miércoles, 10 de agosto de 2011

Dandavats.com: Bangalore Iskcon has no legal existence: HC








PLANET ISKCON



 
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"Planet ISKCON" - 88 new articles

  1. H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Wednesday 25 May 2011--Srila Prabhupada's Herculean Mission--and--Challenge: Blaming Dr.Hawking is Abusing Krishna
  2. ISKCON Melbourne, AU: 40th Anniversary of Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha
  3. ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Registration For Bhurijan Prabhu's Retreat
  4. ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana
  5. ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Kadamba Kanana Swami Vyasa Puja
  6. ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Hari Sauri Prabhu
  7. Japa Group: That Requires Time & Sincerity
  8. ISKCON News.com: ISKCON Mumbai Owns Bangalore Arm
  9. Devadeva Mirel, Alachua, USA: Tipster : What You Need To Buy For Canning Season
  10. Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: Human dharma
  11. Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: Krsna is very intelligent
  12. Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: Hungry for a miracle
  13. Bhakti Lata, Alachua, USA: Radhanath Swami's Magic
  14. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 320–Poem for May 24
  15. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): OLD FRIENDS
  16. Bhakta Chris, New York, USA: Today We Have The Power: We Need Your Help!
  17. Gaura Vani, USA: Bhakti Immersion Retreat! This Weekend!
  18. Dandavats.com: High Court rejects ISKCON, Bangalore, plea for stay
  19. Dandavats.com: Bangalore Iskcon has no legal existence: HC
  20. Dandavats.com: ‘Iskcon Mumbai owns City arm’
  21. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
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  62. Ananda Subramanian, Iowa, USA: Up to 12 million girls aborted in India over last 30 years
  63. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  64. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  65. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
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  76. Nityananda Chandra Das, Dallas TX: TEXAS FAITH 41: Is science leading to a new literalism?
  77. Matsyavatara das (ACBSP), Italy: FAMILY, PARENTS AND CHILDREN (Part 2/2) by Matsyavatara dasa (Marco Ferrini)
  78. H.H. Sivarama Swami: From Radha Damodara’s garden
  79. Akrura das, Gita Coaching: LEADER AND MANAGER
  80. Akrura das, Gita Coaching: WHY DO WE WEAR DEVOTIONAL CLOTHES?
  81. Devadeva Mirel, Alachua, USA: How To Win An Online Recipe Contest
  82. Ananda Subramanian, Iowa, USA: Should God be blamed for bad things of this world?
  83. ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Victoria Day Harinama - An Explosion of Colour and Spiritual Jubilance!
  84. Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: I wish I had this answer in Philosophy class.
  85. Japa Group: This Maha Mantra Cleanses The Dust
  86. Hari Sauri das, Mayapura, IN: 2011 tour – New Govardhan
  87. Gouranga TV: Bhajan – 24hr Kirtan – Gopi Gita dasi
  88. ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Hari Sauri Prabhu
  89. More Recent Articles
  90. Search Planet ISKCON
  91. Prior Mailing Archive

H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Wednesday 25 May 2011--Srila Prabhupada's Herculean Mission--and--Challenge: Blaming Dr.Hawking is Abusing Krishna

A daily broadcast of the Ultimate Self Realization Course Wednesday 25 May 2011 The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna, and His eternal consort, Srimati Radharani are enjoying transcendental pastimes in the topmost planet of the spiritual world, Sri Goloka Vrindavan. They are beckoning us to rejoin them. (Click on photo to see a larger image.) Our Mission: To help everyone awaken their original Krishna consciousness, which is eternal, full of knowledge and full of bliss. Such a global awakening will, in one stroke, solve all the problems of the world society bringing in a new era of unprecedented peace and prosperity for all. May that day, which the world so desperately needs, come very soon. We request you to participate in this mission by reviving your dormant Krishna consciousness and assisting us in spreading this science all over the world. Dedicated with love to ISKCON Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, our beloved spiritual master, and to you, our dear readers. Today's Thought: Srila Prabhupada's Herculean Mission Uploaded from Bhaktivedanta Ashram--Austin, Texas USA Srila Prabhupada states in his purport to Srimad Bhagavatam 1.5.36, The Lord definitely says that no one is more dear to Him than one who is always engaged in the preaching work of the Lord's name and fame all over the world. Although we are not very qualified or competent, we are trying our level best to do a little something to assist Srila Prabhupada in his herculean mission of making the entire world Krishna conscious. We are praying for his mercy and Krishna's mercy that we can be successful. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Srila Prabhupada Guiding His Disciples http://www.backtohome.com/images/Prabhupada/sp_guides.jpg Answers According to the Vedic Version: Objection: Blaming Dr. Hawking is Abusing Krishna In response to the question you were asked about the atheistic scientist, Dr. Stephen Hawking, you used the terms idiots and rascals. According to the Bhagavad-gita, Dr. Hawking or anybody is a form of Lord Krishna. So if we abuse him or anybody I think we are directly or indirectly abusing Krishna. There are so many good people who do not believe in God and who also knowingly or unknowingly mislead the people from actual realty. I think we should not blame or abuse anybody. Please correct me if am wrong. Your humble servant, C.N. Answer: If Blaming Is Wrong, Why Do You Blame? My Dear C.N., Please accept my blessings. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. You have asked me to correct you if you are wrong. So now, as per you request, I humbly beg to point out the discrepancies in what you have written. Kindly try to understand that I doing this in the mood of a humble servant who wants to help you become perfect in happiness by becoming perfect in your realization of the science of Krishna consciousness as taught by Lord Sri Krishna in the Srimad Bhagavad-gita. The first point is: If your philosophy is not to blame anyone, why are you blaming me? This is contradictory. The second point is: There is no verse in the Bhagavad-gita which upholds the principle that Dr. Hawking and everyone else is a form of God. Rather we are all the tiny servants of God. The third point is: Please note carefully that it is not I who am saying that Dr. Hawking is a rascal. It is Krishna who declares that such persons are rascals. avajnanti mm mdh mnusm tanum ritam param bhvam ajnanto mama bhta-mahevaram Fools deride Me when I descend in the human form. They do not know My transcendental nature as the Supreme Lord of all that be. --Bhagavad-gita 9.11 I am simply broadcasting the words of Krishna because this is what my spiritual master and Lord Krishna have ordered me to do. So if you want to find fault, you will have to find fault with Lord Krishna. In conclusion, if we remain passive in the face of the atheistic onslaught, soon atheism will completely overwhelm and destroy whatever vestiges of theism remain on this planet. Therefore if we have any love for the people of this world and sincerely desire their ultimate welfare, we must oppose very strongly these rascals such as Dr. Hawking, who deny the existence of God and who criticize the holy scriptures as being nothing more than fairy tales for little children. I hope this meets you in the best of health and in an ecstatic mood. Your ever well-wisher, 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. k Lectures and Kirtans in Audio and Video: Link to High Definition Videos Link to Over 1,000 Lecture Audios Lecture-Travel Schedule for 2011 http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com/schedule Have Questions or Need Further Guidance? Check out the resources at: http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com or write Sankarshan Das Adhikari at: sda@backtohome.com Get your copy today of the world's greatest self-realization guide book, Bhagavad-gita As It Is available at:http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com/store Know someone who could benefit from this? Forward it to them. Searchable archives of all of course material: http://www.sda-archives.com Receive Thought for the Day as an RSS feed:http://www.backtohome.com/rss.htm Unsubscribe or change your email address Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Daily_Thought Sankarshan Das Adhikari on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SDASITE Thought for the Day on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Ultimate.Self.Realization Copyright 2005-2011 by Ultimate Self Realization.Com Distribution of this material is encouraged. Simply we request you to acknowledge where it is coming from with a link to our sign up page: http://www.backtohome.com Our records indicate that at requested to be enrolled to receive e-mails from the Ultimate Self Realization Course at: This request was made on: From the following IP address:

 
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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: 40th Anniversary of Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha

One of the senior disciples of our movement, Stoka Krishna Prabhu, is eager to share with us the memorable moments he captured from the past weekend.

SPreunion

 

There are 4 sets covering Srila Prabhupada's reunion:

- Prabhupada Reunion

mahamantra1

Abhilasa prabhu
These are images taken from the Prabhupada reunion 20-22 May, 2011 held in Sydney




















Abhilasa prabhu
Prema Bhakti
Jai Sri Dasi
Candle
Prema and Citti at the reunion
Still life with plate
Kusa and Krishna Rupa
Kusa and Krishna Rupa
Santa Vittoria
Kusa and Abilasa
Pratapana and Balarama Prabhus
Dhaneshvara prabhu
Atmarama Prabhu
Suklam Dasi
Kalasamvara Prabhu
Ramasarana Prabhu
Pandu Vijaya Prabhu
Krishna Rupa and Abhilasa
Bhakta and Bhakti prabhus
Kurma Prabhu
Camari and Vraja
Lalita Madhava
Aniruddha Prabhu
Mandukini Dasi
Jamala Arjuna and Daksine
Prabhavishnu Maharaja and Ajit prabhu
Venu Gopala Prabhu
Angelina Elkin, Jazz singer
Guru Dakshine Prabhu


- Maha Kirtana
- Transcendental Harbour
- Maha Kirtana and Abhiseka

 Here is a video also; a little sample of the great time they had!

