Virtual Istagosthi: Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: Why is the Sankirtan Movement glorious?

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H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Monday 28 March 2011--Don't Play Around in Misery--and--What Does Paraphernalia Mean?

ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Deity Darshan: Sunday March 27, 2011

ISKCON Melbourne, AU: 12 Hour Kirtan - 12 March

ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana

ISKCON Brampton, Canada: Devotional Service Committee (DSC) meeting - Saturday April 2nd, from 9:00am – 12:00pm @ ISKCON BRAMPTON

Kurma dasa, AU: Pass the Mayonnaise

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.9.44 The Easiest Way To Remember Krishna

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.9.44 Krishna Conscious By Preaching

Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: offer Krishna your very best

Japa Group: Nourish Your Faith

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.8.1 Developing Sincerity In Krishna Consciousness

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.55 Training In Krishna Consciousness

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.54 Manipulating The Material World

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.53 Bodily Identification

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.50 The Most Auspicious Conditions Of Life

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.26 Understanding Of The Living Soul

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.25 The Supersoul & The Living Entities

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.4.14 Executing Krsna’s Mission

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

Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Lecture - Gadadhar Pandit das - SB 10.1.56-59 - Service Attitude

Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: Why is the Sankirtan Movement glorious ?

H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 262—Poem for March 27

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

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

Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Where there is a devotional will, Merciful Gauranga makes the way!

Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: In the News: Colorful parade prompts smiles - Hare Krishna followers hold celebration

H.H. Sivarama Swami: Gaura Nitai dasa asks to know what kind of FEELING selflessness is?

Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: Detachment

Mukunda Charan das, SA: Goodness

Gouranga TV: Harinam Sankirtan ISKCON Rotterdam 19-3-2011

Dandavats.com: Govinda-Buda & Budapest [Govindha-Buddha] - first steps to open

Dandavats.com: See you at Kalachandji’s restaurant

Dandavats.com: Searching for German lady disciples of Srila Prabhupada

Japa Group: Please Join The Japa Group

Dandavats.com: H.G. Praghosa prabhu speaks on S.B. 4.12.51- from a live broadcast on Mayapur.TV

ISKCON Transcriptions: Vaisnava Etiquette and Culture (part 4)

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H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Monday 28 March 2011--Don't Play Around in Misery--and--What Does Paraphernalia Mean?

na A daily broadcast of the Ultimate Self Realization Course(TM) Monday 28 March 2011 The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna, and His eternal consort, Srimati Radharani are enjoying transcendental pastimes in the topmost planet of the spiritual world, Sri Goloka Vrindavan. They are beckoning us to rejoin them. (Click on photo to see a larger image.) Our Mission: To help everyone awaken their original Krishna consciousness, which is eternal, full of knowledge and full of bliss. Such a global awakening will, in one stroke, solve all the problems of the world society bringing in a new era of unprecedented peace and prosperity for all. May that day, which the world so desperately needs, come very soon. We request you to participate in this mission by reviving your dormant Krishna consciousness and assisting us in spreading this science all over the world. Dedicated with love to ISKCON Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, our beloved spiritual master, and to you, our dear readers. Today's Thought: Don't Play Around in Misery Uploaded from London, England Flying from Dallas to London on 26 March 2011 on the airplane we were offered many choices of films to watch. But because none of them were beneficial for my Krishna consciousness I did not want to watch any of them. This reminded me of the time back in 1969 when I was a young counter-cultural songwriter in Berkeley, California seeking spiritual enlightenment and spiritual revolution on this planet. Hare Krishna devotee Mukhanlal das brahmacari took me with him to spend the night at ISKCON's center in San Francisco at 518 Frederick Street. The next morning for the first time in my life I chanted one round of the Hare Krishna mantra on japa beads. Heading back to Berkeley later that morning I was feeling quite exhilarated. That evening in Berkeley I was visiting some people who were sitting around wasting their time watching some nonsense on television. Instead of wasting my time with them I went out on their front porch and wrote a song. The main line of the song was, Do you think I'd waste my time playing around in misery when I am so close to Nirvana? My uplifting spiritual experience at the Hare Krishna temple gave me the prema premonition that soon I would attain the spiritual enlightenment I had been seeking, and the last time in the world I wanted to do was to waste my time absorbing my consciousness in some ridiculous mundane television show. What I was realized that day in 1969 is just as true today as it was then. I still don't want to waste my time with nonsense. The only difference is that now by the grace of my beloved spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, I have been most auspiciously blessed with the transcendental knowledge that I formally was so desperately seeking. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Answers According to the Vedic Version: Question: What Does Paraphernalia Mean? Please accept my respectful obeisances While reading about Krishna consciousness I have often read the word, paraphernalia. Please describe about the word in regards to Krishna Consciousness. Sunil Answer: Krishna's Personal Possessions When we speak of Lord Krishna's paraphernalia we are speaking of such things as His flute, His peacock feather, His ornaments, and His clothing. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Transcendental Resources: Receive the Special Blessings of Krishna Now you too can render the greatest service to the suffering humanity and attract the all-auspicious blessings of Lord Sri Krishna upon yourself and your family by assisting our mission. Lectures and Kirtans in Audio and Video: Link to High Definition Videos Link to Over 1,000 Lecture Audios Lecture-Travel Schedule for 2011 http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com/schedule Have Questions or Need Further Guidance? Check out the resources at:http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com or write Sankarshan Das Adhikari at: sda@backtohome.com Get your copy today of the world's greatest self-realization guide book, Bhagavad-gita As It Is available at: http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com/store Know someone who could benefit from this? Forward it to them. Searchable archives of all of course material: http://www.sda-archives.com Receive Thought for the Day as an RSS feed:http://www.backtohome.com/rss.htm Unsubscribe or change your email address Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Daily_Thought http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=714185709 Copyright 2005-2011 by Ultimate Self Realization.Com Distribution of this material is encouraged. Simply we request you to acknowledge where it is coming from with a link to our sign up page: http://www.backtohome.com Our records indicate that at requested to be enrolled to receive e-mails from the Ultimate Self Realization Course at: This request was made on: From the following IP address:

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ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Deity Darshan: Sunday March 27, 2011

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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: 12 Hour Kirtan - 12 March

Here is a 16-minutes video of Madhava Prabhu's blast as the concluding act of that night.

Madhava Prabhu

Also, Krsnamrta Prabhu has recorded a few kirtans from that 12 Hour Kirtan session; you can access and download them in MP3 formats from his website.

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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana

Their Lordships seem to be dancing under a moonlit sky, with the soothing moonshine reflecting on Their divine limbs. One day, we hope to join Them in Their transcendental pastimes under that same sky.

In that connection, Srila Prabhupada states in Canto 8, chapter 24 of the Bhagavatam, in the purport to verse 52:

"The real purpose of life is to go back home, back to Godhead and live with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, play with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, dance with the Supreme Personality of Godhead and eat with the Supreme Personality of Godhead..."

Full absorption in today's darsana might grant us entrance into that realm, we pray!

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ISKCON Brampton, Canada: Devotional Service Committee (DSC) meeting - Saturday April 2nd, from 9:00am – 12:00pm @ ISKCON BRAMPTON

Dear Devotees,
Please accept our humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada
This is to remind you that our next Devotional Service Committee (DSC) meeting is scheduled for Saturday April 2^nd, from 9:00am – 12:00pm @ ISKCON BRAMPTON.
You too can join!
ISKCON Brampton is engaged in the greatest service to humanity – Krishna consciousness. Come forward and share your thoughts at this meeting on how we can better serve our temple congregation. This is an opportunity for everyone to serve towards accomplishing Srila Prabhupda’s mission.
"Without devotional service all other methods of self realization are weak and insignificant. Such service must be unmotivated and uninterrupted to completely satisfy the self." [Srimad-Bhagavatam]
Our task from last meeting: To memorize ISKCON mission statement and ten offences of the Holy Name for next meeting.
Your aspiring servants,
ISKCON Brampton management

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Kurma dasa, AU: Pass the Mayonnaise

