The Glories Of Damodara Masa
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The Glories Of Damodara Masa
Such is the benefit of devotional service in general. However, during certain times of year–such as appearance anniversaries of Lord Krishna and His devotees–the benefits of one’s service are compounded. During the month of Damodar, or Karttika (October/November), rewards for service to Krishna are greater than at any other time of year. For instance, Krishna always likes tulasi leaves, so it’s always a good time to offer tulasi leaves to Krishna. However, in the Hari-bhakti-vilas of Sanatan Goswami, we find these statements: “The result one obtains by giving ten thousand cows in charity can be obtained by offering only one tulasi leaf to the Supreme Lord during the month of Karttika.” (7.335) and…“Those who worship Lord Hari with an offering of one hundred thousand tulasi leaves during the month of Kārttika certainly advance on the path of pure devotional service, which includes liberation, with each leaf offered. (7.336)”

Cow Dung Protects Phone Against Radioactvity
→ Life With the Cows and Land




On a recent visit to the ISCOWP farm, HH Bhakti Ragava Swami, head of the Om Surabhi International Campaign, is putting cow dung on his phone after a discussion about the latest news of certain cell phones catching on fire.

From the Times of India Mar 2011

TOI spoke to associate professor in physics department, KN Uttam, about the nuclear radiation and ways to prevent it. He said some traditional Indian practices can help in minimising the effects of Gamma rays, the most harmful rays emitted in nuclear radiation.

"Traditional methods like keeping onions in pockets and applying a layer of Cow Dung on the outside walls of houses absorb the harmful gamma rays," Uttam said. "Cow dung, in fact, can absorb all the three rays -- alpha, beta and gamma. Among these, alpha rays cannot penetrate the layers of cloths whereas beta falls after hitting the same but the Gamma rays penetrate the body tissue and is the most harmful," he added. If the outer walls of houses are coated with thick layers of cow dung, it will absorb the gamma rays and in turn people would be safe, said Uttam who has worked in the ministry of science and technology and MHRD.

Krishna & Pleasure
→ The Enquirer

To depict Krishna and his rasa-līlā as something totally unlike what we ourselves know of happiness and pleasure is suicidal, for it causes us to feel that Krishna is irrelevant to what we spontaneously, naturally, and powerfully want and need. The fact is that nothing could be farther from the truth. Krishna is called “Krishna” for a reason! Rāma. Govinda. Madan Mohan. Rasarāja. Gopi-vallabha. All these names are bursting with exactly the flavor and experience our heart and soul spontaneously, eternally crave. If we deny or ignore that, why should we be surprised that our bhajan lacks life and attentiveness?

Yes, something also needs to be said to explain that our concept of happiness and pleasure pales in comparison to the pleasure and happiness experienced in rāsa-līlā. This is fine! Say it loudly, for it is also inspiring and powerfully attractive to us, right now, and for real. And let us clearly explain that this difference arises because of a fundamental difference in the nature of our approach to pleasure (karma and kāma – “selfishness”) vs. Krishan’s approach to it (līlā and prema – “selflessness”). Stress this all you want, and then some, otherwise we will never attain that all-attractive rasa!

But please beware of depicting Krishna as utterly “transcendental” as if “transcendental” means having no similarities at all with what we already understand and have spontaneous emotional attachment to. Besides being philosophically inaccurate, it will prolong our spontaneous disinterest in Krishna and his bhajan.

Vraja Kishor das (www.vrajakishor.com)


Tagged: madhurya rasa, Rasa-Lila, Sexuality

Srila Prabhupada’s Concern For Russia
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Hare KrishnaBy Govinda Dasi

Srila Prabhupada sat in the front passenger seat, and we all sat in the back. Shyamsundar read Mondokini’s letter aloud, and when Srila Prabhupada heard that she was ready to depart for Russia and marry this young man, his joy knew no bounds! "While this letter was being read, I snapped two pictures of Prabhupada. He was smiling the biggest smile I had ever seen! He was so overjoyed to hear her reply! To him, this was the beginning of the conquest of the demonic atheism that had invaded the land of the rishis, Rishiya." Continue reading "Srila Prabhupada’s Concern For Russia
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Tuscon’s Iskcon 50 Gala
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Hare KrishnaBy Sandamini devi dasi

