domingo, 16 de enero de 2011

Book Distribution News: Patching a heart broken by love



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"Planet ISKCON" - 32 new articles

  1. H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Sunday 16 January 2011--The Whole World is Dying for this Nectar--and--Why Am I Not Tasting the Ecstasy?
  2. Book Distribution News: Patching a heart broken by love
  3. ISKCON Orlando, USA: Entering Into the Mystery of The Holy Name With Enthusiasm-Trivikrama Swami
  4. H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: Srimad Bhagavatam Tenth Canto, Chaper Thirty Text Twenty Eight
  5. ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana
  6. ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Svarupa-Sakti Mataji
  7. Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: S.R.
  8. H.H. Sivarama Swami: Questions on skype about the duties of the spiritual master
  9. Japa Group: Improving Japa Habits P.1
  10. Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Bhajan - Mukunda Datta das - Jaya Radha Madhava
  11. Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: The Glories of Putrada Ekadasi
  12. Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Wrapping up the travel journal with appreciation to Prabhupada's family.
  13. ISKCON News.com: Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Prabhupada and Spiritual Equality
  14. ISKCON News.com: Mayapur Institute Offers Groundbreaking Online Course
  15. H.H. Sivarama Swami: Account of Caru-candra dd’s departure from this world and pastimes relating to Makara-sankranti, today
  16. ISKCON News.com: The Yogis of Devotion Bring Bhakti into the Mainstream
  17. ISKCON News.com: On Arizona Shooting, Political Blame Game
  18. H.H. Sivarama Swami: Radha-Damodara fly kites and enjoy a feast of sweets
  19. ISKCON News.com: Winners of ISKCON Europe Excellence Awards in 2010
  20. 3D Temple Project, Cyberspace: Development Schedule
  21. ISKCON News.com: Condolences on the Departure of Sripada BV Narayana Maharaja
  22. H.H. Sivarama Swami: Istvan Nagy asks
  23. Akrura das, Gita Coaching: GO FOR THE BEST
  24. H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Friday, January 14th, 2011
  25. H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Thursday, January 13th, 2011
  26. Akrura das, Gita Coaching: THE VALUE OF QUESTIONS
  27. ISKCON News.com: Hindu Groups Agree To Address Climate Change
  28. ISKCON News.com: Truth of Fiction - An Exploration
  29. Yoga of Ecology, Bhakta Chris, USA: A New (Vegetarian) Food Pyramid?
  30. Kirtan Australia.com: Live: Maha Kirtan 9 with Gaura Vani & AKS
  31. Gouranga TV: Lecture – Radhanath Swami – The Essense of Religions
  32. Japa Group: Engage Me In Your Service
  33. More Recent Articles
  34. Search Planet ISKCON
  35. Prior Mailing Archive

H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Sunday 16 January 2011--The Whole World is Dying for this Nectar--and--Why Am I Not Tasting the Ecstasy?