Radhika from the Netherlands wrote me yesterday:
"Thank you for the great cookbooks and cooking dvds you have made. It helps me a lot. Do you have for me the recipe of mayonnaise? Or a mayonnaise that looks like the MacDonald mayonnaise?
My reply:
Eggless Mayonnaise
Here are three different recipes for eggless mayonnaise, lifted from my first cookbook 'Great Vegetarian Dishes'.
The first recipe uses condensed milk as the base and is a sweet mayonnaise. The second recipe calls for evaporated milk, and the third is a dairy-free variety featuring pureed tofu.
Mayonnaise I
PREPARATION TIME: a few minutes, SETTING TIME: 10 minutes, YIELD: about 1 1/2 cups.
1 cup (250 ml) sweetened condensed milk, 4 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Combine all the ingredients except the lemon juice in a bowl. Gradually add the lemon juice whilst stirring with a whisk until the dressing thickens. Allow the mayonnaise to set for a further 10 minutes in the refrigerator.
Mayonnaise II
PREPARATION TIME: a few minutes, SETTING TIME: 10 minutes, YIELD: about 2 1/4 cups.
1 cup (250 ml) evaporated milk (unsweetened), 1 cup (250 ml) safflower oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon honey (optional), 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon mustard powder.
Place the evaporated milk in a blender. While the blender is on, gradually add the oil until the mixture slightly thickens. Add the salt, optional honey, lemon juice, and mustard powder. Continue blending until the mixture thickens further. Allow the mayonnaise to set for a further 10 minutes in the refrigerator.
Mayonnaise III
PREPARATION TIME: a few minutes, SETTING TIME: 10 minutes, YIELD: almost 2 1/2 cups.
2 cups mashed firm tofu, 1/2 cup (125 ml) olive oil, 4 tablespoons (80 ml) fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 2 teaspoons honey (optional), 1 teaspoon salt, water (if required).
Combine all ingredients (except the lemon juice and water) in a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the lemon juice. If the mayonnaise is too thick, add a little water. Refrigerate.

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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.9.44 The Easiest Way To Remember Krishna

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.9.44 The Easiest Way To Remember Krishna
SB 07.09.44 The Easiest Way To Remember Krsna 1994-04-08
Lecture – Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.44 The Easiest Way To Remember Krsna 1994-04-08 Radhadesh
H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.9.44 The Easiest Way To Remember Krishna

SB 07.09.44 The Easiest Way To Remember Krsna 1994-04-08 Lecture - Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.44 The Easiest Way To Remember Krsna 1994-04-08 Radhadesh

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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.9.44 Krishna Conscious By Preaching

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.9.44 Krishna Conscious By Preaching
SB 07.09.44 Krishna Conscious By Preaching 2006-08-06
Lecture – Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.44 Krishna Conscious By Preaching 2006-08-06 Portland
H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.9.44 Krishna Conscious By Preaching

SB 07.09.44 Krishna Conscious By Preaching 2006-08-06 Lecture - Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.44 Krishna Conscious By Preaching 2006-08-06 Portland

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Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: offer Krishna your very best

...the process is to give the very best to the Spiritual Master no matter what the cost. Just like you'll recall in the story of Krishna and Sudama at the Gurukula of their Spiritual Master, because they risked their life to carry out the order of their Guru Maharaj, they were blessed by him to gain eternal Knowledge. So in the same way keep trying to offer Krishna your very best and all blessings will be bestowed on you.
>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Jayadharma, 27 November, 1973

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Japa Group: Nourish Your Faith

Hare Krsna dear devotees. Here is a nice question someone asks H.H. Radhanath Swami and I will post part of his reply for it. Hope you can get alot from it and get affected by this mood of love and faith towards the Lord and His holy names.

Question: Sometimes we start chanting God’s names praying for some self interest. And it so happens that it is not fulfilled. Then we either stop chanting or we loose the mood of chanting. How can we cope up with this kind of situation?

Answer: "....What is this faith? Faith is not just a superficial belief. Real faith is scientifically and philosophically substantiated by authorities, realized by others, realized by ourselves, and can be practically perceived and proven in our lives. Real faith in God can be established on a scientific, philosophical, and logical basis, whereas atheism can never hold ground on this basis. Faith comes by associating with people who have faith and engaging in activities that nourish faith. And when we have that faith, even when things are not going our way, we are equally enthusiastic. It really doesn’t matter whether things go our way, what really matters is our integrity and our sincerity. A great person is one who maintains integrity and enthusiasm whether or not he/she gets what he/she wants....."

From radhanathaswamionline.com

Wishing you a great week of chanting.

your servant,

Aruna devi

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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.8.1 Developing Sincerity In Krishna Consciousness

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.8.1 Developing Sincerity In Krishna Consciousness
SB 07.08.01 Developing Sincerity In KC 1994-01-03
Lecture – Srimad Bhagavatam 7.8.1 Developing Sincerity In Krishna Consciousness 1994-01-03 Radhadesh
H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.8.1 Developing Sincerity In Krishna Consciousness

SB 07.08.01 Developing Sincerity In KC 1994-01-03 Lecture - Srimad Bhagavatam 7.8.1 Developing Sincerity In Krishna Consciousness 1994-01-03 Radhadesh

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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.55 Training In Krishna Consciousness

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.55 Training In Krishna Consciousness
SB 07.07.55 Training In KC 1994-01-02
Lecture – Srimad Bhagavatam 7.7.55 Training In Krishna Consciousness 1994-01-02 Radhadesh
H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.55 Training In Krishna Consciousness

SB 07.07.55 Training In KC 1994-01-02 Lecture - Srimad Bhagavatam 7.7.55 Training In Krishna Consciousness 1994-01-02 Radhadesh

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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.54 Manipulating The Material World

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.54 Manipulating The Material World
SB 07.07.54 Manipulating The Material World 1994-01-01
Lecture – Srimad Bhagavatam 7.7.54 Manipulating The Material World 1994-01-01 Radhadesh
H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.54 Manipulating The Material World

SB 07.07.54 Manipulating The Material World 1994-01-01 Lecture - Srimad Bhagavatam 7.7.54 Manipulating The Material World 1994-01-01 Radhadesh

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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.53 Bodily Identification

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.53 Bodily Identification
SB 07.07.53 Bodily Identification 1993-12-31
Lecture – Srimad Bhagavatam 7.7.53 Bodily Identification 1993-12-31 Radhadesh
H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.53 Bodily Identification

SB 07.07.53 Bodily Identification 1993-12-31 Lecture - Srimad Bhagavatam 7.7.53 Bodily Identification 1993-12-31 Radhadesh

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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.50 The Most Auspicious Conditions Of Life

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.50 The Most Auspicious Conditions Of Life
SB 07.07.50 The Most Auspicious Conditions Of Life 1993-12-29
Lecture – Srimad Bhagavatam 7.7.50 The Most Auspicious Conditions Of Life 1993-12-29 Radhadesh
H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.50 The Most Auspicious Conditions Of Life

SB 07.07.50 The Most Auspicious Conditions Of Life 1993-12-29 Lecture - Srimad Bhagavatam 7.7.50 The Most Auspicious Conditions Of Life 1993-12-29 Radhadesh

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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.26 Understanding Of The Living Soul

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.26 Understanding Of The Living Soul
SB 07.07.26 Understanding Of The Living Soul 1993-12-18
Lecture – Srimad Bhagavatam 7.7.26 Understanding Of The Living Soul 1993-12-18
H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.26 Understanding Of The Living Soul

SB 07.07.26 Understanding Of The Living Soul 1993-12-18 Lecture - Srimad Bhagavatam 7.7.26 Understanding Of The Living Soul 1993-12-18

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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.25 The Supersoul & The Living Entities

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.25 The Supersoul & The Living Entities
SB 07.07.25 The Supersoul & The Living Entities 1993-11-17
Lecture – Srimad Bhagavatam 7.7.25 The Supersoul & The Living Entities 1993-11-17 Radhadesh
H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.7.25 The Supersoul & The Living Entities

SB 07.07.25 The Supersoul & The Living Entities 1993-11-17 Lecture - Srimad Bhagavatam 7.7.25 The Supersoul & The Living Entities 1993-11-17 Radhadesh

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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.4.14 Executing Krsna’s Mission

H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.4.14 Executing Krsna’s Mission
SB 07.04.14 Executing Krsna’s Mission 2008-02-22
Lecture – Srimad Bhagavatam 7.4.14 Executing Krsna’s Mission 2008-02-22 Chowpatty
H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 7.4.14 Executing Krsna’s Mission

SB 07.04.14 Executing Krsna's Mission 2008-02-22 Lecture - Srimad Bhagavatam 7.4.14 Executing Krsna's Mission 2008-02-22 Chowpatty

