Here are the latest updates for you
- ISKCON Desire Tree: 03 Jan 2012 - Bhaimi Ekadasi
- ISKCON Desire Tree: 02 Feb 2012 - Sri Ramanujacharya Disappearance
- Spiritual Scientist: What exactly is the heart?
- Spiritual Scientist: Can i pursue my material ambitions and still make spiritual advancement?
- Spiritual Scientist: Why was ashtanga yoga recommended in Satya-yuga
- Spiritual Scientist: Why does the Gita say that “I am intelligence among women?”
- Spiritual Scientist: What is the position of women in a spiritual culture?
- Spiritual Scientist: Pride (P + Ride) takes us on a Perilous Ride
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: FREE MUSIC
- Agnideva das (Adam Helfer), Washington, USA: Dylan Ratigans Greedy Bastards… American traitors exposed (Book Review)
- Japa Group: Eventually The Mind Cooperates
- Subuddhi Krishna dasa, Chicago, USA: Please join Friends of Lord Krishna
- New Vrndavan, USA: Temple Asrama Renovations Continue
- One ISKCON.com: Dairy Krsna – Part Two
- New Vrndavan, USA: Drywall Arrives at the Asramas
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- H.H. Kadamba Kanana Swami: Advaita Acarya- the origin of compassion
- Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: "My gurudeva has given me an impossible mission" - Srila Prabhupada & Advaita Acarya mercy
- Bhakti Lata, Alachua, USA: Illuminate Me
- H.H. Sivarama Swami: Skype conference
- Ananda Subramanian, Iowa, USA: The secret of success in Krishna Consciousness
- Dandavats.com: Live From Sri Mayapur Candrodaya Mandir!
- Balabhadra dasa: Madhavi, Ox Training, Spreading Cow Protection
- Temple of the Vedic Planetarium: How to Give a Donation
- Temple of the Vedic Planetarium: Other Areas
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: THE MAIN SOURCE OF FEAR
- Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: http://self-injury.net/media/famous-self-injurers
- The Loft, Auckland, NZ: Festival of Kirtan Music this Saturday 4th Feb
- Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: veda lifestyle course at bhaktivedanta manor
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: KIRTAN IN GREECE
- Temple of the Vedic Planetarium: Let There Ba a Temple
- Gouranga TV: 12 01 22 GCL Bhagavat Gita Lecture Radhanath Swami ISKCON Chowpatty
- H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Tuesday 31 January 2012--Favorable for Your Krishna Consciousness--and--Why Do Initiated Devotees Fall Down?
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From: subhash
in many literatures we see the word "heart" refering to something subtle. what is this "heart" ? is it mind , senses or the soul? where is this heart present? To hear the answer, please click here
From: ashutosh if we do everything for krishna what is the motivation for us to try to extend our abilities. needs can vary from person to person. what do you suggest a person ambitious for recognition on the material level should do to maintain peace in his life. we are always given examples of such levels of devotion which come directly in conflict with some concepts of our lives that we want to lead-and i don't mean that i have any anartha that i don't want to give up-but what is wrong in leading a materially fulfilling life as well. what i have seen as helping me is to keep your desires but with the help of god balance it so that it doesnt get in the way of my AND OTHERS overall well being. I MAY HAVE LOTS OF MATERIAL DESIRES WHY WOULD THEY NOT LEAD ME TO KRISHNA? isn't it our responsibility to lead fulfilling lives even if its includes limited luxury. some other religions make it simple. the pure bhakti stuff seems to hi fi to me. if a philosophy of god is true then shouldnt it satisfy you completly spiritually? i find myself resenting it a bit mainly because i am ambitious. over the years i have cultivated desires. when i have a family and even my parents think it is wrong to think having luxury with honest means is wrong. also i have been getting bad marks i am in am lot of problems i don't want to speak about. just chanting hare krishna will not help me.the desire to prove myself and get out of the pits is there.the fundamental desire to be a good son and husband is there and also a contributing member of society. the concept of conditional duty is useless because i certainly do not need to achieve these things but i want to an i know it is right. i am right to want happiness for myself in all forms. why are we told to focus so much on death and afterlife. if you live your life right won't you automatically go to krishna? all other philosophies even christianity make it so simple To hear the answer, please click here
From: sumit It is said in SB 4.30.11 that without bhakti yoga, no any spiritual activity can be beneficial.also that bhakti yoga is only the process for any kind of God realization.if it is so then why in satya yuga, astanga yoga was the recommended process over bhakti yoga? To hear the answer, please click here
To hear the answer, please click here
Question: Can you please explain the position of women in Vedic culture? There are so many terrible vestiges of that culture like sati and dowry. What should be the position of women in a spiritual culture in today's culture? To hear the answer, please click here
The Bhagavad-gita (16.4) states that pride is a quality that is treasured by the ungodly (asuri-sampada). Pride originates in the misconception that we permanently own the things that we only temporarily possess: talents and abilities, positions and possessions. Pride infatuates us with our temporary possessions and sends us off on a dangerous ego trip that is propelled by the miscalculation that we are superior to others and independent of Krishna. The ride that pride takes us on is perilous right from the beginning because it makes us feel lonely and insecure: lonely because our very desire for superiority alienates us from those around us and ultimately from Krishna, and insecure because we know that our sources of pride – our talents and treasures – can be and will be taken away at some time or the other and we dread that inevitability. And the ride of pride is all the more perilous in the end because when pride unceremoniously dumps us off, that is, when our sources of pride are divested from us, we wake up to the horrifying reality that we have been led far away from all those who loved us – including especially Krishna. Far easier than embarking on the uphill journey of restoring all the relationships ruptured by pride is to refuse to climb aboard the ride offered by pride. No wonder then that the Mahabharata says that the further we go from pride, the closer we come to others.