 
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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Registration For Bhurijan Prabhu's Retreat

Just a reminder from Keshava Prabhu at Hare Krishna Valley that your final opportunity to register for Bhurijan Prabhu's and Mother Jagattarini's Queen's Birthday Weekend retreat is June the 1st.

2011BhurijanJuneRetreat.jpg This includes devotees who are staying off the farm and those who will be visiting for a day during the weekend.

I hope to join you there!

 
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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana

We are fortunate once again to have darsana of our beloved Sri Sri Radha Ballabha. They pour Their mercy upon us day after day.

25/05/2011

 

"Oh, it is our good luck that we have come again today under Your protection by Your presence, for Your Lordship rarely visits even the denizens of heaven. Now it is possible for us to look into Your smiling face, which is full of affectionate glances. We can now see Your transcendental form, full of all auspiciousness."

(S.B 1.11.8)

 
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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Kadamba Kanana Swami Vyasa Puja

KksVp2011

 

These are the long-overdue pictures from Maharaja's Appearance Day celebration on the 2nd May this year.

It is quite a slideshow, so sit back and take your time to go through it!

 
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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Hari Sauri Prabhu


ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Hari Sauri Prabhu - Part 2 - How not to entertain guests!



Srila Prabhupada - The Living Bhagavata
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Posted by Jayendra at 25/5/11; 10:36:50 AM to the Daily Class dept
Daily Class - Hari Sauri Prabhu
Part 2 - How not to entertain guests!


ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Hari Sauri Prabhu - Part 2 - How not to entertain guests!

Srila Prabhupada - The Living Bhagavata



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Japa Group: That Requires Time & Sincerity


Hare Krsna dear devotees, I hope you chanting is focused this week and you have been enjoying our posts. Below is a quote from Srila Prabhupada's lecture. It's amazing to always read his quotes, I always feel stronger and more keen to serve the Lord and the devotees.

We have got a practical example. One man’s beloved has died, and he sees the whole universe as vacant. Is it vacant? That is the quality of love. There is no formula of quality. It is to be understood by oneself. Just like feeling refreshed and getting strength after eating. You don’t need a certificate: "Will you give me a certificate that I have eaten?" You will understand whether you have eaten or not. That means quality. When you will feel so much ecstasy in chanting Hare Krishna, then you have achieved quality. It does not mean chanting artificially—"Chant. Chant. Otherwise get out." This is not quality. This is expecting that someday you may come to quality. That requires time. That requires sincerity. But quality is there. Sravanadi suddha citte karaye... It will be awakened. Not by force. Just like love between two persons, it cannot be forced. "You must love him. You must love her...."
Morning walk - Nairobi - November 2, 1975

Wishing you have a wonderful week.

Aruna devi
 
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ISKCON News.com: ISKCON Mumbai Owns Bangalore Arm

By Contributor for www.deccanherald.com on 24 May 2011

In a verdict that puts an end to a decade-old feud, the High Court of Karnataka on Friday ruled that the entire property of Bangalore’s International Society for Krishna Consciousness belongs to the Iskcon Mumbai. High Court says its president, Madhu Pandita Das forged documents.


 
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Devadeva Mirel, Alachua, USA: Tipster : What You Need To Buy For Canning Season

Canning season is well under way in the Southern states, but some parts of the country are just getting started. Here’s a list of things to have on hand  so you won’t experience any delays when you are out for a drive and see a roadside sign advertising dirt cheap farm fresh produce.  From jams to pickles, I’ve got you covered.

Canning Basics

  • Jars  & Lids A variety of sizes–half pint, pint & quart. Always good to use new lids and, if using 2 piece tops, undented rings.
  • Water Bath Canner You can buy the standard enamel coated ones online or at Walmart (I know) or use a wide bottom stock pot.
  • Jar Lifter This is a necessity if you are water bath canning.
  • Kitchen Towels And lots of them.
  • Food Mill Don’t even bother to jar tomato sauce without it.

 

Essential Ingredients

  • Pectin Most home jam makers are going to use some sort of commercial pectin. If you are using Sure-Jell or Certo, then you won’t have any problem picking it up at your local supermarket. If you are using a natural pectin like Pomona’s, then you will need to buy that online or at a specialty store like a natural grocery.
  • Sugar/Sweetener I prefer to use evaporated cane juice because it is a natural sugar and light in color. It will not darken the color of your jam or brine.
  • Vinegar White vinegar is the vinegar of choice for most pickling because it is subtle, colorless and cheap. I’ve found that 1 gallon will get you through a bushel of vegetables. However, you may prefer apple cider vinegar or one of the many other vinegars on grocery shelves, such as balsamic, wine or rice vinegar.
  • Citric Acid I use citric acid instead of lemon juice in my jams because it is a dry ingredient I can always have on hand.
  • Salt I use kosher salt. You may want to use pickling/canning salt or an iodine free sea salt as these will not darken your canned vegetables. Have a few large boxes on hand because pickling requires a lot of salt.
  • Spices Purchase whole spices for canning. Good spices to have on hand for pickling include celery seed, mustard seed, a variety of peppercorns, star anise, cloves, red chili flakes, and powdered turmeric. Whole vanilla bean, cinnamon, powdered ginger, cardamom, and lavender make nice additions to jams.

Do you have any tools or ingredients you would add to the list? Let me know in the comments section below.

 

 

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Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: Human dharma

> There are instances > of devotees who are not attending the morning program, nor are they seen > to be performing sadhana, yet give class. Should I attend the class or > make some arrangement to hear something else during that time?

I suggest that you raise the issue in the questions session at the end of a class. Keep us informed.

 
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Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: Krsna is very intelligent

If you have got money, you must spend money. Not that "Money is for my children and wife, and I come to Vrndavana and chant Hare Krsna." There are many such retired persons here. They leave the money for their relatives, and come here with a... Of course, that is good. But Krsna is very intelligent. Krsna wants to know where you have kept your money. (laughter) He inquires, "You kept your money for your children and you have come to love Me with your beads?" No. (laughter) Krsna is very intelligent. Krsna wants that "Whatever you have got, you have to utilize for Me."

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.9 -- Vrndavana, October 20, 1972

 
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Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: Hungry for a miracle


I was struggling to stay out, it was late but I just thought I can keep chanting. That’s when I saw this young man walk in my direction. He looked very dejected and kind of stopped near me. I gave him a card and inquired if he has heard about yoga. He said yes but questioningly asked ‘What can it do for me’. So I started to explain how most of our problems are in the mind. He interjected right away asking, ‘no will it solve my problem?’ I told him I don’t know his specific problem but generally when people are calmer they can solve more problems – he mildly nodded. I noticed all the while he had these hiccups. So as I was talking, again he interjected – will it solve my problem. So I asked him was his problem financial or health. He started to explain he had no where to live his family has kicked him out and asked me if I have a place to live. I told him I have a mantra that will give him strength and showed him the Hare Krishna mantra and he repeated it with me. Then again he asked but how will it solve my problem. He said every step he takes there is pain, he can’t even walk. Again he asked me, how it will solve my problem. At that very moment two very severely hunchbacked people walked past us and I pointed in their direction and told him that was pain and that real progress requires attitude of gratitude and he should chant Hare Krishna. He was really upset. I told him its not like the chanting will find him his house but it will transform his life. I was running out of ideas, but at that very moment he said ‘Oh my god, can you see my hiccups stopped’ He was a changed man in seconds – he was smiling and laughing. He said this is a miracle, I am in pain for so long, cant stop these hiccups and chest was hurting, could do nothing to stop it but now it stopped. He started to ask me – how did the hiccups stop (as if I knew). I told him everything is going on under Krishna’s will, these hiccups may come back again but you need to see you are not the body. He said I was not believing you, but now I believe you, I will surely read this book. He now showed interest in the books and started to inquire more about Karma. He left with two books and I requested him to chant everyday. I pray humbly that he just chants.

Looking back it, I was thinking how cheap our faith in Krishna is. We need to see a little magic show, a little miracle. We don’t realise that the very fact that we have human form of life and are in association with Srila Prabhupada’s books, Vaikuntha gems, is the greatest miracle. Srila Prabhupada explained that if someone just stops and appreciates a book and says thank you, doesn’t even take it, its Shraddha and that is enough to get them a human form of life. What is the destination of this young man, so frustrated and lost in life and little does he know that he left with the world’s greatest gems.

