"Planet ISKCON" - 35 new articles
Kurma dasa, AU: Man with Green ThumbAs you probably know, the English idiom 'green thumb' refers to a natural skill for gardening.
A person with the said verdant appendage seems to be able to get plants to grow well just by being around.
Perhaps you all know someone who fits this description. I do, and his name is Trevor.
During a particularly difficult period of my life, I shared a house in Perth with my old friend Trev and a couple of other men. The property was centred around a quarter-acre organic market garden. We had pumpkins piled up to the ceiling, successful crop after successful crop.
Trevor was able to produce wonderful fruits and vegetables there, season after season. It was a pleasure and an honour to be part of his enlivening and successful liason with bountiful Mother Nature.
Practically everything Trevor grows flourishes; I recall his okra and bitter melon and beans, squash, zucchini and chilies, the pumpkins and watermelon and countless other food crops; truly memorable.
Trevor is now the garden-meister at New Govardhana Farm, situated ten kilometers outside Murwillumbah, in the foothills of Mount Warning (North East Coast NSW).
He's still got thumbs, and they're still green. Here's a view of Trevor's current pride and joy, the temple market garden.
The proprietors of New Govardhana - Radha and Krishna. The New Govardhana Hare Krishna Community is a 900 acre certified organic property with orchards, vege gardens, lakes, cows and peacocks.
After a recent phone conversation (Trev and I stay in touch) he offered to send me some recent photos that he has taken of all things rural and veg in his life. These are they.
Trevor is not only an amazing gardener, he's also a great photographer. Bee on a zucchini flower.
Lotuses grow in the lakes at New Govardhana.
If you're in the area, drop by and visit the market gardens, lakes and beautiful temple, and don't miss the famous Sunday Feast.
Mango season at New Govardhana.
See you at New Govardhana: and don't forget to ask Trevor for a tour of the garden.
Sita-pati dasa, AU: How Transparent is the White House?On opensource.com, Jason Hibbets writes about a recent keynote address at Drupalcon, "Open Source in Government", by Dave Cole, Senior Advisor to the CIO of the Executive Office of the President of the United States. Drupalcon is a conference for developers and users of Drupal, an open source Content Management System that is used to drive websites, including whitehouse.gov. Drupal is available for free, and is open source software.
Cole said:
Hibbets goes on to explain:
One way this change is happening is with more transparency. The whitehouse.gov site runs on Drupal, an open source content management system, and provides a platform with user features like a briefing room, blogs, special features, and live video. Cole rhetorically asked what Drupal can do for government. The response: It's helping to drive the open government and open data movements because the nature of open source fits nicely with open government initiatives like being more transparent to citizens. Atmayogi.com is powered by Drupal. Japa Group: It's So Important To Chant WellIt's so important to chant well, but it's not always something under your control. There are so many factors like physical and mental condition that make it difficult or easier to manage on a given day. It's like the weather. From Bhajan Kutir #442 ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Kesava PrabhuSrimad Bhagavatam 11.20.9 - Do your material duties nicely, while internally be absorbed in Krishna. Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: poor rich miserA rich miser does not know how to utilize his wealth, and therefore, in spite of his being very rich, his miserly behavior keeps him everlastingly a poor man. On the other hand, a person who knows how to utilize wealth can quickly become a rich man, even with a small credit balance. >>> Ref. VedaBase => SB 3.9.42 H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: '425' from The Yellow Submarine4:08 A.M.I only woke up when the alarm went off at 2:30. I groaned in my old bones and moved out of bed. I didn't have any headache or unusual pains. Once I finished in the bathroom and began chanting it was not sleepy. I chanted in a race against time. I was very self conscious about the clock and the numerical count. It was like driving on the New Jersey Turnpike to Upstate New York. You are never alone, but there are always cars around you. You come up behind the car that's ahead of you and get close to it until he moves into the other lane and lets