigarette smoke, it contains volatile compounds which are toxic to the human body. Two members of the ISV congregation went for a physical and the doctor asked them how long they had been smokers. They had never been smokers. Inquiring about their lifestyle he deduced their smoker’s lungs were the result of excessive exposure to incense smoke. He related an article on Buddhist monks who had led a simple pure life being diagnosed with lung cancer and it was discovered this was a result of the exposure to so much incense smoke. A proposed solution, a recommendation, which the deity worship minister concurs is fine, is to offer one stick only or even cut the stick in half or less. And after offering make a place outside and plant it there. But don’t snuff it out after offering. Continue reading "North American Leadership conference 2017
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This man from Nigeria purchased a full set of Srimad-Bhagavatam in Nairobi.

The post Bhagavatam in Nairobi appeared first on Jayadvaita Swami.

By Yamuna Devi Dasi

He was so engaged, so busy, preaching to tens of thousands of people and taking care of our entire Society, yet he personally took charge of my recovery. To this day I become emotional just remembering this. For me it only increased my dedication to see that this small insignificant soul Yamuna was so cared for and nurtured by Srila Prabhupada. In my later challenges, I drew strength and determination from this episode in my devotional life. Another thing I remember about the illness was the loving care of my Godsisters, among them Visakha devi and Chitralekha devi. I felt so grateful to have had not only the care and loving attention of my Spiritual Master, but also my Godsisters. Continue reading "You are too weak to ride on the bus. You will ride in my car!
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By Radhanath Swami

A devotee has given his whole life to serve this mission, and then he becomes very sick. He needs help. He lays sick on the floor “I can't do my service.” And we say, “You are in maya. You are not the body.” “Thank you. Philosophically it's true: I am not this body and I am in maya, but I need your help to get out of maya and transcend this body. I need the love, support and care of a Vaisnava to take me through this.” As a service to all of you, I am offering a brief explanation of how we are attempting to serve the Vaisnavas at the Sri Sri Radha-Gopinatha Mandir, in Mumbai. Continue reading "Caring For Devotees: The Spiritual Counselor System
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Padayatra Andhra Pradesh/telangana On The Road Again (Album with photos)
Visnuswami Dasa: We interrupted our padayatra for about one year, except for a 10-day walk in May 2016 near Yadagirigutta Ashram, located 70 km from Hyderabad. I’m so happy to announce that on January 14th 2017, we started padayatra again from that place with the same team. We first walked with our oxcart to the village of Kacharam and are now heading towards ISKCON Medachal. Ten gurukula boys and my family members participated for a while. We recently bought two new oxen, thanks to the generous donation of Manudas Prabhu, ISKCON Vancouver’s temple president.
Yesterday we were in the village of Kolanpaka and in the evening one priest asked us many questions about ISKCON. He wanted to know the meaning and the aim of ISKCON, if Prabhupada was American or not. One elderly woman offered the Krishna book to her pregnant daughter -in-law. These kinds of happenings make me feel more joyful, and I realize that Padayatra is very useful, because it puts many people in contact with ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada. I now feel very inspired to arrange huge Padayatra programs in the villages like we did last year.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/IaAzPK

Harinam in Tampa, Florida, USA (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The way to get out of illusory maya is to engage in the topics of Krsna. Lord Caitanya advocated a process whereby everyone may remain in his present position without change but simply hear from the proper authoritative sources about Krsna. Lord Caitanya advised everyone to spread the word of Krsna. He advised, “All of you become spiritual masters. Your duty is simply to talk to whomever you meet of Krsna or of the instructions given by Krsna.” The International Society for Krishna Consciousness is operating for this purpose. We do not ask anyone to first change his position and then come to us. Instead, we invite everyone to come with us and simply chant Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, because we know that if one simply chants and hears the topics of Krsna, one’s life will change; he will see a new light, and his life will be successful. >>> Ref. VedaBase => SB 4.7.44
Find them here: https://goo.gl/FlF9o2

Однажды Ямараджа спросил Махараджу Юдхиштхиру: “Что в этом мире самое удивительное?”
Махараджа Юдхиштхира ответил:

ahany ahani bhutani gacchantiha yamalayam
shishah sthavaram icchanti kim ashcaryam atah param

“Каждое мгновенье сотни, тысячи живых существ встречаются со смертью, тем не менее глупые существа не считают себя смертными и не готовятся к смерти. Это самое удивительное в этом мире”.

[ Махабхарата, Вана-парва 313.116 ]

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Gita verse-by-verse Podcast

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The post Gita 12.05 Attachment to oneness leaves us with nothingness to be attached to appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

There is no perfect time or place,
so if we wait, we will never accomplish,
or sing the song our heart vibrates to
meant to nourish every cell in our body.

To breathe out, one only has to breathe in,
but we can’t hold our breath forever;
so begin today while you are still breathing
because there are no tomorrows or could-bes.

