Virtual Istagosthi: H.H. Sivarama Swami: Gaura-purnima Maha Harinama in Budapest

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"Planet ISKCON" - 52 new articles

H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Sunday 20 March 2011--When You're Totally Paralyzed by Maya--and--Pleasure from Vedic Scriptures?

Australian News: HARE KRISHNA HARE RAMA FUNK POP -THE VIDEO!

H.H. Sivarama Swami: Gaura-purnima Maha Harinama in Budapest

ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana

H.H. Sivarama Swami

Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: Srila Prabhupada's Gaura Purnima lecture, 1974

H.H. Sivarama Swami: “Caitanya-candraya namo namaste” in preparation for tomorrow’s Gaura Purnima

Radha Priya dd, Austin, TX, USA: Nirvana & the Bhagavad-Gita

Bhakta Eric, Seattle, USA: Lord Caitanya Tshirts!

ISKCON News.com: Krishna Valley Featured at Budapest Tourism and Travel Expo

ISKCON News.com: Aja Govinda Dasa: Serving the Supreme Scientist

ISKCON News.com: ISKCON Japan Looks to Help Others in Earthquake Aftermath

ISKCON News.com: Report from the GBC Strategic Planning Meeting

ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Gaura Purnima Celebrations - LIVE!

Kripamoya dasa, UK: The ‘Sea god’s Warning’ – unheeded

ISKCON News.com: Florida Ratha Yatras 2011

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Gaura Nitai of the GTA

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – Gaura Purnima – You Are The Supreme Personality Of Godhead 3-10-2009

Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Gauranga has arrived! The appearance day of Gauranga! Gauranga! Gauranga! {Part 11 of 11}

ISKCON News.com: Bonfires, prayers to usher in Holi festival

H.H. Sivarama Swami: Gaura Purnima kirtana

H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 254—Poem for March 19

H.H. Sivarama Swami: Kesava Bharati Maharaja gives the Gaura Purnima lecture

H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): The Week Before Gaura Purnima

H.H. Sivarama Swami: Gaura Purnima in NVD

H.H. Sivarama Swami: Happy Gaura-Purnima everyone

ISKCON Education: Closed Book Exam Supervisors Guidelines

ISKCON Education: Registration Form for Bhakti Sastri Course Enrollees

ISKCON Education: Srila Prabhupada on education

ISKCON Education: The Official Standards for Bhakti Sastri

ISKCON Education: Bhakti Vaibhava Center Application Form

Devadeva Mirel, Alachua, USA: Recipe : Vegan Sliders

Kurma dasa, AU: A Messenger from the Sea God's Palace

Mukunda Charan das, SA: Sanatana Goswami Meets Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Mayapur Online: Yogapitha-Appearance place of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu

ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Gaura Purnima Celebrations - Today!

Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Gauranga has come! Gaurange has appeared! Gauranga! Jaya Gauranga! (Part 10 of 11}

ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Hare Krishnas on Channel Ten!

Gouranga TV: Camden Town Feed The Poor

ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Jagannatha Rama Prabhu

Japa Group: The Best Way Is To Hear Yourself

Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: Have trouble sleeping ?

Dandavats.com: Flood of Love from Mayapur for Everyone–Even Rogues

Vraja Kishor, JP: The Sweetest Part of Gita?

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H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Sunday 20 March 2011--When You're Totally Paralyzed by Maya--and--Pleasure from Vedic Scriptures?

A daily broadcast of the Ultimate Self Realization Course(TM) Sunday 20 March 2011 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. Today's Thought: When You're Totally Paralyzed by Maya Uploaded from Bhaktivedanta Ashram--Austin, Texas USA What to do when you are so completely and totally paralyzed and overwhelmed by maya that you cannot even begin to engage in any of nine different types of devotional service? The first thing you need to do is to remember is that there is no power anywhere in the universe that can defeat the power of Krishna consciousness. In other words, in the presence of Krishna maya's power dwindles away into insignificance. So all you really have to do to get out of maya is invoke Lord Krishna's presence by saying His name or by dong something, even a very small thing, in his service. By doing even one small devotional activity you will get strength to do something else. And then by doing that something else you will be blessed with even more strength to do something else. In this way if you keep the momentum going, you will very soon become a highly empowered devotee who can spread Krishna consciousness all over the universe. Sankarshan Das Adhikari When You Are Paralyzed with Bewilderment, Reach Out for Krishna. He Will Save You. http://www.backtohome.com/images/bewildered.jpg Answers According to the Vedic Version: Question: Pleasure from Vedic Scriptures? What is the difference between the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam? And, is it true that listening to Vedic scriptures gives a lot of transcendental pleasure? Sunil Answer: Unlimited Reservoir of Pleasure The Bhagavad-gita is the words of Krishna and the Srimad-Bhagavatam is the words about Krishna. Both are reservoirs of unlimited pleasure as all are Vedic scriptures. One simply has to dive in. 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 2011 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 http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=714185709 Copyright 2005-2011 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:

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Australian News: HARE KRISHNA HARE RAMA FUNK POP -THE VIDEO!

Australian News: HARE KRISHNA HARE RAMA FUNK POP -THE VIDEO!

Get ready for “HARE KRISHNA HARE RAMA FUNK POP,” This video is an experimental work by the students of Sound Garden music academy. Pour this sound into your ears without delay – click on the video below to get an earful.
Share this story your way:

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H.H. Sivarama Swami: Gaura-purnima Maha Harinama in Budapest

H.H. Sivarama Swami: Gaura-purnima Maha Harinama in Budapest

H.H. Sivarama Swami: Gaura-purnima Maha Harinama in Budapest

H.H. Sivarama Swami: Gaura-purnima Maha Harinama in Budapest

H.H. Sivarama Swami: Gaura-purnima Maha Harinama in Budapest

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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana

Our meditation for today flows from Sri Raghunandana Gosvami's Gauranga-virudavali
(English translation taken from Gour Govinda Maharaja's Mathura Meets Vrindavan):

"I pray to Sriman Gauranga Mahaprabhu whose ecstatic transcendental pastimes are like a river of nectar. Gaura has given the path of confidential devotional service. I will completely surrender to Gaura. Is there anyone more merciful than Gaura? I will become a servant of Gaura. May my Lord Gaura protect me."

Here is the glowing darsana of the golden avatara of the Lord, Gaurasundara, in His brand new outfit on His most celebrated appearance day.

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H.H. Sivarama Swami

Although the atmosphere is surcharged with opposing elements in this age of Kali, if we simply have faith in the words of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, “As many towns and villages as there are all over the world, My name will be known,” certainly we will come out successful because Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is Krishna Himself and whatever He desires will certainly be done.
- Srila Prabhupada

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Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: Srila Prabhupada's Gaura Purnima lecture, 1974

Saudamani dasi: Prabhupada’s Gaura Purnima lecture that year went right to my heart. You know how you have that experience that even though there’s a whole crowd, the whole temple room was filled with devotees, that nevertheless he’s speaking directly to you. Because of what I had gone through in the festival and attempts about Deities and things that are my own story, I felt that the questions were answered and Prabhupada said, “People are trying to worship Radha and Krishna.” He said, “I was walking in Calcutta and I saw in a bookstore there was a picture of Radharani on the cover of Bhagavad-gita, on the cover by Herself.” And then he said how actually Radharani is not even mentioned in Bhagavad-gita. Not only was it a picture of Radharani, it had Her in a very unchaste way with Her hair hanging and with no one, no Krishna. That was the cover of Bhagavad-gita. He said, “People want to worship Radha and Krishna, but they don’t even know who Krishna is.” Then he said, “It’s not possible to worship Radha and Krishna until first you know who Krishna is. And if you want to worship Krishna, then first you have to understand Lord Caitanya. And don’t think that you can worship Lord Caitanya without first worshiping Nityananda.” And then he said, “And don’t think that you can worship Nityananda until first you follow in the footsteps of the Six Goswamis.” He would continue on, there were intervals. Then he said, “And don’t think that you can ever follow in the footsteps of the Six Goswamis until first you follow the order of the spiritual master.” Although we had by writing gotten permission to see about purchasing Radha-Krishna Deitiesithis was the idea, coming to Indiaiand I remember sitting in the audience and feeling like Prabhupada personally in a most direct but nevertheless compassionate way just put me in my place. “First you must follow the order of the spiritual master.” And being put in my place was so ecstatic because it meant that I actually had a place in Prabhupada’s movement. I felt like the tiniest little dot of a space because that’s how squished down I had been put. So after that, I felt I belonged finally. That was the most ecstatic lecture that I had ever heard.
(This lecture is not with Bhaktivedanta Archives. Does anyone else remember what Srila Prabhupada said in that lecture?)