 
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Bhakti Lata, Alachua, USA: Radhanath Swami's Magic

Over the past several days During Radhanath Swami's recent visit to Alachua, I have contrived so many reasons to keep my distance - he's too busy, I'm too mental and unqualified, etc.

My mind wants distance...

...but my soul wants closeness! Without fail, day after day, I am drawn irresistibly closer and closer to his beautiful presence, to listen closer to his beautiful kirtans, to soak in deeper his beautiful words... to laugh at his beautiful humor.

There is a saying, "We may forget what someone has said, we may even forget what someone has done, but we will never forget how someone made us feel." So while Radhanath Swami's words and actions guide my own words and actions on a daily basis, sometimes I forget all of that.

All I remember is how I feel when I am in his presence: bathed in purity. Inspired and at peace. 

This morning after Bhagavatam class, I simply walked up to him with a huge smile on my face; I expressed my gratitude for his class and his presence. I said, "I feel so grateful to be under your shelter, Maharaj,"  

He smiled in his effulgent way and said, "I feel grateful I got to serve you!"

One day, I hope to serve him. 


 
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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 320–Poem for May 24

www.sdgonline.org. SDGonline Daily updates

5:56 A.M.

A Writer of Pieces

New format–I will begin with a poem written on the day of its printing. Then I will print random excerpts of books I have printed over the last 35 years. I hope this variety will be pleasing.

Poem for May 24th

I did not wake
until 3:36 A.M. and did not
begin my japa until
Baladeva came up at 4:00.
I rushed through and completed
them by 5:30 as rain beat
on the roof.

Yesterday at lunch we did not read
Srimad Bhagavatam where Uddhava
is beginning to tell the pastimes of
Krishna. We had two guests, Muktavandya
and Kirtana-rasa. Mukta spoke of
heart trouble. His sister-nurse
diagnosed it as angina. Due to his
overeating, the blood got diverted to
digesting and not enough to beat the
heart. He left early to get a
doctor’s examination. He has a
precarious life. Kirtana-rasa told
us his plans to vacation in Costa Rica
at Christmastime and made a list
of comedy films we could watch.
Baladeva stood the whole time
making samosas at the gas range.

I tried writing commentary to pictures
I’ve drawn but didn’t get far
with that. I’m out of work
waiting for a new idea
to embark on. I’m satisfied to rest,
deal with headaches,
and do my morning program.

Bala mowed the lawn
yesterday while
Saci hit fly balls
to his son who caught
them well at a
great distance. His
dad was pleased.

The poem is simple fare
gathered while I listen
to jazz manifesto. I
try to rise above my
physical and mental problems
and take inspiration from
the swing of the music.
I wish we had read more
of Krishna or that I retained
what little we did read.
I have short-term memory
lapses, perhaps I do not
pay attention well enough
while listening. God
knows my poem wants
Krishna in it. I pray
to Him to be with
me as I go forth in
life in my quiet days
spent aware that He’s
sustaining me and is
the Controller of the
Universe. I declare
my love for Him
in open admission
to end this song.

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

www.sdgonline.org. SDGonline Daily updates

From  My Dear Lord Krishna: A Book of Prayers

“I want to pray for closeness to You. I know You cannot be approached but through the spiritual master. This afternoon I plan to write a poem called ‘All Those Years Ago,’ in which I will recount the personal service I rendered to Prabhupada in ISKCON during the years he was on the planet up until 1977, and a summary of the years after that. I know my favorable connection to Srila Prabhupada is my only way to a favorable connection to You, but in this prayer I want to explore the results of my training in Krishna consciousness by Prabhupada and pray that it brings me a sense of my union with You. After all, Prabhupada was training us to love You and serve You. That is the whole thrust of his strong presentation of Bhagavad-gita As It Is. To familiarize us with Your activities he wrote Krishna Book early in his preaching career, before he even worked into the later cantos of Srimad Bhagavatam. He came to us delivering the maha-mantra in his personal kirtana and his giving us vows to chant at least sixteen rounds on beads daily. As his good students, we are meant to develop a relationship with You.

“Sometimes I feel close to You. Yesterday after chanting my sixteen rounds, I took an afternoon walk, and I was deliberately chanting the maha-mantra off my beads. It felt very nice, and I felt an intimacy with You through the chanting. It is moments like this that I want to cultivate and intensify. Sometimes when I’m very calm and quiet, I think of Your presence with me. You are in my heart, and You are in my mind, and when I think of You. I know that when I am in a stressful or dangerous situation, I think of You more. That was the prayer of Queen Kunti: she asked for dangerous times because You were with her more than in a normal situation. I am not so daring as to ask for times of crisis; I prefer to think of You in peace. But it is a fact that You come to our minds more when we are in danger.

“I think of You as my friend and protector. I meditate on how You are maintaining the life in my body, and I try to think that You are my eternal Lord who will be with me always. When I think of Your pastimes in Vraja, I become conscious of You as the most desirable person. Reading Ananda-Vrndavana-Campu has been very helpful in bringing You before me as a real personality.You are an all-attractive Cowherd Boy, and You wander in the forests of Vrndavana, and the vraja-sundaris, the gopis, possess the greatest love of You among all Your devotees.

“I wish to come close to You by rendering service and by chanting Hare Krishna. I wish to relish Your pastimes. I want to think of You as involved in my personal life. I want to do as King Kulasekhara prayed, entangle my thoughts in You the way the swan entangles its neck in the roots of the lotus flower. King Kulasekhara prayed that he’d die while he was in a healthy state of mind and able to think of You in that way, because he feared that at death, he would be preoccupied by his dying, being choked up with mucus and incapacitated. I don’t wish for my death, but I pray to feel close to You at that time. I am praying to You now for closeness, and I wish to always pray for this. Please let thoughts of You always dwell in my mind and let me feel love for You. This is what Prabhupada wants me to do.”

From Reading Reform

“Questions and Answers

“1. Q. I find that the books are so deeply philosophical and filled with so many unfamiliar terms that I cannot understand them. Is it not a waste of time for me to keep going over and over each line or purport?

A. Somehow or other we must become Krishna conscious. No one can ever really know everything about Krishna, but the test of a devotee is how he relishes hearing about Him. You will benefit from reading even if you do not understand all of the terms, provided you maintain your interest and attention.

“There are various techniques for reading and studying, and we should, in time, come to study the books with precision. We should understand the different terms and concepts that appear so that we can explain them properly when we preach. Even materially, a good student increases his vocabulary by listing unfamiliar words and looking them up in a dictionary. And we should take notes and discuss the books with other devotees in order to become fully knowledgeable of them.

“2. Q. Often I finish reading a long purport only to find I was thinking about something else the whole time. How can I keep my mind from wandering when I read?

“A. We have to be humble and submissive and want to hear. Krishna imparted the Bhagavad-gita to Arjuna only after Arjuna approached Krishna in helpless humility. ‘Now I am confused about my duty, and I have lost all composure because of miserly weakness,’ he said. Prabhupada explains in the Srimad Bhagavatam that to hear with rapt attention, one’s consciousness must become pure, and that requires purity in eating, sleeping, mating and defending. The purer we are, the more we will feel an urgent need to hear. This will make us more attentive.

“As long as we do not have a higher taste, and are, therefore, open to distractions, we will be inattentive. Krishna says, ‘Wherever the mind wanders due to its flickering and unsteady nature, one must certainly withdraw it and bring it back under the control of the self.’ (Bg. 6.26) When you notice that you are reading without paying attention, either reread the verse and purport or just read the next, but with attention.

“Sometimes we will read with startling receptivity, and we will immediately feel enlivened and enthusiastic and in that way receive so much benefit. This often occurs when we read in the early morning hours. (The sages at Naimisaranya would gather early in the morning to hear about Krishna. In that purport, Prabhupada states that morning is the best time to hold spiritual services.) Whenever you find yourself reading receptively, examine how it came about, and then practice reading like that.

“For some, the pressure of a heavy workload creates difficulties for reading. One devotee I know works so hard physically that whenever he sits down to read, he falls asleep. And some devotees may work in ways that agitate their minds and cause them to become distracted when reading. Devotees who have experienced and solved such problems as these share their knowledge and realizations with others, and in this way encourage them. We should not be complacent and think, ‘Well, that’s the way it is. I always fall asleep,’ or ‘I’m too agitated to ever read.’ We must fight to overcome these conditions.

“We should not read all day, but whatever reading time we do have should not be wasted. Rather, we should read only the most important Vaisnava literatures. Prabhupada advised against being a ‘bookworm’ by reading many books unnecessarily. A bookworm is also one who reads the books but does not live as an active servant of Krishna and the spiritual master in accordance with the Vaisnava conclusions. What good is the learning of such a person?”

