Prabhupada’s Palace Launches Campaign to Support Restoration
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Devotees at ISKCON New Vrindaban, West Virginia are in the midst of major renovations on Srila Prabhupada’s Palace. And they’re launching a campaign to help them continue restoring the renowned Smriti Samadhi, or memorial shrine to ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya, to its full glory. The effort is a labor of love, just as it was when devotees first started building the Palace in 1973, intending it as a residence for their guru, who expressed a strong desire to retire there and translate his books.  

Radha Damodar Das, One of the First Devotees in the Soviet Union, Is Gravely Ill
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In May 1983, Radha Damodara was arrested and imprisoned for his faith. While in prison, he had to work in dangerous conditions, which included using a poisonous glue. He also suffered from malnutrition. Nevertheless, Radha Damodar continued to follow the principles of Krishna Consciousness and to preach. His health suffered, especially his lungs. Today, it is the lungs that have been affected by a dangerous disease. 

​Gita 11.24 Repetition is not always rambling – it can be for stress or beauty
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Gita verse-by-verse podcast


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The post ​Gita 11.24 Repetition is not always rambling – it can be for stress or beauty appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

We must have some fun!
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, October 2014, Mayapur, India, Siksastakam Seminar: Verses 1&2, Part  1)
radhadeshmellows_2012

Burning material desires may manifest in various ways. One way is that we think of sense objects. Another way may be that we do not think of sense objects – as devotees, we can come to a stage where we do not allow our mind to think of sense objects, so we do not think of sense objects – but then, the blazing fire of material desire manifests in dissatisfaction. And for a long time, we are dissatisfied. When a devotee is not happy it is dangerous because we need happiness. A devotee MUST be happy! This is very important.

We should not just ignore that, su-sukhaḿ kartum avyayam (Bhagavad-gita 9.2). Spiritual life must be joyfully performed; you must have some fun. It is important that everyone, not only the mahabhagavats – the topmost vaishnavas are having all the fun – and for everyone else, it is just duty, duty, heavy duty spiritual life; that cannot not last, for how long can one do so!? Then one will surely embrace the material energy so we must also cultivate some fun. 

Sunday, August 21st, 2016
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Sunday, August 21st, 2016
Vancouver, British Columbia

Having Friends

Two walks of mini-distance made the day.  Victor and I ventured to the Fraser River.  A quiet trail of minor obstructions shaped the adventure on this first walk.  A railroad track, no real issue, provided a change of texture on the feet.  And at one point, I rocked and rolled by way of a stone that almost sent me on my butt.

At another point, Victor and I, with utmost care, squeezed through those outreaching and thorny blackberry bushes.  They love to cling and tear at dhotis, our lower robes.

There are two road intersections to this track.  That’s also fine.  You look both ways before crossing.  The soul is directing or rather the super-soul is impelling.  Life is precious.  Death (by car) is superficial.  “You are eternal,” is the message.

Walk number two was the grand procession from Granville Bridge to 2nd Beach at Stanley Park.  The city gives us two lanes in which to crowd ourselves along the way.  The obstructions and clearances are the devotees themselves.  Yes, while the kirtan—chanting and drumming—carries on happily, you step on each other’s feet most likely.  At the same time, it is those same steppers—who nearly yank off a shoe—that are your well-meaning friends.

You can’t live without comrades, after all.  My simple observation at Stanley, after the procession, was seeing the occasional lonely person stand and stare at the fun.  Sadly,they have no friends.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Saturday, August 20th, 2016
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Saturday, August 20th, 2016
Surrey, British Columbia

The Real Meet

It was advertised that The Walking Monk was to be at Zaklan Heritage Farm in Surrey at 13278 84th Ave.  It was a “meet and greet” between Noon and 2pm.

That was flattering, and I thank Lynne Murray for the promotion; but from my side, I would like to put a different spin on this charmer of an event.

I would say, “Meet and greet the plums and the grapes, the tomatoes (green-housed for starters), kale, chard, peppers, beets, corn. Be sensationalized by the colours, scents and tastes that are growing naturally.”  I mentioned only a few from the list of organic splendours on this ten acre wonder in the centre of urban,sprawling Surrey.