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H.H. Sivarama Swami: “Caitanya-candraya namo namaste” in preparation for tomorrow’s Gaura Purnima

ānanda-līlā-maya-vigrahāya
hemābha-divyac-chavi-sundarāya
tasmai mahā-prema-rasa-pradāya
caitanya-candrāya namo namas te
O Śrī Caitanya-candra, I offer You my repeated obeisances. You are the personification of Kṛṣṇa’s blissful pastimes, and You are extraordinarily beautiful, having a dazzling golden luster. You have awarded to the people of the world the topmost mellows of ecstatic love for Kṛṣṇa. (Caitanya-candrāmṛta 11)

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Radha Priya dd, Austin, TX, USA: Nirvana & the Bhagavad-Gita

When we think of the philosophical concept of nirvana which Prabhupada describes as “finishing material life” it’s not that hard to understand how it relates to the Bhagavad-Gita. But, when we think of Nirvana of the late 80s/ early 90s Seattle Grunge band variety it’s a bit harder to make that connection. Until now… While [...]

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Bhakta Eric, Seattle, USA: Lord Caitanya Tshirts!

I’ve been kicking around the idea of making tshirts for quite some time now and have finally gotten around to it. I have plans for five or six designs and more will come shortly.
My first design in a great old Indian print of Lord Caitanya dancing and chanting. See?
The color combination kind of reminds me of an old chadar I used to have. Anyway, I’ve got them up on Etsy (which has a sad lack of anything KC related on it). They’re $15 plus some shipping.
Click here to go to the Esty.com listing.
The shirts are 100% cotton and made in the USA. I screen print them myself using “earth friendly” inks. The shirts run a bit small, so check out the sizing chart I posted on Etsy, okay?
For now, I have another shirt for sale as well. That one can be seen here.
There will be more shirts over the next week or so.

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ISKCON News.com: Krishna Valley Featured at Budapest Tourism and Travel Expo

By Madhava Smullen for ISKCON News on 19 Mar 2011

Devotees from ISKCON Hungary’s Krishna Valley presented their rural community’s activities at Budapest’s annual Tourism and Travel Expo this year, in an effort to further promote the already very popular tourist attraction.

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ISKCON News.com: Aja Govinda Dasa: Serving the Supreme Scientist

By Madhava Smullen for ISKCON News on 19 Mar 2011

Aja Govinda initially studied biology—since childhood, he had always been fascinated by the ingenuity of nature; had always searched for the answers to questions like “How do roses grow out of a seed?” or “How are my heart and lungs beating and breathing without my thought?"

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ISKCON News.com: ISKCON Japan Looks to Help Others in Earthquake Aftermath

By Madhava Smullen for ISKCON News on 19 Mar 2011

Tokyo devotees had just moved from their old rented facility into a brand new temple with a Govinda’s restaurant, both of which sustained minor cracks but are otherwise unscathed. The Deities of Nitai-Gaurasundara were displaced during the earthquake, but sustained no damage. No devotees are known to be injured.

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ISKCON News.com: Report from the GBC Strategic Planning Meeting

By Kaisori Dasi for ISKCON News on 19 Mar 2011

ISKCON is primarily an educational institution. In his incorporation papers, Srila Prabhupada listed ISKCON's seven purposes, five of which directly refer to the propagation of knowledge. So with such a huge mandate the Education Committee has divided into three teams: Primary and Secondary Education, Devotional Adult Education, and University Education.

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ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Gaura Purnima Celebrations - LIVE!

Video clips at Ustream

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Kripamoya dasa, UK: The ‘Sea god’s Warning’ – unheeded

Can the appearance of strange fish warn humans of an impending earthquake? It seems that, in this case at least, superstition can be based on fact.
Here is a sad account of how the Japanese ‘Fish from the Sea God’s Palace’ provided a warning that was unheeded. The article was written on March 4th and the earthquake struck on March 11th. Please note the final sentence.

From the British newspaper, the Daily Telegraph:
Oarfish omen spells earthquake disaster for Japan
By Julian Ryall in Tokyo 7:00AM GMT 04 Mar 2010
The appearance of the fish follows Saturday’s destructive 8.8 magnitude
earthquake in Chile and the January 12 tremors in Haiti, which claimed an
estimated 200,000 lives.
A quake with a magnitude of 6.4 has also struck southern Taiwan.
This rash of tectonic movements around the Pacific “Rim of Fire” is
heightening concern that Japan – the most earthquake-prone country in the
world – is next in line for a major earthquake.
Those concerns have been stoked by the unexplained appearance of a fish that
is known traditionally as the Messenger from the Sea God’s Palace.
The giant oarfish can grow up to five metres in length and is usually to be
found at depths of 1,000 metres and very rarely above 200 metres from the
surface. Long and slender with a dorsal fin the length of its body, the
oarfish resembles a snake.
In recent weeks, 10 specimens have been found either washed ashore or in
fishing nets off Ishikawa Prefecture, half-a-dozen have been caught in nets
off Toyama Prefecture and others have been reported in Kyoto, Shimane and
Nagasaki prefectures, all on the northern coast.
According to traditional Japanese lore, the fish rise to the surface and
beach themselves to warn of an impending earthquake – and there are
scientific theories that bottom-dwelling fish may very well be susceptible
to movements in seismic fault lines and act in uncharacteristic ways in
advance of an earthquake – but experts here are placing more faith in their
constant high-tech monitoring of the tectonic plates beneath the surface.
“In ancient times Japanese people believed that fish warned of coming
earthquakes,” Hiroshi Tajihi, deputy director of the Kobe Earthquake Centre,
told the Daily Telegraph.
“But these are just old superstitions and there is no scientific
relationship between these sightings and an earthquake,” he said.

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ISKCON News.com: Florida Ratha Yatras 2011

By Nartaka Gopali Dasi for ISKCON News on 19 Mar 2011

The list of the Florida Ratha Yatras for 2011 has been announced,

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1966 March 19: "I have come from India for America in this old age neither for sight seeing nor for any personal interest. It is for the interest of the entire humanity that I have come. So it is the duty of every devotee to help me by all means."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1966

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1969 March 19: "This so-called yoga system and meditation is not bona fide. They are simply cheated and wasting their time. But if we speak the unpalatable truth they may get angry. So we have to present our case very carefully."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1970 March 19: "Our philosophy is practical and authorized; our character, the purest; our program, the simplest; but our ultimate goal is the highest."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

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ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Gaura Nitai of the GTA

ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Gaura Nitai of the GTA

As promised earlier in the week we're featuring a Special Gaura Purnima Gallery. This gallery gives a glimpse of the many Gaura Nitai Deities that preside over the Greater Toronto Area. Enjoy!

