8 de marzo del 2010—Hoy aterrizamos en Delhi, India. Krishna nos bendijo inmediatamente con una lección maravillosa de las dualidades de esta existencia material. Primero nos dio la cortesía de hacer con facilidad los trámites de la aduana en unos escasos cinco minutos. Esto es bastante bueno porque puede llevar fácilmente de 30 minutos a una hora dependiendo de donde estés en la cola. Uno naturalmente se siente feliz cuando las cosas están yendo bien, como fue lo que pasó.
Pero cuando fuimos a reclamar nuestro equipaje, el destino nos deparó un giro de ciento ochenta grados. Tuvimos que esperar hasta que todos los demás reclamaran su equipaje y que nuestro equipaje llegase. Y luego todavía no llegaba. Estaba perdido, e incluso después el departamento técnico envió un aviso sobre el equipaje perdido, que aun no podía ser encontrado. Entonces tuvimos que partir para Vrindavana en ropas que tuvimos que usar sin cambiar por dos días y dos noches sin ninguna información de donde en el mundo nuestro equipaje podría estar y sin ningún cambio de ropas también.
En este sentido el Señor Krishna declara en elBhagavad-gita:
"Una persona que ni se regocija al conseguir algo agradable ni se lamenta al obtener algo desagradable, que es inteligente en relación con el ser, que no se confunde y que conoce la ciencia de Dios, ya está situada en la trascendencia". Bhagavad-gita 5.20
Esta lección sobre las dualidades fue la amabilidad especial de Krishna hacia nosotros para ayudarnos a acercarnos a Su dhama santo en un humor de renunciación, pero a pesar de todos nuestros errores a lo contrario, hay solo una posesión que podemos verdadera y permanentemente reclamar, los pies de loto del Señor Sri Krishna.
Sankarshan Das Adhikari
RESPUESTAS DE ACUERDO A LA VERSIÓN VÉDICA:
Pregunta: ¿Cómo percibir el Radha Krishna lila?
¿Cómo podemos percibir los pasatiempos eternos, siempre frescos de Radha y Krishna?
Roma Vohra
Respuesta: Unta tus ojos con amor
La fórmula simple para ver siempre los pasatiempos eternos, siempre frescos de Sri Sri Radha y Krishna es dada por el Señor Brahma como sigue:
"Yo adoro al Señor primordial Govinda, quien es siempre visto por el devoto cuyos ojos están untados con la esencia del amor, Él es visto en Su forma eterna de Syamasundara, situada dentro del corazón del devoto".
No hay repeticiones en los pasatiempos de Krishna. Cada pasatiempo en particular es nuevo, único y simplemente maravilloso.
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It was 1999 and I had gone to Mangala Arati at the Philadelphia Temple one Sunday morning. I lived about a half-hour drive from there (maybe a little quicker at 4 a.m.), but it was something I wanted to do. My family was new in the area, and my job was only one mile from the temple so had started getting lunch there frequently and visiting with my wife and daughter on Sundays.
So, after the morning program we had breakfast, and there was plenty extra so someone told me to take a plate home. So I got the plate and a few minutes later I passed near Ravindra. He looked at my plate and then at me, like one might look at a thief. I suddenly felt uncomfortable, and a few minutes later one devotee apologetically told me he had to ask if I was giving donations. I replied that every Sunday I was giving my daughter money to put in the box. He asked me to write a monthly check so they could see how much I was giving. I said that since I was already doing $20/week, would $80 a month be ok? He seemed to think that was a very nice donation. I’m not sure if he knew that we were quite poor, but it was actually a lot of money for us.
Unfortunately it wasn’t a very good first impression. I felt insulted and did not appreciate being treated like a potential thief. It was a huge buzz-kill following the morning program. But worse was that it was the end of teaching my little girl to put money in the box whenever we go to the temple, because I was already giving as much I could afford by check.
I haven’t thought about that in a long time, but it just came back vividly to me today. Mostly when I think of Ravindra now, it is remembering how he led a meeting at my local temple two years ago when he said that the rtviks were enemies of ISKCON. Hearing that made me curious why devotees would support a view that was strongly opposed by the GBC, and upon careful investigation of the issue I could not help but conclude that the rtviks were right. So now I’m burdened with the knowledge that the co-GBC who rules over my local temple considers me an enemy, even though he probably doesn’t know it. I’m always amazed at how the modern gurus have the phenomenal ability to drain me of my natural inspiration for Krishna consciousness. Is it any wonder why I just want to focus on Srila Prabhupada and Krishna?
Over the past few months, the Hare Krishna Community at ISKCON Toronto has seen an encouraging growth in the Sankirtan efforts. Sankirtan is the form of sharing bhakti or Krishna Consciousness with the public through books and outdoor kirtan. This has been due to the inspiration of Vaisesika das, who in his previous visits to Toronto has empowered and inspired devotees to go out on the streets and become ambassdors of good will!
Vaisesika das will be joining us in New Remuna Dham, again for an extended weekend of Sankirtan bliss from March 12th to March 15th! During his stay, there will be a variety of programs including special Bhagavatam classes in the morning from 7:45am - 9:00am on Overcoming Obstacles in Krishna Consciousness, a seminar on importance of Goal Setting, a Bhajan and Pizza night and much much more!
Vaisesika das will also be taking the devotees out on the streets on Saturday on a fun Sankirtan experience. He will also be giving a very special Sunday Feast Class and will lead us in an ecstatic 8pm arati! Please mark your calendars and come out for this extended weekend of bliss!
For more information about the seminars, please visit the New Sankirtan blog or click on the image to see the full schedule!
My working year formally commenced last weekend with my first cookery class of 2010, held at Govinda's in Darlinghurst. It was a fabulously successful event. There are vacancies for my next class there to be held in June. I've reminded Pratapana to post the booking details for that class, which will be happening forthwith. Tallyho! And while we are on the subject, I've got a swag of classes coming up around this big brown (and green and wet) land.
I'd love to cook with you somewhere, sometime, someplace. Here's what's on for the first half of this year. Come join me at:
Sticky Rice Cooking School, Stirling, Adelaide Hills, South Australia, Cookery Workshops, Sat 13, Sunday 14 March 2010, Bookings - call Claire 08 8339 1314.