It was awesome meeting Douglas, who took a group of us around for a tour.  Chickens were fabulously fenced in, but by a fence that you could un-stake, shift over, and allow the hens to achieve fresher grass, and in return, some nitrogen from their manure is produced.

Douglas lives on the property.  He built a house that can also be shifted.  That’s nifty!

I always believed that a garden gives gold—produce you can eat.  The metal gold—you cannot.  Good food is the real gold.

As we left the good company of Doug and those inclined toward good food, and perhaps a different kind of monk who likes to make a “green statement” through walking, Doug prepared a bag of his best harvest for us.  It reminds me of something our guru, Srila Prabhupada, said, “When you give something from the garden that is real love.”

Thanks Doug!  Thanks Arlen!

May the source be with you!

Friday, August 19th, 2016
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Friday, August 19th, 2016
Burnaby, B.C.

Victor and I

Victor and I took a stroll near the ashram where Chinese and Punjabi farmers utilize every square inch of deep, dark, rich soil for produce.  We had just passed the garden centre, “It’s About Thyme,” when we heard the squeaking wheels of a grocery cart behind us.

Before turning around to confirm my guess, I thought, “Here comes a homeless person with his gathered wares.  Most likely he or she has a set-up called home, somewhere tucked in the bushes.”  Lo and behold it was a lost soul of sorts—a he—and he started talking.

“Are you guys Roman Catholic Priests?”

That was a first for that question.  At least, I’m often mistaken for a Buddhist, while fair-skinned Victor could be confused for a Muslim, with his white garb.  It goes to show that in our society of pluralistic faiths, not everyone sees the distinctions.

Our newly-made friend, John, looked in fairly-good physical shape, but you wonder how long before the elements or ‘habits made’ will wear him down.  I’m usually hit by compassion for people like John.  He probably could do better. Society likely has pushed him to the edge.  I do admire the simple life he’s chosen.

In the afternoon, Arlen came to pick me up for a talk at the Ram Mandir.  The topic was more exclusively “Tales from Wonderful Trails.”  I inserted Bhagavat philosophy and it was well received by all.

May the Source be with you!

6 km

Thursday, August 18th, 2016
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Thursday, August 18th, 2016
Surrey, British Columbia

On Joy TV

I was at the Toronto Airport in anticipation of securing my boarding pass at the machine.  I was just waiting for the person in front of me to complete their pressing the screen, so I could move forward, when an airport attendant, an Afro-woman, approached me to help expedite the process.  She smiled and stretched out her arm as if to ask for my hard copy details for the flight to Vancouver.  I handed them over.

“Where to?” she asked, her admirable braided hair tied behind her, and glasses gracing her face.

“Vancouver!”

She pressed along and asked something unusual.

“What sampradaya?”

Sampradaya means lineage in terms of spiritual tradition.

To her question, I replied, “The Brahma-Madhava-Gaudiya-Hare-Krishna sampradaya.”  I elongated the name with “Hare Krishna” as that is more identifiable for the public.  “And you?”  I asked.

“I’m with the Sri sampradaya.”  This I found most interesting.  Time didn’t allow for more discussion.  I was happy to share sacred words with another person.

After landing and having a decent sleep, I was driven to Surrey where the “Joy TV” studio is located.  Harpreet Singh, a member of the Sikh tradition, hosts the show.  Our topic was happiness.  “Despite technological advancement, we find a world which is wrought with people of unsettling mind.  Therefore inner joy is to be sought.  Outer joy is temporal.”

I also was able to highlight ‘pilgrimage’ and its benefits.

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Wednesday, August 17th, 2016
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Wednesday, August 17th, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

I Want to Give

I pondered the activities of the few days since I’ve come back from the U.S. walk.  I looked at the catching-up that had to be done.  I followed the program which begins at 4 a.m. in the ashram and appreciated the great privilege that it is.  I answered phone calls, tended to e-mails, Instagram, etc. and  planned a drama for next week’s major fest, Krishna’s Birthday.  I sat in a meeting for brain-storming, did some counselling, pep talks, and delivered classes.

What was missing?  What was not included in the life of a responsible Krishna monk?

“Of course!”  I thought.  An idea popped into the head.  “Hari Nama is what is amiss!!”

