When mantra meditation involves actions and changes, how does it take us from the unchanging to the changing?
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Where is the svabhava stored – is svabhava always unfavourable to bhakti?
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​How can we avoid getting sucked into local temple politics while practicing bhakti?
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Four Sets, One Person. I had a late start on Friday, July 1,…
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Four Sets, One Person.
I had a late start on Friday, July 1, 2016 (because of other services at the temple), but it was an excellent start. The first person I met took a Gita even though he could not even speak much English. This made me think it’s going to be a fantastic day. It proved to be so after meeting George. This was at Chinatown in Sydney,Australia.
George was born and brought up in Australia. He had not visited the temple, but was aware of it and appreciated the work done by the Hare Krsnas. He likes reading books and is reading one on the Upanisads. Hearing this, I showed him a Srimad Bhagavatam.
Seeing his interest, I read to him the text 1.1.3 and told him that this book is the ripened fruit of all the Vedic knowledge. He liked it. I had listened to a lecture on this verse earlier in the day, and I heard that it will satisfy all of the heart’s desires.
I showed him a BBT brochure and said that the Bhagavatam is a set of twelve volumes. He expressed interest to get a set the next day. Straight away, I connected to the verse even more, as I also pray to meet people who’d like a full set of Srila Prabupada’s books.
The next day happened to be Ekadasi, so I had some hope for George. In the morning he called, and to my surprise he also requested a Sri Caitanya-caritamrita set, which he could not even pronounce properly.
On meeting him. I offered him a full plate of Sri Sri Sri Radha-Gopinatha maha-prasada, and he relished it.
On receiving the two sets, he said, “I have heard there are three sets.”
I told him not three; there are four, including the Prabupada-lilamrita and Brhad Bhagavatamrita. I invited him to a program at the temple. Devamrita Swami was in Sydney to give a class on Sunday. George did not make it for that class, but we got copies of the Lilamrita and Brhad Bhagavatamrita signed by Maharaja for him.
He is so appreciative of the devotees that it’s no wonder he has the inspiration to receive these transcendental books. I am writing this to express my gratitude to all the devotees he saw or met before, who helped him develop the desire to accept all these books.
Lord Caitanya’s causeless mercy is available for all. I feel grateful to be an instrument in some service to please Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and his beloved devotees. I pray to all the Vaisnavas for mercy to increase set distribution. I also beg that you all bless George to study these books now and perfect his life.
His picture is attached.
Your servant,
Dhira-Lalita Dasa

ISKCON’s Congregational Development Ministry (CDM) Delivers First Counseling Training Course in Mayapur
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Hare KrishnaBy the cdm office

For 10 days devotees from different parts of the world attended the pilot course on "Vaisnava Life Counseling: A practical framework to support individuals and communities in ISKCON". An assorted group of devotees, interested in developing further their counseling skills and gaining a deeper understanding on how to help devotees, gathered in Sridhama Mayapur for a "hands-on" training in counseling. For over a year the CDM, in partnership with the Mayapur Institute (Atul Krsna Prabhu), has been working in the development of this course seeing the need for providing informed support to devotees experiencing difficulties of different kind. Iksvaku das, an Australian Social Worker and Counseling trainer -who facilitated the course- commented, "I am impressed by the great response we got from different temples and leaders about this course. This shows that this kind of training was long overdue in ISKCON. We hope Srila Prabhupada is pleased with this endeavour to attend to the devotees' well-being." Continue reading "ISKCON’s Congregational Development Ministry (CDM) Delivers First Counseling Training Course in Mayapur
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Lord Jagannatha lights up light festival of Banding, Indonesia
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Hare KrishnaBy Hari Narayana Das

