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"Planet ISKCON" - 40 new articles
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Sanatana Dharma
- H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Saturday 2 July 2011--With Srila Prabhupada in Melbourne--and--Spiritual Master is Considered Sinless?
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana
- Japa Group: Follow By Example
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Gangesvara Prabhu
- Kurma dasa, AU: The Plant Based Breakfast
- ISKCON News.com: Bhaktivedanta Manor School Trips Leave Lasting Impressions
- ISKCON News.com: Jayadev Dasa: Listening to the Rhythm of the Soul
- Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: criticizing
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: FOCUS IN YOUR LIFE
- ISKCON News.com: The Key To Sanity
- ISKCON News.com: Beat Insomnia Naturally
- ISKCON News.com: Docs Turn Baby Girls Into Boys
- Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Tomorrow is Ratha Yatra so today is Gundica Marjana
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- ISKCON News.com: Dalai Lama To Host Washington D.C. Peace Festival In July
- Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Today is Canada Day. "Rationalism is required, not Nationalism."
- Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: Bhaktivinode’s Disappearance Day — A Quote From Him
- New Vrndavan, USA: Nectar of Devotion in New Vrindaban
- Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: Meetingspeak
- Matsyavatara das (ACBSP), Italy: How to transform a rebellious mind into a Wonderful Mind (2/2). By Matsyavatara das (Marco Ferrini)
- Mayapuris, USA: Mayapuris at the Amrit Yoga Institute!
- Devadeva Mirel, Alachua, USA: Recipe : Naturally Pink + White Vegan Checkerboard Cookies
- Manoj, Melbourne, AU: 214. Srila Prabhupad Lecture 8 : The Medical Process
- ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Let’s All Wear Blue or Yellow for Lord Jagannatha!
- H.H. Sivarama Swami: Talks with Caitanya Candra about devotee association, friendship and preaching as impetuses to keep going
- Devadeva Mirel, Alachua, USA: Naughty Hardware
- Vraja Kishor, JP: What is Knowledge?
- H.H. Sivarama Swami
- H.H. Sivarama Swami
- Japa Group: Japa Room Opening Friday 1st July
- H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: ISKCON UJJAIN SNANA YATRA 2011.
- Gouranga TV: Ratha Yatra 2011 in Moscow
- More Recent Articles
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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Sanatana Dharma
Yesterday's Sanatana Dharma Dinner was an absolute success: the attendance of guests pleasantly exceeded our expectations.
Here is a slideshow of all the happy faces we encountered at the Banquet.
•H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Saturday 2 July 2011--With Srila Prabhupada in Melbourne--and--Spiritual Master is Considered Sinless?
A daily broadcast of the Ultimate Self Realization Course Saturday 2 July 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: With Srila Prabhupada in Melbourne Uploaded from Melbourne, Australia On 30 June 2011 in Melbourne, Australia I was blessed with the most auspicious opportunity of making a presentation on the science of Krishna consciousness in the personal quarters of my spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. What made it especially auspicious is that Srila Prabhupada is fully present in those quarters both in his deity presence and in his vibrational presence. There is no feeling more wonderful than acting as a messenger of Srila Prabhupada, one of the greatest spiritual masters in the history of the universe. And to do so in a place where his presence can so strongly be felt is phenomenal. Sankarshan Das Adhikari In Srila Prabhupada's Quarters Melbourne, Australia--30 June 2011 http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Spring/MEL_Lect_SP_Qrts.JPG http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Spring/SP-Melbourne.JPG http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Spring/Mel_Lect_Sp_quarters.JPG http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Spring/MEL_SP_QRTS.JPG Answers According to the Vedic Version: Question: Spiritual Master is Considered Sinless? Srila Gurudeva, All glories to you. I have a question: Is the spiritual master considered sinless? Thank you for helping me in my journey. Luis Answer: Not Considered Sinless, He Must Be Sinless. There is no question of the spiritual master being merely considered to be sinless. He must factually be sinless. Otherwise, he cannot be a spiritual master. He is sinless because he is completely free from illicit sex, meat eating, intoxication, and gambling and because he always acts selflessly for the liberation of all living beings from the cycle of birth and death. 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:
•ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana
"As morning after morning Krishna enjoys pastimes in the company of His friends -
washing Krishna's glorious face, hands, and feet, the massage of His body with oil, His bath, the washing of His limbs, His being dressed with a pair of garments, His performing acamana, His being marked with tilaka, His performing His morning duties, His being dressed in splendid garments and decorated with jewel ornaments, His wearing a peacock feather, and His carrying a flute, bugle, and a stick -
all attract my heart."
