lunes, 25 de julio de 2011

ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Bhakti Rasamrita Swami








PLANET ISKCON

 
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"Planet ISKCON" - 52 new articles

  1. H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Wednesday 4 May 2011--We've Got This Message Through--and--How to Attain Complete Surrender?
  2. The Loft, Auckland, NZ: The Fire Of Desire
  3. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 5.18 Understanding Reality
  4. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 5.18 Can’t Win, Can’t Break Even
  5. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 5.1 Healthy And Nice
  6. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.41 One Photo Another Photo And Final Photo
  7. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Sunday Feast- James Bond Education 2003-11-09
  8. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Spiritual Master Inform Us Of Supersoul’s Position
  9. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Serve, Hear, Understand, & Apply
  10. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Reasonable, Experienced, And From Krishna
  11. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Identify With The Mission Of The Spiritual Master
  12. Japa Group: New Improved Facebook Japa Group
  13. Japa Group: Fixing On One Point
  14. Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: "That is not religion. That is fanaticism."
  15. New Vrndavan, USA: Weekly Raw Food Potlucks
  16. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Five Stages Of Understanding
  17. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.10 Using Krishna’s Property For His Service
  18. ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Deity Darshan: Sunday April 17, 2011
  19. ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Deity Darshan: Sunday May 1, 2011
  20. ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Deity Darshan: Sunday April 24, 2011
  21. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 299–Poem for May 3rd
  22. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.10 Real Success
  23. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): OLD FRIENDS
  24. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.10 How The Modern Society Understands God & Spiritual Life
  25. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.9 Chanting Should Be An Act Of Love
  26. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 3.40 Sunday Feast- Wrong House, Wrong Wife
  27. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 3.30 Try To Understand What The Desire Of Krsna Is
  28. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 2.70 Sunday Feast- 180 Thousand Years To Control The Mind
  29. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 2.70 Conquering The Mind
  30. David Haslam, UK: HH Devamrita Swami, increase in archive classes
  31. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 2.13 Gita In Brief
  32. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 2.7-24 Overview
  33. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.16.14-24 Result Of Our Actions Depends On The Mode They Are In
  34. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.5.51-11.6.7 Transcendental Rasa With Krsna Begins With Astonishment
  35. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.5.50 Krsna Is Completely Neutral To Everyone
  36. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.5.49 Krsna Expects Us To Think About Him While Engaging In His Devotional Service
  37. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.5.46 The Exalted Position Of Vasudeva & Devaki
  38. Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: “Abscess” by Forrest Gander
  39. H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Monday, May 2, 2011
  40. H.H. Sivarama Swami: April 27th Skype conference with Russian disciples on topics of siksa guru, blood milk and chanting Hare Krsna
  41. Mayapur Online: Sri Gadadhara Pandit's Appearance day
  42. Ananda Subramanian, Iowa, USA: Albert Einstein’s Letter to Phyllis
  43. Yoga of Ecology, Bhakta Chris, USA: Who Protects The Animals?
  44. Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: An opportunity at every step
  45. Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: Network of sankirtan army
  46. Dandavats.com: Croatian Vaishnava Summer Festival 2011
  47. Dandavats.com: North American Child Protection Office Director
  48. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 298—Poem for May 2
  49. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): OLD FRIENDS
  50. Gouranga TV: Lecture – Romapada Swami – SB 10.2.15 – Dealing with Reversals
  51. ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Bhakti Rasamrita Swami
  52. ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana
  53. More Recent Articles
  54. Search Planet ISKCON
  55. Prior Mailing Archive

H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Wednesday 4 May 2011--We've Got This Message Through--and--How to Attain Complete Surrender?

A daily broadcast of the Ultimate Self Realization Course(TM) Wednesday 4 May 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: We've Got This Message Through Uploaded from Riga, Latvia We have tons of work to do to get this message through to the suffering people of the planet to save them from going down to the 8,000,000 lower species in their next life. But they are so foolish that they usually refuse to accept it. They sometimes become so disturbed when we try to educate them that they arrest us. I was personally arrested for distributing Back to Godhead magazine in Leesburg, Florida many years ago when I was a young brahmacari. Sometimes they even go so far as to kill our devotees, as they did to my dear Godbrother Brajajana Prabhu. He was murdered by a fire bomb while he was sleeping in our ISKCON center in Tennessee back in the 1970's. May his glories ever be vibrated throughout the three worlds. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Kirtan Bliss in Riga, Latvia--May 2, 2011 http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Spring/Kirtan_Bliss.JPG More Kirtan Bliss in Riga, Latvia--May 2, 2011 http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Spring/Kirtan_Bliss_2.JPG Answers According to the Vedic Version: Question: How to Attain Complete Surrender? In order to taste pure love for Krishna we should surrender to Krishna completely. So can you tell me what is complete surrender and how to practice it in a simplified manner? Thank you, Your servant, K.S. Answer: Take Shelter of the Bona Fide Guru It's very simple. Complete surrender means to strictly abide by the instructions given by the Lord. This cannot be done by mental speculation. You have to be trained by someone who is fully conversant with the orders of the Lord and is fully surrendered to Him. Srila Rupa Goswami therefore states that the very first step on the path of surrender to the Lord is to take complete shelter of the bona fide master. Such a qualified guru will then perfectly train you how to be fully absorbed in loving devotional service so that you can quickly and easily attain the supreme perfection of going back to home, back to Godhead. 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 Sankarshan Das Adhikari on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SDASITE Thought for the Day on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Ultimate.Self.Realization 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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The Loft, Auckland, NZ: The Fire Of Desire

Devamrita Swami speaks on “The Fire Of Desire”, this Wednesday 4th and Sunday 8th of May.

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 5.18 Understanding Reality


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 5.18 Understanding Reality


BG 05.18 Understanding Reality 2002-04-20
Lecture – Bhagavad Gita 5.18 Understanding Reality 2002-04-20 Koln

BG 5.18: The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brāhmaṇa, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater [outcaste].

BG 5.18: L'humble sage, éclairé du pur savoir, voit d'un oeil égal le brāhmaṇa noble et érudit, la vache, l'éléphant, ou encore le chien et le mangeur de chien.

BG 5.18: Los sabios humildes, en virtud del conocimiento verdadero, ven con la misma visión a un manso y erudito brāhmaṇa, a una vaca, a un elefante, a un perro y a un comeperros [un paria].

BG 05.18 Understanding Reality 2002-04-20
Lecture - Bhagavad Gita 5.18 Understanding Reality 2002-04-20 Koln

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 5.18 Understanding Reality

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 5.18 Can’t Win, Can’t Break Even


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 5.18 Can’t Win, Can’t Break Even


BG 05.18 Can’t Win, Can’t Break Even 2004-04-14
Lecture – Bhagavad Gita 5.18 Can’t Win, Can’t Break Even 2004-04-14 Amsterdam

BG 5.18: The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brāhmaṇa, a cow, an elephant, a dog and a dog-eater [outcaste].

BG 5.18: L'humble sage, éclairé du pur savoir, voit d'un oeil égal le brāhmaṇa noble et érudit, la vache, l'éléphant, ou encore le chien et le mangeur de chien.

BG 5.18: Los sabios humildes, en virtud del conocimiento verdadero, ven con la misma visión a un manso y erudito brāhmaṇa, a una vaca, a un elefante, a un perro y a un comeperros [un paria].

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 5.18 Can’t Win, Can’t Break Even

BG 05.18 Can't Win, Can't Break Even 2004-04-14 Lecture - Bhagavad Gita 5.18 Can't Win, Can't Break Even 2004-04-14 Amsterdam

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 5.1 Healthy And Nice


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 5.1 Healthy And Nice


BG 05.01 Healthy And Nice 2007-06-10
Lecture – Bhagavad Gita 5.1 Healthy And Nice 2007-06-10

BG 5.1: Arjuna said: O Kṛṣṇa, first of all You ask me to renounce work, and then again You recommend work with devotion. Now will You kindly tell me definitely which of the two is more beneficial?

BG 5.1: Arjuna dit : O Kṛṣṇa, d'abord Tu me demandes de renoncer aux actes, puis d'agir, dans un esprit de dévotion. Dis-le-moi clairement, je T'en prie: quelle voie, de ces deux, est la meilleure?

BG 5.1: Arjuna dijo: ¡Oh, Kṛṣṇa!, primero me pides que renuncie al trabajo, y después me recomiendas de nuevo que trabaje con devoción. ¿Tendrías ahora la bondad de decirme definitivamente cuál de esas dos cosas es más beneficiosa?

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 5.1 Healthy And Nice

BG 05.01 Healthy And Nice 2007-06-10 Lecture - Bhagavad Gita 5.1 Healthy And Nice 2007-06-10

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.41 One Photo Another Photo And Final Photo


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.41 One Photo Another Photo And Final Photo


BG 04.41 One Photo Another Photo And Final Photo 1997-09-21
Lecture – Bhagavad Gita 4.41 One Photo Another Photo And Final Photo 1997-09-21 Amsterdam
Dual language, does anyone know what language is being spoken

BG 4.41: One who acts in devotional service, renouncing the fruits of his actions, and whose doubts have been destroyed by transcendental knowledge, is situated factually in the self. Thus he is not bound by the reactions of work, O conqueror of riches.

