jueves, 28 de octubre de 2010

Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Bhajan - Kalachandji's Kirtan Group @ Denton Unitarian Church - Jaya Radha Ramana Hari bol - 2/6



PLANET ISKCON


 
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"Planet ISKCON" - 35 new articles

  1. Dandavats.com: Rememberance
  2. Gaura Vani, USA: Support our dear Friend
  3. Sita-pati dasa, AU: Signs of a fascist organisation
  4. ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Gangesvara Prabhu
  5. Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: Krishna's plan becomes very easy
  6. H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: Srila Prabhupada In My Life – The Podcast Recordings
  7. H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: ISKCON Ujjain Update 27th October, 2010
  8. Devadeva Mirel, Alachua, USA: High Style Budget Kitchen Remodel How To’s
  9. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: 114
  10. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: One Hundred Prabhupada Poems
  11. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: Safe in Krishna
  12. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: Free Write—Matchless Gifts
  13. Kurma dasa, AU: Mallacoota Rainbow
  14. Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Bhajan - Kalachandji's Kirtan Group @ Denton Unitarian Church - Jaya Radha Ramana Hari bol - 2/6
  15. Japa Group: Simply Interested In Chanting
  16. Ananda Subramanian, Iowa, USA: Life-after-death is ancient wisdom
  17. Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: Why Men Shouldn’t Write An Advice Column
  18. Kirtan Australia.com: Kevin James in Sydney and Melbourne
  19. Mayapur Online: Graduation Ceremony for the Midterm Bengali Pujari Course 2010
  20. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  21. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  22. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  23. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  24. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  25. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  26. Ekendra das, Alachua, USA: “Yo, Krishna! Why You Messin’ With me?”
  27. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  28. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  29. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  30. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  31. H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Monday, October 25th, 2010
  32. H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Sunday, October 24th, 2010
  33. H.H. Sivarama Swami: When to correct a senior devotee and when not to
  34. H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Saturday, October 23rd, 2010
  35. Gouranga TV: KuliMela 2006 – New Vrindavan
  36. More Recent Articles
  37. Search Planet ISKCON

Dandavats.com: Rememberance

Parasuram das: Its been 9 years since Trabhuvanath prabhu left the planet (cancer), Did he pass away - I don't think so! After a day of remembrance and a feast we made our way onto the streets of London for an ecstatic harinama
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Gaura Vani, USA: Support our dear Friend