(Gopal Campu 1.2 by Srila Jiva Goswami)
All these activities are still being carried out daily, leading to the grand opening of the curtains when Beautiful Krishna grants His audience; His darsana that attracts the hearts of all.
•Japa Group: Follow By Example
•ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Gangesvara Prabhu
Srimad Bhagavatam 12.11.29-50 - The description of the sun in Srimad Bhagavatam.
•Kurma dasa, AU: The Plant Based Breakfast
In today's inbox was a letter from Tony Boutagy, director of the Sydney-based Boutagy Fitness Institute and a member of the Australian Institute of Fitness Personal Training Advisory Panel. As a recipient of the 2004 Australian Fitness Industry’s Author of the Year Award Tony has written strength workouts for athletes in 24 different sports.
Tony wrote: "Dear Kurma, I just referred my readers to your wonderful website. We met last year as you were kind enough to sign your cook books for me. I cook from your books at least 3 times a week!"
Here's a couple of Tony's recommended unprocessed, low GI fibre-rich breakfast suggestions.
Don't be fooled into thinking you need meat to be a good athlete or sportsperson, There's vegetarians in all walks of sporting life. Read more about ultra-fit vegetarians...
•ISKCON News.com: Bhaktivedanta Manor School Trips Leave Lasting Impressions
 | While summer holidays have already begun in the US, schoolteachers all over the UK are still looking forward to their six-week break from July 24th to September 2nd, when they’ll get to take some time off from their rewarding yet busy jobs. |
•ISKCON News.com: Jayadev Dasa: Listening to the Rhythm of the Soul
 | As a kid growing up in Dagenham, Essex in the 1950s and early 1960s, John Richardson hated ballroom dance music and crooning. But his area at the time had only one radio station, and that was the only type of music it played. |
•Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: criticizing
As related by Giriraja Maharaja:
On a morning walk on Juhu Beach, Srila Prabhupada quoted a Sanskrit verse related to criticizing, to the effect that one should say, "The beautiful tree, with luxuriant foliage, delicious fruits, and aromatic flowers, has lost its juice," not just, "The tree is dry [dead]"--although the second statement has the same meaning as the first.
My query: What is the Sanskrit verse that Srila Prabhupada quoted?
•Akrura das, Gita Coaching: FOCUS IN YOUR LIFE
With one-to-one Gita Coaching you will:
• Question your thinking, feeling and willing to discover the most effective ways for those functions of the mind.
• Thoroughly assess how you view your personal strengths and behaviors.
• Focus on applying each new habit for your success in specific areas.
• Set goals for practicing the qualities that make you most effective.
• Leverage your strengths to best achieve your goals.