The Company Farm, Wauchope NSW, Cookery Workshops, Saturday 10, Sunday 11 April 2010, Bookings - call Lyn 02 6585 6495.
La Trobe University, Bundoora Campus, Morning Cookery Workshop, Saturday 29 May, Details - contact Manoj ojsc@rediffmail.com.
La Trobe University, Bendigo Campus, Morning Cookery Workshop, Sunday 30 May, Details - contact Manoj ojsc@rediffmail.com.
Govinda's, Darlinghurst, NSW, Morning Cookery Workshop , Saturday 5 June 2010, Details and Bookings.
Cherry Top & Eagle Park, Lilydale near Launceston, Tasmania, Winter Spice Retreat with Kurma Dasa, Saturday, Sunday 19, 20 June 2010, Bookings - contact Lesley @ cherrytop@bigpond.com.
Fremantle, Perth WA, Full-day Vegan Cookery Workshop, Sunday 4 July, Email Cruelty Free WA (info@crueltyfreewa.com.au), or call James/Jess on (08) 9335 7039 11:30am and 6:00pm Tue-Sun, More information available online.
I slept peacefully but woke up very early and then went back to sleep again and got up shortly before three o'clock. So I was again chanting quickly in order to get my rounds done before writing. I put my attention into the uttering of the mantras and tried to separate one from the other in a decent fashion. I fell behind a little and so sped up. I was alert and had no pain. Everyone else in the house is also up chanting. We have a good men's asrama where people are performing their sadhana strictly. It is good to live in this atmosphere. No late sleepers. Everyone up chanting. This is what Prabhupada wants. Everyone should be up early chanting the maha-mantra in their own space. Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. I wish I could have chanted more rounds and been more meditative, but it's water under the bridge now, and I can only look forward to the remainder of my chanting and try to make it the best I can.
You were chanting
in your mind, the
same mantra, the
same hope that He
will accept me. I
fail to be perfect
but put my effort
into it. I concentrate
my attention with
a light focus and
obey the basic command.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,
roll through the mind and
keep away from other
thoughts. Stay in your
chair and comfortably
say them, gently
drive out all other
realms. You are chanting
the maha-mantras,
that's all.
These are pictures of Prabhupada taken in the last months of his life. His face is thinned out and ill looking. He had said months earlier in my presence, "These are my last days." Now it was even later. I'm not sure where the close-up picture of him wearing the garland was taken. It may have been taken during his last visit to England, but he was mostly wearing sunglasses then and he was even thinner. The picture of him sitting at his desk in his lavish quarters is in Bombay. I think it was taken after he returned from England just before he went back to Vrndavana for the last time. He appears resigned and internal. I will not say he looks sad because Prabhupada did not become sad, even at the end. He just became internal and not very communicative. He did not have much external energy. He was not eating much. He professed he did not have a strong will to live.
In the spring he called the GBC men to gather with him in Vrndavana, and he settled his last affairs, making a will and assigning trustees to the different ISKCON properties to protect them. At that time he said he didn't want to live, but he GBC pleaded with him to stay in the world and he agreed. This made them very happy because Prabhupada had said Krishna was leaving the decision up to him. (I have described all this in detail in Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta.) But despite his saying he would live, he became weaker in his health. Then he made his last visit to England, and then he became critically ill there and returned to Vrndavana for his last days. He used to be carried in a palanquin for a daily darsana of Krishna-Balarama. Then near the end he stopped the darsanas to the temple and stayed in bed. He received visitors, especially leaders of different preaching fields in the world, and gave them last instructions and blessings. The last forty-eight hours he stopped communicating and went inside himself. All the devotees gathered in Vrndavana were allowed to come into his room on November 14th, and they chanted kirtana all day. The doctor predicted how long he would live and at approximately 7:30 P.M. he peacefully passed away. Then preparations were made for his funeral. Everyone was crying or stunned silent or talking about him sadly.
When Krishna thought the gopis
were giving to give up their life airs,
He quickly entered their kunja
of desolation. He wore a lightning
yellow dhoti, a peacock feather in His helmet,
and His hands were folded submissively.
The gopis did not notice Him at first
and were preoccupied in their sorrow,
embracing a tamala tree, scratching the
ground, crying tears profusely, except
for one gopi who saw Him from
a distance and was supported by
her two friends. She looked at
Krishna intently and held a lotus
in her hand.
The kunja was bathed in faint
moonlight and was pinkish,
and creepers twined around the kadamba trees and water
lotuses mixed with swans.
The beach was smooth and
a peacock bent its head toward
Syamasundara.
In a moment the scene would
be transformed when the gopis recognized that it
was Sauri who came into
their midst, sweet and
submissive, begging for
their love and wanting
them to understand
He had been apart
just to increase their desire.
Please come Krishna, before
the gopis expire, they
have been through a night
of lamentations and singing
a song of separation to You.
They have begged You to come
as a doctor and bring the
medicine that will
ease their suffering
and Your own.
No one is qualified to
look upon this picture
unless he can see it
without material agitation.
He has to be able
to see it as pure spiritual love and
not a scene of man and woman kama.
Only a rare soul can qualify
to see what's going on and
understand why the lotuses
are full and the flowering
creepers grip so tightly around
the thick boughs of the
trees.
One of my readers wrote to me and said he's amused about how I seem to be afraid to let myself go in the free writing section. He said 99.99% of the journal is straight sastric, and the free write is ostensibly a place for allowing a little humor and that he likes my humor. Well, I don't think of the free write section as primarily a place for humor, per se. It's a place for freedom.
Baladeva just came in to my room, where I was sitting resting, and told me that yesterday I forgot to write a free write and the webmaster was asking me to write one right away. I don't have a picture that suits my taste to write about. I have one that shows an eclipse of the moon, one that shows a ball of yarn and one that shows a stack of cupcake holders. None of them ring a bell with me. Baladeva suggested we go down to Lewes Beach and park and write about the beach. So here we are. There are quite a few cars parked, but I don't see any people on the beach. Oh no, there are two parents and two kids. I can hear their voices. They are interrupting my line of thought.