Only a string of nows, do-days giving potential
at least one step of progress on the miles ahead
though even a step back can help us go forward

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Devotees from New Varshan New Zealand like to do Harinama in the suburbs and downtown Auckland.

Friday night is usually the big kirtan and because there were special guests, Janananda Maharaja, Mahavisnu Maharaja and myself, around 80 devotees came out that night.

ISKCON’s Hare Krishna Centre in New Zealand to reopen after 2011.
Almost six years after suffering extensive damage in the 2011 earthquake, ISKCON Christchurch will be holding a three-day grand opening ceremony of its newly constructed Hare Krishna Centre between March 3 and 5 this year.

“The beauty of Krsna consciousness, however, is that by one stroke, by engaging in devotional service, one can surpass all the rituals of the different orders of life.” and asks, “Does this not mean that varnasrama is not necessary for devotees?”

Marveling at Krsna’s genius.
At this very moment I sit marveling at Krsna’s genius and kindness in designing and supplying the world with the Avocado (my favorite food).
The skin of the Avocado is a well-designed wrapper. It is tough, yet protective. It is fine, but easy to peel. The Avocado changes color from light, to dark green announcing that it is ripe.
The creamy “flesh” of the Avocado is an ideal food that contains at least thirteen essential vitamins, healthy fats – that reduce bad cholesterol, and life-sustaining minerals like potassium and magnesium.

Avocado trees generously extend their fruit laden arms as if to say, “Come here and take as many as you wish!”

And at the heart of every Avocado is the magic of a seed that is loaded with another tree.

One mature Avocado tree can supply fruits for a whole village. An Avocado grove can feed a city.

Such product design is inconceivably brilliant and is never to be reproduced by any mortal, however well funded with research money.

What a precious gift Krsna has given us in the Avocado!

But Krsna’s gifts are everywhere and bhakti yogis thrive by appreciating them and sharing them with others. Those who breathe the air of gratitude see Krsna’s completeness and generosity wherever they look.

The universe is full of possibilities and incentives, but a man or woman tainted by low association sees only the humdrum and suffers from distraction and ingratitude.

Today take time to examine and find value in at least one aspect of Krsna’s creation that is close to you at this very moment:

The miracle of your heart pumping, your stomach digesting, or the air of life entering your nostrils …

Advanced vaisnavas write songs about how much they value other vaisnavas, the holy dhama, the Srimad-bhagavatam and the holy names of Krsna …

Start each day by making your own gratitude list for Krsna’s kindness. Once you start, you’ll find that the list is endless.

Krsna is benevolent, munificent and is the best friend of every soul. By His mercy, life is free, happy and abundant – eternally.

Chant Hare Krsna and rejoice remembering how fortunate you are!
Vaisesika Das

Inspired to create or develop a YOUTH Group?
Well, that is exactly what Srila Prabhupada did when he arrived to America. He invited some youth to visit him, then he befriended them, adapted his preaching accordingly, counseled them and finally encouraged them to start a worldwide revolution; the Hare Krsna movement.
He said in this regard, “…Modern youth are educated in advance…, so they are no more interested in repetition of the same static mottos. They want something dynamic, progress in spiritual understanding…” (Letter to Syamasundara – New Vrindaban 3 June, 1969)

Forming YOUTH Groups in ISKCON is such a great opportunity to facilitate service opportunities to the young devotees of our movement. However, these are meant to be appealing for their needs.

In early 2016 ISKCON Youth leaders from around the Western world gathered in Sri Dhama Mayapur for the first ISKCON Youth Leadership Sanga (IYLS). They shared ideas and ways as to how anyone can start a youth group wherever they live. This video captures some of their insights regarding the importance of developing appropriate programs for the youth of our movement. The CDM Youth Services in support of ISKCON’s Youth Ministry is promoting the creation of such programs.

If you already have a youth group in your area, or you are just about to start one but are not exactly sure where to go from here, watch this video and contact us.

We hope this short video clips encourage you somehow with more ideas and ways as to how start, enhance and promote further Youth initiatives in Srila Prabhupada’s movement. Let us make our youth feel included in ISKCON by actively engaging them in Krsna’s service.

