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"Planet ISKCON" - 33 new articles
- H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Sunday 17 July 2011--Life Did Not Explode Out of Nothing--and--How To Explain that God is One?
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: FRESH PERSPECTIVE
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: THE BEST GITA COACHING CLIENTS
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: EFFORT TO IMPROVE OURSELVES
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana
- Australian News: Brisbane Saturday Feast at Seventeen Mile Rocks
- Australian News: Volunteering at ISKCON Adelaide
- Australian News: Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari – 32nd Anniversary – New Govardhana
- Australian News: Harinam with Harinamananda Das – Live On Video
- H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.10 I am not God 6-22-2011 – Video
- Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: What to say when selling books
- Mukunda Charan das, SA: Mundane Versus Spiritual Morality – Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- ISKCON Klang, Malaysia: One year since Aindra prabhu departed
- Ananda Subramanian, Iowa, USA: Blueberry carob fudge cake
- Hari Sauri das, Mayapura, IN: 2011 tour – Perth (almost)
- Madhavendra Puri, New Govardhana, AU: Won-Durr Boiz in Poland (Part 2) – The First Festival [Kolobrzeg]
- Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Toronto Ratha Yatra this weekend! Updates from the street and the festival site all weekend...
- H.H. Sivarama Swami: In answering Ananda Caitanya’s question I remembered how my father taught me to swim
- ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Toronto Ratha-Yatra - LIVE!!
- ISKCON News.com: Poorest Village Children Find Home in New Nepal Gurukula
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Jagannatha Ram Prabhu
- Dandavats.com: Prabhupada on the Wikipedia main page again
- Japa Group: Krsna Is Not Away
- Australian News: Live Today – Harinam in Sydney Australia
- Gouranga TV: Kirtana, Bhakti Lata Devi Dasi
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H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Sunday 17 July 2011--Life Did Not Explode Out of Nothing--and--How To Explain that God is One?
A daily broadcast of the Ultimate Self Realization Course Sunday 17 July 2011 The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna, and His eternal consort, Srimati Radharani are enjoying transcendental pastimes in the topmost planet of the spiritual world, Sri Goloka Vrindavan. They are beckoning us to rejoin them. (Click on photo to see a larger image.) Our Mission: To help everyone awaken their original Krishna consciousness, which is eternal, full of knowledge and full of bliss. Such a global awakening will, in one stroke, solve all the problems of the world society bringing in a new era of unprecedented peace and prosperity for all. May that day, which the world so desperately needs, come very soon. We request you to participate in this mission by reviving your dormant Krishna consciousness and assisting us in spreading this science all over the world. Dedicated with love to ISKCON Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, our beloved spiritual master, and to you, our dear readers. Today's Thought: Life Did Not Explode Out of Nothing Uploaded from Bhaktivedanta Ashram, Austin, Texas USA There is no doubt that we've been given the most challenging assignment imaginable. Our spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, has ordered us to deliver everyone from illusion by teaching them what is their origin and how to perfect their relationship with that origin. At the present moment the popular theory is that life has evolved from a random combination of chemicals, which originally exploded out of nothing. It's no wonder that people are so bewildered and frustrated when such an empty, meaningless and dogmatic cosmology is being crammed down their throats. Therefore out of compassion upon these poor suffering fellows we must constantly tax our brains to how to drive away this cosmological cloud of illusion with the brilliant sun of transcendental knowledge so that everyone will understand who they are and how to be who they are and thus become unlimitedly happy. Sankarshan Das Adhikari So-Called Big Bang Is NOT the Origin of the Universe http://www.backtohome.com/images/bigbang.jpg This IS the Origin of the Universe and Everything Else http://www.backtohome.com/images/Krishna/Gopinatha.JPG Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: How To Explain that God is One? Dear Maharaja, How to explain to the people from different faiths and also from the same faith as in Hinduism that the Supreme being told by the Prophet Muhammad, Moses, Jesus and all these messiahs is actually the same person? And how to explain that the Lord has mercifully revealed Himself as a personality in the Bhagavad-gita. Which verse in the Gita is suitable to be quoted? Hare Krishna Dasanudas, Jeevan Answer: Existence Can Have Only One Origin The simple logical answer is that there cannot more than one origin for the existence of which we are all a part. Do not quote verses to those who are not ready to respectfully hear them. One should only use logical explanations when speaking to those who lack faith in scripture or who are dogmatic that their scripture is the only scripture. You must be careful when teaching others this sublime science not to cause them to blaspheme the Vedic scriptures. Not every divine person is the same. Sometimes the Supreme Lord personally comes, and sometimes He sends his confidential servitors as saktyavesh avatars to preach on His behalf. Some teach the full truth and some teach only a partial truth according to what their audience can accept. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Transcendental Resources: Receive the Special Blessings of Krishna Now you too can render the greatest service to the suffering humanity and attract the all-auspicious blessings of Lord Sri Krishna upon yourself and your family by assisting our mission. Lectures and Kirtans in Audio and Video: Link to High Definition Videos Link to Over 1,000 Lecture Audios Lecture-Travel Schedule for 2011 http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com/schedule Have Questions or Need Further Guidance? Check out the resources at: http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com or write Sankarshan Das Adhikari at: sda@backtohome.com Get your copy today of the world's greatest self-realization guide book, Bhagavad-gita As It Is available at:http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com/store Know someone who could benefit from this? Forward it to them. Searchable archives of all of course material: http://www.sda-archives.com Receive Thought for the Day as an RSS feed: http://www.backtohome.com/rss.htm Unsubscribe or change your email address Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Daily_Thought Sankarshan Das Adhikari on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SDASITE Thought for the Day on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Ultimate.Self.Realization Copyright 2005-2011 by Ultimate Self Realization.Com Distribution of this material is encouraged. Simply we request you to acknowledge where it is coming from with a link to our sign up page: http://www.backtohome.com Our records indicate that at requested to be enrolled to receive e-mails from the Ultimate Self Realization Course at: This request was made on: From the following IP address:
•Akrura das, Gita Coaching: FRESH PERSPECTIVE
The purpose of Gita Coaching is helping devotees succeed in all areas of their lives. It is based on the Vedic aphorism sarve sukino bhavantu – let everyone become happy, and on the Bhagavad-gita verse from the Second Chapter which says that soul is amazing (Bg 2.29).
Every devotee has much more potential that he is currently using. Gita Coaching helps to discover and engage that potential in Krsna’s service, for the greatest benefit of the devotee.
Helping devotees succeed is like a journey. You become curious what Krsna has in store for a devotee you are assisting. Krsna usually has both roses and thunderbolts for a devotee, and it is wonderful to see how these come about.
It is also an honor to be with and assist someone while they are experiencing Krsna’s support in various ways as well as challenges, both internal and external.
Usually the obstacles devotees face are mainly internal: the way they see people and things, the way they see themselves, the way they are habituated to think and feel, and their desires.
We help them overcome those obstacles by gaining clarity about what they want and the determination to pursue worthy goals. Once they start overcoming internal obstacles they are more capable of dealing with any external obstacles that come their way.
Helping devotees succeed also involves helping them see what happens to them and around them through the eyes of the scriptures, because the significant problems we face cannot be solved on the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.
We need a fresh perspective, a new, uplifted consciousness.
•Akrura das, Gita Coaching: THE BEST GITA COACHING CLIENTS
We have dedicated our lives to the courageous DEVOTEES who dare to step out of the dominant culture of resignation and mediocrity and endeavor to create the Krsna conscious life of their dreams.
This is what drives and motivates us, and we are looking for those courageous devotees who are truly serious about living the Krsna conscious life they want, doing good in the world, and leaving a positive legacy on this planet. If this is you, we strongly encourage you to try the Gita Coaching process, and hope to work with you.
To qualify as a participant:
You must agree to spend your valuable times with us — immersing yourself in the processes, consulting sessions, transformational work and brainstorming discussions.
You must be practical and open-minded. You must have a burning desire to persevere and to have people listen, read, follow and embrace your message or idea. You must want more for your own life but also wish to make an impact in the lives of others (even if it’s just your own family or personal network).
