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Today is the appearance day of Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur. On this day in 1838 he was born in Birnagar, Bengal, India. He was to become a prolific author of books on the philosophical teachings of devotion to Radha-Krishna, a masterful songwriter, and the great-grandfather of the present day Hare Krishna movement. By his monumental, single-handed efforts the pure bhakti taught by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was rescued from the hands of numerous false teachers, charlatan yogis, and Anglicised Hindus.

He redefined the Gaudiya Vaishnava path, created a very popular movement with over 500 branches, and put the teachings of Rupa Goswami into English for the first time. His son was to later become Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupada, whose dear disciple was our Srila Prabhupada.

He once predicted that the sound of the mridanga and karatals, and the sound of the holy names of Krishna, would one day resound in the cities of the world. On another occasion he said that he would personally accompany anyone who took the harinam sankirtan to a new town.

His last song, composed in 1907, was an exposition of his personal meditation and daily spiritual principles. Here they are, in English translation, as well as sung in Sanskrit and Telugu, the language of Andhra Pradesh / Telangana.

 

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Summary of Sacinandana Swami’s SB class.

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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 11 September 2016, Durban, South Africa, Sunday Feast Lecture)

Krsna does not have work to do; everything is simply going on by his desire. Whatever Krsna desires will happen. If we should have this power, it would be dangerous. If whatever we desire would happen, we would be in trouble since we have conditioned desires which we sometimes regret later. We always have to work for a long time for our desires to be fulfilled which is good because we then have time to rethink our desires. There is always an element of struggle for us. But struggle for Krsna is nice because then struggle becomes meaningful.

There is the story of a boy who worked hard to buy a ring for a girl. He was thinking of her the entire time he was working, therefore he actually worked for her! Similarly, we must work for Krsna then we can be in a state of mind where we are not affected by material conditions whether we are in hell or somewhere else. If we change our condition instead of trying to change our surroundings, we can actually be happy with whatever situation we are in.

Kunti devi prayed for trouble because in troubled times she always remembered Krsna. She was not affected by the hardships of this world; she had a state of being equipoised. We maybe cannot reach that state but we can get close to it. We can create distance from the mind; from our emotional experience. Thinking, feeling and willing are functions of the mind but we can spectate on those once we are distant from it and get grounded in our spiritual life.

*Notes taken my Nimai during the lecture

 

The post Daily Darshan: 13th September,2016 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

By the EuroGBC

This paper aims to present the contribution of Bhaktivinoda Thakur to the establishment and development of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). It regards his personal life as the role model for the practitioners of Vaisnavism, and it considers his input in expanding preaching techniques, both innovative and traditional ones. Being born in a non-Vaisnava family, educated in Christian and Westernized Hindu schools and colleges, Bhaktivinoda Thakur, more than many other spiritual teacher in Gaudiya tradition, is the reference point for ISKCON, many of whose members have been born in and molded by the Western civilization. The historical context in which Bhaktivinoda Thakur commenced his spiritual quest can be portrayed as a time of serious encounter and conflict between Hindu traditionalists and a Westernized and secularized Bengalis intelligentsia. Continue reading "Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s Influence On The Establishment And Development Of Iskcon
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ISKCON NZ: Historical Event For the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada (Album with photos)
Kalasamvara Das: Devotees from New Zealan...

Govardhana Parikrama during Ekadasi (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: On our way through Vrindavan to pack our gear for our trip to Tibet, we did Govardhana parikrama. It was Ekadasi and the parikrama marg was packed with people. By Giriraja’s grace we discovered a newly opened path near the village of Aniyor, that runs very close to the hill. It was a photographers dream and was perfectly captured by Ananta Vrindavan dasa.
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Bhaktivedanta Research Centre: Sri Godrumacandra-bhajanopadesha by Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura.

By Mayapur Sasi dasa

For the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada this report contains the following North American results of book distribution for the month of August 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 August 2016 – North American Sankirtan Newsletter
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US Congresswomen and dedicated Vaishnavi Tulsi Gabbard chanting the Maha Mantra in Washington DC’s Hilton during the celebrations of ISKCON’s 50th anniversary!