BG 4.41: Celui dont le savoir spirituel a déraciné les doutes, et qui, ayant renoncé aux fruits de ses actes, s'est établi fermement dans la conscience de son moi réel celui-là, ô conquérant des richesses, demeure libre des chaînes de l'action.

BG 4.41: Aquel que realiza servicio devocional y renuncia a los frutos de sus acciones, y cuyas dudas han sido destruidas por el conocimiento trascendental, está verdaderamente situado en el ser. Así pues, a él no lo atan las reacciones del trabajo, ¡oh, conquistador de riquezas!

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.41 One Photo Another Photo And Final Photo

BG 04.41 One Photo Another Photo And Final Photo 1997-09-21 Lecture - Bhagavad Gita 4.41 One Photo Another Photo And Final Photo 1997-09-21 Amsterdam Dual language, does anyone know what language is being spoken

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Sunday Feast- James Bond Education 2003-11-09


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Sunday Feast- James Bond Education 2003-11-09

BG 4.34: Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.

BG 4.34: Tan sólo trata de aprender la verdad acudiendo a un maestro espiritual. Hazle preguntas de un modo sumiso y préstale servicio. Las almas autorrealizadas pueden impartirte conocimiento, porque han visto la verdad.

BG 4.34: Cherche à connaître la vérité en approchant un maître spirituel; enquiers toi d'elle auprès de lui avec soumission, et tout en le servant. L'âme réalisée peut te révéler le savoir, car elle a vu la vérité.

BG 04.34 Sunday Feast- James Bond Education 2003-11-09
Lecture - Bhagavad Gita 4.34 Sunday Feast- James Bond Education 2003-11-09 Los Angeles.

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Sunday Feast- James Bond Education 2003-11-09

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Spiritual Master Inform Us Of Supersoul’s Position


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Spiritual Master Inform Us Of Supersoul’s Position



BG 4.34: Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.

BG 4.34: Tan sólo trata de aprender la verdad acudiendo a un maestro espiritual. Hazle preguntas de un modo sumiso y préstale servicio. Las almas autorrealizadas pueden impartirte conocimiento, porque han visto la verdad.

BG 4.34: Cherche à connaître la vérité en approchant un maître spirituel; enquiers toi d'elle auprès de lui avec soumission, et tout en le servant. L'âme réalisée peut te révéler le savoir, car elle a vu la vérité.

BG 04.34 Spiritual Master Inform Us Of Supersouls Position 2004
Lecture - Bhagavad Gita 4.34 Spiritual Master Inform Us Of Supersouls Position 2004 Portland A short and consise class in Portland about the Spiritual Master


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Spiritual Master Inform Us Of Supersoul’s Position

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Serve, Hear, Understand, & Apply


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Serve, Hear, Understand, & Apply 1994-01-01 Radhadesh



BG 4.34: Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.

BG 4.34: Tan sólo trata de aprender la verdad acudiendo a un maestro espiritual. Hazle preguntas de un modo sumiso y préstale servicio. Las almas autorrealizadas pueden impartirte conocimiento, porque han visto la verdad.

BG 4.34: Cherche à connaître la vérité en approchant un maître spirituel; enquiers toi d'elle auprès de lui avec soumission, et tout en le servant. L'âme réalisée peut te révéler le savoir, car elle a vu la vérité.

BG 04.34 Serve Hear Understand & Apply 1994-01-01
Lecture - Bhagavad Gita 4.34 Serve, Hear, Understand, & Apply 1994-01-01 Radhadesh


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Serve, Hear, Understand, & Apply 1994-01-01 Radhadesh

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Reasonable, Experienced, And From Krishna


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Reasonable, Experienced, And From Krishna



BG 4.34: Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.

BG 4.34: Tan sólo trata de aprender la verdad acudiendo a un maestro espiritual. Hazle preguntas de un modo sumiso y préstale servicio. Las almas autorrealizadas pueden impartirte conocimiento, porque han visto la verdad.

BG 4.34: Cherche à connaître la vérité en approchant un maître spirituel; enquiers toi d'elle auprès de lui avec soumission, et tout en le servant. L'âme réalisée peut te révéler le savoir, car elle a vu la vérité.

BG 04.34 Reasonable, Experienced, And From Krishna 1999-04-13
Lecture - Bhagavad Gita 4.34 Reasonable, Experienced, And From Krishna 1999-04-13 Radhadesh.


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Reasonable, Experienced, And From Krishna

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Identify With The Mission Of The Spiritual Master


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – Bhagavad Gita 4.34 Identify With The Mission Of The Spiritual Master 1993-01-19 Radhadesh



BG 4.34: Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.

BG 4.34: Tan sólo trata de aprender la verdad acudiendo a un maestro espiritual. Hazle preguntas de un modo sumiso y préstale servicio. Las almas autorrealizadas pueden impartirte conocimiento, porque han visto la verdad.

BG 4.34: Cherche à connaître la vérité en approchant un maître spirituel; enquiers toi d'elle auprès de lui avec soumission, et tout en le servant. L'âme réalisée peut te révéler le savoir, car elle a vu la vérité.

BG 04.34 Identify With The Mission Of The Spiritual Master 1993-01-19
Lecture - Bhagavad Gita 4.34 Identify With The Mission Of The Spiritual Master 1993-01-19 Radhadesh Reincarnation In The Bible.


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – Bhagavad Gita 4.34 Identify With The Mission Of The Spiritual Master 1993-01-19 Radhadesh

 
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Japa Group: New Improved Facebook Japa Group

Dear Facebook Japa Group members,


Facebook is upgrading all old groups to a new format and unfortunately it could mean "The Japa Group" will be archived and all the members are lost. I have decided to create a new group simply called "Japa Group" and I am gradually adding all the current members from the old "The Japa Group".

IMPORTANT: If you want to join as a new member, please visit
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_214059835280229 and click the join group button - this will save me alot of time as there is 2,500 members in the old group to be added.

For those who were accidently added to the new group - please accept my apologies - you can visit at the above link and easily leave the group if you desire.

The improved format has many new features including group chat and document sharing etc.

NOTE: The new group does not affect http://japagroup.blogspot.com - this notice is ONLY for Facebook members.

Yours in the service of Lord.

RRD
 
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Japa Group: Fixing On One Point


Today I heard a lecture by Giriraj Swami from a very nice Japa retreat. He was talking about the principle of focusing on one point to control the mind. He spoke about how our eyes tend to wander as we chant and this causes the mind to wander also, following the path of the eyes.


Today I tried this method - I focused on one point and chanted my rounds like this and it worked! My mind remained fixed and I was able to hear the Holy names properly.

Please try this method and you will be surprised by the results.

All glories to the chanting of the Holy names of the Lord!
 
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Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: "That is not religion. That is fanaticism."

Picture
Bismillah ir Rahman ir Rahim - "In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate."

It has been an interesting couple of days in terms of news coverage. And here is some interesting commentary appropriate for current affairs...

Fanaticism:
Religion means to surrender to God. It doesn't matter what religion you profess. It doesn't matter. But you must learn how to obey the Supreme Lord. That is religion. Religion does not mean that you stamp some stereotype religion, "I am Christian," "I am Hindu," "I am Muslim," "I am Buddhist," and then fight. That is not religion. That is fanaticism. Religion means how one has become devoted to God. That is religion.
~ Srila Prabhupada January 9, 1974

Love God:
The test of any scripture is how one is developing love of God. If you find that by following some religious principles you are developing your love of God, then it is perfect. It doesn't matter whether it is the Bible or the Qur'an or the Bhagavad-gita; it doesn't matter. We have to see what is the fruit. If the fruit is that people are developing love of Godhead, then it is perfect. Don't try to understand whether "this is good, this is good, and this is bad." No. Try to understand by the result. If you see the fruit, then it is first class. So, it doesn't matter whether it is the Bible or the Gita, if you can develop love of Godhead by reading the Bibie, it is first class. And if you can develop love of Godhead by (reading) the Bhagavad-gita, it is first class. And if you do not, then neither the Bible, the Qur'an or the Bhagavad-gita will have an effect on you.
~ Srila Prabhupada October 18, 1968

Chant His Names:
"So chant the name of your Tremendous Lord." (69.52) "Call upon Allah, or call upon Rahman, by whatever name you call upon Him. For to Him belong the most beautiful names." (17.110)

~ The Holy Qur'an
By the way just as Allah referes to God as "Almighty" Rahman referes to God as "Compassionate"!  
 
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New Vrndavan, USA: Weekly Raw Food Potlucks

 

On Wednesday, April 20, 2011, about 20 devotees met at the Small Farm Training Center Guest House. The gathering was organized by New Vrindaban’s Center for Preventative Medicine (CPM). One of the goals of the CPM is to raise awareness about the medicinal properties of food.

“Let food be your medicine and your medicine be food”. –Hippocrates

The gathering started with a short bhajana led by HG Nityodita Prabhu. Then, a discussion about the health benefits of raw foods amongst the devotees was led by Arya-siddhanta dasa.

During the discussion, Bhaktin Shannon said, “When foods are heated above 115 degrees, the beneficial enzymes naturally present are denatured. The digestive system has to work harder and longer to process cooked foods to get nutrition and energy from it. Living foods have healing powers that can alleviate many illnesses such as low energy, allergies, digestive disorders, weak immune system, high cholesterol, candida, obesity and weight problems.”