On Saturday, October 15th, under a brilliant Karttika moon, sixty-plus devotees and VIP guests celebrated ISKCON’s 50th anniversary in the courtyard of Govinda’s Natural Foods Buffet. The setting couldn’t have been more fitting. For thirty years Govinda’s has served as the temple’s portal to Lord Krsna’s sublime food, music, wisdom, and dear devotees—a spiritual oasis in the Arizona desert—what everyone had come to celebrate. As a harpist stroked heavenly notes, devotees and guests feasted on Govinda’s prasadam, forging new friendships and renewing old ones, for one thing was clear: practically everyone had been here before, setting the stage for the tributes. Continue reading "Tuscon’s Iskcon 50 Gala
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Departure of Sriman Vrajavasi Prabhu
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Hare KrishnaBy Guru Prasad Swami

On the morning of 18 Oct, Sriman Vrajavasi Prabhu, a Srila Prabhupada disciple from Mexico, left this world. He was in a coma for a week, with his loving family caring for him as best they could. He was one of the first, and biggest, sankirtan devotees of Mexico. At one point in the mid and late 70s, he would distribute as much as 500-700 big books a day. After marriage, he was the temple president for Mexico City for some time. Then he moved to a smaller town, Celaya Mexico, where he set up a small business to maintain his family. He was very strict with his sadhana thoughout his family life. He dedicated himself to translating essential books for preaching into Spanish, even the Brahma Samhita. He would hold regular classes in his home, and organize vaisnava festivals, especially for young devotees. Whenever the sankirtan devotees would distribute in that area, he vacated a cottage and rooms in his home for their stay. His last translationg work was the Srila Prabhupada Siksamrta, and the first installation was the section on distributing books. He is suceeded by his wife and two Children, Lalita and Abhaya, both initiated devotees, who are also very strict in their spiritual lives, following in the footsteps of their father. His example and dedication have inspired hundreds of devotees to follow Krsna Consciousnes. All glories to Sriman Vrajavasi Prabhu! Continue reading "Departure of Sriman Vrajavasi Prabhu
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Association with mundane people
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 31 July 2005, Lecture)

redlightdistrict_amsterdam

For a sannyasi to associate with mundane persons is like willingly drinking poison! And not only for a sannyasi but for a devotee too. One should not associate with women who are addicted to lusty desires nor should one associate with men who are addicted to such women. This is not recommended for one who is serious about going back to Godhead because it is said that sex life is the chain, maithunya argara, it is the chain that binds us in the prison of material existence. 

But you may ask, “Isn’t sex life natural? You cannot be artificial. It is one of the natural inclinations of the body just like hunger and thirst! It is also not only that… it is like a means to express affection and love.”

Yes, one must also make a distinction between the gross lusty activities which, for example, are going on in the red light district of Amsterdam and the exchanges in a loving relationship. That is also a fact. A distinction is made and therefore exchanges between a husband and wife is a different thing. In the Vedic culture, a husband and wife would together go for spiritual life but nowadays that is not always there. Spiritual life, if it is at all there, is something symbolic and for most, it is something in the background. It is not a very prominent thing. But in Vedic culture, spiritual life was in the foreground. It was an important element in life – prominent and it should be! Therefore, sex life should be within religious principles, within marriage.

For all of us, it is not beneficial to associate with people who are in the grip of lust. If one becomes very friendly with mundane people then after some time, we also become mundane.

The Talavan Forest (Album with photos) Indradyumna Swami: On…
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The Talavan Forest (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: On our 2nd day of Kartika parikrama we visited the Talavan forest in Vrindavan. The land in Talavan is described in sastra as very even, smooth and expansive. The earth is black and densely covered with darbha grass and devoid of stones and pebbles. Talavan is especially known for it’s beautiful clear lakes filled with blue lotuses. The water of those lakes fulfills all desires and assures complete success in all undertakings. We were graced with a visit by Deena Bandhu prabhu who enlightened us all about Lord Balarama’s killing of the Dhenakasura demon.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/Gt2MML

​Why do we tend to worry about future things that haven’t even happened?
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Answer Podcast


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How can we measure our progress on the path of controlling our mind?
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Answer Podcast


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The post How can we measure our progress on the path of controlling our mind? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

​What does the Gita’s call to control the mind by practice and renunciation mean practically?
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Answer Podcast