You must be willing to learn and apply some very powerful — yet disarmingly simple - ideas about building an exciting spiritual life, finding the drive necessary for going forward and creating a great success. These strategies produce results quicker and are more non-traditional than any you've ever been taught in your life, so you must be open to new ways of thinking and unique ways of applying knowledge.
You must be 108% committed to taking action on the ideas we discover together or the advice we’ll give you — including putting into action strategies that have been perfected and refined to a razor-like sharpness over 20 years of real-life implementation and highly precious real-life experience.
If you qualify and will agree to diligently dedicate yourself to the Gita Coaching process, you could achieve results that you never thought were possible.
•Akrura das, Gita Coaching: EFFORT TO IMPROVE OURSELVES
Gita Coaching is a regular, focused conversation that helps clarify what we want, make an inspiring plan and take decisive action.
It helps us focus on what we can be rather than what we are.
Helping Devotees Succeed is not an event, but an ongoing process of improvement in key areas.
Krsna is pleased when we make a conscious effort to improve ourselves as devotees and humans, and help others do the same.
•ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana
"All glories to Radha and Krsna and the divine forest of Vrndavana. All glories to the three presiding Deities of Vrndavana - Sri Govinda, Gopinatha and Madana Mohana."
(Sri Vraja-dhama-mahimamrta)
All glories to the presiding Deities of Melbourne, Sri Sri Radha Ballabha, whose glorious darsana we eagerly await everyday!
•Australian News: Brisbane Saturday Feast at Seventeen Mile Rocks
Brisbane Saturday Feast Now at 19 Staple St Seventeen Mile Rocks
Click here to visit the website for an online map
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•Australian News: Volunteering at ISKCON Adelaide
Welcome to ISKCON Adelaide Volunteering. You will find a great choice of services for you to get involved with.
If you wish to volunteer for any of these services please contact the temple reception.
Garland Making
Say it all with flowers! Are you creative & artistic? Then making flower garlands for Their Lordships on the altar is one of the sweetest devotional services you can offer Them.
Our festivals also present the most beautiful flower arrangements and displays.
Food for Life
‘Food for Life’ goes out to feed the homeless and volunteers help to prepare and cook as well as serve from the van. This is a very engaging and rewarding service and this involves a very strong sense of team work. If you would like to get involved with the ‘Food for Life’ team please contact the temple reception.
Sunday Feast Volunteering
Volunteers will mainly involve in helping and preparing the Sunday Feast such as chopping of vegetables, cooking, cleaning, serving the feast in the temple room & restaurant, washing pots, cleaning the kitchen and restaurant after the feast.
The Sunday Feast’s Service teams are a great way to make friends and discover your Krishna Consciousness in a fun and spiritually rewarding way.
Please come and get involved…!
Pujari Assistance
Assisting the pujaris involves general cleaning, food preparation, garland making and cleaning the deities’ paraphernalia..
Volunteers in this department are required to be following the four regulative principles and chanting Hare Krishna. Devotees should contact the pujaris in this regard.
Book Distribution
Book distribution is one of the key activities at Adelaide temple. We require volunteers to distribute book for marathons, maha sankirtan or on an adhoc basis suited to your individual time. You can contact the Book Distribution department if you are interested in this activity.
Book distribution is one of the most important services of the the Krishna Consciousness movement. Srila Prabhupada stressed this service over any other service especially in this period of time. Please give some of your valuable time and get involved wholeheartedly.
Cleaning
Cleaning has always been a great part of Vaisnava culture and in this regard Srila Prabhupada once commented ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness’. From kings to beggars everyone takes part in cleaning Krishna’s temple. Volunteers are always much appreciated and help is always needed to clean the kitchen, stairs, kitchen pots, temple room, and common areas. Cleaning service is available all day every day and please feel free to come and get involved. In Vaisnava culture simple menial service like this is respected as one of the most powerful ways to transcend the false ego and this also pleases Krishna and His devotees.