bio_sharongannon
Hey Everybody!
Here is a great opportunity to support our dear friend Sharon Gannon. She has just produced an amazing CD. I just Purchased it and listening it to it right now. In connection to the selling and promotion of her music, she is supporting the beautiful cause of Animal Rights. The goal is to make it to the top of the charts! So far the album has made it to the top ten in just one day! If you purchase the album today there are many bonuses.
Music has the power to change hearts, minds and consciousness. History shows there are messages inherent in music that create peaceful and revolutionary change for freedom and civil rights. Animal Rights Activists/music artists such as Paul McCartney, Emmylou Harris, Morrissey and Moby successfully use music as the message to speak up for animals.
Every decade or so, an extraordinary artist comes along – who carries us to the newest, important musical frontier. “Sharanam” by our friend and animal rights activist Sharon Gannon, is a CD that gives the listener the direct and powerful experience of healing our emotional, spiritual, psychological and ecological disconnection with ourselves and with the world through Sanskrit Mantras.
Mantra is a Sanskrit word that translates to: Man means “mind”, Tra means to “to protect” or “to cross over.” Sharanam means “Refuge.” By listening to and singing with Sharanam’s mantras, we can take refuge, strength and inspiration to change our perception of our ability to create positive change in our world.
Sharanam is a healing mantra and prayer offering for all beings- especially animals.
Today, Wednesday October 27, we are requesting your participation in a special offer for this extraordinary CD called “Healing the World with Mantra – Sharanam -” an online campaign. TODAY only, anyone who purchases a copy of Sharanam through Amazon.com will be eligible to receive an array of gifts. http://www.amazon.com/Sharanam-Sharon Gannon/dp/B002L1AV78/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1287577495&sr=8-2
sharanam1
Many generous friends and supporters have donated excellent, exclusive gifts and prizes to anyone who purchases Sharanam (on Wednesday October 27th only.)
As a thank you for participating, Jivamukti Yoga Schools and some of their friends around the world are offering a wide range of cruelty free gifts. These includes: FREE yoga classes , downloadable CDs and MP3 songs from artists such as world renowned mantra singers Jai Uttal, MC Yogi, Cheb I Sabbah, Deva Premal and Miten, Sharon Gannon, David Newman, Sura das, vegan recipes, discount coupons, plus enter your name for a chance to win amazing prizes (such as a one of a kind Yantra painting!)
With over 20 cruelty free gifts and prizes, everyone who buys Sharanam via amazon.com on October 27 (only) is eligible to receive them. After you purchase the album, simply enter your Amazon.com order number on the gift page to receive your free gifts: http://jivamuktiyoga.com/promo.html
With your participation in purchasing Sharanam via Amazon.com we want to create a tipping point that will change global consciousness, encouraging healing, freedom, kindness and happiness for all beings – animal and human.
To learn more about the album, the campaign, or to redeem your free gifts, please visit:
http://jivamuktiyoga.com/promo.html
Sincerely,
Gaura Vani and AKS
P.S. – You are more than welcome to share this special offer with your family, friends and social networks to encourage them to join our campaign of freedom and happiness. This is not an exclusive offer.- The more of us who join, the better to transform our world.- Again, this is a one-day offer only – October 27. Thank you.
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Sita-pati dasa, AU: Signs of a fascist organisation


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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Gangesvara Prabhu

Srimad Bhagavatam 11.26.9 - What are you so proud about?
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Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: Krishna's plan becomes very easy

Krishna's plan becomes very easy for us when we follow Krishna's orders, otherwise, we are following Maya's plan and become frustrated at every step. Following Krishna's orders means chanting daily 16 rounds, following the four rules and regulations, rising early, associating with devotees, like that. Unless these principles are followed, we cannot expect Krishna's protection.
>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Jayadeva — Paris 23 July, 1972
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H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: Srila Prabhupada In My Life – The Podcast Recordings

One of the most touching documents spoken by Guru Maharaja, is  presented here due to wonderful services (recording, transcription and editing)  of Their Graces Vinod-Bihari Dasa (our webmaster), Ranga Radhika Dasi and Ratna Radhika Dasi. I first met Srila Prabhupada in a dream. I got a Nectar of Devotion and as I started to read [...]
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H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: ISKCON Ujjain Update 27th October, 2010

Article sent by His Grace Mukunda Dasa In the earlier updates we were really expressing our great fortune of having Guru Maharaj amongst us for most of the last one and a half months. However our luck ran out as Guru Maharaj left on 19th instant and will return to Ujjain in the middle of [...]
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Devadeva Mirel, Alachua, USA: High Style Budget Kitchen Remodel How To’s



High Style on a budget!
New post up over at Horton Brasses. Please check it out! Leave a comment! Tell my employer you love me!
Conveniently, the post is linked RIGHT HERE!


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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: 114

www.sdgonline.org. SDGonline Daily updates

3:54 A.M.