Diving Into Kirtana With Swamiji

15.02.2014

Мой друг Вишну Мурти даса, отвечающий за Vanipedia, любезно прислал мне эту ссылку на аудиозапись со Шрилой Прабхупадой в Нью-Майапуре (Франция) 5 августа 1976 года, в которой я задаю вопрос Его Божественной Милости. Ответ Шрилы Прабхупады дарует мне великую надежду!
Невозможно передать, как я был счастлив услышать свой личный разговор с духовным учителем, который произошел 38 лет тому назад!

Индрадьюмна Свами: «Шрила Прабхупада, Вы несколько раз упоминали в прошлых лекциях, что чистый преданный видит Кришну повсюду – что Он никогда не бывает вне пределов нашего видения. И в то же время в молитвах Шикшаштаки Господь Чайтанья говорит: «Говинда, (миг) разлуки с Тобой будто 12 лет. Я ощущаю пустоту в Его отсутствие». Вы могли бы это объяснить?»

Шрила Прабхупада: «Да. Он показывает, как можно обезуметь без видения Кришны. Это более высокий уровень. Это невозможно объяснить. Но когда ты постепенно поднимешься выше, то поймешь».

Прекраснейшая молитва из Риг Веды, прославляющая святые Имена Господа.

Необходима всем, кто искренне воспевает Шри Наму Прабху!

“О Всевышний, Шри Вишну! Твоему святому Имени известно абсолютно все,
оно освящает всех, так как все Ведические писания эманируют из Него.

Имя Твое – неиссякаемый источник высшего блаженства, воплощенье брахмана,

обретаемо легко, исполнено трансцендентального знанья.

Медитируем на сущность Твоего Имени, говорим друг с другом
об имени Твоем, непрестанно воспеваем имя Твое. Так поклоняемся Тебе”.

[ Риг Веда 1.156.3 ]

aum asya jananto nama-cid-viviktanas
mahas te visno sumatih bhajamahe
aum tat sat

(дата  уточн. )

After the disappearance of Shri Rupa and Shri Sanatana Goswamis, Shri Jiva Goswami became the Gaudiya Sampradayacharya to guide all Vaishnavas in Navadwipa, Vrindavana, Jagannatha Puri.

Although he was the undisputed leader, he always acted as a humble servant of all the jivas. Whenever Bengali Vaishnavas visited Vrindavana he would lovingly receive them, arrange for Prasadam and comfortable rooms, an even guide them on Vraja mandala parikrama.

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By Kripamoya Das

There are many lessons for Vaishnavas to learn from the narration of His activities, as found in the 8th canto, 18th chapter of the Bhagavat Purana (Srimad Bhagavatam). Amongst the lessons are these: 1. That God comes to this world in many forms; not just once, in one form, or even many times in the same form, but many times in many forms. He is never limited by the form, but remains all powerful. 2. That all other gods are meant to offer homage to Him. They did this when, appearing as a young child, he was awarded the sacred thread by Brihaspati, the guru of the gods. The sun god gave Him the Gayatri mantra and His father, Kasyapa Muni, a straw belt. Mother Earth gave Him a deerskin and Lord Brahma gave Him a waterpot. Kuvera, the heavenly treasurer gave Him a monk’s begging bowl, and the wife of Lord Shiva gave Him the first alms. In this way, the gods all offered the best of what they had to the Supreme God. Each of us, in our own way, must also give the best of what we own – our talents, intelligence, words and wealth – as a gift to that same God. He gave it to us along with our birth, and we can offer it back to Him. Continue reading "The many lessons for Vaishnavas to learn from Lord Vamanadeva
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Ecstatic Harinam and Book Distribution in Detroit Jazz Festival on Labor Day Weekend (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Any...

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Varnasram series at Black Sea festival.

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ISKCON Ujjain is celebrating the 50th anniversary of ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada Memorial Festival and the Vyas Puja celebrations of His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj. Schedule for the festival is: 12th to 15th September:  Seminar on Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s teachings Timings: 11am-1pm & 5pm-7pm 16th September: 11am-1pm: Prabhupada glorification, 5-7pm: *Ocean of Mercy* book launching […]

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Written by Vasanti dd

The devotees of Cape Town were very happy to finally have Kadamba Kanana Swami’s association again since his visit in December last year. He arrived on Friday, 02 September and rested at the temple that afternoon before his week of activities in Cape Town began where he gave a lot of his time to preach to students and newcomers (while giving more than enough time to the devotees as well, of course). 

