Planet ISKCON

​Evening program at ISKCON, Scarborough, Canada

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​Seminar at ISKCON, Toronto, Canada

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​Congregation program at Toronto, Canada

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He Gave Us the Gayatri Mantra

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 30 July 2016, London, England, Initiation Lecture)

The eight offense to the holy name is, “To consider the chanting of Hare Krsna to be one of the auspicious ritualistic activities offered in the Vedas as fruitive activities, karma-kanda.” We have said this many times but what does it mean. There are different meanings that we can draw from it but the main meaning that I draw from it is:  A karma-kanda ritual is a material activity, a Vedic ritual which fixes our material situation. So when you do a karma-kanda ritual then you expect auspiciousness, “Now all my problems are gone. The brahmana came to my house and he did this yagna so now all will be fine!”

But chanting the holy name is a transcendental process and it has a different purpose. Its purpose is not to fix our material life! The purpose of chanting is to please Krsna and attract his mercy… and that mercy of Krsna may or may not fix our material life. You may say, “I am a devotee, how could this happen! How could this calamity happen to me?” and just give up chanting. This process is not meant to fix our material life; it is meant to take us back to Krsna and back to devotional service to him.

South Africa is a dangerous country because there is a lot of violence and there were some devotees who were murdered. I remember one program when someone asked, “How could this happen to a devotee? Isn’t Krsna protecting his devotee?” and one of the sannyasis present said, “No, Krsna is always protecting his devotee but Krsna may or may not protect the body but he will always protect the soul!”

In this way, Krsna consciousness is different from karma-kanda and is not going to fix our material problems, so we should not fall into that illusion.

Shri Madhvacharya appeared in 1238 A.D. near Udupi, Karnataka in South India. He was considered an incarnation of Vayu (wind god). He had an unusually strong physique and extraordinary intellectual power.

Madhvacharya took diksha at age five, sannyasa at twelve and left home. He appeared with a mission to fight and defeat Sankara’s Mayavada (impersonal) philosophy. By giving a pure interpretation of Vedanta-sutra he promoted pure theism. He named his innovative shastric explanation dvaita-dvaita-vada (pure dualism).

An interview with Candramauli Swami
How did you become a devotee?
I met devotees in place called Denver, Colorado in 1972 and I officially joined the temple in New Vrindavan in March of 1973, which was about 9 months later. Searching, looking for something spiritual. I had been involved in many social and political issues, prior to my joining the HK movement. I suppose? social and political interests or evangelistic spirit lead me to eastern religion and through yoga, reincarnation, vegetarianism I somehow came in contact with people who knew Hare Krishna people and I ended up on one SF in Denver. Somehow or other I came to the temple, liked it but wasn’t thinking of joining. I became interested in philosophy and asked questions. Then in the beginning of 1973 I went back to east coast of America and decide to visit the temple in New York City and then I started regularly go to the SF. And from there I really became attracted to the philosophy, life style, to the devotees. Two things really attracted me: devotees, philosophy and, especially devotees. I saw people were really genuinely happy. I was inspired to take that association and then found out what is their philosophy, their lifestyle. I had been practicing few things on my own, but nothing really serious. I asked questions, read the books, and finally I decided to give it a try. I met some devotees who were visiting New Vrindavan and they invited me to come to visit. I was inspired by the rural atmosphere so in March 1973 I decided to stay.

How long did you stay there? You were serving there as a cook and pujari?

My first service was to take the milk from the cows (I wasn’t milking them. They would give me the milk) and I would separate cream from the milk. And then from the butter I would make cream, like mother Yasodha. Gopi lila. My first service was to churn butter. I used a little milk can, stick, and round thick disc with holes … I would make butter for the Lord. And also distribute the milk to different places where they needed it. That went on for a few months. On Radhastami, September 1973 I got initiated.

Was Prabhupada present there?

Prabhupada came in April 1974 and he gave initiations but I didn’t see much of Srila Prabhupada that time. I attended one of his classes but that was it.