Namamrta by A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada:
‘The process of chanting is very simple.’
“This process of hari-kirtana is very simple: Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. Actually there are only three words: Hare, Krishna, and Rama. But they are very nicely arranged for chanting so that everyone can take the mantra and chant Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare. Since we have started this movement in the Western countries, Europeans, Americans, Africans, Egyptians, and Japanese are all chanting. There is no difficulty. They are chanting very gladly, and they are getting the results. What is the difficulty? We are distributing this chanting free of charge, and it is very simple.” (The Science of Self-Realization)
Anyone can chant Hare Krishna. There is no need for instruments, although Caitanya Mahaprabhu introduced the mrdanga and karatalas. Otherwise, clapping in itself is sufficient. Anyone can sit down with his family, clap hands and chant. The bhakti-yoga process should be completed in this life because we have all the instruments necessary to become fully Krsna conscious. We have mrdangas and cymbals and tongues with which to chant Hare Krishna. Even if we don’t have mrdangas and cymbals, we have a tongue. No one has to purchase a tongue. We also have ears with which to hear the sound that the tongue vibrates. Therefore we have all the instruments we need with us—a tongue and ears. We have only to chant Hare Krishna and use our ears to hear the vibration, and all perfection will be there. We don’t have to become highly educated scientists or philosophers. We have only to chant and hear.
I woke up at 2:00 A.M. this morning, on the late side. I began my chanting rapidly and very soon I had four rounds done and then eight rounds done. But then I began to develop a headache. I took medicine for it, but it didn’t subdue the pain. The pain impaired my chanting, and I couldn’t chant nicely. I took a second dose of medicine, but still the headache remained and I felt frustrated in trying to chant the Hare Krishna mantra. Prabhupada writes that it is very easy to chant, but when you have physical impairment it becomes difficult. It’s an unhappy daywhen I can’t chant easily, nevertheless I push on and complete my quota.
Chanting with a headache
is no fun. Your attention
goes to the pain in the
head, and you are distracted
from the sublimity of
the sacred syllables. You
grind out your quota in a
frustrated mood, but I
know it is still japa yajna
and my duty is fulfilled.
I crying out to Krishna
with a difficult position.
He appreciates the attempt
and gives me credit for
a hari-nama attempt.

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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: One Hundred Prabhupada Poems

www.sdgonline.org. SDGonline Daily updates

#71
This doesn’t have to be printed but—
Prabhupada is a mustard sandwich.
Say something you mean.
He beats the shit out of the Russian poet.
He talked in a way that could have put him into prison,
but Krishna protected him.
His godbrothers didn’t appreciate. We do.
That’s our qualification.
He loved us and still does.

So I say mustard sandwich,
the words just come to mind for something very strong.
But he is also the nicest nectar.
He is the father, the guru
and he is all alone.
We don’t know his mind.

He sits at a low table, and we mistakenly
think we know all about him.
He speaks the basic teachings to guests
in the afternoon, but we can’t fathom
the compassion that drives him to speak.
And how is it that the inconceivable God of all
has become his close friend?
Surely he talks with Krishna if anyone does
because the Lord wants to give him ideas
for spreading Krishna consciousness.

Maybe Krishna tells him, “Prabhupada,
you already know what to do.”
When they are together is it like
Krishna-lila in Vrndavana?
I don’t know.
I just know I want to appreciate
his symbols on the page,
his walking stick,
his bare skin when he wears
no kurta. And because of my false ego
I want him to spare me from his heavy frowns,
don’t push my Americanism too far,
don’t try to break my pride or
crush my artistism—in other words
please don’t make me surrender!
He sees what a fool I am.
In a dream
he lets me take off his shoes.

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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: Safe in Krishna

www.sdgonline.org. SDGonline Daily updates
I am not as great as Krishna,
that is important to know.
I am not His equal.
Some philosophers think that way,
but they are wrong.
Self-realization means to know
you are tiny, His servant,
and He is very great.

I accept that because it’s
in the book. And soul
is self-realized.

I also know He is
omniscient, in my heart and
He knows everything
I’ve done in the past.

As a result He will
award me the just
results of my activities.

I know it because it
is in the book, and I
have heard it enough
time so I believe it.

My father is traveling today
by plane, I hope he doesn’t
crash. It is up to Krishna
what happens. It is up
to my father what he
thinks of at the time
of death.

I will not die today, I
have an intuition. My health is strong
to last me through.
But it could be otherwise.

Krishna is ruling the universes,
I read it in the book
enough times. I believe it.
He can keep things
calm or uproot them.
I think he will keep things
calm because we have
nice weather prediction
and the military alert
is pretty tight.