Please watch the video and share it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KpMXbpe_xk4&feature=youtu.be

Your servant,

Chandra Vadana Gaura Hari das

ISKCON CDM Youth

By Bhaktimarga Swami

Another verse from the Bhagavad-gita confirms the notion of chatting on spiritual topics. Such activity brings about the greatest joy. If we talk of practical matters we may get bored. If we talk of purely mundane matters that are demeaning to others one may find stimulation but such subject matter serves to backfire. Then there are philosophical talks, as pandits do - talks which perk the intellectual side of the brain. Finally when one takes shelter of spiritual talks, it compels one to transcend. Continue reading "Krishna is fond When we do bond In sharing views We destroy our blues
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By Urmila Devi Dasi

Surrender to the Supreme Whole is not an abnegation of will but a willful decision to “respond rightly to the dancing of Krishna” rather than dance independently, as Prabhupada writes in Krishna, Chapter 33. He also says that the whole world is full of Krishna’s singing. Those souls whose every thought, word, and action is like a song and dance in harmony with Krishna achieve ultimate surrender and unlimited spiritual bliss. Continue reading "Offering Dandavat: A Nurturing Display of Surrender
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By Mahatma Das

A devotee asked Prabhupada for help, saying that he was not able to follow the four rules. Prabhupada looked sternly at him and said, "If you do not follow the regulative principles, then no one can help you'.” Following the practices of Krsna consciousness is the platform from which help comes. It is not that we attract mercy by virtue of the fact that we are so fallen that we can't follow or don't try to follow. To think this way only perpetuates the problem. Devotees feel in great need of mercy, not because they are having difficulty following principles or vows, but because they don't feel they are spiritually advanced and thus need help. Continue reading "No One Can Help You Like You Can
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Gita verse-by-verse Podcast

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The post Gita 12.04 Don’t treat impersonalists impersonally – they are not all the same appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

About HH Bhaktimarga Swami:
Over forty years ago it was a youthful quest for life that lead Chatham, Ontario born Bhaktimarga Swami, (formerly John Peter Vis), to adopt an Eastern order of monastic life that landed him in the Hare Krishna movement. Since that time, as a celibate monk, Swami has evolved as an instructor of bhakti-yoga and mantra meditation. His presentation on this subject of life, based on the popular Hindu text, “Bhagavad-gita” is lively, candid and informative.

With a background in fine arts, Swami also developed a passion for the performing arts. Even in the course of his duties as a monk, he expands his portfolio and manages to take an active role in theatrical productions from epics of ancient Indian origin. Casting, scripting, and directing morality theater takes him annually to venues from North America to India and Africa.

Finally, Bhaktimarga Swami achieved a remarkable feat in 1996 when he went the way of a pilgrim and walked on foot cross country from west to east and then back for a return journey from Cape Spear, Newfoundland to Vancouver Island in 2003, going full circle. He likes to share of his unique experiences and fond memories on the road after trekking 16,000 kms. Swami is a consistent feature in “The Longest Road”, a recent National Film Board documentary detailing the history of the people who shaped or were shaped by the Trans Canada Highway, the world’s longest continuous maintained road.



11.00- 11.15      Tulsi Puja
11.15 - 11.30     Guru Puja                                        
11:30 –11:55     Aarti & Kirtan                                      
11.55 - 12.00    Sri Nrsingadeva Prayers                 
12.00 -  1: 00   Vedic discourse
  1.00 -   1.30    Closing Kirtan
  1.30 -   2.00    Sanctified Free Vegetarian Feast

Rukmini Priya Poddar’s book 100 Obscure Emotions, about the complicated variety of feelings in the human experience, and her new illustrated advice column series – currently blowing up social media – are deeply resonating with readers. A second-generation devotee who grew up in the ISKCON community in Alachua, Florida, Rukmini received a B.A. in graphic design from the University of Florida, where she learned to work in digital mediums on logo design and marketing.

On 5^th January 2016, The ISKCON Dar Es Salaam, centre was opened by Gopal Krishna Goswami. A Yagna and Abhishek were performed to please their Lordships Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. The ceremonies were performed by Seva Atula Das, Radhadyuti Das and Caitanya Visnu Das. Local devotees had travelled from Nairobi to perform Kirtan at the festivals.

2016 was a significant year for Indian Americans in politics. Five Indian Americans, a record number, were elected to U.S. Congress. To celebrate the milestone, fellow members of Congress, dignitaries and supporters, including ISKCON, gathered at the Indiaspora Gala on January 3^rd in Washington, D.C.  The bipartisan event highlighted the increasing significance of the Indian-American community in the country’s political landscape. It also welcomed members of the new administration and allowed new and current members to build relationships and strengthen ties. 