"O tongue, praise the glories of Lord Keśava. O mind, worship the enemy of Mura. O hands, serve the Lord of Śrī. O ears, hear the topics of Lord Acyuta. O eyes, gaze upon Śrī Kṛṣṇa. O feet, go to the temple of Lord Hari. O nose, smell the tulasī buds on Lord Mukunda's feet. O head, bow down to Lord Adhokṣaja." (Mukunda-mala-stotra, v.20) O eyes, eternally gaze upon the glorious darsana of Their beautiful Lordships
 Ratigan exposes Corporate Communists, “Banksters,” and other vampires who suck America dry in his new book offering.
"Just keep chanting Hare Krishna and moving the beads and focus on listening to the syllables of the Holy Names. As the mind wanders, we shouldn’t get agitated. Just keep chanting; don’t give up the process and eventually the mind cooperates."
Radhanatha Swami
Hare Krishna,
With more than 44000 fans "Friends of Lord Krishna" is one of the more popular pages on Facebook. It gets around 3 million post views every month and any post can reach a possible 11 million friends of friends.
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Hari bol.
Just a few more yards and we’re there.  
By His Holiness Danavir Goswami: The body can be maintained by any kind of foodstuff, but cow’s milk is particularly essential for developing the finer tissues of the human brain so that one can understand the intricacies of transcendental knowledge. (Srimad Bhagavatam 3.5.7, Purport) 
The drywall is about to be hoisted up to the second floor of the asrama, where renovations are well under way. The drivers received maha cookies for their efforts.  Beam me up! 
1966 January 31
"Today I met two Foundations Carnegie Corporation of New York & Russel Sage Foundation. To contact again tomorrow by phone. Expenditure. Busfare .30"
Journal :: 1966
1969 January 31: "Our first meeting on Houston Street, it was all arranged by Krishna. That was a favor shown to me by Krishna. So Krishna sent you to me, and therefore our meeting was the desire of Krishna."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969
1971 January 31 : "I wish to request you to come and live with me but you have already said that will not be possible. So your help to my book fund is very much welcome. I shall always pray for your higher spiritual life."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
1972 January 31: "Whatever you can do to turn the minds of the people towards Krsna Consciousness, that is very much appreciated by me. You are intelligent boy, you can decide how."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
1973 January 31: "So far the court case is concerned, I shall be interested to hear the outcome. So you may keep me informed. But always remember that Krsna is the Supreme Controller of all that be."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973
1975 January 31: "If someone wants the blessings of Ganesa in order to get large amounts of money for Krishna's service, then it is alright, but they must send me at least $100,000 dollars monthly - not less."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975
1975 January 31: "I beg you to come and live in Mayapur. I shall arrange a very nice room and you can peacefully engage in your painting and read Srimad Bhagavatam. I think this arrangement will be very nice."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975
 (Kadamba Kanana Maharaja, 30 January 2012, Radhadesh) Why did Advaita Acarya have to worship Krsna to appear? Isn’t Krsna scheduled to appear once in a day of Brahma, in the Age of Kali? So what was the need? The reason that Advaita Acarya had to worship, that someone had to worship, is because Lord Krsna is described as impartial. Therefore He helps living beings to remember and to forget whatever they desire. If they want to forget Him, okay they forget and if they want to remember Him, then Krsna helps accordingly- Krsna is impartial. But the devotee becomes partial. Therefore it takes a devotee to make the Lord appear and to make the Lord become partial. Therefore one devotee had to do that and that was Advaita Acarya. So Advaita Acarya’s role in the appearance of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is not to be underestimated but Advaita Acarya is a main player. He is actually one who has great compassion because it is Advaita Acarya as maha-visnu who is interacting with the jivas. Krsna is eternally in Vrndavana and He doesn’t take one step out of Vrndavana; He’s absorbed in His transcendental pastimes. But Advaita Acarya is particularly dealing with the conditioned souls. So He’s like the root, the original compassion- He’s not only the origin of creation but He’s also the origin of the compassion of the Lord. In that way Advaita Acarya is a very important personality.
