2016 Mayapur Chandra’s Parikrama
→ Mayapur.com

“A full twelve hours of pure unalloyed Krsna Consciousness.” – (Shatadhanya Prabhu) “How can I ever have a favourite part? The kirtans are fantastic, there is so much senior association, all the devotees want to serve, the management is par excellent, the prasad is delicious, and the Dham is so beautiful! Still hearing from the […]

The post 2016 Mayapur Chandra’s Parikrama appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Visakha Dasi’s Honest New Memoir Brings Mainstream Readers on a Spiritual Journey
→ ISKCON News

In a sea of inspiring memoirs by ISKCON devotees about Srila Prabhupada and coming to Krishna consciousness, Visakha Dasi’s new book is unique because it’s aimed not internally but at a broad mainstream audience. “The book starts where I started, which was entirely materialistic life, and then goes gradually through the experiences and thoughts that I went through, with the hope that readers will come with me each step of the way,” she says. “Then, even if they don’t agree with my conclusion, they can understand it.”

Conclude ISKCON 50 with an Overlay on Your Facebook Picture
→ ISKCON News

“We have seen several successful social media campaigns such as Digital India and the Paris solidarity movement after the bombings when people overlaid their profile pictures with a flag,” explained Toshan Nimai Das. “Similarly, we have designed an overlay using the ISKCON 50 logo, which devotees around the world can use on top of their existing profile pictures. This way, we can build more awareness about ISKCON 50 through social media.”

Watering the Seed in Hindi
Giriraj Swami

grs-presenting-hindi-wts-to-srila-prabhupadaTwo copies of the Hindi edition of Watering the Seed just arrived from India, and we offered them to our deity of Srila Prabhupada here in Carpinteria. The volume appears very nice, and I am indebted to Radha Charan, Charan Renu, Dhananjaya Krishna, Radha Priya, Hari Priya, and all the other friends and devotees who worked to bring the project to fruition. And I must also acknowledge Kalachandji, Visakha Priya, Varsabhanavi, Nikunja Vilasini, Mayapriya, and all the others who helped with the English edition. I pray that Srila Prabhupada will continue to inspire them in Krishna consciousness and that this Hindi edition will serve to bring many souls closer to Srila Prabhupada and his beloved lords, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Sri Krishna.

—Giriraj Swami

Special Hare Krishna Christmas Love Feast – December 25th,2016 -11:00am – 2:00pm
→ ISKCON Brampton
Have a safe & blissful Weekend!

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

When?
Sunday,Dec 25,2016
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
Hare Krishna Christmas 
Celebration on Dec 25th,2016(11am-2pm)

*Bhakta Santa will bring gifts for all kids upto 16 years of age(Please do register your kid/kids with Sunday School)

*Special Christmas Darshan of Sri Radha Giridhari
(Scroll down for Sunday Schools contacts)
 
Saphala Ekadasi
Fasting.....................on Sat Dec 24,2016
Breakfast................. on Sun Dec 25 ,2016 b/w 7.50am-10.48am
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 between 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:
Rasaraj Dasa-rajrushika@yahoo.com/ 647.887.5736(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.
 

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

Tuesday, December 20th, 2016
→ The Walking Monk

Regina, Saskatchewan 

Reincarnation Forever


The way I see it, each day we reincarnate.  Each day, we enter a new sphere or a different zone.  Our soul, which is encased in this body,will travel from one room to the next within the comfort of our home.  We may move from one building to another on the campus, or we can mobilize ourselves from one street to another; adjust to different neighborhoods, cities or nations.  We transfer ourselves all the time.  We transmigrate.

I was moving (rather my body was moving) my soul from one trail to another by leg power.  I was not exactly groping in the dark, as there were enough street lights to assist my eyes when coming to a juncture in the road.  As usual, I trek in the early morning when it’s dark.  I kept eyes peeled for the sign that read “Trans Canada Trail.”  I didn’t know the trail makes its way through White City.

Frankly, I was left confused.  Good signage for the Trans Canada goes on for a while until you come to this T in the trail.  I was left puzzled.  No sign.  Where to go?

Without direction, it becomes hard to move, yet I must make a decision to transmigrate.  You can’t be at a standstill.  You’ll freeze to death.  But if you die from frost, still you’ll move.  At least your soul will find no comfort in a frozen body.  The “Gita” informs us we’ll be transported to a new body.

Within the last twenty-four hours, I have succeeded in my soul’s moving to different homes to conduct sangas (spiritual gatherings).  Everyone is always travelling.  Watch where you go!

May the Source be with you!


7 km

Monday, December 19th, 2016
→ The Walking Monk

Regina, Saskatchewan

Days are Short 

Days are short.  Nighttime seems forever.  That doesn’t bother the huge white hares—sometimes referred to as snow bunnies—who bounce around in the dark.

I’m walking and they are moving with speed.  I’m chanting softly with beads in right hand, but the bunnies are silent.  How many?  Hard to tell.  Half a dozen?  One pops up here and then disappears within the darkness of pre-dawn and camouflages with the snow.  Then another repeats the same action coming from a different direction.