After the brief discussion about the health benefits of raw foods, the guests enjoyed a Raw Food Potluck Prasadam Feast. Some of the dishes present were:

-Raw Nori Rolls, filled with veggies & a tasty raw sauce
-Several varieties of Fruit Salad
-Zucchini Pasta
-Wild Edibles, Sprouts, and Spinach Salad with a Creamy Raw Ranch dressing
-Juice pulp from Wild Edibles from the Dham crackers with Cashew Cheese
-Green Smoothie
-Raw Asparagus & Spinach fresh from the Garden
-Sweet balls (recipe included below)

Guests commented how delicious the items were and some were surprised how light and energized they felt after sumptuously eating.

One goal of the CPM is to offer alternatives for prasadam— to gradually influence the temple prasadam to be a more diversified, healthy, organic diet. The CPM wants to help devotees maximize their service to Krsna by encouraging a diet that provides the maximum amount of energy with minimal bodily effort. The group is not supporting veganism, but instead is encouraging the health benefits of raw food, as well as creating delicious foods for Krsna that come from our organic garden (or other local organic gardens).

A highlight of the event was a group of 15 high school students and teachers came through, each sampling a raw dessert. They were all excited to taste new treats –and every guest took a piece of Maha fruit! When told what the ingredients were, Anthony, one of the students exclaimed, “How can something made only out of that taste so good?!”

The Raw Food Meetups will continue on Wednesdays at 5:30pm at the Small Farm Training Center Guest House. This upcoming Wednesday we will be watching the movie Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 days. For more information about the movie and the potluck click here: http://www.brijabasispirit.com/2011/04/24/movie-night-raw-food-potluck/

Sweet Balls

Ingredients:

  • 2 Cups Walnuts or Pecans
  • 2/3 Cup Dates, pitted
  • 1/3 Cup Raisins
  • 1tbsp Raw Almond Butter
  • 2tbsp Maple Syrup
  • 1tbsp Carob Powder
  • 1/2 Cup Coconut shreds

Directions:

  1. Grind nuts in food processor until the larger pieces break up.
  2. Add dates and raisins and process it again until sticky.
  3. Transfer to a bowl.
  4. Add almond butter, maple syrup and carob, and mush together with your hands.
  5. Roll into balls and roll in coconut to garnish
  6. If they happen to be too sticky, put in fridge for 30minutes, and you are back in business

 

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Five Stages Of Understanding


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Five Stages Of Understanding



BG 4.34: Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.

BG 4.34: Tan sólo trata de aprender la verdad acudiendo a un maestro espiritual. Hazle preguntas de un modo sumiso y préstale servicio. Las almas autorrealizadas pueden impartirte conocimiento, porque han visto la verdad.

BG 4.34: Cherche à connaître la vérité en approchant un maître spirituel; enquiers toi d'elle auprès de lui avec soumission, et tout en le servant. L'âme réalisée peut te révéler le savoir, car elle a vu la vérité.

BG 04.34 Five Stages Of Understanding 1995-05-20
Lecture - Bhagavad Gita 4.34 Five Stages Of Understanding 1995-05-20 Radhadesh (Vyasa Puja, Book Distribution).


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.34 Five Stages Of Understanding

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.10 Using Krishna’s Property For His Service


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.10 Real Success



BG 4.10: Being freed from attachment, fear and anger, being fully absorbed in Me and taking refuge in Me, many, many persons in the past became purified by knowledge of Me — and thus they all attained transcendental love for Me.

BG 4.10: Estando liberadas del apego, el temor y la ira, estando totalmente absortas en Mí y refugiándose en Mí, muchísimas personas se purificaron en el pasado mediante el conocimiento acerca de Mí, y de ese modo todas ellas alcanzaron el estado de amor trascendental por Mí.

BG 4.10: Libres de toute attache, affranchis de la peur et de la colère, complètement absorbés en Moi et en Moi cherchant refuge, nombreux ceux qui devinrent purifiés en apprenant à Me connaître, et tous développèrent ainsi un pur amour pour Moi.

BG 04.10 Using Krishna's Property For His Service 2006-08-05
Lecture - Bhagavad Gita 4.10 Using Krishna's Property For His Service 2006-08-05 Portland 3rd annual Ratha Yatra Hillsboro.


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.10 Real Success

 
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ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Deity Darshan: Sunday April 17, 2011

 
 
 
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ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Deity Darshan: Sunday May 1, 2011

 
  
 
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ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Deity Darshan: Sunday April 24, 2011

Align Center 
  
 
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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 299–Poem for May 3rd

www.sdgonline.org. SDGonline Daily updates

5:14 A.M.

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 35 years. I hope this variety will be pleasing.

Poem for May 3rd

I woke up at 12:30 with
a headache and got up
early to chant. I enunciated
the syllables carefully and
imagined I was seeing the maha-mantra
printed out as in Prabhupada’s
purports to the first verses of the
Eighth Chapter of Bhagavad-gita.

After Lord Caitanya left Rupa
He went to Varanasi and met
His intimate devotees, Candrasekhara
and Tapana-misra. He stayed for five
to seven days and met the brahmanas
but avoided meeting the Mayavadi
sannyasis. It is nice to hear His
routine in a place where He
couldn’t do much preaching,
but He blessed many people
while He was there.

Baladeva is getting donations
to make a fence, and a lawn
mower, and plants and the
landscaper told him to accept
the dandelions as flowers.
Up here you’re judged
by how your yard looks.

I’ve been writing about
devotees whose lives have
been close to mine. I have
used up the obvious ones
and now I’ll have to dig
deeper to tell more of
the people I’ve known. It’s not easy.

Last night Baladeva
told me, “Thanks for keeping
me in your ashrama.” And
I said, “Thank you for being
here.” We have a nice thing
going, a peaceful, upbeat
life under Krishna’s protection.
I’ll just keep mining
from the source and trust
in the Lord to give me
data and information
about my life.

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.10 Real Success


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.10 Real Success



BG 4.10: Being freed from attachment, fear and anger, being fully absorbed in Me and taking refuge in Me, many, many persons in the past became purified by knowledge of Me — and thus they all attained transcendental love for Me.

BG 4.10: Estando liberadas del apego, el temor y la ira, estando totalmente absortas en Mí y refugiándose en Mí, muchísimas personas se purificaron en el pasado mediante el conocimiento acerca de Mí, y de ese modo todas ellas alcanzaron el estado de amor trascendental por Mí.

BG 4.10: Libres de toute attache, affranchis de la peur et de la colère, complètement absorbés en Moi et en Moi cherchant refuge, nombreux ceux qui devinrent purifiés en apprenant à Me connaître, et tous développèrent ainsi un pur amour pour Moi.

BG 04.10 Real Success 2005-01-10
Lecture - Bhagavad Gita 4.10 Real Success 2005-01-10 Melbourne.


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.10 Real Success

 
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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): OLD FRIENDS

www.sdgonline.org. SDGonline Daily updates

From Spiritualized Dictionary

Nultort

“Literally ‘no wrong.’ It is a ‘former plea of the general issue in the real action of novel.’ What the heck is that? ‘Disseizin.’ Oh, to oust—whereby the defendant denies he did anything wrong. It’s a legal word.

“That really characterizes the zonal-acarya years. Nultort, no wrong. One guru would fall down. No wrong. Another would fall. No wrong. Then another. Finally we had to do something about the whole system. It was too much.

“It was a difficult time. To stay on our wrong course was dangerous, and the reform was full of danger. Some say we scaled the gurus down too much. Maybe we did. Scaling them down led to the philosophy that Prabhupada should be the only guru–the reform movement didn’t do that, but the misbehavior on the part of the gurus. Anyway, life is complicated. All we can do is try to unravel it and sort out the wrongs from Krishna’s providential arrangements and see how we arrived at our present state. But I remember that tendency in the beginning to call ‘nultort.’ It was the other guy’s problem, not the system, certainly not the particular group that upheld the system, and certainly not me.”

From Obstacles on the Path of Devotional Service“According to the Vedic scriptires, three-fourths of all spirit-souls are liberated and living in the eternal spiritual world. But on the earth planet, it is very rare to find a spirit-soul who is aspiring for pure devotional service. Lord Krishna gives the statistics: ‘Out of many thousands, one may endeavor for perfection, and of those who have achieved perfection, hardly one knows Me in truth.’ (B.g. 7.3) Devotees should not feel sorry that they are such a small minority. Srila Prabhupada has encouraged us not to seek the endorsement of the vox populi, and he also said we should be callous toward the scorn of the nondevotees. But it is natural that a practicing devotee sometimes feels sensitive if he or she is laughed at for wearing Vaisnava dress, or if one is seen as a weird cult member. These inimical attitudes create an obstacle on the path of devotional service.

“Worldly pressures may be especially difficult in the beginning, when one is trying to decide whether he or she wants to join the Krishna consciousness movement. One has to break away from friends and sometimes even family members. When George Harrison was very interested in practicing Krishna consciousness, he admitted to Srila Prabhupada that his interest in Krishna was causing him to lose friends. Prabhupada encouraged him to continue in Krishna consciousness, but social pressure was at least part of the reason why George found it impossible to commit himself fully to Krishna consciousness.