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

www.sdgonline.org.
From Niti-Sastras: Sayings of Chanakya and Hitopadesa as Quoted by Srila Prabhupada (1995)
“Translation: ‘A wicked person, even though adorned with learning, is to be avoided at all costs. If a snake is decorated with a jewel, does that not make him all the more dangerous?’
“Commentary: A poisonous snake may appear tame, but it is always a fearsome creature, not to be trusted. Similarly, even when the western sky appears sunny and clear, clouds and ill weather may quickly move in. A demoniac person may be a friend, but we can never trust him. The Isopanisad makes it clear that serpent-like persons exist not only on the lower levels of human society but on all levels. In fact, the more educated they are, the more dangerous they are. ‘Those who engage in the culture of nescient activities shall enter into the darkest region of ignorance. Worse still are those engaged in the culture of so-called knowledge.’ Srila Prabhupada elaborates in his purport:
“‘Those who simply engage in the profitless pursuit of sense gratification are worshiping avidya (ignorance). According to Sri Isopanisad, those who play the role of helping this sort of civilization in the name of educational advancement are actually doing more harm than those who are on the platform of gross sense gratification. Advancement of learning by godless people is as dangerous as a valuable jewel on the hood of a cobra. A cobra decorated with a valuable jewel is more dangerous than one not decorated.’
“Lord Caitanya demonstrated this wariness towards highly-placed materialists. When His devotees recommended He meet King Prataparudra, Lord Caitanya said, ‘Although it is correct that the king is a great devotee, he is still to be considered a venomous snake.’ In this way Lord Caitanya taught us that one who is serious about spiritual life should avoid the materialists, even if they are highly qualified. Of course, the Lord eventually made an exception in the case of King Prataparudra, but his example stands as a sobering instruction. A devotee should not be favorably impressed or swayed by a materialist’s wealth, good education, beauty or other opulence.
“Some of us had a taste of the purport of this verse early in our devotional lives. Several of us were awed by the showy wealth of a real estate man who was out to to cheat us. He managed to take $5,000 of ISKCON’s hard-earned money instead of donating a building to us as he had promised. After stealing our money, Mr. Payne and his lawyers told us that we would not get the building.
“Prabhupada had warned us not to trust this man, but we disobeyed his instructions and lost the money. Srila Prabhupada wrote in a letter, ‘Take it for granted that Krishna has taken away this money from you for your deliberate foolishness. In the future, be very cautious and abide by the orders of Krishna.’ In his letter Prabhupada quoted the Bhagavatam verse yasyasti bhaktir bhagavaty akincana: a nondevotee can have no good qualifications despite his education or well-dressed appearance. Prabhupada added, ‘In other words, you should not keep your trust on so-called “gentlemen of the world,” however nicely dressed he may be. In the matter of our discharging the mission of Krishna consciousness we have to meet so many so-called gentlemen, but we must be very cautious for dealing with them, as we are cautious in dealing with serpents. The nondevotee is always liable to be harmful to others because he is aggressively pursuing sense gratification.’
“Both Prabhupada and Chanakya give us what appears to be an opposite instruction. They tell us that we can learn from the nondevotees the skills we need to prosecute our Krishna conscious services, and at the same time say that we should avoid the educated nondevotees who are jewel-headed serpents. Although this appears contradictory, it is not. What we are being advised against is offering respect to others based only on their material qualifications. We shouldn’t be naïve and think that a serpent decorated with a jewel is any less a serpent. A neophyte devotee may even become envious of such a decorated materialist, but no one should be enamored by material qualifications devoid of Krishna consciousness.
“Another point to note is that devotees are meant to preach to the materialists. Materialistic people are only our enemies insofar as they are unwilling to hear about Krishna consciousness. Even then, a devotee never gives up his compassion for them. Srila Prabhupada found the means to give so many apparently asuric people Krishna consciousness.”
From The Qualities of Sri Krishna (1995)

“29. Magnanimous
“30. Religious
“When Sri Krishna lived in Dvaraka, He lived in 16,108 palaces with His 16,108 Queens. Every day from each of these palaces He gave 13, 054 cows in charity. This is a sample of the Lord’s magnanimity. A magnanimous person isn’t stingy with what he has—his wealth, his life and intelligence—but he gives it to others. Rupa Goswami prayed to the Supreme Lord, Caitanya Mahaprabhu, with the words namo maha vadanyaya, ‘the most magnanimous of all persons,’ because Lord Caitanya gave freely what no incarnation of Godhead has given before, krsna prema. He gave it by the process of harinama sankirtana.
“Following these examples, the devotees of the Lord are not miserly. They are mahatmas, broadminded persons who wish to benefit others. We become broadminded by becoming magnanimous with ourselves. We have to first give ourselves Krishna consciousness before we can give it to others. Apani acari prabhu jivere sikhaya. ‘Perfect yourself,’ Lord Caitanya instructed, ‘and then teach others.’ This was also Srila Prabhupada’s teaching to his disciples, who on his behalf were distributing Krishna consciousness all over the world.
“Similarly, a religious person practices his religion honestly and gives what he has realized to others. Among the six duties of a brahmana, the first three are to study the scriptures, to perform sacrifice (yajna), and to live by receiving charity. The last three duties are to teach scripture, perform yajna for the benefit of others, and to give in charity.
“Krishna is the enunciator of religion (dharma). He is the staunch opponent of irreligion. ‘To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to re-establish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium.’ (Bg. 4.8) unless society practices dharma, at least in a preliminary form, it is not human or civilized. Srila Prabhupada was a champion of dharma in the modern age. He strongly denounced irreligion and sinful behavior in the so-called ‘civilized’ countries of the world. He offered the means to practice religion from the first steps of reform, up to the practice of pure bhakti-yoga.
“The Srimad-Bhagavatam refuses to call anything less than pure bhakti religion. Dharma projjhita-kaitavo … Only the highest truth, love of God, deserves to be called pure and unmotivated religion. The goal of this pure religion is to love the Supreme Presonality of Godhead. Therefore, another term for bhakti is bhagavat-dharma, devotional service unto Bhagavan, Sri Krishna. Krishna consciousness is also known as sanatana-dharma and is defined as the constitutional nature of all souls in their pure state, beyond the dogmas and designations of Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and other forms of religion. As Srila Prabhupada says, ‘Religion means to obey the laws of God.’ Religion means to obey, to serve and to love Krishna, who is the Friend of all and the Self of all selves. Krishna is therefore not only religious; He is religion personified.”
From 108 Japa Poems (2010)

“21. A Football Player
“I feel like a football
player who has been knocked
around. I don’t know
why. It just may be
the aging body, the fatigue.
It was hand-to-hand
combat for my first
twelve rounds as my
eyelids weighed heavy
on the eyeballs.
But I am not about
to concede defeat. We have
made a commitment too deep
for that. We fight back,
wash water on the face
and recommence the
yajna with determined grit.”
“22.
“He told the truth:
his chanting wasn’t perfect.
Confessed to aparadhas,
and less than fully alert.
But he truly says his quota and pronounces
the syllables in order,
truly repents that he
doesn’t do it better.
You must honestly rise
“early and begin the
yajna in earnest,
overcoming lethargy
and resistance.
I truly try my
best to overcome sloth
and to pay attention to
the sacred syllables
in gratitude and
love.”

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Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Lecture - Gadadhar Pandit das - SB 10.1.56-59 - Service Attitude

Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Lecture - Gadadhar Pandit das - SB 10.1.56-59 - Service Attitude

Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 10, Chapter 1, Texts 56 through 59 titled "Service Attitude" given by Gadadhar Pandit das. Note: This was shot with a new camera and I didn't notice it bouncing back and forth for focus between the speaker and the Harinam board. Sorry 'bout that!
Dallas, TX
2011-01-11
10.1.56
Each year thereafter, in due course of time, Devaki, the mother of God and all the demigods, gave birth to a child. Thus she bore eight sons, one after another, and a daughter named Subhadra.
PURPORT
The spiritual master is sometimes glorified as sarva-devamayo guruh (Bhag. 11.7.27). By the grace of the guru, the spiritual master, one can understand the different kinds of devas. The word deva refers to God, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is the original source of all the demigods, who are also called devas. In Bhagavad-gita (10.2) the Lord says, aham adir hi devanam: "I am the source of all the devas." The Supreme Lord, Vishnu, the Original person, expands in different forms. Tad aikshata bahu syam (Chandogya Upanishad 6.2.3). He alone has expanded into many. Advaitam acyutam anadim ananta-rupam (Brahma-samhita 5.33). There are different grades of forms, known as svamsa and vibhinnamsa. The svamsa expansions, or vishnu-tattva, are the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whereas the vibhinnamsa are jiva-tattva, who are part and parcel of the Lord (mamaivamso jiva-loke jiva-bhutah sanatanah [Bg. 15.7]). If we accept Krishna as the Supreme Personality of Godhead and worship Him, all the parts and expansions of the Lord are automatically worshiped. Sarvarhanam acyutejya (Bhag. 4.31.14). Krishna is known as Acyuta (senayor ubhayor madhye ratham sthapaya me 'cyuta). By worshiping Acyuta, Krishna, one automatically worships all the demigods. There is no need of separately worshiping either the vishnu-tattva or jiva-tattva. If one concentrates upon Krishna, one worships everyone. Therefore, because mother Devaki gave birth to Krishna, she is described here as sarva-devata.
10.1.57
Vasudeva was very much disturbed by fear of becoming a liar by breaking his promise. Thus with great pain he delivered his first-born son, named Kirtiman, into the hands of Kamsa.
PURPORT
In the Vedic system, as soon as a child is born, especially a male child, the father calls for learned brahmanas, and according to the description of the child's horoscope, the child is immediately given a name. This ceremony is called nama-karana. There are ten different samskaras, or reformatory methods, adopted in the system of varnasrama-dharma, and the name-giving ceremony is one of them. Although Vasudeva's first son was to be delivered into the hands of Kamsa, the nama-karana ceremony was performed, and thus the child was named Kirtiman. Such names are given immediately after birth.
10.1.58
What is painful for saintly persons who strictly adhere to the truth? How could there not be independence for pure devotees who know the Supreme Lord as the substance? What deeds are forbidden for persons of the lowest character? And what cannot be given up for the sake of Lord Krishna by those who have fully surrendered at His lotus feet?
PURPORT
Since the eighth son of Devaki was to kill Kamsa, one might ask what the need was for Vasudeva to deliver the first-born child. The answer is that Vasudeva had promised Kamsa that he would deliver all the children born of Devaki. Kamsa, being an asura, did not believe that the eighth child would kill him; he took it for granted that he might be killed by any of the children of Devaki. Vasudeva, therefore, to save Devaki, promised to give Kamsa every child, whether male or female. From another point of view, Vasudeva and Devaki were very pleased when they understood that the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, would come as their eighth son. Vasudeva, a pure devotee of the Lord, was eager to see Krishna appear as his child from the eighth pregnancy of Devaki. Therefore he wanted to deliver all the children quickly so that the eighth turn would come and Krishna would appear. He begot one child every year so that Krishna's turn to appear would come as soon as possible.
10.1.59
My dear King Parikshit, when Kamsa saw that Vasudeva, being situated in truthfulness, was completely equipoised in giving him the child, he was very happy. Therefore, with a smiling face, he spoke as follows.
PURPORT
The word samatvam is very significant in this verse. Samatvam refers to one who is always equipoised, unaffected by either happiness or distress. Vasudeva was so steadily equipoised that he did not seem in the least agitated when delivering his first-born child into the hands of Kamsa to be killed. In Bhagavad-gita (2.56) it is said, duhkheshv anudvigna-manah sukheshu vigata-sprihah. In the material world, one should not be very eager to be happy, nor should one be very much disturbed by material distress. Lord Krishna advised Arjuna:
matra-sparsas tu kaunteya
sitoshna-sukha-duhkha-dah
agamapayino 'nityas
tams titikshasva bharata
"O son of Kunti, the nonpermanent appearance of happiness and distress, and their disappearance in due course, are like the appearance and disappearance of winter and summer seasons. They arise from sense perception, O scion of Bharata, and one must learn to tolerate them without being disturbed." (Bg. 2.14) The self-realized soul is never disturbed by so-called distress or happiness, and this is especially true of an exalted devotee like Vasudeva, who showed this by his practical example. Vasudeva was not at all disturbed when delivering his first child to Kamsa to be killed.

2011-01-11 - Gadadhar Pandit das - SB 10.1.56-59 - Service Attitude
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S.B.10.1.56-59

VERSO 56

atha kāla upāvṛtte
devakī sarva-devatā
putrān prasuṣuve cāṣtau
kanyāḿ caivānuvatsaram

TRADUCCIÓN

A partir de entonces, Devakī, la madre de Dios y de todos los semidioses, tuvo un hijo cada año. Con el paso del tiempo, llegó a tener, uno tras otro, ocho hijos y una hija, que se llamó Subhadrā.

SIGNIFICADO

A veces se glorifica al maestro espiritual con las palabras sarva-devamayo guruḥ (Bhāg. 11.7.27). Por la gracia del guru, el maestro espiritual, podemos entender que hay diferentes clases de devas. La palabra deva se refiere a Dios, la Suprema Personalidad de Dios, que es la fuente original de todos los semidioses, que también reciben el nombre de devas. En la Bhagavad-gītā (10.2), el Señor dice: aham ādir hi devānām: «Yo soy el origen de todos los devas». El Señor Supremo, Viṣṇu, la Persona Original, Se expande en diversas formas. Tad aikṣata bahu syām (Chāndogya Upaniṣad 6.2.3). Él, que es uno, Se expande en muchos. Advaitam acyutam anādim ananta-rūpam (Brahma-saḿhitā 5.33). Hay distintos niveles de formas, denominadas svāḿa y vibhinnāḿa. Las expansiones svāḿa, viṣṇu-tattva, son la Suprema Personalidad de Dios, mientras que las vibhinnāḿa son jīva-tattva, partes integrales del Señor (mamaivāḿo jīva-loke jīva-bhūtaḥ sanātanaḥ). Cuando aceptamos a Kṛṣṇa como Suprema Personalidad de Dios y Le adoramos, de modo natural adoramos también a todas las partes y expansiones del Señor. Sarvārhaṇam acyutejyā (Bhāg. 4.31.14). Kṛṣṇa recibe el nombre de Acyuta (senayor ubhayor madhye rathaḿ sthāpaya me 'cyuta). Cuando adoramos a Acyuta, Kṛṣṇa, al mismo tiempo estamos adorando también a todos los semidioses. No es necesaria ninguna otra adoración, ni de los viṣṇu-tattvas ni de las jīva-tattvas. Cuando nos concentramos en Kṛṣṇa, adoramos a todos los seres. Por esa razón, madre Devakī, que fue madre de Kṛṣṇa, recibe el nombre de sarva-devatā.

VERSO 57

kīrtimantaḿ prathamajaḿ
kaḿsāyānakadundubhiḥ
arpayām āsa kṛcchreṇa
so 'nṛtād ativihvalaḥ

TRADUCCIÓN

La idea de romper su promesa y volverse un mentiroso perturbaba y llenaba de temor a Vasudeva. Así, con inmenso dolor, puso en manos de Kaḿsa a su primogénito, Kīrtimān.

SIGNIFICADO

En la cultura védica, tan pronto como nace un niño, y sobre todo si es varón, el padre llama a los brāhmaṇas eruditos y, conforme a lo que el horóscopo determine, el niño recibe su nombre inmediatamente. Esa ceremonia se denomina nāma-karaṇa. En el sistema de varṇārama-dharma se siguen diez saḿskāras, diez procesos de reforma, uno de los cuales es la ceremonia de imposición del nombre. Vasudeva entregó a Kaḿsa su primer hijo, pero no sin antes celebrar la ceremonia nāma-karaṇa, en la cual se dio al niño el nombre de Kīrtimān. El niño recibe su nombre inmediatamente después de nacer.

VERSO 58

kiḿ duḥsahaḿ nu sādhūnāḿ
viduṣāḿ kim apekṣitam
kim akāryaḿ kadaryāṇāḿ
dustyajaḿ kiḿ dhṛtātmanām

TRADUCCIÓN

¿Qué sentido tiene el dolor para las personas santas que se atienen estrictamente a la verdad? ¿Qué independencia no tendrán los devotos puros que saben que el Señor Supremo es la esencia de todo lo que existe? ¿Qué actos les están prohibidos a las personas de carácter ruin?; y ¿qué no abandonarían por satisfacer al Señor Kṛṣṇa quienes se han entregado plenamente a Sus pies de loto?

SIGNIFICADO

Si el hijo de Devakī que iba a matar a Kaḿsa era el octavo, se podría preguntar qué necesidad tenía Vasudeva de entregar al primero de sus hijos. La respuesta es que Vasudeva había prometido a Kaḿsa que le entregaría todos los hijos que Devakī tuviese. Kaḿsa, que era un asura, no creyó que fuese precisamente el octavo hijo el que iba a matarle, y dio por sentado que cualquiera de los hijos de Devakī podía matarle. Entonces, Vasudeva, para salvar a Devakī, prometió a Kaḿsa que le entregaría todos sus hijos, tanto niños como niñas. Desde otro punto de vista, Vasudeva y Devakī se sintieron muy complacidos de saber que la Suprema Personalidad de Dios, Kṛṣṇa, nacería como octavo hijo suyo. Vasudeva, que era un devoto puro del Señor, estaba deseoso de ver nacer a Kṛṣṇa como hijo suyo, fruto del octavo embarazo de Devakī. Por eso quería tener siete hijos rápidamente, de forma que llegase pronto el momento del advenimiento de Kṛṣṇa, su octavo hijo. Vasudeva engendró un hijo cada año, de manera que el momento del advenimiento de Kṛṣṇa llegara lo antes posible.