“Hari Nama” is the short term for public chanting.  It was an easy sell for the few ashramresidents around.  It appears it is not on the regular schedule for some reason or another.

Our small group of six meandered through the Annex neighbourhood,headed for destination Bloor Street, a block from the Bata Shoe Museum.  A patch of grass that forms a serene parkette became our asana(seat).  Once we got to drumming and chanting, we realized what had been vacant from our daily regimen.  It is this sharing of sacred sound that gives us life.

Not so long ago my Irish friend, Pragosh, told me about one of his favourite songs by Neil Young, born in this grand town, Toronto. “Heart of Gold.”  Interpret the lyrics as you like.  The song begins with, “ I want to live/I want to give.”

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Tuesday, August 16th, 2016
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Tuesday, August 16th, 2016
Toronto, Ontario

Night Nectar

There appears to be a more leisurely mood amongst people in the evening.  Philosophy, in its most fundamental form, can be somewhat more digestible before one retires for the night.  The following is what I encountered during my trek after sundown.

At Davenport and Bay, two young women came up to me and asked, “Can you tell me something?”

“Yes!  We are not these bodies.  We are spirits.”

At that point, a cab-driver whom I know, Uttamananda—my support person for May & June—honked his horn behind me to get my attention.  I was happy to see him.  I had a quick exchange and pulled back to give attention to the girls.

“So, that cab driver is the superior intelligence, the spirit.  The cab is a machine, the body.  The driver and that which he drives have to be differentiated.  You are the spirit, and the body is what you are driving.”  They expressed their thanks.

I moved on to amble by Bloor Street.

“Hi!” said the young fellow, “I’m Mathew. I’m an undertaker.  I meet people from different spiritual paths all the time.  When the bodies come to me, they are all the same.”  He and I had more to say.  It was profound.

Further west on Bloor, and another fellow began speaking, which encouraged me to stop walking.

“I read a book on Buddha.  It was deep.”

“Actually I’m a Hare Krishna monk,” I clarified. “We believe the body is different from the self.  You are a spirit, a power house.”

The fellow listened.  He called his buddy.

“Hey, listen to what the monk is saying.”  So I repeated my words.  The friend pulled off his hat, stroked his hair with his hand as if to digest my words.  I left them with that.

May the Source be with you!

6 km


Monday, August 15th, 2016
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Monday, August 15th, 2016
Surrey, British Colombia

The Walking Monk in Surrey with Tales from Cross-Canada Trails

I was slightly confused as to identifying which place to put at the top of the blog.  The origin of the article below, by Tom Zillich, comes as a pleasant surprise.  It’s Surrey, British Columbia, and it’s a buzz about the U.S. walk from the Surrey “Now” newspaper:

The last place you’d expect to find a guy nicknamed “The Walking Monk” is in a car heading toward Chicago.

So apparently Bhaktimarga Swami does not walk everywhere, despite the moniker he’s earned for hoofing it across Canada an impressive four times.

The Ontario-born Swami, who finished his last such trek in 2014, is currently halfway through a similar walk across the U.S., in another effort to promote a “more car-free, carefree lifestyle.”

This week, he’ll be in Surrey to attend a pair of events, and the Now caught up with Swami – known as John Peter Vis before he adopted a monastic way of life back in 1973 – via cellphone as he motored down an interstate in Illinois earlier this week.

“Yesterday was a momentous day where I stopped at the midway point in America, in Nebraska, and now I’m making a return journey back to Toronto, ultimately, my home place,” Swami explained in an interview on Monday (Aug. 8).

“It’s a pleasant day and we’ve had a great trip so far doing half of the U.S. The whole idea is to reconvene next spring and do the second half, the western part, heading west.”

Two decades ago, in 1996, Swami set out on his first cross-Canada walk as something of a 100th-birthday tribute to a mentor of his. Putting his “feet and heart together” that year, he started in Victoria and made it all the way to Cape Spear, Newfoundland, with many stories to tell.

“I’d always wanted to see Canada closeup,” he recalled, “because before I was a monk I hitchhiked or flew and took buses, things like that, but I wanted to see it the way it was done by the ancients, you know, the way you should do it, especially because it’s a kind of birthright for a monastic person to do this kind of thing.”

