Srila Prabhupada’s Concluding Words
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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…
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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…
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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

Gita 11.38 Knowledge of the Absolute helps us see how the things we know manifest the one we need to ultimately know
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Gita verse-by-verse Podcast


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Let life give new eyes to see old relationships – Wisdom on Wisdom 7
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Podcast


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Pain is new for the sufferer, old for the observer – Wisdom on Wisdom 5
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Podcast


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True reformation is the reformation of our heart
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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

Just in case we might forget
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(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!

New Book “Avatar Art” Gives Public a Window into the Spiritual World
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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.

Sunday Love Feast – January 8th,2017 – 11:00am to 2:00pm
→ ISKCON Brampton

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
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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 Dasadharandev58@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.

Worshiping the Holy Name with Attention
Giriraj Swami

Speaking on the prabhupada-chanting-on-devotees-beadsoffenses 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

 

Wednesday, January 4th, 2017
→ The Walking Monk

Russell, Ontario

With Kids and Parents

I landed at the Ottawa Airport and my eyes opened to a wonderland of white.  The ground, and each and every tree limb and branch were prettied by that soft, crystally’ snow.  After days of meltdown, and rain washing the pile-ups away, the snow now returned with a fresh layer.

I tell people I don’t mind the changes of seasons.  People are quick to condemn winter because driving, and even trekking, becomes somewhat restrictive.  My take on that is “reducing speed ain’t a bad thing.”

On the topic of speed, I was graciously hosted by Krishna Dulal and Vraja Bhumi, who run a school for Vaishnava children, and it being their holidays, a slew of fast-moving, fidgety kids were assembled in front of me.  Itwould have been good to know beforehand who my audience was, because when I saw the darlings before me, I knew I had to adjust my sails.

Krishna Dulal had expressed a desire for a mid-day ‘program’ and now I got to realize who the listeners would be.  Now, I love kids, and it’s a pleasure when parents are right behind them.  I’m tested by circumstance to see how much I can hold their attention, which could be not at all.  Story-telling, goofy and not so goofy moments, and helping them to follow along with chanting at different volumes and tones is what I occupied them with.  We implemented interactive-ness.

I know the Montessori method, which the school adheres to,encourages repetition of actions, and thatwe did. But I find introducing something fresh and new to a presentation also keeps everything lively and holds the interest.

Despite my methodology, I couldn’t succeed one hundred per cent in harnessing the senses of the little ones.  Essentially, they did have a good time hearing about Prince Dhruva, chanting with some frivolity, and acting out demonstrations of bhakti (devotional behaviour).

May the Source be with you!


0 km

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017
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Hastings, Ontario

The Need to be in the Country
  
There is nothing that beats going to the countryside, and better still, hanging out with a family of bulls and cows.  A small troupe of us made the drive to Govardhana Farms for the experiential slowing-down of things.  Fil and Sukayanti, a hard-working, serious couple, determined to make rural life work, hosted us for the lunch of the year, with their “beyond organic” tomatoes from their September harvest.  With the tomatoes, we had a reincarnated spicy, piping hot soup.

The couple’s darling twin daughters are up and walking after a year of human laps, floors and bed surfaces to offer them support.  The herd of thirteen bovines, plus looking after each other and the twins, is quite the load.  They are country bumpkins to a certain extent, but with the added sophistication of chanting and overall divine outlook.  Their spiritual life means a lot to them.  They rise early for daily mediations on the mantra before braving the chores.

We met Dr. Walsh, the local veterinarian, who paid a visit to nurse one of the bulls, sick with pneumonia.  The barn is a sure shelter for the guy and the rest of the group, comprised of Holsteins, Jerseys and more.

We stepped into plenty of plops; generous droppings of antiseptic substance.  Overall, our connection with these huge mammals offered us a fine form of therapy.  Rubbing the flabby skin under their necks is the fun and comfort they deserve.

Recently, someone in the city asked me, “What’s with the cows in your tradition?”—alluding to why they are so revered.

“One reason,” I said, “is, being in their company forces you to slow down.”

May the Source be with you!