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1969 march 19: "Regarding MacMillan Company, if they have not replied, then forget. We shall publish our own books. Neither I want to shorten the Srimad-Bhagavatam. We should not count on them. Let us try start our own Press and organize our own sales."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1970 March 19: "Just one good soul fully developed and firmly convinced in preaching Krishna Consciousness can reclaim so many fallen souls for going back to home, back to Godhead. And the best way to prepare such Krishna Conscious souls is to train them to up from birth."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1970 March 19: "So the potency is there because these books are not ordinary literature, they are a new line of thought to the Western world. So introduce our books for study in the university classes that will be very nice and you can get good income out of that."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1975 March 19: "The original potency of Sastra remains in my books because I have not added or opinionated anything of my own. I have simply presented them as they are. Just see the effect they have. Anyone who tries to understand them will gradually become a great realized devotee."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1975 March 19: "Even your body and mind belong to Krishna and must be used in his service. If you use them any other way, you will have to suffer so many future miseries. So give up all these foolish ideas. Please try and chant 16 good rounds daily."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – Gaura Purnima – You Are The Supreme Personality Of Godhead 3-10-2009

Gaura Purnima You Are The Supreme Personality Of Godhead 2009-03-10
Lecture – Gaura Purnima – You Are The Supreme Personality Of Godhead 3-10-2009 Radhadesh
Gaura Purnima You Are The Supreme Personality Of Godhead 2009-03-10 Lecture - Gaura Purnima - You Are The Supreme Personality Of Godhead 3-10-2009 Radhadesh

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Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Gauranga has arrived! The appearance day of Gauranga! Gauranga! Gauranga! {Part 11 of 11}

Happy Gaura Purnima! Over the last week or so we have taken 2 verses per day from the Sri Gauranga Ashtottara Shata Nama Stotram and in this way taken 108 names of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu accompanied by 108 beautful pictures of the Golden Avatar. Once we get to verse 21 it is reccomended to chant this prayer with full faith and devotion on this day, the Appearance day of Gauranga.

So instead of going back and reviewing the last 10 posts, here is the entire prayer complete with pictures of beautiful Gaura-Nitai deities from around the world to increase the "transcedental devotion" when chanting this prayer.

Thank you for allowing us to share in our humble attempt to glorify Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Happy Gaura Purnima!
Sri Gauranga-Ashtottara-Shata-Nama-Stotram
108 Names of Lord Chaitanya
by Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya
ISKCON Mayapur
1) namaskritya pravaksyami deva-devam jagad-gurum namnam-ashtotara-shatam caitanyasya mahatmanaha

After offering my respectful obeisances unto the Lord of Lords, Who is the spiritual master of the entire universe, I will now narrate 108 holy names of Lord Chaitanya, the great soul.

ISKCON Toronto
2) vishvambharo jita-krodho maya-manusha-vigrahaha amayi mayinam shreshto vara-desho dvijottamaha

Vishvambhara--He sustains the universe
Jita-krodha--He is victorious over the influence of mundane anger
Maya-manusha-vigraha--He assumes the illusory form of a human
Amayi--He is bereft of fraudulent behavior
Mayinam Shresta--He is the foremost of (transcendental) cheaters
Vara-desha--He appears in the best of lands
Dvijottama--He is the ultimate brahmana

ISKCON Vrindavan
3) jagannatha-priya-sutah pitri-bhakto maha-manaha lakshmi-kantah shachi-putrah premado bhakta-vatsalah

Jagannatha-priya-suta--He is the dearest son of Jagannatha Mishra
Pitri-bhakta--He is the devotee of His father
Maha-mana--He has great mental power
Lakshmi-kanta--He is the beloved husband of the Goddess of Fortune
Shachi-putra--He is the son of mother Shachi
Premada-He is the bestower of ecstatic loving devotion
Bhakta-vatsala--He is very affectionate to His devotees

ISKCON Atlanta
4) dvija-priyo dvija-varo vaishnava-prana-nayakaha dvi-jati-pujakah shantah shrivasa-priya ishvaraha
Dvija-priya--He is dear to the twice-initiated brahmanas
Dvija-vara--He is the best amongst the brahmanas
Vaishnava-prana-nayaka--He is the hero of the devotees' life & soul
Dvi-jati-pujaka--He is the worshiper of the brahmanas
Shanta-He is peaceful and saintly
Shrivasa-priya--He is very dear to Srivasa Pandita
Ishvara--He is the supreme controller

ISKCON Baltimore
5) tapta-kanchana-gaurangah simha-grivo maha-bhujaha pita-vasa rakta-pattah sad-bhujo 'tha chatur-bhujaha

Tapta-kanchana-gauranga--His complexion is like molten gold
Simha-griva--His neck is like the lion's
Maha-bhuja--His arms are very muscular
Pita-vasa--He wears yellow cloth (when a householder)
Rakta-patta--He wears red cloth (when a sannyasi)
Sad-bhuja--He exhibits a six-armed form
Chatur-bhuja--He exhibits a four-armed form

ISKCON Boston
6) dvi-bhujash cha gada-panih chakri padma-dharo 'malaha pancha-janya-dharah sharngi venu-panih surottamaha

Dvi-bhuja--He exhibits a two armed form
Gada-pani--He holds the mace
Chakri--He holds the discus
Padma-dhara--He holds the lotus
Amala--He is sinless
Pancha-janya-dhara--He holds the Panca-janya conchshell
Sharngi--He holds the bow
Venu-pani--He holds the flute
Surottama--He is the foremost of the demigods

ISKCON Chowpatty
7) kamalaksheshvara prito gopa-liladhara yuva nila-ratna-dharo rupya-hari kaustubha-bhushanaha

Kamalaksheshvara--He is the Lord of the lotus-eyed Lakshmi Prita--He is beloved to all living beings
Gopa-liladhara--He is the abode of cowherding pastimes
Yuva--He is supremely youthful
Nila-ratna-dhara--He likes to wear sapphires
Rupya-hari--He likes to wear silver necklaces
Kaustubha-bhushana--He is adorned with the Kaustubha gem

ISKCON Detroit
8) shrivatsa-lanchano bhasvan-mani-dhrik kanja-lochanaha tatanka-nila-shrih rudra-lila-kari guru-priyaha

Shrivatsa-lanchana--He is decorated with the mark of Shrivatsa
Bhasvan-mani-dhrik--His form is embellished with many beautiful jewels
Kanja-lochana--He has lotus petal-shaped eyes
Tatanka-nila-shri--His majesty is enhanced by sapphire earrings
Rudra-lila-kari--He sometimes enacts the pastimes of Lord Shiva
Guru-priya--He is very dear to His spiritual master

ISKCON Brisbane
9) sva-nama-guna-vakta-cha namopadesha-dayakaha achandala-priyah shuddhah sarva-prani-hite rataha

Sva-nama-guna-vakta--He is aware of the attributes of His own holy name
Namopadesha-dayaka--He imparts teachings about the holy names
Achandala-priya--He is dear even to the lowest outcastes
Shuddha--His character is totally immaculate
Sarva-prani-hite-rata--He is engaged in the welfare of all living beings

ISKCON Malaysia
10) vishvarupanujah sandhyavatarah shitalashayaha nihsima-karuno gupta atma-bhakti-pravartakaha

Vishvarupanuja--He is the younger brother of Vishvarupa
Sandhyavatara--He incarnated during the time of dusk
Shitalashaya--He is desirous of cooling the burning sufferings of living beings
Nihsima-karuna--His compassion is limitless
Gupta--He is very secretive
Atma-bhakti-pravartaka--He preaches devotion unto the true Self