Click here to visit the ISKCON Adelaide website
•Australian News: Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari – 32nd Anniversary – New Govardhana
Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari 32nd Anniversary
Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th July 2011
You are invited to join us in the celebration of the 32nd Anniversary of Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari.
The festivities begin on Saturday23rd in the evening and continue throughout Sunday 24th.
Throughout the festival there will some wonderful activities performed for the pleasure of Theirs Lordhship’s for you to observe such as
Kautaka Bandhanam -
Swing festival – Celebrate Radha Krishna’s Swinging Pastime – join in and pull
Their Lordship’s swing
Abhiseka – observe this sacred bathing ceremony
Puspa Abhiseka – bathe Their Lordship’s with flowers
There will also be a non stop kirtan performed on Sunday throughout the day starting from 5:00am until Sunday evening.
Mahaprasadam served daily in the morning and on both evenings
Click here to visit the web site of New Govardhana Dham
•Australian News: Harinam with Harinamananda Das – Live On Video
“Harinam with Harinamananda Das, (Hari-nama-ananda), Saturday July 9, 2011. Swanston St. Melbourne Australia. HG Aindra Prabhu disappearance day festival.
We celebrate the glorious life of HG Aindra Prabhu, on Saturday 9th July and Sunday 10th July at the Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir, through performance of the Yuga Dharma – Nama Sankirtan, immersing ourselves in the nectarine mellows.
HG Aindra Prabhu revolutionised Nama Sankirtan within our movement. He continues to inspire the Kirtaniyas of the world to this day. Aindra Prabhu’s dissapearance day according to our Vaisnava calendar actually falls on Wednesday 6th of July this year, but to make it practical for more devotees to attend, this most auspicious disappearance day festival is on the Saturday & Sunday.”
Uploaded to YouTube by Russell Prabhu
“Here’s a video of Saturday’s Harinama in honour of Aindra Prabhu.
It was a slow start that quickly lead to a rocking Sankirtan outing.
There are 4 parts to that video: a Harinama that felt like endless bliss!”
Recorded with Sony HDR-CX110E and Flycam Nano. Edited on iMac with Final Cut Express.
Click here to find out more out the activities of Krishna’s devotees in Victoria, centered on Mahaprabhu Mandir in Melbourne. Find yourself there as quickly as you can.
Click here to see more video from Russell Prabhu on YouTube
Share this story your way: •H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – BG 4.10 I am not God 6-22-2011 – Video
Lecture on Bhagavad Gita 4.10 titled “I am not God” given on June 22, 2011 in Belgrade, Serbia.
TRANSLATION
Being freed from attachment, fear and anger, being fully absorbed in Me and taking refuge in Me, many, many persons in the past became purified by knowledge of Me — and thus they all attained transcendental love for Me.
PURPORT
As described above, it is very difficult for a person who is too materially affected to understand the personal nature of the Supreme Absolute Truth. Generally, people who are attached to the bodily conception of life are so absorbed in materialism that it is almost impossible for them to understand how the Supreme can be a person. Such materialists cannot even imagine that there is a transcendental body which is imperishable, full of knowledge and eternally blissful. In the materialistic concept, the body is perishable, full of ignorance and completely miserable. Therefore, people in general keep this same bodily idea in mind when they are informed of the personal form of the Lord. For such materialistic men, the form of the gigantic material manifestation is supreme. Consequently they consider the Supreme to be impersonal. And because they are too materially absorbed, the conception of retaining the personality after liberation from matter frightens them. When they are informed that spiritual life is also individual and personal, they become afraid of becoming persons again, and so they naturally prefer a kind of merging into the impersonal void. Generally, they compare the living entities to the bubbles of the ocean, which merge into the ocean. That is the highest perfection of spiritual existence attainable without individual personality. This is a kind of fearful stage of life, devoid of perfect knowledge of spiritual existence. Furthermore there are many persons who cannot understand spiritual existence at all. Being embarrassed by so many theories and by contradictions of various types of philosophical speculation, they become disgusted or angry and foolishly conclude that there is no supreme cause and that everything is ultimately void. Such people are in a diseased condition of life. Some people are too materially attached and therefore do not give attention to spiritual life, some of them want to merge into the supreme spiritual cause, and some of them disbelieve in everything, being angry at all sorts of spiritual speculation out of hopelessness. This last class of men take to the shelter of some kind of intoxication, and their affective hallucinations are sometimes accepted as spiritual vision. One has to get rid of all three stages of attachment to the material world: negligence of spiritual life, fear of a spiritual personal identity, and the conception of void that arises from frustration in life. To get free from these three stages of the material concept of life, one has to take complete shelter of the Lord, guided by the bona fide spiritual master, and follow the disciplines and regulative principles of devotional life. The last stage of the devotional life is called bhava, or transcendental love of Godhead.
