Gita 11.25 The site of the unfamiliar in the familiar is disorienting
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Gita verse-by-verse podcast


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Radhastami Schedule
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

Dear devotees,

Radhastami in New Vrindaban is coming Friday, September 9th, 2016!  Please don’t miss this very special festival.

See the below schedule and article for further details.

Radhastami 2016 Schedule 3 HK

Radhastami in New Vrindaban

On September 9th, ISKCON New Vrindaban is planning exuberant festivities for the auspicious appearance day of Srimati Radharani. Radharani is the chief associate of Lord Krsna and is also an expansion of the Lord Himself as His internal potency. Her appearance day is one of most significant festivals celebrated amongst the Gaudiya Vaisnavas and marks the once in a year opportunity to take darshan of Radharani’s lotus feet, unveiled for all devotees to see.

The festival will begin early in the morning at the Radha Vrindaban Chandra Temple with Mangal Arati at 5:00am, Greeting of the Deities and Guru Puja at 7:30am, followed by Srimad Bhagavatam class given by His Holiness Varsana Swami.

A special program at Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Mandir will start from 11:30am with His Holiness Varsana Swami. Varsana Maharaj will walk devotees through the sweet pastimes of Srimati Radharani with kirtan followed by a feast cooked by the local Brijabasis.

In the evening, there will be another celebration at Radha Vrindaban Chandra’s temple from 5:00pm with an abhiseka and a class given by His Holiness Bhakti Sundar Goswami. After class, devotees will have the opportunity to write an offering to Srimati Radharani attached to a balloon, which will reach to Her lotus feet. We anticipate everyone ecstatically dancing in kirtan and joyfully chanting to celebrate this blissful occasion before honoring the incredible feast prepared for Her pleasure.

We are very much looking forward in hosting this event. If you have yet to see Sri Sri Radha Vrindaban Chandra’s lotus feet in New Vrindaban, please come and take darshan and enjoy these wonderful festivities. The sweetness involved will be immeasurable.

Ys, Anadi Radha dasi

‘The Walking Monk’ in Surrey with tales from cross-Canada trails
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Hare KrishnaBy Tom Zillich

“I went through a lot of pain, physical,” Swami admitted. “The biggest challenge of all is walking on an angle – it’s like walking on a beach. But nevertheless, everything else compensated for that (pain), including meeting fantastic people, meeting characters, being confronted by black bears, grizzlies, whatnot, and finally I became an addict, I like it, gotta do it again.” His first coast-to-coast walk was documented in “The Longest Road,” a 2003 National Film Board of Canada movie about the Trans-Canada Highway. Continue reading "‘The Walking Monk’ in Surrey with tales from cross-Canada trails
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Hare Krishna: Fifty Years of Service and Joy (With Russian Subtitles)
→ ISKCON News

Since its release in February 2016, the short film celebrating ISKCON's 50th Anniversary has been screened in over fourty countries and seen by hundreds of thousands. Recently, the Russian version has been released. Click here for the English version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44OoZ6GfmK0. For a high definition screening copy please contact Krishna-lila dasi: editor@iskconnews.com 

Monday, August 29th, 2016
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Monday, August 29th, 2016
Bancroft, Ontario

By Hills and Fields

Daivata was determined to take me on the trails he had carved out.  When the weeds come up, he “whacks them back” and takes advantage of the trekking to do his japa (chanting with beads for meditation).

He also encouraged me on a nature’s trail as an alternative; a worn out trail made by deer.  It runs half-way along the slope of Daivata’s hilly property.  We noticed cedar seeds being dropped from trees by squirrels perched high above.  They will come down to pick at those green seeds, separate them from their twigs and then munch or harvest them as morsels of food.

“Look out!  Here lands another bundle of them.  Watch your head!” warned Daivata.

Both today and yesterday, we took advantage of the great, fresh water in our midst—a dip in Eels Creek and York River.  We were inspired by a group of young guys in their mid-teens, who had plunged into the Otonabee River off a bridge the day before.

I commended them for being “old-fashioned” by being out in nature.  That made them feel good.  Unfortunately, they’ll likely renounce the more natural ways when it comes time to get their driver’s licenses.

Our final destination for today was in Hastings at the country home of Fil and Sukhayanti.  Here, I will spend some time in a guest house nearby, to offer help in the garden and with the cows.  Two monks had also come to join me—Brihat and Nick.