ISKCON Houston
11) mahanando nato nritya-gita-nama-priyah kavihi arti-priyah shuchih shuddho bhavado bhagavat-priyaha

Mahananda--He is absorbed in the greatest bliss Nata--He behaves as a dramatic actor
Nritya-gita-nama-priya--He is fond of dancing, singing & chanting the holy names
Kavi--He is a learned scholar and poet
Arti-priya--He is dear to those who are suffering Shuchi--He is meticulously clean
Shuddha--He is spotlessly pure
Bhavada--He confers ecstatic loving emotions
Bhagavat-priya--He is intimate with the great devotees

ISKCON Hong Kong
12) indradi-sarva-lokesha-vandita-shri-padambujaha nyasi-chudamanih krishnah sannyasashrama-pavanaha

Indradi-sarva-lokesha-vandita-shri-padambuja--His divine lotus feet are worshiped by Lord Indra and all the rulers of various heavenly planets
Nyasi-chudamani--He is the crest jewel of renunciates
Krishna--He is the all attractive Supreme Personality of Godhead
Sannyasashrama-pavana--He is the purifier of the renounced order

ISKCON Baroda
13) chaitanya krishna-chaitanya danda-dhrig nyasta-dandakaha avadhuta-priyo nityananda-shad-bhuja-darshakaha

Chaitanya--He is the living force of all creation
Krishna-Chaitanya--He is the all-attractive living force
Danda-dhrik--He carries the staff of the renounced order
Nyasta-dandaka--He abandons the staff of the renounced order
Avadhuta-priya--He is dear to the divine madman (Srila Nityananda Prabhu)
Nityananda-sad-bhuja-darshaka--He shows His six-armed form to Nityananda

ISKCON Ottawa
14) mukunda-siddhi-do dino vasudevamrita-pradaha gadadhara-prana-natha arti-ha sharana-pradaha

Mukunda-siddhi-da--He gives perfection to His devotee Mukunda
Dina--He behaves with meek and humble mannerisms
Vasudevamrita-prada--He gives nectar to this devotee Vasudeva
Gadadhara-prana-natha--He is the Lord of the life of Gadadhara
Pandita Arti-ha--He removes the distress of His devotees
Sharana-prada--He bestows ultimate shelter to His devotees

ISKCON Miami
15) akinchana-priyah prano guna-grahi jitendriyaha adosha-darshi sumukho madhurah priya-darshanaha
Akinchana-priya--He is dear to those who possess nothing
Prana--He is the life and soul of all creation
Guna-grahi--He accepts only the good qualities of others
Jitendriya--He is victorious over the influence of the material senses
Adosha-darshi--He is blind to the faults of others
Sumukha--He has a pleasant face
Madhura--He is supremely sweet
Priya-darshana--He is very precious to behold

ISKCON Juhu
16) pratapa-rudra-samtrata ramananda-priyo guruhu ananta-guna-sampannah sarva-tirthaika-pavanaha

Pratapa-rudra-samtrata--He delivers Maharaja Pratapa Rudra from obstacles
Ramananda-priya--He is the beloved of Ramananda Raya
Guru--He is the spiritual master of every living being
Ananta-guna-sampannah--He is endowed with limitless good qualities
Sarva-tirthaika-pavana--He is the sole purifier of all places of pilgrimage

ISKCON Montreal
17) vaikuntha-natho lokesho bhaktabhimata-rupa-dhrik narayano maha-yogi jnana-bhakti-pradah prabhuhu

Vaikuntha-natha--He is the Lord of the spiritual world of no anxiety
Lokesha--He is the Lord of all the material planets
Bhaktabhimata-rupa-dhrik--He assumes different forms according to the desires of His devotees
Narayana--He is the supreme shelter for all living beings
Maha-yogi--He is the greatest performer of yoga
Jnana-bhakti-pradah--He imparts intellectual knowledge of devotion
Prabhu--He is the Lord and Master of all

ISKCON Orissa
18) piyusha-vachanah prithvi-pavanah satya-vak sahaha oda-desha-jananandi sandohamrita-rupa-dhrik

Piyusha-vachana--His words emit showers of pure nectar
Prithvi-pavana--He is the savior of the earth
Satya-vak--He speaks truthfully
Saha--He can endure all forms of misery
Oda-desha-jananandi--He delights the people of Orissa
Sandohamrita-rupa-dhrik--He embodies the form of all universal nectar

ISKCON San Diego
19) yah pathed pratar utthaya chaitanyasya mahatmanaha shraddhaya parayopetah stotram sarvagha-nashanam prema-bhaktir harau tasya jayate natra samshayaha

It is recommended that upon rising in the morning, one faithfully approach and recite this transcendental sin-destroying prayer to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the great soul. One who does will feel the awakening of ecstatic loving devotion unto Lord Hari; of this there is no doubt.

ISKCON Pune
20) asadhya-roga-yukto 'pi muchyate roga-sankatat sarvaparadha-yukto 'pi so 'paradhat pramucyate

Even if one is afflicted with an incurable disease, one becomes freed from all danger of the ailment. Even if one has committed all types of offenses, one becomes freed from their effects.

ISKCON Mississipi
21) phalguni-paurnamasyan tu chaitanya-janma-vasare shraddhaya paraya bhaktya maha-stotram japan purch yad yat prakurute kamam tat tad evachiral labhet

If one chants this great prayer with faith and transcendental devotion on Lord Chaitanya's appearance day (the full moon day in the month of Phalguna), then one perpetually attains the fulfillment of their each and every pure desire.

Jaya Gaur-Nitai (our Home)
22) aputro vaishnavam putram labhate natra-samshayaha ante chaitanya-devasya smritir bhavati shashvati

If a devotee couple wishes to have a child but are unable, then they will obtain a Vaishnava child without a doubt. And at the time of death, they will attain remembrance of Sri Chaitanya-deva and enter His eternal pastimes.

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ISKCON News.com: Bonfires, prayers to usher in Holi festival

By Bella Jaisinghani for The Times of India on 19 Mar 2011

This is the last festival of the Hindu calendar before new year arrives on Gudi Padwa. A special chhappan bhog complete with cake will be offered to Lord Krishna at the Mumbai Juhu ISKCON temple given his legendary affinity for Holi.

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H.H. Sivarama Swami: Gaura Purnima kirtana

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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 254—Poem for March 19

www.sdgonline.org.
A Writer of Pieces
New format—I will begin with a poem written on the day of its printing. Then I will print random excerpts of books I have printed over the last 30 years. I hope this variety will be pleasing.
Poem for March 19
Radha and Krishna
are the eternal Lovers
who are the Supreme Rulers
of Goloka Vrndavana
which is the topmost realm.
I have a distant connection
with Them brought close by
the writings of the Gosvamis
and Prabhupada’s giving us the
arca-vigrahas and inviting
us to dress and feed Them
and develop love for Them.
They seem like distant stars,
but it’s possible I can approach
Them, and it’s as natural
as chanting Hare Krishna.
Radha and Krishna want me to
serve Them in a purified
condition, and I would love
to do it if I can change,
dedicate myself to Them
through Mahaprabhu’s sankirtana
movement. May be many
lifetimes, but you should
start surrendering and fix
on the Divine Couple
Radha-Syama
as your ista-devata.