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 This article is a MUST read for ecstatic Prabhupada nectar. Sunday and Yesterday most ISKCON temples celebrated the auspicious Appearance day of Sri Advaita Acarya in grand style. Yesterday night right before going to bed I read some more nectar of Advaita Acarya but this time in relations to our most beloved and merciful Srila Prabhupada. This story was very stirring and I just wanted to share it...
~ Indresh
This story was heard in Mayapura in 1980. A man came to the ISKCON’s Caitanya Candrodoya Mandira carrying with him a copy of the Back of Godhead article about Srila Prabhupada, entitled A Lifetime in Preparation.
“Just recently an amazing realization occurred to me that I wanted to share with devotees everywhere. I have been the pujari and sevaite at the house of Adwaita Acarya for many years. I was also there back in the 1940′s and 50′s. At that time, I noticed that one grhasta Bengali devotee used to come to the temple quite regularly. He was dressed in a white khadidhoti and kurta and he always came alone. He would sit in the back of the Mandira without speaking, and would chant harinama on his mala very quietly and deeply. I noticed that he came on the weekends, usually once every month or two in regular way. After chanting there for many hours, he would always thank me when he left. His presence was profound and I became attracted to him. Since his devotions were solitary, I never spoke to disturb him. Sometimes I happened to notice that while he was chanting, his eyes would be full of tears and his voice would be choked up.”
“Then, for a very long time he did not come. However, I distinctly recall that in August of 1965, I saw a saffron-clothed sannyasi sitting in the back of the Mandira. In a moment I recognized him to be my old friend from before. Again he sat for a long time chanting Hare Krsna. I could see his beads moving, his eyes closed in concentrated devotion. He was weeping unabashedly even more than he used to while he took the Holy Name. Finally, as evening came, he paid his dandavat pranama for long time. When he arose he came up to me and again thanked me for my seva here at Adwaita Bhavan. I asked him. Who are you? I remember you from so long ago.’”
“He replied, ‘My name is Abaya Caranaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja. I am an unworthy disciple of His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, Srila Prabhupada, my divine master. I have been coming here for such a long time because my Gurudeva has given me an impossible mission. His desire was for me to go across the ocean to the Western countries and spread the sublime teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. There are countless souls there who have never heard of Sri Sri Radha-Krsna and so they are suffering greatly. I have not known how this mission of his will be successful, so I have been coming here to this special house of Adwaita Acarya, where he, Nityananda Prabhu, and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu would gather together to plan the sankirtana movement. It was here that they launched the inundation of love of God that swept India and continues to this day. Thus, I have been praying very earnestly here that they will all give me their mercy that somehow they will empower me and guide me. I want to satisfy my gurudeva’s desire, but I am feeling unqualified to do this.’”
“As he was speaking to me, I saw tears falling down on his cheeks again. Then he continued, ‘Tomorrow I am leaving for Calcutta to go upon a ship across the ocean to America. I do no know what will befall me there, but I am praying most earnestly here for help.’ Then he very humbly asked me for my blessings. I was indeed moved by this Vaisnava’s sincerity and determination was I watched him depart upon his journey.”
“It was a few years later that I began noticing, for the first time, white Vaisnavas coming to Adwaita Bhavan. They were wearing dhotis and saris and chanting on tulasi-mala. I never spoke to any of them but then one of them gave me this “Back to Godhead” magazine from America. As I looked at the photographs, suddenly I recognized a painting of the Founder-Acarya who had brought Krsna consciousness to the West. It was a picture of my friend, Bhaktivedanta Swami, who had come and prayed here so many times before. Then I realized that he has actually accomplished that impossible mission of his Gurudeva. I saw that it was indeed he, starting alone and without pretense, who had accomplished this glorious miracle against all odds.”
“As soon as I saw this, I came here to his temple in Mayapura to tell you this information. I know that he has gone from this world now, but I though perhaps you might want to know this story about you and my beloved Srila Prabhupada.”
