By Giriraj Swami

Sometimes people think that physical proximity to the spiritual master is an indication of special mercy or good fortune, and in one sense it may be. But the real essence of the relationship with the spiritual master is service to the instructions. And service to the instructions does not depend on physical presence. When Srila Prabhupada was in Bombay, we used to go to his quarters every morning after mangala-arati, because at around six o’clock he would go for his morning walk. One morning Harikesa Prabhu, Srila Prabhupada’s secretary at the time, greeted us at the door. He was very excited and said, “Last night Srila Prabhupada finished translating Sri Caitanya-caritamrta. And he dictated the most wonderful glorification of his spiritual master.” Harikesa said that Srila Prabhupada was so blissful—and he had instructed that we celebrate the occasion with a feast. Continue reading "Srila Prabhupada’s Concluding Words
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Iskcon Toronto: What a Way to Kick Off the New Year!
Festival Report by: Smruthi Venkateshan
New Year’s Day kicked off with a bang at the Toronto Hare Krishna Temple, with grand celebrations for His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada who is the founder of the ISKCON movement.
The night started out with a melodious kirtan and arati ceremony for their Lordships Sri Sri Radha-Ksira-Chora Gopinatha. After the arati, everyone gathered around Srila Prabhupada and offered their thanks to him, by placing flowers on his lotus feet.

In the mood of giving thanks, devotees presented Srila Prabhupada a letter that the Right Honorable Justin Trudeau wrote to ISKCON Toronto in celebration of our movement’s 50th anniversary. Devotees attempted to persuade Prime Minister Trudeau to join them for the Ratha Yatra this year, by sending a photo with the letter and all the devotees who were gathered.

Following the special photo session, kids from 4 to 13 years, gave a small recital of verses from the Gita as a special offering to Srila Prabhupada. Continuing the celebrations, Toronto showcased its unique connection to Remuna a holy place in India and explained the origins of Sri Sri Radha-Ksira-Chora Gopinatha in the form of a play, expertly directed by Bhaktimarga Swami. After a ecstatic kirtan, and arati, devotees celebrated the night away with a wonderful vegetarian feast!

Sri Govind Gau Gram Prachar Yatra picks up momentum to reach the 108 mark!
The Sri Govind Gau Gram Prachar Yatra commemorating ISKCON’s Golden Jubilee year of 2016 reached the 105th village on 28th December 2016.
The three-days Yatra fulfills the ardent desire of HG Satya Madhav Prabhu and Manimanjari mataji to take the Holyname to their native and adjacent village.
The first village, Chandana Pally in Nalgonda district of Telangana State, is located on the outskirts of the Nalgonda district near to Panagal Uadaya Samudram (reservoir). This village was shifted to construct the reservoir.This reservoir supplies drinking water to the nearby villages as the villages in Nalgonda district are mostly affected with high fluoride content.

The farmers in this village cultivate paddy and has orchards of mango and orange trees.

Satya Madhava Prabhu’s uncle (Sri Kompaly Chendraiah) coordinated and helped in organizing the Yatra in this village.

The program started with a Nagar sankirtan with about 130 – 150 villagers participating. A video show on the need for cow protection was screened. Most of the viewers become emotionally surcharged when they saw the present situation in the agriculture sector especially when viewed in the context of diminishing cows in the villages.

Six maha books and few small books were distributed. The highlight of this Yatra was that HG Paramhansa prabhu with his group of devotees, who are running the Bhakti Vedanta Institute, also participated.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/Nj3L02

Chaitanya Charan Das: How do we explain the authenticity of the Lord’s pastimes to skeptics who doubt Vyasadeva’s saintly authority?
Listen to it here: https://goo.gl/YxLsLX

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Reformers’, galore, we find in history and today in the name of religion and politics. When I was in grade school, I remember a famous social reformer Raja Rammohan roy who was instrumental in abolishing sati rites. Then there was Aurobindo who later become a monist was also a social reformer in his heydays. In fact there was a wave of social reformers in the late 19th and early 20th century based primarily on advaita vedanta to emancipate the social conditions' of the "common man". Certainly, there is no paucity for such social reformers in history and today.