A daily broadcast of the Ultimate Self Realization Course(tm) Sunday 16 January 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. 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: The Whole World is Dying for this Nectar Uploaded from Santiago, Chile The entire world population is dying for, hankering for the most sublime nectar of Krishna consciousness, but due to ignorance everyone is looking for this nectar in the wrong places. Instead of tasting the unlimited nectar to be had in Krishna's supremely holy name, they try to squeeze nectar from sex life, intoxication, meat eating, gambling and other such useless pursuits. In this way, just like a man dying from thirst who crawls futilely after a mirage in the desert, they completely spoil their energy in mundane pursuits, which take them nowhere except to increased frustration. Therefore the greatest need for the suffering humanity is the wide scale introduction of the sublime process of Krishna consciousness. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Sharing Sublime Krishna Consciousness Nectar Santiago, Chile--14 January 2011 http://www.backtohome.com/images/2010_Tour2/Santiago_Lecture.JPG Answers According to the Vedic Version: Question: Why Am I Not Tasting the Ecstasy? I am chanting, reading from the Srimad Bhagavatam, the Bhagavad-gita As It Is, the Nectar of Devotion, and the Krishna Book every day. And I do arati morning and evening. Why is it then that I am not developing that kind of ecstasy that I see most of the devotees experience? Am I not doing these with aptness? I am confused. Maybe it's because I am totally immersed in the material world. I really don't know. I need to enhance my devotion to Lord Krishna. Lakshmi Answer: You Are Lacking a Foundation I understand that you are feeling frustrated that in spite of all your efforts you are not tasting the nectar of Krishna consciousness. Do not worry. Your problem can easily be solved. You are doing so many wonderful devotional activities, but you are doing them without a solid foundation. Now you simply need to base them on the solid foundation explained by Srila Rupa Goswami. Once this foundation is solidly established you will be blissfully absorbed in bhakti bliss 24 hours daily, even if you have so many material duties to execute on a regular daily basis. Rupa Goswami's foundation as described by Srila Prabhupada in the Nectar of Devotion is as follows: 1. Take shelter of the bona fide spiritual master 2. Get initiated by the bona fide spiritual master 3. Follow the instructions of the bona fide spiritual master I can assure you that if you will solidly adopt the above three principles, you will experience and ecstatic awakening of love of God within your heart. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Transcendental Resources: Receive the Special Blessings of Krishna Now you too can render the greatest service to the suffering humanity and attract the all-auspicious blessings of Lord Sri Krishna upon yourself and your family by assisting our mission. Lectures and Kirtans in Audio and Video: Link to High Definition Videos Link to Over 1,000 Lecture Audios Lecture-Travel Schedule for 2010-2011 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 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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Book Distribution News: Patching a heart broken by love

There was a slight drizzle in Toronto, and I was praying that somehow I get to render service to Prabhupada and deepen my relationship. I was thinking about how it would happen.

A man came out of the Internet cafe. I tried to speak with him. He was extremely distressed. He told me he was very upset.

I asked him what had happened, as he looked like he was choking.

He said that he was in love and the woman would not have him. He was shaken up and depressed.

"Why did she reject you?" I asked.

"She thinks I don't have enough money."

We talked a bit about the nature of men and women. He was afraid she would find someone else.

Just that morning, I was reading how Puranjana loses his lifespan, his wife, and his senses, and now I was seeing a practical example of it.

I showed him a book and asked him to read it. Initially he said he was too fragile and needed a job and couldnÍt read.

Then I showed him a picture of Srila Prabhupada, and he recognized him. He said that he'd met him.

He didnÍt look old enough to have met Prabhupada, so I said that it wasnÍt him you met, but it must have been some of his students.

No, he insisted, he had seen Prabhupada on Yonge street.

Then I realized that he had seen Srila Prabhupada's murti, and now Prabhupada had got him here. I told him it was a sign, and he took the book for a donation.

He said that he was feeling better already and thanked me.

I taught him a one-word mantra: Gauranga.

He chanted Gauranga a few times, then said goodbye while smiling and shaking hands.

Srila Prabhupada is driving this marathon; we just have to be there.

Mangal-arti devi dasi

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ISKCON Orlando, USA: Entering Into the Mystery of The Holy Name With Enthusiasm-Trivikrama Swami


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H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: Srimad Bhagavatam Tenth Canto, Chaper Thirty Text Twenty Eight

INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS Srimad Bhagavatam 10.30.28 Lecture by His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami Transcription : Ranga Radhika Dasi Editing : Hemavati Radhika Dasi Audio Version : http://www.bcswami.com/2010/12/12/2665 Radhastami ISKCON UJJAIN THE FOLLOWING IS A CLASS GIVEN BY HIS HOLINESS BHAKTI CHARU SWAMI ON SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM 3.30.28 IN ISKCON UJJAIN Om Namo Bhagavate [...]

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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana

16/01/11

Once again we are very fortunate to have a glimpse of Vrindavana, thanks to Srila Prabhupada's mercy on us for he has installed those wonderful Deities in Melbourne to kindly bless us.