•ISKCON News.com: The Key To Sanity
 | Family split-ups have helped create an underworld of anarchists bent on destroying what little is left of harmony and tranquility. Family structures and values are not the total answer. However, today's departure from long-term committed relationships generates a seedy undercurrent of gratuitous violence that creates unnecessary fear. |
•ISKCON News.com: Beat Insomnia Naturally
 | If you have ever struggled to fall asleep at night or stay asleep through the night, you are not alone. It is estimated that over 30% Americans experience insomnia while close to 60 million people have sleep trouble in a given year. |
•ISKCON News.com: Docs Turn Baby Girls Into Boys
 | Girls are being 'converted' into boys in Indore - by the hundreds every year - at ages where they cannot give their consent for this life-changing operation. The low cost of surgery and the relatively easy and unobtrusive way of getting it done in this city attracts parents from Delhi and Mumbai to get their child surgically 'corrected'. |
•Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Tomorrow is Ratha Yatra so today is Gundica Marjana
sri-gundica-mandiramatma-vrndaih
sammarjayanksalanatahsagaurah
sva-citta-vac chitalam ujjvalamca
krsnopavesaupayikam cakara
SriCaitanyaMahaprabhu washed and cleansed the Gundica temple with His devotees and associates. In this way He made it as cool and bright as His own heart, and thus He made the temple a befitting place for Lord SriKrsna to sit.
Writings from Mayapur summarize this pastime very nicely...
Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu would personally clean the Gundica temple along with hundreds of devotees. The Lord did this just to instruct others. While He cleaned the temple in great jubilation, He chanted the Hare Krishna mantra. When the Gundica temple was thoroughly cleansed, it became very purified, cool and pleasing, just as if the Lord’s own mind appeared there. Indeed, after everything had been washed, the minds of the devotees were as clean as the rooms. By enacting this pastime of cleaning the Gundica temple, Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu instructed us on how we should receive Lord Krishna within our heart. If we desire to see Krishna seated within our hearts, we must first of all purify our hearts fully and prepare to receive His lotus feet.
So this is in continuation of sharing posts about festivals on the Vaishnava calendar, however we quickly come to the realization that although Radha Shyamasundar's prep rooms and temple are clean we have to strive to clean our hearts and thoughts so we can be qualified to serve Their Lordships.
Gaundica Marjana ki Jaya! Jaya Jaya Chaitanya Mahaprabhu!
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1966 July 1 "Today I entered the new house at 26 Second Avenue. For my purpose it is all good. I do not why Krishna is trying to establish me in New York. I am his servant's servant and therefore let His desire be fulfilled through my agency."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1966
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1969 July 1: "I am glad to know that one rich Indian is prepared to contribute. But my mission will be more successful if the Americans construct a temple."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1970 July 1: "I do not know what Kirtanananda has told you. If there is scarcity of qualified pujaris, each center should be satisfied only by worshipping Panca Tattva by performance of Sankirtana."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1971 July 1: "I'm very sorry that you are separated from the temple. But don't worry. Krishna will save you, you can be sure. There is no doubt about it. So go on chanting Hare Krishna at all costs and never mind these tribulations of maya."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1972 July 1: "I am so much pleased that you have taken Sannyas and are preaching whole-heartedly. Do not worry about your wife and child, Krishna will take care of them. Just you save the foolish world from going to hell."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1974 July 1: "Let it be a first class, A-1 arrangement. All big officers should be invited. Goswamis and godbrothers also. All the inhabitants of Vrindaban will be invited. There is no question of money."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1974 July 1: "We do not have to be dependent on taking help from persons who will not even eat with us, thinking us inferior. We are not dependent on any Indian goswami. Let them come as invited but we shall conduct the affair ourselves."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1975 July 1: "Actually we are not fond of having businesses. Regard your main business as trying to become Krsna conscious through reading my books and associating with the devotees in the Sankirtana movement."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975
•ISKCON News.com: Dalai Lama To Host Washington D.C. Peace Festival In July
 | The Dalai Lama will visit Washington next month for an 11-day peace rally that is being billed as "the largest gathering for world peace in history." |
•Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Today is Canada Day. "Rationalism is required, not Nationalism."
On the other hand those on the spirtual platform are taking this oppurtunity to perform Gundica Marjana (see next post) and the local youth have taken the Canada day oppurtunity to hit the streets and share Mahaprabhu's potion with all they come in contact with through harinam sankirtan.
So on this Canada Day, we want to share some words from Srila Prabhupada.