Maharaj made his first appearance on Saturday morning where he lectured on the Srimad Bhagavatam verse 1.9.25, and later in the day, he set-off for the majestic Bohdi Khaya Resort in Gansbaai (approximately 2.5 hours out of Cape Town) for a student retreat that was taking place.

Student Reteat, 03-04 September

Bhaktin Bavisha has been acting as the chairperson of the Bhakti Yoga Society at the University of Cape Town campus for this year and Maharaj has expressed how pleased he is with how she has put her heart into growing the program both in terms of attendance as well as administratively. With the help of her very dedicated committee members both on and off campus, she expertly pulled of a first-class student retreat. 

When we arrived at the venue on the Friday, the sun was occasionally peeping out from behind thick, grey clouds but mostly we were getting washed down with piercing rains which seemed to be drowning out all fear, anxiety and stress. We were tucked away from mundane city life, safely cradled by the Witkransberg Mountains in Gansbaai. The smell of fresh, wet soil and grass filled the air, reminding us of nature’s potency.

Upon the arrival of Kadamba Kanana Swami, the rains retreated obediently and the sun shone down on Maharaj in ecstasy. The students from The University of Cape Town’s Bhakti Yoga Society welcomed Maharaj with excitement. Some welcomed Maharaj as an old friend and others in awe and reverence. The mood ascended immediately as Maharaj led an ever-ecstatic kirtan into the evening.

After Maharaja’s talk, a few students remained behind with Maharaj where he taught them how to play some of his well-known melodies on the harmonium. The evening ended with mellow drumming around the fire and a blanket of stars winking down at us.

Our Sunday morning began peacefully with japa meditation followed by some sweet kirtan lead by the students. Maharaj displayed his musical skills as he effortlessly harmonized along with them on the patio piano. During the morning talk that followed, Maharaj stressed the point that while meditating, it is not possible to clear the mind completely and focus on nothing. He emphasised that the mind is constantly busy, engaged in many thoughts. Maharaj gave the example of how one may clean out a room completely but ultimately will require some essential items. Similarly, the mind is the same. It may filter many things, but still it requires so much.  

When asked by a student what to do once one understands that the senses must be regulated and controlled, Maharaj responded by explaining that the senses cannot be idle. The senses must be engaged in some activity or the other as that is its nature. So why not engage those senses in devotional service! 

After the morning class Maharaj spent a short while speaking with the students personally before heading back to Cape Town. 

Sunday Love Feast, 04 September

Maharaj made it back to Cape Town in good time for the Sunday Love Feast where he led Guru Puja and an awesome hour-long kirtan before his lecture. The temple full of happy faces who were all thrilled to have Maharaj around and to drink in the nectar of his association. He spoke on the Bhagavad-gita verse 9.14 and elaborated on the qualities of a mahatma (a great soul). Maharaj spent a lot of time after the program speaking with devotees until eventually retiring for the evening. 

Rest Day, 05 September

After such a jam packed weekend – Maharaj took a well deserved day of rest to prepare for the rest of the week ahead. 

Srimad Bhagavatam Class and House Program, 06 September

Maharaj’s morning Bhagavatam class was very well attended and he spoke on the qualities of the different varnas which evolved into an in-depth discussion with many questions. Maharaj gave many good arguments about the importance and necessity of varnashrama but ultimately concluded with Lord Caitanya’s verse in order to emphasise our real goal:

naham vipro na ca nara-patir napi vaisyo na sudro

naham varni na ca grha-patir no vanastho yatir va

kintu prodyan nikhila-paramananda-purnamrtabdher

gopi-bhartuh pada-kamalayor dasa-dasanudasah (Madhya Lila 13.80),

I am not a brahmana (priest or Vedic scholar), ksatriya (warrior or administrator), vaisya (agriculturalist or businessman), or sudra (worker), nor a brahmacari (celibate student), grhastha (householder), vanaprastha (renounced householder) or sannyasi (full renunciate). Being transcendental to this gross and subtle body, I am the servant of the servant of the servant of the lotus feet of the master of the gopis, Sri Krsna, who is the ultimate shelter of everyone, full of transcendental bliss and an ocean of unlimited nectar.