Freedom, to me, means being honest. I was actually watching a movie called The Informant when Baladeva came in to my room. It is about big cheating in the corporate world. It's supposed to be a kind of comedy, but so far I can't understand it. It would be better if I were doing something more Krishna conscious, like reading a book or even chanting more rounds. But I was watching a movie. The movie relaxes me. I've already finished all of my journal writing for tomorrow's journal. I finished reading Srila Narayana Maharaja's Gopi-gita and Bhurijana Prabhu's Japa. I could read Srimad-Bhagavatam instead of watching a movie.
I could write in my "private notes" notebook. There I write things that are on my mind. I usually write about how I think the journal is going. Right now I'm satisfied with it but each day is a challenge. Narayana Kavaca gave a flattering comparison to my ability to write so much (and so well, as he put it). He compared it to the man who lifts up a calf on the first day it's born. Then he lifts it up each day after that. The calf gets heavier but the man gets stronger. Eventually he is able to lift a full size ox. Narayana said I have been writing so long that I now have the ability to lift up "the full size ox" everyday. When I write My Dear Lord Krishna, I really had the feeling that I wasn't doing it on my own power and that each day Krishna allowed me to do it and then after a year or so He took away the ability to do it. With free write that shouldn't ever happen. All you have to do is write what's on your mind and have the trust that your readers will accept it. Have the trust in yourself. The last time I write in my private notebook I wrote about confidence. I encourage myself to go ahead and have the confidence to write all the sections of the journal, the poem, the Prabhupada Smaranam (that's a harder one), the early morning japa discourse and poem, that's one that people like but I have to be confident that it's alright to be repetitious—and the free write.
So I am feeling confident, and that's the theme of this free write. It's not humorous. It's serious. It's my life, my devotional service, my creativity. If something comes out humorous, that's fine.
One final note: I want to read from Under Dark Stars for my next audio/video broadcast. It's the wildest book I've ever written (maybe) and it will be daring to read it to an audience. But I'll try to pick out poems and readable sections. The last time I read, it was straight sastra, My Dear Lord Krishna, and this is just the opposite. I hope I have the guts to do it, and it doesn't raise too many eyebrows. That's all for now.
SB 11.18.18: Rejecting those houses that are polluted and untouchable, one should approach without previous calculation seven houses and be satisfied with that which is obtained there by begging. According to necessity, one may approach each of the four occupational orders of society.
SB 11.18.18: Rechazando aquellas casas que estén contaminadas e intocables, uno se debe acercar sin cálculos previos a siete casas y estar satisfecho con lo que se obtenga allí pidiendo. Según la necesidad, uno puede acercarse a cada una de las cuatro órdenes ocupacionales de la sociedad.
Srimad Bhagavatam 11.18.18 - Caitanya Mahaprabhu ordered His followers to beg others to chant the names of Radha and Krsna.
13.2MB
Posted by Tirthapada Dasa at 10/3/10; 8:15:30 AM to the Daily Class dept
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 - Daily Class - Atul Krsna Prabhu
Radha Krishna bol bol.
By Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur
From Gitavali (Nagara Kirtan)
(1)
‘rādhā-kṛṣṇa’ bol bol bolo re sobāi
(ei) śikṣā diyā, sab nadīyā
phirche nece’ gaura-nitāi
(haribol! Bolo krishna, bolo re sobai)
(miche) māyār bośe, jāccho bhese’,
khāccho hābuḍubu, bhāi
Radha Krishna chant now, chant the holy names
This was the preaching and the teaching
Of Gaura Nitai when they came
(Haribol! Call out Krishna, chant the holy name!)
Maya’s great waves have swept you away
Up and down again and again.
(2)
(jīv) kṛṣṇa-dās, e biśwās,
korle to’ ār duḥkho nāi
(kṛṣṇa) bolbe jabe, pulak ha’be
jhorbe āńkhi, boli tāi
Our faith strong that we belong
to Krishna, will destroy all pain.
With tearful eyes, our hairs will rise,
when calling out Lord Krishna’s name.
1970 March 9: "A rascal may be accepted provided he agrees to stop his nonsenses. To be reformed, one must agree to the reforming process. Always chant the prescribed sixteen rounds of beads daily without fail. This is essential for insuring your spiritual progress."
1966 March 9: "Tritiya. Today I went to see the Nepalese Ambassador then I saw Mr. Larry Bogart. I lost my cap on the bus. Then I went to Paragon. They have received 35 sets. Meeting held from 7 to 9/30 pm. Eight members attended the lecture on Geeta & Kirta Income by contribution & books -- $13.00, Expenditure Bus fare .60"
1969 March 9: "The instruction is absurd. Don't be carried away by all this nonsense advice. You should not give attention to any outsider's advice because they are completely unfit to give you advice. So far authority is concerned, I am prepared to go to your center for preaching any time you call me."
1969 March 9: " Krishna's Mercy is always bestowed upon one who is sincerely serving Him. Take it from me that I am always praying to Krishna for your success in Krishna Consciousness movement.Our only shelter is Krishna. Stick to this principle and success is sure for you."
1970 March 9: "You and several other advanced students will go to India for preaching Krishna Consciousness. That will be a lesson to our secular government. I came to America with this purpose, so you have to fulfill my desire. I think it is coming to be true by the will of Lord Caitanya."
1970 March 9: "Dear Sri Birlaji, I am preaching strictly the cult of Krishna Consciousness worldwide and have established already 26 centers. There are many thousands of disciples and I am not only establishing Temples, but I am creating the devotees of the Temples. So I am in need of many hundreds of pairs of your Radha Krishna Murtis."
1970 March 9: "Our history begins from the beginning of the creation because the creation takes place with the birth of Brahma. We do not accept Darwin's theory. Darwin and similar mental speculators are rejected so far Vedic knowledge is concerned."
1970 March 9: "Lord Nityananda is Guru but ultimately it depends on the disciple. A doctor may say "Do this, don't do this," but if the patient doesn't follow, what is the result? One must agree not to be a rascal any more - then his rascaldom can be reformed."
Here’s the last of my unpublished pics. (unless I find some more!) from Melbourne 1975. Srila Prabhupada came in mid-May and installed what were then the largest brass Deities in ISKCON and in fact, the largest brass Deities ever cast in Bengal–Sri Sri Nitai Gaura. It was a brilliant event because along with Their Lordships’ appearance, ISKCON Australia also revealed to the world its new headquarters at 197 Danks St. Albert Park. A beautiful 2 acre property that started off as a stately home, became a Christian Brother’s college and then a Heritage-listed monument, and finally a Hare Krishna temple.