“Even those who become initiated continue to see worldly opposition as an obstacle to their devotional service. There are so many prejudices against devotees, especially in Western countries. You may not be able to buy a house if the owners know you are a practicing Vaisnava, and you may not be able to get a job unless you conceal your religion. A pre-disposed enmity against ‘Hare Krishnas’ has been discovered by courts of justice when they attempt to select a jury in cases involving the members of the Krishna consciousness movement. The anti-cult movement continues its war of propaganda, in which devotees are characterized as “pathological, antisocial, and dangerous.” Devotees may do their best to offset these images, but who can say he is completely undisturbed in the face of opposition?

“In the case of the preacher, he stirs up opposition when he attempts to impress upon people the importance of devotional service. Srila Prabhupada writes, ‘While engaged in preaching work, he has to meet with so many opposing elements, and therefore the sadhu, or devotee of the Lord, has to be very tolerant.’ (Bhag. 3.25.21, purport)

“Going against popular opinion is particularly difficult for children growing up in a Krishna conscious environment. The devotee children are usually happy in early childhood as they worship Krishna with their parents, but once they begin to mix with nondevotee peers, the pressure for conformity threatens their devotional life. One boy named named Haridasa became very unhappy as he began to associate with children at the local public school. He started to resent his odd Sanskrit name and the fact that he was a vegetarian, as well as many other things connected with devotional service. The situation became so tense that the parents decided to seek help from a psychologist who specialized in family counseling. The psychologist suggested to Haridasa, who was ten years old, that it was not so bad to be different from other people. He pointed out that some of us are different, and we do not have to be ashamed of it. The positive suggestion worked, and Haridasa took courage in accepting the fact that he was different than the average American boy. But many devotee children find it extremely difficult and will do anything they can not to be seen as strange. This problem presents itself as one of the greatest challenges to raising a children in Krishna consciousness.

“At least adults should not be oversensitive to the fact that not everyone likes a Vaisnava. When the Krishna consciousness movement won its first anti-cult case in New York, Time reported it with the heading, ‘The Right to Be Strange.’ Whether we like it or not, devotees are considered strange in most Western countries, and it is something that should not trouble us.”

From The Qualities of Sri Krishna

“Forgiving

“Rupa Gosvami defines a forgiving person as ‘a person who can tolerate all kinds of offenses from the opposite party.’ Lord Krishna tolerated Sisupala’s blasphemy. ‘Sri Yamunacarya further says in his prayer that the forgiving power of Lord Krishna is even greater than that of Lord Ramacandra, because Sisupala was always in the habit of insulting Krishna—not only in one lifetime, but continually throughout three lives. Still, Krishna was so kind that He gave Sisupala the salvation of merging into His existence.’ (NOD, Chapter 21, p.171)

“Krishna is the supreme father. He loves all living entities. He is confident, secure, and filled with well-being. This is the basis of His forgiving nature. In turn, Lord Krishna will be pleased with us if we are forgiving toward others. In the Bhagavad-gita, Krishna says that forgiveness, as well as intelligence, knowledge, truthfulness, fearfulness, nonviolence  and austerity—‘All these various qualities of living beings are created by Me alone.’ (Bg. 10.5) To attain forgiveness, therefore, is to triumph in saintly behavior. Canakya Pandita describes forgiveness as a sadhu’s chief quality. Maharaja Ambarisa exemplified this forgiveness by showing mercy to Durvasa Muni even though Durvasa tried to kill him. Similarly, Lord Nityananda forgave Jagai and Madhai.

“Lord Krishna sets the standard for a devotee’s forgiveness. He insists that since we want Him to forgive us, we should first of all be forgiving toward others. A saintly person not only forgives his own family members, but his enemies. (Krishna is so kind to His enemies that He grants them liberation.) Prabhupada reminded us that Jesus Christ asked God to forgive the ignorance of those who crucified him. Christ gave his followers the following words in the ‘Lord’s Prayer:’ ‘Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.’

“A good way to demonstrate forgiveness is to continue to give people Krishna consciousness despite their ingratitude. This is the preacher’s mood. Although there are so many reasons why we may want to reject the nondevotees, a devotee displays forgiveness by continuing to preach.

“Forgiveness requires honesty and humility. We first have to be honest enough to admit that we ourselves are offenders and in need of forgiveness.
In humility we pray to be forgiven by the Supreme Lord. We know that we should be punished for our misbehavior and offenses, and for whatever intentional and unintentional violence we may commit towards other living beings. We hope the Lord will forgive us as we attempt to rectify ourselves. As we expect the Lord’s kindness, we should be kind to others for their intentional or unintentional violence against us.”

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.10 How The Modern Society Understands God & Spiritual Life


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.10 How The Modern Society Understands God & Spiritual Life



BG 4.10: Being freed from attachment, fear and anger, being fully absorbed in Me and taking refuge in Me, many, many persons in the past became purified by knowledge of Me — and thus they all attained transcendental love for Me.

BG 4.10: Estando liberadas del apego, el temor y la ira, estando totalmente absortas en Mí y refugiándose en Mí, muchísimas personas se purificaron en el pasado mediante el conocimiento acerca de Mí, y de ese modo todas ellas alcanzaron el estado de amor trascendental por Mí.

BG 4.10: Libres de toute attache, affranchis de la peur et de la colère, complètement absorbés en Moi et en Moi cherchant refuge, nombreux ceux qui devinrent purifiés en apprenant à Me connaître, et tous développèrent ainsi un pur amour pour Moi.

BG 04.10 How The Modern Society Understands God & Spiritual Life 1992-11-04
Lecture - Bhagavad Gita 4.10 How The Modern Society Understands God & Spiritual Life 1992-11-04 Radhadesh.


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.10 How The Modern Society Understands God & Spiritual Life

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.9 Chanting Should Be An Act Of Love


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.9 Chanting Should Be An Act Of Love



BG 4.9: One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna.

BG 4.9: ¡Oh, Arjuna!, aquel que conoce la naturaleza trascendental de Mi aparición y actividades, al abandonar este cuerpo no vuelve a nacer de nuevo en este mundo material, sino que alcanza Mi morada eterna.

BG 4.9: Celui, ô Arjuna, qui connaît l'absolu de Mon avènement et de Mes Actes n'aura plus à renaître dans l'univers matériel; quittant son corps, il entre dans Mon royaume éternel.

BG 04.09 Chanting Should Be An Act Of Love 2003-02-05
Lecture - Bhagavad Gita 4.9 Chanting Should Be An Act Of Love 2003-02-05 Perth (external pastimes)


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.9 Chanting Should Be An Act Of Love

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 3.40 Sunday Feast- Wrong House, Wrong Wife


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 3.40 Sunday Feast- Wrong House, Wrong Wife



BG 3.40: The senses, the mind and the intelligence are the sitting places of this lust. Through them lust covers the real knowledge of the living entity and bewilders him.

BG 3.40: Los sentidos, la mente y la inteligencia son los lugares de asiento de esa lujuria, a través de los cuales ella cubre el verdadero conocimiento de la entidad viviente y la confunde.

BG 3.40: C'est dans les sens, le mental et l'intelligence qu'elle se loge, cette concupiscence qui égare l'être en étouffant son savoir véritable.

BG 03.40 Sunday Feast- Wrong House, Wrong Wife 2005-12-18
Lecture - Bhagavad Gita 3.40 Sunday Feast- Wrong House, Wrong Wife 2005-12-18 Los Angeles


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 3.40 Sunday Feast- Wrong House, Wrong Wife

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 3.30 Try To Understand What The Desire Of Krsna Is


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 3.30 Try To Understand What The Desire Of Krsna Is



BG 3.30: Therefore, O Arjuna, surrendering all your works unto Me, with full knowledge of Me, without desires for profit, with no claims to proprietorship, and free from lethargy, fight.

BG 3.30: Aussi, Me consacrant toutes tes actions, absorbant tes pensées en Moi, libre de toute indolence, de tout égoïsme et de toute motivation personnelle, combats, ô Arjuna.

BG 3.30: Por consiguiente, pelea, ¡oh, Arjuna!, entregándome a Mí todas tus obras, con pleno conocimiento de Mí, sin deseos de ganancia, sin sentido de posesión y libre de letargo.

BG 03.30 Try To Understand What The Desire Of Krsna Is 1993-01-20
Lecture - Bhagavad Gita 3.30 Try To Understand What The Desire Of Krsna Is 1993-01-20 Radhadesh.


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 3.30 Try To Understand What The Desire Of Krsna Is

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 2.70 Sunday Feast- 180 Thousand Years To Control The Mind


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 2.70 Sunday Feast- 180 Thousand Years To Control The Mind



BG 2.70: A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires — that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still — can alone achieve peace, and not the man who strives to satisfy such desires.

BG 2.70: La persona que no se perturba por el incesante fluir de los deseos —que entran en ella como los ríos en el océano, el cual, aunque siempre se está llenando, permanece calmado—, es la única que puede encontrar la paz, y no el hombre que se esfuerza por satisfacer dichos deseos.