Krishna is ruling all,
even if the worst happens
He will save us.
He says His devotee will
not perish. I believe
I’m safe in His arms.

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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: Free Write—Matchless Gifts

www.sdgonline.org. SDGonline Daily updates

I turned at random to Canto 3, Chapter 24, text 45. Kardama Muni practiced devotional service and became liberated. He did not make a mistake thinking he was equal to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Material contamination continues as long as one thinks He is as good as the Supreme Lord or equal to Him. This is called the last snare of maya and it can occur even after much meditation and penance. Kardama realized he was subordinate to the Supreme Lord and this is called self-realization. This is also called pure bhakti. If one has any identification with material things and executes devotional service for attainment of some material gain it is called viddha bhakti, contaminated bhakti.
The Supersoul is described here as omniscient within everyone. He knows everything; therefore the result of my past karma, or past activities, is awarded to me. I may forget, but He awards me suffering or enjoyment for the misdeeds or good deeds of my past life. Reactions will take place, and what kind of reactions there will be is judged by the Supersoul, the witness.
I switched from The Nectar of Devotion to Krishna book. Started reading the preface. When the persons from the western countries looks at the cover of this book Krishna, he asks: “Who is Krishna? Who is the girl with Krishna?” Prabhupada immediately boldly asserts that Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. (In the preface he never mentions who is the girl is.) It is a little abrupt, but he later says it is another book for the devotees in the Krishna consciousness movement. Without the principle of attraction there is no meaning of Godhead. There are six definitions of attractiveness, according to Parasara Muni, and Krishna has them too in unlimited degree: all beauty, all wisdom, all strength, all fame, all knowledge and all renunciation. Krishna is a historical person, and he appeared millions of years ago. He remembers His past appearances but Arjuna does not. He appeared five thousand years ago and spoke Bhagavad-gita. The Gita is His own knowledge principle of attraction. He showed the gopis His own beauty principle of attraction. He showed His all-powerful attraction by killing countless demons starting with Putana, a great witch, when He was only three months old. Bhagavad-gita is His knowledge potency, and there is also His all famous potency. As Lord Caitanya and as Nara-Narayana he displayed renunciation. We have to center our love on Krishna if we want peace in the world. I do not remember the rest of the Preface. We will read the Introduction and then we will skip to the lifting of Govardhana Hill, so I can prepare a lecture for November 7th, when we are going to celebrate Govardhana Puja with guests and a feast. I’ll given a lecture on the topics of narrations of the Govardhana Puja many times. read more from SDGonline - daily updates Viraha Bhavan journal 
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Kurma dasa, AU: Mallacoota Rainbow

Last Saturday in Mallacoota, during a slightly rainy sunrise, as we arrived at the venue for my cookery weekend, a beautiful 7-tiered full rainbow, arched from horizon to horizon, appeared before our eyes. I had my camera, so here it is, preserved for blog antiquity. By the time I put my camera away, it was gone.
mallacoota rainbow:
"On Lord Krishna's left foot, near the toes, there is a rainbow four fingers in length."
Sri Krsna-sandarbha, by Srila Jiva Goswami, Anuccheda 82, Part Eight, Sarva-samvadini Comment 82 (Part 3), Text 6
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Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Bhajan - Kalachandji's Kirtan Group @ Denton Unitarian Church - Jaya Radha Ramana Hari bol - 2/6


Kalachandji's Kirtan Group performing the bhajan "Jaya Radha Ramana Hari bol" at the Denton Unitarian Church.
Amala Kirtan (vocals),  Gopi Gita (backup vocals), Gopinath (flute), Kapil (drum), Madri (violin), Sri Rupa (kartals)
Dallas, TX
2010-05-01 


Download: 2010-05-01 - 02 - Kalachandji's Kirtan Group - Sacred Sounds at Denton Church - Amala Kirtan das - Jaya Radha Ramana Hari bol.mp3
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Japa Group: Simply Interested In Chanting



A Vaisnava is always tolerant and submissive like trees and grass. He tolerates insults offered by others because he is sim­ply interested in chanting the holy name of the Lord with out being disturbed. Success in chanting the holy name depends fully on humility.