They are surreal, but the only sign of life—so it seems—in what is the area of White City.  It’s not clear about the origin of the town’s name.  Apparently, it has nothing to do with snow.  But I’ve gotten to know the place, somewhat.  It’s primarily a commuter bedroom community of Regina.  The name also has nothing to do with racial colour.

As I was trekking over low levels of snow, I recalled how, at least on two occasions, the police from White City came to see what I was up to.  This was not long after 9/11 and the collapse of New York’s Twin Towers.

I explained, “I’m a monk, a Krishna monk.  I’m hosted by residents here.  Jai Ram is a home owner and he is a local palm reader.  I’m rather harmless.”  I was good to go.

When Jai heard of this he was upset and complained to the mayor who responded by visiting him.  The mayor offered an apology and wanted to let us know that White City is a good place.  “Not pure,” but good.  He also mentioned that in earlier years, he was in a rock band with Don Gotteil, a.k.a. Dharmaprana, a Krishna monk currently living in the Toronto temple.  Small world.

I kept walking the trails and streets of White City after the incident, and the mayor, while driving, noticed me.

“Anyone harass you lately?”

“No! Thanks!  I’m fine.”

May the Source be with you!


7 km

Srila Prabhupada Book Review Contest’ for 2,500 School Students by Iskcon Miraroad
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Krishna Nandan Das & Bhagavati Kripa Devi Dasi

As an offering for ISKCON 50 and for the pleasure of Guru & Gauranga, teachers of NICE (Narasimha Institute for Children’s Education) decided to conduct ‘Srila Prabhupada Book Review Contest’ in the schools as an interschool competition. The main aim of this contest was to introduce Srila Prabhupada to as many students as possible. Execution: The teachers of NICE approached 90 schools for this project. We presented this project to the Principal of the school with a file containing a letter, a booklet that described Srila Prabhupada and his achievements, a Question Bank consisting of 100 questions based on this booklet (question bank was prepared by H.G. Kamal Lochan Prabhu). Here the questionnaire was of the objective type. This contest should ideally be conducted in school premises itself, depending on the convenience of school authorities. The students from std. 4th to 6th formed the junior section and students from 7th to 9th, the senior section. Continue reading "Srila Prabhupada Book Review Contest’ for 2,500 School Students by Iskcon Miraroad
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Srila Prabhupada and Moon Landings
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Sitalatma das​

The subject of Moon landings has been contentious for devotees since forever and it is often cited as a reason to accuse us of shutting down our intelligence and blindly following gurus, or, even worse, as a reason to attack Śrīla Prabhupāda's integrity. The fact that we don't have an official position on it doesn't help either, leaving each one of us to our own devices. There must be devotees who made their peace with it and take one of Prabhupāda's explanations as a shared truth between them and can't care less what the rest of the world thinks about it. Intruding into these personal relationships would be inappropriate. Yet there are also devotees who simply don't know what to say and try to avoid the topic if it comes up or blurt out the first thing that comes to their minds. One such strategy is to compare Prabhupāda's Moon statements with the bulk of his spiritual message and declare them insignificant. This is a tacit admission that Prabhupāda was wrong. There are also devotees who go into Moon landing conspiracy and continue arguing that it was a hoax, often coupled with arguments that the Earth is really flat and NASA has been lying to people about every aspect of their programs and all other world space agencies and governments are in on it. This makes for a lively debate but also makes them look insane in the eyes of many. Continue reading "Srila Prabhupada and Moon Landings
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2016 Dwaraka Yatra
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Romapada Swami

The mood and the importance of visiting Dwaraka. Connection Between South India Yatra And Dwaraka Yatra. Krsna Establishes The Dwaraka Fort and Mira Bai. Rukmini's letter, Kidnap and Marriage with Krsna. Rukmini's Marriage (Contd.) Krsna Marries The 5 Princesses. Satyabhama, Parijata tree and the Story Of The Syamantaka Jewel. Narada Muni's visit, Krsna's daily activities, deliverance of King Nrga. Siva Tattva. Talks between Krsna and Rukmini. Jambavan, Jamabavathi. Sudama Lila. Pastimes of Gopi Talav. Disappearance of Yadu Dynasty. Arjuna Marries Subadra, Pastimes of Narsi Mehta. Disappearance pastime of Krsna and Balaram. Teachings of Lord Siva. Raivata Mountain - Balaram marries Revati, kills Dvivida. Pastimes of Ranchod rai, Killing of Jarasanda, Sisupal. Lord Kapila Deva Teachings, Sadhu Sangastaka. Continue reading "2016 Dwaraka Yatra
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Austerity as a stepping stone. Kadamba Kanana Swami: Austerity…
→ Dandavats



Austerity as a stepping stone.
Kadamba Kanana Swami: Austerity in itself is not a limb of bhakti. Bhakti has sixty-four limbs; this means that there are sixty-four types of activities which give us bhakti but austerity is not amongst them.
However, austerity is glorified in the scripture that by performing sacrifice, by giving in charity and by engaging in austerity even saintly men are being purified. So in this sense, austerity is held in high esteem in the scripture. It is also said, nayam deho deha-bhajam nrloke, kastan kaman arhate vid-bhujam ye, tapo divyam putraka yena sattvam, suddhyed yasmad brahma-saukhyam tv anantam (Srimad Bhagavatam 5.5.1). This is where Maharaj Rsabhadeva is speaking to his one hundred sons and instructing them about spiritual life. He says that this human form of life is not meant for sense gratification; this human form of life is meant for penances and austerities so that one may reach the transcendental state of happiness which is beyond the three modes of material nature.