That is why we have full faith in Srila Prabhupada and his mathematics:
five plus five is ten, two plus two is four and everything plus Krishna is Vrindavana.
What a genius our founder-acarya is!

Here's the slideshow of this brilliant formula that gives us access to Goloka.

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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Svarupa-Sakti Mataji

Srimad Bhagavatam 11.29.7 - Krishna is only impressed with our devotion.

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Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: S.R.

Prabhupada had a habit of using initials to express meanings in code form. One of his favorites was S.R. S.R. meant "simply rascal." He said that we could make a button with the letters S.R. on it and give it out to people who were rascals. He said that even the President of India was "an S.R. man."

>From Prabhupada Meditations by SDG

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H.H. Sivarama Swami: Questions on skype about the duties of the spiritual master

How one is initiated, does one need to be initiated and the chances of become a great devotee like Prahlada

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Japa Group: Improving Japa Habits P.1


We are discussing here on the Puri beach in 2008, Japa meditations. We are on page 31 - Radha Vallabha dasa, he gives three parts to reform japa. If we want to improve our japa and reform our japa - there are 3 parts.

First we should spend one week observing our japa. Because the idea of reform, it is called ‘Japa Reform’, reform means to improve. So you can’t improve something unless you recognize the need for improvement, right? If you think everything is fine, then you won't try to reform or improve. So for the first week… because we want to change our habits, our chanting maybe isn’t very good. We want to improve the quality of our chanting, the quantity and the quality.

So the first step of the reform, the first principle of changing a habit is to become conscious of your practice and determine what most needs to be reformed. You will see many bad habits, but to make best use of your energy it is important to focus on just one or two key habits at a time. If we try to change all our bad habits, we are going to fall on our face and wind up where you started. So, one has to be thoughtful in this practice of changing habit.

http://www.mnsbooks.com/content/process-improving-habits

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Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Bhajan - Mukunda Datta das - Jaya Radha Madhava

Mukunda Datta das singing the bhajan "Jaya Radha Madhava" at the Plano Janmastami celebration.

Dallas, TX
2010-09-04 


Download: 2010-09-04 - Plano Janmastami - 2 - Mukunda Datta das - Jaya Radha Madhava.mp3
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Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: The Glories of Putrada Ekadasi

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The pious and saintly Yudhisthira Maharaj asks the Lord, "Now please be merciful to me and explain to me the details of the Ekaadasi that occurs in the light fortnight of this month. What is its name, and what Deity is to be worshipped on that sacred day? Oh Purushottama, Oh Hrishikesha, please also tell me how You can be pleased on this day?

Lord Sri Krishna then replied, “Oh saintly king, for the benefit of all humanity I shall now tell you how to observe fasting on the Pausha-shukla Ekaadasi.  As previously explained, everyone should observe the rules and regulations of the Ekadasi vrata, to the very best of their ability. This injunction also applies to the Ekadasi named Putradaa, which destroys all sins and elevates one to the spiritual abode. The Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Narayana, the original personality, is the worshippable Deity of the Ekadasi, and for His faithful devotees He happily fulfills all desires and awards full perfection. Thus among all the animate and inanimate beings in the three worlds, there is no better personality than Lord Narayana. 

“Oh King, now I shall narrate to you the history of Putradaa Ekadasi, which removes all kinds of sins and makes one famous and learned.
 “There was once a kingdom named Bhadraavati, which was ruled by King Suketumaan. His queen was the famous Shaibyaa. Because he had no son, he spent a long time in anxiety, thinking, ‘If I have no son, who will carry on my dynasty?’ In this way the king meditated in a religious attitude for a very long time, thinking, ‘Where should I go? What should I do? How can I get a pious son? In this way King Suketumaan could find no happiness anywhere in his kingdom, even in his own palace, and soon he was spending more and more time inside his wife’s palace, gloomily thinking only of how he could get a son.  “Thus both King Suketumaan and Queen Shaibyaa were in great distress. Even when they offered tarpana, their mutual misery made them think that it was as undrinkable as boiling water. They thus thought that they would have no descendants to offer tarpana to them when they died and thus become lost souls. The king and queen were especially upset to learn that their forefathers were worried that soon there would be no one to offer them tarpana also.  “After learning of their forefathers unhappiness, the king and queen became more and more miserable, and neither ministers, nor friends, nor even loved ones could cheer them up. To the king, his elephants and horses and infantry were no solace, and at last he became practically inert and helpless.  