Here’s Srila Prabhupada arriving at the Melbourne airport with his servant Sruta Kirti prabhu and his secretary Paramahamsa Swami. They had just flown in after spending ten days in Perth, a city with no official ISKCON temple.
Kurma prabhu writes about it in his book “The Great Transcendental Adventure [TGTA]“:
Saturday May 17, 1975
After the long delay at Perth airport, and four hours in the air, Prabhupada’s TAA flight finally touched down at Melbourne a little before 7.45pm. Srila Prabhupada and his party of five disembarked and proceeded towards the arrivals lounge. All appeared quiet; but suddenly, they heard the distinct roar of an approaching kirtana, like a giant locomotive engine. Within seconds the lounge was filled with a huge band of chanting devotees rhythmically beating on drums and gongs, and blowing on conch shells with an exuberant Madhudvisa Swami at their head, chanting “Jaya Prabhupada, Jaya Prabhupada!” Prabhupada smiled as he was engulfed in a sea of loving disciples, who garlanded him, threw flower petals, and sprinkled rosewater in his path. He entered their midst as a beloved father enters and reciprocates the embrace of his loving children. After a short press conference, Prabhupada, now covered in garlands, was escorted to his waiting Ford LTD limousine.
left to right: Madhudvisa Swami; Hari-sauri dasa; Sruta Kirti dasa; Srila Prabhupada; Paramahamsa Swami; Rama dasa (with dark glasses); Gopikanta dasa; Bhutanatha dasa
This was the first time Sruta Kirti and I appeared in a photo together. At that time I had not even in my wildest dreams imagined that I would occupy his service, one of the most privileged services in ISKCON, that of His Divine Grace’s personal servant. Sruta Kirti was one of the most well known and envied devotees in the Society.
left to rt: Gopikanta dasa; Paramahamsa Swami; Srila Prabhupada; Sruta Kirti dasa; Mandapa dasa (half hidden with glasses; ?; ?; Kurma dasa (in back with glasses); Hari-sauri dasa
Airport greetings and departures in those days were great events. There was hardly any airport security and you could go right up to the plane door to receive or send someone off. My remembrance of this particular arrival was of Srila Prabhupada suddenly appearing off the plane and Madhudvisa Swami going up and draping an opulent garland around his neck and then bowing down in front of Prabhupada and touching his head to his feet.
I had been handed a garland to give to my spiritual master and when I saw Madhudvisa Maharaja do that, I thought, “Great! That’s exactly what I will do too!” And I did. It was the first time I think I had touched Srila Prabhupada’s feet.
While in Melbourne Srila Prabhupada always liked to walk in the Botancial Gardens which he said were one of the best in the world. Everyday a small crew of devotees would be picked to go on the walk, although if you were a book distributor you had the privilege of going out every day (I wasn’t, and didn’t):
left to right: Yasomatinandan dasa; Cittahari dasa; Sruta Kirti with recorder; Gopikanta dasa; Big Mark (at the back with his mouth open–long story!); Srila Prabhupada; Setu Krita dasa (half hidden); ?; Amogha dasa (with tape recorder); Hari-sauri dasa; Sabhapati dasa
left to rt at the back: Charugupta dasa; Rsabhadevi dasi (half hidden by camera); Visvahetu dasa;
lt to rt: Hari-sauri dasa; ?; Srila Prabhupada; Visvahetu dasa; Vidyapati dasa; Amogha dasa (nose and face)
Sunday May 18 1975 was the auspicious day of the installation and opening of the new temple:
The conchshells blew, and the doors to the altar were opened. The devotees, seeing the Deities for the very first time were struck with wonder and began chanting Hare Krsna exuberantly. The group of devotees assigned to chant the Purusa-sukta sat down on the perimeter of the Deity room, and began to chant the ancient hymns as best they could. Prabhupada began the proceedings by gracefully pouring ladles of auspicious bathing liquids over the head of Lord Nityananda. After a few moments he indicated to Madhudvisa that he should assist him by bathing Lord Caitanya.
The kirtana became more intense. The liquids glided down the golden forms of the two Lords to Their lotus feet. Prabhupada and Madhudvisa next poured warm water for rinsing. Hot movie lights blazed as William Kerr, once again behind the camera for another visit, recorded the sacred event for posterity. After bathing, Prabhupada asked Madhudvisa to mop up. Prabhupada stood erect, and slightly tilted his head to the side, indicating that the doors be closed so the Deities could be dressed.
[From TGTA] The conchshells blew, and the doors to the altar were opened. The devotees, seeing the Deities for the very first time were struck with wonder and began chanting Hare Krsna exuberantly. The group of devotees assigned to chant the Purusa-sukta sat down on the perimeter of the Deity room, and began to chant the ancient hymns as best they could. Prabhupada began the proceedings by gracefully pouring ladles of auspicious bathing liquids over the head of Lord Nityananda. After a few moments he indicated to Madhudvisa that he should assist him by bathing Lord Caitanya.
The kirtana became more intense. The liquids glided down the golden forms of the two Lords to Their lotus feet. Prabhupada and Madhudvisa next poured warm water for rinsing. Hot movie lights blazed as William Kerr, once again behind the camera for another visit, recorded the sacred event for posterity. After bathing, Prabhupada asked Madhudvisa to mop up. Prabhupada stood erect, and slightly tilted his head to the side, indicating that the doors be closed so the Deities could be dressed.
Srila Prabhupada offered the first arati to Their Lordships Sri Sri Gaura Nitai
After that time, in April 1976, Srila Prabhupada gave a new name to the Melbourne Hare Krishna temple– Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandira.
Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 9, Chapter 4, Texts 31-40 given by Indradyumna Swami.
Dallas, TX
2010-03-09
SB 9.4.31-32: Following the regulative principles of mahābhiṣeka, Mahārāja Ambarīṣa performed the bathing ceremony for the Deity of Lord Kṛṣṇa with all paraphernalia, and then he dressed the Deity with fine clothing, ornaments, fragrant flower garlands and other paraphernalia for worship of the Lord. With attention and devotion, he worshiped Kṛṣṇa and all the greatly fortunate brāhmaṇas who were free from material desires.