We’re going to do just fine.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Sunday, August 28th, 2016
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Sunday, August 28th, 2016
Scarborough/Bancroft, Ontario

After

After a long absence from taking a step in the ISKCON Scarborough Centre on McNicoll, I had the deep pleasure to share company with this community of devotees.  Gracious as they are, they went out of their way to make a great meal, even when it’s not so easy to drum up preps for an Ekadasi day (every fort-night you have to fast from grains).  However, they came up with a feast.

The managers running this small unit, tucked away in a plaza, were apologetic.  “We’re sorry for the small turn-out.  There’s a big wedding going on which  most everyone was obliged to attend.”  Still, it was pleasing to see a fairly full house, where people came to listen to my talk based on Chapter 8, Verse 15 from the Bhagavad-gita.  The phrase that stands out in this verse is “this world is temporary and is full of miseries.”  It may seem like a negative remark coming from the words of Sri Krishna, but truth must be told.  He encourages us to move on to better places.

The plain unit which people refer to as their “temple” was now the place for me to take leave.  Daivata from Bancroft, a veteran Hare Krishna, who joined the culture in ’72 in Vancouver, had come to fetch me for a drive north and a visit to his rustic home and 16 acres of wilderness.

If readers haven’t picked up by now, I’m a monk, a rolling stone that moves and collects no moss.  Here outside the town of Bancroft is a slice of Vaikuntha (heaven) where what you consider “wild” is the norm.  A bear, a wild turkey, a wolf and a loon are occasional visitors to any side of the home.  Nothing to worry about.

“You can come and stay here when you want to be on a writing retreat and when Vishvadika, my wife, is in India for six months.”  Naturally I’m welcomed by this countryside couple any time, but to address what could be a lonely period, in the winter, for my devotee-friend, I believe I’ll take up the offer.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

 

Saturday, August 27th, 2016
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Saturday, August 27th, 2016
Owen Sound/Maple, Ontario

The Real World

The Hanna kids are the kind of kids I like for their naturalness.  Their grandpa, my personal peer and friend, Garuda Vahan, the support person for my third walk across Canada, has done a marvelous job training both boys and girls in a more hopeful lifestyle.

Along with the late Krsna Karuna, his wife, their own offspring got to know the true dimensions of life and they have succeeded in passing on those treasures to the next generation.

By two dimensions, I mean the best that the physical and spiritual worlds have to offer.  The kids were exposed to and walked nature trails, swam the fresh-water lakes all around, and to spice life up, got to know kirtan, the ancient practice of chanting and drumming, serenading the Divine.

We did a bit of that today with Garuda’s clan, and also with dear friend, Drupada.  With Nanda, Dharma, Manasi-Ganga (all of Indian origin), Nick and I drove north to this Huron Lake-bordered town of 22,000 to explore with those not-so-stereotypical Canadians for a 5.5 km walk and a swim at the beach.

I say “not-so-stereotypical” because most folks ride in cars and indulge in gadget playing.  This group in Owen Sound has a weekly sanga involving food and chanting, and going to the out-of-doors.

I have personally been encouraging our Indian devotees to go for the Canadian experience, and so as a result, a mentor of theirs from Mississauga, Raja Suya, took the group on their first camping trip to the Niagara Escarpment, not so long ago.  With tents to house them, the thunder, lightning and rain of the night put everyone to the test.  In the end, the outdoor eating the next morning, and the togetherness, compensated for the evening scare.

I would like to say to everyone, “Put on a pair of shoes, get out the door and experience the real world.”

May the Source be with you!

10 km

Friday, August 26th, 2016
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Friday, August 26th, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

Offering to Guru

I’m taking the liberty to present here my written offering of something called “Vyasa-puja” or the honouring of the guru.  The contents include mention of last fall’s walk.

Dear Srila Prabhupada,

On a recent 45-day pilgrimage through the northeastern United States, I had much time to contemplate. It was a walk to express my utter appreciation to you, with 1,500 kilometres (932 miles) under my feet.

Formally, the trek was dubbed “Walking for Our Teachers.” My route took me from Boston’s Commonwealth Pier, where you first landed in America fifty-one years ago, to Butler, Pennsylvania, where you spent a good month, and then to New York City, where you began your mission, ISKCON, officially incorporating it in July 1966.

The society you initiated was a major milestone. The ISKCON Vaiṣṇava culture took hold, but not without trials and tribulations. Like a trekker walking the Pennsylvania mountain/valley terrain, over the last five decades, ISKCON has climbed and descended quite a few steep slopes.

In your endeavour to cement ISKCON within the modern world, you worked to make it a recognizable force grounded in culture and education, rather than merely another religion added to an already pluralistic world of faith. We shall now see how effectively we can continue to market the Prime Entity, Kṛṣṇa, and mold your marvelous  Society over the next fifty years. There is much work to be done.