The annual Bandung Light festival to commemorate the anniversary of Bandung city this year was celebrated on October 09, 2016. The grand festival was attended by most people in Bandung. This public festival was a chance for the devotees to introduce the Hare Krishna movement in Bandung. As Srila Prabhupada mention in his letter that “The time is fast approaching when we will have to perform such public kirtana in all the important cities of the world. Here also, in the Expo, they have performed kirtana for two days, and it is wonderfully successful." (SPL to Yamunä, July, 1968). The devotees did ratha yatra on the festival and this was the third Jagannath Ratha-yatra held in Bandung. Continue reading "Lord Jagannatha lights up light festival of Banding, Indonesia
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Recognizing the BBT/BBTI for Their Service to the TOVP
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Hare KrishnaBy the TOVP team

The entire TOVP Team wishes to publicly take this opportunity to recognize and thank the managers and devotees of the worldwide BBT/BBTI for their cooperation and service to the TOVP project since its beginnings in 2009. To date over $1.7 million has been given by the BBT/BBTI to the project, a most significant amount. Many devotees are unaware of the financial commitment made by the BBT/BBTI to fund the construction of the TOVP. This is in accordance with Srila Prabhupada’s instructions that the BBT utilize the profits from the sales of his books to fund temple construction and other projects throughout the world. It is most laudable that this directive of Srila Prabhupada has been maintained and such a large financial commitment has been directed to the TOVP year after year. We could not have come to the point of our current construction without these funds. And based on future financial projections we feel we will realize our common goal to together celebrate the Grand Opening of the TOVP during Gaur Purnima 2022. Continue reading "Recognizing the BBT/BBTI for Their Service to the TOVP
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Beautiful Vrinda Kunda (6 min video) Indradyumna Swami: Vrinda…
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Beautiful Vrinda Kunda (6 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: Vrinda Devi helps Purnamasi plan and orchestrate Radha and Krsna’s daily pastimes in Vrindavan. Our parikrama party had the good fortune to visit her kunda ( pond ) and discuss her glories and chant her holy names in that beautiful and sanctified abode.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/cpeMdb

King of the Mountains
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Parikrama around Govardhan Hill during the month of Kartika in Vrindavan, India is a favorite devotional activity for devotees of Lord Krsna. Chanting softly on their prayer beads a group of 400 devotees relished every step of the 24 kilometer walk. Ananta Vrindavan dasa’s outstanding footage captured the bliss of the pilgrimage.

Open Invitation Reminder: November 11, 12 & 13, 2016
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cropped-NV_ISKCON_Logo_black_large.jpg     ECO-Vrindaban New Vrindaban ISKCON cows gardens Prabhupada

OPEN INVITATION: The board members of ISKCON New Vrindaban & ECO-Vrindaban humbly invite all New Vrindaban residents, neighbors and well-wishers to participate in the upcoming weekend activities.

NOVEMBER 11th, 12th & 13th WEEKEND SCHEDULE:

Friday, November 11th

7:30 pm to 8:30 pm: Dinner Prasad with member of the Village Council, Steering Committee, INV & ECO-V Boards & GBCs (at Radha Vrindaban Chandra’s Temple)

Saturday, November 12th

9:00 am to 10:00 am: Breakfast Prasad (at Radha Vrindaban Chandra’s Temple)

9:45 am to 1:30 pm: INV & ECO-V Department Head Presentations (under Lodge)

1:30 pm to 2:30 pm: Lunch Prasad (at Radha Vrindaban Chandra’s Temple)

2:30 pm to 5:00 pm: Community Dialog (Topics: Village Council & Moving Jagannath, under Lodge)

7:30 pm to 8:30 pm: Dinner Prasad with member of the Village Council, Steering Committee, INV & ECO-V Boards & GBCs (at Radha Vrindaban Chandra’s Temple)

Sunday, November 13th

9:00 am to 10:00 am: Breakfast Prasad (at Radha Vrindaban Chandra’s Temple)

10:00 am to 1:00 pm: Parikrama Tour (Prabhupada’s Palace, Spirit Garden, Temple Barn & RVC’s Workshop Building, weather permitting)

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm: Sunday Program & Feast (at RVC’s Temple)

3:30 pm to 5:30 pm: Service Appreciations (under Lodge, Pitambar & Amburish, Gopa & Damodara, & HH Varsana Swami)

Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Day
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 03 November 2013, Vrindavan, India, Lecture: Damodar Lila)

Prabhupada morning walk chadarThis is the month of Kartik and I was asked to speak on the month of Damodar but although Damodar is so much on my mind, even more than that is the disappearance of Srila Prabhupada actually.