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The post ​What does the Gita’s call to control the mind by practice and renunciation mean practically? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

​If devotion is innate for all of us, why does it seem alien to some?
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Answer Podcast


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The post ​If devotion is innate for all of us, why does it seem alien to some? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Do people take to spirituality only because of detachment from material life?
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Answer Podcast


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The post Do people take to spirituality only because of detachment from material life? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Lokanath Swami’s offering to Srinathji Prabhu
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Hare KrishnaBy Lokanath Swami

Srinathji: So I was thinking, ‘Why is Prabhupada talking so much? There must be some hidden agenda coming up soon.’ Prabhupada knew that my father was treasurer of the Congress party. And sure enough, Prabhupada said, ‘I need visas for all my disciples’. First thing, please realize they are not CIA. You must see that in parliament they stop the inquiry against my pupils and me. My father said that he had a friend who was the minister in charge and he would talk to him and definitely do something. The third bombshell wiped Mr Desai off his feet. Prabhupada wanted American born Jayapataka who was in his early twenties to be given Indian citizenship. Prabhupada: I want you to adopt him. There is a procedure for making a foreigner an Indian citizen. You have to stand guarantee. Continue reading "Lokanath Swami’s offering to Srinathji Prabhu
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‘Locker Room Talk’
→ The Vaishnava Voice

Clinton, Trump pick up big wins

Who would you vote for? How do you make your choice?

When it comes to political leaders, does it matter if their language is sometimes harsh if they get the job done? Must they always tell the whole truth and nothing but?

What about their ethical behaviour – how important is that?

Here’s Akhandadhi’s recent take on it on Thought for the Day on BBC Radio 4.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04bxgfp


Sankirtan in London. KavicandraSwami: I recentely spent a few…
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Sankirtan in London.
KavicandraSwami: I recentely spent a few blissful days at SRI SRI Radha London Isvara Mandira.
They were just starting a KRSNA BALARAM marathon. Many devotees, about half of them Bhaktas and Bhaktins, were going out with great enthusiasm and distributing many books while charming the people on Oxford street and other parts of London.
Bhakta Simon was leading in distribution when I left for Africa. Some of the Bhaktas had never distributed before but were telling me that they would probably continue after the marathon.
They even let me go with them a bit. It was interesting that I met one boy from Germany who had seen devotees in Japan (where I serve as GBC). He happily took a Srimad Bhagavatam. It is a small world and we never know were the results of our preaching will fructify.
It is nice to see that so many people in London are very appreciative of the “Hare Krsna”.
Letter to: Jagadisa Hyderabad 18 November, 1972
“The thing is, our main business is to distribute books, either here or there it doesn’t matter. So if there is transcendental competition for increasing sale of books, that is good. If he buys one book his life may be turned, that is best preaching work.”
letter to: Hrdayananda Maharaja Hyderabad, November 23, 1972
“And distribute books, as many as you can and I think you can distribute many millions of books alone, that Krishna will help you do.”
letter to: Rupanuga Sydney, Feb 14 1973
“If someone has desired to distribute books all day he may do this, but he must always follow the principles of rising early, chanting 16 rounds, etc. Just as some rich men have no inclination for studying, but still he opens many schools for others to study at. Like this, all of my students may not be inclined to study but they are very much eager to give others the opportunity to read my books and this should not be discouraged. All programs must go on but it is a fact that this book distribution program is very very important.”
letter to: Balavanta Vrndavana, Oct 4, 1976
“The main thing is to distribute books more and more. That remark by the man in Houston is to your credit, that this movement is becoming an epidemic. Actually, everywhere envious people are against this movement, especially communists, because this movement is a threat to them. The main thing is to distribute books the communist idea is spread practically all over the world on account of distributing huge amounts of literature, but they have no substance. Introduce Rathayatra very nicely and distribute books.”
In the photo: Book distribution in Bali.