“The king thought to himself, ‘It is said that without a son, marriage is wasted. Indeed, for a family man with no son, both his heart and his splendid house remain vacant and miserable. Bereft of a son, a man cannot liquidate the debts that he owes his forefathers, the demigods and to other human beings. Therefore every married man should endeavour to beget a son; thus he will become famous within this world and at last attain the auspicious celestial realms. A son is proof of the pious activities a man performed in his past one hundred lifetimes, and such a person achieve a long duration of life in this world, along with good health and great wealth. Possessing sons and grandsons in this lifetime proves that one has worshipped Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in the past. The great blessing of sons, wealth, and sharp intelligence can be achieved only by worshipping the Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna. That is my opinion.’
 “Thinking thus, the king had no peace. He remained in anxiety day and night, from morning to evening, and from the time he lay down to sleep at night until the sun rose in the morning, his dreams were equally full of great anxiety. Suffering such constant anxiety and apprehension, King Suketumaan decided to end his misery by committing suicide. But he realized that suicide throws a person into hellish conditions of rebirth, and so he abandoned that idea.

Seeing that he was gradually destroying himself by his all consuming anxiety over the lack of a son, the king at last mounted his horse and left for the dense forest alone. No one, not even the priests and brahmins of the palace, knew where he had gone.
 “In that forest, which was filled with deer and birds and other animals, King Suketumaan wandered aimlessly, noting all the different kinds of trees and shrubs, such as the fig, bel fruit, date palm, jackfruit, bakula, saptaparnaa, tinduka, and tilaka, as well as the shala, taala, tamaala, saralaa, hingotaa, arjuna, labheraa, bahedaa, sallaki, karondaa, patala, khaira, shaka, and palaasha trees. All were beautifully decorated with fruits and flowers. He saw deer, tigers, wild boar, lions, monkeys, snakes, huge bull elephants in a rut, cow elephants with their calves, and four tusked elephants with their mates close by. There were cows, jackals, rabbits, leopards, and hippopotamuses. Beholding all these animals accompanied by their mates and offspring, the king remembered his own menagerie, especially his palace elephants, and became so sad that he absentmindedly wandered into their very midst.  

“Suddenly the king heard a jackal howl in the distance. Startled, he began wandering about, looking around in all directions. Soon it was midday, and the king started to tire. He was tormented by hunger and thirst also. He thought, ‘What sinful deed could possibly have done so that I am now forced to suffer like this, with my throat parched and burning, and my stomach empty and rumbling? I have pleased the demigods with numerous fire sacrifices and abundant devotional worship. I have given many gifts and delicious sweets in  charity to all the worthy brahmins too. And I have taken care of my subjects as though they were my very own children. Why then am I suffering so? What unknown sins have come to bear fruit and torment me in this dreadful way?’ 
 

“Absorbed in these thoughts, King Suketumaan struggled forward, and eventually, due to his pious credits, he came upon a beautiful lotus bearing pond that resembled the famous Lake Maanasarova. It was filled with aquatics, including crocodiles and many varieties of fish, and graced with varieties of lilies and lotuses. The beautiful lotuses had opened to the Sun, and swans, cranes and ducks swam happily in its waters. Nearby were many attractive ashramas, where there resided many saints and sages who could fulfill the desires of anyone. Indeed, they wished everyone well. When the king saw all this, his right arm and right eye began to quiver, a sakuna sign (for a male) that something auspicious was about to happen. 
 