His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Takur Prabhupada talks about how there is no need for such social reformation. He states;

The world stands in no need of any reformer. The world has a very competent person for guiding its minutest happenings. The person who determines that there is scope for reform of the world, himself stands in need of reform. The world goes on in its perfect way. No person can deflect it even the breadth of a hair from the course chalked out for it by providence. - Srila Prabhupada

What is needed is the reformation of one’s own mundane vision. This reformation of vision of our own self and the outside world, according to Srila Prabhupada, can happen only by the mercy of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Mundane reformation for a social cause or moral justice may seem appealing to the apologetic religionists’ and impassionate politician as it seemingly deals with social equity – fight for the right of the underdog. However, such social justice cause almost always is about satisfying an ulterior agenda of appealing to vox populi and not to establish dharma or eternal occupation of the eternal living being.

True reformation therefore, which Maharaj indicates, is changing our own vision to see the glory of Krishna nama and how through offenseless uttering of the same nama, one can realize that nobody is left without a competent guide.

As soon as Krishna enters the listening ear, He clears up the vision of the listener so that he no longer has any ambition of ever acting the part of a reformer of any other person, because he finds that nobody is left without the very highest guidance. - Srila Prabhupada

What is missing is our inner-vision of that highest guidance. By chanting Krishna nama, that vision which we were originally blind to becomes apparent and in that enlightened state we realize our eternal position in relation to Krishna.

By chanting without offenses you will personally realize that all perfections come from the holy name. Through chanting, the distinction that exists between the self, and the gross and subtle bodies, is gradually effaced and one realizes one’s own spiritual form. Once aware of the spiritual body, as one continues to chant, one sees the transcendental nature of the Lord’s form. - Srila Prabhupada

This revelation of the Lord's original form will once and for all relieve the soul from bondage of all sufferings' that is related to this body and mind and that which arises from the dualities of this world.

True reformation,indeed, is the reformation of our mundane heart!

Hare Krishna

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 2009, Durban, South Africa, Lecture)

There was a Mr Gupta who lived in Indore in India and he had a shop selling truck parts and the whole day people would visit his shop. But there was something special about his shop in that everywhere there were pictures of Krsna! Never ever before had I seen in one space that many pictures of Krsna! There were pictures all over the wall, there were pictures on the ceiling, pictures on the door, pictures on the door knob, pictures on the table – everything had a picture of Krsna! And every day he was putting more and more little pictures of Krsna; he was addicted to it. His watch had a picture of Krsna and even his pen had a picture of Krsna! So one day I asked him, “Mr Gupta why do you have so many pictures of Krsna?” and he just said, “Just in case I might forget…” This is the spirit of trying to increase our Krsna consciousness – just in case we might forget!

Now, the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) has released an art book for the general public, written to provide people with a cultural experience and to attract them to take a closer look at Krishna consciousness through its “windows to the spiritual world.” “Avatar Art: Neo-Vedic Paintings Celebrating Life” includes 104 BBT paintings, some vintage and some newer, with supporting text that takes readers on a tour through Srimad-Bhagavatam, Krishna Book, and the Caitanya-caritamrta.

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

When? Sunday,Jan 8,2017 Program starts at 11.00am Where? 6 George Street South Brampton, Ontario L6Y 1P3, Canada Park underground(free) @ City Hall Phone:416-648-3312 New! Listen Click here to listen to previous class recordings on our blog Make a Donation