From Radio Shows

“Prabhupada singing (Happening album):

“Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare                      Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

“Haribol. This morning I read in the Bhagavatam how the king is responsible for his citizens. If he’s a good king, he gets one-sixth of their pious credits. If he’s a bad king and taxes the citizens without giving them what they need, he receives one-sixth of their impious credits.

“In the purport Prabhupada writes that the same principle can be applied to parents and spiritual masters. If a spiritual master cannot direct his disciples to become free of their sinful activities, he becomes responsible for their sinful acts.

“I doubt this means if a spiritual master’s disciples become sinful he is automatically to blame. Otherwise, what about those disciples of Prabhupada who have gone back to meat-eating? Or those who have become antagonistic to Krishna consciousness? I don’t know how many there are in that category. There are probably far more who have been disillusioned with practicing Krishna consciousness or who are unable to practice actively.

“I think the real point is that Prabhupada gave them all direction. He supplied the society and the books, and he awakened in us the understanding that we’re meant to practice Krishna consciousness in this lifetime. No one can say that Prabhupada didn’t guide us sufficiently. No one can say that we simply served him, but that we didn’t get anything in return. That’s not true.

“I’m bringing this point up to question myself. What have I done (or what am I doing) to direct devotees? It’s something I have to consider.

“I want to defend myself on the air; I’m raising it as a point I have to consider. The main thing is that I shouldn’t misdirect anyone. We think of ‘gurus’ who are cheaters—outright cheaters—who take money or who will exploit their women disciples. Then there’s another category of those who have a general inability to lead others. They often can’t even lead themselves. Even though they work in the mission, they finally flop. They get credit, I suppose, for having done good work, but in the end they are a great disappointment. They can cause a lifelong crack in a disciple’s faith. Therefore, seeing how fallible we are, I try to take care of myself.

“I read in Hari Sauri’s Diary about Prabhupada talking about the spiritual master. Professor O’Connell from Toronto asked Prabhupada if a woman could become a guru. Prabhupada said yes, there are examples, although it’s rare. Not so many. He said, ‘Actually, one who has attained perfection, she can become guru, but man or woman, unless one has attained the perfection ye krsna tattva vit se guru haya . . . the qualification of guru is that he must be fully cognizant of the science of Krishna. Then he or she can become guru.

“Srila Prabhupada says it’s easy to become guru, but you simply have to repeat what Krishna says. Krishna is the supreme teacher and guru. Anyone can represent Krishna. Kiba vipra, kiba nyasi, sudra kene naya/yei krishna-tattva-vetta, sei ‘guru’ haya . . . anyone from any social condition can be a guru. All they have to do is to tell everyone they meet about Krishna.

“That phrase sounds so permissive: yei krishna tattva-vetta, sei’ ‘guru’ haya. If you know the science of Krishna, sei guru haya, you can become guru. This time, however, Prabhupada emphasized that becoming guru means becoming fully cognizant of the science of Krishna. Becoming guru is the perfection, not a beginner’s state.

“I don’t know if I can fully face up to all the implications of that statement, as we try to take Prabhupada’s guidance. On the other hand, we have to have compassion. People have a crying need to take direction. We want to respond to that. We want to present Srila Prabhupada’s instructions. That’s the preaching mood.

“Anyway, this is enough food for thought for many talks, more than I can talk my way out of right now. My first business is to become fit. First, apani acari prabhu jivera sikhaya: set the example, then preach. Preaching is a matter of communication. What’s more important, communication or the state of what you’re communicating? The truth of the communication, the depth of it, the purity of it, the non-hypocritical nature of it—communication is the order you give or the form of teachings, and it has to carry the potency of deep, personal realization. I count on devotees being able to accept the form of communication I do give, which is, I hope, effective, open, personal and non-bluffing. That is, my personal writing in book form. Then for better or for worse, as they say, in sickness or in health, in happiness or distress we can deepen our relationship. Let us prosecute it together and go as far as we can.”



 
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Bhakta Chris, New York, USA: Today We Have The Power: We Need Your Help!


Our dear friend and fellow monk Radha-Vallabha Dasa (Christopher Timm) is inches away from finishing his excellent documentary film "Today We Have The Power", a look at the bridge between social activism and spirituality via the issues and events of the famous/infamous 1999 WTO Seattle demonstrations.

How he traverses those last few inches depends on your generosity and mercy.

Using the website Kickstarter, he is trying to raise $11,500 to fund his post-production work. As of right now, he has raised $3779 through the help 0f 43 generous backers.

He has until June 1st to reach his goal, and the unique nature of Kickstarter is that if you don't raise your full funding, you don't get any of it. It's an all-or-nothing system designed to really "kickstart" the fundraising.

As some of you know, Radha-Vallabha is a supremely dedicated soul and this film is his heart's work. We sincerely pray you can help him to reach his goal. Any donation is kindly appreciated and reciprocated.
Link
The Kickstarter page where you can donate
http://todaywehavethepower.com/ (The film's website)
"Today We Have The Power" on Facebook

Here's more about the film below:
Today We Have The Power is a feature documentary that delves beneath the mayhem and madness of the 1999 WTO protests in Seattle, examines the economic and social issues that brought people to Seattle, and then dives into the spiritual crisis at the root of the problems. The goal of this film is to facilitate conversation about the connection between activism and spirituality that many people have come to see as essential for our societies progressive evolution.

For one week in 1999 the sight of Seattle police brutally attacking ordinary American citizens that came to protest the World Trade Organization transfixed the world. The story most people remember is that a peaceful protest was disrupted by a small band of masked anarchists intent on violence, forcing the police to intervene.

Ten years later, people still don't know why unprecedented numbers of people from all walks of life came to protest the WTO. Ten years later most people still don’t know what the WTO actually is. The blasts of tear gas, rubber bullets and shattered windows may have obscured the reasons for the protests, but the reasons for the clash have not gone away: denigration of human life, species extinction, environmental destruction and social decay remain the heavy tolls we pay for the way we have gone about globalization.

Now in 2011, the Seattle protesters seem like prophets, as the effects of globalization continue to take their toll on our world. But still missing in the public discussion is the strong belief held by many that at the real problem—and the solution to it—is not an economic or political issue, but a spiritual one.

Today We Have the Power challenges us to consider the deep spiritual issues at the core of these events. The film achieves this by drawing out the spiritual angle from the people engaged on all sides of the Seattle WTO protest event, who reiterate and expand upon the eternal spiritual truth best expressed by Mahatma Gandhi: You must become the change you wish to see in the world.

The film features interviews with David Korten, Norm Stamper (former Chief of Police in Seattle), Mike Moore (former Director-General of the WTO), Vandana Siva, Jagadish Bhagavati, John Zerzan, Tom Goldtooth, Sister Catherine Pinkerton, Radhanath Swami and many more.




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Gaura Vani, USA: Bhakti Immersion Retreat! This Weekend!

Bhakti Immersion Weekend

 
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Dandavats.com: High Court rejects ISKCON, Bangalore, plea for stay

By Indlawnews

Bangalore Hare Krishna Hill is back with Srila Prabhupada's world wide ISKCON! The Karnataka High Court today declined to give a stay order on the verdict of a two-member bench which had pronounced that ISKCON Bangalore belonged to ISKCON

 
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Dandavats.com: Bangalore Iskcon has no legal existence: HC

By P. Vasanth Kumar

The plaintiff society (Iskcon, Bangalore) has miserably failed to prove that it has legal existence as an independent, autonomous society. It failed to prove and establish that it is the absolute owner in possession and enjoyment of property. It is found that the plaintiff society is a defunct society. By taking advantage of similarity in the name Bangalore branch of defendant (Iskcon, Mumbai) and by fabricating documents, is falsely claiming the schedule property

 
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Dandavats.com: ‘Iskcon Mumbai owns City arm’

By Deccan Herald

High Court says its president, Madhu Pandita Das forged documents. In a verdict that puts an end to a decade-old feud, the High Court of Karnataka on Friday ruled that the entire property of Bangalore’s International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) belongs to the Iskcon Mumbai

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1966 May 11:
"Saptami. In the evening there was meeting, nine or ten ladies & gentlemen attending. Discussed with Carl about L.S.D. He is convinced about my arguments that there is no necessity of it for spiritual revelation."
Prabhupada Journal :: 1966