“As the king dismounted his horse and stood before the sages, who sat on the shore of the pond, he saw that they were chanting the holy names of God on japa beads. The king paid his obeisances and, joining his palms, addressed them with glorified praises. Observing the respect the king offered them, the sages said, ‘We are very pleased with you, Oh king. Kindly tell us why you have come here. What is on your mind? Please inform us what is your heart’s desire.’
 “The king replied, ‘Oh great sages, who are you? What are your names, surely your presence reveals that you are auspicious saints? Why have you come to this beautiful place? Please tell me everything.’ 

 “The sages replied, ‘Oh king, we are known as the ten Vishvadevas (the sons of Vishva; Vasu, Satya, Kratu, Daksha, Kaala, Kaama, Dhriti, Pururavaa, Maadrava, and Kuru). We have come here to this very lovely pond to bathe. The month of Magha (Madhava mase) will soon be here in five days, and today is the famous Putrada Ekadasi. One who desires a son should strictly observe this particular Ekadasi.’
 “The king said, ‘I have tried so hard to have a son. If you great sages are pleased with me, kindly grant the boon of having a good son’ 

 “ ‘The very meaning of Putradaa,’ the sages replied, ‘…is “giver of a putra, pious son.” So please observe a complete fast on this Ekadasi day. If you do so, then by our blessing – and by the mercy of Lord Sri Keshava invested in us – surely you will obtain a son.’
 “On the advice of the Vishvadevas, the king observed the auspicious fast day of Putrada Ekadasi according to the established rules and regulations, and on the Dvaadasi, after breaking his fast, he paid obeisances again and again to all of them. 
 

“Soon after Suketumaan returned to his palace and united with his queen. Queen Shaibya immediately became pregnant, and exactly as the Vishvadevas had predicted, a bright faced, beautiful son was born to them. In due course of time he became famous as an heroic prince, and the king gladly pleased his noble son by making him his successor. The son of Suketumaan took care of his subjects very conscientiously, just as if they were his own children. 
 

“In conclusion, Oh Yudhisthira, one who wises to fulfill his desires should strictly observe Putrada Ekadasi. While on this planet, one who strictly observes this Ekadasi will surely obtain a son, and after death he will achieve liberation. Anyone who even reads or hears the glories of Putrada Ekaadasi obtains the merit earned by performing a sacrifice. It is to benefit all humanity that I have explained all this to you.”

Thus ends the narration of the glories of Pausha-shukla Ekaadasii, or Putrada Ekadasi, from the Bhavishya Purana of Veda Vyaasadeva.
 
This story has been summarized from the celebrated book, "Ekadasi: The Day of Lord Hari" 1986. HH Krishna Balaram Swami. Bhaktivedanta Institute Press
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Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Wrapping up the travel journal with appreciation to Prabhupada's family.

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As promised this segment of the travel journal needs to wrap up in time for Putrada Ekadasi. The post describing the glories of this Ekadasi will be posted next.

As you will see in the pictures below, the next stop was New Kulina Gram, ISKCON Baltimore. Gaura-Nitai deities were absolutely gorgeous and reminded me of Gaura-Nitai at Krishna Balaram Mandir in Vrindavan. We enjoyed more devotee association, hospitaility and of ourse prasadam.

The real story is how fortunate we are that Srila Prabhupada has given us so many of HIS houses. We are all connected because of Srila Prabhupada and without him we would not even know each other, what to speak of sharing in sravanam kirtanam. Through the travel journal I have mentioned many names but we have the deepest appreciation for all those sincere souls that are carrying on Srila Prabhupada's movement with Prabhupada's instructions and interests in mind. We are also very humbled and grateful to all the devotees who welcomed us, were so hospitable,  showed us so much regard and provided us their valuable association.
 
It was a Krishna pilgrimage but we did sneak in a day to show the kids around Washington as typical tourists.

As we marveled at the Capitol building I could not help to think about the story of how Srila Prabhupada closely observed the Capitol building when devotees took him there on July 4th to see fireworks. I am not sure how it all happend but I could not help to imagine Srila Prabhupada on a blanket surrounded by a few close devotees intimately watching fireworks on the lawn. What a scene that must have been and how fortunate those devotees were to get this type of association.