"Rationalism is required, not nationalism. No. This nationalism... The Americans and the Russians, they are enemies and friend only on this principle. Prahlada Maharaja was astonished, "What is this enemy and friend?" because he is maha-bhagavata. This is materialism. This is materialism. Why one should be treated as enemy and as friend? Everyone is servant of God."
In this same conversation from November, 1975 Srila Prabhupada also states, "No, no. Brahman he is, but the rascal, he is thinking, "I am American," "I am Indian." That is rascaldom. He is Brahman. By origin he is Brahman, but rascal, due to his rascaldom, he is thinking that "I am Hindu," "I am Muslim," "I am Indian," "I am American." That is rascaldom. Otherwise he's Brahman. So when he gives up this wrong conception of life and accepts that "I am part and parcel of the Supreme Brahman," that is brahma-bhuta. Otherwise he is jiva-bhutah. Jiva bhutah maha-baho yayedam dharyate jagat "These living entities, jiva bhutah, they are conducting the whole universal affairs." Jiva-bhutam maha-baho yayedam dharyate. Without jiva what is the value? These buildings are constructed because the jivas have taken the material from the matter and done. So everything is like that. Why these trees are there? The jivas have taken the shape of this tree, and it looks beautiful. Jiva-bhutam maha-baho yayedam... Everything is like that. So that is jiva. So that jiva... In the material concept of life the tree is thinking, "I am tree," the dog is thinking, "I am dog," I am thinking, "I am Indian," you are thinking something else. So this is jiva-bhuta. And when he understands that aham brahmasmi, that is brahma-bhuta. Simple thing. Ekatvam."
Thus our purpose goes beyond material borders as we worship the Supreme Controller and the Supreme Enjoyer - Krishna.
So yes it is Canada Day but we can make it a Happy Canada Day by partaking in Mahaprabhu's mercy with reading, association, kirtan and of course Krishna Prasadam.
•Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: Bhaktivinode’s Disappearance Day — A Quote From Him
From a blog a couple of years ago
http://iskcondallas.blogspot.com/2009/06/unlessly-opinionated-professional.html
Just the Monday we honored the great Vaishnava Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura. A week earlier I was gifted with one of his amazing works, the “Sri Caitanya Siksamrta”.
I thought that I should just browse through the book. As I was in the middle of some other books. However book itself told me not to read it. As checked the index index I found this interesting topic, ‘Studying Many Scriptures’
this is what is said,
“The devotees should only learn the scriptures concerning bhakti (loving service to God) and those works that conform to the conclusions of bhakti. However, because of a lack of time, to read small parts of large works without completing a full study is not advised. Devotees should read a work thoroughly. Otherwise, they will become uselessly opinionated, professional debaters. Some people take pleasure in arguing with any statement they hear, whether good or bad. This is forbidden for devotees.”
After reading this I decided to finish the books that I am working on so that I can give proper attention to this wonderful work when I am done.
Hare Krishna
Your humble servant,
Nityananda Chandra Das
Filed under: News, Ramblings or Whatever
•New Vrndavan, USA: Nectar of Devotion in New Vrindaban
The following are three classes on Nectar of Devotion which were given by H.H. Bhakti Charu Swami on 20 – 22 June 2011 in New Vrindavan, USA.
On 22 June 2011 there was also a Srimad Bhagavatam class.
Kindly provided by H.G. Aditya Narayan Prabhu
•Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: Meetingspeak
Filed under: Jokes
•Matsyavatara das (ACBSP), Italy: How to transform a rebellious mind into a Wonderful Mind (2/2). By Matsyavatara das (Marco Ferrini)
•Mayapuris, USA: Mayapuris at the Amrit Yoga Institute!
Hey guys! We are going to be at the Amrit Yoga Institute in Salt Springs (near Ocala) in August. It’s going to be a full weekend of fun. We’ll be sharing our experiences in kirtan and chanting and dancing with all of you! Check it out!