BG 2.70: Celui qui reste inébranlable malgré le flot incessant des désirs, comme l'océan demeure immuable malgré les mille fleuves qui s'y jettent, peut seul trouver la sérénité; mais certes pas celui qui cherche à satisfaire ces désirs.

BG 02.70 Sunday Feast- 180 Thousand Years To Control The Mind 2002
Lecture - Bhagavad Gita 2.70 Sunday Feast- 180 Thousand Years To Control The Mind 2002 Perth.


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 2.70 Sunday Feast- 180 Thousand Years To Control The Mind

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 2.70 Conquering The Mind


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 2.70 Conquering The Mind



BG 2.70: A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires — that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still — can alone achieve peace, and not the man who strives to satisfy such desires.

BG 2.70: La persona que no se perturba por el incesante fluir de los deseos —que entran en ella como los ríos en el océano, el cual, aunque siempre se está llenando, permanece calmado—, es la única que puede encontrar la paz, y no el hombre que se esfuerza por satisfacer dichos deseos.

BG 2.70: Celui qui reste inébranlable malgré le flot incessant des désirs, comme l'océan demeure immuable malgré les mille fleuves qui s'y jettent, peut seul trouver la sérénité; mais certes pas celui qui cherche à satisfaire ces désirs.

BG 02.70 Conquering The Mind 1993-01-15
Lecture - Bhagavad Gita  2.70 Conquering The Mind 1993-01-15 Radhadesh (humor)


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 2.70 Conquering The Mind

 
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David Haslam, UK: HH Devamrita Swami, increase in archive classes

I’ve been slowly adding classes by my Guru Maharaja HH Devamrita Swami to my file sharing network and have a link page with all the titles: HH Devamrita Swami: Classes This is old classes that have moved and motivated me personally, for the very latest classes these are available via www.devaswami.com/lectures I hope making these [...]

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 2.13 Gita In Brief


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 2.13 Gita In Brief



BG 2.13: As the embodied soul continuously passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. A sober person is not bewildered by such a change.

BG 2.13: A l'instant de la mort, l'âme prend un nouveau corps, aussi naturellement qu'elle est passée, dans le précédent, de l'enfance à la jeunesse, puis à la vieillesse. Ce changement ne trouble pas qui a conscience de sa nature spirituelle.

BG 2.13: Así como en este cuerpo el alma encarnada pasa continuamente de la niñez a la juventud y luego a la vejez, de la misma manera el alma pasa a otro cuerpo en el momento de la muerte. A la persona sensata no la confunde ese cambio.

BG 02.13 Gita In Brief 2003
Lecture - BG 2.13 Gita In Brief 2003 Lithuania


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 2.13 Gita In Brief

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 2.7-24 Overview


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 2.7-24 Overview



BG 2.7: Now I am confused about my duty and have lost all composure because of miserly weakness. In this condition I am asking You to tell me for certain what is best for me. Now I am Your disciple, and a soul surrendered unto You. Please instruct me.

BG 2.8: I can find no means to drive away this grief which is drying up my senses. I will not be able to dispel it even if I win a prosperous, unrivaled kingdom on earth with sovereignty like the demigods in heaven.

BG 2.9: Sañjaya said: Having spoken thus, Arjuna, chastiser of enemies, told Kṛṣṇa, "Govinda, I shall not fight," and fell silent.

BG 2.7: La défaillance m'a fait perdre tout mon sang-froid; je ne vois plus où est mon devoir. Indique-moi clairement la voie juste. Je suis à présent Ton disciple et m'en remets à Toi; éclaire-moi, je T'en prie.

BG 2.8: Ce qui pourrait chasser la douleur qui m'accable, je ne le vois pas. Nul apaisement pour moi, même si, tel un deva dans le ciel, je régnais ici-bas sur un royaume sans pareil.

BG 2.9: Sanjajaya dit: Ayant ainsi dévoilé ses pensées, Arjuna, vainqueur des ennemis, dit à Kṛṣṇa: "0 Govinda, je ne combattrai pas", puis se tait.

BG 2.7: Ahora estoy confundido en cuanto a mi deber, y he perdido toda compostura a causa de una mezquina flaqueza. En esta condición, Te pido que me digas claramente qué es lo mejor para mí. Ahora soy Tu discípulo y un alma entregada a Ti. Por favor, instrúyeme.

BG 2.8: No encuentro ninguna forma de apartar este pesar que me está secando los sentidos. No podré disiparlo ni siquiera si obtengo en la Tierra un reino próspero y sin igual, con una soberanía tal como la de los semidioses en el cielo.

BG 2.9: Sañjaya dijo: Habiendo hablado así, Arjuna, el castigador de los enemigos, le dijo a Kṛṣṇa "Govinda, no pelearé", y enmudeció.

BG 02.07-24 Overview
Lecture - Bhagavad Gita 2.7-24 Overview


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 2.7-24 Overview

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.16.14-24 Result Of Our Actions Depends On The Mode They Are In


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.16.14-24 Result Of Our Actions Depends On The Mode They Are In



SB 11.16.14: Among saintly brāhmaṇas I am Bhṛgu Muni, and I am Manu among saintly kings. I am Nārada Muni among saintly demigods, and I am Kāmadhenu among cows.

SB 11.16.15: I am Lord Kapila among perfected beings and Garuḍa among birds. I am Dakṣa among the progenitors of mankind, and I am Aryamā among the forefathers.

SB 11.16.16: My dear Uddhava, among the demoniac sons of Diti know Me to be Prahlāda Mahārāja, the saintly lord of the asuras. Among the stars and herbs I am their lord, Candra (the moon), and among Yakṣas and Rākṣasas I am the lord of wealth, Kuvera.

SB 11.16.17: I am Airāvata among lordly elephants, and among aquatics I am Varuna, the lord of the seas. Among all things that heat and illuminate I am the sun, and among human beings I am the king.

SB 11.16.18: Among horses I am Uccaiḥśravā, and I am gold among metals. I am Yamarāja among those who suppress and punish, and among serpents I am Vāsuki.

SB 11.16.14-24_Result Of Our Actions Depends On The Mode They Are In_2010-01-04
Lecture - Srimad Bhagavatam 11.16.14-24 Result Of Our Actions Depends On The Mode They Are In 2010-01-04 Melbourne.


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.16.14-24 Result Of Our Actions Depends On The Mode They Are In

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.5.51-11.6.7 Transcendental Rasa With Krsna Begins With Astonishment


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.5.51-11.6.7 Transcendental Rasa With Krsna Begins With Astonishment



SB 11.5.51: Śrī Śukadeva Gosvāmī continued: Having heard this narration, the greatly fortunate Vasudeva was completely struck with wonder. Thus he and his most blessed wife Devakī gave up all illusion and anxiety that had entered their hearts.

SB 11.5.52: Anyone who meditates on this pious historical narration with fixed attention will purify himself of all contamination in this very life and thus achieve the highest spiritual perfection.

SB 11.05.51-11.6.7 Transcendental Rasa With Krsna Begins With Astonishment 2009-02-06
Lecture - Srimad Bhagavatam 11.5.51-11.6.7 Transcendental Rasa With Krsna Begins With Astonishment 2009-02-06 Melbourne.


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.5.51-11.6.7 Transcendental Rasa With Krsna Begins With Astonishment

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.5.50 Krsna Is Completely Neutral To Everyone


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.5.50 Krsna Is Completely Neutral To Everyone


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.5.50 Krsna Is Completely Neutral To Everyone

SB 11.05.50 Krsna Is Completely Neutral To Everyone 2009-02-05 Lecture - Srimad Bhagavatam 11.5.50 Krsna Is Completely Neutral To Everyone 2009-02-05 Melbourne

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.5.49 Krsna Expects Us To Think About Him While Engaging In His Devotional Service


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.5.49 Krsna Expects Us To Think About Him While Engaging In His Devotional Service


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.5.49 Krsna Expects Us To Think About Him While Engaging In His Devotional Service

SB 11.05.49 Krsna Expects Us To Think About Him While Engaging In His Devotional Service 2009-02-04 Lecture - Srimad Bhagavatam 11.5.49 Krsna Expects Us To Think About Him While Engaging In His Devotional Service 2009-02-04 Melbourne

 
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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.5.46 The Exalted Position Of Vasudeva & Devaki


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.5.46 The Exalted Position Of Vasudeva & Devaki


H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 11.5.46 The Exalted Position Of Vasudeva & Devaki

SB 11.05.46 The Exalted Position Of Vasudeva & Devaki 2009-02-02 Lecture - Srimad Bhagavatam 11.5.46 The Exalted Position Of Vasudeva & Devaki 2009-02-02 Melbourne

 
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Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: “Abscess” by Forrest Gander

Good morning kiss. Their teeth glance. Clack of June
bugs against pane. On the porch a young man
in the full sun rocking.
Jars incubate tomato plants. His mother sweeps the dirt
yard away from flowering vinca and bottle tree.
Straightens up, one-eyed by ragged hens. As her boy
ambles away to the steady pulse
in his skull.
The cattle gate
swinging open behind him.
She takes a headache powder
and it is nineteen and twenty seven.
The James overruns its levee, backs up
the Blackwater. Nineteen and twenty nine: she reads his postcard,
the tobacco crop burns. Nineteen and thirty, drought.
Long limp bags drag through fields. The Lord whistles
for the fly. Revival tents threaten a rain
of scorpions. To cure her hiccups,
the woman sees a hypnotist. Promptly
coughs herself to death. In pungs marked men ride. The son
is blown away. No one returns in this story. No one escapes.
The tribe is glued together for ruination, friends.
There is no more time, there is no way out.