SB 9.4.31-32: Siguiendo los principios regulativos de mahābhiṣeka, Mahārāja Ambarīṣa celebró la ceremonia de baño de la Deidad del Señor Kṛṣṇa con todos los útiles necesarios; después, vistió a la Deidad con hermosos vestidos, adornos, collares de flores fragantes y otros artículos con que se adora al Señor. Con atención y devoción, adoró a Kṛṣṇa y a todos los brāhmaṇas, que eran muy afortunados y estaban libres de deseos materiales.
SB 9.4.33-35: Thereafter, Mahārāja Ambarīṣa satisfied all the guests who arrived at his house, especially the brāhmaṇas. He gave in charity sixty crores of cows whose horns were covered with gold plate and whose hooves were covered with silver plate. All the cows were well decorated with garments and had full milk bags. They were mild-natured, young and beautiful and were accompanied by their calves. After giving these cows, the King first sumptuously fed all the brāhmaṇas, and when they were fully satisfied, he was about to observe the end of Ekādaśī, with their permission, by breaking the fast. Exactly at that time, however, Durvāsā Muni, the great and powerful mystic, appeared on the scene as an uninvited guest.
SB 9.4.33-35: A continuación, Mahārāja Ambarīṣa satisfizo a todos los que visitaron su casa, y en especial a los brāhmaṇas. Como caridad, dio sesenta karors de vacas, que llevaban los cuernos chapados en oro y las pezuñas cubiertas con plata. Todas las vacas llevaban mantos decorativos y tenían las ubres llenas de leche. Eran de naturaleza mansa, jóvenes y bonitas, y venían acompañadas de sus terneros. Después de dar las vacas, el rey dio de comer suntuosamente a todos los brāhmaṇas y, cuando estuvieron plenamente satisfechos, con su permiso se dispuso a observar el final del Ekādaśī rompiendo su ayuno. Sin embargo, justo en ese momento hizo su aparición una visita inesperada: el muy poderoso místico Durvāsā Muni.
SB 9.4.36: After standing up to receive Durvāsā Muni, King Ambarīṣa offered him a seat and paraphernalia of worship. Then, sitting at his feet, the King requested the great sage to eat.
SB 9.4.36: El rey Ambarīṣa se levantó para recibir a Durvāsā Muni, y le ofreció un asiento y artículos de adoración. A continuación, sentándose a sus pies, el rey rogó al gran sabio que comiese.
SB 9.4.37: Durvāsā Muni gladly accepted the request of Mahārāja Ambarīṣa, but to perform the regulative ritualistic ceremonies he went to the River Yamunā. There he dipped into the water of the auspicious Yamunā and meditated upon the impersonal Brahman.
SB 9.4.37: Durvāsā Muni aceptó complacido la invitación de Mahārāja Ambarīṣa, pero antes fue al río Yamunā para realizar las ceremonias rituales prescritas. Una vez allí, se sumergió en las aguas del auspicioso Yamunā y meditó en el Brahman impersonal.
SB 9.4.38: In the meantime, only a muhūrta of the Dvādaśī day was left on which to break the fast. Consequently, it was imperative that the fast be broken immediately. In this dangerous situation, the King consulted learned brāhmaṇas.
SB 9.4.38: Mientras tanto, sólo quedaba un muhūrta del día de Dvādaśī para romper el ayuno, de modo que era absolutamente necesario romperlo sin más demora. En esa peligrosa situación, el rey consultó con brāhmaṇas eruditos.
SB 9.4.39-40: The King said: "To transgress the laws of respectful behavior toward the brāhmaṇas is certainly a great offense. On the other hand, if one does not observe the breaking of the fast within the time of Dvādaśī, there is a flaw in one's observance of the vow. Therefore, O brāhmaṇas, if you think that it will be auspicious and not irreligious, I shall break the fast by drinking water." In this way, after consulting with the brāhmaṇas, the King reached this decision, for according to brahminical opinion, drinking water may be accepted as eating and also as not eating.
SB 9.4.39-40: El rey dijo: «Ciertamente, quebrantar las leyes del respeto debido a los brāhmaṇas es una gran ofensa. Por otra parte, si se deja pasar el Dvādaśī sin romper el ayuno, el voto observado es imperfecto. Así pues, ¡oh, brāhmaṇas!, si lo consideráis auspicioso y no os parece irreligioso, beberé un poco de agua para romper mi ayuno». El rey tomó esta decisión después de consultar la opinión de los brāhmaṇas, quienes estimaron que beber agua puede considerarse comer, pero también puede considerarse no comer.
PURPORT
When Mahārāja Ambarīṣa, in his dilemma, consulted the brāhmaṇas about whether he should break the fast or wait for Durvāsā Muni, apparently they could not give a definite answer about what to do. A Vaiṣṇava, however, is the most intelligent personality. Therefore Mahārāja Ambarīṣa himself decided, in the presence of the brāhmaṇas, that he would drink a little water, for this would confirm that the fast was broken but would not transgress the laws for receiving a brāhmaṇa. In the Vedas it is said, apo 'śnāti tan naivāśitaḿ naivānaśitam. This Vedic injunction declares that the drinking of water may be accepted as eating or as not eating. Sometimes in our practical experience we see that some political leader adhering to satyāgraha will not eat but will drink water. Considering that drinking water would not be eating, Mahārāja Ambarīṣa decided to act in this way.
Mahārāja Ambarīṣa, ante la duda, consultó con los brāhmaṇas si debía de romper el ayuno o esperar a Durvāsā Muni; pero los brāhmaṇas, aparentemente, no supieron darle una respuesta definitiva. El Vaiṣṇava, sin embargo, es la persona más inteligente, de modo que el propio Mahārāja Ambarīṣa decidió ante todos los brāhmaṇas que bebería un poco de agua. Este gesto, al mismo tiempo que rompería claramente el ayuno, no iría en contra de las leyes de la hospitalidad debida a los brāhmaṇas. Un mandamiento védico declara que beber agua puede considerarse comer o, también, no comer: apo 'śnāti tan naivāśitaḿ naivānaśitam. En nuestra experiencia práctica, a veces hemos visto a líderes políticos que, practicando satyāgraha, no comían pero bebían agua. Mahārāja Ambarīṣa, considerando que beber agua no es comer, decidió actuar de ese modo.