•Devadeva Mirel, Alachua, USA: Recipe : Naturally Pink + White Vegan Checkerboard Cookies
Just as I promised. With plenty of time for you to make ahead for the 4th! These rich sugar cookies are easy on the tongue and add a delightfully sweet touch to any party. All natural coloring means you don’t have to worry about getting brain cancer from your cookies! And won’t it be fun to have guests guess what you used for the coloring? Yes, it will be fun. It will! Want to make dessert extra special? Check out the bottom of this post to see what I did to make these cookies the perfect summer dessert.
i made 6 batches for each color. the pink is colored with beet juice.
assemble the dough by quartering each roll and then reconfigure in a checkerboard.
wrap with plastic and refrigerate before slicing.
slice and transfer to a parchment lined cookie sheet.
fresh from the oven!
these cookies will satisfy the vegan guests.
and for our milk eaters, shri sandwiches: peach shrikand between 2 cookies--frozen!
Recipe : Naturally Pink + White Checkerboard Cookies
*You do need a juicer for this recipe!
*This recipe will make about 2 dozen cookies. I think.
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup vegan shortening or butter
- 3/4 cup evaporated cane juice
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 3 tablespoons water
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups AP flour
- pinch o’ salt
- *for the pink dough, follow the same recipe but sub out the water for beet juice
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients by hand.
- Add a little water if dough is not coming together.
- Roll each color into a cylinder.
- Cut each roll into fourths. Carefully reassemble in checkerboard.
- Wrap in plastic. Refrigerate a couple of hours.
- Unwrap. Slice 1/4″ thick. Place on parchment lined cookie sheet.
- Bake @ 350 for 12 minutes or until edges starting to golden.
- Remove from oven + cool.
•Manoj, Melbourne, AU: 214. Srila Prabhupad Lecture 8 : The Medical Process
A late night post of a summary of Prabhupad’s lecture I listened to :
SB 5.6.10 : 28 Dec 1976 : Mumbai
People who are lowest among men and bewildered by the illusory energy of the Supreme Lord will give up the original varṇāśrama-dharma and its rules and regulations. They will abandon bathing three times daily and worshiping the Lord. Abandoning cleanliness and neglecting the Supreme Lord, they will accept nonsensical principles. Not regularly bathing or washing their mouths regularly, they will always remain unclean, and they will pluck out their hair. Following a concocted religion, they will flourish. During this age of Kali, people are more inclined to irreligious systems. Consequently these people will naturally deride Vedic authority, the followers of Vedic authority, the brāhmaṇas, the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the devotees.
Human civilization begins by following the Varnashrama dharma. As you can see in today’s world, this is absolutely non-existent. And in India, it exists by name only and not followed the way it was followed in the ancient past. We cannot exist in a classless society. It’s not possible to break this system. In a society, there must be managers and workers. In Varnashrama system, the managers are the Brahmanas and Kshatriyas whereas the workers are the Vaishyas and Sudras. Below the Sudras are Chandalas who are in the lowest category of character and such individuals were in full control of the Kshatriyas. Because the Chandalas will create chaos. And the situation in the world today is that everyone is a Chandala.
The aim of human life is to understand God. Unfortunately, 99.9% will either deny God or they have no clear idea of God or they have no general interest in God. But we have full description of the Lord through the recordings in Srimad Bhagavatam and other Vedic literatures. Lord has clearly mentioned that He and the living entities existed in the past and will exist in the future. Both the Lord and the living entities are eternal. The destruction of the material body does not destroy the soul. This knowledge cannot be understood individually but only through the Varnashram system. This is the medical process of curing people.
Our activities are in the plane of going back to Godhead whereas those of the material people are in the plane of going to the hellish condition of life. Material means to satisfy one’s senses. But we must do everything for the satisfaction of Krishna. We must be careful not be affected by Karma. We are wasting time in this modern civilization. It’s dangerous and a soul killing way of life. And people caught up in this system of life will reject God and consider Krishna Consciousness and any God related activity to be brain-washing and mind control. This is Kali-Yuga.
•ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Let’s All Wear Blue or Yellow for Lord Jagannatha!
Have you picked out your outfit for Ratha-Yatra (Festival of India) yet? An encouraging call goes out to all devotees to wear blue or yellow for the festival to show your love for Lord Jagannatha!
This year, under the direction of Bhaktimarga Swami, our annual Ratha-Yatra parade will have an exciting twist! In an attempt to showcase our beautiful parade in a more coordinated manner, we are requesting that all devotees wear either BLUE or YELLOW on the day of the parade. On July 16th, we will become ambassadors of our beautiful Hare Krishna culture. Let’s look organized and unified and show the people of Toronto how beautiful this festival truly is.
Wear your love for Lord Jagannatha -- BLUE or YELLOW! Jaya Jagannatha!
•H.H. Sivarama Swami: Talks with Caitanya Candra about devotee association, friendship and preaching as impetuses to keep going
•Devadeva Mirel, Alachua, USA: Naughty Hardware
You know I like it when people make a statement about themselves with their kitchen. Cook to the beat of your own drummer. That sort of thing. But some well intentioned statements can be misplaced exclamations. We don’t want your “look at me” details to make us laugh at you! Here are 3 hardware mishaps that could have been avoided…read on.
•Vraja Kishor, JP: What is Knowledge?
What is “Knowledge”
As usual I will begin by giving background information about the context of the verse that we want to read and discuss today.
Firstly we have moved into the 13th chapter. This is a significant move because it is a change of theme. Themes in the gita only change on two occasions. The first happens going from the 6th to the 7th chapter, and the next, even more dramatic, really, happens going from the 12th to the 13th chapter. Altogether, then, there are three themes in the Gita.
- Duty (karma) – featured in the first 6 chapters
- Devotion (bhakti) – featured in the central 6 chapters
- Knowledge (jñāna) – featured in the final 6 chapters
The three themes together are three strands of the braid that is the general Vedic process of evolving the soul towards a harmonious union in relationship to the divine. Devotion is the most important, “central” theme of this braid, therefore it is kept safely in the middle. But duty and knowledge are also meant to be utilized as means of supporting the central theme of devotion.
The 13th chapter opens the topic of knowledge in a direct and straightforward manner: Arjuna asks Kṛṣṇa, “O Keshava, what is knowledge?”
His own question implies that he is already pretty familiar with what knowledge is, because it specifically indicates his awareness that knowledge has two parts:
- The thing which is known
- The entity which knows it
He even gives, in his questions, three sets of synonyms for these two parts of knowledge: (1) prakṛti (the thing that becomes known) and puruṣa (the entity that knows the thing); (2) kṣetra (the thing that becomes known) and kṣetra-jña (the entity that knows the thing); (3) jñeyam (the thing that becomes known) and jñānam (the entity possessing knowledge of the thing).
These synonyms are not absolutely identical, otherwise we would have to doubt the intelligence of Arjuna and fault him with being redundant. They have slightly different focuses. They divide knowledge into three arenas, spiritual, material, and the educational process itself.
- Matter
- Prakriti – nature itself
- Kṣetra – the body
- Spirit
- Puruṣa – the supreme soul
- Kṣetra-jña – the individual soul
- Education
- Jñāna – the process of education
- Jñeya – the subject of education
These are the six topics that Kṛṣṇa will elaborate on in the 13th chapter.
Answers
Kṛṣṇa says:
- The body is the field
- There are two knowers of the field
- The individual soul knows an individual field / body
- The Supersoul knows all fields / bodies
Next he defines what that the summary of education (jñāna) is to clearly and directly understand the three topics bulleted above.
The Field
Then Kṛṣṇa says he will give finer detail about each subject, starting with the field (kṣetra). In doing so, Kṛṣṇa says he will summarize the teachings of the Vedas, which themselves are summarized in the Vedānta Sūtra.