By Indradyumna Swami

If the opulence or knowledge of many millions of universes were clustered together, they would hardly equal a small fragment of the glory of Krsna's holy name. Krsna's holy name is my life. It is the goal of my life. It is the means I will employ to attain the goal of my life Continue reading "“Giving and Receiving Gifts”
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Chanting for material prosperity?
Q. One of my close friends has stopped chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra saying that since the mantra destroys all material desires, as a grhastha (householder), he needs the material motivation to support his family, and also that chanting the maha-mantra while maintaining material desires is offensive. He has taken to the chanting of Sri Lakshmi Suktam, which awards material prosperity and also indirectly reminds him of Lord Vishnu. How do I explain things properly to him?
Romapada Swami: The grhastha ashrama is an important part of the social structure and has been created by Krishna Himself. If by chanting Hare Krishna everyone will abandon their household life or the prescribed duties connected to it, that would be a great social disturbance and the scriptures would have prescribed that householders should not chant Hare Krishna! But that is not the case; rather, our vaishnava acaryas have sung: grihe thako vane thako sada hari bole dako - “whether you are a grhastha managing the responsibilities of household life, or a sannyasi, always chant Hare Krishna.” Many of our vaishnava acaryas, including Bhaktivinode Thakur and even Srila Prabhupada had their families and were very responsible householders. Thus chanting Hare Krishna is not endangering to one’s worldly duties.
Rather, by chanting the holy names, one gets spiritual motivation and strength, which is far greater than even the impetus of material motivation. By chanting the maha-mantra, one acknowledges the fact that it is ultimately the Supreme Lord who is maintaining us and providing for us. He is the source of all opulences, and the master of Lakshmiji. Then one sees oneself as the instrument through whom the Lord is protecting the other family members, and in that consciousness one can work very hard to serve one’s family members and see them and all one’s possessions as the Lord’s property and mercy, which is the actual fact. Only by working in that consciousness, can one be free from facing the reactions to one’s work. And Lakshmiji will automatically bless that person who has accepted Her Lord as his master also, just as when Sudama offered Krishna whatever he had, Rukmini was so much obliged that she made him prosperous without any endeavor.
In other words, the mahamantra purifies the heart of all material desires, but that does not necessarily mean that one has to abandon his family or duties connected to family life.
Regarding the consideration of offense in having material desires, Srimad Bhagavatam also mentions that whether one is full of material desires, desirous of liberation or has no desires, one who is broad-minded should worship the Supreme Lord, because He is ultimately the Supreme Master of all. (Cf. SB 2.3.2-10) That is the duty of all, and by worshiping the Supreme Lord, gradually the heart will be cleansed of all misconceptions.

By Bhakti Prabhava Swami

Srila Prabhupada recommends that we prepare ourselves for death by training our minds to constantly remember the Lord and His holy names. We should become capable of continuously remembering the Lord, even amidst the disturbances of a rapidly deteriorating body. Such training includes chanting the holy names in our minds, a practice that comes easily to one who has practiced attentive chanting throughout his or her life. In his purport to Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.18.4, Srila Prabhupada writes: By scientific adoption [of the process of devotional service], one is able to remember the Lord even at the end of life, when the power of remembrance is slackened due to derangement of bodily membranes. For a common man, it is very difficult to remember things as they are at the time of death, but by the grace of the Lord and His bona fide devotees, the spiritual masters, one can get this opportunity without difficulty. Continue reading "Preparing For The Final Exam
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Russian Yoga Lecturer Escapes Penalty in Sign of Good Karma. Russia’s yoga lovers can sigh in relief today, following a judge’s decision in St. Petersburg to throw out the case against Dmitry Ugai, a man tied to a Krishna group charged with illegal missionary work for lecturing on the spiritual roots of yoga. “The case is closed due to the absence of any administrative offense,” the court ruled, according to the Interfax news agency. Ugai was detained during a spiritual festival in October after giving a lecture in which he said that yoga “was more than just a series of exercises” and was “rooted in religion.” He was taken to a police station and held for several hours with no explanation before being told to sign a blank confession, he told The Moscow Times earlier.

By Chaitanya Charan das

Frustration gives way to illumination during one extraordinary night in the life of a prostitute. While prostitutes are often depicted negatively in traditional literature, some religious texts depict them positively as testimonies to the transformational potency of divine grace. Thus, in the Gospel is found a story of a prostitute (considered by some to be Mary Magdalene) who was redeemed by Jesus. In Gaudiya Vaishnava literature such as the Chaitanya Charitamrita comes the story of the saint Haridasa Thakura, who delivered a prostitute who had been commissioned to orchestrate his fall. Continue reading "What a saint learned from a prostitute
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Gita verse-by-verse Podcast

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The post Gita 12.03 To say that the Absolute is indescribable is to describe it appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 16 September 2016, Durban, South Africa, Nama-hatta Lecture)

The temple is the home of Krsna! It is also the Holy Dhama and the spiritual world. The scriptures say that Krsna does not descend alone but he brings along the entire spiritual world. This is not so simple to see. Only the very saintly personalities can see this.

Saints are interesting people. Over the years, I have spent a lot of time reading about saintly persons and how they have happiness within that does not depend on external things – not dependent on the weather or profit or health. They are extraordinary in this way that they are not affected by the external.

For centuries, all over the world in different traditions, saintly personalities have emerged who have great conviction as they have realised God within the heart – they walk in this world but they exist in another dimension, in the spiritual dimension. Scripture also discusses the other dimension; it is called Vaikunta; a place devoid of anxiety.

*Notes taken during the lecture