Damodara Janani – all the details of the Damodara lila as you have never heard them before!
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Hare KrishnaBy Sivarama Swami

On my request in the spring of 1999, Gopi-paranadhana prabhu translated all the Acharyas' Sanskrit commentaries to the verses relevant to the damodara-lila as an audio recording. Incorporating these recordings and scriptural references from Padma Purana, Brahma-vaivarta Purana, Brhad-bhagavatamrta, Ananda-vrndavana-champu, Sanatana Gosvami’s commentary on Sri Damodarashtakam, and Gopala-champu, I am retelling this special pastime as a wonderful narrative like the Krishna Book and it's a flood of sweet nectar. There is also a fresh rendering of the Damodarashtaka prayer. Continue reading "Damodara Janani – all the details of the Damodara lila as you have never heard them before!
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His Grace Sri Nathji Das – A Hero of the TOVP Departs
- TOVP.org

On behalf of Jananivas, Ambarisa, Svaha and Braja Vilas prabhus and the entire TOVP Team, it is with great sorrow and bereavement that we have learned of the passing of one of the TOVP’s first heroes, His Grace Sri Nathji prabhu (Dr. N.D. Desai) yesterday, October 17th. We are in shock at his sudden departure at the age of 76 due to heart failure during a visit to Bhutan. It is truly a dark day of loss for the TOVP and for his family. We offer our condolences to his wife, two sons and daughter during this challenging time. His cremation ceremony will be held on October 18th in India. He will be greatly missed by us all.

Yet we are also blissful and confident that he has been blessed by Srila Prabhupada in his forward journey to the Lord’s abode. As Srila Prabhupada told Mr. Sethi regarding his helping to build the temple at Juhu, Mumbai, “If you help build this temple, the Lord will build a great temple for you in Vaikuntha”, Sri Nathji prabhu will no doubt be similarly rewarded for his seva to the cause of Sridhama Mayapur. As Braja Vilas prabhu relates:

“In 2011 I was living in America and working when Ambarisa prabhu mercifully offered me this greatest seva opportunity to help with fundraising for the TOVP. I agreed even though I had absoulutely no experience doing anything like that before nor any connections in India, having left there years before. In the first month of my new service I somehow had the opportunity to meet Sri Nathji prabhu at Radha Krishna prabhu’s house in Chowpatty and we introduced ourselves. I explained to him about the TOVP project and how Ambarisa prabhu had given the seed funding of $22 million to start the project and that it was well underway. He was so inspired by the idea and to hear of Ambarisa prabhu’s dedication that, to my surprise and without me even asking, he immediately said he would give $1 million. Ambarisa prabhu and I later visited his home and he immediately gave the full amount. We later found out that this money was originally supposed to be for the Chowpatty temple, but Sri Nathji prabhu, with the permission of his guru, His Holiness Radhanath Swami, had decided to help the TOVP instead. Even at a recent program at his home he received Lord Nityananda’s Padukas and Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Sitari with great pomp and celebration and performed an abhisheka and arati for Their service. He became like a Grandfather to me, full of love and caring feelings, and always enthusiastic, energetic and entertaining. Our connection was such that I felt I knew him from a previous life. I am deeply aggrieved at this loss and am remorseful that he will not be with us at the Grand Opening of the TOVP in 2022. He was the first donor to the TOVP after Ambarisa prabhu’s initial seed funding and this literally kick-started the entire fundraising campaign, and for this service to Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada’s mission we are eternally indebted and grateful.”

sri-nathji-with-jananivas

Sri Nathji prabhu was born Narendra Dharmsind Desai on May 22, 1940 in Baroda, Gujarat in India. His mother, Shanta Ben, a Krishna bhakta, prayed that he would become a great devotee of Krishna, even while still in her womb. As explained by Satyaraja das (Steven J. Rosen) in his biographical book, Bhakti-Yoga in Business, The Spiritual Journey of Dr. N.D. Desai,

“When she was pregnant, she prayed several times each day before that picture (of Lord Krishna) for a son that would serve Lord Krishna with full enthusiasm. Years later, when he took initiation as a Vaishnava, she confessed that she was fully satisfied – Krishna had answered her prayers.”

Bhakti-Yoga in Business, The Spiritual Journey of Dr. N.D. Desai by Satyaraja das (Steven J. Rosen)

Even after earning his Ph.D. in engineering and eventually becoming a successful businessman, Sri Nathji prabhu incorporated his devotion to Lord Krishna on a practical level. As he explains in Satyaraja prabhu’s book, “Both my mother and father, of course, supported the idea that everything belongs to Krishna, and so we eventually incorporated the standard Vaishnava principle of giving fifty percent of our profits to devotional activities, which we did through ISKCON or through other charitable organizations.” Satyaraja prabhu adds, “In due course, he would give much, much more than fifty percent. He would give his all.”