According to Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu (1.4.15-16), the science of devotional service:
athasaktis tato bhavas
tatah premabhyudancati
“In the beginning one must have a preliminary desire for self-realization. This will bring one to the stage of trying to associate with persons who are spiritually elevated. In the next stage one becomes initiated by an elevated spiritual master, and under his instruction the neophyte devotee begins the process of devotional service. By execution of devotional service under the guidance of the spiritual master, one becomes free from all material attachment, attains steadiness in self-realization, and acquires a taste for hearing about the Absolute Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna. This taste leads one further forward to attachment for Krishna consciousness, which is matured in bhava, or the preliminary stage of transcendental love of God. Real love for God is called prema, the highest perfectional stage of life.” In the prema stage there is constant engagement in the transcendental loving service of the Lord. So, by the slow process of devotional service, under the guidance of the bona fide spiritual master, one can attain the highest stage, being freed from all material attachment, from the fearfulness of one’s individual spiritual personality, and from the frustrations that result in void philosophy. Then one can ultimately attain to the abode of the Supreme Lord.
BG 04.10 I Am Not God 2011-06-22
http://vimeo.com/25927866 Lecture on Bhagavad Gita 4.10 titled “I am not God” given on June 22, 2011 in Belgrade, Serbia. Bhagavad-gita As It Is 4.10 vita-raga-bhaya-krodha man-maya mam upasritah bahavo jnana-tapasa puta mad-bhavam ag... •Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: What to say when selling books
Gopinath Acharya das:
Deepak prabhu introduced me to Srila Prabhupada and said, “Oh, this is Gopinath Acharya das. He is one of our leading book distributors.” So Srila Prabhupada was actually very interested; and he turned his head very regally, he looked at me and asked me what I said to sell the books. So I mumbled and fumbled something to the effect that, “Oh, Srila Prabhupada, I just tell them it’s about yoga. They think it’s about exercises and like that.” Srila Prabhupada thought very pensively for 30 seconds or so and he said, “You should tell people that these books will solve the problems of life and help reduce the miseries of life.”
>From Following Srila Prabhupada, DVD #6
•Mukunda Charan das, SA: Mundane Versus Spiritual Morality – Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur
‘But worldly people take a contrary view and give the service of Godhead the second or subsidiary place to morality on the assumption that moral living may easily dispense the same. There are people who admit the existence of God in their practical conduct as a means of establishing themselves in moral life as if Godhead is a mere steward and caterer of their worldly conveniences and comforts. They opine that Godhead exists only for making us moral and not for our service. To make Him exist for morality is to make Him an order-supplier. Such misguided persons make a show of serving God for a time in order that while leading a life of gross worldliness they may pass before the world as self-restrained holy personages, but their purpose is to turn their so-called object of worship into an Impersonal Entity in the long run. Godhead exists in His Transcendental Form that is visible only to His devotees who render their services for the gratification of His Senses. Neither conventional morality, which are divorced from the service of Godhead and are practised for the sensual gratification of men, has any place in the conduct of those who live for the gratification of the Senses of God. All morality, sanctity, good manners, patience, humility, and every other good quality of the head and heart are alway anxious to serve the purpose of the devotees if they are accepted for the worship of God. Thus it should be admitted on all hands that to seek to separate morality from theism and to imagine Godhead Himself to be subservient to the rules of conventional morality, is nothing short of undiluted atheism’
[Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur, 'Spiritual Morality and Aesthetic Culture' p.107-8]
Filed under: General, ISKCON, Quotes, Realizations, Spiritual Life Tagged: bhaktisiddhanta saraswati, God as order supplier, Godhead, moral life, morality, postaweek2011, the senses of God