If I may, I would like to present to you and to the society of devotees, my humble analysis of some of your contributions to the world, and what makes you unique.

The Cutting-Edge Guru

1. You pioneered the practice of kīrtana in the West, with emphasis on the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra.

2. You introduced to the West the culture of bhakti yoga, an ancient devotional lifestyle, with emphasis on serving the Supreme Deity, Kṛṣṇa.

3. You wrote and published books and articles, and established the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT), presenting a scholarly Vedic library of writings on Eastern thought.

4. You established a worldwide spiritual mission registered as the International Society for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness (ISKCON).

5. You became a strong and early voice promoting animal rights, especially the protection of the cow and the bull.

6. You strongly promoted a nonviolent vegetarian way of life (and were perhaps the first teacher of Vedic cooking in the West).

7. You introduced to the West the Vedic consecration of food as prasādam.

8. You promoted a God-centered agrarian culture, a back-to-the-land initiative centered on the family farm, and an eco-friendly existence.

9. You initiated the world’s first large-scale program of sanctified vegetarian food distribution to the needy in Māyāpur.

10. You strongly spoke out against drug and alcohol consumption as harmful.

11. You boldly promoted the science of the soul’s transmigration (reincarnation).

12. You strongly challenged atheism and Darwin’s theory of evolution, and constantly promoted the principle that there is a God, and that He is a person.

13. You introduced to the West the ancient techniques of arcana or pūjā, honouring the Divine in His sacred image.

14. You promoted the anti-racist sentiment by propagating the all-inclusive philosophy that all souls are equal, and that, “We are not these bodies.”

15. You redefined the word party: Sing the holy names! Dance! Play music! Eat karma-free food! No intoxication! No lewdness! Serve each other!

Also, Your Divine Grace was a major positive influence on history’s most popular rock band, The Beatles, especially on George Harrison, who impacted a generation, if not more.

For all of the above, I offer you the utmost reverence and gratitude.

Begging to remain your humble servant,
Bhaktimārga Swami
 

Thursday, August 25th. 2016
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Thursday, August 25th. 2016
Toronto, Ontario

His Birth—A Draw

Many fans were rented, huge in size, ready to plug into sockets and then do their service of turning the air, and thus offer some relief to the thousands coming in on a hot, humid day.

Today is Janmastami, Krishna’s birthday.  It is a big deal and it draws the crowds, not only in India—the apparent place of origin for the big fest—but all over the world, where Lord Krishna stirs up excitement marking the day of His appearance.  Many people, as usual, attend the event of dance, drama, rituals, philosophy, food (unless you fast all day) and body heat!

When our building gets packed and the place becomes heated by humans in the month of August, it calls for AC or at least units that move the air.

I was absorbed for hours rehearsing the drama “The Witness,”a story based on a deity of Krishna who moves and walks to give testimony to a brahman priest.  Working with a crew of devotee-volunteers as actors, while running on an empty stomach (again, fasting), wasn’t so easy.  The sacrifice, rendered by the cast, paid off as we saw and heard the cheers of satisfaction at the end of the performance. 

It is a tradition that on Janmastami day, the followers of Krishna reflect and hear of Krishna’s acts of heroism.  It brings a whole amount of reassurance to those who take shelter of such mercy.  Krishna has fans, and then He has fans.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

 

Wednesday, August 24th, 2016
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Wednesday, August 24th, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

Krishna Still Popular

A man with shoulder-length hair and a goatee stood on the steps of a shop along Yonge St.  He noticed me while I was on my evening trek and said, “Hare Krishna?  You guys were really popular at one time.”

The remark hit me with mixed feelings.  Hearing the words ‘Hare Krishna’ is always sweet, unless spoken in vain or in a cursing manner, which is rare.  The statement, “were really popular at one time,” sunk my heart momentarily.  It seemed to infer that we were once loved but are now forgotten.

Indeed, we were a curiosity 50 years ago, and for some trailing years, as well.  I pondered the idea that once you’re established, you lose your lustre.  That was a painful thought.

I nodded to the fellow, kept moving and got the attention of three young people affixed to the steps on the next shop over.  They were aroused somehow by the presence of yours truly.

“I love the colour,” the woman said, referring to my dhoti and kurta.

“Yeah man, I betcha it’s comfortable as hell,” remarked another.

“Sure is,” I confirmed.