Like this, austerity is glorified in the scripture but austerity is a preliminary – austerity gives us strength to practice bhakti but austerity in itself is not spiritual. A lack of austerity may make us weak in our determination. So a certain amount of austerity is required as a preliminarily activity to get some basic determination because in the initial stages of devotional service we are acting in the mode of goodness; we are not yet transcendental; we are in a transcendental process but we ourselves are not transcendental. Therefore we are trying to fix ourselves in the mode of goodness. This is the interim stage of devotional service. Then, as we get more and more advanced, eventually we will come to a transcendental stage.

Recipe for vegetarian “Christmas Cookies” (15 min. video)
→ Dandavats



Recipe for vegetarian “Christmas Cookies” (15 min video)
Baking is as much a Christmas tradition as stockings and carols. Fill your home with Krishna conscious Christmas spirit – and sweet-smelling desserts – with our favorite cookie recipe.
Bring holiday cheer into your home with these fun and beautiful sugar cookies.

(This post has been viewed 724 times so far)

NASN November 2016 – North American Sankirtan Newsletter
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Hare KrishnaBy Mayapur Sasi dasa

For the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada this report contains the following North American results of book distribution for the month of November 2016. North American Totals, Monthly Temples, Monthly Weekend Warriors. Monthly Top 100 Individuals, Monthly Top 5, Cumulative Countries, Cumulative Temples, Cumulative Top 100 Individuals, Cumulative Top 5 Continue reading "NASN November 2016 – North American Sankirtan Newsletter
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Marathon book distribution in UK reaches 125.000 books…
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Marathon book distribution in UK reaches 125.000 books distributed so far (Album with photos)
Sutapa das: I am with the traveling team in Manchester - after a gruelling month there is physical weakness, mental tiredness, and even the vehicles are feeling it (yesterday the sankirtan van broke down). But with some spiritual energy everyone pushes on… between 4 devotees nearly all the books were distributed. Amazing day, amazing people, amazing interactions… we wish it could go on and on…
Manor has reached 100,000 registered books (actual estimate is around 125,000!). Its a mammoth effort. The Hay barn, which is the temporary marathon storage, is gradually emptying out. Its a satisfying sight.
Last few days to contribute something to the “final offering”.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/IeqVZ3

Joy of Krishna Consciousness (8 min video) Srila Prabhupada: If…
→ Dandavats



Joy of Krishna Consciousness (8 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: If there is some discrepancy anywhere, some non-cooperation, fighting, or if the work is slow or not to the standard, it is to be supposed that the person or persons in charge are not very much attached to Krishna. That means they will discriminate: my engagement is not good, other’s engagement is good, like that. They do not know the secret of surrendering to Krishna. Such surrendered devotee sees that everything is part of Krishna’s plan, that whatever is meant to be, I am doing that, so let me do it with my full attention to every detail, let me become absorbed in such service, never mind what it is, but let all other considerations be forgotten and only my desire to do the thing best for Krishna’s alone pleasure be my motive. That is advanced stage of understanding devotional service or Krishna Consciousness. From Srila Prabhupada’s letter to: Jayapataka – Bombay 19 December, 1972
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/8nrsLk

Austerity as a stepping stone
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 2008, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Lecture)


Austerity in itself is not a limb of bhakti. Bhakti has sixty-four limbs; this means that there are sixty-four types of activities which give us bhakti but austerity is not amongst them.

However, austerity is glorified in the scripture that by performing sacrifice, by giving in charity and by engaging in austerity even saintly men are being purified. So in this sense, austerity is held in high esteem in the scripture. It is also said, nayam deho deha-bhajam nrloke, kastan kaman arhate vid-bhujam ye, tapo divyam putraka yena sattvam, suddhyed yasmad brahma-saukhyam tv anantam (Srimad Bhagavatam 5.5.1). This is where Maharaj Rsabhadeva is speaking to his one hundred sons and instructing them about spiritual life. He says that this human form of life is not meant for sense gratification; this human form of life is meant for penances and austerities so that one may reach the transcendental state of happiness which is beyond the three modes of material nature.

Like this, austerity is glorified in the scripture but austerity is a preliminary – austerity gives us strength to practice bhakti but austerity in itself is not spiritual. A lack of austerity may make us weak in our determination. So a certain amount of austerity is required as a preliminarily activity to get some basic determination because in the initial stages of devotional service we are acting in the mode of goodness; we are not yet transcendental; we are in a transcendental process but we ourselves are not transcendental. Therefore we are trying to fix ourselves in the mode of goodness. This is the interim stage of devotional service. Then, as we get more and more advanced, eventually we will come to a transcendental stage.