So I looked up that particular story and will end this journal segment with the words of the uttama-adhikari, Srila Prabhupada... 

During 1976 Srila Prabhupada spoke frequently about the Mayapur planetarium. He was in Washington DC for the bi-centennial celebrations.

On July 4 the devotees took him on a tour of the city and afterwards they sat with him for some time on a lawn at the end of the Mall, looking towards the Capitol building waiting for the fireworks display.

Srila Prabhupada seems to have been meditating on the Capitol building dome and liked what he saw because on July 6, he called in Yadubara prabhu and his wife Vishakha and asked them to
take photos of the Capitol Building:

Prabhupada: … I wanted both of you to take various detailed photographs of that Capitol.

Yadubara: The Capitol Building. For what purpose, Srila Prabhupada?

Prabhupada: We shall have picture, planetarium in Mayapura. (aside) That’s better. [break] …spiritual world, material world, and so on, so on. Planetary…succession of the planetary systems, everything. A building like that.
......... 

Prabhupada:
…to attract people from all the world to see the planetarium.
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ISKCON News.com: Martin Luther King, Gandhi, Prabhupada and Spiritual Equality

By Madhava Smullen for ISKCON News on 14 Jan 2010

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is best known for being an iconic figure in the advancement of civil rights. What is lesser known about him is that his campaign for equality took him to India, where he gained inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent methods of social change.


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ISKCON News.com: Mayapur Institute Offers Groundbreaking Online Course

By Madhava Smullen for ISKCON News on 14 Jan 2011

After the success of a pilot Bhakti Sastri Online course by the Mayapur Institute for Higher Education (MIHE), the Institute will offer another round of this groundbreaking step in ISKCON education from January 29th 2011 to April 29th 2012.


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H.H. Sivarama Swami: Account of Caru-candra dd’s departure from this world and pastimes relating to Makara-sankranti, today

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ISKCON News.com: The Yogis of Devotion Bring Bhakti into the Mainstream

By Madhava Smullen for ISKCON News on 14 Jan 2010

An interesting new trend is the recent proliferation of ISKCON devotee yoga teachers. Knowing that Srila Prabhupada, who taught Bhakti-yoga, did not place any emphasis on physical yoga exercise, how did they end up as yoga teachers? Is it simply a way of earning a living for them, or is there more to it?


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ISKCON News.com: On Arizona Shooting, Political Blame Game

By Emily Kiefer for RNS News Service on 12 Jan 2011

The recent shooting in Tucson, Arizona, USA has saturated the media, sparking accusations of political influence from the Tea Party and a rancorous political climate to explain why the shooter decided to open fire. "The tragedy in Arizona signals how desperately Americans need to commit to restoring some sanity and civility to our public discourse" - an author says.


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H.H. Sivarama Swami: Radha-Damodara fly kites and enjoy a feast of sweets


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ISKCON News.com: Winners of ISKCON Europe Excellence Awards in 2010

By The Euroe GBC for ISKCON News on 14 Jan 2010

The Euro GBC is delighted to introduce you to nine devotees who received the second ISKCON Europe Excellence Awards for the year 2010.


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3D Temple Project, Cyberspace: Development Schedule

So turns out that this project isn’t a full time job. My plan was to work contract work on the side, (and if I gain employment wow!), but spare money I receive from this is fuelling the Temple Project fire… then that runs out, and I work some more and more of this project gets [...]

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ISKCON News.com: Condolences on the Departure of Sripada BV Narayana Maharaja

By ISKCON GBC Executive Committee for ISKCON News on 2 Jan 2010

On behalf of ISKCON, its Governing Commission expresses its condolences on the departure of Sripada BV Narayana Maharaja.


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H.H. Sivarama Swami: Istvan Nagy asks

Is it true that one is meant to nullify all emotions and sense perception to advance in Krna consciousness?

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Akrura das, Gita Coaching: GO FOR THE BEST

First define what IS the best.

What are the best things to do today?

What are your best goals?