Bhagavad Gita As It Is (18.66) sarva-dharman parityajya mam ekam saranam vraja aham tvam sarva-papebhyo moksayisyami ma sucah Translation Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reaction. Do not fear. 11.00 - 11.15      Tulsi Puja 11.15 -  11.30     Guru Puja                                         11:30 - 11:55     Aarti & Kirtan                                       11.55 - 12.00    Sri Nrsingadeva Prayers                  12.00 -  1: 00   Vedic discourse   1.00 -   1.30    Closing Kirtan   1.30 -   2.00    Sanctified Free Vegetarian Feast   COMING UP AHEAD Putrada Ekadasi Fasting.....................on Sun Jan 8,2017 Breakfast................. on Mon Jan 9 ,2017 b/w 7.50am-10.54am Every fortnight, we observe Ekadasi, a day of prayer and meditation. On this day we fast (or simplify our meals and abstain from grains and beans), and spend extra time reading the scriptures and chanting the auspicious Hare Krishna mantra.By constantly ‘exercising’ our minds through regular japa we can train our senses to push the threshold of contentment.   English audio glorification of all Ekadasis is available here    Six loving exchanges Among devotees(Seminar) On  Fri Jan 13(6.00-8.30pm) by His Grace Sankarshan Das Adhikari *Free to attend *Dinner Feast included   ONGOING Programs At The Temple   Japathon-Congregational Mantra Meditation Next meeting TBC shortly The chanting is a spiritual call for the Lord and His Energy to give protection to the conditioned soul.japa, when performed with focus and attention, can subdue the agitating effects of one’s mind and senses. The senses, of which the mind is also one, are constantly being stimulated by the external world  - by gross and subtle matter. If you have not chanted before, and would like to participate in this program, we will be very happy to show how you can do this. All welcome. We’ll loan you a set of Beads!   Monthly sankirtan Festival(MSF) “One who has life can preach, and one who preaches gets life.”(Previous Acaryas) Every member of ISKCON should have the opportunity to make advancement in Krishna consciousness by preaching.We encourage everyone to come out and participate and make Srila Prabhupada happy. Please contact: Dharma Dasa- dharandev58@gmail.com-647.892.0739(Mississauga and Brampton regions) IB Vaishnavi Sanga The Vaisnavi Sanga hosted by ISKCON Brampton is a special opportunity for ladies to come together for a spiritual getaway in peaceful, intimate surroundings. It is the perfect occasion for an evening filled with amazing association, spiritually surcharged program, and Krishna conscious discussions. It is a place where we will be able to learn from each other and have a safe forum to express our doubts and open our hearts. (We'll resume this program during summer)   Sunday School To register,contact us Email:sundayschool108@gmail.com Call:647.893.9363 The Sunday School provides fun filled strategies through the medium of music, drama, debates, quizzes and games that present Vedic Culture to children. However the syllabus is also designed to simultaneously teach them to always remember Krishna and never forget Him. School The Sunday School follows the curriculum provided by the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture (BCEC). The Mentorship Program Please note that registration in the Mentorship System is now a mandatory requirement for all initiation requests at ISKCON Brampton.It 1.Facilitates  and nurtures devotees aspiring for first and second Initiation.     2.One-on-One personal follow up on a regular basis. 3.Systematic training to devotees in matters of Philosophy, Sadhna, Vaishnava behavior, etiquette, Lifestyle and attitudes. To find details please click here Gift Shop Are you looking for some amazing gift items which are less expensive and more beautiful for your loved ones for festivals or many other occasions?? Our boutique is stocked with an excellent range of products, perfect for gifts or as souvenirs of your visit. It offers textiles, jewellery, incense, devotional articles, musical instruments, books, and CDs inspired by Indian culture.We're open on all Sundays and celebrations marked in our annual calendar.

Speaking on the offenses against the holy name, Srila Prabhupada said, “‘To become inattentive while chanting the holy name.’ Sravanam kirtanam: hearing and chanting. One has to hear nicely, and if he hears nicely, then he can speak nicely. But we must practice hearing . . . So many times this chanting, it is not so nice, it’s slurred, it’s unclear. No. We are not trying to be fast. We want to hear, and we should worship the holy name when we utter it. We should worship the holy name. So, we should be attentive, because it’s Krishna, the Supreme Person, we are addressing—no one less. So we should be conscious of that holy name on our lips and hear as carefully as we can.”

I pray to have even a glimmer of such realization.

Hare Krishna.

—Giriraj Swami

 

Three undisputed facts of humanity’s complex existence. But what is to come before and after these things, and why? An ancient philosophy could help us live more harmoniusly in the modern world.