He enjoyed the “CanWalk” experience enough to complete three more cross-country journeys in years since.

“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.

While in the U.S. recently, a spell of hot weather prompted Swami, 64, to experiment with nighttime walking, starting at 9 p.m. and ending at 3:30 a.m.

“It was quite nice (in Omaha and other parts of Nebraska), you know, as long as you had a safe area to walk through, on trails, basically,” he said. “You’re not allowed to walk on the freeways, so the choices in America are a secondary highway or a back road.”

In Surrey this week, Swami will make an appearance at Ram Mandir (8473 124th St.) on Friday evening, Aug. 19, and is also scheduled to visit the market at Newton’s Zaklan Heritage Farm on Saturday, Aug. 20, from noon to 2 p.m.

Across Canada these days, he shares his “Tales from the Trails” at community centres, yoga studios, libraries, schools and other places.

“It’s always an adventure and you don’t know what you’re going to deal with on the day ahead,” Swami related.

“What happens when you’re walking is you start to appreciate the little things around you and everything becomes significant,” he added. “Those of us who are obsessed with the fast pace of life, we just don’t even know what’s in our midst. By walking, you pick up on fantastic details out there.”

In one photo of Swami, the Now noticed he wore a pair of Croc sandals, and asked about a possible endorsement deal from the footwear company.

“There was something happening there with Crocs, yes, on my third walk across Canada,” Swami elaborated. “They sent me a pair, and that was the best I could do,” he added with a laugh. “I found other footwear, though, that was superior, but I do resort to my Crocs once in a while just because they’re pretty lightweight.”

tom.zillich@thenownewspaper.com

May the Source be with you!

5 km

Surrendering to Krishna, Depending on Krishna
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Hare KrishnaBy Bhurijana Dasa