What is the best to do about your problems?

Define the best in every area of your life and - go for it!

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H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Friday, January 14th, 2011

Isms!

Toronto, Ontario

The Eye Weekly's article "The War on God" is now a week old and the latest issue features feedback on the article about the Centre of Inquiry. This is a four year old organization dedicated to atheism, skepticism and encouraging critical thinking around the existence of god. Frank Bedek, a reader, wrote, "I found it meaningful that I picked up this issue on 'Eye Weekly' and read this story on the exact same day that I finished reading Richard Dawkins, 'The God Delusion'. I take it as a sign that I'm on the right path."

The editor's feedback was, "We ask, a sign from whom?" That remark gave me a chuckle. And I appreciated that a dear godbrother, Thakur Haridas, who brought me the Eye Weekly pointed out with genuine pride that his remarks were also in this section. In his response he challenges the inquiry group, "What if you are wrong and He exists in all His glory? You are going to be obliterated. I have been a serious devotee of God for over two years and He is clobbering me. I can't imagine what He is going to do to you guys."

Our guru, Srila Prabhupada, was always anxious to challenge the atheistic tendency as it carries a bleak outlook on life. The waters of atheism are indeed shallow whereas the water of theism allows one to swim with depth where hope, faith and love are the dolphins of life.

One sign of God for me today was the visit of a dear monk friend, Gunagrahi Swami, who headed up our chapter in Buffalo years ago. He's a gentle soul, a real gift of God. It's hard for me to believe that he randomly came and that he exists by chance.

4 KM

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H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Thursday, January 13th, 2011

How To Perk Up!

Toronto, Ontario

We are a humble few. At 7:30 AM no more than a dozen of us monastics sit down for listening to a message from the Bhagavatam (on the weekends, of course, participants swell in number.)

We have implemented a method for those who display sleepiness. No, we don't have a system or a program for martial arts to stimulate blood and muscles. But we have found a rather fun device that works. Before the class we decide what will be the penalty for starting to dose even though the speaker may be lively enough.

Jumping is one method and since yesterday's verse described the lost soul as being like a monkey always engaged in foolishness, the candidate caught in slumber was asked to jump like a monkey. Two of our monks were delinquents and they were mildly penalized by asking to portray the mischievous critters, all in good fun. The devotees became perky. The technique worked.

Every day requires creativity. One technique will get monotonous. The traditional push-ups is on the list for solutions. Another method that works is for the speaker to throw the flower garland at the person doing the head dive-bombing. In the past a love-poking in the ribs by a kind monk sitting next to the doser (or hoser) can be effective.

When I joined the ashram in '73 the summer was hot and sticky and we shared a small space in our rented house at 187 Gerrard St. E. The monks who worked hard during the day, and got up for the early rise, naturally would sometimes get hit by sleepiness. The going method then was the use of a powerful spray bottle of water. The colder the water, the better. It was a magical shock treatment. Hey, monks can have fun too!

Another very effective approach was being singled out by the speaker in the middle of the class. In the Manhattan ashram in '76 I recall a very dramatical swami who humourously pointed his finger at a dozing monk and said in front of all, "Stay awake or blood will flow!"

One method that I find works (more seriously) is a yogic approach. As I have learned form my walking along the Trans Canada Highway when sometimes I would encounter fatigue was to indulge in pranayam, a powerful respiration method which enhances air flow. Also I've found that if I do a couple of yogic salutations to the sun, I get energized if I am about to enter a meeting room knowing that the topic may not have a particular appeal.

In this way you utilize your innovative and creative abilities and dovetail them in the service of the Supreme. Hearing is so important after all, especially in relation to the soul. Om Tat Sat!

9 KM

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Akrura das, Gita Coaching: THE VALUE OF QUESTIONS

Question Thinking helps us think productively rather than reactively, and to choose wisely rather than simply react. Building such a reliable capacity for thinking is central to the skills required for intentional and sustainable change, whether that change is sought in our professional or personal lives.