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H.H. Sivarama Swami: Kesava Bharati Maharaja gives the Gaura Purnima lecture

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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): The Week Before Gaura Purnima

www.sdgonline.org.
From The Week Before Gaura Purnima (1994)
Gaura Purnima, March 27, 1994
The sannyasi’s impressions:
“At mangala-aratik, Gaura-Nitai looked a bit rotund from Their dresses, violet-maroon and pink. We feel closer to Them because we were out on the streets together yesterday night. Now we are back at Their temple on the appearance day of Lord Caitanya.
“A few new faces at mangala-aratik. I notice the paintings on the wall better. Krishna is playing His flute in Vrndavana. Think of devotee friends in America and elsewhere. It’s an ordinary day with some differences. Fast until moonrise. A little extra time to pray. Shake sleep from your eyes, it’s Gaura Purnima.
“Frankly, I don’t feel much like giving the afternoon lecture to the guests. I wanted to give class this morning, felt purified, and like I was giving them something, but now I feel put-upon to speak in the afternoon. I would rather stay and get back into reading Prabhupada’s books instead of lecture planning. But Prabhupada wanted us to preach. I’ll do it. Start by thinking how it is a great privilege. We are lucky to have Gaura Purnima fall on a Sunday this year, so we get extra guests. Come on, man, do it nicely. You can feel for Gaura-Nitai, can’t you? Don’t you want to tell the people?
“My reluctance is that I don’t think I have anything in me anymore. I have told all I can. My stores are empty. That’s my problem, I’m afraid I’ll be theatrical rather than sincere, and that’s the last thing I want to do—give a phony speech on Gaura Purnima . . .
“Start with krishna-varnam tvisakrishnam. Yes, I’m repeating what I already did, no harm in that. Then the simple and main points from the verse ceto-darpana-marjanam and namnam akari bahudha … Chanting cleans the mind of false identity. It puts out the fire of samsara. Our spiritual life grows to good fortune like the moon to full. Chanting Hare Krishna is the best knowledge. It increases the ocean of bliss. Do I speak these from conviction? It’s easy to say, “No, I’m only repeating it.” But why would I care to repeat it unless . . . The Lord has put all His energies into His holy names, and there are no hard and fast rules in chanting. Despite all this—here’s the part I do realize—I commit offenses and cannot taste the nectar. But the chanting is the sweet cure for the jaundiced patient.
“Sitting on the floor before the improvised stage for the children’s play. My lecture is done. I spoke okay, parampara, very introductory, but I felt convinced telling them they must approach Lord Caitanya to reach Lord Krishna, and that the Hare Krishna mantra is the way. I made it sound reasonable and wonderful, as it is. Just imagine, if by a simple process of chanting, you can gain all the perfection attainable by hard endeavors. It appealed to me, and I wanted them to give up foolish ways and become a Krishna conscious chanter. P. dasa was listening attentively. But maybe ten people got up and left during my talk. Afterwards, there were no questions at all.
“I’ll sign off now. Narahari and I will be leaving this temple tomorrow. Glad to be here and glad to leave. A rolling stone gathers no attachment to women or politics. Maybe we will meet in the future, dear reader.
“Appendix—Compilation of the slokas or verses which the visiting sannyasi spoke on in the seven days of morning classes in the week before Gaura Purnima.
“1. ‘O most munificent incarnation! You are Krishna Himself appearing as Caitanya Mahaprabhu. You have assumed the golden color of Srimati Radharani, and You are widely distributing pure love of Krishna. We offer our respectful obeisances unto You.’ (Cc. Madhya 19.53)
“2. ‘In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the names of Krishna. Although His complexion is not blackish, He is Krishna Himself. He is accompanied by His associates, servants, weapons and confidential companions.’ (Bhag. 11.5.32)
“3. ‘In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, the only means of deliverance is the chanting of the holy names of the Lord. There is no other way. There is no other way. There is no other way.’ (Brhad-naradiya Purana 3.8.126)
“4. ‘I offer my respectful obeisances unto Sri Krishna Caitanya and Lord Nityananda, who are like the sun and moon. They have arisen simultaneously on the horizon of Gauda to dissipate the darkness of ignorance and thus wonderfully bestow benedictions upon all’ (Cc. Adi 1.2).
“5. ‘Let me take shelter of the Supreme Persoality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, who has descended in the form of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu to teach us real knowledge, His devotional service and detachment from whatever does not foster Krishna consciousness. He has descended because He is an ocean of transcendental mercy. Let me surrender unto His lotus feet’ (Cc. Madhya 6.254)
“6. ‘One who thinks himself lower than the grass, who is more tolerant than a tree, and who does not expect personal honor but is always prepared to give all respects to others, can very easily always chant the holy name of the Lord.’ (Siksastaka 3)
“7. ‘May that Lord, who is known as the son of Srimati Sacidevi, be transcendentally situated in the innermost chambers of your heart. Resplendent with the radiance of molten gold, He has appeared in the age of Kali by His causeless mercy to bestow what no incarnation ever offered before; the most sublime and radiant spiritual knowledge of the mellow taste of His service’ (Cc. Adi 1.4).

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H.H. Sivarama Swami: Gaura Purnima in NVD

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H.H. Sivarama Swami: Happy Gaura-Purnima everyone

Commenting on “The Glories of Lord Gauranga.”

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ISKCON Education: Closed Book Exam Supervisors Guidelines

Students may consult dictionaries during the exam. Randomly check dictionaries being used for any concealed notes. Ensure that a supervisor is present during the entire exam session. The supervisor must vigilantly ensure that Standards Applicable to Closed-Book Assessment Sessions are maintained. The supervisor may take questions from the students, but only to clarify any questions on the paper.

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ISKCON Education: Registration Form for Bhakti Sastri Course Enrollees

Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education The International Society for Krishna Consciousness Founder Acarya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada BHAKTI SASTRI COURSE 2010 REGISTRATION FORM Please fill out this form completely and carefully with your correct/updated postal address and name that you wish to be stated on your Bh.S. diploma so we can send you your diploma and information on upcoming VIHE programs.

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ISKCON Education: Srila Prabhupada on education

Education means to lead the people gradually to Krsna consciousness. [Lecture SB 1.3.20 Los Angeles 1972] For the present you should continue going to school because education is important. Without education nobody has any social position and all our students in Krishna Consciousness are expected to be preachers. So preachers must have sufficient education because they have to meet with so many opposing elements. Education should be continued at the same time chanting should be continued. There will be no difficulty. [Letter to: Indira and Ekayani” [San Francisco 17 December, 1967] Human life is meant for cultivation of spiritual knowledge, in eternal relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and the executive heads of all states and all planets are obliged to impart this lesson to the citizens by education, culture and devotion. [Bhagavad â€“ Gita, 4.1. Purport] Regarding the answers which you gave to Bilas Vigrahadas, they were all correct. When you study very carefully all of the literature which is available, especially Bhagavad-gita As It Is, you will have in your grasp answers to all questions that may be put to you. Please encourage the others to read this Bhagavad-gita at least one chapter every day. [Letter to Upendra, 6th January, 1969] Please see that the program for studying our literatures is also undertaken very seriously by all the devotees there. Everyone of us must become thoroughly acquainted with our philosophy, so that our preaching work may be carried out nicely. [Letter to Jagadisa, 27th February, 1970] Yes, we must set up our society as a school as best we can. I have already sent you letter. Please formulate the whole curriculum because we have to immediately submit to the Draft department and if this is accepted that will be great gain for our society. "Bhakti-sastri\'\' is awarded after extensive study of Bhagavad-gita, Easy Journey, and Nectar of Devotion. "Bhakti-vaibhava\'\' is awarded after study of Vedanta-sutra and Srimad-Bhagavatam on a preliminary basis; and "Bhaktivedanta\'\' the highest title, is awarded after extensive study of Caitanya-caritamrta. [Letter to Brahmananda, 23rd March, 1969] It is necessary for the leaders of the Krsna consciousness movement to start educational institutions in different parts of the world to train children, starting at the age of five years. Thus such children will not become hippies or spoiled children of society; rather, they can all become devotees of the Lord. The face of the world will then change automatically. [SrimadBhagavatam 4.12.23 Purport] I consider this Gurukula school to be one of our most important aspects of this movement and it should be given all serious consideration by the members. If we are able to make a whole generation of our children into fine Krsna Conscious preachers, that will be the glory of our movement and the glory of your country as well. But if we neglect somehow or other and if we lose even one Vaisnava, that is very great loss. [Letter to Stokakrsna - Los Angeles 20 June, 1972] Gurukula is our most important project. If the children are given a Krsna Conscious education from early childhood then there is great hope for the future of the world. [Letter to Dayananda, Nandarani - Calcutta 27 January, 1973] By all means you should continue practicing Krsna Consciousness everyday. But that does not necessarily mean that you have to move into the Temple immediately. It is also important to get some education. So for some years you should remain studying in school. But on the weekends with your parents permission you can go to the Temple and stay there but do not fall behind in your school work. [Letter to Durgesh, 16th December, 1974] Soon we shall be introducing the Bhakti-sastri examination which all brahmanas will be expected to pass. It will be based on Bhagavad-gita, N. O. D., Nectar of Instruction, Isopanisad, and the small paperback books like Easy Journey. A brahmana should be pandita.[Letter to Brsakapi, 7th January, 1976]