We will have arati in Srila Prabhupada’s room, by his bed. At the end of the arati, Srila Prabhupada’s chadar goes around, the big grey woollen chadar and it is heavy. When I felt that heavy chadar, I felt the weight of responsibility – now we have to do something; we have to do something to take up this mission!

It is up to us now. See, we have inherited it. Now what are we going to do for Srila Prabhupada’s mission to make the whole world Krsna conscious. I feel that weight on my head with that chadar. So, we do not need to look at our hearts and do deep psycho-analysis to see whether we can find a trace of the six enemies: lust, anger and greed, madness and envy – don’t worry, it is there! But somehow or other, embrace the service of Srila Prabhupada – if you do that and if we do something to make others Krsna conscious, he will surely look in our direction. He will shower us with mercy and that will save us!

Saturday, October 29th, 2016
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Brampton, Ontario

A Meaningful Meet
  
Rahul and Gunjan, along with their two daughters, are a new family who are getting more serious about higher consciousness.  They have made  a positive commitment to chant the maha-mantra with the aid of their meditation beads, negate food consumption of non-veg, and embrace the good company of bhakti-yogapractitioners.  They’ve made these transitions all for self-improvement.

“They, along with our group, do go out and have a game of baseball,” said their mentor, Rajasuya.

I don’t see that as a problem, I thought.  Outdoor pastimes like that are very complementary to devotional activities.

Rahul and Gunjan had invited friends, along with myself and young monk, Santosh, to their home for the real indoor dynamic—a prasadam meal.

“For a change from Indian fare, there is Italian extravaganza.” Raja had indicated.  I believe he suggested the menu.  When bellies bulged, we went for living-room kirtan chanting—in which Hiten indulged, lovingly, on the mrdunga drum—followed by a distribution to the families, of the latest issue of the “Padayatra” newsletter, a glossy periodical which highlights world-wide activities on the philosophy of foot travel with a spiritual intent.

A picture of myself, walking though Pennsylvania landscape, made it to the front cover with the caption, “The legs were made for walking and the mouth for speaking about the Absolute.  What a perfect combination.” Quote from The Walking Monk.  I also read some excerpts from the publication.

Upon returning from the Brampton house event, I took to one of Toronto’s ravines for trekking, in order to not be a hypocrite and also to address belly bulge.  It was just me and the squirrels.  They were their usual squirrelly selves, rustling through the fall leaves and tarzaning the trees.

I stuck to my trail.

May the Source be with you!

5 km 

A special ceremony to celebrate Diwali celebration at Sri…
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A special ceremony to celebrate Diwali celebration at Sri Lanka’s President’s House.
ISKCON Sri Lanka Temple President Sriman Mahakarta Das along with Srimathi Nandarani Devi the Principal of Gokulam Bhaktivedanta Children’s Home, participated in the Diwali Celebrations held on the Diwali day at the President’s House. Pictures show Miss. Krishna Priya presenting a copy of ‘Bhagavad Gita As it is’ to the President of Sri Lanka on behalf of the Devotees of the Temple.