VERSO 59

dṛṣtvā samatvaḿ tac chaureḥ
satye caiva vyavasthitim
kaḿsas tuṣta-manā rājan
prahasann idam abravīt

TRADUCCIÓN

Mi querido rey Parīkṣit, al ver que Vasudeva era fiel a su palabra y le daba su hijo con perfecta presencia de ánimo, Kaḿsa se sintió muy feliz. Entonces, con una sonrisa en el rostro, dijo lo siguiente.

SIGNIFICADO

En este verso es muy significativa la palabra samatvam. Samatvam se refiere a alguien que se mantiene siempre equilibrado, sin dejarse afectar ni por la felicidad ni por la aflicción. Vasudeva se mantenía tan estable y equilibrado que, sin dar la menor muestra de agitación, puso su primer hijo en manos de Kaḿsa para que éste lo matase. La Bhagavad-gītā (2.56) dice: duḥkheṣv anudvigna-manāḥ sukheṣu vigata-spṛhaḥ. En el mundo material, no debemos estar muy deseosos de ser felices, ni debemos perturbarnos demasiado con los sufrimientos materiales. El Señor Kṛṣṇa aconsejó a Arjuna:

mātrā-sparās tu kaunteya
sītoṣṇa-sukha-duḥkha-dāḥ
āgamāpāyino 'nityās
tāḿs titikṣasva bhārata

«¡Oh, hijo de Kuntī!, la aparición temporal de la felicidad y la aflicción, y su desaparición a su debido tiempo, son como la aparición y desaparición de las estaciones del invierno y el verano. Tienen su origen en la percepción de los sentidos, ¡oh, vástago de Bharata!, y hay que aprender a tolerarlas sin perturbarse» (Bg. 2.14). El alma autorrealizada no se deja perturbar por lo que se llama felicidad y aflicción. Esto es cierto especialmente en el caso de un devoto como Vasudeva, que lo demostró con su ejemplo práctico. Vasudeva, sin perturbarse lo más mínimo, entregó su primer hijo a Kaḿsa para que lo matase.

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Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: Why is the Sankirtan Movement glorious ?

"My dear King, although Kali-yuga is full of faults, there is still one good quality about this age. It is that simply by chanting the Hare Krishna mahä-mantra, one can become free from material bondage and be promoted to the transcendental kingdom." (SB 12.3.51) Those who have accepted the task of spreading the Hare Krishna maha-mantra in full Krishna consciousness should take this opportunity to deliver people very easily from the clutches of material existence. Our duty, therefore, is to follow the instructions of Sri Caitanya Mahäprabhu and preach the Krishna consciousness movement all over the world very sincerely. This is the best welfare activity for the peace and prosperity of human society.
Sri Caitanya Mahäprabhu's movement consists of spreading Krishna-sankirtanam. Param vijayate Sri-Krishna-sankirtanam: "All glories to the Sri Krishnaa sankirtana!" Why is it so glorious? This has also been explained by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Ceto-darpanam-märjanam: [Cc. Antya 20.12] by the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, one's heart is cleansed. The whole difficulty is that in this age of Kali there is no sattva-guna and no clearance of the heart, and therefore people are making the mistake of identifying with their bodies. Even the big philosophers and scientists with whom we deal are practically all under the impression that they are their bodies... Everywhere we find this same misunderstanding. As soon as one is in the bodily conception of life, one is nothing but an animal like a cat or a dog. Thus the most dangerous of the dirty things within our hearts is this misidentification of the body as the self. Under the influence of this misunderstanding, one thinks, "I am this body. I am an Englishman. I am an Indian. I am an American. I am Hindu. I am Muslim." This misconception is the strongest impediment, and it must be removed. That is the instruction of Bhagavad-gita and of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Indeed, Bhagavad-gitä begins with this instruction:
dehino 'smin yathä dehe
"As the embodied soul continually passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. The self-realized soul is not bewildered by such a change." (Bg. 2.13) Although the soul is within the body, nevertheless, because of misunderstanding and animal propensities one accepts the body as the self. Caitanya Mahäprabhu therefore says, ceto-darpanam-marjanam [Cc. Antya 20.12]. To cleanse the core of the heart, which is full of misunderstanding, is possible only through Sri-Krishna-sankirtana. The leaders of the Krishna consciousness movement should very seriously take this opportunity to be kind to the fallen souls by delivering them from the misunderstanding of materialistic life.

Srimad Bhagvatam, 8.5.23

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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 262—Poem for March 27

www.sdgonline.org.
5:26 A.M.
Advertisement: I have lost a typist for my daily posting. I’m requesting a volunteer to take at least a few days and do the typing so that I can continue to post them daily. If anyone would like to volunteer please write to Caitanya candrodaya at bger108 (AT) gmail.com.
A Writer of Pieces
New format—I will begin with a poem written on the day of its printing. Then I will print random excerpts of books I have printed over the last 30 years. I hope this variety will be pleasing.
When I offered incense this
morning to Radha-Govinda, Hanuman and
the Asvini-kumaras, they appeared
as real persons not ritualistic murtis.
I was too shy and unworthy to
enter the service of Radharani and
observe Her pastimes with Syama,
I came under subordination of the
orders of guru
and Hanuman looked
back to me confidently, likewise
the Kumaras. It was a kind of
miracle.
You take for granted they can
appear that way. I think it
will happen again and I
should take advantage of it
by offering real prayers to the
Divinity and stating my
purpose in coming to them.
In the brief time the
scented smoke wafts in
Their faces, I can
speak my heart and reciprocate
with Their actual presence.
This morning I beheld Them
but was too hesitant to
actively come forward and
speak my heart. I
hope I won’t let it
happen again but
will open up to Them when
They kindly appear.