Then these two spokespersons and the third, just kind of lit up.  They stood and came forward, making me feel almost like a celeb.  I was popular, in other words—at least for a few seconds—with the three people fussing.

I tried to see if the guy with the goatee noticed how a Hare Krishna can still be a sensation.

May the Source be with you!

7 km
 

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2016
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Tuesday, August 23rd, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

I Was Concerned

I was very concerned for this little guy, a skinny skunk, who was about to cross the street.  Defensive instincts told him, “Not now!”  The head-lights of the car and the sound of its engine were enough to deter the little fellow from crossing.  After the vehicle passed, the skinny skunk did delicately bee-line his way over to my side of the street, bringing us close together.

“Not too close!”  I pondered.

Now, he was scampering about in an area away from green trees, grass and bushes, while on the search for food.  He took more to a concrete trail.  I felt for him and wanted to guide him to a safer zone, more away from traffic.  I would not let him cross Yonge St., known for its merciless motorists.

The skinny skunk could hear me chant and see me walking.  I was trying to guide.  He went on the defensive at one point, and abruptly stopped and lifted his tail, prepared to spray his essential oil.  I halted.  I could see the clear Vaisnava-like marking running along his back, commencing at his neck.

What a terrific reminder!  He’s making me think of Vishnu with that white striping.  After one long block of his finding no escape from human imposition—namely the attached buildings: a bakery, a bar, a software store and such—he made a turn to the right, to a residential green zone.

I was happy for him—the skunk.  But, I wondered why he was skinny.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

 

Monday, August 22nd, 2016
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Monday, August 22nd, 2016
Burnaby, British Columbia

3 Kilometres Only

Nitai Ram, Marty and I put a few minutes of investment into adjusting lazy legs.  At least, I can speak for myself that the brief jaunt to the Chinese/Punjabi farmland nearby was warranted.

To explain my feelings on this, I have to say that when I come to a destination of festival-fun and people-needs, it eats up lovely time.  I can’t always take the people with me on a stroll and then talk about what’s on their mind.  I consider myself lucky to get a few moments to ‘breeze with ease’ on feet.

My biggest regret when attending something like the Chariot Festival in Vancouver (now passé by a day) is that I can’t reach all the folks I feel I need to contact.  It is for my sake and theirs that there be even a miniscule interaction.

So, today is wrap-up time, put-away-and-good-bye time.  Deborah, who had been waiting for Harinam initiation for some time received her diksha name—Saci Priya, “one dear to Saci, the mother of Chaitanya.”  She and family turned up to be there.  I also visited Jogender, a man of sincerity in service.  He heads up a security systems company.  He was telling me of recent break-ins, reminding me of crooks who lurk around.  Common are those people who move around with a back-pack. “Both men and women,” he said, “who carry a power tool for break and enter.”  His cameras catch people all the time.

Safety is a big factor these days.  Surrender to the Supreme and feel safe.

May the Source be with you!

3 km (only)

Description of Goloka
→ Dandavats

Hare KrishnaBy Sri Narayana Rsi

O Narada, after going a short distance they saw the beautiful asrama of Radha, who is the queen of the rasa dance, the queen of the demigods, the best of the gopis, and She who to Lord Krsna is more dear than life, a beautiful, beautiful asrama that was completely indescribable, that no great pandita could describe, that was a great circle of six gavyutis (Note: A gavyuti is equal to two miles) that had a hundred palaces, shone with the splendour of many jewels, was made of the best of the best of priceless jewels, was beautiful with many impassable deep moats, filled with a hundred flower gardens and many kalpa-vrksa trees, constructed with many jewels, surrounded by great walls and was made with jewel benches and seven wonderful jewel gates, O sage, a series of seven gates that led, one after the other, to a place of sixteen gates. Gazing at this great wall as tall as a thousand bows and splendidly beautiful with many small jewel domes, the (three) demigods became filled with wonder. Continue reading "Description of Goloka
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Srila Gour Govinda Swami Vyasapuja
→ Mayapur.com

Today is the most auspicious appearance day (Vyasapuja) of Srila Gour Govinda Swami. At Mayapur, the disciples and devotees of Mayapur community came together to offer glorification & pushpanjali  at his puspha Samadhi mandir. In the morning, video class of Gour Govinda Maharaj was played in the temple hall. Senior devotees, his god brothers & disciples shared […]

The post Srila Gour Govinda Swami Vyasapuja appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Why Srimati Radharani descended from Goloka?
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Hare KrishnaBy Brahma-vaivarta Purana