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1966 July 16: "I invited your Guru Maharaj to join the League of Devotees as head man but he desired to have the Jhansi property in the joint name of him and Kunjababa. So I became silent and left the whole scheme."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1966
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1966 July 16: "We are not always successful but such failures are certainly not ludicrous. Let us now forget all these past incidences and go forward with present responsibility."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1966
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1968 July 16: "You in the streets of London and here in the Montreal World Expo, Kirtana is wonderfully successful. The time is fast approaching when we will have to perform such public Kirtana in all the important cities of the world."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1969 July 16: "If you can increase the number of BTG's to 25,000 monthly, that is the nicest idea. We want to distribute as many issues as possible, so the more you can print and distribute, the more my Guru Maharaja will be pleased to see His Great Dream being fulfilled."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1970 July 16: "I was born in a Vaisnava family - Kasinatha Mullick Thakuravati - so by the grace of Krsna from the very beginning of my life I was Krsna conscious by family tradition and by my father's caretaking."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1970 July 16: "They are very intelligent and qualified so they understand that Krishna Consciousness Movement is neither Indian nor Hindu, but of course because it is coming from India it has Indian and Hindu touch."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1975 July 16: "If the farm cannot be utilized, then it may be sold. What is the use of keeping a bad cow? Somehow or other you have to keep the men who are there engaged. If they are allowed to become idle gradually they will again become hippies."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1975 July 16: "Why they should get salary? There should be no salary. You are working without salary, so why they should take. So after this month arrange for no one to get any salary there. That will be nice."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975
•ISKCON Klang, Malaysia: One year since Aindra prabhu departed
BY JANANANDA GOSVAMI Saturday the 16th of July marks one year since His Grace Aindra Prabhu departed the world in Sri Vrndavana dhama. One of the greatest inspirations and influences on the ISKCON kirtan world. Saturday the 16th of July marks one year since His Grace Aindra Prabhu departed the world in Sri Vrndavana dhama. [...]
•Ananda Subramanian, Iowa, USA: Blueberry carob fudge cake
My wife made this blueberry carob fudge cake for my birthday which was last weekend. It came out really well and one of the best I have tasted so far. From the picture, it is difficult to identify the blueberry but it was there!
•Hari Sauri das, Mayapura, IN: 2011 tour – Perth (almost)
June 1st 2011 I headed out to Perth, arriving late at night. The trip was quite long and uneventful-fortunately. Devotees out of politeness some times ask “How was your trip?” “Boring” I am glad to say. On a plane you don’t want it to be anything else – “Oh we ran out of fuel half way over and had to ditch in the Pacific!” … You get what I mean.
But actually I did have two exchanges with security personnel both leaving Sydney and leaving Melbourne. Airport security is a serious business. They are there to make sure noone is carrying bombs or weapons. They keep a serious demeanor and passengers have to as well. Crack a joke about a bomb and you are likely to miss your flight-possibly for several years.
You have to be humble and cooperative no matter what they do – and there are enough recent stories about airport security ‘pat downs’ to make you want to keep a straight face and a low profile.
When I traveled with Srila Prabhupada in 1976 we had enough negative incidences to always give me caution, and one in particular from Melbourne came to my mind :
[note: this picture is Prabhupada's arrival in 1975 - couldn't find one from '76]
[TD 2] April 19th, 1976
Our plane landed in Sydney at 10:00 A.M., three hours late. Jayadharma dasa, the president of the Sydney temple, was waiting in the transit lounge to join our flight to Melbourne. Together with a new devotee who works for the airlines, he offered Srila Prabhupada a flower garland and a large silver platter of sweets and cut fruits. Srila Prabhupada took a few bites of prasadam, and we distributed the rest to the other passengers. Most were happy to accept, and within a few minutes the plate was empty. We left at 11:00 A.M. and arrived in Melbourne just after noon.