Chief Minister Awards FFLV. We are pleased to inform you that on…
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Chief Minister Awards FFLV.
We are pleased to inform you that on the 14th of December 2016, our founder Rupa Raghunath Das, on behalf of Food for Life Vrindavan received the Swayam Award 2016. The award was given by the honorable CM of Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Akhilesh Yadav. The award ceremony was organized by Gaon Connection Foundation.
It is noteworthy that out of a total of 650 nominations, Food for Life Vrindavan was amongst the top ten selected organizations. The award has been given to the those that have been working at the grassroots of the society to bring a positive change. The CM said that such organizations inspire others also to work towards the betterment of the society.
Food for Life Vrindavan has been working in the field of girl education, women empowerment and social development for the past 25 years. Currently we have 3 schools that are providing free education, transport & meals to 1300 girls. We also have other projects such as skill training, organic farm, medical camps, free meal distribution, water projects etc. FFLV is honoured to receive this award and it has given us great encouragement. We hope to doing more and more work in this direction in the years to come.

Rathayatra in Calles Principales De Pereira, Colombia (Album…
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Rathayatra in Calles Principales De Pereira, Colombia (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: When Lord Caitanya asked Ramananda Raya what is the most painful experience in human society, Ramananda Raya replied that separation from a pure devotee is the most painful experience. In other words, when there is no devotee of the Lord present, there is great suffering in society, and association with other people becomes painful. In Srimad-Bhagavatam (3.30.6–7) it is stated that if one who is bereft of the association of a pure devotee tries to become happy through society, friendship and love devoid of Krsna consciousness, he is to be considered in the most distressed condition. In the Brhad-bhagavatamrta (1.5.54) it is stated that the association of a pure devotee is more desirable than life itself and that in separation from him one cannot pass even a second happily. From “The Teachings of Lord Caitanya” by Srila Prabhupada
Find them here: https://goo.gl/2UOaAs

Learning Deity worship in Mayapur Academy (Album with…
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Learning Deity worship in Mayapur Academy (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: When there is krsna-kirtana, people, all classes of people, become very much pleased, and they join. As soon as your kirtana will be pure sankirtana, not artificial, not professional… There are many professional dancer. That will not attract. But even if you do not know the art of dancing, if you simply dance in ecstasy for Krsna’s love, that will be appreciated by everyone. That will be appreciated by everyone. Krsnot-kirtana-gana-nartana-parau. These are the art. From Srila Prabhupada’s lecture on The Nectar of Devotion – January 8, 1973, Bombay
Find them here: https://goo.gl/2s6KGF

Radha Govinda Temple Puncak
→ Ramai Swami

Our Radha Govinda temple at Puncak, in the hills outside of Jakarta, has a growing devotee community. This includes quite a few children of devotee families.

Besides the beautiful deities, temple, asrama and guest house, there’s a small goshala at the back with three cows and one calf.

The devotees also grow a variety of vegetables and fruits, including huge jackfruits.

Devotees provide hot, fresh meals for the community
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Hare KrishnaBy Nameera Sarjoo

The Hare Krishna Movement distributed food, drinks and sweet parcels in the Ladysmith community on Saturday morning. They went out to different areas to hand out fresh, hot food and juices. The recipients were extremely grateful for the devotees’ kind gesture, saying that it really touched their hearts and lifted their spirits. The friendly team also took some time to mingle with the people, making it a special day for all. This ‘Food for Life’ programme was initially started by His Divine Grace AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. It is a worldwide initiative that continues on a daily basis. Ladysmith’s ‘Food for Life’ provides this service once a month to the community and surrounding areas. The members of the Hare Krishna Movement wish to place on record their sincere appreciation to all the donors and well-wishers. Continue reading "Devotees provide hot, fresh meals for the community
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Chaos in Russia as the new “anti-missionary” low is used arbitrarily to restrict the Hare Krishna movement
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Hare KrishnaBy Victoria Arnold, Forum 18

Report published yesterday, 20 December 2016. Before Puchkov's conviction, Frolov told Forum 18 on 7 December that his client had been playing an Indian drum in the procession and had not spoken to anyone. Video footage of the event, seen by the court, showed people only singing Vedic mantras, not engaging in conversation with passers-by and not distributing literature. "No words were used apart from Hare, Krishna, Rama," Frolov insisted. "This was a public act of worship which was not missionary activity, since no information about beliefs was disseminated and nobody involved anybody else in the religious association." Documents in the case seen by Forum 18 appear to show that the absence of verbal interaction and religious literature had little bearing on the decision to bring charges. Prosecutors cite as their grounds for prosecution an 11 October "expert report" by Anatoly Gurin, a theology lecturer at Tver State University, and Andrei Bezrukov, the director of the university's theology students' society. Their conclusion that the event constituted "missionary activity" is based solely on an assessment of its religious character and the fact that it took place in public. Continue reading "Chaos in Russia as the new “anti-missionary” low is used arbitrarily to restrict the Hare Krishna movement
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Material Nature
→ Servant of the Servant