By Satsvarupa Das Gosvami

The Krishna conscious gifts Srila Prabhupada brought to the West are for everyone. Srila Prabhupada left us with a dynamic legacy in his books, through his devotees, in the development of his communities, and in his teachings of how to expertly apply Krishna consciousness of his communities, and in his teachings of how to expertly apply Krishna consciousness in every situation. If we simply use our intelligence to claim our relationship with Prabhupada by practicing Krishna consciousness in the mood in which he taught it, we will inherit the most wonderful relationship with Krishna's pure devotee, Srila Prabhupada. Service in separation for Prabhupada's disciples was undoubtedly a fact. Otherwise, now that they were without his personal presence, how would they be able to sustain themselves in spiritual life? The fact that they could continue as before, increase their feelings of devotion, and increase their serving capacity, meant that Srila Prabhupada was still very much with them. Continue reading "How all generations can stay with Srila Prabhupada
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Music by Gadabhrit Das (Gabor Gaspar), song performed by Anjavati Dasi (Hungary). 

Discourse, November 10th in Vraja.

Maggie the gentle horse.
Last weekend I visited some devotee friends in Big Sur, a very natural, scenic area along the coast of California. My hosts, Yamuna Dasi and Todd, who are local residents, took me for a walk one day up a hillside trail. Along the way, a friendly and gentle horse named, Maggie, joined us.
Maggie lives in a stable nearby Yamuna and Todd’s home; but during the day, she wanders about the wide-open countryside, grazing.
After meeting up with us, Maggie followed us wherever we went.

Temptation to watch movies.
Question: I am an initiated devotee and stay away from my shiksha guru as well as diksha guru. I attend local chapter of the ISKCON temple thrice a week and participate in the activities of the temple. My (including my wife) daily routine of activities are as per ISKCON guidance. We get up at 3.30am, mangala arti at 4.30am, chant 16 rounds by 8am and listen bhagavatam lectures, take prasadam etc in the house for 4 days, 3 days in the temple. I chant 32 rounds of japa daily and my wife 20 rounds.
The Problem is: even after practising this for many years, i am tempted to see famous movies and mythological serials. Can you please explain why this happens and suggest remedial measures for avoiding these attractions.
Answer by Romapada Swami.
Why ~

Persistent sense gratification tendencies are due to residual impurities of heart, intermittent contact with the mode of passion, and one’s prior tendencies/bad habits resurfacing. There are certain remedial measures you can take to avoid these attractions:

What to do ~

BG 10.11 directly address this question. “The darkness born of ignorance” is precisely this: residual tendencies to indulge the senses in sense objects, in the mood of trying to enjoy. Krishna alone can lift one from this tendency.

The same understanding is found in Kapiladeva’s teachings: the power of bhakti is so great that it has the power to dissolve false ego, the very covering that keeps us within the sphere of fruitive activities and sense gratification.

Here are some practical steps to consider.

1. When the urge or the push for watching movies and serials come, engage yourself in some devotional activity such as reading, chanting, hearing lectures, etc. One should tolerate the urge to turn on the TV/computer to watch movies. Every time and as soon as you catch yourself caught in this temptation, just shift your consciousness to a mood of service towards Krishna. Then re-instate your devotional practices with ENTHUSIASM, DETERMINATION AND PATIENCE. You have to do this as many times as it is required, with courage and patience towards yourself and with a mood of loving service towards guru and Krishna. There is no short-cut to this.

Understand that this unsteady tendency is a given in the early stages of bhakti and the only way to get past this is by continuing to try, try and try again. When we endeavor sincerely like that, we attract Krishna’s mercy, who then kindly pulls us out of this anartha.

2. Seek out the help of an advanced devotee during such times. It can be a simple phone call to such a devotee and sharing your feelings.

3. Strive ceaselessly for attentiveness while chanting. Conversely, make sure your chanting is not becoming mechanical. Srila Prabhupada mentions that one should engage one’s mind in hearing one’s chanting.

4. Also one can pray to Krishna sincerely to help remove this unwanted desire from one’s heart.

5. Seek the association of advanced devotees and serve them sincerely. By doing so, by their blessings, the anarthas/unwanted desires from one’s heart gradually vanish.