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1970 May 11: "Organize the new center even at personal inconvenience - that is real service. Maya is very strong, and we are liable to fall down at any moment. We have to gather our strength by chanting the beads sixteen rounds regularly and praying to Krishna for guidance. Kindly follow my instructions and forget if there is any disagreement."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 May 11: "What are your plans for Bangladesh? There is great opportunity, and when Americans speak it will be very convincing and the Muslims in Bangladesh will agree to hear. Convince them - this is the only means to unify the whole world."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 May 11: "Regarding second initiation, I approve and you hold a fire yajna and give them all threads. The tape of me reciting Gayatri mantra, this can be heard through the right ear by earphones during the yajna. There is another request for 2nd initiation but I have not received any recommendation from temple president or sannyasi."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1973 May 11: "This man is playing some trick so we shall also play some trick. We shall not vacate any of the rooms upstairs or downstairs; this should be our policy. We shall take them to court and pray to the court to settle the matter. In this way we have to deal with these men."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 May 11: "The status quo is threatened as I do not think the boys can manage the buildings and land which we own here. It requires strong management. I am fearful what will happen here in my absence. So consider my proposal seriously. I am coming to Paris by the 9th of June."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1975 May 11: "I was training you to take up the charge of Vrndavana center very expertly. Unfortunately, both of you are fallen from service. Anyway, the Vrndavana opening ceremony was performed very gorgeously. Your husband was present, but his business was different."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1975 May 11: "He has sold so many of our properties through the Mukutwalla. He is collecting money like anything and is not contributing anything to the society. His only business is to acquire money. I did not say anything to him. I am simply praying to Krishna for his welfare."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1966 May 10:
"Sasthi. Today also did not go out. Two letters received one from Robert Nelson who tried Harper Row for publication. Two letters written about Khola, Kartal and Harmonium -- one to Brindaban and the other to Captain Pandya. Received back the old Pass Book. Transferred to Grand St. $109.87. Paul Paid $1.00 for expenditure."
Prabhupada Journal :: 1966

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1967 May 10: "The devotees of the temple must keep themselves engaged otherwise they cannot make progress in Krishna consciousness. The maya is very strong and as soon as there is opportunity the Maya will come and attack. And the only effective defense is remain Krishna consciousness always."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1968 May 10: "I have no particular instruction save and except the instruction I heard from my Spiritual Master. All instruction in the disciplic succession comes from the Supreme Person directly. To follow the instruction of the bona fide Spiritual Master is to follow the instruction of the Supreme Person."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1970 May 10: "Why do the students who are supposed to be leaders fight amongst themselves for supremacy? Prabhu means master; and the leader of the masters is Prabhupada. So if the Prabhus have surrendered to the Prabhupada, why there shall be such mentality for occupying the superior position?"
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1973 may 10: "Most people cannot approach Krsna Consciousness. Like a rare gem, only a few are capable of grasping it's importance. If just .01% of the world's population becomes Krsna Conscious, the whole situation on the earth will change."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1973 May 10: "Just see what has happened. I started alone and in seven years now we are three thousand. If the intelligent men of the world cooperate with this all-important mission we can save the world from the misery and chaos that now prevails."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 May 10: "Everyone has some potency. You have special potency. Do not waste it in the service of maya, but use it in the service of Krsna. Although there is inconvenience, we must endure it with a vow and finish our business in Krishna conscious service."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1975 May 10: Our men should go from village to village distributing prasadam. Mahatma Gandhi wanted this village organization. It is solid program. Let the people eat sumptuously - not voraciously and make them fit for working and chanting. In this way, they will be purified and everything will be nicely organized."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1966 May 9:
"Panchami. The whole day I did not go out. In the evening there was meeting the attendance was large, 14 ladies and gentlemen attended. But the collection poor only $5.00 Never mind it is growing."
Prabhupada Journal :: 1966

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1970 May 9: "All these things do not sound very nice. So I am very much anxious to know what is the actual situation because I can sense that he wants to introduce something in my absence which is completely against Krsna Consciousness."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 May 9: "Now I want that we shall concentrate on making our devotees Krishna conscious and ourselves becoming Krishna conscious, and not be so much concerned with expanding ourselves widely but without any spiritual content. Just like boiling the milk, it becomes thicker and sweeter."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 May 9: "So Syamasundara is just like my younger brother, we call him by nickname Gabu. His elder brother was Siddhesvar Mali and his nickname was Subida, an he was calling me Moti, so we were very intimate friends from the perambulator."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1973 May 9: "So inhabitants can be engaged in such a small manufacturing enterprise as well as farming to become self sufficient. But we should not be business minded. Our main business is to develop our dormant Krsna Consciousness."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 May 9: "I received one rumor that the Sankirtana parties in the US would soon be stopped by political repression. Assure all your men that I have great hope for Krishna Consciousness in America, more than any other place."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 May 9: "Make political propagation on the basis of reforming the whole human society. The leaders must be an ideal class of men, with ideal character. They should chant the names of God. This is essential for leaders."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 May 9: "I cannot close my eyes when there are big management difficulties, so when I see things going wrong, money mispent, things not used properly, then I have to take part."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1975 May 9: "Do not be discouraged. Simply follow all of the rules and regulations very carefully. This is most important. Without these things, there is no spiritual life."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1969 May 8: "You should try for the church by all means, and if need be I shall see that the funds will be loaned to you. Such a nice church will be a tremendous boon to our propaganda activities."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1969 May 8: "Regarding your future, Krishna will save you; don't bother yourself about it. There is great possibility of pushing our movement there, so it is a great advantage for you to be there."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1969 May 8: "If anyone faces difficulties, it is considered as blessings, because without tapasya nobody can realize the Transcendence."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1970 May 8: "I am pleased how you are carrying out our Sankirtana program amidst the demonstrations. This Sankirtana Movement is most practical and authorized."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1973 May 8: "Preach Krsna Consciousness very strongly. The modern scientists are confusing everyone with their false propaganda and it is our duty to expose them and kill the demoniac tendency to forget Krsna."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1973 May 8: "If we can construct a temple and building without permission of the landlord that will be our greatest triumph. If such a law is inaugurated then it is to be supposed that it is Krsna's plan."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 May 8: "This sankirtana movement will expand and continue so long we are sincere. There is no question of it stopping. There is no cessation. This movement is eternal."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 May 8: "Therefore this rumor is completely bogus. Whoever told you that is a rascal, saying it in my name. I never said that."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1957 May 7: "The whole Hindu Muslim conflict, the whole struggle of Gandhi and Jinnah and the whole question of Kashmir problem have arisen from this petty difference of bones only."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1947-64

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1957 May 7: "In this age of quarrel and fight everything has to be done by combined force to achieve ready success. We have to combine the different forces of men, money, intelligence and field work to make the spiritual movement a grand success."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1947-64

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1966 May 7:
"In the afternoon there was again meeting for teaching Sanskrit. Tonight Keertan in the Ananda Ashram was very much appreciated by all. Mr. Bill has kept my office copy of Back to Godhead for reading. I came back to 92 Bowery in the car of George."
Prabhupada Journal :: 1966

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1975 May 7: "I went to attend the meeting and how I appreciated the grand place of Kuruksetra. I wish to organize this holy spot for spreading Krishna Consciousness all over the world."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1975 May 7: "Regarding your physical malady, you should do whatever is required to treat it properly. Whatever is most practical. The names for the new child are approved by me. Circumcision is not important."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1968 May 6: "Now you have to find out some person who can distribute our literature. If we have no outlet for selling the books it will be a problem. If there is nice distribution arrangement, then at least two to four new books we can publish every year."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1969 May 6: "There are at least twenty-five important cities in your country, so if we distribute at least 1,000 copies in each city, that is 25,000 copies in your country alone. So it requires only organization."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1970 May 6: "I tried to give aural reception to the words of my Spiritual Master and thus I tried to engage my tongue in repeating the same words without any change. I delayed to execute His order by so many years. But it was better I began late than never."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

 
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Ananda Subramanian, Iowa, USA: Up to 12 million girls aborted in India over last 30 years

Up to 12 million girls were aborted over the last three decades in India by parents that tended to be richer and more educated, a large study in India found, and researchers warned that the figure could rise with falling fertility rates.

Read rest of the story
here

So much for Indian Vedic Culture!! It is indeed sad to see once upon time pristine culture going to ruins. The age of Kali is fast moving!