MATERIAL NATURE
GOODNESS/SATVA
PASSION/RAJAS
IGNORANCE/TAMA
BASIC NATURE
Illuminates the mind and intelligence, sense of happiness and knowledge.
Unlimited desires, longings, selfish actions, deep attachment, intense endeavor, hankering.
Delusion, madness, indolence and sleep
RESULT OF ACTION
Pure
Misery
Foolishness
DEVELOPMENT OF MIND
Knowledge develops.
Greed develops.
Foolishness, madness and illusion develops.
NATURE OF KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge to see the undivided spiritual nature in all living entities, even though seemingly divided by bodily differences.
Knowledge to see the body to be the self and different types of bodies as the self and differentiate accordingly.
knowledge by which one is attached to work only as the all in all without knowledge of the true self or Supreme truth.
NATURE OF ACTION
Action in a regulated fashion without attachment to selfish results, love or hate.
Action performed with great effort to gratify one’s desires out of ego and pride.
Action disregarding scriptures, without concern for future results. Causes violence and distress to others.
NATURE OF WORK/DUTIES
Work with determination and enthusiasm unwavering in success or failure. Free from ego, pride.
Work with attachment to work, and fruit of work desiring to enjoy the fruits. Greedy, envious, impure and disturbed by joy and sorrow (resulting from success and failure).
Work against the injunctions of the scripture. Materialistic, obstinate, cheating, expert in criticizing others, lazy, always morose and procrastinating.
NATURE OF INTELLIGENCE
Intelligence to discriminate what is to be done/not done, what is to be feared/not feared, what is binding/liberating.
Intelligence to discriminate dharma and adharma, what is to be done and not be done.
Intelligence to consider religion to be irreligion and irreligion to be religion. Always in illusion and darkness and strives in the wrong direction.
NATURE OF DETERMINATION
Determination to be steady by sustained practice, controls the mind, and senses through meditation and yoga.
Determination which attaches one to selfish results in religion, economic development and sense gratification.
Determination that cannot go beyond dreaming, fearfulness, lamentation, moroseness and illusion.
NATURE OF HAPPINESS
Like poison in the beginning but like nectar at the end.
Derived from contact of the senses including the mind. Feels like nectar in the beginning but poison at the end.
Blind to self-realization, delusional from beginning to end. Arises from sleep, laziness and illusion.
FOOD
Increase the duration of life, purify one’s existence, gives strength, health, happiness, and satisfaction. Food is juicy, fatty, wholesome, and pleasing to the heart.
Too bitter, too sour, salty, hot, pungent, dry and burning causing distress, misery and disease.
Food prepared more than three hours before being eaten, tasteless, decomposed and putrid, and food consisting of remnants and untouchable things.
YAJNA or SACRFICE
Performed according to the directions of scripture, as a matter of duty, desire for no reward.
Performed for some material benefit, or pride.
Performed without regard to scriptures, no distribution of prasādam [spiritual food], no chanting of Vedic hymns and no remunerations to the priests, and with no faith.
BODY,SPEECH and MIND
Using body, speech and mind not for material benefits but only for the sake of pleasing the Supreme.
Using body, speech and mind out of pride and for the sake of gaining respect, honor and worship. It is neither stable nor permanent.
Using body, speech and mind out of foolishness, with self-torture or to destroy or injure others.
WORSHIP/FAITH
Worship demigods
Worship demons
Worships ghosts and spirits
CHARITY
Given out of duty, without expectation of return, at the proper time and place, and to a worthy person.
Given with the expectation of some return, or with a desire for selfish results, or in a grudging mood.
Given at an impure place, improper time, to unworthy persons, or without proper attention and respect.
AT DEATH
Born again in higher planets.
Born again in earthly realm (born in a family where selfish actions are predominant).
Born again in animal kingdom.
 source: Bhagavad Gita chapters 14,17 and 18
Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Sri Krishna says:

One who engages in full devotional service unto Me, unfailing in all circumstances, at once transcends material nature and thus comes to My eternal nature– BG 14.26


Hare Krishna

The Origin and Evolution of the Vedic System
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By Saurav Sarmah

Veda means knowledge. The word Veda is related to the Sanskrit root ‘vid’ meaning ‘to know’. So, it encompasses the entire corpus of knowledge, both phenomenal and numinous. Actually, knowledge is established through three primary epistemological premises, viz., sense perception, logical-mathematical inference and reliable testimony. However, when a subject employs inductive methodology to acquire knowledge, it is inhibited by four defects, viz., limited senses, illusory perception, mistaken inference and cheating propensity. As a result, inductive methodology cannot reliably establish any type of knowledge, let alone the ultimate conclusions on reality. (For instance, throughout history, men have died and they continue to die; but we can never conclude that man is mortal applying induction because there may be an unidentified man or a future man who will never die). Continue reading "The Origin and Evolution of the Vedic System
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Harinama in Poland (2 min video) In 1967 at ISKCON’S first…
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Harinama in Poland (2 min video)
In 1967 at ISKCON’S first temple, at 26 Second Avenue, New York City, Srila Prabhupada had just received a postcard from his disciples in Montreal. The city was hosting the World’s Fair – Expo ‘67 – and the devotees were asking if he had any paintings they could display at the Fair. Prabhupada showed me the postcard and asked if we had any. “Well, Swamiji,” I said, “We have a painting of Lord Varaha just finished by Kancanabala Dasi. But I don’t think people will believe it.” After all, the picture showed Lord Varaha, Krsna in His incarnation as a giant boar, holding the Earth on his tusks and fighting with a big demon. The demon was at least ten times bigger than the Earth itself. Prabhupada didn’t care for my objection. Instead, he told me a relevant story about Lord Caitanya. “When Lord Caitanya was thinking of going to Benares, the devotees told Him not to waste His time there. The people there were all impersonalists, and they wouldn’t believe in or take part in the chanting of Hare Krsna. But Lord Caitanya said, ‘If they don’t like what I have to sell, I’ll take it back.’ ” Prabhupada then raised his arms in the air, imitating Lord Caitanya. “So He chanted Hare Krsna and danced and everyone bought it.” He was impressing upon me, as he often did, to present Krsna “as He is” and not be overly concerned about “so-called public opinion.”
From a BTG article by Yadurani Devi Dasi
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/GfFbgC