How was for you meeting Srila Prabhupada for the first time?

In New Vrindavan we have an area for sitting outside and he was there surrounded by devotees. He was looking and he looked at me for about … I guess it was like a long second … I was just picked up by enthusiasm. Of course we heard about Prabhupada, we were reading his books, so we were inspired. There was always news where was Prabhupada, what he was doing. That news would come as often a possible and everyone would listen. So we learn about Prabhupada mostly by hearing about him. When I first saw him it was a nice experience but it was really quick. And I sat at one class but I was always in the background, I was never up front.

Was it difficult for you to maintain the relationship with him although you didn’t have so much personal association?

Yes, it was but I was inspired to read his books and through his books and hearing about his activities. … The community leader Kirtananda was very close to Prabhupada, one of his first disciples. So he was all the time talking about Prabhupada, glorifying him. So we learnt a lot about Prabhupada through him. My relationship was mostly with Kirtananda Swami, he was SP’s representative. When you have personal contact you have a tendency to develop strong relationship with that person, so that was more strong even from my relationship with SP although SP was my spiritual master.

One time you said that those devotees who had personal association were attached to this physical association.

Some of them. There is philosophical precept that is explained in Srimad Bhagavatam that real attachment to the spiritual master is through the instructions. Personal association brings about attachment but unless one thought that association goes with the instructions, then if association is not there then what is the association. Instructions remain prominent as our association. Those who were attached to his body then when SP’s body was gone they also were gone. Prabhupada’s presence was very powerful impact to people’s lives. You can see that even today. When spiritual master leaves, others leave or they become more serious because they are attached to the personal form. Spiritual master many times leaves in order to get rid off the nonsense people and to inspire those who are serious to go on a higher level. Because those who are serious once when spiritual master leaves they go deeper to relationship. For the other ones they haven’t really imbibed the instructions into the heart therefore they have a hard time and many they just go. It is a phenomenon of that relationship, it’s historical, not only with Srila Prabhupada but with any spiritual master. There are always those who are attached to the form and those who are attached to instructions.

How did your spiritual life changed since you officially became initiating spiritual master?

It has become a bigger headache. (Laugh) It is like having children. I was always doing it in unofficial way but now it is like there is more of a requirement to do it. I like to do it. I always have done it as a service anyway. When formalization came it was nothing different but now it’s like you have to really become more determined to help that person. Even if they don’t want help. When it is unofficially if they don’t want help you can also back off and there is nothing lost. But if people are falling away you have to go after and try to bring them back. It becomes more active on the part of the guru.

You have deity of Laksmi Narasimha and Jagantaha, also Gaura Nitai …

I have them in Chicago. I also have Prahlada Nrsimhadev.

Who is taking care for them?

One devotee in Chicago, Murari Caitanya Prabhu. He has many deities himself.

How did Lord Nrsimhadeva come to you?

I remember I had another Lord Narasimhadev. I gave it to someone to take care because I was traveling a lot. I don’t remember how this deity came. It’s a mystery. Well it’s not a mystery I just don’t remember. (Laugh) Somehow my memory is blocked on that area. I remember for other deities but for this deity I don’t.

How did you get Prahlada Nrsimhadev?

That is a nice story. When I first saw that deity in German farm I was really attracted to that deity. And then in Croatia, at the camp I saw a deity. I really wanted to have my own. I heard that there was one devotee who was actually making that deity. I made some inquiry to try to get it. That was the first time that I was on this camp, it was in 2002. I couldn’t at all somehow or rather reach him. Some devotees tried for me because I wanted to have this deity but nothing happened. Then one day when I was in Spain I was invited to someone’s house. Over lunch we were talking and I told a story how I wanted to have a deity like that. One man who was there came to me the next day with a box. With a big smile on his face he said: I have a gift for you. And I though what is this I have a lot of stuff to carry. When I opened it up it was Prahlada Nrsimhadev. It was his deity which he put to rest.