Listen and I will tell you of Lord Hari’s descent as a cowherd boy. His arrival in Gokula, and Radha’s descent as gopi. Listen and I will tell you in detail what before you heard me tell only briefly in the story of Sankhacuda’s death. Sridama quarrelled with Radha and She cursed him to become the demon Sankhacuda. Then Sridama cursed Radha: Go to a human womb in Vraja! Become a girl of Vraja and walk on the earth’s surface! Afraid of Sridama’s curse, She went to Sri Krsna and said: I will become a gopi! Sridama cursed Me! What will I do to prevent it! O breaker of fears please tell me. How can I live without You? O Lord, without You every moment will become a hundred yugas. Continue reading "Why Srimati Radharani descended from Goloka?
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Huge Janmashtami celebration in the concert hall…
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Huge Janmashtami celebration in the concert hall “Russia” of the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow, Russia (Album with 120 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: It is the practice of brahmanas conversant with the science to pronounce a Vedic mantra in the right accent. But even if the Hare Krishna mantra is not chanted properly, it still has so much potency that the chanter gains the effect. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 4.13.27 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/qBoMO1

The cult of Krishna is growing in officially atheist…
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The cult of Krishna is growing in officially atheist China.
Hindustantimes.com: Numbers are difficult to compile and often anecdotal in nature, but the philosophy of love and devotion as symbolised by Krishna, one of Hinduism’s popular deities, is evidently attracting many Chinese in urban areas.
Last week, a large number of devotees celebrated Krishna Janmashtami, the day that marks his birth, across China in big and small groups, at yoga centres and among family members.
Celebrations were mostly marked by chanting of “Hare Krishna”, singing devotional songs, readings from the Bhagavad Gita and distribution of sweets including laddoos.
The day was also celebrated in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Harbin and the province of Wuhan. (HT/Sutirtho Patranobis)
One of the larger celebrations was held at the International Buddhist Items and Crafts Fair in Dongguan city in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong. “At the Dongguan fair, we presented the murtis of Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra as three international angels of auspiciousness and distributed 3,000 packages of sweets,” a devotee who identified himself as Gaudiya Das told HT.
“There were congregational chanting and we took the three murtis on a vehicle around the entire fair, distributing foods like laddoos, chapatis, sweet rice and even (traditional Chinese food) moon cakes,” he said.
The day was also celebrated in the cities of Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Harbin and the province of Wuhan, said Das, a trained practitioner of Bhakti yoga.
“It is not about any religion. You do not have to believe in Hinduism to celebrate Krishna’s birthday. It is like Christmas: the whole world celebrates, everyone is happy.”
Some of the organisers were from the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) group.
The Chinese like traditional culture and that’s why Krishna and His teachings are gaining in popularity, he added.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/PRc5jD

Monday, August 29th, 2016
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Monday, August 29th, 2016
Bancroft, Ontario

Daivata was determined to take me on the trails he had carved out.  When the weeds come up, he “whacks them back” and takes advantage of the trekking to do his japa (chanting with beads for meditation).

He also encouraged me on a nature’s trail as an alternative; a worn out trail made by deer.  It runs half-way along the slope of Daivata’s hilly property.  We noticed cedar seeds being dropped from trees by squirrels perched high above.  They will come down to pick at those green seeds, separate them from their twigs and then munch or harvest them as morsels of food.

“Look out!  Here lands another bundle of them.  Watch your head!” warned Daivata.

Both today and yesterday, we took advantage of the great, fresh water in our midst—a dip in Eels Creek and York River.  We were inspired by a group of young guys in their mid-teens, who had plunged into the Otonabee River off a bridge the day before.

I commended them for being “old-fashioned” by being out in nature.  That made them feel good.  Unfortunately, they’ll likely renounce the more natural ways when it comes time to get their driver’s licenses.

Our final destination for today was in Hastings at the country home of Fil and Sukhayanti.  Here, I will spend some time in a guest house nearby, to offer help in the garden and with the cows.  Two monks had also come to join me—Brihat and Nick.

We’re going to do just fine.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

The Emptiness in You
→ The Enquirer

Hunger in our mouths
Comes from emptiness in our stomachs.

Hunger in our senses
Comes from emptiness in our hearts.

The mouth can fill a stomach’s emptiness
But can the heart’s emptiness be filled through the senses?

The heart’s emptiness
Is best filled by her close friends: the mind and words.

If you hear the right words
And think about them deeply, feelingly.
You will never again go hungry.

Hear about All-Attractive, All-Delighting Krishna-Rāma.
And contemplate what you hear, deeply… feelingly.