Excerpt from Our Srila Prabhupada — A Friend To All — Early Contemporaries Remember Him – Compiled by Mulaprakrti devi dasi.
 I have sat before the Gaura Nitai deities in my living room for two and a half years to chant the holy name. I strive to wake up before the sun rises (recently this is quite rare!) and place myself before the altar. I'm usually half-awake.
For the first time in years, and maybe this only happens in the winter, this morning I noted something special. I was murmuring the holy name as the sun rose, and slowly, so slowly, light from the window began to directly fall upon the golden forms of Gaura Nitai. The light was soft and gentle and illuminated Their smiles.
I sat in wonder.
I thought of The Sunrise Song (Udilo Aruna); the Bengali song describes Lord Chaitanya as He rises at dawn to give the holy name to all.
So for a little while, I set aside my beads and brought out my deep-throated harmonium to sing.
"To bring joy to all souls, the Holy Name has descended into this world to remove the darkness of ignorance and to shine in the sky of the heart."
Chills rolled through my body the entire time I sang. When the last note of the harmonium rung out, my body tingled. Oh holy name, I whispered in my mind, please shine in the sky of my heart.
Can women actually be pujaris, can devotees take 1st initiation from one guru and 2nd from another and what does “flowery language” mean and to what can it be applied (English only).
The best kind of intelligence I can have is intelligence used in the service of Krsna. Intelligence is defined as "fixed" when it is intent upon my spiritual master's instructions, such as chanting the name of Krsna, remembering His activities, and performing service to His lotus feet. My spiritual master's instructions are my sadhana and my life, both in the beginning stages of bhakti as well in bhakti's perfectional stage. I desire only to follow his instructions, and I accept nothing else as my life's work, even in dreams. Whether I am happy or distressed, whether the material world remains or is destroyed, I don't care. There is no loss for me. I simply must carry out the orders of my spiritual master. Steadfast upon his orders is determined intelligence in devotional service, and only by being fixed on his orders can such determined intelligence prosper.
- Srila Vishwanatha Chakravarti Takur
 By Bhakti V. V. Narasimha SwamiSo this is one of the two verses which are used in the beginning of Caitanya-caritamrta by Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami to introduce us to Advaita Acarya. The chapter then goes on to explain how Advaita Acarya is the second branch of the tree of Caitanya Mahaprabhu - the first branch of course being Lord Nityananda and the main trunk being Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Himself.
Not only are the oxen learning how to weave in and out of obstacles but the teamster is learning how to maneuver through an obstacle course. Madhava is watching from a distance.
Take look at the January ISCOWP e-newsletter
My name is Vraja Vilasa dasa, Director of Development for the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP). On behalf of the whole TOVP team, I gratefully acknowledge your desire to kindly contribute to the project, and welcome you to the family of TOVP supporters. Paypal (/), for countries that authorize it (use PayPal donation form located on the front page) Wire Transfer (/en/donate/bank-details) (for Indian and foreign accounts) Mail – Send a check (#) to the Sridam Mayapur office In person – At our office in Sridam Mayapur (cash or check) Through the statements of scripture, and the direction of Srila Prabhupada, this temple will be a place of pilgrimage from where devotional service to the Supreme Lord will be spread all over the world, for the next ten thousand years. Thank you again for supporting the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. Together we can fulfill this 500 year old prophecy. If you are planning to visit Sri Mayapur Dhama in the future, please make sure to stop by the TOVP fundraising office, located in the Chakra building, and introduce yourself. It would be great to meet you in person. I hope we can stand together in the new temple room when the great roar will go up from the throngs of devotees at the first opening of the altar doors, revealing their Lordships in their beautiful new home. It is my hope that I can serve you, so please do not hesitate to contact me or my team if I can answer any questions or concerns, or assist you in any way. My contact information is as follows: Phone: +919635990391, +91(3472)245229; Fax: +91 (3472) 245238 E-mail: brajavilasa.rns@pamho.net (brajavilasa.rns [at] pamho.net), fundraising@tovp.org (fundraising [at] tovp.org) or finance@tovp.org (finance [at] tovp.org). You can also contact Nrsimhananda dasa at nrsimhananda@tovp.org (nrsimhananda [at] tovp.org) or at +91 8116003906 Sincerely, Brajavilasa Dasa Director of Development
Your name or the name of a loved one will be inscribed in a plaque and posted in an area of the temple complex if you sponsor either $10,000 or 5 Lacks of temple square footage.
The main source of fear is our sinful activities.
When we stop sining we will become fearless, because we will have Lord's direct protection.