Are you maybe attached to some particular form of the Lord?

I like all the forms. I like Balarama. One day devotees from Chicago congregation asked me to give a talk to the kids (ranging from 6 to 14). They said you speak on Krishna forms. I spoke a little bit and asked all the kids what are their favorite forms and at the end they also asked me. And I said Balarama. He is the original spiritual master; he serves the Lord in different ways, he is the actual God who gives service and accepts service. He gives service in the form of expanding himself in the form of the spiritual world. Spiritual world is Balarama, all the planets of the spiritual world are Balarama, Balarama expands and finally becomes Maha Visnu, who expands in ultimately material manifestation of the creation. Maha Visnu, Garbodaksayi Visnu, Balarama is very interesting person. Lord Nityananda and Lord Balarama is the same person. Same person, two different forms. If we want mercy we have to approach him. Gaura Nitai. Krisna Balarama.

You were also actively involved in the preaching program Prison Ministry. Can you say something about that?

There was one devotee, SP’s disciple named Candrashekara. He was requested by SP to preach to people in (…….) and he didn’t do until 1989. He begun 12 years after SP left, by correspondence. He was writing to so many people. He was also putting out some newsletter by ISKCON Prison Ministry so I became inspired. And also before I met Candrasekara there was one devotee who was put into jail (1986/7) and I started to visit him and send him books. He was preaching there and distributing books and I was sending him all kinds of books. Finally I would visit him with other devotees. He was in prison just outside of New Vrindavan, West Virginia prison. After some time I got inspired by that and one thing led to another – I started writning to some prisoners. And when I came in contact with Candrasekara it really started off. In the early days 1986-91 I was actually visiting people in prisons, in 1996/7 I started to write letters more. Now I do both. We also have a newsletter coming out from Chicago written by one ex-inmate. I am involved with that. Prabhupada wanted this kind of preaching, in 1952 he did program in one prison, place called Tihar jail. That was the place where Gandhi was put into prison. Prabhupada was doing this preaching and he also requested from us. It didn’t really get off the ground until lately. Now we have newsletter, devotees in different places of America who are writing to prisoners and sending books. Syama dasi, she does so much, sends tapes, books, videos … she lives out side. Candrasekara write at least 20 handwritten letters a day. I was doing that for years and I still do. Majority of my postal correspondence is at least 95 % with inmate. We also have a program from New Vrindavana where …….. kesh Prabhu and he also sends tests to inmate to learn. I also do Bhagavad Gita test. As far as making devotees is very difficult because when they get out they go to their material life again. But we have good success. One person just came out last year that time and he joined Chicago temple – he is doing newsletter. But when they are in prison they chant and read SP books. In 2002 we did Vyasa puja book for SP – offering from prisoners. You wouldn’t believe their writings. They never met Prabhupada except maybe one or two who were devotees when they were put into jail. 99 % of them never met Prabhupada and they became devotees in jail. Bir Krishna Maharaja has got the most disciples that are inmate – at least 3.

How can we maintain good sadhana and quality sadhu-sanga?

They go together. Sadhu sanga is done in relationship to sadhana. Real sadhu sanga comes by way of sadhana, not separate. When we perform hearing and chanting together with devotees, attend the morning program we attend the real sadhu sanga. Whatever else is necessary becomes easier when we have this hearing and chanting together. Hearing and chanting, sadhana is the basis of all out spiritual advancement. Prabhupada has written: Attend mangala arotik, chant 16 rounds, and hear Srimad Bhagavatm class. If we don’t do this we will become lack, we will fall down. In many letters he states like this. For those who live outside they also have to have some type of sadhana: they must chant, worship their deities and also associate with devotees. It’s a fact when you go for the morning program your Krishna Consciousness becomes strong, if you don’t go it becomes weak. We need that. It’s our life, our spiritual nourishment.