If the desire to serve Krishna is present, we will always be able to do some service, even if it is of a different kind. We always have something to offer others, regardless of the externals of our circumstances. If you wish to always appear strong or successful you lose the ability for transparency. By attempting success through the management of appearances, you lose freedom to be honest, you are unable to express needs, you must cover up your mistakes, you need to have all the answers, and you lose the freedom to be yourself. Be brutally honest. What wants and needs are present? Our motives may be admirable, pure, and worthy of action. At times they are self-serving, full of avoidance, and tainted by fear, impatience, envy, pride, or the desire to place everything under our control. What is compelling me to act? What pushes me to change the circumstances from what they currently are? Is Krishna’s purpose behind the desire to act? What purpose? Am I willing to be Krishna’s instrument with no strings attached? Continue reading "Surrendering to Krishna, Depending on Krishna
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Radhastami – Glories of Srimati Radharani (video class) by…
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Radhastami – Glories of Srimati Radharani (video class) by Vaisesika Prabhu.
From the Rik-parisistha:
“Srimati Radharani is always to be found with Sri Krishna, and Madhava is always to be seen with Radhika. One is never without the other’s company.”
From the Gopalottara-tapani:
“She is the embodiment of maha-bhava, or the highest transcendental ecstasy, and none of the other gopis, or cowherd damsels of Vrindavan, possesses Her excellent qualities. Radharani is therefore known as the most famous Gandharva.”
In the Padma Purana Narada Muni describes Srimati Radharani:
“As much as Srimati Radhika is dear to Lord Krishna, Her pond Radha-kunda is as beloved to Him. Among all the gopis Srimati Radharani is most dear to Krishna.
In his Sri Prarthana-paddhati [Stavamala], Srila Rupa goswami prays:
"O Queen of Vrindavan, O Radharani, Your complexion is like molton gold, Your doe-like eyes are captivatingly restless, a million full and brilliant moons wane before Your lustrous countenance, and a blue sari, having stolen the hue of a fresh rain-laden cloud, has enwrapped Your exquisite form. O Radha, You are the crest-jewel of all the dallying damsels of Vrindavan, fragrant and pristine like a budding jasmine flower. Your sublime form is adorned with priceless jewelry , and you are the best of all the charming and intelligent gopis. You are decorated with all wonderful excellences and surrounded by eight dedicated and beloved cowherd girls known as the asta-sakhis.
"The ambrosia of Your beautiful lips, red as the bimba fruit, is life-giving syrup to Krishna. O Radha, I am rolling on the banks of the Yamuna, my poor heart filled with anticipation, praying to You with all humility. I am guilty of being an offender, a rascal, a useless wretch-yet I beg You to kindly engage me in even the smallest service to Your lotus feet. O most merciful Lady, it will not become You to ignore this most distressed soul, for Your heart is always overflowing with compassion and love.”
Raghunatha dasa Goswami writes in the Vilap-kusum-anjali
“O Supreme Ladyship, Queen of my heart, Radha! Laksmi-devi the goddess of fortune does not possess even a drop of the beauty that exudes from Your exquisite toenails, therefore if You do not grant me the proper vision to perceive Your transcendental pastimes, then what use do I have for this life, which is burning in the fire of excruciating sorrow?
"O merciful Lady! Indeed, lately I am floating in a nectarean ocean of hope, and passing time in hardship and pain, but if You do not shower mercy upon me then this life, living in Vrindavan, and even Lord Krishna are all meaningless to me.”
“The Queen of Vraja is my mistress. O Lady mistress, O Radha, I am Your maidservant, but the flames of intense separation are incinerating my heart and I grow feeble from profuse crying. Finding no other means, I am therefore sitting somewhere in Govardhan and composing these verses in deep lamentation.
"O dallying damsel of Vraja, Sri Radhika, I am sucked into an ocean of grief and my condition is so miserable! Kindly send me Your mercy in the form of an infallible boat and save me from this whirlpool. Please give me sanctuary at Your lotus feet.”
“O Radha-kunda, pond of sublime joy, my mistress Srimati Radhika is always absorbed in divine amorous pastimes with her beloved paramour Sri Krishna on your banks, and you have endeared yourself to this Divine Couple more than anything else They cherish. Please, therefore, be merciful upon me and allow me but a moments vision of the object of my greatest adoration, Srimati Radharani.
From Brahma-Samhita
"I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who resides in His own realm, Goloka, with Radha, who resembles His own spiritual figure and who embodies the ecstatic potency [hladini]. Their companions are Her confidantes, who embody extensions of Her bodily form and who are imbued and permeated with ever-blissful spiritual rasa.” B.S. 5.37
Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita Adi Lila 1.6
Desiring to understand the glory of Radharani’s love, the wonderful qualities in Him that She alone relishes through Her love, and the happiness She feels when She relishes the sweetness of His love, the Supreme Lord Hari, richly endowed with Her emotions, appears from the womb of Srimati Sachi Devi, as the moon appears from the ocean.
The essence of the hladini potency is love of God, the essence of love of God is emotion [bhava], and the ultimate development of emotion is mahabhava. Sri Radha Thakurani is the embodiment of mahabhava. She is the repository of all good qualities and the crest jewel among all the lovely consorts of Lord Krishna.
Of these two gopis [Radharani and Candravali], Srimati Radharani is superior in all respects. She is the embodiment of mahabhava, and She surpasses all in good qualities. (Ujjvala-nilamani 2)
Her mind, senses and body are steeped in love for Krishna. She is Krishna’s own energy, and She helps Him in His pastimes.[Adi 4.68-71]
O Partha, in all the three planetary systems, this earth is especially fortunate, for on earth is the town of Vrindavan. And there the gopis are especially glorious because among them is My Srimati Radharani. (Adi Purana-Krishna to Arjuna)
Lord Caitanya appeared with the sentiment of Sri Radha. He preached the dharma of this age-the chanting of the holy name and pure love of God. In the mood of Srimati Radharani, He also fulfilled His own desires. This is the principal reason for His appearance.
C.C. Adi 4.238-272
Watch it here: http://goo.gl/q2HmYd

All India Padayatra Celebrates World Holy Name Week
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Hare KrishnaBy Acarya Dasa