Filed under: Poetry
 
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H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Monday, May 2, 2011

Starting a Shop the Right Way

Toronto, Ontario

In north India it's commonly called havan. In the south people refer to it as homa. In the English speaking ISKCON world we call it a fire sacrifice. From the Sanskrit language (the mother tongue of many) a fire sacrifice takes on the term agni-hotra.

We conducted one today, a very modified version from grandiose renditions of India's ancient past when brahmin priests were in abundance and pious maharajas (kings) sponsored such events. Our venue for such a ritual was at the Blugod Tattoo Shop which has been open now for some time. But owner Jovani Cannibas considers the real opening to be at the time of blessings.

I received a request today for conducting a marriage. The couple are legally betrothed but they have yet to receive the Vedic ceremony, the one that brings on the blessings.

You know, some people have got it right. You can't just move on in life on the power of documents, paper signing and legal bindings. These things may ensure some security but they don't necessarily give life.

I explained to Julie, an employee at the tattoo shop, and who attended the richly conducted fire ceremony, that this rite is the real start, the real ignition. The fire and the mantras to accompany it are there to purify the atmosphere and to extinguish negative energy.

As I and two brahmacaris (monks) took the trek back to the temple ashram I contemplated on how awesome it would be if all shops sharing the street with the Bluegod Tattoo Shop could start business with a light and mantras. Then actual life could be infused and some karma even go up in flames.

4 KM

 
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H.H. Sivarama Swami: April 27th Skype conference with Russian disciples on topics of siksa guru, blood milk and chanting Hare Krsna

(English only)

 
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Mayapur Online: Sri Gadadhara Pandit's Appearance day

"Remember Gaura-Gadadhara during the time of Their pastimes, Meditate on Gaura-Gadadhara, the Divine couple, the par-excellence of beauty. Hear beautiful discussions on the topics of Gaura-Gadadhara, and worship them in the forest grove of Godruma, bathed in the light of the moon."
   -Bhaktivinode Thakur

read more

 
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Ananda Subramanian, Iowa, USA: Albert Einstein’s Letter to Phyllis

In 1936, Albert Einstein wrote the following letter to a sixth-grade student, Phyllis Wright, in response to her question as to whether scientists pray, and if so, what they pray for.

January 24, 1936

Dear Phyllis,

I have tried to respond to your question as simply as I could. Here is my answer

Scientific research is based on the idea that everything that takes place is determined by laws of nature, and therefore this holds for the actions of people.

For this reason, a research scientist will hardly be inclined to believe that events could be influenced by a prayer, i.e., by a wish addressed to a supernatural being.

However, it must be admitted that our actual knowledge of the laws is only imperfect and fragmentary, so that, actually, the belief in the existence of basic all-embracing laws in Nature also rests on a sort of faith.

All the same this faith has been largely justified so far by the success of scientific research.

But, on the other hand, everyone one who is seriously involved in the pursuit of science becomes convinced that a spirit is manifest in the laws of the Universe – a spirit vastly superior to that of man, and one in the face of which we with our modest powers must feel humble. In this way the pursuit of science leads to a religious feeling of a special sort, which is indeed quite different from the religiosity of someone more naïve.

I hope this answers your question.

Best wishes,
Albert Einstein


My critique of the letter

The above letter by Albert Einstein gives a simplistic explanation of scientific research. He explains that research or science is based on the idea that everything that takes place is determined by the Laws of Nature.

A law implies systematic function over time.
A systematic function indicates a system.
A system indicates structure
A structure indicates hierarchy of order or cross-functioning relationships.
Order and functions operate on intelligence.

Therefore, by Einstein’s own words, he implies that there is a higher order or higher intelligence governing the systematic laws of nature. The scientists, however, are only interested in understanding how the laws function and not so much the system behind the law.

To give a crude analogy, it is like someone is interested in the laws concerning driving but not so much interested with the department of transportation that creates and implements the law. In one sense, one does not need to know the department to understand the law. However, this type of understanding is incomplete.

Unless one understands the functions and systems of a body of governance, it is very difficult to interpret and manipulate the laws completely and perfectly. In other words, incomplete and imperfect understanding of a law can lead to ultimate systems malfunction (disorder) thus defeating the original purpose of a law (that is to create order).

Einstein in his letter admits to the imperfect and fragmentary knowledge base of the scientific community. What he does not say is that this imperfect learning can do more harm than good. This we are realizing today. The issues of global warming, environmental pollution (air, water etc), species extinction, cross pollination of diseases between man and animal, gradual degradation of social and cultural ethos of man devolving him/her to mere animal propensities etc etc the list can go on. All indicate disorder or systems malfunction. The very laws that were created to help mankind is actually causing harm.

Einstein out of humility thus revealing his true intellectual genius admits the limitations and also writes that one who is serious about scientific knowledge is convinced of a Great Spirit above the laws. He is indirectly indicating about intelligence beyond our own. This is the beginning of Vedic studies. Where Einstein ends, the saints of the Vedic school begin that the intelligence of the universe is beyond our own and that our understanding is negligible in comparison.

Therefore, to actually be religious and scientific means to make this shift in paradigm. That is to scientifically study and admit our own infinitesimal position in relation to the infinite and religiously approach the Great Spirit (the Infinite) in a mood of humility and devotion to reveal the system, its laws and our relationship with it.

Then, our knowledge becomes perfect and complete.

Hare Krishna
 
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Yoga of Ecology, Bhakta Chris, USA: Who Protects The Animals?


From Mark Bittman's blog at the New York Times

Getting caught is a drag.

Just ask Kirt Espenson, whose employees at E6 Cattle Company in western Texas were videotaped bashing cows’ heads in with pickaxes and hammers and performing other acts of unspeakably sickening cruelty.

Yet if some state legislators have their way, horrific but valuable videos like that one will never be made.

But, first, the story: Espenson, who comes off on the phone as sincere and contrite, explained to me that he’d made a “catastrophic error in a very difficult situation,” when ultracold weather caused frostbite in some of his 20,000 cattle. He was short-staffed and had his best employees saving the endangered but viable cows while new workers were asked to “euthanize” those who were near death. Out came the hammers. “We just didn’t have the protocol to deal with it,” he told me. “I made a mistake and take full responsibility.”

The offending employees have been terminated. Nothing like this has ever happened before. Nothing like this will ever happen again.

Much as I’d like to believe Espenson, this sounds like too many other horror stories of animal cruelty, and frankly — without belittling either situation — the excuses echo Abu Ghraib. And this is far from an isolated incident. Remember the four Iowa factory farmers who pleaded guilty in 2009 to sexually abusing and beating pigs, and the abuses of downed cattle exposed by the Humane Society of the United States in 2008 at the Hallmark slaughterhouse in California, which led to the country’s biggest ever recall of meat.

The root problem is not Espenson or his company, any more than the root problem at Abu Ghraib was Lynndie England. The problem is the system that enables cruelty and a lack not just of law enforcement but actual laws. Because the only federal laws governing animal cruelty apply to slaughterhouses, where animals may spend only minutes before being dispatched. None apply to farms, where animals are protected only by state laws.

And these may be moving in the wrong direction. In their infinite wisdom the legislatures of Iowa, Minnesota, Florida and others are considering measures that would punish heroic videographers like the one who spent two weeks as an E6 employee, who was clearly traumatized by the experience. (I spoke to him on the phone Saturday, with a guarantee of anonymity.)

Minnesota’s “ag-gag” law — isn’t that a great name? — would seek to punish not only photographers and videographers but those who distribute their work, which means organizations like the Humane Society of the United States and Mercy for Animals, which contracted the videographer for the E6 investigation. “It’s so sweeping,” says Nathan Runkle, the executive director of Mercy for Animals, “that if you took a picture of a dog at a pet shop and texted it to someone, that could be a crime.” Unconstitutional? Probably, but there it is.

Videotaping at factory farms wouldn’t be necessary if the industry were properly regulated. But it isn’t. And the public knows this; the one poll about the Iowa ag-gag law shows a mere 21 percent of people supporting it. And poll after poll finds that almost everyone believes that even if it costs more, farm animals should be treated humanely.

That is not the norm on factory farms. Espenson insists that it was a coincidence that the investigator for Mercy for Animals showed up just when his workers were hammering cows’ heads; the videographer believes it was routine. And, while the farmer claims that extreme weather had hurt the cows, Weather Underground recorded that the weather was far from extreme during the period in question. The investigator theorizes that weaker, less desirable animals were sickened by living in their own feces.

We can’t know. What we can know is that organizations like the Humane Society and Mercy for Animals need to be allowed to do the work that the federal and state governments are not: documenting the kind of behavior most of us abhor. Indeed, the independent investigators should be supported. As Runkle says, “The industry should be teaming up with organizations like ours to put cameras in these facilities, to advocate for mandatory training and have real euthanasia policies, things that would allow the public to trust these operations rather than fear them.”