7 km

Monday, January 2nd, 2017
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Brampton, Ontario

Use or Lose


Gopal is a new student from India,who, in a matter of days, will enroll in and attend Centennial College.  He’s an expert mrdungadrummer.  I took him for his first-time-ever serious walk through Rosedale, just after a frenzied session in the kitchen.

Both of us assisted Subuddhi with her expert cooking, in an attempt to meet the demands of a glorious turnout of Govinda’s clientele.  Being still the holidays, a host of people decided to make Govinda’s their vegetarian destination for the evening, and all Gopal and I thought of was, “Help!” when the opportunity arose.  A stream of prasadam (sacred food) thus went from kitchen to dinner tables.

Many things get accomplished under pressure.  Our servers were pleased.  What can be said of team-work!

Gopal also accompanied me earlier on, along with Dhira, to a house warming in Brampton.  A family had moved into a new house in an area of urban sprawl.  Thisevent entailed a talk, a chant and a bite to eat.  As mentioned before, Gopal is good on the drum.  His flick of the wrist, on the two mrdunga drum heads, moves at such speed that it’s hard to detect a hand at the end of the arm.  Kirtanwas really enjoyed.

In the course of our ‘dark’ walk (meaning at night),I mentioned to him, “If you keep up your playing, you’ll always be expert.”  To which he responded, if walking is minimized in your life, you’ll even find our seven kilometre walk a burden.  This simple reminder of ‘losing it if you stop using it’ is hard-core reality, lest we forget that practice makes perfect.

Perhaps ‘perfect’ is a bit of an extreme word reserved for Bhagavan(God).  ‘Expert’ might do.

In any event, Gopal, teach your art to others.

May the Source be with you!


7 km

Sunday, January 1st, 2017
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Toronto, Ontario

New Year’s Bash, Krishna Style
  
When the pictures on the wall hang crooked in the main temple room at our ashram, it simply means a big crowd occupied the space the night before.  Yes indeed, it was an attendance much like Janmasthami (Krishna’s Birthday).  Packed.  The pictures had swivelled.

How people find parking isa puzzle in my mind!  Parking is quite congested in the residential area we are in.  It does go to show something.  The festivals we pull off are quite attractive, even New Year’s.  In one way, we have transcendentalized New Year’s, and put a spiritual spin on it all.

How is that done?

Opening the year 2017, like any other, must have some features which draw the crowds.  First of all, the children from the community put on a marvelous presentation of a Krishna-centric nature.  Let’s face it, whatever kids do, it always melts hearts.  Secondly, a new drama was under the lights and on the stage.  Yes, the production “Mr. Puri,” scripted and directed by Yours Truly, was a devotional offering by cast and crew, highlighting the life of Saint Madhavendra Puri.  Lastly, excellent kirtan, led by godbrother Gaura and back-up drum enthusiasts,had the place on fire.

Honourable mention must go to the prasadam (sacred food), and charmer, Kevala Bhakti, the Emcee for the night.

In conclusion, New Year’s can easily be passed off as a mundane event (turkeys, booze and such) but if you allow spiritual rays to enter the mundane,then it all becomes highly spiritualized, taking on a new meaning.

May the Source be with you!


0 km

Saturday, December 31st, 2016
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Toronto, Ontario

Culture of Confusion?
  
I decided to trek to City Hall for the New Year’s countdown while other enthusiasts from our community took the subway transit.  To gain access to the town’s city hall, you more or less have to walk several city blocks,as police have cordoned off areas to address the converging crowds.  No cars allowed.  I like that.

I arrived, before the rest of the crew, at the front of the Old City Hall, the usual rendezvous location for our kirtan.  Walking often gets you to places more directly and speedily in urban areas.

Now, it was five minutes to midnight, and all the kirtan chanters, our crew, showed up with marching-band drums, kartals(hand symbols) and harmonium.  Immediately, the head mic was handed to me.  I was to lead the chant.  And it was just before countdown.

At the New City Hall, right next door to us, the rock band playing completed their number.  There was a big surge of “Happy New Year” frenzy, and then the crowd dispersed, most of it ending up at our chanting spot.  It seems we’ve outgrown ourevent within the event.  Our speaker system, mics and so forth, don’t provide the “boom” there should be to throw out a broad net of happiness to the masses.  But police are usually content with our presence, and the chanting offers a peaceful moderating effect to the New Year’s hype.