If you live in temple …. There is no quality sadhu sanga…

We should find other times to associate. We associate through service – that is there. We associate at festivals and preaching programs. We can get so much wrapped up in service that it seems that we are not associating. But actually if you are absorbed in service you are actually associating with everybody because that is the real association. But we must also have sadhana type of service (?), just being there and discussing. Prabhupada talks about devotees should get together and discuss the philosophy. You can also do that separately, you can have classes during the day.,.. bodya…….. (Sanskrit) to discuss the different angles of philosophical teachings in my books. That way we become more fixed and more inspired to continue in our devotional life. Association is not simply coming together and maintaining the building.

Tomorrow Radhanath Maharaja is coming. As far as I know you are friends since small …

Well he joined New Vrindavan 1972 , I joined 1973. At that time we had bramacari asram. So we started KC at the same time. Our services were connected. In bramacari asrama he was pujari and I was the cook for a few years. That meant when other devotees were gone, in the building Prabhupada’s palace there was just myself, Maharaja and one other person. We were taking lunch together. But we hardly saw each other – he was fully engaged in deity worship and me also.

I heard that even before as children you actually lived in the same street?

No, I was born on the east coast, he was born in Chicago. That is nice but it is not true. What rumors get around? (laugh) Somehow or other things always get changed. Even Prabhupada said: ‘’Some say Prabhupada said but Prabhupada didn’t say.’’ There are a lot of Prabhupada things that Prabhupada didin’t say. It is just the way the mind is, it likes to recreate into a new way.

What would be your most important message for Slovenia devotees? And also how do you feel here?

Try to develop real, genuine vaishnava relationships, see each other more important than yourself and serve the other devotees in that mood and Krishna will take care of you. If we develop real friendships with devotees that mean that our KC is nice. Friendship means we have to give up our false ego which is hard. We should be concerned about other devotees and not only about our spiritual development. It’s not that temple president is the only one who is concerned about everyone and everyone else are concerned about themselves. That is not the idea. Devotees are concerned about each other because we are all for the same thing, we all try to develop our relationship with Krishna. When we help each other we help ourselves. There must be genuine vaishnava relationships based on spiritual principles not anything different. Devotee relationships go very deep because Krishna consciousness is deep. There should be genuine concern and care for each devotee. If some devotees have trouble it’s not that he/she is in maya. Why not help them to get out of maya?

Children and Pets
Urmila Devi Dasi: A BOY AND HIS DOG, at least in America, is a symbol of friendship and of healthy psychological development. Srila Prabhupada, however, said that keeping pet dogs is a symptom of how the world has lost Vedic culture. People sometimes say that giving children pets to love helps children develop universal love. But we can easily see that it doesn’t work. Children love their dogs, cats, hamsters, and lizards, yes, but they eat cows, fish, sheep, and chickens. Some children on farms even learn to arrange for the slaughter of animals they pampered as pets. Both pampering and slaughtering stem from a desire to please oneself, or, more accurately, from a desire to please the senses and mind with which one falsely identifies. So teaching a child to love a pet because the pet is cute or loyal or cuddly simply binds the child to valuing bodily pleasure instead of spiritual pleasure. Couldn’t a child being trained in Krsna consciousness keep a pet without becoming materially entangled?

By Bhanu Swami

Some Conclusions based on Vedic Descriptions Subtle body has a subtle form with subtle senses to perceive . Subtle body not subject to gross physical laws of space and time Subtle body changes according to present experiences and thoughts Thought forms become more permanent if desires and thoughts are strong. Attachment to the subtle body of another person can lead to attachments in future bodies Sinful, selfish or violent acts create disruption in the subtle body. This determines the gross form in the next birth along with suffering Acts of punya or generosity maximize the health of the subtle body. This determines the extent of enjoyment in the gross body in next life. Subtle body is an intermediary between the soul and the gross body, but still material. The relation between the soul and body is established via false identification, false ego. The Super Soul guides the consciousness of the soul to fulfil his desires and enjoy in the gross world. The Super Soul guides the soul to get out of ignorance. Continue reading "What Is Mind? A Bhagavatam Conception of Mind
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9 km