Hare Krishna

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 May 2: "I wanted the GBC to see how the students are learning and reporting to me as my secretaries. I do not know how you could have missed these points, as they are clearly spelled out in my original constitution."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 May 2: "So just see how much money you have wasted. No one followed my instructions in this matter, as I repeatedly advised and now so much money has been lost."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 May 2: "My blessings to Visnujan, Silavati and all others. I am very much pleased with all these activities. This is carrying out the order of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. One thing, is prasadam being distributed profusely on this travelling party?"
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 May 2: "Everyone was expecting me to arrive there but this was dependent on his sending tickets. He has now refused. Either he has no money or he has withdrawn his promise. In both cases the dealing is not very happy."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 May 2: "Sometimes in the year 1950 or 51 I first met you in Jhansi and since then we were very intimately connected and you took Hare Nama from me and I also expected in the future both of us would preach the Krsna Consciousness movement all over the world."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1967 May 1: "Either I remain here or there my business is to chant the glories of Lord Krishna. I have no idea for sight seeing in any country because I know that all land belongs to Krishna and anywhere I remain I remain at His Lotus Feet."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1969 May 1: "I do not know why I am attached to your country, but I strongly believe if the American boys and girls would accept this philosophy, it would render the greatest service to the rest of the world."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1970 May 1: "I want the Temples should be constructed by the local natives - that is our success. If I bring money from India and construct a Temple here, that is not very creditable."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1971 May 1: "Maya is always there like a shadow but if we become strong by following the regulative principles and chanting 16 rounds then everything will be all right."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1973 May 1: "So the first 2 lacs they've already taken. Tactfully they did not give us the conveyance nor returned our money, but the deal is completed. So when they shall give the conveyance, then we shall pay the balance."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 May 1: "We are introducing Krsna Consciousness movement for the harmony and good will of humanity. But if you yourselves are suffering from the very ills we are trying to remove, how can the people be influenced favorably?"
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 May 1: "Chanting, reading my books, going on sankirtana, following the regulative principles and worshiping the deity. This is the simple process and if we follow it we will become ideal. Otherwise, you will become victims of women and wealth."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

 
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 May 1: "Your main activity should be to distribute books. By this most powerful preaching we are becoming very influential in your country and people are seriously reading the books and considering the importance of Krsna Consciousness."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

 
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Nityananda Chandra Das, Dallas TX: TEXAS FAITH 41: Is science leading to a new literalism?


Dallas Morning News,
Each week we will post a question to a panel of about two dozen clergy, laity and theologians, all of whom are based in Texas or are from Texas. They will chime in with their responses to the question of the week. And you, readers, will be able to respond to their answers through the comment box.
British theologian and Anglican cleric Keith Ward contends that the growing role of science in the world, where countries depend upon scientists and inventors to drive their economies, has led to a growing literalism.
 
Or so reports Michelle Boorstein on the Washington Post's On Faith blog. Writes Boorstein;


"Keith Ward, a British philosopher who was for years the canon of Oxford's cathedral, argued that the rise of science has led in the Judeo-Christian world to two things: literalism, because people no longer value things they can't prove, and secularism, because critical thought can tend to shift people to look at the Bible like any other book.."


(For more about Ward's thinking, you can read the lecture he gave in 2009 about science and religion at
this link.)


Let's put aside the secularism point and focus on the scientific angle. We certainly live in a world where science and technology are on the rise. Many of us benefit from that reality, whether through advances in health care, being able to say hello to friends and family around the world through new technologies or learning more about the origins of our universe.
 
But does Ward have a point?
?: Has science, with its emphasis on empiricism, led to a new literalism, where we value things we can prove more than things we cannot?

NITYANANDA CHANDRA DAS, minister of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), Dallas
The attraction to modern science is its practicality. Put some food in the microwave, turn it on, and the food comes out hot. No belief, just practical results. Similarly religion is not supposed to be based on belief but rather its ability to produce practical results. The foremost of which is happiness.
Religion without philosophy is simply sentiment or fanaticism and science and philosophy without religion is simply mental speculation. Real faith is attained with practical results.
Therefore I feel that they problem is that religious groups have moved away from practical experiences of a spiritual connection to the realm of blind faith.


 
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Matsyavatara das (ACBSP), Italy: FAMILY, PARENTS AND CHILDREN (Part 2/2) by Matsyavatara dasa (Marco Ferrini)

Nowadays, most of people hardly consider family as a sacred entity but rather as a kind of limited liability company that can be broken up at anytime on the basis of an economical agreement. Abortion, betrayal and divorce as a result of a free and irresponsible sexual behavior, has become an ordinary practice. By dreaming of such an illusory freedom, this idea of moral degradation is mistaken for emancipation. Parents work hard to provide for the increasing pseudo demands required by a consumerist culture. On the other hand it is a negative attitude for the youngsters, who suffer the lack of education and the lack of a leading example from parents. Children education is always more often delegated to strangers and to the media. According to the traditional Indovedic culture, the family (griha) is one of the four evolving stages of human path towards liberation, with the final aim to offer affection, protection and education to its members. The traditional family used to be a solid institution because it was built on the strong ethical and spiritual principles. The family members included grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, cousins. Responsibilities and roles were well defined and used to be learnt since childhood. Social values included respect for civil laws, respect for the elderly, for the sages and love for God. The Creator, the world and all creatures, human and not human - all had the right to exist in their own earthly and cosmic dimension.
In a family only the parents had the decisive role to raise the kids. Teaching is efficient in relation to the strength of the model. Only highly-civilized parents, at the same time strong and loving, loyal to everybody, correct and generous, would be able to inspire their kids to behave in the same way.
At the time of Indovedic civilization, young people used to attend the guru school until the age of maturity. At school they used to be educated to a spiritual life by accepting family responsibilities. They were encouraged not to get married until recognition of their spiritual, social and ethical maturity by the guru, which was essential in order to begin a family life successfully. It was highly recommended not to take the role of a parent if a person resulted unable to facilitate spiritual and human progress of the children, and by means of complex liturgies, to facilitate the post-mortem journey of the elderly people in the family, by helping them towards a final liberation.
In a traditional family the father is the social-spiritual guide, he teaches with the example, he provides for the needs of the family members and protects them from any danger; he educates the kids and helps them to choose the spiritual master who will give them initiation (diksha guru) and who will gradually guide them towards their divine and luminous nature and their relation to God. A woman is brought up since early age to develop the virtues to succeed in the family life, cultivating qualities like: kindness, welcome approach, patience, faith, loving cooperation with the husband, children care and care for the guests and the household. A wife, besides being a generous and loving mother with her own children, is an indispensable teacher and the most intimate assistant to her husband too. Therefore she is loved and respected as a queen (Rig-Veda X.85, 20-47) by all the family members. On the other hand, husband is educated to take care of his wife by providing all she needs according to one’s possibilities, but most of all by helping the spouse in her spiritual growth, teaching with his own example. According to the Vedic tradition wife is treated as the better half of the husband’s personality and she knows that she cannot reach liberation (moksha) without fulfilling her duties to him and the family. A husband is aware not be able to evolve unless he takes care, from a human and spiritual point of view, of his family which depends on him. Job, prayers, food, relationships, weddings, birth and death rituals, the whole family life is seen as a series of activities aimed at a spiritual consciousness purification and development, until man can achieve the pure feeling of love and devotion to God (bhakti-yoga). In this traditional context the home is like a temple and the family is like a community permeated by spirituality: it is a tribute to devotion where man rejoices in serving and praying God; it is a place to lead a pure, simple and holy existence. Children’s education becomes the main purpose of parents so that the kids as adults would be able to organize their life successfully. Nothing is left by chance: delivering and raising of children is regulated by religious rites (samskara) with the aim to sanctify the path of their existence. In the Sanskrit language “son” is called putra, which means ‘the saver who redeems the consequences of failure’ (literally the word pu means hell). A parent who spends energies for the spiritual education of the children will gain as many rewards as those obtained by people who made every kind of sacrifice (yajna), austerities (tapas), pilgrimages (dharma, tirtha), donations (dhana) and study of the Veda (svadhyaya). A great sage who lived in India 2.300 years ago, Canakya Pandita, in his famous work about ethical behavior (Niti-shastra) taught that children have to be treated sweetly until the age of five, have to be taken care of firmly until the age of fifteen and treated as friends for the rest of their life. By speaking reproachfully to the kids in their late teens, if they did not receive a proper education and did not develop a sufficient awareness of their responsibilities, of the esteem and affection towards the parents, such behavior would make them enemies. The sage Canakya said that to have kids with no devotion for God and who do not study the sacred science, it is like having blind eyes, worthless accessories that cause only pain.
In our days social conditions have got worse so much that many people fear to create a new family; they do not trust one another and worry for the future; they fear betrayals, challenges and wrongdoings from the family members, they worry for a tormented life. However, considering the huge and objective difficulties that, nowadays more than ever, people have to face when starting a family, the one who is not willing to give up dreaming to become husband or wife, father or mother, should know that, in the modern society a constructive alternative to family life has not been created yet. All the attempts to try a different approach turned out like painful failures. If the family as it appears today does not look reliable, if husband and wife do not trust one another, if the parents and kids look at each other with suspicion, what to do then?
As human beings we suffer from our limits, but we ought not to forget our divine matrix, it is better to ask for the Lord's mercy and follow the path of spiritual progress so as to destroy unconscious conditionings, for the harmonization of our personality and the elevation of our consciousness, in order to improve the relationship with ourselves and with the others, the perception and visualization of superior levels of reality. With an enlightened consciousness it is so possible to organize the family and social life without phobia, anxiety, gradually structuring habits and human relations according to the model of universal values given by the sages of all times.