Vrindavan, November – Part 4
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Written by Rukmini dd

This is the last part of the Braj Parikrama 2016 series of posts.

Chir ghat

India is the land of making easy things impossible and impossible things easy. No-one of western decent would have thought that muddy pits leading to Chir ghat were passable with a bicycle let alone our big bus, but we prayed and our driver hit the pedal. It was at least an hour and half before we could disembark, hitching up our saris and dhotis. Maharaj later compared it to the Vitarani river described in the Bhagavatam; a river of unspeakable substances that separates us from the spiritual world. “It’s the price we pay,” he said, putting things into perspective.

In search of the main temple, our harinama team part took a detour through a remote village. The residents ran out of their simple homes to greet us with bright and eager “Radhe Radhe” smiles. The energy was very different from our usual visits. No one tried to hit us up for a donation. Even the dogs seemed well cared for. It was easy to see that despite the occasional jeans-clad teenager, culture still existed; cows, patterned cow dung patties and rice husks all received an eco-friendly thumbs-up.

After a wrong turn or two, we reached the village mandir. A 4m wide wall art boasted a 3-D depiction of Krsna sitting in a Kadamba tree and beckoning the gopis to rise from the Yamuna and receive their clothes which he had stolen. It was this pastime that made this village glorious. On the left was a tiny alter with sweet pair of Radha Krsna Deities. Adjacent to the altar was a tall Kadamba tree with multi-coloured fabric tied on its branches. Maharaj perched himself on a low wall and began a mellow bhajan. Villages dutifully visited the temple offering their respects. Kids gathered nearby and an eccentric looking pujari, with long hair and a 15cm thick wooden belt across his waist, kindly kept their curiosity in check. Maharaj broke off into ‘Hare Haraya Namah’, petitioning the mercy of Krsna’s names, Lord Gauranga and the previous acaryas. He switches to a popular melody of Madhava Prabhu with a KK swami flavour, takes it up a few gears into a dancing kirtan and ends mellow once more.

Dry sand stretches out in front of us where the Yamuna once flowed. Maharaj begins with poetic verses glorifying the Yamuna which he had penned down in a little notebook. Some verses were by Visvanatha Chakravati Takur and others from the Gopal Champu. He elaborated on the sacred place in which we found ourselves; a little further back was Ramaghat, a place dedicated to lord Balarama. And further ahead was Nandaghat, where Nanda Maharaj was arrested by Varuna for bathing at an improper time just so that Varuna could get the darshana of Krsna. Maharaj recollected how the previous year we had an unexpected detour to Tapovana, the forest of austerity, before reaching Chirghat. And austerity in devotion service became a theme that he latched onto. Chanting 16 rounds, following the 4 regulative principles and eating only Krsna prasadam was our austerity as followers of Srila Prabhupada.

He mentioned that the spiritual world is a place of worship, when the devotees saw each other they would offer arati. The relationships were not cheap. The Gopis didn’t see Radha as just “the best gopi” but as guru and worshipped her as such. That is culture of the spiritual world and our movement is meant to be transparent to the spiritual world.

It was the disappearance day of Srila Gaura Kishore Das Babaji Maharaj as well as ekadasi and a kind devotee prepared a light but sumptuous lunch for us. Back in the bus our driver eventually found Ramaghat (which was meant to be our first stop), yet it was still quite a hike away and Maharaj and Adi Kesava decided against it. As we neared Vrindavana our bus was stopped and prevented entry. After some conversations between the driver, the police and Maharaj, all of which was undecipherable to me, we were ordered off the bus. Maharaj got into manager mode, rallied some auto-rickshaws, stacked us into them. And what seemed like an impossible ten inches to squeeze into became possible. Because India is such a place where the easy becomes impossible and the impossible becomes easy.

Unchagaon

The final day of our parikrama was reserved for Unchagaon. The birthplace of Srimati Lalita devi has been one of Maharaj’s favourite places of pilgrimage. Year after year he chose to go back to this quaint village. He sometimes would watch Bhakti Caitanya Swami’s DVD on the ‘Hills of Varsana’ to remember this sacred place.

Unchagaon, or the “high village” lives up to its name and we climbed to the white domed temple that housed deities of Sri Sri Lalita Behari. Lalita devi is 27 days older than Srimati Radharani and is definitely the gopi in charge. She tries to protect Sri Radha from an unreliable Krsna. One should never enter a temple empty handed; we enter with the offering of the holy name. As the bhajans warmed up the local pujari and some children of vraja joined in the dancing with care-free flourish. A little girl ran to her home and returned with rotis, subji and a canister of butter-milk and offered then to Maharaj and the devotees. Maharaj summarised the different holy places we would visit that day and soon we were on our way.