Sankirtana is the heart of padayatra. Wherever we walk, whenever we enter a village or conduct house programs we chant the holy names with every soul in attendance dancing along with us. It’s not a surprise to us since we are traveling with sankirtana eka pitaro, the father of sankirtana Himself, Lord Caitanya. Lokanath Swami said, “Celebrating the ‘World Holy Name’ festival is like celebrating the victory of the holy names all over the world param vijayate sri- krishna sankirtanam [1]. The world is on fire, let us chant more and extinguish the fire of this material existence. So, propagate the holy names.” We took these words to heart and held different programs during these two weeks of ‘World Holy Name’ celebrations. Continue reading "All India Padayatra Celebrates World Holy Name Week
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George Harrison Festival in Liverpool 27th August 2016 (4 min…
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George Harrison Festival in Liverpool 27th August 2016 (4 min video)
Parasuram das: It was a simple event, Harinam on stage, 1,000 Chant and be Happy books, Prasad parcels for everyone. Every year the City of Liverpool puts on Beatle Week and this event was for George Prabhu. The hall holds 500 seats and there were two seatings. Sakshi Gopal Prabhu coordinated the devotee’s role in the event. The people of Liverpool love the Beatles (as everyone does) even the airport is called John Lennon Airport!
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/G8mdxe

Huge Bhakti Sangam Festival in Ukraine (Fotos)
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Hare KrishnaBy Singha Bhatta Das

The annual Bhakti Sangam Festival is surely the most amazing event on this planet, with so many Maharajas and preachers sharing their realizations in seminars, and the evenings are spent in most sublime kirtans. Each seminar block has six presentations running parallel in various venues. Since there is such a huge crowd of devotees many topics can be offered by a variety of speakers to suit everyone's needs and attractions. 103 photos from the opening day of the festival, morning program and evening kirtan Continue reading "Huge Bhakti Sangam Festival in Ukraine (Fotos)
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Janmastami Florida Festival 2016 – Alachua Temple (7 min…
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Janmastami Florida Festival 2016 - Alachua Temple (7 min video)
My name is Bhakta Mike, and I am a 21-year-old brahmachari living at the Krishna House. I am a film student at Santa Fe as well as a community member of the Hare Krishna community in Alachua Florida. I am recently in the stage of finding a way of using my skills in Krishna Consciousness. My Siksa Guru Kalakanta Das once told me that “a way of advancing in Krishna Consciousness is through finding a service that you like” so I’ve started to apply that concept and I’ve noticed its actually true. It helps get out of the mental platform easier than doing other types of services because I am actually enjoying it, so my mind is not all over the place telling me all sorts of things to stop doing, because I actually don’t mind doing it. So I’ve decided in engaging my film making skills and equipment in Krishna Consciousness, I decided to donate the Alachua Temple a promo video of Janmastami Festival for the whole community to enjoy, I made this video so everybody could see how magical the Alachua Temple is, and so every member of this community could enjoy.
The Video is in 4k Cinematic Res. Watch it here: https://goo.gl/zZLd2E or here: https://goo.gl/DN7vdD

Iskcon Coimbatore Showers Golden Lotuses On Balagopal For…
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Iskcon Coimbatore Showers Golden Lotuses On Balagopal For Janmashtami (2016)
Ratirupa Jahnava Devi Dasi: This year,devotees at ISKCON Coimbatore, offered Lord Krishna , a very special abhishekam of 108 Kanaka Kamalas ( Golden Lotuses), while greeting the Lord on his transcendental birthday.
The grand event , planned in commemoration with the Golden Jubilee celebration, was sponsored by devotees, patrons & well wishers , and was flagged off by the unveiling of a ISKCON 50 plaque dedicated to Srila Prabhupada by HH Bhakti Vinoda Swami Maharaj, Zonal Secretary , ISKCON and Sri .S.P. Velumani. Hon. Minister of Tamilnadu Municipal Administration, Rural developement. The inauguration was also graced by the presence of several dignitaries like,
Sri.P.Nagarajan (Member of Parliament)
Sri.P.R.G.Arunkumar( MLA, North Coimbatore) ,
Sri P.Rajkumar ( Mayor, Coimbatore),
Sri. K.Vijay Karthikeyan( Commissioner, Coimbatore Corporation) Srimati. P. Gandhimathi( Dep. Commissioner, Coimbatore Corporation) and many more other local VIP s . All of them were warmly welcomed and offered special blessings and gifts by HH Bhakti Vinoda Swami Maharaj.
The darshan of their Lordships in their grand designer outfits , on a wonderfully decorated altar left the onlookers spell bound. Various presentations like drama, kirtan, dance, spiritual discourse, interactive sessions with the public, stalls and booths displaying achievements of ISKCON in 50 years , Golden Anniversary Celebrations and events all over the globe etc., kept the vibrant festive mood alive throughout the day till midnight.
The media reported that more than 50,000 visitors queued up to take darshan of the Lord and were lovingly served platefuls of delicious Krishna Prasadam. Devotees reached out to the mass through various exhibits and stalls for Bhakti Vriksha for families , FOLK for children, Spark Youth Club, ISKCON Communications, spiritual games and gifts etc.
Visitors showed keen interest in the upcoming “Moon of Kovai Project” containing a magnificent temple for Sri Sri Radha and Krishna among other elements . Many expressed their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to ISKCON for their 50 years of service to humanity and are eagerly looking forward to the completion of the temple.
For more pictures: http://goo.gl/Nopwdd