New Year’s Harinama in Sydney (Album with photos)
Ramai Swami: Most people take their holidays between Christmas and New Year’s and like to go downtown for shopping or go to the beach and other areas.
Hare Krishna devotees take advantage of this opportunity to increase Harinama Samkirtan and book distribution.
Govindas Asrama devotees in Sydney went out a number of times during this period and especially on New Year’s Eve they had a Maha Harinama to the delight of ten’s of thousands of spectators.
I was fortunate enough to be able to join them.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/KqtSGM

“As good as God!”
Kadamba Kanana Swami: When I approached my spiritual master for initiation, he said, “Hmmm, as good as God, are you prepared to accept that?” And I thought, “Umm, well, I don’t know…” but I just said yes with a weak voice because it is not so simple to accept the spiritual master as good as God. But this is Krsna’s standard so what can we say. So somehow, gradually we must bring the guru-disciple relationship to that point. For me, it was not so easy because I had been initiated before and that relationship did not work – the spiritual master did not maintain spiritual standards and then to try to get into the mood of being a disciple again was a little difficult.

At that time, I was the temple president in Vrindavan, one of the big international headquarters of Iskcon. People would salute me as I would walk by and offer pranams (respectful hand gesture)! Half the town would come and offer respects, what to speak of devotees in the temple. And suddenly, I had to sit in a yajna again with the new bhaktas, remove my brahmin thread and sit down there and be initiated!

So I had a complete identity crisis to tell you the truth! At that time I felt somewhat awkward but my spiritual master understood and was kind and gave me some credit in the midst of that sacrifice. He said, “I want to give him two initiations at once.” Well, that was a relief because I wasn’t sure if he was going to do that so at least I was going to get my brahmin thread back; that was something! And then he said, “In fact, I would like to give him three, I would like to give him sannyasa as well but we will have to postpone that due to the particular rules and regulations in that regard.” By then it got pretty nice but it was not easy to just sit down in the sacrifice!

But afterward, there was the whole thing of bowing down! I had to get used to it, to bow down! The scriptures say to bow down many times whenever one sees the spiritual master. That was a bit of an adjustment. Like that, I had to practice and I still have to practice in this guru-disciple relationship – to not take it casually, to not take it cheaply but to get really serious about it as a disciple and try to really act in such a way as he likes, as he would like in all situations. By now, I have some idea of what he likes and what he does not like.

So the spiritual master is always present in his instructions and following instructions does not come automatically, it takes real endeavor, but when that endeavor is made then the relationship becomes really meaningful…

Iskcon Durban breaks all records by distributing 50.000 books!
Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple, as a final offering in celebration of 50 years of ISKCON, set a goal of distributing 40.000 of Srila Prabhupada’s books during the 2016 Prabhupada Marathon. We are pleased to announce that not only did we surpass that goal but reached 50.000 books. 50.000 Books for 50 years of ISKCON! Thank you to all who helped us get there.

By Daamodara Dhananjaya Das

Just imagine, we are on one of the most happening streets of a modern and a rich city like Ahmedabad (Gujarat) on the New Year’s Eve at 11.00 pm, while the whole country is eagerly waiting for the clock to cross its 12. There’s so much rush that it is barely possible even to move and everyone is singing and dancing, on some extrinsic song of a C grade Hindi movie, at the top of their voices and wearing weird masks, projecting their true demoniac qualities within and above all, they are SEVERELY INTOXICATED. And in such an environment if we suddenly see a group of devotees; bright-faced, peaceful, joyous, smiling, singing and dancing, decently dressed in a traditional Vaishnava attire, distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books and Mahaprasadam, what could be our instant exclamation? OUT OF PLACE? NA-NA. That’s exactly what our JOB is! We are here to permeate through the most impenetrable orchestration of Maya, with the help of the weapons of Harinama, Mridanga-Karatala, Mahaprasada, Srila Prabhupada’s books and genuine CARE & LOVE towards the fallen conditioned Jagais and Madhais. And that’s exactly what His Grace Muralimohan prabhu and his group practically did. By the mercy of Lord Nityananda, they acquired the brilliant idea of jeopardising their tolerance, purity and steadfastness, to get into the herds of the wildest of the cranks, just for the sake of trying to break through the indestructible clenches of Mayadevi and to make them chant “Hare Krishna”, at least once. Continue reading "Celebrating the New Year’s Eve with Jagais and Madhais – Lord Nityananda’s Outreach
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ISKCON Ahmedabad - New Year’s Eve at CG Road (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: One should always offer to the spiritual master whatever one can. One should chant the Hare Krsna mantra at least 16 rounds daily and follow the four regulative principles then one’s life can become perfect. Always try to remember Krsna in all your activities and gradually He will help you to break free of all material attachments of life and along with your sincere desire your path back home back to godhead can be clear. One should always be sincere to please the spiritual master by following his instructions, then life is very easy. From Srila Prabhupada’s letter to: Joan Fields: – Bhaktivedanta Manor 24 July, 1976
Find them here: https://goo.gl/M553TT