you pass. Always danger and always jockeying for position and trying not to get too close to the cars so you don't hit them. The various cars were analogous to different distracting thoughts coming to me while I chanted. It appeared on all sides like various cars racing on the highway. I kept out of their way, but was always aware they were there. I didn't pay attention to any of the distracting thoughts, but nevertheless they kept flitting and appearing on the horizon. I was racing to finish twelve rounds before 4:15, and I did it with time to spare. But that's not the best kind of chanting. Pushing your japa H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: 'His Gravity' from The Yellow SubmarinePrabhupada SmaranamPrabhupada was small in stature but emanated great power. He contained himself like a mystic yogi. He lived within himself from his contemplation on Radha-Krishna and his spiritual master. He could be quiet and composed for long periods of time. But when he spoke he flowed with Krishna consciousness. Here he is silent with his fingers delicately poised, and his face composed and waiting. He will speak at the right time without being rushed. Prabhupada was always well dressed as a founder–acarya sannyasi, with garlands, fine, simple clothes, and artistic Vaisnava tilaka. He was a pleasure to behold. He held the moment soberly and gravely before beginning to speak. He gave off transcendental, esoteric vibrations even without speaking. You were lucky to be in the same place where he was seated and to behold him in contemplation. You grew in anticipation of what he would do. He didn't have to speak to create a transcendental communication, to bring a calming, divine presence to a location. Prabhupada's body gives off an aura even when he doesn't sing or speak or gesticulate. He was supernatural. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: 'Krishna Has a Plan' from The Yellow SubmarineYesterday I read of Prabhupada's
As I read the poems I was
Krishna had a plan. He
Even while alone and
Krishna had a plan to give
It was a pact between
Krishna had a plan that this
Krishna had a plan which
Krishna fulfills the desires
ISKCON must continue H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: 'The Green' from The Yellow SubmarineFree writeA green leaf merged against a green background. Here in a Lewes housing project they have a large grassy park which the caretakers keep mowing to eliminate the dandelions and keep the grass cut Srila Prabhupada's Letters1966 May 3: "Chaturdasi. Today I delivered the keys so the account of 100 West 72nd St. now closed. I also handed over to Dr. Mishra the keys of the Studio 501. He has invited me to dine with him." Srila Prabhupada's Letters1968 May 3: "Please be happy in separation. I am separated from my Guru Maharaja since 1936 but I am always with him so long I work according to his direction. Work together for satisfying Lord Krishna and the feelings of separation will transform into transcendental bliss." Srila Prabhupada's Letters1968 May 3: "I was expecting you in the airport but you were tired and you could not get up earlier from your bed. So you young men should not simply eulogize my hard working capacity, but I wish that you should also follow my example." Srila Prabhupada's Letters1969 May 3: "Recently I have made one record so train our men in that rhythm is not difficult. Just arrange for sixteen men; four mrdangas, harmonium, tamboura, and the rest playing karatalas. If we can perform kirtana following the recently made recording, it will be marvelous." Srila Prabhupada's Letters1970 May 3: "George has rendered some valuable service, so we must try to do some good to him. This is our duty, anyone who has rendered a little service to Krishna should be given all facilities to take it up seriously." Srila Prabhupada's Letters1970 May 3: "In one day they recruited fourteen new devotees. So you all also recruit members. Our Movement is a declaration of war against Maya, that you can understand very well, so we have to recruit many fighting soldiers - so do it vigorously." Srila Prabhupada's Letters1972 May 3: "All members should be strictly observing the brahminical standards, such as rising early, cleansing at least twice daily, reading profusely, attending arati, like that. The whole world is full of sudras. We need a class of men purely brahmanas. That is the main work of GBC." Srila Prabhupada's Letters1974 May 3: "Read my books very carefully to give you the right direction how to approach a bona fide Spiritual Master. One who teaches any conclusion other than Bhagavad-gita as it is and the disciplic succession is certainly not a guru, but is a rascal, mudha, fool, and ass." Akrura das, Gita Coaching: The Science Of Krsna ConsciousnessWe are very minute sparks of the supreme spirit, just like particles of sunshine. The sun's rays are made up of shining particles, and when these shining particles mix together they form sunshine. Akrura das, Gita Coaching: Proper DirectionA living being cannot be vacant of desires. He is not a dead stone. Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: More FundraisingSo Tulasi, Vidya, and myself went to the Kidney Walk yesterday. IT was a nice family oriented event, with lots of kid activities and free food. Plus we got t-shirts! I sold a bunch of Sarris candy bars and met a guy who is waiting on the kidney transplant list who I recruited for Team Pittsburgh. We agreed to meet at the next Games that happen after his transplant. I am also fundraising another way — online. Anyone can click on the link below and go to a page where you can make a donation. I would appreciate any support I can get. Team Pittsburgh personal Fund raising page. The National Kidney Foundation sets up an account with Convio who host and give templates so it is really easy for individuals like myself to set up our own page. Any nonprofit organization can do it and if you are involved with fundraising for one you should give this a look over. Filed under: News, Ramblings or Whatever ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Deity Darshan: Sunday, May 3, 2010Akrura das, Gita Coaching: HOW TO CONTROL NEGATIVE EMOTIONSWe can control our negative emotions like fear, anger and resentment by understanding that we are the soul and the we are more powerful than the mind. David Haslam, UK: Care for devotees, who is responsableHow far do we care for the needs of other devotees? How far do we show compassion and understanding to those who due to illness cause offense? Who is responsible for the needs of devotees who are in hospital or long term care? Who is responsible for the care of the needs of those who’s relatives are in [...] Dandavats.com: Announcing Detroit's 25th Annual Rathayatra Festival, at Novi, MichganSri Nandanandana dasa: All the information about the festival can be found at the unique Michigan Rathayatra website at: www.mirathyatra.com. Therein you can find all the details about the festival, the history of it, ways you can help, and photos from last year's festival as well. Japa Group: Bhurijana dasa - Japa RetreatHere is a very nice Japa Retreat with Bhurijana dasa talking about various aspects of chanting. This recording covers the topic of Japa practice. H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Friday, April 30th, 2010Hell! H.H. Sivarama Swami: This has been my meditation for daysA most wonderful statement by Srila Prabhupada, “A pure devotee has no way of sensing happiness except by seeing that Krsna is happy in every respect.” Cc: Antya 20.52 Yoga of Ecology, Bhakta Chris, USA: Masdar: Abu Dhabi's Carbon-Neutral CityFrom ISKCON News The oil-rich United Arab Emirates is the last place you would expect to learn lessons on low-carbon living, but the emerging eco-city of Masdar could teach the world. At first glance, the parched landscape of Abu Dhabi looks like the craziest place to build any city, let alone a sustainable one. The inhospitable terrain suggests that the only way to survive here is with the maximum of technological support, a bit like living on the moon. The genius of Masdar - if it works - will be combining 21st Century engineering with traditional desert architecture to deliver zero-carbon comfort. And it is being built now. Masdar will be home to about 50,000 people, at least 1,000 businesses and a university. It is being designed by British architects Foster and Partners, but it is the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is paying for it. And it will cost between £10bn ($15bn) and £20bn ($30bn). Renewable energy The architects are turning the desert's greatest threat - the sun - into their greatest asset. Architect's projection of internal courtyard They have built the biggest solar farm in the Middle East to power the city and to offset the inevitable burning of diesel and baking of cement in construction. They are also experimenting. One project involves a circular field of mirrors on the ground, all reflecting towards a tower in the middle. That, in turn, bounces the light down in a concentrated beam about a metre (3ft) wide to produce heat and drive generators. But I was told firmly not to wander over and feel the warmth, as it could fry me in