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The post ​Does developing our conscience and intelligence develop our bhakti? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

By Srivas Nimai Dasa

We all know about the Yearly Lord Jagannatha Ratha Yatra at Puri Dham. Then again, by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada, we have had many Ratha Yatras over the years in ISKCON. At the same time, we are also aware that there is Lord Narasimha Palanquin (Ratha Yatra) Yatra in Lord Narasimha Sri Vaishnava Kshetras. Then, what is this first ever Lord Narasimha Jagannatha Ratha Yatra?!!! ISKCON Vijayawada has been conducting many Ratha Yatras to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Years in addition to special events like the release of a Special Postal envelope to honour Srila Prabhupada. Mangalagiri (auspicious Hill when translated) is a town 15 Kms (9 miles) from Vijayawada in the State of Andhra Pradesh in India. This town got its name as Lord Panakala (sweet drunkard) Narasimha Swami resides on top of the hill. The Lord here accepts half the quantity of the sweet drink that a devotee offers. If one offers 1 glass, he drinks ½ a glass. On the other hand, if we offer 2 glasses he accepts one glass only!!! Continue reading "First Ever Lord Narasimha Jagannatha Ratha Yatra
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Soweto Ratha Yatra, Johannesburg in Gauteng, South Africa (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: One should invite people, chant...

Giving Up Ravan Mentality (Audio-lecture)
On the occasion of Vijay Dasmi, HH Bhakti Charu Swami gave a wonderful class on Givin...

Sri Madhvacharya Appearance Day.
Today is the appearance day of Sri Madhvacharya. Madhvacharya (acarya means “one who teaches by his life”) lived in thirteenth-century India and appeared in the Brahma-Madhva – Gaudiya-Vaisnava-Sampradaya—the disciplic chain now represented by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. In this long disciplic chain of pure teachers, Madhvacharya is a most important link. The Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya originates with the Madhvas. Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and His followers thoroughly studied Madhva’s works before compiling their philosophy. For the Sat Sandarbhas Shri Jiva Goswami drew heavily from Madhva’s writings. Jiva Goswami found ‘the Gaudiya philosophy of acintya-bheda-abheda tattva in Madhva’s Bhagavat-parya. Shri Chaitanya Himself visited Udupi, the seat of Madhva’s sect. The Lord introduced Hari Nama sankirtana into their sect.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/n8g6g2

Lord Vishnu imparted the knowledge of reaching Him to four great personalities – Lakshmi Devi, Lord Shiva, Sri Brahma, and the four kumara. These four personalities imparted the knowledge to four great devotees who started the four Sampradayas. Lakshmi to Ramanujacharya – Sri Sampradaya, Shiva to Vishnuswami – Rudra Sampradaya, Brahma to Madhvacharya – Brahma […]

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The post Writing Sri Damodara-janani appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Science amidst bhakti - rasabhasa or rasa access? (Album with photos)
Chaitanya Charan Das: In India, I usually speak on topics related to science & spirituality at colleges and youth centers, practically never in temples.
During this trip to America, I am increasingly appreciating that speaking to Indians in America is substantially different from speaking to Indians in India. Indians in America are among the most materially intelligent Indians who have passed through rigorous competition with flying colours in order to make it to America.

On the occasion of Vijay Dasmi, HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj gave a wonderful class on Giving Up the Ravan Mentality at ISKCON Ujjain.

The post Lecture on Giving Up Ravan Mentality on 11th October 2016 appeared first on Bhakti Charu Swami.