From Viraha Bhavan #110
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Ananda Subramanian, Iowa, USA: Life-after-death is ancient wisdom

I was reading this article on "near-death" experiment and its progressive evidence supporting the same. But what is astonishing and in fact narrow is how scientists simply dismiss previous literature on after-life as valid. The Bhagavad Gita has most lucid explanation of body, mind and soul (consciousness) there is and yet scientists reject it as something "religious". This, in my opinion, is foolish. Why would one want to reject knowledge in the name of "religion"? Knowledge is knowledge regardless of the label one gives. If the Gita can provide literary evidence to body-soul concept and now the scientists are able to prove it empirically...then why not accept the Gita as an authentic source of knowledge?

From this article, clearly, there is something that conventional wisdom has failed to reveal and yet modern science is so stubborn (I am sure due to political reasons) to acknowledge the ancient wisdom of the Gita. The entire Vedic knowledge is built on the fundamental aphorism that "we are not this material body". While a whole culture is formed based on this idea, yet, scientists are treating this "after-life" phenomenon as something no human being has studied before or encountered.

This biased neglect is hypocrisy. The last paragraph of the article says "The self, the soul, the psyche—throughout history, we've never managed to figure out what it is and how it relates to the body," he says. "This is very important for science and fascinating for humankind". This statement reveals the ignorance of the primary researcher Dr. Parnia. To say "we've never figured out throughout history" and generalize this fascination for all humankind is purely insular, ridiculous and hypocritical. It undermines all the great work great philosophers have done in the past. They may not have given statistical information but nevertheless they have shed immense knowledge on this subject.

The entire Vedic culture for the past 5000 years was based on the concept of body and soul. One can find remnants of this culture still present today in different parts of the world especially in the Indian sub-continent. This phenomenon is not new or fascinating. It is an age-old phenomenon which modern man is simply blind towards.

Unfortunately, from whatever I have read and heard, modern science and scientists simply represent a western world view and clearly this is neither scientific nor representing humankind.

The article can be read
here.

Hare Krishna
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Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: Why Men Shouldn’t Write An Advice Column

Dear John:
I hope you can help me. The other day I set off for work, leaving my husband in the house watching TV. My car stalled and then it broke down about a mile down the road so I had to walk back to get my husband’s help.
When I got home, I could not believe my eyes; he was in our bedroom with the neighbor’s 20-year-old daughter. I am 32 and my husband is 34. We have been married for ten years. When I confronted him, he broke down and admitted they’d been having an affair for the past six months. He won’t go to counseling and I’m afraid I am a wreck and need advice urgently. Can you help me please?
Sincerely,
Sheila
He writes:
Dear Sheila,
A car stalling after being driven a short distance can be caused by a variety of faults. Start by checking that there is no debris in the fuel line. If it is clear, check the vacuum pipe and the hoses on the intake manifold and also check all grounding wires. If none of these approaches solves the problem, it could be the fuel pump.
I hope this helps,
John

Filed under: Jokes
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Kirtan Australia.com: Kevin James in Sydney and Melbourne