The biggest problem of all is that we’ve created a system in which standard factory-farming practices are inhumane, and the kinds of abuses documented at E6 are really just reminders of that. If you’re raising and killing 10 billion animals every year, some abuse is pretty much guaranteed.

There is, of course, the argument that domesticating animals in order to kill them is essentially immoral; those of us who eat meat choose not to believe this. But in “Bengal Tiger,” a Broadway play set at Baghdad Zoo, the tiger — played by Robin Williams — wonders: “What if my every meal has been an act of cruelty?” The way most animals are handled in the United States right now has to have all of us omnivores wondering the same thing. 

An earlier version of this column misidentified the location of E6 Cattle Company. It is in western Texas, not in southwest Texas.


Visit my blog, where you can find out more about my columns, or what I just cooked. You can also join me on Facebook or Twitter.


 
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Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: An opportunity at every step


Submitted by : Bhakta Milind

We traveled recently to Chicago, the hotel front desk clerk seemed to be unusually bright for that job. So I asked him if he was the owner, as it is not unusual among hotel owners to stand in for their employees. He said no. Then I asked him what he was doing there. He explained that he had just completed a Master's degree in Health Administration, and was worried about getting a good job, that this was his "survival" job. So I asked him what he was doing about it... he used the words "Trying to making it happen". I asked him if he thought that "making it happen" was all in our hands. He said yes. So I asked him why then was he anxious when he clearly did not want to be anxious. That got him thinking. I asked him if he was interested in spiritual matters. He said yes, and immediately wary, taking a quick second look at my Vaishnava Tilaka and Prabhupada T-shirt, replied "yes, yes, as long as it does not interfere with my schedule". So I asked him if a 30-minute investment of time in understanding the nature of anxiety was too much of an interference with his schedule. He said no. I asked him if he would read some books that helped me a lot to overcome anxiety and are helping me succeed in life. He said yes. I commended him, praised his studious and honest nature, and went to the car to get several small books, Beyond Birth and Death, Bhakti Yoga, Dharma, Civilization and Transcendence...and some more, I don't even remember exactly which ones. I was thinking maybe he would take one, maybe two. He took all of them! Next day, when we were checking out, he gave me his email address, confirmed that I would write to him, and said he had only flipped through the books last night, but would surely read them soon.

Intelligent persons all over the world are just waiting to be introduced to this sublime philosophy of Bhakti Yoga, and the joyful life that comes from living the philosophy ourselves. WHen we try sincerely to live that philosophy, then our simple sincerity, inspite of all our imperfections serve to attract everyone to hear about Krishna. Our enthusiasm is contagious, everyone who is open minded wants to know, what are these people so enthusiastic about? What, they are not even making any money doing this? Why are they doing this? "Let me see." and they take a book. Which is the beginning of the end of their material imprisonment. We're all about freedom from enslavement, and the intelligent get it.

 
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Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: Network of sankirtan army


I was at Kensington for Sankirtan this Saturday but a series of events, completely unplanned, resulted in me reaching Bloor and Spadina for Sankirtan. As soon as I reached there I ran into a young couple who were just passing through the intersection. As I showed them Srila Prabhuapda's books, they recognised him and explained that they were from Ottawa. I told them we have a centre in Ottawa and they told me they were regular visitors to the Govindas. I told them I knew Shankar Prabhu and they said they did too and really loved the food. Their appreciation for Prashad and prabhu perhaps got them the bonus points needed to come in touch with Srila Prabhupada's books so they ended up taking books and saying they would read it.
My realisation was that we may think that here we are standing all alone doing sankirtan but that is a very limited and tiny vision. If you look at the big picture, there is a network of Sankirtan army all through the universe and we are never alone on Sankirtan. Very kindly Srila Prabhupada has given us all a spot here in Toronto, we just have to be there at the spot to recieve the people he sends our way to pick these books.

 
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Dandavats.com: Croatian Vaishnava Summer Festival 2011

Vrsabha das: We are glad to inform you that the Croatian Summer Festival will take place in camp Klenovica near the town Novi Vindolski (6 km to the East) at the Adriatic coast during the period from 25th June to 3rd July 2011

 
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Dandavats.com: North American Child Protection Office Director

Tamohara das: The North American GBC and Executive Committee are looking for a Director for a North American Child Protection Office (CPO). This will be a new office and position that will work under the North American Executive Committee, and also report to the International Director of ISKCON Central Office of Child Protection

 
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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 298—Poem for May 2

www.sdgonline.org. SDGonline Daily updates

4:49 A.M.

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 35 years. I hope this variety will be pleasing.

Poem for May 2

The Srimad-Bhagavatam deals
severely with Sringi calling
him a puffed up, unqualified
son of a brahmana. By killing Pariksit
he opened the door for the personified
Kali to enter. His father Samika
Rsi said, ‘Oh, what sinful acts
you have committed.’

I asked Narayana what are his
objectives in visiting Trinidad.
He said it is to fulfill his
sannyasa candidacy duties,
to help out giving classes, talking
to the devotees and attending three
Ratha-yatras. We are both
anxious about his leaving.

Lord Caitanya told Rupa Gosvami
that madhurya-rati contains all
the qualities of the other rasas.
‘I have given you a summation,
you can expand on it.’ Then
He said He was going to Benares.
Rupa wanted to accompany Him, but
the Lord told him, ‘Your duty
is to follow My order and
go to Vrndavana.’ Caitanya
Mahaprabhu got into a
boat and Rupa fainted.

Baladeva is not regulated.
He stays up late at night
and gets up early in the
morning, but he is sincerely
trying to find a better rhythm.

As I write my poem
the birds outside begin
their chirping. Our yard
is a bird sanctuary, all
day many species arriving
at the feeders, yellow
finches, juncos, the
bigger birds at a separate
feeder. Yesterday for
the first time, a Baltimore
Oriole appeared in the pink
tree.

I am praying in my way,
gathering the strands of
a little life and later
in the morning going before
the gods of the autobiog.
and petitioning for more
writing. So far they
have been kind to me,
and I just have to continue
making it as big as
possible.

 
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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): OLD FRIENDS

www.sdgonline.org. SDGonline Daily updates

From With Srila Prabhupada in the Early Days: My Letters from Srila Prabhupada

“My dear Satsvarupa,

“‘Please accept my blessings. Regarding your questions about the inhabitants of Vrajabhumi or Vrndavana, it is to be understood that Vrndavana is the original abode of Lord Krishna, as He is the original Personality of Godhead in that transcendental plane. He has His transcendental associates engages in different exchanges of humor. For ourselves, when we are in the perfect stage of devotional service, we can know our eternal relationship with Krishna, and as such, one of the associates of Lord Krishna becomes our ideal leader. This acceptance of leadership by one of the eternal associates of the Lord is not artificial. Do not, therefore, try it at present; it will be automatically revealed to you in the proper time.’

“In the first paragraph of this letter, Srila Prabhupada answers a question I asked about a very advanced part of Krishna conscious philosophy, which I had heard him speak about in his dictations of Teachings of Lord Caitanya. Prabhupada explained that before one assumes his rasa with Krishna, he first goes to Vrndavana and follows a leader in his particular rasa, and that leader—a resident of Vrndavana—trains him to associate with Krishna in that eternal rasa. When I heard this, I didn’t know what it meant, and I had innocently asked Srila Prabhupada. Yet in this letter we see Prabhupada has not elaborated on what he wrote in Teachings of Lord Caitanya in answering my question. He said I was not ready. I was prematurely asking about something that required advanced realization. We have seen over the years—during Prabhupada’s presence and after his disappearance—that some of his disciples have not been satisfied with the amount of information Prabhupada has given on different advanced spiritual topics. Sometimes they have gone to other devotees and spiritual masters in the Gaudiya Vaisnava sampradaya to ask for further information. I would have, therefore, been disobedient if I had tried to delve further, since he explicitly told me not to.

“Lord Caitanya also showed this example in relation to His spiritual master, Isvara Puri. Isvara Puri told Lord Caitanya not to study Vedanta-sutra but to simply chant Hare Krishna. Lord Caitanya did what His spiritual master said, and as a result He manifested all the symptoms of pure love of God.

“We have to be faithful to our spiritual master, even if he appears to limit us in our spiritual advancement. There is no question that our  spiritual master will actually limit us, but for our own benefit he may restrict us from inquiring into different points if we are not actually prepared to enter those areas of understanding. The advanced point being discussed in this letter refers to the siddha-deha­ or svarupa-siddhi of the living entity. Each of us has an eternal rasa with Krishna, which was revealed to us by our spiritual master, but we cannot realize our rasa just by hearing about it.

“At this time I had been initiated for only six months, and yet I was asking Prabhupada for very advanced information. How valuable would it have been for my spiritual development if Srila Prabhupada had told me more about this topic? Not having controlled my material desires, there was no question that I could understand my rasa with Krishna—even if someone were to have told me what it was, it would have made no sense. If a so-called spiritual master tells his neophyte disciple his rasa, it will simply mislead the devotee. It will be a farce.

“On the other hand, no one can say Prabhupada didn’t teach us advanced things. He was writing them in Teachings of Lord Caitanya, which was available in the very beginning of ISKCON to a neophyte like myself. While full understanding was beyond us, at least we knew the evidence of such a higher state.