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

www.sdgonline.org.
Niti-sastras, sayings of Canakya and Hitopadesa as quoted by Srila Prabhupada, 1995
Translation: A wicked person, even thought adorned with learning, is to be avoided at all costs. If a snake is decorated with a jewel, does that not make him all the more dangerous?
Commentary: A poisonous snake may appear tame, but it is always a fearsome creature, not to be trusted. Similarly, even when the western sky appears sunny and clear, clouds and ill weather may quickly move in. A demoniac person may be a friend, but we can never trust him. The Isopanisad makes it clear that serpent-like persons exist not only on the lower levels of human society but on all levels. In fact, the more educated they are, the more dangerous they are. “Those who engage in the culture of nescient activities shall enter into the darkest regions of ignorance. Worse still are those engaged in the culture of so-called knowledge.” Srila Prabhupada elaborates in his purport:
“Those who simply engage in the profitless pursuit of sense gratification are worshiping avidya (ignorance) according to Sri Isopanisad. Those who play the role of helping this sort of civilization in the name of educational advancement are actually doing more harm than those who are on the platform of gross sense gratification. Advancement of learning by godless people is as dangerous as a valuable jewel on the hood of a cobra. A cobra decorated with a valuable jewel is more dangerous than one not decorated.”
Lord Caitanya demonstrated this wariness toward highly-placed materialists. When His devotees recommended He meet king Prataparudra, Lord Caitanya said, “Although it is correct that the king is a great devotee, he is still to be considered a venomous snake.” In this way Lord Caitanya taught us that one who is serious about spiritual life should avoid the materialists, even if they are highly qualified. Of course, the Lord eventually made an exception in the case of King Prataparudra, but His example stands as a sobering instruction. A devotee should not be favorably impressed or swayed by a materialist’s wealth, good education, beauty or other opulence.
Some of us had a taste of the purport to this verse early in our devotional lives. Several of us were awed by the showy wealth of a real estate man who was out to cheat us. He managed to take $5,000 of ISKCON’s hard-earned money instead of donating a building to us as he had promised. After stealing our money, Mr. Payne and his lawyers told us that we would not get the building.
Prabhupada had warned us not to trust this man, but we disobeyed his instructions and lost the money. Srila Prabhupada wrote in a letter, “Take it for granted that Krishna has taken away this money from you for your deliberate foolishness. In the future, be very cautious and abide by the orders of Krishna.” In his letter Prabhupada quoted the Bhagavatam verse yasyasti bhaktir bhagavati akincana: a non-devotee can have no good qualifications, despite his education or well-dressed appearance. Prabhupada added, “In other words, you should not keep your trust on so-called gentlemen of the world, however nicely dressed he may be. In the matter of discharging our mission of Krishna consciousness, we have to meet so many so-called gentlemen, but we must be very cautious for dealing with them as we are cautious in dealing with serpents. The non-devotee is always liable to be harmful to others because he is aggressively pursuing sense gratification.
Both Prabhupada and Canakya give us what appears to be an opposite instruction. They tell us that we can learn from the non-devotees the skills we need to prosecute our Krishna conscious services and at the same time, say that we should avoid the educated non-devotees, who are jewel-headed serpents. Although this appears contradictory, it is not. What we are being advised against is offering our respect to others based only on their material qualifications. We shouldn’t be naïve and think that a serpent decorated with a jewel is any less a serpent. A neophyte devotee may even become envious of such a decorated materialist, but no one should be enamored by material qualifications devoid of Krishna consciousness.
Another point to note is that devotees are meant to preach to the materialists. Materialistic people are only our enemies insofar as they are unwilling to hear about Krishna consciousness. Even then, a devotee never gives up his compassion for them. Srila Prabhupada found the means to give so many apparently asuric people Krishna consciousness.
The Qualities of Sri Krishna, 1995
29. Magnanimous
30. Religious
When Sri Krishna lived in Dvaraka, He lived in 16,108 palaces with His 16,108 queens. Every day, from each of these palaces, He gave 13,054 cows in charity. This is a sample of the Lord’s magnanimity. A magnanimous person isn’t stingy with what he has—his wealth, life, and intelligence—but he gives it to others. Rupa Gosvami prayed to the Supreme Lord, Caitanya Mahaprabhu, with the words namo maha-vadanyaya, “the most magnanimous of all persons,” because Lord Caitanya gave freely what no other incarnation of Godhead has given before: krsna-prema. He gave it by the process of harinama sankirtana.
Following these examples, the devotees of Lord Krishna are not miserly. They are mahatmas, broad-minded persons who wish to benefit others. We become broadminded by being magnanimous with ourselves. We have to first give ourselves Krishna consciousness before we can give it to others: apani acari prabhu jivere sikhaya. “Perfect yourself,” Lord Caitanya instructed, “and then teach others.” This was also Srila Prabhupada’s teaching to his disciples, who on his behalf were distributing Krishna consciousness all over the world.
Similarly, a religious person practices his religion honestly and gives what he has realized to others. Among the six duties of a brahmana, the first three are to study the scriptures, to perform sacrifice (yajna), and to live by receiving charity. The last three duties are to teach scripture, perform yajna for the benefit of others, and to give in charity.
Krishna is the enunciator of religion (dharma). He is the staunch opponent of irreligion. “To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium.” (Bg. 4.8) Unless a society practices dharma, at least in a preliminary form, it is not human or civilized.
Srila Prabhupada was a champion of dharma in the modern age. He strongly denounced irreligion and sinful behavior in the so-called civilized countries of the world. He offered the means to practice religion from the first steps of reform up to the practice of pure bhakti-yoga.
The Srimad-Bhagavatam refuses to call anything less than pure bhakti religion. Dharma projhita-kaitavo… Only the highest truth, pure love of God, deserves to be called pure and unmotivated religion. The goal of this pure religion is to love the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Therefore, another term for bhakti is bhagavata-dharma, devotional service unto Bhagavan, Sri Krishna. Krishna consciousness is also known as sanatana-dharma and is defined as the constitutional nature of all souls in their pure state, beyond the dogmas and designations of Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and other forms of religion. As Srila Prabhupada says, “Religion means to obey the laws of God.” Religion means to obey, to serve, and to love Krishna, who is the friend of all and the Self of all selves. Krishna is therefore not only religious; He is religion personified.”
108 Japa Poems
21. A Football Player
I feel like a football
player who has been knocked
around. I don t know
why. It just may be
the aging body, the fatigue.
It was hand to hand
combat for my first
twelve rounds as my
eyelids weighed heavy
on the eyeballs.
But I am not about
to concede defeat. We have
made a commitment too deep
for that. We fight back,
wash water on the face
and recommence the
yajna with determined grit.
22. He Told the Truth
He told the truth:
his chanting wasn’t perfect.
Confessed to aparadhas,
and less than fully alert
but he truly says his quota and pronounces
the syllables in order,
truly repents that he
doesn’t do it better.
You must honestly rise
early and begin the
yajna in earnest,
overcoming lethargy
and resistance.
I truly try my
best to overcome sloth
and to pay attention to
the sacred syllables
in gratitude and
love.

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1966 March 27:
"Saptami. Today one Mr. Howard Wheeler of 71st St. became acquainted with me. He appears to be a good friend. Whole day I was in the Ashram and I came back in the evening. I spent the night at the Studio 501."
Prabhupada Journal :: 1966

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1969 March 27: "If you accompany me, that will be a very nice thing. I want your company always so let us see what Krishna desires in the future."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 March 27: "If we simply repeat this philosophy exactly as it is, without any misrepresentation or adulteration, then this movement will never be checked, and we will conquer the world."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 March 27: "Decide how much you can comfortably eat, then take half of that. This will keep one healthy, strong and free from disease."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 March 27: "These thoughts of sense gratification are bound to come into our mind, but if we do not act on them and keep ourselves always engaged, they will have no effect."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 March 27: "Separation of men and women should be strictly observed in the temple; between single men and women there must be strict division and strict observance of no illicit sex."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 March 27: "That is good management. Whether grhasthas, sannyasa or brahmacari everyone has to be completely engaged all the time, not sleeping unnecessarily or talking idly."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

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Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Where there is a devotional will, Merciful Gauranga makes the way!

As promised this is the 2nd part of the Holi book distribution post....the follow up nectar. (This is from a week ago...last Sunday)

On Monday we needed to go to Ottawa, however we decided to go on Sunday instead so we would have a chance to attend the Sunday program at ISKCON Ottawa. Thus we split the shift but ended up being relieved around 2pm and leaving the Holi book distribution venue in Mississauga (the other end of the city) at around 2:30. On the way we called Radha Mohan Prabhu to give him a heads up on the venue and we sort of decided it might not be our "cup of herbal tea" for next year. I mentioned we were on our way to Ottawa and he told us that some Toronto devotees were there with HH BB Bhagavat Maharaj.

I looked at the time and we still had to switch cars, pick up the kids and the luggage. We had a real desire to see Gaura-Nitai and ISKCON Ottawa and this was now further fueled by Maharaj's presence. We thought we would make an earnest effort but it took us 1/2 an hour to make it back in town and another 1/2 an hour to do the switcharoo and get the kids. So we were back on the road by 3:30 and the GPS was showing an 8:30 arrival. So with 3 young kids, a new fantastic bhajan CD blasting and the pedal to the metal we were on our way. We really wanted to see Gaura-Nitai but it did not look likely. We kept looking at the GPS and the minutes kept getting knocked off until it said 7:26! Non-stop and in record time with the kids acting like angels (aka little bhaktas). We made it...just in time for Aratik! On top of that we got to see Maharaj as he was departing and got some inspiring words from him. In all the rush and inability to eat at the Holi venue we had not eaten anything all day. So the heaping plate of delicious prasadam was extra merciful.

And thus, if there is a devotional will, Gauranga makes the way. We wanted to see Gaura-Nitai (check), we wanted to see Maharaj (check) and we wanted to have prasadam (check). On top of this we got to see wonderful devotees from Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto and simply enjoy the intimate devotional atmosphere of ISKCON Ottawa. So this is the mercy and nectar part.

There is also a lesson rolled into this. After we left the venue, we smelled like balls of onions because of the smelly food in the enclosed environment. Our heads were also pounding and after some discussion we were thinking this was "not our cup of herbal tea" for next year. We mentioned the outing to Maharaj and he said "as long as you know how to get it and get out". We called my mom to see how it went and she thought it went well given the environment. When we told her we maybe should not do it in the future, she was more blunt, saying that at least 20 families were touched by Prabhupada's mercy and even more were preached to and told about our temple, so it was worth it. And this is why we are still neophytes and sometimes need to be reminded about Gauranga's mercy. A bit of a headache or a smelly shirt pales in comparison to Gauranga's mercy that can be spread by distributing Srila Prabhupada's books!

All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada's devotees!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON Ottawa!

~ Indresh

(this post as well as http://www.radhashyamasundar.com/2/post/2011/03/a-holi-festival-with-hiranyakashipus-reflections-and-bhakta-prahladas-powers.html was written by Subhavilasa das' son, Indresh)

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Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: In the News: Colorful parade prompts smiles - Hare Krishna followers hold celebration

Hare Krishna followers dance and chant as they parade down St. George Street on Saturday.