By Subhananda Hari Das

Go-puja was performed for global auspiciousness in Mumbai under the auspices of ‘Om Sri Surabhi Campaign’ on 1st January 2017 at Madhav Baug Goshala, located in Lakshmi Narayan Temple compound. Located in the heart of South Mumbai, the Goshala not only provided us a break from busy city life but more importantly provided us an opportunity to serve Mother Cow and worship her. The Gir cows of the Goshala were very nicely taken care by Mr. Mahesh Yadav and family, who kindly allowed us to perform the ceremony. The program started with the Harinam, followed by Tulasi Arati. Go-Puja was performed by His Grace Prem Nimai Prabhu, founder of ‘Gopal Dham’ Project in Orissa. Continue reading "Auspicious beginning of Year 2017 with Go-Puja at Mumbai
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Moscow: freezing outside, boiling inside (Album with photos)
Bhakti Caitanya Swami: Now we’re doing a Japa Workshop in our main temple in Moscow. We’re at the lotus feet of Sri Sri Dayal Nitai Saci Suta, the presiding Deities of Moscow. They are very nice and very beautiful. Quite a few devotees are attending the Workshop, and the atmosphere is wonderful, although outside the weather is minus 23 Centigrade.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/nsliwL

By Bhakti-lata Dasi

Bhakta Joseph Galesburg: Hare Krsna Mother Bhakti-Lata, I would like to first thank you for all you have done for me. The books, magazines, encouraging words, the opportunity to correspond with Ram Tulasi dasa – everything. You have been so very helpful to me, and I cannot thank you enough. I am truly and forever blessed for having met you, and am eternally in your debt. I am doing my best to keep my thoughts, words, and actions functioning solely for our blessed Lord. I am chanting (stronger every day), studying Srila Prabhupada’s books, and ever seeking ways to engage others in Krsna Consciousness. I have given up entirely my TV (way too distracting and so distasteful), and seek my enjoyment in reading about the pastimes of Lord Krsna and Srila Prabhupada. I have also found a necessity in learning all that His Diving Grace has taught about eating a non-meat, non-violent diet. It seems that the best way to start conversations about Krsna Consciousness with others is by challenging our diet choices. Continue reading "Iskcon Prison Ministry – Guaranteed Success
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 12 November 2016, Vrindavan, India, Srimad Bhagavatam 6.18.1-8)

In an initiation ceremony, we receive the maha-mantra. So it is like those birthdays where you get a big gift, you open up the box and inside is a gift that you already have, “Oh, I already got that! I got the holy name before.” Yes, we have the holy name already as we have been chanting for a long time before initiation. But at the time of initiation, what we are receiving?

We are receiving the holy name along with the prayer of the spiritual master who has his credit with Krsna as a result of his service and his sacrifice in devotional service. Of course, whoever is initiating nowadays in parampara (disciplic succession) from Srila Prabhupada continues to initiate at sixteen rounds minimum. That we can do only because of Prabhupada’s prayer, because Prabhupada’s prayer is still standing next to us. That mercy is still there! So we should understand that what is given to us is something special.

Sometimes we find that in the marketplace of the holy name, some are buying the mantra still cheaper – only four rounds. They take some initiation for four rounds. That happens but on what strength? Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura said, “One should chant one lakh of names. Anyone who does not chant a lakh of names is fallen.” He said, “But at least four rounds, the minimum four.“  So what does this mean, the four rounds?? It was not that by chanting four rounds daily then one will go back to Godhead. With four rounds a day one is on the slow boat to China, as they say! When one is connected with the sampradaya (religious system in succession), one has begun their spiritual life. After many lifetimes eventually one will come to this level.