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ISKCON Education: The Official Standards for Bhakti Sastri

AWARDING SASTRA DEGREES Version 4 - September 2010 E-mail:bhaktarupa.acbsp@pamho.net

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ISKCON Education: Bhakti Vaibhava Center Application Form

Attached is a description of the planned program covering the following areas: Devotee community to be served. (In other words, from where, as a general rule, the enrolled students will come.) Language of instruction. Time frame of the course. (In other words, how many weeks or months of instruction, how it will be broken into modules, how it will be interspersed with breaks, and how much total time from beginning to end of the course. Describe the various attendance options that will be offered to the students, if any.) The instructor(s) and their qualification. Physical location(s) where the students will attend. The instructional and assessment methods and policies to be followed by the center that meet the requirements spelled out in the document "Standards for Awarding the Bhakti Vaibhava Degree, Approved August 2010". Whether distance learning facility will be offered and the policies in place for that.

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Devadeva Mirel, Alachua, USA: Recipe : Vegan Sliders

Cutlets, patties, burgers. All those names make me think of veal, McDonald’s and Wendy’s. Sliders. That’s a word I learned recently. Around SuperBowl time to be exact. Tiny eats. The tapas of takeout. Not sure if it makes me think … Continue reading →

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Kurma dasa, AU: A Messenger from the Sea God's Palace

NOTE FROM KURMA: This article was published in UK's Daily Telegraph on 4 March 2010. The recent Japanese earthquake struck one year and one week later, on 11 March 2011. The highlights are mine.

"Oarfish omen spells earthquake disaster for Japan
By Julian Ryall in Tokyo 7:00AM GMT 04 Mar 2010
The appearance of the fish follows Saturday's destructive 8.8 magnitude earthquake in Chile and the January 12 tremors in Haiti, which claimed an estimated 200,000 lives.
A quake with a magnitude of 6.4 has also struck southern Taiwan.
This rash of tectonic movements around the Pacific "Rim of Fire" is heightening concern that Japan - the most earthquake-prone country in the world - is next in line for a major earthquake.
Those concerns have been stoked by the unexplained appearance of a fish that is known traditionally as the Messenger from the Sea God's Palace.
The giant oarfish can grow up to five metres in length and is usually to be found at depths of 1,000 metres and very rarely above 200 metres from the surface. Long and slender with a dorsal fin the length of its body, the oarfish resembles a snake.
In recent weeks, 10 specimens have been found either washed ashore or in fishing nets off Ishikawa Prefecture, half-a-dozen have been caught in nets off Toyama Prefecture and others have been reported in Kyoto, Shimane and Nagasaki prefectures, all on the northern coast.
According to traditional Japanese lore, the fish rise to the surface and beach themselves to warn of an impending earthquake - and there are scientific theories that bottom-dwelling fish may very well be susceptible to movements in seismic fault lines and act in uncharacteristic ways in advance of an earthquake - but experts here are placing more faith in their constant high-tech monitoring of the tectonic plates beneath the surface.
"In ancient times Japanese people believed that fish warned of coming earthquakes," Hiroshi Tajihi, deputy director of the Kobe Earthquake Centre, told the Daily Telegraph.
"But these are just old superstitions and there is no scientific relationship between these sightings and an earthquake," he said. "

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Mukunda Charan das, SA: Sanatana Goswami Meets Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Today is Gaura Purnima, the Holy Appearance Day of Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Devotees of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) will be celebrating this festival all over the world, especially at ISKCON Mayapur, near the Lord’s birth-place.
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is known as the ‘channa avatara’ or ‘hidden incarnation’ of the Lord. He appears in this world to experience the sweet love of Radha for Krishna. As Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the Supreme Lord appears in the mood of His devotee – not in the mood of the Supreme Enjoyer, Krishna. His eternal associates like Rupa and Sanatana Goswamis, however, understood His secret identity.
Here are Sanatana Goswami’s prayers to the Lord on first meeting Chaitanya Mahaprabhu at Dasasvamheda Ghata in Prayaga, India. The first of these prayers is often recited when devotees perform worship, initiation ceremonies and food offerings to the Lord. The second is not as well known, but equally important. Lord Chaitanya is also ‘karuna avatara’ or the ‘avatara of compassion’:
namo maha-vadanyaya/krsna-prema-pradyate/krsnaya krsna-caitanya-/namne guara-tvise namah
‘O most munificent incarnation! You are Krsna Himself appearing as Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu. You have assumed the golden colour of Srimati Radharani, and You are widely distributing pure love of Krsna. We offer our respectful obeisances unto You.’
This is Sanatana Goswami’s next verse:
yo jnanam-mattam bhuvanam dayalur/ullaghayann apy akarot pramattam /svaprema-sampat-sudayadbhuteham /sri-krsna-caitanyam amum prapadye
‘Let me surrender unto the lotus feet of Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who is the most merciful Personality Of Godhead. He delivers those souls who are merged in ignorance and offers them the highest gift, love of Krsna, and thus makes them mad after Krsna consciousness’
[Sri Rupa Goswami, Govinda Lilamrita 1.1-2]
Here is another beautiful verse from Sanatana Goswami:
na prema sravanadi-bhaktir api va yogo thava vaisnavo /jnanam va subha-karma va kiyad aho saj-jatir api astiva /hin arthadhika-sadhake tvayi tathapy acchedya-mula sati /he gopijanavallabha vyathayate ha ha madasaiva mam
‘I am poor in love of Godhead, and I have no asset for hearing about devotional service. Nor do I have any understanding of the science of devotional service, nor any cultivation of knowledge, nor any righteous activities to my credit. I am not even born in a high family. Nonetheless, O darling of the damsels of Vraja, I still maintain hopes of achieving You, and these hopes are always disturbing me’
‘Such a devotee, being touched deeply by such strong desires, always chants Hare Krsna Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna Hare Hare/Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare’ [Teachings Of Lord Caitanya, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, p.139]

Filed under: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, ISKCON, Spiritual Life Tagged: bhakti yoga, chaitanya mahaprabhu, gaura purnima, ISKCON Mayapur, krishna consciousness, Sanatana Goswami

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Mayapur Online: Yogapitha-Appearance place of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu

Yogapitha:Yogapitha is the actual site of Lord Caitanya’s appearance. In 1893, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura established this site. He personally collected funds to purchase this land and built a small temple here. This was completed in 1906 at which time he installed the Deities of Gaura-Narayana and His two wives, Laksmipriya & Visnupriya. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s son and spiritual successor, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, built the present Temple in 1934.
read more

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ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Gaura Purnima Celebrations - Today!