Hare Krishna followers dance and chant as they parade down St. George Street on Saturday.

Hare Krishna followers pull a chariot as they parade Cathedral Place on Saturday.
There seems to be a stream of positive media coverage coming out of Florida and that is certainly due to devotion from Alachua, Gainsville and the local devotee communities. The following article just got published by the St. Augustine Record. See article at http://staugustine.com/news/local-news/2011-03-26/colorful-parade-prompts-smiles
By Anthony DeMatteo

In its number of smiles and amount of outward joy, Saturday afternoon's Festival of the Chariots rivals any annual celebration in the Oldest City.

"My life is surrounded by God," said Ganga Sheth, as hundreds of the young woman's fellow members of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness sang and danced in Plaza de Constitucion. "Everyone has their own way of loving God. We chant. We dance. We eat food."

The festival led what event organizers estimated was a crowd of more than 300 Hare Krishna followers down Cathedral Place, then Cordova Street, as the faithful danced on either side of a chariot bright with yellows, reds and blues.

The chariot carried those representing three of the faith's deities -- Jagannagha, Baladera and Subhadra, said Phani BhusanDasa, who travels the country participating in the movement.

He said the public perception of Hare Krishna -- the name Westerners commonly use for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness -- largely differs from reality.

"The general public is probably a little agog," BhusanDasa said. "It is about love and devotion to a person known by limitless names.

"How compatible it is with everyone's soul. We have everyone of all types, from all over."

In front of Bank of America, before the festival march turned onto Cordova Street, Samba Zaldivar and 9-year-old daughter, Anjali, knelt and placed their foreheads on the concrete sidewalk as the chariot passed.

Nearby, 15-year-old St. Augustine resident Barbara Alexander walked beside the celebration, looking serious in observation.

"I believe God is the inner light inside all of us," Alexander said. "I think this is very colorful, beautiful and pretty cool."

The following of the Hindu deity Krishna began as many as 400 years before the birth of Christ. The Hare Krishna faith later formed, and, in the 20th century, spread outside India, growing most prominently in late 1960s San Francisco.

Many of Saturday's faithful were from Alachua County, where Sheth said the largest North American Hare Krishna population is located.

Nitai Prana, a 21-year-old from Alachua, pulled back on chariot ropes held by marchers throughout the precession, which he said St. Augustine has hosted for four years.

"It's a lifestyle," said Prana, who towed the chariot from Alachua. "It's something I look forward to when I wake. It gives my life meaning.

"Without God, without Krishna - there is nothing. It's like love."

Govinda McCreedy looked on as her 8-year-old daughter Radhe offered smiles and literature to passersby.

"It makes me happy," Radhe said.

Govinda McCreedy, a math teacher at an Alachua charter school, said children in the faith -- in general -- share her daughter's joy.

"These kids are so happy," she said. "I can see the difference. We are vegetarians. We don't drink or smoke. That is part of their early lives."

The faith, said Swami Trivikrama Sannyasi, is not all about austerity.

"Instead of getting attached to material things, we get attached to spiritual things," he said. "But you can have a happy life. Make a family. Build a business -- but put God in the center."

In the faith, a Swami takes a vow of celibacy and makes spirituality life's sole mission.

Blayre Nyitray, a 17-year-old college student, alternately sipped bottled water and danced in a blue wrap skirt on Cordova Street.

"It's just -- we're ecstatically dancing," she said, not quite able to stop moving to the rhythm of the traditional Kirtan chant. "I try to see Krishna in everything."

Nearby, 14-year-old Rati Dalchandi checked her long, black hair in the reflection of the bank window, laughing with friends as the group headed back for the plaza.

There, people sang and played instruments. Others offered free fresh fruit kabobs and books.

As the sound of Kirtan grew, the crowd around the chariot jumped like teammates circling a batter after a game-winning home run.

"I think it's really beautiful and invigorating and uplifting," St. Augustine resident Beth Levine said from the shade of a tree.

In the shadow of the gazebo, Nitai Priya said much of the faith and the festival is about God's beauty.

"It's to glorify God, and for other people, even if they make fun of it, they get benefits because that's how merciful God is," she said.

Priya is a member of an Alachua temple she said has about 800 members -- all, she said, seeking the beauty and grace of God.

"We are all children of God," Priya said as a child got her face painted among music and smiles on the plaza lawn. "His personality is absolute and all attractive.

"What you see here is temporary. God is permanent; and we are trying to be more like he is."

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H.H. Sivarama Swami: Gaura Nitai dasa asks to know what kind of FEELING selflessness is?

H.H. Sivarama Swami: Gaura Nitai dasa asks to know what kind of FEELING selflessness is?
Gaura Nitai dasa asks to know what kind of FEELING selflessness is?
March 27th, 2011
[ 4:49 ]
H.H. Sivarama Swami: Gaura Nitai dasa asks to know what kind of FEELING selflessness is?

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Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: Detachment

“Becoming detached from material things does not mean becoming inert altogether, as men with a poor fund of knowledge think. Naiskarma means not undertaking activities that will produce good or bad effects. Negation does not mean negation of the positive. Negation of the nonessentials does not mean negation of the essential.
“Similarly, detachment from material forms does not mean nullifying the positive form. The bhakti cult is meant for realization of the positive form. When the positive form is realized, the negative forms are automatically eliminated.”
Srimad Bhagvatam 1.2.7
“Detachment from things does not mean setting up a contradiction between “things”
and “God” as if God were another “thing” and as if His creatures were His rivals.
We do not detach ourselves from things in order to attach ourselves to God, but
rather we become detached form ourselves in order to see and use all things in and
for God. This is an entirely new perspective which many sincerely moral and ascetic
minds fail utterly to see.”
Thomas Merton. New Seeds of Contemplation. (New York: New Directions Books), p 21

Filed under: Thomas Merton

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Mukunda Charan das, SA: Goodness

‘By brahminical culture, the development of the dormant qualities of goodness, namely truthfulness, equanimity, sense control, forbearance, simplicity, general knowledge, transcendental knowledge, and firm faith in the Vedic wisdom, one can become a brahmana and thus see the Lord as He is. And after surpassing the brahminical perfection, one has to become a devotee of the Lord so that His loving affection in the form of proprietor, master, friend, son and lover can be transcendentally achieved. The stage of a devotee, which attracts the transcendental affection of the Lord, does not develop unless one has developed the qualities of a brahmana as above mentioned’
[A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Srimad Bhagavatam 1.14.35-6 Purport, p.812]
U797H4AQ3SBX

Filed under: Uncategorized

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Gouranga TV: Harinam Sankirtan ISKCON Rotterdam 19-3-2011

Harinam Sankirtan ISKCON Rotterdam 19-3-2011

Gouranga TV: Harinam Sankirtan ISKCON Rotterdam 19-3-2011

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Dandavats.com: Govinda-Buda & Budapest [Govindha-Buddha] - first steps to open

By Swiderski Tibor
We are pleased to inform you of 2011. On 21 March the Govinda restaurant in Budapest - the first Buda side of Danube - was opened. Govinda-Buda is the first of the restaurants we prashadam breakfast for our guests

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Dandavats.com: See you at Kalachandji’s restaurant

Pandava vijaya dasa: Man saw the Whole life TV show on Channel 95 in Dallas Texas- he called about Kalachandji's restaurant he saw on TV--said it looked great and wanted to go-- I gave him the website and he said " I will see you there."

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Dandavats.com: Searching for German lady disciples of Srila Prabhupada

Malati dasi: As part of our on going effort to interview female devotees who were initiated by Srila Prabhupada, we are looking for contact information of any sort (e-mail, ph. number, physical address, any clue what so ever) for the following devotees who are either of German nationality or were initiated in Germany

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Japa Group: Please Join The Japa Group

Please share your realisations with other devotees from around the world...simply send me an introduction email and I will be happy to make you a member:

rasa108@gmail.com

ys

Rasa Rasika dasa

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Dandavats.com: H.G. Praghosa prabhu speaks on S.B. 4.12.51- from a live broadcast on Mayapur.TV

H.G. Praghosa prabhu speaks on S.B. 4.12.51- from a live broadcast on Mayapur.TV

By Mayapur.tv
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
His Grace Praghosa prabhu took initiation from Satsvarupa das Goswami in the early 1980’s. He is currently one of Mayapur’s GBC’s and also GBC for UK, Sweden, Denmark and Ireland. He lives in Dublin where he manages 3 successful Govinda’s Restaurants. He is also the force behind the well appreciated dandavats.com devotee website.