Does becoming spiritual involve running away from problems instead of solving them?
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​How can we know which situations are in our control and which out of control?
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When people are diagnosed with depression, should they take medicines or practice spirituality?
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Why did Nalakuvera-Manigriva not untie Krishna before going to heaven?
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As exalted devotees don’t want liberation, should we not desire to get out of this world?
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If it is Radharani’s love that binds Krishna, then is her love greater than Yashoda’s?
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Appreciating the devotional despair of Damodarashtakam
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Short meditation at kirtan program in Panama city, Panama

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Diwali message from UK Prime Minister
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Hare KrishnaBy Theresa May

"I am delighted to send my very best wishes to everyone celebrating Diwali, a festival which holds such significance for so many people. Indeed, right across the world, lights decorate the streets, flowers adorn homes, treats are served and presents exchanged – all marking the triumph of light over darkness. But the festival of lights isn’t just relevant for Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. It is relevant to all of us, those of all faiths and none. We can all learn from the example set by Lord Rama, whose return from exile is marked by these 5 holy days. That epic story teaches us about building strong families and communities, shunning wrongdoing and evil, and choosing the right path. It promotes the values of service, responsibility, unity and tolerance. We need those values more than ever as we build a country that works for everyone – a country where no matter what your faith, your beliefs or your background, you can reach your full potential. In Britain’s Indian communities, we can see the good that can be done when people’s talents are unleashed. I think of all those running their own businesses, taking risks and working hard so that they can provide for their families and take on staff. I think of all those public servants whose hard work and dedication makes our hospitals, schools, police forces and armed forces what they are today. I think of the volunteers who give up their own time to look after elderly neighbours or help provide food for families who are less well off. These people are the backbone of our communities. And I will be so proud to highlight the achievements of British Indians next month when I make my first official visit to India as Prime Minister at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, celebrating the relations between our countries and our shared ambitions for the future. As we start the Hindu New Year, it is an occasion for people to reflect on the 12 months that have passed and look to the opportunities ahead. So as friends and families come together, in reflection and celebration, let me wish you all a Shubh Deepawali, and send my good wishes to Sikhs celebrating Bandi Chhor Diwas too." Continue reading "Diwali message from UK Prime Minister
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Holy cow: calf’s Krishna care a miracle! Alina Rylko for…
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Holy cow: calf’s Krishna care a miracle!
Alina Rylko for Tweed daily news: REJECTED by her mother at birth and with deformities in her legs, Madhuri Adi Lila had more than a shaky start to life. It was a cold rainy night in August when Radhika - a hand-raised cow herself - gave birth to the calf at the Hare Krishna farm, Eungella. Farm hand Urvasi Devi Dasi said the calf was sadly rejected and left to die. Radhi was not at all interested in anything to do with the shivering little bundle, yet it was imperative the newborn get nutrient-rich colostrum within the first 12 hours of life, Ms Dasi said. "The little one eagerly drank from the bottle as we sent photographs of the deformed front feet to the vet via mobile phone. "The tendons in the front legs are too short and she is not able to extend the first joint. She can walk around in a limited fashion on her knuckles. Last week the calf was recovering well from surgery on her tendons at the Murwillumbah Vet Clinic. She gets physio three times a day, with the Hare community worldwide praying for the animal to recover and walk normally. Cows are considered sacred animals in the Hare Krishna faith. Source: https://goo.gl/zNDfLa

WWOOFers and ISKCON
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WWOOFers & ISKCON
Bhaktine Jane: You may ask what is the purpose of including WWOOFers (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms) in ISKCON?
The Krishna Village wwoofing system or volunteer work provides people of all ages many opportunities to experience bhakti-yoga, which most are not familiar with.
My first real contact with ISKCON or devotees was experienced through the Krishna Village by being one of these WWOOFers. In my case the choice to live in a temple environment run by ISKCON was conscious.
The opportunity to experience bhakti-yoga by encouragement and free choice took away my anxiety of not knowing enough and of being too curious. These are emotions that almost everyone goes through who decides to be a volunteer worker at Krishna Village. Those initial experiences someone has with the devotees is something that they will remember throughout their whole spiritual journey.
However, it can be a double-edged sword – It can either encourage or discourage a person to keep associating with devotees and grow spiritually. Even if most of the volunteers don’t become devotees, the most precious nectar is given to them. Through the holy names of Krishna and service to Him, the taste of bhakti-yoga will remain throughout their lives.
It is our duty to offer to others what was given to us by Srila Prabhupada: an international community, a home where we can engage in devotional service and a place where we can grow spiritually.