By Dharmatma Das

Srila Prabhupada found the Mexican people pious. Their humility, simplicity, and devotion was reminiscent of the people of India. “Mexico is very much like India,” he said. We met this far out guy downtown who convinced us to come to a big Entreprenurial Convention going on in Santa Fe, a modern suburb of Mexico City. It took place in a huge venue and tens of thousand young students and business start ups attended. We were received like Rock Stars and within moments had huge crowds going crazy in ecstatic Kirtan masterfully led by Sundar Nitai prabhu. Fantastic preaching field. Many books, thousands of mantra cards and over 1000 small cups of Halavah were distributed until we were politely escorted out amidst cheers from the appreciating crowds. Continue reading "“All glories to Mexico City!” (photos)
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Charuhasa prabhu ACBSP incapacitated after a heart attack.
Charuhasa das joined Srila Prabhupada’s movement in the early pioneering days as a successful talented musician. Later he became a great painter at Srila Prabhupada’s request.
Previous to that he had not held a paint brush, but Prabhupada had empowered him. Caruhasa das painted many paintings in the Krishna conscious books and at temples over the years.
He continued his service, in multifarious ways. Over the years he has produced radio shows and television shows, and courted many celebrities and introduced them to Krishna consciousness.
He is a friend, and vibrant preacher, father to two children;
Recently he suffered a heart attack and became incapacitated.
His two friends Manvantara, and Vrindavan das, stand by him
in this trying time of need.

Why Didn’t I Keep a Diary in 1966?

An extremely important section of the Bhagavatam (1.7.4-6) describes Vyāsa’s samādhi (divine vision). In this vision, he saw Māyā (the power of illusion) subordinate to Krishna (the complete, original personal-consciousness), but bewilering the jīva (individual consciousness). Analyzing this in Tattva Sandarbha, Śrī Jīva Goswāmī brings up a very important question, “Who is to blame for the jīva’s infatuation with māyā?” 

Who is to blame for our illusions?

Śrī Jīva explains that only the jīva is to blame. 

Māyā does not “entice” us. She would actually prefer not to give herself to us, and is ashamed and humiliated by having to do so. We approach her and proposition her, she merely agrees to our proposition – out of compassion. Thus the whole idea of māyā as a “temptress” has no basis in Bhāgavata. It is a saṁskāra from Abrahamic/ Western thought.

Krishna is also not to blame. Our unique individual nature is to be fascinated with enjoyment more than love, and Krishna provides māyā to placate this incongruous and unconstitutional disease of consciousness. Within māyā he includes “medicine” for this disease. The lower potency medicine is karma – a slow-acting but constantly applied mechanism that gradually encourages the jīva towards love/cooperation and away from self-centered enjoyment. A higher potency (but more rare) medicine also exists, becuase Krishna causes bhakti to manifest within māyā, to grant the jīva an opportunity to experience Krishna (which is possible only through bhakti), the glimpse of whom begins to slacken our fascination with māyā’s selfish pleasures and supplant it with a fascination for Sri Krishna’s exhilarating love.

Thus neither māyā nor Krishna is to blame for our situation. We are to blame.

That we are the root cause of our own problems also means that we have to be the root cause of our solution. The jīva’s rectification requires the help of bhakti-śakti, but only the jīva can decide to become receptive to that bhakti-śakti or remain fascinated with the opportunities for self-centered enjoyment provided by the illusions of māyā.

Vraja Kishor (www.vrajakishor.com)

Tagged: illusion, Maya, origin of evil, origin of jiva

On 9-10-16, in Canada, I spoke on science twice in the same day – and both at temples, and that too in Sunday feast classes. I spoke on “What near-death experiences mean for us” at ISKCON, Brampton, which is a suburb in Toronto, and on “Science vs Religion” at ISKCON, Toronto.

Science vs Religion – Talk & QA
http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/…/%e2%80%8bscience-vs…/

What near death experiences mean for all of us
http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/…/%E2%80%8Bwhat-near-…/

During this trip, I have earlier spoken on a science-related topic once “Do we need spirituality in the age of science” at the Sunday feast class at Washington DC.
http://www.thespiritualscientist.com/…/%E2%80%8Bdo-need-sp…/

In India, I usually speak on topics related to science & spirituality at colleges and youth centers, practically never in temples.
During this trip to America, I am increasingly appreciating that speaking to Indians in America is substantially different from speaking to Indians in India. Indians in America are among the most materially intelligent Indians who have passed through rigorous competition with flying colours in order to make it to America.