Tagged: Emptiness, Hunger, Lust, Sense Gratification, Sensuality

ANU Preaching Program
→ Ramai Swami

imageFullSizeRender

Visnucaran and Sravaniya are originally devotees from Singapore but have been living in Canberra for over 10 years.

They are regular attenders at the temple and also run a weekly program at the Australian National University where they have kirtan and nice prasadam.

FullSizeRender 2

Saturday, August 27th, 2016
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Saturday, August 27th, 2016
Owen Sound/Maple, Ontario

The Real World

The Hanna kids are the kind of kids I like for their naturalness.  Their grandpa, my personal peer and friend, Garuda Vahan, the support person for my third walk across Canada, has done a marvelous job training both boys and girls in a more hopeful lifestyle.

Along with the late Krsna Karuna, his wife, their own offspring got to know the true dimensions of life and they have succeeded in passing on those treasures to the next generation.

By two dimensions, I mean the best that the physical and spiritual worlds have to offer.  The kids were exposed to and walked nature trails, swam the fresh-water lakes all around, and to spice life up, got to know kirtan, the ancient practice of chanting and drumming, serenading the Divine.

We did a bit of that today with Garuda’s clan, and also with dear friend, Drupada.  With Nanda, Dharma, Manasi-Ganga (all of Indian origin), Nick and I drove north to this Huron Lake-bordered town of 22,000 to explore with those not-so-stereotypical Canadians for a 5.5 km walk and a swim at the beach.

I say “not-so-stereotypical” because most folks ride in cars and indulge in gadget playing.  This group in Owen Sound has a weekly sanga involving food and chanting, and going to the out-of-doors.

I have personally been encouraging our Indian devotees to go for the Canadian experience, and so as a result, a mentor of theirs from Mississauga, Raja Suya, took the group on their first camping trip to the Niagara Escarpment, not so long ago.  With tents to house them, the thunder, lightning and rain of the night put everyone to the test.  In the end, the outdoor eating the next morning, and the togetherness, compensated for the evening scare.

I would like to say to everyone, “Put on a pair of shoes, get out the door and experience the real world.”

May the Source be with you!

10 km

 

Sunday, August 28th, 2016
→ The Walking Monk

Sunday, August 28th, 2016
Scarborough/Bancroft, Ontario

After

After a long absence from taking a step in the ISKCON Scarborough Centre on McNicoll, I had the deep pleasure to share company with this community of devotees.  Gracious as they are, they went out of their way to make a great meal, even when it’s not so easy to drum up preps for an Ekadasi day (every fort-night you have to fast from grains).  However, they came up with a feast.

The managers running this small unit, tucked away in a plaza, were apologetic.  “We’re sorry for the small turn-out.  There’s a big wedding going on which  most everyone was obliged to attend.”  Still, it was pleasing to see a fairly full house, where people came to listen to my talk based on Chapter 8, Verse 15 from the Bhagavad-gita.  The phrase that stands out in this verse is “this world is temporary and is full of miseries.”  It may seem like a negative remark coming from the words of Sri Krishna, but truth must be told.  He encourages us to move on to better places.

The plain unit which people refer to as their “temple” was now the place for me to take leave.  Daivata from Bancroft, a veteran Hare Krishna, who joined the culture in ’72 in Vancouver, had come to fetch me for a drive north and a visit to his rustic home and 16 acres of wilderness.

If readers haven’t picked up by now, I’m a monk, a rolling stone that moves and collects no moss.  Here outside the town of Bancroft is a slice of Vaikuntha (heaven) where what you consider “wild” is the norm.  A bear, a wild turkey, a wolf and a loon are occasional visitors to any side of the home.  Nothing to worry about.

“You can come and stay here when you want to be on a writing retreat and when Vishvadika, my wife, is in India for six months.”  Naturally I’m welcomed by this countryside couple any time, but to address what could be a lonely period, in the winter, for my devotee-friend, I believe I’ll take up the offer.

May the Source be with you!

0 km

 

Thursday, August 25th. 2016
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Thursday, August 25th. 2016
Toronto, Ontario

His Birth—A Draw

Many fans were rented, huge in size, ready to plug into sockets and then do their service of turning the air, and thus offer some relief to the thousands coming in on a hot, humid day.

Today is Janmastami, Krishna’s birthday.  It is a big deal and it draws the crowds, not only in India—the apparent place of origin for the big fest—but all over the world, where Lord Krishna stirs up excitement marking the day of His appearance.  Many people, as usual, attend the event of dance, drama, rituals, philosophy, food (unless you fast all day) and body heat!