Kevin James and Mel Dobra Chanting Concert and Workshop in November, Sydney and Melbourne.
Kevin James and Mel Dobra will be joined by an exquisite blend of local multi instrumentalists paving the way for the audience to sing from their hearts. An evening of heart songs with chai and refreshments offered to warm the soul.
Workshop description:
Join Kevin and Mel in a co-creative workshop dedicated to opening your voice to the essence of your heart song. Open for all levels who would like to deepen their understanding of the practice of chanting and it’s benefits as part of a healthy balanced life. You can develop your own daily practice from this experience.
Participants of the workshop are encouraged to bring instruments as to have an experience of playing in a group. (free songbook included), with tips on playing Harmonium and guitar, and vocal exercises for improving your voice and opening blockages in your expression.
Devotional chanting is one of the most effective ways to open the heart.
Sydney
Thur Nov 4th Chanting concert with Kevin James and Mel Dobra
Joined by Saul Smith Percussion (Soul Drummer) and Emanuel Lieberfreund – Flutes & Sax (Flight)
Paddington Uniting Church
395 Oxford St, Paddington
Sydney, Australia
(Free parking available Newcombe Ave)
7pm – 10pm
Melbourne
Fri Nov 12th 7pm
Chanting concert with Kevin James and Mel Dobra
Joined by multi instrumentalist Pinrada and Craig on Tabla.
Prana House Yoga & Healing
1/885 High St
Thornbury Melbourne
Tickets $25 prebook $20
Tickets email info@myheartspace.com.au
Kevin James Heart Songs
Home 02 66849270
Australian Mob 0407122781
Skype name: Kevin James & Mel Dobra
Website: www.kevinjamesheartsongs.com
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Mayapur Online: Graduation Ceremony for the Midterm Bengali Pujari Course 2010

Panca Tattva Extension Hall - Sunday, Oct 17
“By the mercy of Srila Prabhupada, the third year of the Midterm Bengali pujari course has been completed.”- said Jananivasa Prabhu, addressing the students at their Graduation ceremony.
read more
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 October 23: "Always remember that our first business is preaching and distributing literatures, never mind we have to live under a tree. But because the people of your country expect something, we must give them place, but preaching is our real business."Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1967 October 22: "So far Kirtanananda's chapter is concerned, forget all this, Maya's play. We shall be sorry for Kirtanananda's plight under Maya and may not waste our valuable time talking about him. The best thing you have done is that he no longer speaks in our temples."Prabhupada Letters :: 1967
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1967 October 22: "If Kirtanananda honestly believes in his new doctrine, he should honestly return the certificate of his Sannyas which he very tactfully secured from me. He should not utilize this certificate without any allegiance."Prabhupada Letters :: 1967
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1967 October 22: "As the Europeans were very enterprising for colonization, similarly we should be enthusiastic to open branches in different parts of the world. Our responsiblity is to open branches outside India."Prabhupada Letters :: 1967
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1971 October 22: "Just like the tracks of a railroad line, both must be there, Bhagavata marga and pancaratriki marga - one side Bhagavata book, the other side Deity worship. Unless you follow both lines simultaneously you cannot make any progress in devotional service."Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1971 October 22: "Devotional service can be advanced by six processes: enthusiasm, patience, conviction, following the regulative principles, being honest in one's profession, and being in the association of devotees. Devotee means who are following the regulative principles."Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
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Ekendra das, Alachua, USA: “Yo, Krishna! Why You Messin’ With me?”