Questions open our minds, our eyes, and our hearts. With them, we learn, connect, and create. And with them, we can create better futures and better results.

I have a vision of workplaces and a society — of individuals, families, institutions, and communities — that are vibrant with the spirit of inquiry. Our orientation would shift from one of fixed opinions and easy answers to one of curiosity and thoughtful questions.

This is the path that lights the way for open-minded and successful collaboration, for exploration, discovery, and innovation — and for the real possibility of a desirable future for us all.

I believed the way to fix a problem was to look for the right answers. Instead, I learned that the best way to solve a problem is to first come up with better questions.

- Marilee Adams, Change Your Questions Change Your Life

http://inquiryinstitute.com

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ISKCON News.com: Hindu Groups Agree To Address Climate Change

By Lal Krishna Das for ISKCON News on 14 Jan 2011

National Hindu groups in India have pledged to make addressing environmental damage a top priority. “Weʼre not asking people to do anything new. Weʼre simply encouraging them to re-learn the teachings of the past; to re-examine the principles and practices their forefathers lived by – whatever their religious background.”


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ISKCON News.com: Truth of Fiction - An Exploration

By Nimai Charan Agarwal for ISKCON News on 14 Jan 2011

Fantasy is a medium that can let the imagination flow. One can create and change different creatures and make one’s own world. But even fantasy must have a strong grounding in reality. And what better reality to use but the truths of the scriptures.


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Yoga of Ecology, Bhakta Chris, USA: A New (Vegetarian) Food Pyramid?

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In a lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine says the U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services violated federal law by failing to respond to a PCRM petition offering a simple, plant-based alternative — the Power Plate — as an alternative to MyPyramid, the USDA's name for its food pyramid.

"We are asking the government to protect the average American, not special agribusiness interests," said registered dietitian Susan Levin, the organization's nutrition education director. "MyPyramid is confusing, and it recommends meat and dairy products despite overwhelming evidence that these foods are unnecessary and unhealthy. Research shows the Power Plate is a better choice, and it's simple enough that a child could follow it."

To see the Power Plate, click here.

Since the first USDA food pyramid was introduced nearly 20 years ago, obesity and diabetes have become commonplace. About 27 percent of young adults are now too overweight to qualify for military service, and an estimated one in three children born in 2000 will develop diabetes.

The lawsuit charges that the federal government should address the worsening epidemics of obesity and diet-related diseases by withdrawing the MyPyramid diagram and adopt the Power Plate food diagram and dietary guidelines.

The Power Plate graphic is based on current nutrition research showing that plant-based foods are the most nutrient-dense and help prevent chronic diseases. The graphic depicts a plate divided into four new food groups: fruits, grains, legumes and vegetables. There are no portion sizes and food hierarchies to follow; the Power Plate instead recommends eating a variety of all four of its food groups each day.

Linda Shrieves can be reached at lshrieves@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5433 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 407-420-5433 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
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Kirtan Australia.com: Live: Maha Kirtan 9 with Gaura Vani & AKS

Livestream at: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/red-hill-kirtan

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Gouranga TV: Lecture – Radhanath Swami – The Essense of Religions

Lecture – Radhanath Swami – The Essense of Religions

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Japa Group: Engage Me In Your Service


Hare Krsna dear devotees. I hope your week has been fine and this New Year has brought you lots of nice moments with the Lord.
I was reading today a nice article from H.H. Sacinandana Swami and I want to share with you some parts of it. Srila Krishnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami expresses the same point in this famous verse from the Chaitanya-charitamrita, Madhya-lila 22.33:

"One is immediately freed from the clutches of maya if he seriously and sincerely says, ‘My dear Lord Krishna, although I have forgotten You for so many long years in the material world, today I am surrendering unto You. I am Your sincere and serious servant. Please engage me in Your service."

The last sentence is in the meaning of the maha mantra, Please engage me in your devotional service. We all have to chant with this thought so we can move on to offenseless chanting which is our goal and see the Lord face to face.

Wishing you have a wonderful week of chanting.

your servant,

Aruna devi
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