When our building gets packed and the place becomes heated by humans in the month of August, it calls for AC or at least units that move the air.

I was absorbed for hours rehearsing the drama “The Witness,”a story based on a deity of Krishna who moves and walks to give testimony to a brahman priest.  Working with a crew of devotee-volunteers as actors, while running on an empty stomach (again, fasting), wasn’t so easy.  The sacrifice, rendered by the cast, paid off as we saw and heard the cheers of satisfaction at the end of the performance. 

It is a tradition that on Janmastami day, the followers of Krishna reflect and hear of Krishna’s acts of heroism.  It brings a whole amount of reassurance to those who take shelter of such mercy.  Krishna has fans, and then He has fans.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Friday, August 26th, 2016
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Friday, August 26th, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

Offering to Guru

I’m taking the liberty to present here my written offering of something called “Vyasa-puja” or the honouring of the guru.  The contents include mention of last fall’s walk.

Dear Srila Prabhupada,

On a recent 45-day pilgrimage through the northeastern United States, I had much time to contemplate. It was a walk to express my utter appreciation to you, with 1,500 kilometres (932 miles) under my feet.

Formally, the trek was dubbed “Walking for Our Teachers.” My route took me from Boston’s Commonwealth Pier, where you first landed in America fifty-one years ago, to Butler, Pennsylvania, where you spent a good month, and then to New York City, where you began your mission, ISKCON, officially incorporating it in July 1966.

The society you initiated was a major milestone. The ISKCON Vaiṣṇava culture took hold, but not without trials and tribulations. Like a trekker walking the Pennsylvania mountain/valley terrain, over the last five decades, ISKCON has climbed and descended quite a few steep slopes.

In your endeavour to cement ISKCON within the modern world, you worked to make it a recognizable force grounded in culture and education, rather than merely another religion added to an already pluralistic world of faith. We shall now see how effectively we can continue to market the Prime Entity, Kṛṣṇa, and mold your marvelous  Society over the next fifty years. There is much work to be done.

If I may, I would like to present to you and to the society of devotees, my humble analysis of some of your contributions to the world, and what makes you unique.

The Cutting-Edge Guru

1. You pioneered the practice of kīrtana in the West, with emphasis on the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra.

2. You introduced to the West the culture of bhakti yoga, an ancient devotional lifestyle, with emphasis on serving the Supreme Deity, Kṛṣṇa.

3. You wrote and published books and articles, and established the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT), presenting a scholarly Vedic library of writings on Eastern thought.

4. You established a worldwide spiritual mission registered as the International Society for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness (ISKCON).

5. You became a strong and early voice promoting animal rights, especially the protection of the cow and the bull.

6. You strongly promoted a nonviolent vegetarian way of life (and were perhaps the first teacher of Vedic cooking in the West).

7. You introduced to the West the Vedic consecration of food as prasādam.

8. You promoted a God-centered agrarian culture, a back-to-the-land initiative centered on the family farm, and an eco-friendly existence.

9. You initiated the world’s first large-scale program of sanctified vegetarian food distribution to the needy in Māyāpur.

10. You strongly spoke out against drug and alcohol consumption as harmful.

11. You boldly promoted the science of the soul’s transmigration (reincarnation).

12. You strongly challenged atheism and Darwin’s theory of evolution, and constantly promoted the principle that there is a God, and that He is a person.

13. You introduced to the West the ancient techniques of arcana or pūjā, honouring the Divine in His sacred image.

14. You promoted the anti-racist sentiment by propagating the all-inclusive philosophy that all souls are equal, and that, “We are not these bodies.”

15. You redefined the word party: Sing the holy names! Dance! Play music! Eat karma-free food! No intoxication! No lewdness! Serve each other!

Also, Your Divine Grace was a major positive influence on history’s most popular rock band, The Beatles, especially on George Harrison, who impacted a generation, if not more.

For all of the above, I offer you the utmost reverence and gratitude.

Begging to remain your humble servant,
Bhaktimārga Swami
 

Wednesday, August 24th, 2016
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Wednesday, August 24th, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

Krishna Still Popular

A man with shoulder-length hair and a goatee stood on the steps of a shop along Yonge St.  He noticed me while I was on my evening trek and said, “Hare Krishna?  You guys were really popular at one time.”

The remark hit me with mixed feelings.  Hearing the words ‘Hare Krishna’ is always sweet, unless spoken in vain or in a cursing manner, which is rare.  The statement, “were really popular at one time,” sunk my heart momentarily.  It seemed to infer that we were once loved but are now forgotten.