How to Pay a Sage. How to Run a Society.
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This is the conclusion of Pṛthu’s discussion with Sanāt Kumār.

Extremely grateful that the self-knowing young children of Brahmā had given him a clear vision his true self-interest, the King said, “Compassionate Hari must have felt compassionate towards me – for all of you blessed spiritualists have come to me. You, his devotees, are equally compassionate, so you have very thoroughly manifest his compassion to me. What can I give you in return?

This illustrates the ideal attitude towards sādhu-guru: “you are the manifestation of Krishna’s compassion on me. And your own part in that is also extremely compassionate.” 

This also illustrates the principle that a recipient of goods, services, or knowledge pays something in return.

“All I have are gifts handed down to me from sādhus. All of those gifts I then gave entirely to the teachers and philosophers. I gave them everything – my kingdom, forces, land, and treasury, as well as my own home, children and wife, and even my own self. I made them the commanders of my armies and the leaders and administrators of my kingdom. I did this because I believe that those who know Vedic śāstra are the only ones truly capable of leading society.

This is how to run a society, and I wish that many of the people trying to run “Vedic” and/or “Krishna Conscious” societies would pay attention to it. The true leader of the society is not the person with charisma or talents. The true leader is the person who very clearly and thoroughly understands Vedic śāstra.

All power and all parts of the society should be given to their care. King Pṛthu set an ideal example here, giving not only what was in his society, but even what was in his own home, and even what was in his own body. That is a true leader. Of course there can be only one King Pṛthu in history, but the rest of the leaders throughout history should look up to his example, emulate it, and feel embarassed when they fail to do so.

“They accepted everything I offered, but distributed it all wisely to the various members of society.

What do the brāhmaṇas (the really intelligent, learned, wise people who have realized  knowledge in practice) do with all the power that should be given to them? They keep none of it!

Then what is the point of giving it to them?

 Because they are wise and neutral and know exactly how to distribute that power to the right people. They put various people in charge of various things, according to their individual abilities and inclinations.

Just as I wish the kṣatriya’s running our religious and “spiritual” institutions would pay attention to the fact that the brāhmaṇas should be running the show, so to do I wish that the people claiming the role of teachers and philosophers in these societies would pay attention to the fact that real brahmaṇas don’t hold on to any power or wealth, but distribute it to the most appropriate people.

I therefore possess nothing to give you. You have shown us our true selves and very conclusively explained how to walk the path towards the All-Attractive, revealed in the Vedas, but how can we repay you? In truth, though, you need no payment, for your constant deeds of unlimited mercy bring you perfect satisfaction which nothing can diminish. All we can do is offer you water in our cupped hands.”