God protects everyone but He especially protects those who are pure, or free from sin.
The Loft this Saturday, 4th February, hosts a wonderful evening of kirtan yoga music. So come and experience a night of sacred sounds that will soothe the heart and energize the spirit. Kirtan is the most powerful form of meditation & yoga practise. It cures stress, worry, anxiety & sadness, not to mention that it’s [...]
HAPPY AFTER THE KIRTAN
Akrura dasa with the devotees from Greece in Vari, near Athens. It was midnight. Srila Prabhupada sat on a pillow behind his low desk, his light the only one on in the building. All the other devotees were in bed. On the desk before him rested the dictating machine and a volume of Srimad-Bhagavatam with Bengali commentary. A small framed picture of his spiritual master, Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, sat between two small vases of roses and asters. On the floor beyond the desk was the broad mat covered with white cotton fabric, where a few hours before, devotees and guests had sat. But now he was alone. Although usually he retired at ten, rising three or four hours later to translate, tonight he had not rested, and his Bhagavatam lay closed, his dictating machine covered.
12 01 22 GCL Bhagavat Gita Lecture Radhanath Swami ISKCON Chowpatty
A daily broadcast of the Ultimate Self Realization Course Tuesday 31 January 2012 The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna, and His eternal consort, Srimati Radharani are enjoying transcendental pastimes in the topmost planet of the spiritual world, Sri Goloka Vrindavan. They are beckoning us to rejoin them. (Click on photo to see a larger image.) Our Mission: To help everyone awaken their original Krishna consciousness, which is eternal, full of knowledge and full of bliss. Such a global awakening will, in one stroke, solve all the problems of the world society bringing in a new era of unprecedented peace and prosperity for all. May that day, which the world so desperately needs, come very soon. We request you to participate in this mission by reviving your dormant Krishna consciousness and assisting us in spreading this science all over the world. Dedicated with love to ISKCON Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, our beloved spiritual master, and to you, our dear readers. For Transcendental Association Connect With Other Members of this Course. Join this Conference: http://groups.google.com/group/sda_students Help Popularize Our Message By Liking Today's Thought on Facebook: Today's Thought: Favorable for Your Krishna Consciousness uploaded from Bhaktivedanta Ashram--Austin, Texas USA As we go through life we are constantly having to make decisions whether to do this or that. The golden rule of thumb is always do what is favorable for your Krishna consciousness and to avoid that which is unfavorable for your Krishna consciousness. If you will always stick to this principle in all times, places, and circumstances, you are sure to achieve the ultimate success of going back home, back to Godhead when you leave your present body. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Always Remember the Most Amazing Supreme Person http://www.backtohome.com/images/Krishna/Krishna_w_calf.jpg Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Why Do Initiated Devotees Fall Down? Dear Srila Gurudeva, Please accept my humble obeisances. Sometimes we see that even initiated devotee fall down in their practice of Krishna consciousness. Why does this happen? Your servant, Yamunadevi Answer: Inattentiveness Spiritual life is like a razor's edge. If there is a little inattention while shaving with a straight edge razor, immediately there will be blood. Similarly, if we are not always careful and watchful in our execution of the principles of Krishna consciousness, we can fall down at any time even after initiation. Therefore the devotee is always vigilant to make sure that he never deviates from the principles of Krishna consciousness. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Transcendental Resources: Receive the Special Blessings of Krishna Now you too can render the greatest service to the suffering humanity and attract the all-auspicious blessings of Lord Sri Krishna upon yourself and your family by assisting our mission. Lectures and Kirtans in Audio and Video: Link to High Definition Videos Link to Over 1,000 Lecture Audios Lecture-Travel Schedule for 2012-2013 http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com/schedule Have Questions or Need Further Guidance? Check out the resources at: http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com or write Sankarshan Das Adhikari at: sda@backtohome.com Get your copy today of the world's greatest self-realization guide book, Bhagavad-gita As It Is available at:http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com/store Know someone who could benefit from this? Forward it to them. Searchable archives of all of course material: http://www.sda-archives.com Receive Thought for the Day as an RSS feed: http://www.backtohome.com/rss.htm Unsubscribe or change your email address Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Daily_Thought Thought for the Day on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Ultimate.Self.Realization Copyright 2005-2012 by Ultimate Self Realization.Com Distribution of this material is encouraged. Simply we request you to acknowledge where it is coming from with a link to our sign up page: http://www.backtohome.com Our records indicate that at requested to be enrolled to receive e-mails from the Ultimate Self Realization Course at: This request was made on: From the following IP address: {contact_address
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