seconds. The international team of engineers have real pride in their work. This is more than building to them, it is a lab bench with the freedom to get it wrong, and Masdar's chief architect Gerard Evenden loves the concentration of expertise: "What Abu Dhabi is beginning to generate is the Silicon Valley of renewable energy." Keeping cool The Emirates have seen one of the world's most spectacular building booms paid for by oil and made tolerable by air conditioners, which also depend on oil to feed their vast appetite for energy. Architect's projection of residential units Lunar technology has begun to influence our thinking But Masdar will have to be low temperature and low carbon. Part of the solution is apparent the moment you walk in. And you do "walk in" because this is a city surrounded by a wall, a defined boundary. Unlike the upward and outward sprawl of Dubai or Abu Dhabi, Masdar is compact like ancient Arab cities. Streets are narrow so buildings shade each other, and the walls and roofs of buildings will do their bit to shed heat too. The vertical faces are dressed with screens which look like a terracotta mesh. They keep the sun out but let the breeze in. And as architect Gerard Evenden says: "Lunar technology has begun to influence our thinking." One idea being tested is using a thin foil surface covering, a gas or vacuum blanket, to keep the heat out. It is an idea dreamt up for a moon base. To encourage a breeze, wind towers are being built, drawing draughts through the streets without using energy. Masdar will still use electricity for gadgets, some air conditioning and, most crucially, to desalinate sea water but, when it comes to power, the city has a simple mantra: "Only use energy when you have exhausted design." Driverless vehicles Conventional cars must be checked in at the city gates and then you can choose between the oldest and newest modes of transport. At street level, it is all pedestrianised and the planners have done their best to keep the city compact and foot-friendly. But if fatigue overtakes you, then slip down a level and meet the Personal Rapid Transit or podcars. These driverless vehicles are guided by magnetic sensors, powered by solar electricity, and they stop automatically if an obstacle appears. They are programmed to go where you ask. Kaled Awad, director of the Masdar project claims: "The quality of air will be better than any other street in the Gulf and in the world, and that alone will bring you safety, health and happiness." The future success of the project will be clear to see. On top of the wind tower, there will be a beacon betraying the city's actual energy use: red for too much, blue for just right. It will be 45m (147ft) up and visible for miles around so, when Masdar is finished in five to 10 years' time, we will all know if it is in the red. Related Stories:Read more: http://news.iskcon.org/node/2681/2010-04-07/masdar_abu_dhabis_carbon_neutral_city#ixzz0kYq4b8z8 H.H. Sivarama Swami: Sunday evening bhajanas in Krsna ValleyH.H. Sivarama SwamiOneshould not artificially try to see the form of the Lord while chanting Hare Krsna, but when the chanting is performed offenselessly the Lord will automatically reveal Himself to the view of the chanter. The chanter, therefore, has to concentrate on hearing the vibration, and without extra endeavor on his part, the Lord will automatically appear. - Srila Prabhupada H.H. Sivarama Swami: Yesterday’s archery practice with the boys of Krsna Valley and today’s weddingCitta Hari and Bn. Ildiko Gouranga TV: Lecture – Guru-prasad Swami – Lord Krishna, Lord Chaitanya, and Lord RamaLecture – Guru-prasad Swami – Lord Krishna, Lord Chaitanya, and Lord Rama Dandavats.com: BBT photography bookKaisori-devi dasi: We will be in touch with all devotees who submitted photos over the next few months as we begin to go through your photos and conceptualize the actual contents of the book. Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Lecture - Evening Conversation with Indradyumna Swami, Giriraj Swami, and Guru-prasad SwamiSunday Feast "lecture" which was really a conversation with Indradyumna Swami, Giriraj Swami, and Guru-prasad Swami. Dallas, TX Download: 2010-03-07 - Evening Conversation with Indradyumna Swami, Giriraj Swami and Guru-prasad Swami.mp3 Gaura Sakti das & Adi Radhika dd, New Vraja Dham, Hungary: Gauranga came!When Sivarama Swami was staying in India in Govardhan Hill – Iskcon temple, a very cute tiny zebu jumped into his room
Gauranga dressed up with garlands. Lets go out for a walk! More Recent Articles |
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