One thing present is the overwhelming scent of marijuana in the air.  I find it interesting that so much research has been put into the successful campaign to discourage tobacco smoking.  Now, we are at the dawn of legalizing pot, and it seems odd that a new, and harmful-enough version of smoking will be lit up.

“A culture of confusion,” I would say.

May the Source be with you!


7 km

How all generations can stay with Srila Prabhupada
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Hare KrishnaBy 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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Maggie the gentle horse.Last weekend I visited some devotee…
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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…
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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:…
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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…
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“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…
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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.

Celebrating the New Year’s Eve with Jagais and Madhais – Lord Nityananda’s Outreach
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Hare KrishnaBy 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…
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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

Auspicious beginning of Year 2017 with Go-Puja at Mumbai
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Hare KrishnaBy 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…
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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

Iskcon Prison Ministry – Guaranteed Success
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Hare KrishnaBy 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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Gita 11.37 God in this world is like an author in a book – the cause outside the cause-effect chain
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Gita verse-by-verse Podcast


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The post Gita 11.37 God in this world is like an author in a book – the cause outside the cause-effect chain appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

ISKCON Scarborough – Upcoming seminar “Karma, destiny, free will, and reincarnation”
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Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

We are very happy to inform you that the Seminar titled “Karma, destiny, free will, and reincarnation” is confirmed to be held at ISKCON Scarborough on Saturday - 14th Jan 2017.

You will get the answers to the following questions and much more when you attend the seminar on 14th Jan 2017:

  • Is Karma real or does anything happen by chance? 
  • If Karma is real what role does free will play? 
  • If one's Karmic reaction is to meet with an accident, can prayers change the impending reaction? 
  • Is reincarnation real and what is the evidence? 
  • If reincarnation is real can we control the birth we want or is it predestined for us? 

World renowned teacher, author of several books, and personal mentor and guide to tens of thousands in over 100 countries, His Grace Sriman Sankarshan Das Adhikari explores and makes knowledge from the ancient Vedic scriptures relevant to us in modern times.


Together with his wife and teaching partner, Her Grace Vishnupriya Devi Dasi, travelling the globe multiple times every year, he brings the purity of an ancient tradition, but makes it easily accessible and applicable, and lays out a clear process to escape the clutches of karmic bondage.


Sharing the deepest spiritual insights and practices through his famous Ultimate Self Realization Course (www.ultimateselfrealization.com), a combination of email education (see www.joincourse.com), live classes over the Internet, and in-person live classes, seminars, workshops, all delivered lovingly as a service to humanity, without any barriers of fees or commercial exchanges. For an archive of his teachings, see www.sda-archives.com.


HG Sriman Sankarshan das Adhikari prabhu has conducted 5 fascinating seminars at ISKCON Scarborough in the past which had changed many devotee’s lives:
  • Nectar of Devotion - 2012 
  • Present day Paramahamsa - 2013 
  • Stop worrying- start living - 2014 
  • Bhagavad Gita is for everyone - 2015 
  • Progress in Krsnsa consciousness - 2016 

Here are the details about the upcoming seminar:


Facilitator: HG Sriman Sankarshan das Adhikari prabhu
When: Saturday, 14th January 2017 from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM (EST)
Where: ISKCON Scarborough - 3500 McNicoll Drive. Unit #3. Toronto, Ontario , M1V4C7 , Canada
Cost: Free to attend
Prasadam: Sumptuous free breakfast & lunch prasadam (sanctified food) will be served after the seminar.


Please take a moment to complete the simple registration by clicking the link below.This will assist us in serving you better on the day of the seminar.

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/karma-destiny-free-will-and-reincarnation-tickets-30592766789

We warmly welcome you to join us at ISKCON Scarborough on January 14th 2017 for this wonderful seminar.


ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough,Ontario,
Canada,M1V4C7

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com

website:
www.iskconscarborough.com

Here are some youtube links to the seminars conducted by HG Sriman Sankarshan das Adhikari prabhu at ISKCON Scarborough :




Sixteen – a blessed number!
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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!

Is Deity worship the worship of a false Idol? A thought
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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

Members of Krishna Farm Boom in Canada Meet to Collaborate
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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 17th. 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.