The field (our body) is made of
- Five types of elements
- Solids
- Liquids
- Gasses
- Energies
- Space
- Identity
- The unmanifest potentiality
- The intelligence
- The mind
- The ten senses controlled by the mind
- Five for acquiring data: eyes, ears, nose, mouth, skin
- Five for expression and action: hands, feet, speech/mouth, genitals, anus
- Five objects acted upon by the senses
- Form
- Sound
- Smell
- Taste
- Touch
- Fundamental resulting experiences
- Desire & disgust
- Happiness & distress
- And all the rest
- Symptoms of life
- Ambitions and convictions
These are the field (kṣetra) and the immediate results of the field interacting with itself.
Education
Next Kṛṣṇa describes the true process of education. That is, the true way by which one can most clearly and directly come to understand true knowledge. There are 20 stages of education, which are all the cultivation of character traits conducive to receiving knowledge. The first is humility, which leads to lack of pride, which leads to non-violence, etc.
I have written on these in detail here: http://vicd108.wordpress.com/2010/03/29/the-path-to-enlightenment/
The Subject of Education
Beginning with the 13th text Kṛṣṇa answers the question about jñeyam – the subject of education. This is the verse we are currently up to discussing.
I shall now explain the knowable, knowing which you will taste the eternal. Brahman, the spirit, beginningless and subordinate to Me, lies beyond the cause and effect of this material world.
•H.H. Sivarama Swami
Of all the conceptions of God existing in the world, the form of Kṛṣṇa is the most suitable for developing pure love. The conception of Allah in the Koran is not suitable for developing pure love. Even the dear prophet of the Lord could not see the form of Allah, for although the Lord is friendly, He remains at a distance from the worshipper because of the conception of God as the ‘Master’. God as perceived in the Christian faith is also a distant entity, what to speak of the impersonalists’ concept of quality-less Brahman. Even Nārāyaṇa, certainly a personal form, is not the form by which the soul can most easily obtain pure love. Kṛṣṇa alone, who resides in the spiritual abode of Vraja, is the object of pure love.
- Bhaktivinoda Thakura
•H.H. Sivarama Swami
Falling at the lotus feet of the Lord, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura begs for His mercy so that he will have enough strength to give up activities that are unfavorable to devotional service.
- Bhaktivinoda Thakura
•Japa Group: Japa Room Opening Friday 1st July
The Japa Room will be launching on Friday July 1st.
Mayapur.tv has given the Japa Room a channel to broadcast to devotees from all around the world. Mayapur.tv is the hub of devotional livestreams, presenting many amazing and wonderful events from many countries.
Here is the information about the Japa Room channel including times and content.
The Japa Room is a friendly and constructive way to improve your Japa:
In the session we will cover a number of interesting and relevant topics including direct Japa quotes from Srila Prabhupada - real life experiences and personal realisations. We will also include video footage and audio from various senior devotees.
You are most welcome to ask questions when the floor is opened up and we will endeavour to answer them all.
We will also be inviting special guest devotees to speak about their realisations on the Holy names
1st session = Every Fri. 11.30pm GMT / 6.00pm EST
* To see the time in your city
2nd session = Every Sat. 1.30pm GMT / 8.30am EST
* To see the time in your city
Here's how you can join us - visit http://www.mayapur.tv/ - scroll down and you will see the channel TheJapaRoom. To enter chat, simply click the "Get your own login" button and you can join in.
* When live (in red left hand column) you can join us for a live broadcast.
* When offline (blue in right-hand column) you can visit and chant along with the Srila Prabhupada Japa slideshow.
Don't miss out....please come along and join us for some nice association and enlivening discussion.
•H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: ISKCON UJJAIN SNANA YATRA 2011.