Yesterday I gave a class on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.5.19. in this verse, Narada Muni tells Vyasadeva that devotees of Krishna, even if they might fall into an unfortunate situation, aren’t “fallen” like materially engrossed people who fall down (think Bernie Madoff). In Prabhupada’s purport, he says devotees who want to simultaneously strive for material stuff are “foolish,” and that Krishna sometimes takes everything away from them until they feel “helpless all around.”
What makes their (Krishna devotees’) position different? “Because they can do nothing but remember the lotus feet of the Lord again and again.” Their lives have been transformed forever by contact with God. their ambitions will never be quite the same. Something has changed for them, and changed forever, even if they’re not fully able to appreciate what that “something” is, or if they’re not able to fully devote themselves to the spiritual path.
This isn’t so for devotees of anything else, like hanggliding, rock climbing, golfing, or antique cars. None of those pursuits can give the same total, absolute rush as contact with Krishna. Hanggliding may be really, really fun, it can’t free you from the laws of karma. In fact, you may wind up as a bird in your next life.
I then read from Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.88.8, where Krishna explains that whatever happens in a devotee’s life is not simply “karma”—they’re not just “getting what they deserve” as a result of their desires and actions. Once a person steps even slightly outside of the karmic system—e.g. has some contact, some service, or some information about the specifics of spiritual reality—that experience carries such clarity, freedom from anxiety, and spiritual satisfaction that nothing in this world will ever be able to satisfy them ever again. You can try to “go back,” in other words, try your best to forget Krishna and act selfishly, but you can never really go back. Your natural, pleasure-seeking nature won’t tolerate it. At least not for long.
So then whatever happens to you, for the rest of eternity, isn’t just karma. It’s Krishna pulling you closer (even if you resist His pull like crazy). Krishna may take everything away from you, for example. He will mess with you. He may mess with you more than you believe He ought to be messing with you. You may go bankrupt, wind up in jail, get sick, suffer in your relationships. You will not like it. You may think, “Why should God mess with us, if He loves us?”
Because He can see—with perfect, omniscient clarity—how miserable our temporary existence is here in the land of birth, death, old age, and disease. Because He knows that the only thing that will make us perfectly fulfilled and happy is to serve Him. That’s why we exist. We’re meant to be cooperative parts of an infinitely blissful play of events, and when we slack off on that and try to be the center of events, we get depressed. So He messes with us, even though we might not like it. the good news is, we eventually come around to His way of thinking, and when we do, we’re grateful for all the littleinstructive slaps.
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1971 October 22: "Our Krsna consciousness movement preaching depends on our personal behavior.We cannot preach without being solid in our standing as devotee. One should preach by behaving himself exactly what he preaches."Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1971 October 22: "First you have to decide yourself whether you are prepared to surrender to our principles, because if you keep your independence your position is the same. To associate with me you are always welcome but not with your independence. That will not help me or you."Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 October 22: "The pleasure of spending some days in Vrindaban is only exceeded by the pleasure of hearing the good news of our activities in Mayapur. I am coming there soon to live with you, do not be anxious. I shall speak thrice times what I am speaking here."Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1947 October 21: "We have decided to open a manufactory branch in Berhampur. The bearer of this letter is a messenger on our behalf and we shall be thankful if you will kindly let us know the following points per bearer. Abhay Charan De, Director in chief, Vimaltone Laboratories Ltd."Prabhupada Letters :: 1947-64
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H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Monday, October 25th, 2010

Images At Street, Ashram and Paper

Toronto, Ontario

It was just awful! Just awful! This very scruffy man very strung out on drugs at the top of his lungs screamed out obscenities towards a disabled helpless and homeless elder. It was a display of cold heartlessness. At the south-west corner adjacent to Dundas Square stood the antagonist whose recipient hobbled his way in a backward direction out of fear wheeling his buggy of belongings. There was no physical contact. It was worse – coarse curses.

At only 6 AM. Imagine. And it’s Monday morning when energies are generally low this screamer was all wound up and ready to pounce on the old vulnerable man who was shaking in fear. Frankly the sight (which I personally witnessed) was like a step into hell. For some people stalking, threats, punching and stabbing are all regular fare. I felt thankful to not be enmeshed in such lifestyle but feeling some empathy for the two street folks. I wanted to help but how?

Paradoxically I entered the temple after a 7 KM stretch to hear about our two monks from Assam knocking off the remainder of the Sunday feast pots. They were cooperatively cleaning them to the standard of squeaky clean. One of the boys tends to splash the sudsy water in the process. He was talking and some of the dish water accidentally landed in his mouth. The second one took the squirty hose and instantaneously shot a good dose of water in the other’s face much to this recipients surprise. It brought out a good laugh in them. It was an exchange of brotherly love, you could say.

The two events were so juxtaposed as opposites. While I say that there are disagreements amongst the brahmacharis (monks) from time to time. Life in the ashram is not perfect. We are human after all.

All in all though, it was a good day as it ended. Someone pointed out to me an article in the Toronto Star captioned “Hare Krishnas Go Mainstream.” The photos were great telling not a thousand but limitless words. The message was balanced. At least it caused my sister to call whom I don’t see often.