We just want to hear all the unreleased recordings of Srila Prabhupada, simply because we love Srila Prabhupada. That’s how it always has been and that how it always will remain. Every word from his lotus mouth is like a universe of nectar that maintains our very life and soul. This is the only purpose and motive behind this petition.Guru-mukha-padma-vakya, cittete koriya aikya, ar na koriho mane asa: My only wish is to have my consciousness purified by the words emanating from his lotus mouth.”His disciples took his words so seriously that simply by meditating upon his instructions (dhyayantah) they became perfect. This is the secret of success.”(SB 4.24.16)
It is unfortunate that the state of affairs has become so degraded to the point where the devotees of Srila Prabhupada, our Founder-Acarya, have to sign a petition to the Bhaktivedanta Archives in order to hear all Srila Prabhupada’s teachings. Even with over 1,800 signatures in the first week that this petition has been available, the Archives still refuse to release the audio. Even though it’s madness that we have to sign a petition in order to hear from our Acarya.
According to Ekanatha Prabhu, “as of 02-05-2010… Reels to be digitized and to be indentified – 161” and ”Conservative estimate of new audio files forthcoming – 500“. After 33+ years these files should have been released to the followers of Srila Prabhupada. The technology to do this has been available for over 20 years and every day that passes these tapes are deteriorating more and more. Yet even though the Bhaktivedanta Archives have had the equipment to convert the tapes to digital format since the early 90s they still have 161 reels not digitized yet.. Really, what sort of archive is this?
Another important point why the Bhaktivedanta Archives should release ALL of this audio now is that, God forbid, there were to be a fire, earthquake or some other type of natural disaster at the Archives. All those unique copies of the unreleased audio would all be forever lost to the world. But if the audio is released in its complete, unedited format then there will be so many places where it will be backed up, so this will not be a factor. As it says in the Bhaktivedanta Archives’ own mission statement document in section 3: “At the Bhaktivedanta Archives we want to prevent something like this happening by making copies of everything we have, available to as many people as possible, in as many places as possible, around the world.” But unfortunately the Bhaktivedanta Archives are not, as the say, "making copies of everything we have, available to as many people as possible".
We ask the Bhaktivedanta Archives to please release ALL the hidden audio in its entirety NOW and show everyone what moral and truthful devotees they are. devotees and well-wishers of the Archives can sign the “ Release All Srila Prabhupada’s Unpublished Audio Now” petition.
Releasing all of the audio now will not stop the Bhaktivedanta Archives from continuing to archive, edit, label, etc. It just means that all the audio will be backed up in many places and as devotees listen to it they can all help in the archiving process by their own recollections of where and when the recordings took place so it can be put in order for the benefit of future generations. This must be done immediately while the direct disciples of Srila Prabhupada are still on the planet so they can give important information related to the metadata of the recordings that otherwise the few devotees at the Archives may never find. As opposed to what is going on now where the Archives are working for the past 33+ years on the audio and still have not completed the task, and not even able to give a proposed date of completion. I doubt Srila Prabhupada would be very pleased by all this.
The Bhaktivedanta Archives say that the devotees that just want to hear all Srila Prabhupada’s recorded words are a “misleading campaign”, but the 1,800+ devotees that signed the petition after only the first week it has been up are our Godbrothers and sisters, ISKCON devotees and congregation who simply want to hear all Srila Prabhupada’s recorded vani. So whats wrong with that? How is hearing from Srila Prabhupada, as the Bhaktivedanta Archives say, a “misleading campaign”?
So please, release ALL the audio NOW! Please, no more post-dated checks of any kind. We are all friends here, who help each other through tough times and good times. We chant and dance together in kirtana. Sooner or later we will have to look each other in the eyes and touch each other’s feet in a humble attitude. We will all get old sooner or later and wind up in the spiritual world together. At least while we are all here together on this tiny little planet, in the house that Srila Prabhupada built. Let’s try not to hide anything from each other and just be a transparent via medium to the words of the Acarya.
We have faith in you, Bhaktivedanta Archives, that you will do the right thing and release ALL the audio now. For it is not your property…
With Gaura Purnima around the corner, this edition of ISKCON Toronto Flashback Photos is themed to get you into the festive mood!
Gaura Purnima celebrates the appearance of Lord Caitanya, who is none other than Lord Krishna Himself. As such, this presents the perfect opportunity to share this vintage picture of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and share their wonderful story. Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda came to reside in New Remuna Dham in 1973, click here for the story of Their arrival.
Last Friday we were out doing harinam sankirtan it was a beautiful sunny day here in Wellington New Zealand. We were about 20 devotees. Gaura Raya prabhu was leading this powerful harinam. There was a rugby tournament in town 1000,s of drunk kids making fun of us and dancing etc..
I was in the back of the harinam passing out invites to our sunday festival. All of a sudden by Krishna's causeless mercy this one young girl maybe 17 or 18 yrs old approched with tears in her eyes. She said. "Can I give you a donation," and gave a $20? She said, "You guys bring such an amazing energy into the town I cant even describe it."
I asked her (her name was Mitchelle), "Have you seen us before? Do you know anything about us?" She said, "No first time I am seeing you guys and first time I am hearing this Hare Krishna." She said she actually comes from Napier (small city in the north island in New Zealand 3 hrs from Wellington) and she was just passing through Wellington.
I was so happy to see her enthusiasm so I asked her to come later that night for some meditation and some dinner at our out reach center (Gaura Yoga). She said, "Actually I have only 5 mins my mum and brother are waiting for me in the car we are leaving Wellington in 5 mins."
I really wanted to give her some Prabhupads books and some prasadam so I requested her please come with me to our meditation center which is only few mins walk I would like to give you some of our books. She obviously didn't realize the importance of reading our books but I was praying like anything to Krishna. "Please Krishna allow her to come and get some of Prabhupada's books.
So inspired by Krishna she finally agreed to come but she said, "I have only 2 minutes." So we ran to our center and she was so impressed by our out reach center the vibration and the devotees etc. So I gave her a slice of cake prasadam and 2 books (Science of self realization and a Gita).