But here we are, sitting at the feet of AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and we are chanting sixteen rounds minimum. Not that it is forbidden to chant sixty-four rounds but at least sixteen because sixteen is a blessed number and not less, not twelve. Some people say, “Oh I cannot manage sixteen, I can manage only twelve.” Well, you are on the slow boat to China and that is not good and it may take too long! Somehow or other, one has to adjust, to increase their chanting, to cut out other things and make time. One must go to bed earlier and get up earlier. Chanting sixteen rounds makes all the difference!

It is a real honour to be asked to give class indeed I’ve found it allows the opportunity to really absorb my mind in great pastimes of the Lord and ponder the lovely purport’s of Srila Prabhupada.

As I prepared for giving one biblical verse came to mind, it was one which over the years puzzled me; but closer examination given understanding of Guru and Deity worship unlocked the mystery.

The biblical verse is found in Numbers 21 v 6-9

6 And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died
7 Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people.
8 And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole; and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live.
9 And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

Given that I had been indoctrinated into the notion of not worshiping idols this passage appeared to encourage simple idol worship; however this indoctrination meant that Deity worship and the form of Sri Krishna is rejected out of hand without any question. But my thirst to understand made me curious and a long search for the answer.

Here is my humble understanding.

Guru

Moses is the Israelites own Guru Maharaja, he is guiding and leading his followers to Gods promised land. But as we know it’s hard for many to really understand so offences are made; it was this offence that lead to the plauge of serpents.

Wise is the one who seeks out the advice of Guru and we note that intelligence is given in distress the people turned to Moses who communicated directly with Sri Krishna, by heading and following instructions precisely ones distress is relieved.

We are in the distress of material suffering, recognising it means one seeks out the Guru who can relieve this distress; our Guru Maharaja having full understanding of this condition advise and guides this strict following of the gurus instruction is required.

As is the case of the Israelites they could choose to follow Moses instruction or ignore, similarly we can choose to follow or ignore; we either continue to suffer of gain relief.

Authorised Idol (Deity)

We see that Sri Krishna gave precise instructions to Moses make thee a fiery serpent, for me the best example is Kaliya one could not get any fiery. But most importantly it was to be set on a pole, it would be useless unless it was in a high place and also that which is most prominent.

One would gain relief from suffering death from the serpents bite upon glancing at this idol, you would have to have firm faith and belief if not then simply one wouldn’t bother. With faith ones suffering was relieved.

We are suffering the pangs of material distress, so how do we gain relief?

Sri Krishna has given firm information on this, he through our Guru Maharaja has given us instructions and guidance. This is how I look and this is how you can connect and serve me.

Do I have firm faith in the Guru’s instructions and the words of Sri Krishna?

One can connect simply by chanting the names of Krishna, similarly one can connect through pray, but isn’t it more personal to see the form of Sri Krishna and to offer nicely water, flowers, food and to wash cloth and sing directly to their Lordships?

By looking directly onto the form of Sri Krishna ones material suffering is instantly cured, and we can take darshan every day.

Both instructions based on time place and circumstances, the Israelites were not ready to worship Sri Krishna directly. Indeed the biblical recollection of this time in history reports that when Moses went to receive the 10 commandments, the people became restless, and made idols and worshiped them as if they were Krishna himself; so they must have had some concept of Deity worship, but due to this offence were instructed not to worship any False Idols.

Best we make sure we don’t make the same mistake and follow instructions nicely, for Deity worship is not false idol worship but true idol worship; we idolise Sri Krishna so much so that our meditation is always upon him, this way we return home in this lifetime as promised by Srila Prabhupada

Anything that doesn’t achieve this is false Idol, anything that prevents us from achieving the perfection in life

This is my basic understanding
Hare Krishna

With a sudden boom of new Krishna conscious farm projects in Central Canada, their leaders gathered to discuss how they could collaborate with each other at the first ever Central Canada Farm Conference on December 17^th. Canadian GBC Bhaktimarga Swami and farmer Sukhayanti Dasi brought together twenty-six devotees from seven agrarian projects across Southern Ontario and Quebec for the conference, which took place at the King Edward Park Community Centre in Brighton, Ontario.