He finally met Srila Prabhupada in 1971 and his life changed forever. “I first met Srila Prabhupada, my spiritual teacher, in March, 1971 and this changed my life. Meeting a pure devotee has that effect – it brings one to another stage of existence.”

With that devotional attitude and with inspiration from Ambarisa prabhu, Sri Nathji prabhu gave his full support to the TOVP. Ambarisa and Svaha prabhus are grateful and thankful for his endearing devotion and we at the TOVP are all eternally indebted to him for his service. Jananivas prabhu will be organizing a special Nrsimha puja in his honor, among other observances.

sri-nathji-giving-class

We wish to conclude with this statement from Srila Prabhupada:

“If you help build this temple in Sridhama Mayapur, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur will personally come and take you back to Godhead.”

We believe this is certainly the case with Sri Nathji prabhu. He was a living example of the ability to live a spiritual life while actively taking part in the workaday world, and is a shining example to all Vaishnavas in that regard. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur is undoubtedly pouring his blessings upon him.

All glories to His Grace Sriman Sri Nathji prabhu.

For further biographical information and inspiration about the life of Sri Nathji prabhu, a copy of Satyaraja prabhu’s book, Bhakti-Yoga in Business, The Spiritual Journey of Dr. N.D. Desai, can be purchased here:
http://store.krishna.com/bhakti-yoga-in-business-the-spiritual-journey-of-dr-n-d-desai/

The post His Grace Sri Nathji Das – A Hero of the TOVP Departs appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Playlist of All Videos Recorded of Sriman Srinathji Prabhu
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Hare KrishnaBy the Iskcondesiretree team

Srinathji Prabhu has been a prominent all-India industry leader and was the past President of ELCOMA (Electrical Lamp and Component Manufacturers Association), AMPS (Association of Manufacturers of Petroleum Specialties) and many other associations. Dr. Desai was the Chairman of DGTD ( Govt. of India) Panel for Light Electrical Industry and was a member of the Managing Committee of Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers’ Association (IEEMA). He had twice been the Secretary General of International Interfaith Conferences, which were attended by Nobel Laureates such as Dalai Lama, Mother Theresa, etc. to promote world peace, human welfare and religious understanding. In May 2011, he was invited by Milken Institute, Los Angeles, USA, to speak in a Global Conference on “India: The Tiger Economy is Roaring”. Continue reading "Playlist of All Videos Recorded of Sriman Srinathji Prabhu
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Asta Krosa- Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama
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By the causeless mercy of Lord Gaura Nitai, Sri Jiva Goswami, Srila Prabhupada and Vaisnavas, the date of Asta Krosa Parikrama has been fixed fro 9th November to 12th November 2016. This is the second year this Parikrama is going to take place. Srila Nityananda Prabhu along with Jiva goswami used to perform this Parikrama. […]

The post Asta Krosa- Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Lalita Sakhi’s Village (7 min video) Indradyumna Swami: Lalita…
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Lalita Sakhi’s Village (7 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: Lalita Sakhi is one of Srimati Radharani’s 8 principle girlfriends. Her home in Unchagaon is close to Radharani’s residence in Varsana. Our parikrama party visited Unchagaon on the 1st day of Kartika and enjoyed many wonderful hours of Krsna katha, kirtan and association with the villagers who live in that sacred abode.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/yQh17E

His Grace Sri Nathji Das – A Hero of the TOVP Departs
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Hare KrishnaBy the TOVP team

On behalf of Jananivas, Ambarisa, Svaha and Braja Vilas prabhus and the entire TOVP Team, it is with great sorrow and bereavement that we have learned of the passing of one of the TOVP’s first heroes, His Grace Sri Nathji prabhu (Dr. N.D. Desai) yesterday, October 17th. We are in shock at his sudden departure at the age of 76 due to heart failure during a visit to Bhutan. It is truly a dark day of loss for the TOVP and for his family. We offer our condolences to his wife, two sons and daughter during this challenging time. His cremation ceremony will be held on October 18th in India. He will be greatly missed by us all. Continue reading "His Grace Sri Nathji Das – A Hero of the TOVP Departs
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