This evening, Toronto's Hare Krishna temple will be hosting one of our largest festivals of the year - Gaura Purnima! A huge crowd is expected for this incredible festival that promises to leave you immersed in spiritual bliss and love for Lord Caitanya who is none other than Lord Krishna Himself! Gaura Purnima celebrates the appearance anniversary of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who appeared in Mayapura, India in the year 1486.

Having the festival fall on a Saturday means that we can have especially extravagant festivities and so devotees are encouraged to come throughout the day for festivities. Spiritualists are encouraged to come early in the morning (4:30am!) to take part in the morning program. Festivities in the evening will begin a little earlier with rousing kirtan starting at 4pm.

The schedule for the full day is as follows:
4:30am to 9:00am - Mangala Arati and Morning Program
4:00pm to 6:00pm - Kirtan for Mahaprabhu
6:00pm to 6:30pm - Kirtan (Arati)
6:30pm to 7:30pm - Special Presentation
7:30pm to 8:00pm - Maha-Abhisheka (Bathing of Deities)
8:00pm to 8:30pm - Kirtan (Arati)

8:30pm - Vegetarian Feast (Prasadam)

A warm invitation goes out to you and your family for this larger-than-life festival as we celebrate the auspicious advent of the appearance of Lord Caitanya!

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Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Gauranga has come! Gaurange has appeared! Gauranga! Jaya Gauranga! (Part 10 of 11}

Here are the final four verses from the Sri Gauranga Ashtottara Shata Nama Stotram composed by Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya.

Over the last 10 days of posts we have taken the 108 different names of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu which describe his benevolent qualities. These names were accompanied  by 108 images of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

The benefit was immense in terms of nectar and devotion, however the full benefit comes to light in verse 21 which states "If one chants this great prayer with faith and transcendental devotion on Lord Chaitanya's appearance day, then one perpetually attains the fulfillment of their each and every pure desire."

So the 11th post in this series is the entire Sri Gauranga Ashtottara Shata Nama Stotram so it can be read with full faith and devotion on this most auspicious day of the appearance of the Golden Avatar, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

So from Subhavilasa das, Ashalata devi dasi & the entire family we would like to wish you a very Happy Gaura Purnima. We pray that like the golden rays of tonight's full moonlight, your life is filled with love of Gauranga.

Gauranga bol! Gauranga bol! Gauranga! Gauranga!

19) yah pathed pratar utthaya chaitanyasya mahatmanaha shraddhaya parayopetah stotram sarvagha-nashanam prema-bhaktir harau tasya jayate natra samshayaha

It is recommended that upon rising in the morning, one faithfully approach and recite this transcendental sin-destroying prayer to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the great soul. One who does will feel the awakening of ecstatic loving devotion unto Lord Hari; of this there is no doubt.

20) asadhya-roga-yukto 'pi muchyate roga-sankatat sarvaparadha-yukto 'pi so 'paradhat pramucyate

Even if one is afflicted with an incurable disease, one becomes freed from all danger of the ailment. Even if one has committed all types of offenses, one becomes freed from their effects.

21) phalguni-paurnamasyan tu chaitanya-janma-vasare shraddhaya paraya bhaktya maha-stotram japan purch yad yat prakurute kamam tat tad evachiral labhet

If one chants this great prayer with faith and transcendental devotion on Lord Chaitanya's appearance day (the full moon day in the month of Phalguna), then one perpetually attains the fulfillment of their each and every pure desire.

22) aputro vaishnavam putram labhate natra-samshayaha ante chaitanya-devasya smritir bhavati shashvati

If a devotee couple wishes to have a child but are unable, then they will obtain a Vaishnava child without a doubt. And at the time of death, they will attain remembrance of Sri Chaitanya-deva and enter His eternal pastimes.

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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Hare Krishnas on Channel Ten!

ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Hare Krishnas on Channel Ten!

Here is a footage of this year's Ratha Yatra as part of the St Kilda Festival.

The fame of Lord Jagannatha and His devotees is spread all over the three worlds...

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Gouranga TV: Camden Town Feed The Poor

Gouranga TV: Camden Town Feed The Poor

Camden Town Feed The Poor

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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Jagannatha Rama Prabhu

Srimad Bhagavatam 12.2.42 - Demons constantly compete for foolish possessiveness (isvaro 'ham aham bhogi...).

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Japa Group: The Best Way Is To Hear Yourself

We have to go from offensive to offenseless, and go on chanting Hare Krsna. The best way is to hear yourself chanting the actual names, Hare Krsna mantra. This is the way to chant without losing attention. One’s mind should be fixed on the sound. As Prabhupada has written, the mouth should move. One should not slur Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna. He should not fall asleep while chanting in his so-called bhajana. As Krsna advises Arjuna in practicing yoga, “Wherever the mind wanders due to its restless and flickering nature, you have to drag it back.” So this applies to our chanting. You have to chant with attention. Remain awake and chant with devotion.

Japa Reform Notebook
by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami

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Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: Have trouble sleeping ?

I tried to stop this guy who was moving very slowly, almost in a daze. As he stopped he told me he had spoken to me about 1-1.5 years ago. I could not remember it so I honestly told him I am sorry I can’t remember but did you get a book from me. He had got a perfection of yoga and turns out he had browsed it. I tried to give him another book but he refused outright saying he had no money and time to read. I thought I should stop here but instead I asked him why he didn’t have time. He said he had a lot going on but I probed further. Finally he told me his mind is very disturbed and he cant sleep in the night. He had now been prescribed valium and was trying to depend on it for sleeping but it wasn’t helping. Just a few hours ago I was reading about people’s helpless dependence on pills in SB 7.13. 2 “Greedy capitalists accumulate wealth under so many miserable conditions, the result being that because they collect money by questionable means, their minds are always agitated. Thus they are unable to sleep at night, and they have to take pills for mental tranquillity to invite sleep. And sometimes even the pills are a failure. Consequently the result of having accumulated money by so much labor is certainly not happiness, but only distress. What is the value of acquiring a comfortable position if one's mind is always disturbed?”Not knowing what else to do I told him I have a mantra that will help you sleep and its chemical free and will save you a lot of money from valium. He was so interested at the thought of something that can make him sleep so I started teaching him the maha-mantra. I asked him to repeat after me but he said he wanted it written, so I showed the mantra in the intro to Bhagavad gita. I asked him to keep the book and chant the maha mantra 108 times daily and he would sleep in peace. He took the book for a small donation and said he would try.

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Dandavats.com: Flood of Love from Mayapur for Everyone–Even Rogues

By Giriraj Swami
We welcome you on the auspicious occasion of Sri Gaura-purnima, the appearance day of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krsna Caitanya. We are gathered here in the most holy abode of the Supreme Lord at the feet of the Panca-tattva. According to tattva, or ontological truth, Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His original form. And the same Krsna who appeared five thousand years ago as the son of Nanda Maharaja and Yasoda Mayi appeared again five hundred years ago as the beautiful son of Jagannatha Misra and Sacidevi--Sri Krsna Caitanya

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Vraja Kishor, JP: The Sweetest Part of Gita?