It was a full house at Harish Chandra Prabhu and Mamatamayi Radhika Mataji’s home that evening when Maharaj graced their presence along with HG Medhavi Prabhu (ACBSP). The evening started off with a very deep and meditative kirtan and ended off very sweetly with Maharaj and Medhavi Prabhu swinging the microphone back and forth (literally) as they shared sweet pastimes of their days in the service of ISKCON. Medhavi das means one who is the servant of the one with sharp intelligence and after Medhavi Prabhu had shared his pastimes in ISKCON with us, Maharaj complemented Medhavi Prabhu’s detailed memory.

Bhaktin Tesham has recently started heading up an official youth group for the Cape Town yatra, assisted by a very enthusiastic and able co-committee and Maharaj blessed the youth group with their future endeavours at the end of the house program. There was lots of fun and laughter as the youth tried to get a group picture with Maharaj but somehow or the other kept getting photo bombed by some enthusiastic devotees wishing to be in on the fun.

Spirit Matters, Golden Heart Alchemy, Sacred Sound Meditation, 07 September

Spirit Matters is a program aimed at youth and newcomers to Krsna Consciousness that runs from the yoga loft of the temple every Wednesday. After a busy day of sound checks, set up and decor by Bhakta Kevin and Bhaktin Lameez and a transcendental prasadam feast cooked by Brhat Mrdanga das, the scene was finally set and the guests started pouring in very punctually at 18:30 in an excited buzz anticipating the evening’s program. 

Lord Jagannath was there smiling at the crowd like a Cheshire cat from behind Maharaj accompanied on His left and right by the Panca Tattva and Lord Vishnu respectively, all very lovingly painted by one of our many in-house temple artists, Bhakta Michael. 

The room filled up quickly with approximately 80 people and it was noted that this had by far been the largest attendance of new people at the program this year.  Maharaj definitely brought in the shakti!

After an opening poem which was borrowed from a poet named Zdravko Stefanovic and dedicated to Lord Gauranga, Maharaj took the wheel and drove the crowd straight to Goloka Vrindavan by sometimes gently playing his harmonium whilst simultaneously poetically narrating sweet words about Krsna, Vrindavan and the love of devotional service and at other times playing his harmonium in the usual full-blast rock star mood of Kadamba Kanana Swami, thus getting the crowd completely fired up through close to an hour’s worth of flying kirtan. 

Maharaj then gave an incredible lecture and ended off with another “5 minute kirtan”. 

It was noted how progressive the evening was and how by the end of the evening it was clear that Maharaj had managed to touch the heart of every person there who were all smiling from ear-to-ear and who were all completely blissful. 

 

Departure, 08 September

Maharaj left Cape Town on Thursday afternoon and headed off to Durban for the party of the year with Srimati Radharani and Lord Radhanatha at the Durban temple. 

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Spectacular Pushpa Abhishek (Flower Festival) in Iskcon Detroit (2016) (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: I feel happy that ...

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Congregation program on Gita 18.35 at Ashbury, USA

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Mahaharinam in Ljubljana (Slovenia’s capital) (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The holy name, chanting of holy name, if we act it properly, without any offense, then we are directly in connection with Krishna. Vrndavana, September 16, 1976.
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Bhagavatam talk on 1.5.14 at Washington D C, USA

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Radhastami Celebration in Iskcon Detroit - The Devasadhan Mandir (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: We have to work sincerely, and because Krishna is in everyone’s heart, there will be no difficulty to have the necessary facilities. Letter to Satsvarupa, September 14, 1969.
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He gave the below description of Bhagavan from where Srila Prabhupada translated in English as “The Supreme Personality of Godhead”
Please note, the english word “God” simply does not make justice to the Supreme Entity Who is A PERSON and has many energies.

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