– Excerpt from an early draft of Part 4 of

Beautiful Tales of the All-Attractive

A translation of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam’s fourth canto

By Vraja Kishor

Parts 1, 2, and 3 of Beautiful Tales of the All Attractive

are available at VrajaKishor.com


Tagged: canto four, Hare Krishna, ISKCON, Payment, prithu, Societies, Srimad Bhagavatam

Gita 11.23 The universal form’s predatory features arouse fear even in Arjuna
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What is special about kala in the Gita not present in other books?
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How to reconcile Gita bhogaishvarya prasaktanam and Bhagavatam akamah sarva kamo va?
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Can material problems have spiritual solutions or do they need material solutions?
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Can wanting to know more about Krishna distract us from bhakti especially from chanting?
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Radhastami – A Day to Get Down on Our Knees and Pray!
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Hare KrishnaBy Sacinandana Swami

Srila Prabhupada taught us how to please Lord Krishna by taking full shelter of Srimati Radharani: “Anyone who comes before Radharani to serve Krsna, oh, She becomes so pleased, ´Oh, here is a devotee of Krsna!´ She immediately recommends, "Krsna, oh, here is a devotee. He is better than Me." This is Radharani. I may be a, not devotee. I may be most fallen rascal. But if I try to reach Krsna through Radharani, then my business is successful. Therefore we should worship Radharani first. That is our business. Instead of offering directly one flower to Krsna, you just put it in the hands of Radharani: "My mother Radharani, Jagan-mata, if you kindly take this flower and offer it to Krsna." "Oh," Radharani says, "Oh, you have brought a flower?" Krsna said, patram puspam phalam toyam yo me bhaktya prayacchati BG 9.26, but don´t try to offer Krsna directly. Just offer through Radharani. It will be very much appreciated by Radharani.” Continue reading "Radhastami – A Day to Get Down on Our Knees and Pray!
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“Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other…
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“Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.” Tips for Steady Chanting.
Ananda: How can I find the strength to be steady in my spiritual practice of chanting the holy names of even when uncertainties in life come my way?
I believe this is a gradual process. In the beginning, we will come back to that relationship with the holy name after a prolonged time. Then, gradually, we will notice that we are always a little absent in our relationship when life gets tough. And we will grieve about it. We will ask ourselves: “Why am I always turning to Krishna very late – why not earlier?” and based on that realization we will slowly learn to wake up and turn to Krishna earlier.
There will always be uncertainties in life. Everything will always work our differently than we planned it. Once a clever person said: “Life is what happens to you while you are busy making other plans.” How true. The nature of this life is that we are like fish out of water. The earlier we return to the wonderful fresh water of Krishna consciousness, the less we suffer.
To realize this may take time, but it is necessary for us. Just give your best and trust that Krishna will help. Gradually you will be able to change this unfortunate habit. So, practice, practice, practice…and eventually you will learn the secret of steadiness in your spiritual life.

Fine-tuning
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(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 15 December 2013, Soweto, South Africa, Lecture)

kks_pianoTemple life is a little bit like a pressure cooker! Out in the world, there are some outlets – when there is lots of frustration, you can just get drunk one night and get rid of that frustration!.

But as a devotee, all that you can do is eat lots of prasadam; take shelter in that since you cannot drink, smoke or do anything like that. For sex, you have to be married! There is no sexual recreation, it is just for the sport!

In this way, sometimes we may get into a pressure situation in the temple but you just have to tolerate. In a pressure situation, you brought your false ego and someone else has brought his and these two false egos really clash nicely!

So yes, it is very difficult. Lord Caitanya understands, he understands where we come from; he knows that we are not pure; he knows we are full of false egos. So, he knows that in the beginning, sometimes it gets out of hand. I have seen all kinds of cases – I have seen the skinny mataji strangle the fat one…

Lord Caitanya understands that in the beginning, we are going to be a little rough around the edges, and maybe there will be some sparks flying. He does not take it very serious but when we get really envious, “I am going to destroy this guy!” This is vaiṣṇava-aparādha, this is when it really gets to vaiṣṇava-aparādha if you just go after someone.

‘tṛṇād api sunīcena
taror api sahiṣṇunā,’  (Siksastaka, verse 3)

Be more humble than a blade of grass and more tolerant than a tree but if we just go after someone, that is envy and then you get strong reactions. But the little rough dealings between new devotees are not so serious, are not taken so serious. If you keep on doing it, it will destroy some taste!

Otherwise, what chance would we have? Because everybody comes from different background than a pure devotee. You cannot act like a pure devotee overnight. We should try, it is about trying. Sometimes we fail, but we should keep on trying to be more tolerant than a tree, to be respectful!

Is the goal of commitment to please Krishna or to penetrate through the initial poison?
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