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 4.12.51

jñānam ajñāta-tattvāyayo dadyāt sat-pathe ‘mṛtamkṛpālor dīna-nāthasya
devās tasyānugṛhṇate

SYNONYMS
jñānam — knowledge; ajñāta-tattvāya — to those who are unaware of the truth; yaḥ — one who; dadyāt — imparts; sat-pathe — on the path of truth; amṛtam — immortality; kṛpāloḥ — kind; dīna-nāthasya — protector of the poor; devāḥ — the demigods; tasya — to him; anugṛhṇate — give blessings.

TRANSLATION
The narration of Dhruva Mahārāja is sublime knowledge for the attainment of immortality. Persons unaware of the Absolute Truth can be led to the path of truth. Those who out of transcendental kindness take on the responsibility of becoming master-protectors of the poor living entities automatically gain the interest and blessings of the demigods.

PURPORT
Jñānam ajñāta means knowledge which is unknown almost throughout the entire world. No one knows actually what is the Absolute Truth. Materialists are very proud of their advancement in education, in philosophical speculation and in scientific knowledge, but no one actually knows what the Absolute Truth is. The great sage Maitreya, therefore, recommends that to enlighten people about the Absolute Truth (tattva), devotees should preach the teachings of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam throughout the entire world. Śrīla Vyāsadeva especially compiled this great literature of scientific knowledge because people are completely unaware of the Absolute Truth. In the beginning of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, First Canto, it is said that Vyāsadeva, the learned sage, compiled this great Bhāgavata Purāṇa just to stop the ignorance of the mass of people. Because people do not know the Absolute Truth, this Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam was specifically compiled by Vyāsadeva under the instruction of Nārada. Generally, even though people are interested in understanding the truth, they take to speculation and reach at most the conception of impersonal Brahman. But very few men actually know the Personality of Godhead.
Recitation of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is specifically meant to enlighten people about the Absolute Truth, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Although there is no fundamental difference between impersonal Brahman, localized Paramātmā and the Supreme Person, factual immortality cannot be obtained unless and until one attains the stage of associating with the Supreme Person. Devotional service, which leads to the association of the Supreme Lord, is actual immortality. Pure devotees, out of compassion for the fallen souls, are kṛpālu, very kind to people in general; they distribute this Bhāgavata knowledge all over the world. A kindhearted devotee is called dīna-nātha, protector of the poor, ignorant mass of people. Lord Kṛṣṇa is also known as dīna-nātha or dīna-bandhu, the master or actual friend of the poor living entities, and His pure devotee also takes the same position of dīna-nātha. The dīna-nāthas, or devotees of Lord Kṛṣṇa, who preach the path of devotional service, become the favorites of the demigods. Generally people are interested in worshiping the demigods, especially Lord Śiva, in order to obtain material benefits, but a pure devotee, who engages in preaching the principles of devotional service, as prescribed in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, does not need to separately worship the demigods; the demigods are automatically pleased with him and offer all the blessings within their capacity. As by watering the root of a tree the leaves and branches are automatically watered, so, by executing pure devotional service to the Lord, the branches, twigs and leaves of the Lord, known as demigods, are automatically pleased with the devotee, and they offer all benedictions.

VERSO 51

jñānam ajñāta-tattvāya
yo dadyāt sat-pathe ‘mṛtam
kṛpālor dīna-nāthasya
devās tasyānugṛhṇate

jñānam—conocimiento; ajñāta-tattvāya—a los que no son conscientes de la verdad; yaḥ —aquel que; dadyāt — imparte; sat-pathe — en el sendero de la verdad; amṛtam—inmortalidad; kṛpāloḥ — bondadoso; dīna-nāthasya—protector de los pobres; devāḥ —los semidioses; tasya—a él; anugṛhṇate—dan bendiciones.
TRADUCCIÓN
La narración de la vida de Dhruva Mahārāja constituye un conocimiento sublime para el logro de la inmortalidad. Puede encaminar hacia el sendero de la verdad a las personas que no son conscientes de la Verdad Absoluta. Aquellos que, por bondad trascendental, asumen la responsabilidad de actuar como maestros y protectores de las pobres entidades vivientes, se ganan de modo natural el interés y las bendiciones de los semidioses.
SIGNIFICADO
Jñānam ajñāta significa «conocimiento prácticamente desconocido en todo el mundo». Nadie sabe de hecho qué es la Verdad Absoluta. Los materialistas están muy orgullosos de sus progresos en educación, especulación filosófica y conocimiento científico, pero nadie sabe de hecho qué es la Verdad Absoluta. Por lo tanto, el gran sabio Maitreya aconseja a los devotos que prediquen el Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam por todo el mundo, a fin de iluminar a la gente en la Verdad Absoluta (tattva). Śrīla Vyāsadeva compuso esta gran obra de conocimiento científico debido a la total ignorancia de la gente con respecto a Verdad Absoluta. Al principio del Primer Canto del Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam se dice que Vyāsadeva, el sabio erudito, compuso este gran Bhāgavata Purāṇa con la única intención de acabar con la ignorancia de las masas. Como la gente no conoce la Verdad Absoluta, Vyāsadeva compuso especialmente este Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam siguiendo la instrucción de Nārada. Por lo general, cuando la gente tiene interés en comprender la verdad, practican la especulación y llegan, a lo sumo, al concepto impersonal del Brahman. Pero son muy pocos los que de hecho conocen a la Personalidad de Dios.
El objetivo específico del Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam consiste en iluminar a la gente en la Verdad Absoluta, la Suprema Personalidad de Dios. Aunque entre el Brahman impersonal, el Paramātmā localizado y la Persona Suprema no hay diferencias fundamentales, de hecho la inmortalidad no se puede alcanzar mientras no se llegue a la etapa de relacionarse con la Persona Suprema. ánicamente entonces es posible. El servicio devocional, que nos lleva a nuestra relación directa con el Señor Supremo, es la verdadera inmortalidad. Los devotos puros, por compasión hacia las almas caídas, son kṛpālu, muy bondadosos con la gente en general; ellos reparten este conocimiento del Bhāgavatam por todo el mundo. Un devoto de buen corazón recibe el calificativo de dīna-nātha, es decir, protector de las pobres masas de gente ignorante. Dīna-nātha o dīna-bandhu, «maestro o verdadero amigo de las pobres entidades vivientes», es también un nombre con el que se conoce al Señor >Kṛṣṇa. Su devoto puro también asume esa misma posición de dīna-nātha. Los dīna-nāthas, o devotos del Señor Kṛṣṇa, que predican el sendero del servicio devocional, son los favoritos de los semidioses. Por lo general, el interés de la gente está en la adoración de semidioses para obtener beneficios materiales, en especial la adoración del Señor Śiva; sin embargo, el devoto puro, que se ocupa en predicar los principios del servicio devocional como se establecen en el Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, no necesita adorar por separado a los semidioses; ellos, sin más, se sienten complacidos con él y le ofrecen todas las bendiciones posibles. De manera natural, cuando se riega un árbol por la raíz, sus hojas y sus ramas también reciben el riego. Lo mismo ocurre cuando se ofrece servicio devocional puro al Señor: las ramas, tallos y hojas del Señor —los semidioses— quedan complacidos con el devoto, y le ofrecen toda clase de bendiciones.

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ISKCON Transcriptions: Vaisnava Etiquette and Culture (part 4)

Seminar on Vaisnava Etiquette and Culture given by HH. Bhaktividya Purna Swami given at ISKCON Radhadesa in 1998.
Vaisnava Etiquette and Culture (part 4) mp3
So we just ended yesterday with the discussion that we want to apply some aspects of the Vedic culture. Then we should actually look into what are the aspects surrounding it or the situation which it is applied and then all the various elements that are there that were included. So then you get a complete picture.That may mean we have to do some research or discussion on these side areas, just like yesterday’s discussion was about engagements.
So this means that you have to understand what are the qualifications for training a girl, the qualifications for training a boy, then the families themselves what qualifications they have, a situation under that’s done and the mood that is behind all these that make them happen. And if that’s there, you can apply something for time and circumstance. Otherwise there’s a difficulty in application because the external form may be adjusted to some degree. Just like the idea is that as soon as the girl comes to maturity, in other words, she basically becomes a woman at 12, in her how she thinks, in her mentality while the boys don’t actually become men until late teens or early twenties.
The recommendation is ideal is like mid twenties and then they’re fully mature. But the girls are at a much earlier age than mature in this way. So Prabhupada said according to time and place and circumstances what is allowed in your particular countries and that this must be adjusted. Some countries allow at 16 to get married, some allow at 17, some allow at 18. So one must make adjustments. That must be always considered when this is being done. …read full story

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