Pictures By Bhaktin Ratna Sent by Her Grace Radha Piyari Dasi For more pictures click here
•Gouranga TV: Ratha Yatra 2011 in Moscow
Ratha Yatra 2011 in Moscow
•More Recent Articles
- H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Friday 1 July 2011--Blissfully at Home at the Urban Yoga Center--and--How to Quickly Attain Perfect Devotion?
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana
- H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Wednesday, June 29th, 2011
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: HOW GITA COACHING WORKS?
- Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Jaya Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur! The Precept to ISKCON & the Worldwide Sankirtan Movement
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TABLA - FUENTES - FONTS
SOUV2
- SOUV2P.TTF - 57 KB
- SOUV2I.TTF - 59 KB
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- SOUV2T.TTF - 56 KB
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- balaram_.ttf - 45 KB
- SCAGRG__.TTF - 73 KB
- SCAGI__.TTF - 71 KB
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- inbenr11.ttf - 64 KB
- inbeno11.ttf - 12 KB
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- inbenb11.ttf - 66 KB
- indevr20.ttf - 53 KB
- Greek font: BibliaLS Normal
- Greek font: BibliaLS Bold
- Greek font: BibliaLS Bold Italic
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- Hebrew font: Ezra SIL
- Hebrew font: Ezra SIL SR
Disculpen las Molestias
Planet ISKCON - 2010 · Planet ISKCON - 2011
Conceptos Hinduistas (1428)SC
Aa-Anc · Aga - Ahy · Ai - Akshay · Akshe - Amshum · Ana - Ancie · Ang - Asvayu · Ata - Az · Baa-Baz · Be-Bhak · Bhal-Bu · C · Daa-Daz · De · Dha-Dry · Du-Dy · E · F · Gaa-Gayu · Ge-Gy · Ha-He · Hi-Hy · I · J · K · Ka - Kam · Kan - Khatu · Ki - Ko · Kr - Ku · L · M · N · O · P · R · S · Saa-San · Sap-Shy · Si-Sy · Ta - Te · U · V · Ve-Vy · Y · Z
Conceptos Hinduistas (2919)SK
Aa-Ag · Ah-Am · Ana-Anc · And-Anu · Ap-Ar · As-Ax · Ay-Az · Baa-Baq · Bar-Baz · Be-Bhak · Bhal-Bhy · Bo-Bu · Bra · Brh-Bry · Bu-Bz · Caa-Caq · Car-Cay · Ce-Cha · Che-Chi · Cho-Chu · Ci-Cn · Co-Cy · Daa-Dan · Dar-Day · De · Dha-Dny · Do-Dy · Ea-Eo · Ep-Ez · Faa-Fy · Gaa-Gaq · Gar-Gaz · Ge-Gn · Go · Gra-Gy · Haa-Haq · Har-Haz · He-Hindk · Hindu-Histo · Ho-Hy · Ia-Iq · Ir-Is · It-Iy · Jaa-Jaq · Jar-Jay · Je-Jn · Jo-Jy · Kaa-Kaq · Kar-Kaz · Ke-Kh · Ko · Kr · Ku - Kz · Laa-Laq · Lar-Lay · Le-Ln · Lo-Ly · Maa-Mag · Mah · Mai-Maj · Mak-Maq · Mar-Maz · Mb-Mn · Mo-Mz · Naa-Naq · Nar-Naz · Nb-Nn · No-Nz · Oa-Oz · Paa-Paq · Par-Paz · Pe-Ph · Po-Py · Raa-Raq · Rar-Raz · Re-Rn · Ro-Ry · Saa-Sam · San-Sar · Sas-Sg · Sha-Shy · Sia-Sil · Sim-Sn · So - Sq · Sr - St · Su-Sz · Taa-Taq · Tar-Tay · Te-Tn · To-Ty · Ua-Uq · Ur-Us · Vaa-Vaq · Var-Vaz · Ve · Vi-Vn · Vo-Vy · Waa-Wi · Wo-Wy · Yaa-Yav · Ye-Yiy · Yo-Yu · Zaa-Zy
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