Indeed, we were a curiosity 50 years ago, and for some trailing years, as well.  I pondered the idea that once you’re established, you lose your lustre.  That was a painful thought.

I nodded to the fellow, kept moving and got the attention of three young people affixed to the steps on the next shop over.  They were aroused somehow by the presence of yours truly.

“I love the colour,” the woman said, referring to my dhoti and kurta.

“Yeah man, I betcha it’s comfortable as hell,” remarked another.

“Sure is,” I confirmed.

Then these two spokespersons and the third, just kind of lit up.  They stood and came forward, making me feel almost like a celeb.  I was popular, in other words—at least for a few seconds—with the three people fussing.

I tried to see if the guy with the goatee noticed how a Hare Krishna can still be a sensation.

May the Source be with you!

7 km

 

Tuesday, August 23rd, 2016
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Tuesday, August 23rd, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

I Was Concerned

I was very concerned for this little guy, a skinny skunk, who was about to cross the street.  Defensive instincts told him, “Not now!”  The head-lights of the car and the sound of its engine were enough to deter the little fellow from crossing.  After the vehicle passed, the skinny skunk did delicately bee-line his way over to my side of the street, bringing us close together.

“Not too close!”  I pondered.

Now, he was scampering about in an area away from green trees, grass and bushes, while on the search for food.  He took more to a concrete trail.  I felt for him and wanted to guide him to a safer zone, more away from traffic.  I would not let him cross Yonge St., known for its merciless motorists.

The skinny skunk could hear me chant and see me walking.  I was trying to guide.  He went on the defensive at one point, and abruptly stopped and lifted his tail, prepared to spray his essential oil.  I halted.  I could see the clear Vaisnava-like marking running along his back, commencing at his neck.

What a terrific reminder!  He’s making me think of Vishnu with that white striping.  After one long block of his finding no escape from human imposition—namely the attached buildings: a bakery, a bar, a software store and such—he made a turn to the right, to a residential green zone.

I was happy for him—the skunk.  But, I wondered why he was skinny.

May the Source be with you!

5 km
 


ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 07/24/2016
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

 

ECO-Vrindaban New Vrindaban ISKCON

ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 07/24/2016

Mission Statement: ECO-Vrindaban promotes simple living, cow protection, engaging oxen, local agriculture, and above all, loving Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON New Vrindaban.

Participating Directors: Anuttama, Bhima, Chaitanya Mangala, Ranaka and Sri Tulasi Manjari

Advisors: Radha-Krishna, Vraja

Managers: Mukunda, Nitaicandra

1. Mukunda’s Monthly Report

  • The greenhouse that was outside the new boundaries of the Community Garden has been dismantled and many of the materials have been salvaged.
  • He helped build a fence to better contain the hay at the hay shelter next to the milking goshala.
  • He removed an old, obsolete and unsightly telephone pole next to the Deities’ flower garden.
  • He continues to help organize and chair the Village Association Steering Committee meetings.
  • He is preparing for the first North American ISKCON Farm Conference in Gita Nagari set for mid-August.
  • Mukunda contacted an Architectural/Structural Engineer, the County Health Department and Fire Marshal to understand any relevant fire, health and safety concerns. These meetings are scheduled throughout the next one month.

2. Nitaicandra’s Monthly Report

  • The main ox team, Hari and Priya, are working well together. Currently, they are pulling a chain and responding to voice commands without a lash. They will be part of the planting in the Community Garden next week by pulling a simple chain link drag to cover the seed.
  • Caitanya Bhagavat has been upgrading the Nandagram fencing.
  • The garden crew picked blueberries from the Bahulaban orchards (8 quarts).
  • Many quarts of mixed berries have been picked from the Community Garden (4 quarts per week).
  • Radish, salad greens, kale and Swiss chard harvest has begun.
  • Tomatoes, squash, and basil will be ready for harvest soon.
  • There have been some challenges with flea beetles, rabbits, and poor soil. Continuing to improve the soil quality by using soil building plants and manure will be an ongoing process.
  • Thus far, Vidya and her team have produced 8,000 marigolds with many more coming. The community garden is at around 2,000 marigolds
  • So far this season, we have had two Wwoofers guests and another will be coming this week.

3. Steering Committee Inclusion

The ECO-V Board is in favor of starting to include the Village Association Steering Committee members in the monthly “Joint Board” meetings between ISKCON New Vrindaban and ECO-Vrindaban. Concurrently, the Board requests the Steering Committee to set a date, within a reasonable time frame, for the vote to elect a New Vrindaban Village Council.