Descending the high hill we veered to the right to find the Dauji Temple, housing unique deities of Balarama and Revati. This Lord Balarama is black in complexion, being fully absorbed in thought of Krsna. Lord Balarama is the giver of spiritual strength; definitely a place to pray.  There was also a deity of Laddu Gopal belonging to Narayana Bhatta Goswami, a disciple of Sri Gadadhara Pundit. Narayan Bhatta Goswami continued the work of Srila Rupa and Sanatana Goswami by escavating holy places in Vrindavana. it is said that Laddu Gopal would speak to him, directing him in his service.

On our way to Narayan Bhatta Goswami’s samadhi we stopped at the “Triveni Koop”, a well, said to be made by Krsna’s flute, containing the waters of three sacred rivers. And we got drenched with the mercy. At the samadhi Maharaj gave an indepth commentary on the Hansadutta. Approaching the Dham through the books of the goswamis was one of his aims in this parikrama. It was a multidimensional presentation. The Hansadutta is a discussion between Srimati Lalita devi and the swan that she choose to send an urgent message to Krsna about Srimati Radharani’s intense separation. Sri Lalita also represents guru tattva and the swan a neophyte disciple. Hidden in the verses of the Hansadutta is also the intricate dynamics of the guru disciple relationship. Lalita tries a variety of arguments to convince the swan to follow the path to Krsna. She gives him arguments both material and spiritual and tries to cajole him on, even though the swans own enthusiasm may be lacking or superficial. She encourages him that if he follows this path he will become a paramahamsa just by carring the message of the pure devotee. The swan not only has to be convinced but the swan has to embark on a process to become purified. In the end we never know if the swan goes or not. Maybe it is a question that each disciple has to answer for themselves. A brilliant presentation indeed.

During this final parikrama we were privleged to have to company of Medhavi prabhu, a disiciple of Srila prabhupada. Medhavi Prabhu is a thoughtful yet such a quite persona that he managed to pass unnoticed for almost half the parikrama. Maharaja recognised him and received him warmly.  We then journeyed down to Deha Kund, a lake at the base of two temples housing Sri Sri Deha Behari and Sri Sri Rasa Behari. Maharaja explained that Deha Kund is a place where we remember that our body, mind and words are all for Krsna. It is a lake of atmanivedanam or complete surrender; A place where the unsurrendered can hope and pray.

We then crossed over to the other side of the village to “Saki Parvat’. There the unthinkable happens; Krsna marries Lalita. We stayed only brief moments before climbing up the hill to the Chapan Katori. As always, Maharaj is the first up the hill. We settle down over the enlongated rock formation with 56 depressions resembling bowls or katories resembling an ” all- natural” dining table where Krsna and the cowherd boys would gather for lunch.

In the distance was the hills of Varsana enhanced by a gentle haze. Maharaj drew everyones attention to the hills as he spoke the final words of the parikrama. It had been a spiritual adventure; priceless, precious and profound. He had truly given all his energy, and then some more, determined to do it justice. On a physical level he had to detach himself from his body just to endure it. On a spiritual level our souls were dancing. And now it had reached its conclusion. We must take Vrindavana with us; it is more than just a place, it is a state of consciousness; a place for Krsna’s pleasure. He tasked us to come back, again and again, with others and to show them the holy places that he had kindly shown us. In this way the glory of Vrindavana will always reach fresh ears and penetrate deeper into our hearts.