“Naturally, I received Srila Prabhupada’s letter soberly. I understood that Prabhupada was being gentle and fatherly with me. He didn’t think I was being devious. I was inquiring about something I had read in his book. In a fatherly, concerned way he gently informed me that at the present time there was no question about me trying to understand anything further about this topic. I was actually pleased when I read this; I was not at all disappointed.

“The disciple only wants to get instructions or directions from his spiritual master. He has no predetermined desire about what he wants his spiritual master to say; he simply wants the right direction. The importance of these letters is that as a disciple, I received instructions that permanently formed my spiritual life. These are my letters, but Prabhupada wrote letters to other disciples, and in each case whatever he said molded the life of that devotee.

“Although my letters from Prabhupada are specific and apply uniquely to me, others can also read them in a general way—as a guideline. We are therefore commenting on these letters, treating them as sastric texts. For myself, they are certainly sastra. Guru, sastra, and sadhu form the direction for the disciple. They are the source of spiritual knowledge. The guru’s teachings are sastric, or spiritual; therefore the guru’s letters are sastric. By the logic that things equal to the same thing are equal to each other, the guru’s letters are equal to sastra. These different instructions are therefore a storehouse of direction for one in spiritual life.

“One may ask, ‘What if a disciple, rather  than asking questions that may be too advanced for his understanding at present, just waits patiently to get the answers? Is this silent patience a virtue? Or would it be better if he asked penetrating questions?’ The basis of approaching a spiritual master is inquiry and service. One should inquire, but that is automatically taken care of if one is eager to listen. The disciple is inquiring by hearing a lecture by the spiritual master or by reading his articles or books. If in the course of hearing from his spiritual master or while reading Vedic literature he doesn’t understand a certain item, he can inquire directly about it. Or if he thinks it is a very advanced topic, he can wait and his spiritual master will tell him about it at the proper time.

“Prabhupada’s own example is that he only asked his spiritual master, ‘How can I serve you?’ and did not pose many philosophical questions. Prabhupada was an ideal disciple: he simply wanted to serve his spiritual master. Sometimes there is an impure tinge in a disciple, and he poses as more intelligent than he actually is. He may even go so far as to test his spiritual master.

“In the early days Prabhuapada instructed us to hold ista-gosthis.
He told us the meaning of ista-gosthi was ‘to discuss what the spiritual master has said.’ Prabhupada would sit up in his apartment at 26 Second Avenue, and we would sit in the storefront temple room and discuss.

“At one of our ista-gosthis., Raya Rama discussed how Chicago could become a Krishna conscious city, and how other cities could follow, and how eventually we would buy land in Alaska and other places. These were big visions coming from a small storefront where we could barely buy a pair of sneakers. We were talking about how we were going to take over the world. We knew Prabhupada also thought like that.

“Prabhupada gave general ideas for expanding preaching. There should be preaching in different cities. ‘So,’ he would say, ‘Brahmananda, will you go to Moscow?’ and everyone would laugh. Then he would say to someone else, ‘So, you will go to China?’ and everyone would laugh. He would laugh too, but he seriously meant what he said.

“After this particular ista-gosthi, he chided us: ‘What are you talking about?’

“I said, ‘We are talking about our goals.’

“He said, ‘The goal is Krishna,’ and I had a feeling that we hadn’t used the ista-gosthi properly. Instead of speculating about taking over the world through cultural influence, we should have been discussing how to become pure devotees to preach Prabhupada’s mission. Then Krishna would become pleased to give us the power to take over the world. Another time he referred in a chiding way to some of the questions we had manufactured in one of our ista-gosthis: ‘I know your ista-gosthi questions,’ he said. ‘You want to know how many miles long was the Putana witch.’

“If, however, one has a doubt about something—he doesn’t understand a text of the scriptures, or doesn’t understand an instruction—he should definitely submit  an honest question. The spiritual master is always pleased to supply the answer.”

From My Dear Lord Krishna: A Book of Prayers, Volume II

“St. Augustine’s mother wept and prayed all her life that her son would give up his sinful ways and become Your faithful servant. When he converted, she rejoiced. When she died, he grieved with great reverence and gratitude for her intercession. Srila Prabhupada interceded for us. He prayed and worked to convince us to become Your devotees. He sacrificed all his physical and mental comforts to come to America. I am eternally grateful that he turned me into Your worker. Otherwise, I would have died in a miserable condition, without You. When I see him, I am reminded of Krishna because he is a maha-bhagavata, the highest category of pure devotee. He sees that it is possible for all kinds of people to become your devotees, regardless of their birth or bad habits. I praise Lord Krishna because Prabhupada has given me the means and realization to do so.

“Now, over thirty years since Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance, I speak to Krishna directly in the mood my spiritual master taught me and as he has described in his purports. I should see Krishna as my ever well-wisher. Lord Krishna wants me to help others to come to Him.  Without Krishna, no one is safe in this material world. We are all subject to death and coming back to another term of miserable material existence. But if we worship You, Lord Krishna, we may return to the spiritual world, where life is eternal, full of bliss and knowledge. It behooves everyone to surrender to You and be happy in this world and the next. You can bring us this peace as we render You devotional service and give up other activities.

“I ask You to accept me and teach me how to speak my mind to You. Let me be earnest and find You. You eagerly await my approach. You do not want me to hold back in the shadows of my false ego. You want me to be a clean, active bhakta. You want me to know You and proclaim Your glories. Please help me to remember all I have heard about You and keep it fresh in my memory. Sandipani Muni promised his gurukula students—Krishna and Sudama—that because they were faithful servants of their guru, the memory of Vedic teachings would always remain fresh in their minds. I pray for that also. I must always remember You by speaking words and rendering You service. Then You will always be with me, and I can talk about You to others. Let me continue to read Srimad-Bhagavatam and speaking to You each day out of duty and love.

“I still want to speak to Krishna with my words. My eyes are heavy and I’ve just eaten lunch, but I try to make prayer action. When I hear of my Godbrothers, I don’t want to become envious. I wish to attribute good motives to their activities and think well of them, even from a distance.

“I wrote this as the back cover to my book Visitors:

“‘Visitors are welcome to my door—they enlighten my space. They make my dinnertable talk more tasty.

“‘But on the other hand, I don’t look forward to visitors. They crash my party of solitude. They break my holy silence. They come, one after another. Some of them almost seem like spies from the ‘outer world.’ So it’s a dilemma. You don’t want to live without them, but it’s a burden living with them.

“‘You almost want to put a sign up outdoors, “No Visitors.”

“‘But even Thoreau, in his stay at Walden, left an extra chair at his front door for visitors.

“‘This book explores the pains and pleasures of being with others.’

“That was written four years ago, and I have the same attitude today. I am not lonely, but mostly alone. And now I have established the habit of speaking to Lord Krishna in a journal. I praise You and ask You to come closer to me. I don’t know exactly know how You receive my words. I live with that uncertainty but go on speaking to You, hoping that You accept me.

“Srila Prabhupada wrote of Krishna’s babyhood and boyhood in Srimad-Bhagavatam and stopped short of His adolescence. But in the Krishna book he gave everything. And in the Caitanya-caritamrta he gave all the ecstatic symptoms of Lord Caitanya in the mood of Radharani in separation from Krishna. He has flooded us with nectar. And he has given us all the instructions (tattva) of the Absolute Truth. There is more than enough to read our whole lives through and stay immersed in Krishna-katha.

“I see You, Lord, as the scriptures describe. You have an impersonal feature, but the devotees regard that realization as hellish. I want to know You in Your personal forms as Madana-mohana, Govinda and Gopinatha. You teach us our relationship with You, the activities of that relationship (devotional service) and the ultimate goal, pure love of God. Unless You came and sent Your representatives, we would know nothing about You. By sending Your avatars and coming personally, the world is blessed with Krishna consciousness. Thousands of persons have become pure devotees and transferred themselves out of the powerful trap of samsara, back to Your home in the spiritual world. I want to go there too. I want to be with You. I want the service that is imperishable and delightful. But in order to attain it, I have to give up all attachments to this material world. Please enable me to be strong enough to do it.

“You are the one I turn to when I am afraid. I wear sannyasa clothes to proclaim I am your man. I wear sikha and tilaka. I am not ashamed. My body is a temple of Vishnu. I ask that You to allow me to continue speaking to You. Don’t leave me struck dumb.”

 
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Gouranga TV: Lecture – Romapada Swami – SB 10.2.15 – Dealing with Reversals

Lecture – Romapada Swami – SB 10.2.15 – Dealing with Reversals

 
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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Bhakti Rasamrita Swami

Srimad Bhagavatam 12.6.12 - A person who has been bitten by the snake of maya can be revived by the Hare Krsna maha mantra (samsara-sarpa-dasta-nasta-cestaika-bhesajam...).

 
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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana

Today's darsana is accompanied by Thakura Bhaktivinoda's glorification of Gopinatha in his Kalyana-kalpataru:

03/05/2011
"O Gopinatha, You are my only hope, and therefore I have take shelter at Your lotus feet. I am Your eternal servant...

O Gopinatha, after sitting down in the core of my heart and subduing my mind, please take me to You. In this way the horrible dangers of this world will disappear"

 
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