Among our movement’s leaders in the West, there is great concern that not many Western people are coming to our movement, only Indians are taking it up. While the lack of Western participants is a matter of great concern, that concern shouldn’t lead to minimising of the Indians who are coming. These Indians are often high-caliber people, the kind whom we would be proud to welcome in our temples in India.
Whereas in India a science-spirituality topic in a Sunday class would often be met with many blank stares, in America it was met by most attendees with avid interest, thoughtful questions and enthusiastic appreciation.

When I had asked Ananda Vrindavani Mataji, the Temple President of ISKCON Washington, about the rationale for speaking on scientific topics in a Sunday feast class she had given an insightful reply. I expand it here in my words: “If we treat our Sunday feast attendees as pious Hindus, that’s how they will stay – and that’s the kind of people who will come. But if we treat them as intelligent people capable of understanding the depth of our message, that’s how they will become – and that’s the kind of people who will come.”

After my scientific talks, several devotees appreciated the points, some saying that their long-standing doubts were addressed and some saying that they felt better equipped to answer questions that they often face. Hearing their appreciations brought into sharp focus a thought that had been nascent within me: In today’s world, speaking on science is essential to help many people gain access to bhakti-rasa.

Speaking on science in front of the beautiful Deities – and the temples that I have spoken at have often have high-quality Deity worship – might seem to some as rasa-abhasa. But I recently remembered a Prabhupada pastime, wherein during his last days, he was talking animatedly with Bhakti Swarupa Damodara Maharaja about scientific outreach. When Tamal Krishna Maharaja, thinking that Prabhupada might be tired, asked him whether he would like to have kirtan, Prabhupada forcefully replied, “What do you think we are doing? This is kirtan.”

While many devotees are equipped, and often far better equipped than me, to speak on direct bhakti-related subjects, not many are so well equipped to be able to share scientific access to bhakti. I felt grateful to be able to do this service of scientific outreach in my own small way.

The post Science amidst bhakti – rasabhasa or rasa access? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Giriraj Swami read and spoke from Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.3.28.

“The standard of perfection for a human being is to develop the attributes up to seventy-eight percent in full. The living being can never possess attributes like Siva, Visnu or Lord Krsna. A living being can become godly by developing the seventy-eight-percent transcendental attributes in fullness, but he can never become a God like Siva, Visnu or Krsna. He can become a Brahma in due course. The godly living beings who are all residents of the planets in the spiritual sky are eternal associates of God in different spiritual planets called Hari-dhama and Mahesa-dhama. The abode of Lord Krsna above all spiritual planets is called Krsnaloka or Goloka Vrndavana, and the perfected living being, by developing seventy-eight percent of the above attributes in fullness, can enter the planet of Krsnaloka after leaving the present material body. —SB 1.3.28 purport

Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.3.28

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 30 July 2016, London, England, Initiation Lecture)

Once I gave initiation in Mayapur to a devotee and afterward, we met Jananivasa Prabhu. I said to Jananivasa Prabhu that I just gave initiation to this devotee, could you please just give him your blessings. Jananivasa Prabhu said, “Oh, you just took initiation! This is very nice because the time when you just take initiation is a very special time! It is the time where everything is still fresh and you are full of good positive energy. This is the time when you can put some really good habits in place…” He went on to say, out of humility, that he did not do that and he only knows it theoretically, but this is very nice. So the time of initiation is the time to be strict. Being strict is not fanatic… being strict means that we are serious… it means that we want to go back home, back to the spiritual world this lifetime. That is why we are doing all of this.

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​Sunday feast lecture at ISKCON, Toronto, Canada

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