A second walk led me westbound on Dupont Street when a young motorist spotted me, saw the robes and made a U turn. He got out of his car, ran after me and asked if I was the dude mentioned in the paper.

“Yes, that was me.”

“It said you grew up in Blenheim (a town of 3,500). Well, I’m from Blenheim.” Hey! We talked!

Small world it is and it’s full of duality.

10KM
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H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Sunday, October 24th, 2010

Hamilton Rocks!

Hamilton, Ontario

As we parked into the back driveway at Shanti Yoga Studio on Main Street our group’s nostrils picked up the scent of steel in the air, a reminder that Hamilton is referred to as Steeltown. The aroma hit us even before we slid open the van door to unload the djembe, mrdanga drum, harmonium, tambourine and kartals (hand cymbals).

I should not fail to mention about Hamilton’s treasures such as the famous Bruce Trail, a walking haven that meanders through this city of population ½ million. Ther are waterfalls galore, many of which are tucked away like hidden riches.

I had just come from doing a presentation in the Krishna Brampton Centre. Now it was time to unleash a sharing of pedestrian pastimes which included trekking through Hamilton two times as part of my route across Canada in ’96 and ’03. I have found the folds here just fine.

That was confirmed when meeting Alex who hails form Lithuania. She’s the studio’s coordinator and yoga teacher. What a great spirit! I also credit Vrajadham, the program’s organizer.

I spent a good hour relaying some of my favourite encounters with Mounties, bears, people and the elements. The room had filled up with eager listeners, and with that, silence, which broke at question time. Then chanting filled the space followed by arms and legs moving (everyone made an attempt at trance dance).

My good friend and godbrother, Visvakarma, conveyed to me that Hamilton has always embraced spirituality very well. He’s right. I recall the interaction in ’96 and the great media response for my first walk across the country.

Sadly, the program had ended. Our group could have stayed for hours conversing. And while we were engaged in dialogue my nose holes could make out the distinct scent of a living entity cohabiting, likely in the lower quarters. It was the distant perfume of a skunk. I take little offense to the little guy’s scent.

Indeed the smells were strong today. Taste buds were stimulated over the prasadam (blessed veggies) prepared by Sachi of Burlington. Ears were perked over the messages about simpler living and higher thinking. The attendees shone while the sun didn’t for the fog of the day and the dark of the night.

I would say for the spiritually minded, Hamilton really rocks!

7KM
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H.H. Sivarama Swami: When to correct a senior devotee and when not to

Skype conference (English)
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H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Saturday, October 23rd, 2010

Time So Precious

Toronto, Ontario

Sometimes community takes priority over my need to walk. Walk I did but within temple walls a slow pace back and forth during morning sadhana. What gobbled up my time – time which is precious for everyone?

Positioning of paintings on a wall, rehearsing with volunteer actors, preparing for an appreciation dinner and engaging in some counseling, some emcee work – all of the above ate up valuable time. When I read from the Vedic writings on what sages had to say about the usage of years, months, days, hours, seconds, the general message is “Don’t waste it!”

Do we often see the time factor as something that is disposed? How expert we are at discharging commodities of all types, the endless supply of made-in-China ware! Can time be put in the same category? You can’t put it in a bin and hope it is compostible.

Chanakya Pandit, and advisor to King Chandragupta from India said, “You can’t buy back time with any gold coins.” And you’ve heard this one: “Time and tide wait for no man.”

See how delicate a second or a moment is! We just need to make the best use of a bad bargain. Time kills us all. In this regard it might be considered ‘bad’. But it all depends on how you see it. If it is used progressively, with thoughtfulness behind it then it works in our favour. If used in a squandering fashion then it becomes our foe.

We simply need to take a glance at that hour glass and see what we are doing as the sand drops. Are we spending time wisely? Is there a spiritual component to our life?

0KM
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Gouranga TV: KuliMela 2006 – New Vrindavan

KuliMela 2006 – New Vrindavan

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