Bhagavad Gita 10.1
The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: Listen again, O mighty-armed Arjuna. Because you are My dear friend, for your benefit I shall speak to you further, giving knowledge that is better than what I have already explained.
The Most Important Part of Gita?
The most valuable things we own are not the things we keep on the sidewalk or the front porch. We keep them safely protected on all sides. The most valuable part of the Gita is the middle portion. The middle portion begins at Chapter 7 and extends to the end of Chapter 12. It is protected on one side by Chapters 1-6, which give a proper understanding of karma (religion). On the other side it is protected by Chapters 13-18, which give a proper understanding of jñāna (science). With a proper understanding of religion and science, one can fully appreciate bhakti (love).
The center of the center is the inner sanctum. The center of the central portion of Bhagavad-Gita is the 9^th and 10^th chapters. Specifically, the end of the 9^th Chapter and the beginning of the 10^th.
Kṛṣṇa begins Chapter 10 by saying, “I shall speak to you further, giving knowledge that is better than what I have already explained.” The key word is further. That is why it is “better” – because it further elaborates on the best part of Gita, the end of Chapter 9.
In Chapter 9 Kṛṣṇa explained why it is of utmost spiritual potency to focus our actions, thoughts, emotions, and souls upon Kṛṣṇa. In Chapter 10 he will “elaborate” by giving us practical things to focus on.
The 9^th chapter is actually sweeter than the 10^th Chapter. The 9^th chapter indirectly indicates Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, the topmost secret and sweetest zenith of divine love (in mahatmanas tu mam partha, daivim prakritim ashrita). Nothing can really “elaborate” on, go “further” than, or be “better” than that. We have passed the climax point of Bhagavad Gita, which unlike contemporary novels, occurs just slightly forward of the dead center of the book. In Chapter 10 the sweetness of Śrī Kṛṣṇa will decline and his majesty will rise up. This will come to its own climax in the next Chapter when Kṛṣṇa displays the all-mighty Universal Form. Majesty is rising and sweetness declining as we proceed through this 10^th Chapter. Thus the topic of the 10^th Chapter is “vibhuti” – the opulence and grandeur of Kṛṣṇa as Godhead.
Scriptures do not speak in forthright ways. They rely upon Gurus and Sadhus to explain them in forthright ways according to the nature of the audience receiving them. This is why, commenting on this text, Srila Viśvanātha Chakravarti quotes Bhagavatam 11.21.35: paroksa-vada rsayah paroksam ca mama priyam (“The wise speak in indirect terms, and this pleases me.”) By being indirect, the confidential secrets are hidden from those who do not yet deserve to grasp them. The statement that this 10^th Chapter is “better” than the 9^th is an example of Kṛṣṇa speaking as a Rishi / seer and being indirect or somewhat non-forthright. The fact is that the 9^th Chapter holds the zenith of the Gita, not the 10^th. The hidden meaning is:
bhūya eva (Again, certainly…) mahā-bāho (oh strong man…) śṛṇu me (hear my…) paramaḿ vacaḥ (supreme words..) yat te ‘haḿ prīyamāṇāya (that I speak to you because of loving you so).
So, what is actually being said is that what was previously spoken in the 9^th chapter is the paramam vacah, the supreme statement of Gita. And that here in the 10^th Chapter Kṛṣṇa will discuss it again from another angle.
Real Strength
Incidentally, I love that Kṛṣṇa addresses Arjuna as “Oh strong man” (maha-baho). Srila Viśvanātha Chakravarti explains Kṛṣṇa’s intention in addressing Arjuna this way: “You are a big strong man. But if you are really a strong man, make your intelligence strong and focus it on what I am going to tell you without letting your mind run back to any other topic!”
Real strength is the ability to focus the mind.
Why would Arjuna’s mind wander? Because he may be sad that the sweetness of the 9^th chapter has passed. His thoughts will thus wander strongly back to those sweet topics. This would not serve Kṛṣṇa’s purpose of speaking the Gita in a systematic manner, however – so he requests Arjuna to use his mighty strength to concentrate his mind on the task at hand.
Opulence
The text begins with, “śrī-bhagavān uvāca” Which means, “Bhagavan says.” A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swāmī Prabhupāda begins his commentary by taking an effort explain the word “Bhagavan.”
The word bhagavān is explained thus by Parāśara Muni: one who is full in six opulences, who has full strength, full fame, wealth, knowledge, beauty and renunciation, is Bhagavān, or the Supreme Personality of Godhead. While Kṛṣṇa was present on this earth, He displayed all six opulences. Therefore great sages like Parāśara Muni have all accepted Kṛṣṇa as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Why does Prabhupāda comment on the word Bhagavan here? Because the subject of the 10^th chapter is the opulence of God, and Bhagavan addresses God as the possessor of all opulence.
Incidentally Parashara Muni is the father of Veda Vyas, and is also the main authority for jyotish – the science of Vedic astrology. Parashara Muni is a Vaishnava. He “accepts Kṛṣṇa as Bhagavan.” He begins his scripture on Astrology (Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra) by saying that Vishnu creates the universe and all the 9 planets are merely projections of his 10 avataras.
Incidentally, Parashara states that the planet most directly connected to Kṛṣṇa is the Moon. The salient point about the Moon is that she desires affection from everyone and is therefore not inimically disposed towards any other planet. This is parallel to Kṛṣṇa’s own personality, explained in Chapter 9 – his arms are fully wide open to anyone and everyone who wishes to show Kṛṣṇa any affection whatsoever.
Practically Better
Prabhupāda’s purport (commentary) also explains why the 10^th chapter could indirectly be said to be better than the 9^th:
In the previous chapter He has clearly explained His different energies to establish devotion in firm conviction. Again in this chapter He tells Arjuna about His manifestations and various opulences.
The more one hears about the Supreme God, the more one becomes fixed in devotional service. One should always hear about the Lord in the association of devotees; that will enhance one’s devotional service. Discourses in the society of devotees can take place only among those who are really anxious to be in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Others cannot take part in such discourses. The Lord clearly tells Arjuna that because Arjuna is very dear to Him, for his benefit such discourses are taking place.
The 10^th Chapter is “better” because it takes one to the next stage. The result of the 9^th Chapter is that, if you read it very deeply and with an open heart, you will get a very significant conviction and desire to cultivate divine love for Kṛṣṇa. At that point you will want to execute devotional service. How is this done? The 9^th chapter first and foremost said, satatam kirtayanto mam – it is done by speaking lovingly about Kṛṣṇa all the time. What will one speak, though? The 10^th Chapter gives some preliminary material for discussing Kṛṣṇa. Therefore it allows one to begin engaging in kirtan.
The progress of divine love begins with conviction (shraddha). Conviction in the value of divine love causes us to seek those who posses divine love in their hearts (sadhu-sanga). In the association of those persons we get the opportunity to have satatam kirtan – constant kirtan, constant loving discussion of Kṛṣṇa (bhajana-kriya). Only those who seek divine love, therefore, truly have an interest in kirtan. Others only enter into kirtan by circumstance, chance, or a passing curiosity.
Arjuna is symbolically undergoing this development in a sense. In Chapter 9 Arjuna obtained firm conviction in divine love (shraddha). He has Kṛṣṇa as the sadhu from whom he will learn more about divine love (sadhu-sanga). Now Kṛṣṇa will speak the 10^th Chapter to engage Arjuna in kirtana, and thus take him to the third level (bhajana-kriya). Since Arjuna is “leveling up” in that sense the 10^th Chapter represents an improvement over the 9^th.
I am sad to see the 9^th Chapter receding behind us as we continue to the end of Gita, but hopefully we will keep it in mind while proceeding. However I am looking forward to the fascinating points we will encounter from here till the end, and the end of the 18^th chapter will revisit those central secrets in a very powerful way – so that they are not forgotten.

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