42 ways to Distribute Srila Prabhupada’s Books
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42 ways to Distribute Srila Prabhupada’s Books.
VERY GOOD TIPS – can try one or few or all…..
Down To Earth Book Distribution (Book Distribution Simplified)
Here are 42 easy ways to Help Distribute More Books!
YOU can.
1. Always keep a small book in your purse, bag, or backpack. That way anytime the conversation goes towards Krsna, you can pull out the book, if even just to show them a picture.
2. Leave books in waiting rooms at the doctor’s office, laundry mat, or any place where people have to wait and can happily read something. Write or stamp inside the book “Please take” or “Free Gift”.
3. Give books to people who come to your house to make deliveries, fix things, etc.
4. Give books as gifts for any occasion, like birthdays, weddings anniversaries, engagement parties, home openings, graduations, etc.
5. Ask local Indian/ Asian market if they will display and sell your books.
6. Donate books to a local library.
7. Ask local health food shops if they will display and sell books.
8. Ask at a local import shop or new age shops if they will display and sell books.
9. Book a booth at any local fairs or events.
10. Lay a blanket on the grass in the local park, with books on top, and sing kirtans to attract people.
11. Sell the books to a used book shop.
12. Approach local book shops about selling the books.
13. Distribute books to co-workers.
14. Give books to family members.
15. Give books to friends and/or classmates.
16. Go to events, where large crowds have gathered.
17. Spend a bit of time in the spiritual/ religious section of any book shop and make conversation with people looking for books on these topics.
18. Go on harinama sankirtana and distribute books to the people who stop to watch.
19. Approach people waiting at bus stands, subways, train stations.
20. Distribute books to shop keepers you regularly shop with.
21. Get a permit to setup a book table.
22. Go door to door.
23. Check for any yoga or similar clubs at your local university. If there isn’t one, start it.
24. Approach yoga centers in your community. Ask if you can display books there or have a program there.
25. Distribute prasadam and display books.
26. Donate books to be put in hotel rooms.
27. Ask an experienced book distributor to take you out on book distribution.
28. When you are travelling by train in India, join the local temple sankirtan party.
29. Make a book distribution buddy. Commit to getting together once a week or so and distributing books together.
30. Ask people working in shops if they would like a book.
31. Approach business owners (especially Indians) and ask if they would like to buy books in bulk to distribute to employees.
32. Start a book table at your University or College campus.
33. Whenever you distribute a book, or even if you don’t make sure to be very friendly and have a sweet smile. When people are pleased with you, they will come back for more.
34. You can distribute books on e-bay, Amazon, or other websites like those.
35. Distribute through flyers: Create and distribute flyers that have the Krishna.com website (or your local temple book shop). Include pictures, excerpts, testimonials, your local number, website, and email.
36. Take people’s e-mails, and don’t “sell” the books, but inform and inspire them to take.
37. Next time you take a flight; just place a couple books in the magazine pockets of the seats. The next group of passengers will be in for a pleasant surprise.
38. Leave books on the magazine tables in reception areas of businesses, professional offices, and other establishments.
39. If you can’t distribute books yourself, help someone who already is for example, you can buy books for them to distribute.
40. Assist devotees who want to distribute books by covering their other temple services etc.
41. You can get a street address listing from some phone companies. You could choose any little town that may never have a chance to see devotees or you may want to take responsibility for a particular section of a larger city. Set aside a small portion of your monthly income and send out a few books each month until you’ve covered your chosen area.
42. Setup a cake sale or cookie sale at work or in the town, for every donation to the prasadam include the cost of the book as a “free” incentive.

Find your Jaladuta! Driving past the San Francisco airport this…
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Find your Jaladuta!
Driving past the San Francisco airport this morning, I saw a jet lift off the runway and then mystically disappear into the low hanging fog above.
For a second, in my mind’s eye, I imagined the jet’s passengers sitting together in neat rows, each with their own unique destinations and purposes. Each one bought a ticket, packed bags, thrashed about through security, and finally piled on the plane to go … Somewhere.
If we interviewed each passenger on that jet leaving SFO, we might discover some of their motives or obligations: “Earning a livelihood, going on vacation, seeing friends and family, performing some meritorious or nefarious work,” and so on.

Next, my mind turned to Srila Prabhupada and his coming to America on the Jaladuta. He begged the ticket only to endure a life-threatening trip across the ocean. But he too had a specific reason for his journey which he wrote about before his arrival at Boston Harbor, thus:

“Although my Guru Maharaja ordered me to accomplish this mission, I am unworthy to do it, being very fallen and incompetent. That being the case, O Lord Krsna, Your mercy is today arising in a befitting manner in order to make me become worthy, for You are most wise.

“In spite of my shortcomings, O Lord, You have somehow or other brought me to this country just to speak about You. Now it is up to You, my Lord, to do with me as You like.” (Prayer to the Lotus Feet of Lord Krsna & Markine Bhagavata-Dharma)

In the Gita, Krsna says: “Everyone is forced to act helplessly according to the qualities he has acquired from the modes of material nature; therefore no one can refrain from doing something, not even for a moment.” (Bg. 3.5)

But Srila Prabhupada’s travel on the Jaladuta was not impelled by the modes of nature. His hard labor in crossing the ocean was directed by his spiritual master who asked him to perform the service of preaching to Westerners. His voyage was transcendental and will forever stand out in history.

In the Gita, Krsna imparts to us one of the great secrets of life by teaching us how to distinguish between action and inaction:

“One who sees inaction in action, and action in inaction, is intelligent among men, and he is in the transcendental position, although engaged in all sorts of activities.” (Bg. 4.18)

A person who moves for Krsna – by following the order of the spiritual master – is in the transcendental position. His or her movements are different from the movements of those going somewhere on their own, to fulfill a selfish agenda.

All the trouble the devotee undergoes to realize the plan of the spiritual master is purifying and liberating. On the other hand, the difficulties I undergo for myself are simply troublesome; moreover, they implicate me in a multitude of karmic reactions.

A fortunate person takes to heart the directive of the spiritual master and then works to fulfill it, however demanding it may seem.

Even Srila Prabhupada said that he could not at once fulfill the order of his guru. But, he took it to heart and engaged in a lifetime of preparation to execute it.

One may not immediately or easily renounce obligatory work. But, one who finds his or her own Jaladuta – and braves the voyage – is the best traveler of all, for he or she will sail back to Godhead.
Vaisesika das

News from Food For Life Global. Since the inspirational…
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News from Food For Life Global.
Since the inspirational “founding” of Hare Krishna Food for Life when the founder/acharya of ISKCON, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada told his students, “No one should go hungry within 10 miles of our temple,” volunteers have set up projects in more than 60 countries.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/UPE8nC