She gratefully left with the books and prasadam and promised me that she will visit us in the near future after reading our books. We also exchanged emails. It was amazing to see this lost soul get so much mercy in the 5 mins that she was in town.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada and my eternal spiritual master H.H Devamrita maharaj for inspiring us.
YHS Shastra-krit das
"Chant Hare Krishna and be happy" (Text D:2263345) -------------------------------------------
This week is spring break at University of Florida so Lacie and I are going to visit her family in Massachusetts. So I probably won't be doing much blogging this week, not that I've been doing much recently anyhow.
The dust from the lotus feet of Srila Srivas Thakura can purify the entire material existence. On Srivas Tattva, HH Bhakti Brihat Bhagavat Swami gave a very beautiful class on the importance to get into the consciousness of Srivas Thakura- a personification of humility. See the transcription below. At noon, we had abhisheka to Srivas Thakura, bhoga offering, pushpanjali and Maha arthi. Also being the disappearance day of Srila Sridhar Swami,
Class: Special class on Appearance Anniversary of Srila Srivasa Thakura and Disappearance Anniversary of His Holiness Sridhar Swami
Speaker: HH Bhakti Brhat Bhagavata Swami
Today marks the most auspicious anniversary appearance of Srila Srivasa Pandit or also known as Srila Srivasa Thakura and it also coincides with the anniversary disappearance of one of our Commanders in Srila Prabhupada’s army - Srila Prabhupada is our General - Srila Sridhara Swami.
Listen here HH Bhakti Brhat Bhagavata Swami's class
I stayed overnight at the home of Rajasuya. It was practical when all events were happening last night and this day on the west end. Dustin was with me. I let him sleep in. He looked like a ghost challenging weather and time zone changes from the trip to India. Yes, he looked like a pale ghost but he has the heart of an angel.
The early trek was a route that spun me around Rajasuya's house, a right on Cartwright, then a right on Rupert's Gate and back to Cartwright again. In the course of the circumambulation the moon reminded me of my anchor, the rabbit that jumped past me pulled out my passion, the dove's coo pulled at my goodness; all such elements of nature create moods.
There had been three programs lined up for speaking engagements for today. Each host to each venue gave me the freedom to speak on any topic. The Bhagavad-gita was my choice to speak from; all to do with Bhagavan's (God's) connection to this world. From what I see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. I have endeavoured to make the tie between the energetic and the energy (moon, rabbit, dove, etc.) The sun and the sunshine bear little difference. This is a way to see the world, the way that Krishna Himself would view the existence in which we live.
Someone may argue, "When looking at nature there is compatibility between it and its source but when you have to deal with people, the traffic, the greed, etc. it is far more difficult to bridge the gap between the mundane and the divine.
Valid statements; still every adversity and every victory still has the divine hand behind it. That takes a deeper perception.
Someone from the community here conjured up the idea of a "Snow Dream Walk," a trek through the white stuff with people of like-minds. Some young folks from the Urban Edge Centre responded to the email invite when a chalked out route within the city limits would give a chance to these spiritual seekers to build up friendships. Since the inception or ribbon-cutting of the Urban Edge Centre many seminars were facilitated by speakers, cooking lessons were delivered and yoga instructors have guided and inspired people since October. Here was an event renamed to "Snow Melt Walk" where attendees actually got to talk and know one another better over the course of a two-hour period.
I had the honour to lead these pilgrims and to chase the quiet streets for walking as opposed to the usually preferred ravines where it's muddy. My head count to this event was a modest thirteen which is just perfect. They really enjoyed the great air, the sunshine and above all the friendship. This if any (friendship) is a major missing factor in today's life. Again I'm tackling the issue of loneliness, alienation, depression, self-centeredness all items that are tossed together like a bag of trail-mix.
Mangal Arati and Ateet the two front-persons of the Urban Edge arranged tasty food after the walk. It was agreed upon by participants that there must be a repeat performance to this city pilgrimage.
One of the persons I talked and walked with and who goes by the name of J.P. had asked how I considered this type of walk to be a pilgrimage and I responded, "Every walk is a pilgrimage when it has a spiritual intent, when the experience of it has allowed you to grow."
The evening brought Dustin and I to the home of Harinam and Priya, a couple from Mauritius. Families came to chant, feast, and hear of the pastimes of the supreme.
Daily Class - Kadamba Kanana Swami - Srimad Bhagavatam 11.18.17
SB 11.18.17: One who has not accepted the three internal disciplines of avoiding useless speech, avoiding useless activities and controlling the life air can never be considered a sannyāsī merely because of his carrying bamboo rods.
SB 11.18.17: Aquél que no ha aceptado las tres disciplinas internas de evitar discurso inútil, evitar actividades inútiles y controlar el aire de la vida nunca se puede considerar un sannyāsī simplemente por llevar la vara de sannyāsī.
Srimad Bhagavatam 11.18.13 - The sannyasa order is a nice niche for serving Krsna.
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Posted by Tirthapada Dasa at 9/3/10; 7:13:01 PM to the Daily Class dept
This has been a harsh winter. Due to heavy snow fall we did not have electricity for one week and the road to our farm has been snowed in 3 times for a few days each time. Just walking to the barns through the snow in the cold temperatures tests one's energy levels and fitness.
We bought a generator to pump the well that feeds the cow's barn since we needed the water for the cows. This made us think of revisiting the idea of windmills as we have the hills to catch the wind. But we also have to revisit the idea of replacing the barn roof for the old barn. Most of its tin roof is 45 years old and leaks due to holes. And the way it was constructed creates a dip in the center of the roof where heavy snow can collect. When we priced the roof in 2008 its cost was $9000. Balabhadra suspects it will be a bit more now but will research it when he gets back and we will let you know.
Speaking of harsh, cold weather, Balabhadra visited some even colder locations where cows are being protected. Read about Belarus and Ukraine in this e-newsletter or our facebook page.
We have had a few sunny, visibly beautiful winter days. The cows have been patient and calm. As long as they have enough to eat they can tolerate the harsh winter.
Just the other day, Balaram broke out expecting to find something better to eat on the other side of the fence. But he quickly realized that there was only snow, snow, snow. No other cows even bothered to break out with him.