About procreation
Before making a decision on whether to give birth to a child, it would be necessary to check a series of preconditions from a physiological point of view; good health condition and age are important. By consulting a gynecologist the parent will receive all the necessary information.
Physical fitness is very important, but even more important are: tendencies, inclinations, emotions that build a good, steady and harmonious character, with qualities that inspire trustfulness and serenity. With opposite psychological conditions, consequences would be unexpected.
Far more important than a psychological state is the genuine vocation to motherhood, that means: self-abnegation, hospitality, carefulness for the others, inclination to assist, to feed, to cure, to teach, to correct, to provide for the ordinary needs knowing that this commitment will last at least thirty years for every child, a time long enough to spend with serenity, joy, dedication, perseverance and sense of responsibility.
A specific background is required for pregnancy. The house is the container, the family is the institution, the economical tools are the necessary resources, but nothing of this, although indispensable, is itself sufficient. The feeling of love is an essential quality that each parent should convey to the child.
A constant attention is required for the children, an intense desire to take care, to give affection, to sacrifice oneself for a superior wellness. If mother or father has no vocation to become so, it will affect the role of being a parent and it will be a psychological disadvantage for the child.
As the Scriptures teach and as life experience points out, becoming a parent means to accept responsibilities which require an adequate preparation so as to enlighten a trustful vocation without being conditioned by social pressure.
 
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H.H. Sivarama Swami: From Radha Damodara’s garden


H.H. Sivarama Swami: From Radha Damodara’s garden

Sivarama Swami




May 24th, 2011
My personal narration of the highlights of this weekend.
[ 12:16 ]

H.H. Sivarama Swami: From Radha Damodara’s garden


 
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Akrura das, Gita Coaching: LEADER AND MANAGER

Ljubljana, Slovenia

If you don't care about devotee care you are not a leader or a preacher. You are only a manager.

Both leadership and management are important but you cannot manage people. We manage things, but we lead people.

People are more important than projects. Without people there are no projects.

 
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Akrura das, Gita Coaching: WHY DO WE WEAR DEVOTIONAL CLOTHES?


Ljubljana, Slovenia

Q: Why do we wear devotional clothes?
A: So people can recognize us and approach us to ask questions about spiritual life.

 
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Devadeva Mirel, Alachua, USA: How To Win An Online Recipe Contest

The Winning Dish!

Those of you following me on Twitter or Facebook may know that I have become contest crazy. A few months back, my good friends won skycouch tickets to New Zealand via a Twitter contest. Wow. People really do win those things? Yes, they do. This sparked an intense desire in me to win something. It put me in such a mood that I even helped get a giveaway contest going over at Horton Brasses. Yes, that contest is having mixed success. But…let’s focus on the positive.

Just the other week Earth Balance announced the winner of their Spring to Life Recipe Contest.

It’s me!

There was nary a moment that I doubted I would win. From the start I had a feeling that this contest would be mine. All mine.

Before I reveal to you my killer strategy, let’s review the prizes:

  • A trip for two to New York City, including airfare and a two-night hotel stay at an eco-friendly hotel
  • A complimentary day for two at Aveda Spa and Salon
  • Dinner for two at Candle 79, where her dish will be featured on the menu for one night
  • A ‘Forks Over Knives’ DVD and t-shirt
  • Custom Made Just Right™ kitchen supplies including a bamboo cutting board, oven mitt, and measuring cup
  • A year’s supply of Earth Balance

Yes, this rocks.

 

Okay. So I am going to share with you my prize winning strategy because I do believe everyone should win an awesome contest at least once in their lifetime. It is super fun! Thank you, Earth Balance! XOXOXO

How to Win an Online Recipe Contest

  1. Social Network I found out about the contest via Alicia Silverstone’s Twitter feed (Thanks Alicia–I owe you one!). So my advice to you is to take advantage of social networking. Follow people you find interesting or relevant to you because you never know what’s going to present itself.
  2. Enter This may seem obvious, but if you are not in it, you will not win it. Often, online contests do not get a lot of entries so increase your odds of winning by not being a bystander.
  3. Enter As Many Times As You Can This particular contest did not have a cap on entries since one of the purposes of the contest was to expand their online recipe catalog. I entered a total of 10 quality recipes.  My thoughts were that my contributions would be appreciated and the judges would take notice.
  4. Understand The Contest While I entered a lot of recipes, I did not think they all had an equal chance of winning. After reading every detail about the contest, I understood that the winning recipe would need to be vegan. That was not explicitly stated, but let’s face it–Earth Balance is a product for vegans. And the grand prize winner’s recipe will appear on the menu at Candle 79, the premier vegan restaurant. So while I did submit recipes that contained some dairy, I did not think one of those was going to be a winner. Also, since the winning recipe would make it onto the Candle 79 menu for  a night, I studied all of the restaurant’s menus. I took it upon myself not only to understand the kind of cuisine served, but also to identify what is already on the menu. They didn’t need another veggie burger or ravioli dish. And I would be damned if I was going to be beat by a cupcake. Since the contest was “Spring” to Life, I understood that they were looking for springy/summery food.
  5. Create  A Recipe Specifically For The Contest The recipe I created for the contest was an entree. This made the most sense to me because if you were a restaurant, wouldn’t you be focused on entrees?  Other points that make this an awesome pick–it’s gluten free, filling, full of vegetables and naturally vegan. There are no substitutes or ingredient weirdness like you find in some vegan recipes. This is how you would make the dish even if you weren’t vegan. Straight-forward-naturally vegan-flavorful-Asian inspired fare. Yum
  6. Do Something Unexpected! I chose a cold salad because I thought it was a nice fit for the hot months and also because I thought it was an unexpected move. Plus, Candle 79 didn’t have anything like it on the menu. Also, when people think Earth Balance, they think vegan butter. But, Earth Balance also makes nut butters! I featured their peanut butter in the recipe because I thought it would be a different approach and it would use a lot  of their product.
  7. Blog It Actually, I am not so sure how much this had to do with me winning, because I am super confident that the recipe I submitted was worthy on its own, but I don’t think having a blog hurt my chances. Companies run contests as promotions and by my blogging (and tweeting and facebooking) it–that’s just more free gravy for them.
  8. Be Gracious Even though I didn’t doubt I would win (like I said, just had a gut feeling that this was mine!), when they started announcing the semi-finalists, it was difficult when  I was not one of the first 4 winners (there were 8 semi-finalists, 2 announced per day). Much self control was required not to post mean things about other people’s recipes. Isn’t that terrible? Yes, but it is true. I have a black heart and am not nearly as fond of quinoa as the judges seemed to be. Thankfully, I got through it without insulting anyone. And I might even try that Toasted Quinoa Vegetable Soup because it looks good.

 

 

There  you have it. My strategy revealed. Oh! One more thing. And this is also indicative of what an evil person I am. I didn’t tell any of my friends about the contest until the deadline for submissions was over. Because I didn’t want the competition. My friends are delicious cooks!

 

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Ananda Subramanian, Iowa, USA: Should God be blamed for bad things of this world?

Is God to be blamed when bad things happen to us individually or on a global scale. Please read the explanation below given by Srila Prabhupada.

BG 5.14


na kartṛtvaḿ na karmāṇi
lokasya sṛjati prabhuḥ
na karma-phala-saḿyogaḿ
svabhāvas tu pravartate

Nor does the Supreme Lord assume anyone's sinful or pious activities. Embodied beings, however, are bewildered because of the ignorance which covers their real knowledge.

Now you can ask that "If Kṛṣṇa is giving sanction, then He is responsible for my bad work also. Good work, of course, He is responsible. So bad work He is also responsible." Now, here the answer is na kartṛtvaḿ na karmāṇi lokasya sṛjati prabhuḥ. Prabhu. Prabhu means the Lord. The Lord does not create work for you, neither He creates the result for you. na karma-phala-saḿyogaḿ svabhāvas tu pravartate. Svabhāvas tu pravartate. As you have acquired your characteristics, so you create your own work and you create your result of own work and you become entangled. It is not the creation of God. You create. "How I create? If it is sanctioned, if it is controlled by God, then how I create?" The question may be. Yes. The answer is very simple.

You can understand that a person who is criminal, who is condemned. Now he's condemned to death or he is condemned to be imprisoned. Now he makes appeal that "Oh, excuse me, what was done(?)." But the judge puts him into the jail or condemns to life. So he thinks that "The judge has condemned me to death or the, he has put me into jail." But is the judge enemy of a particular person that he puts somebody into the jail and condemns to death? No. I have created. I have created my jail life before. The judge is simply giving me the direction. "Oh, you have done this. Now you have to go." He is not responsible. Similarly God is not responsible for my work, neither He creates my work. It is my nature, it is my characteristic, which, by which I create my work, I create the result and I suffer. God simply gives direction because He is the supreme director.

So He is not responsible. I am responsible. I am responsible. But if I become Kṛṣṇa consciousness, if I act on His account and completely becoming dependent on Him then He is responsible for everything happening. That is the principle.

-Srila Prabhupada conversation - New York, August 27, 1966

 
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ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Victoria Day Harinama - An Explosion of Colour and Spiritual Jubilance!