Hillary Clinton said that if elected, she’d continue to…
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Hillary Clinton said that if elected, she’d continue to celebrate Diwali in the White House.
Hillary Clinton Monday greeted the Indian American community on Diwali and said that if elected, she’d continue to celebrate Diwali in the White House.
By: FE Online | Published: October 31, 2016 3:34 PM
“To those of you celebrating this joyous occasion, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak,” (Reuters) “To those of you celebrating this joyous occasion, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak,” (Reuters)
Hillary Clinton Monday greeted the Indian American community on Diwali and said that if elected, she’d continue to celebrate Diwali in the White House. Echoing PM Narendra Modi’s thoughts which he shared with the people on radio program, ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Clinton talked about the significance of celebrating Diwali. Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton’s campaign said that about a billion people of different faiths – Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists around the world and two million Americans in addition will celebrate Diwali. Underlined the importance of the festival for the people of these faiths she said “For members of these faiths, lighting the lamp (the diya) is a reminder that light prevails over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil”.
Modi on Sunday had said that the festival of Diwali will bring the world closer to enlightenment. PM Modi on his program had also shown gratitude towards the US postal service for launching Diwali postal stamps on the occasion.
“The United States and India share deep cultural ties. So there’s a large and active Indian-American population here in the United States. It contributes greatly to the success and vibrancy of our country, our economy and our democracy,” White House press secretary Josh Earnest told PTI. “US Postal Services is viewed by Indian-Americans as an affirmation of the key role played by them in the US, the White House said today, as it hailed the community’s contribution to the country.” he added.
Hillary Clinton said “Here in the United States, it is a tribute to the Indian American community that Diwali is celebrated with such beauty and joy.” Talking about the importance of diversity for the county, Clinton said that it is one of the “greatest strengths” of America as a nation. The statement further adds that if elected, she will be committed to build an administration that will reflect this diversity. In the end, she wished the people and said, “To those of you celebrating this joyous occasion, I wish you and your loved ones a Happy Diwali and Saal Mubarak,”
Source: https://goo.gl/Fp8OVT

Diwali Forever stamp released by US Postal Service
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Hare KrishnaBy Indian express

A Diwali stamp was launched here by the US postal service, capping seven-year-long efforts by Indian-Americans and influential American lawmakers to commemorate the festival of lights. The stamp was unveiled at the Indian Consulate at an elaborate “first-day-of-issue” dedication ceremony on Wednesday. The US Postal Service (USPS) commemorated the Hindu festival of Diwali by dedicating the Diwali Forever stamp. The stamp shows a photo of a traditional ‘diya’ lit against a sparkling gold background and the words ‘Forever USA 2016’ written below. The ceremony was attended by Consul General Ambassador Riva Ganguly Das, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Diwali Stamp Project Chair Ranju Batra, USPS Vice President for Mail Entry and Payment Technology Pritha Mehra, India’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Hardeep Singh Puri and eminent Indian-American attorney Ravi Batra. Continue reading "Diwali Forever stamp released by US Postal Service
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US President Obama Celebrates Diwali By Lighting Ritual Lamp
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Hare KrishnaBy Barack Obama

To all who are celebrating the festival of lights across America and around the world, happy Diwali. As Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Buddhists light the diya, share in prayers, decorate their homes, and open their doors to host and feast with loved ones, we recognize that this holiday rejoices in the triumph of good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. It also speaks to a broader truth about our shared American experience. It's a reminder of what's possible when we see beyond the differences that too often divide us. It's a reflection of the hopes and dreams that bind us together. And it's a time to renew our collective obligation to deepen those bonds, to stand in each other's shoes and see the world through each other's eyes, and to embrace each other as brothers and sisters - and as fellow Americans. Continue reading "US President Obama Celebrates Diwali By Lighting Ritual Lamp
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