In this photo, Kalki is enjoying the winter sun along with some of her herd mates. There is expected another snow storm by the end of the week. When all this snow begins to melt we will have a more than usual muddy farm in spring. At least the water table will be sufficient for the garden as in some years back there was not enough snow in the winter to create sufficient water table levels and not enough rain in spring and summer, a near drought condition.
The cow barns with the old barn in the middle. It is connected to the new barn on the left.
Yamuna received some special treats of jaggery and black sesame seeds sponsored by Dipesh Sidapara. Actually the whole herd received the same treats. They were the most popular treats yet. Even Rudra wanted one.
The cows eat only hay in the winter and it is not as tasty as the clover, herbs and fresh green grass of spring and summer. So to get treats breaks the monotony for their tongues's taste buds. They also love their water, and as we have excellent water they are quite happy to drink.
T
The road out of the farm after it was plowed. Rudra loves the snow.
Belarus/New Vraja Mandala Farm
Written by Balabhadra das
Walking the 800 meters (1/2 mile) to the farm in -30 celsius temperatures (-22 degree fahrenheit)From the old village we had to walk the last 800 meters to the New Vraja Mandala farm as the snow was too deep and the devotees didn't have a 4 wheel drive vehicle. It is beautiful country, but very cold.....-30 C. Despite the harsh conditions the 56 cows are in good health and cared for nicely They are very friendly due to being taken care of with lots of love.
I spent some time with Ananda dasi to give her some more hands-on tips on working with oxen. Since my last visit in 2008, I have been working very closely with the devotees in Belarus to encourage them to become more and more involved in their cow program. Several festivals have been held at the farm and now the devotees own 3 homes in the village close to the farm with other devotees negotiating to buy more of the old village homes. Repair work is ongoing in the barn as well as added shelter being built for the cows. The electricity is now back on and water is now available for the cows on site. Without electricity to run the pump the cows were just left to fend for themselves while out grazing. The devotees have started an Adopt-A-Cow program with close to ½ of their cows being adopted. The men meet on a regular basis and are laying plans for 2010 development at the farm. I am very pleased with the progress.
Its so nice to work with young oxen who are well behaved. They are very loving and receptive.
After a cold morning with the cows and oxen we returned to Radharani house in the village for lunch. About 20 devotees came for dinner after a cold day of serving the cows. During dinner we talked about setting up a Facebook page for the farm. That evening Vishwambhar Prabhu set up a page under his wife's name....Prabhavati devi dasi. Check it out.
The herd keeping warm while getting plenty to eat
Ukraine, Bezvodnoe village
Written by Balabhadra das
Bezvodnoe is a small village close to Nicoliev. On good roads it takes a little over 3 hours from Odessa. The weather was very cold and the roads were basically a sheet of ice and snow with many pot holes. It took us 6 hours to reach Nicoliev safely but very tired.
The cows are of of a local breed and friendly. There are 2 small barns and one big barn. When the big barn is completely finished all 22 cows will move into the big barn
Nina(Balabhadra's secreatry in Belarus)receiving a kiss.
Mostly we talked about developing rural Krsna Conscious communities and devotional cow care and working the oxen. Bhakta Oleg and his wife Bhaktin Tanya and daughter Godavari are the driving force behind the development of their village. They have 26 cows and oxen. I think there are 16 devotees there and they are trying to fix up old village houses and build some new ones. They have one green house which produced a huge amount of vegetables last year, plus many fruit trees and berry bushes which are well established from days of yore. They are slowly buying up properties in the village and eventually plan to have a school. Bhakta Oleg is a business man and is the one financing everything....he is also a cow man and has a heart of gold.
Dhanesvara das had invited me to come to speak to the devotees about cow protection and training oxen. If you are interested in knowing more about the development of Varnashrama (development of village life based on Vedic principles) in Ukraine or wish to attend the Varnashrama Festival March 26-28 you may contact Dhanesvara.
The enthusiastic Ukraine devotees.
The big barn.
One of the milking cows.
20 years later
Twenty years ago this coming March, ISCOWP incorporated for the purpose of spreading the knowledge of cow protection and related agricultural practices. During this year, we will have a random picture from the past with a description in every monthly update.
This picture is one our most published photos. It was taken in 1996. We were invited to come to New Vrindavan to give a demonstration of ox power and to speak about cow protection. We were excited as we were also checking out the possibility of joining forces with the NV cow program. It was Memorial Day weekend which traditionally attracts many guests to NV.
We arrived in our school bus towing Vraja and Gita in a trailer behind us. I remember the hilly winding road specifically from Moundsville to the temple which can be a bit scary when you are hauling 2000 pounds behind you with an old school bus. It was always a gargantuan effort to bring the oxen to different events but in those days Balabhadra had the strength of an ox and Baladeva and Lakshmi (our teenage children) traveled with us giving more experienced strong hands to handle the huge oxen.
The picture shows Balabhadra giving a hands-on seminar with our first and most famous team Vraja and Gita on the grounds of the NV temple.
This is an authorized email of the official International Society for Cow Protection, Inc. (ISCOWP) incorporated in 1990 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization, located only in Moundsville, WV, USA.
ISCOWP and the Lotus/Cow symbol are registered service marks of the International Society for Cow Protection, Inc
ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Caitanya Caritamrita Seminar - Part One
Caitanya Caritamrita Seminar - Part One
33.3MB
Here is the recording from the morning session of the Caitanya Caritamrita Seminar given on Sunday March 8th by Kadamba Kanana Swami and Atul Krishna Prabhu.
Posted by Tirthapada Dasa at 9/3/10; 6:16:21 PM to the Education & Training dept
The dust from the lotus feet of Srila Srivas Thakura can purify the entire material existence. On Srivas Tattva, HH Bhakti Brihat Bhagavat Swami gave a very beautiful class on the importance to get into the consciousness of Srivas Thakura- a personification of humility. See the transcription below. At noon, we had abhisheka to Srivas Thakura, bhoga offering, pushpanjali and Maha arthi. Also being the disappearance day of Srila Sridhar Swami,
T 
Twenty years ago this coming March, ISCOWP incorporated for the purpose of spreading the knowledge of cow protection and related agricultural practices. During this year, we will have a random picture from the past with a description in every monthly update. 