Long weekends in the summer are always a welcome opportunity for Toronto's Hare Krishna community to come together, put on our most beautiful and colourful outfits and hit the streets with drums, cymbals and enthusiastic voices! Yesterday, close to 30 spiritualists gathered to hit the streets for a grand "harinama" (outdoor chanting and dancing) and it was a huge success! Stay tuned for more photos!

 
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Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: I wish I had this answer in Philosophy class.

Picture
Imagine it is your first day of Philosophy 101 class at University. By way of introduction and challenge the professor asks "do you exist" and you answer by quoting Srila Prabhupada...

"So this chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra is purifying your existence. Yasmād śuddhyed sattvaṁ. Sattvaṁ means existence. You are existing, I am existing, God is existing eternally. The temporary existence that we see at the present moment, this is not our existence. This is our diseased condition, crazy condition. Piśācī pāile yena mati-cchana haya. Piśācī means ghost or witches. When one is haunted by ghost he becomes upset of his own consciousness and talks all kinds of nonsense. Similarly, when our existence is covered by the material ghost we talk so many nonsense: “I am this body, and anything in relationship with this body is mine. I am dying. I belong to this family. I belong to this community, nation, this, that, planet.” These are all just like a man haunted by ghost speaks nonsense, these are all nonsense. And the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is to cure this disease."
 
And just imagine the professor's face...we have the cure for that too...
Picture
 
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Japa Group: This Maha Mantra Cleanses The Dust


I am in due receipt of your letter dated July 20, 1975 and have noted your problems. My suggestion is that you please chant Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare; Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. This maha mantra cleanses the dust from the mirror of the mind and awakens us to a pure life of devotional service to the Lord, free from all anxieties.

Letter to Wanda Bonner - 24 August, 1975
 
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Hari Sauri das, Mayapura, IN: 2011 tour – New Govardhan

From Sufferers Paradise we continued down to New Govardhana, the first farm property to be purchased in Australia in 1977.  Srila Prabhupada had given approval for the name, and he promised to visit, health permitting:

Letter from Tamal Krishna Goswami to Hari-sauri dasa, August 10 1977 – Vrndavana

Srila Prabhupada was most enlivened to hear the report of New Govardhana Farm. His Divine Grace in the last month or so has been stressing the importance of these farm projects, and said, “This is the next aspect of Krishna consciousness which I wish to push forward. If I am able to travel again, then I shall visit the farms and make them perfect. On these farms we can demonstrate the full varnasrama system. If these farms become successful then the whole world will be enveloped by Krishna consciousness. From your letter I can understand how nice this farm is. I am very happy to see fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, grains, the devotees taking sumptuous prasadam and chanting Hare Krishna. This is the actual meaning of human life. It is a very good farm, from your letter I can understand. Whatever you build, get the building materials locally. If you can manufacture tiles locally, then your house problem is solved. Build up bamboo frame, and on it place tiles. In any event, get everything locally. I wish to make a farm tour and then I shall surely visit your farm.”

I suggested to Srila Prabhupada that He was the Farm Acarya, but Srila Prabhupada said, “Krishna is the Farm Acarya. Baladeva is holding a plow, and Krishna is holding the calf. Krishna advised Nanda Maharaja not to perform Indra puja but to worship the land, Govardhana because it was supplying all foodstuffs for the residents of Vrndavana and the cows as well.” So Srila Prabhupada wants you to develop this farm very nicely as it will be the future program to present to the world as the ideal of Krishna consciousness. In the cities, we are interested for preaching but we cannot present the ideal varnasrama system, this is only possible at the farms, so they are very important.

In the event, it wasn’t to be but by Srila Prabhupada’s blessings the farm has developed from a single wooden house and open land

to a small community with a school, residences, temple and guest houses.

With my family I was resident at NG from 2001-2004 so I am familiar with the land and many of the devotees there. On my arrival I was happy to see some new additions of small visitors cottages. The one I was allocated was comfortable and afforded a view equal to anywhere in the world.

The Tweed Valley where NG is located is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Australia and is a suitable home for Sri Sri Radha Govardhan-dhari, Gaura Nitai and Krsna-Balaram.

Gaura Nitai and Krsna Balaram have recently been provided with beautiful marble singhasanas to match the original throne that houses Radha Govardhana-dhari. I had ordered the first one from Jaipur in 1979 along with radha Govardhan-dhari, but when it arrived it seemed that the quality of the marble was not as good as promised. I therefore cancelled the order for the remaining two, intending to have a different supplier make them. Somehow we never got around to having them made and for many years the two remaining thrones were simple temporary iron rod structures. So I was especially glad to see the new ones.

Another prominent resident of NG is HH Mukunda Maharaja, who is the original devotee in ISKCON. He was the one who found 26 Second Ave. NY, started the San Francisco temple, and with his then wife Janaki and two other married couples, began the movement in London. He has just had his new book “Miracle on 2nd Avenue” published detailing his experiences from those days.

Its a wonderful read and highly recommended. He lives in an eco-friendly house named after his old friend George Harrison.

During my visit I had a special visitor, my old friend Acyuta prabhu. We hadn’t seen each other for about 10 years and he travelled for several hundred miles by bus and train to come over and spend 3 days with me. As he said afterwards, “I had in M’bah- a kind of a combination of deja vu, time travel and the good ol’ days- all factored by the “reality” filter each of us carries about like a privatized aura. Well, yes, I did enjoy the experience immensely…” Me too Acyuta prabhu.

Acyuta and I took the opportunity to visit the highly successful Govinda’s Restaurant in Burleigh Heads on the coast. It has proved highly popular and extremely lucrative for the farm
The proceeds from Govinda’s has provide substantial funds towards much needed renovations on the road system at the farm. Temple president Ajita prabhu is spending $60,000.00 to widen and resurface the roads
Whenever I travel I get lots of invites to devotees homes for prasadam and one invite I was happy to accept was from Rupa Raghunatha prabhu.
I first met him in Sydney in 1988. He was a brahmacari at that time. Now he is a grhastha with a small daughter and he has built his family a beautiful house with incredible views of the valley. They just moved in three weeks ago
He was a top book distributor 25 years ago and that is still his main occupation. In fact, he is the distributor for my books in Australia. He has a book store inside the house and a beautiful altar

On the weekend of May 15-16 we also celebrated Nrsimha-caturdasi. It was wonderful to see 400+ devotees turn up for the festival. On Sunday we had a festival for the outer congregational devotees, with abhishek of the Lord

Who was accompanied by a suitably upholstered pujari (sorry I didn’t get his name)

There was a drama on the appearance of the Lord by the gurukula children

During a big feast

I got to see a few old friends

Alalanatha prabhu                                                                      Mahamantra prabhu

Ambika mata                                                                             Dhanesvara and his Dad

Food for Life director Priyavrata prabhu; and Sabhapati prabhu, the founder of New Govardhana farm

and Sri Hari Bhakti mataji, who got so inspired she gave me a wonderful gift of Srila Prabhupada’s chaddar

and a few of the next gen Hare Krishnas and friends of my daughter Rasarani-priya

sisters Ksana (short for Madireksana) and Mohini now a proud mother of twins; and Kamalaksi

and not forgetting my old employer, financial advisor and keen BRC supporter

Nrsimhadeva prabhu (seated here with Ekendra prabhu)

My final day in NG was the actual appearance day of the Lord, and coincidentally the disappearance day of that great soul, Sriman Jayananda prabhu, a stalwart of the early days in San Francisco and commonly known as “Mr. Rathayatra” for his pioneering efforts in establishing Rathayatra in various cities in America

HH Mukunda Maharaja gave an inspiring talk on Jayananda prabhu based on his own extensive personal association with him

That auspicious event wrapped up my visit to NG and on Tuesday May 17 I headed out for a flight to Sydney and the main event of my tour.

 
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Gouranga TV: Bhajan – 24hr Kirtan – Gopi Gita dasi


Bhajan - 24hr Kirtan - Gopi Gita dasi - 23/26

Subido por  el 18/05/2011

Gopi Gita dasi singing a Hare Krishna bhajan for Dallas' New Year's 24hr Kirtan.



 
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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Hari Sauri Prabhu


ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - HG Hari Sauri Prabhu



Srila Prabhupada - The Living Bhagavata
Part 1 - The importance of prasadam & the etiquette to serve prasadam. Srila Prabhupada stressed that every visitor to the temple must get some prasadam because they may forget the philosophy but prasadam will purify them and make them receptive towards the Krsna Conscious philosophy (sei annamata pao radha-krishna-guna gao...).
19.3MB
Posted by Bhakti Sara Dasa at 24/5/11; 2:00:19 PM to the Daily Class dept
Daily Class - Hari Sauri Prabhu

ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - HG Hari Sauri Prabhu


 
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