Before landing we filled out the customary landing cards, which also required a list of baggage. Without thinking carefully, we filled out Prabhupada’s card indicating that he had one suitcase. Once off the plane we passed through immigration without difficulty and entered the baggage hall. We decided that Srila Prabhupada and I should go directly through customs carrying only his red attache case, and Pusta Krsna Swami would bring the suitcases. However, the customs officer insisted that Prabhupada wait for the suitcase indicated on his form. I pleaded strongly with the man to please allow Srila Prabhupada to go through immediately. I assured him that I would wait and take full responsibility for the suitcase. I pointed out that there were no chairs for Prabhupada to sit down on and it would take at least a half an hour more for the bags to come off the plane; Prabhupada was over eighty years old, had been traveling for so many hours, and it was unnecessary to make him wait; and I had packed his bag for him anyway.
Despite my best attempts, the customs official was utterly uncooperative and refused to allow Srila Prabhupada to go through. The discussion became heated as my temper rose. A small crowd of passengers gathered around us to see what the disturbance was. Srila Prabhupada just walked away and stood quietly to the side. The official was obdurate; he returned to his post, leaving me standing there fuming.
Two minutes later an airport policeman approached me to ask what was going on. I explained that we simply wanted Prabhupada to be allowed to go straight through customs without his bag. He asked, “Is all that going on because of him?” That was the loud roar of a tremendous hari-nama kirtana coming through the doors leading into the arrival hall. The kirtana could be clearly heard above all the airport noise and public-address announcements. Gurukrpa Swami and a large number of devotees were excitedly banging karatalas, beating mrdangas, and chanting so loudly that airport officials had moved them away from the main greeting area — but still the sound drowned out everything else. With every opening and closing of the doors the intense chanting boomed louder and then receded. The sounds of the holy names uplifted us, and when Prabhupada heard it he inquired innocently, “This is our men?”
The airport security personnel were somewhat bewildered as to how to handle the situation. “Will they stop if he goes through?” the policeman asked. I assured him “Yes, they will.” And within seconds Prabhupada was allowed to pass through, leaving Pusta Krsna and myself to wait for the bags. As Prabhupada disappeared through the door and was spotted by the devotees, the kirtana reached a terrific crescendo with loud shouts of “Jaya Prabhupada!” The noise stopped abruptly, and Prabhupada was taken into the VIP lounge, where devotees had arranged a press conference.
While Prabhupada conversed amiably with a host of news reporters, I experienced another dramatic episode. As I brought Prabhupada’s suitcase to the customs check, the officer (a different one this time), not wanting another scene, smiled and said that it would take but a moment. “Ah, could you just open the case?” he asked.
I obliged, and he gave a cursory squint under the lid. He was just about to close it when a huge, two-inch cockroach leaped out. It must have taken shelter inside Prabhupada’s winter coat in Bombay and obviously decided that Australia was a better home. But this was not to be. The customs officer reacted instantly. “Quarantine! Quarantine!” he shouted, and hit a big red button.
My heart froze as a loud buzzer went off and a big red light began flashing. Someone rushed over with two large cans of bug spray, and I had visions of being stuck there for hours. But the man simply smiled reassuringly — it was all under control. Whap! The poor bug was summarily executed on the desk top. The contents of the two cans were emptied into the case and the lid slammed shut. It took hardly a minute, and then I was on my way at last, the customs offical offering me a smile and best wishes for my stay in Australia.”
Of course that was 35 years ago and things are a bit different – the security is much tighter now even for domestic flights. Because I travel in devotee clothes I often feel I am taking a bit of a risk in that I am bound to stand out and that might just attract a little extra attention from the security guards. Sure enough it did.
As I approached the security check benches leaving Sydney for Melbourne, a lone guard stood at the threshold to the check point. Without changing expression or showing any sign of special interest in me as I walked past, he said in a low voice, “Haribol prabhu!” I did a double take – “Did I just hear that correctly?” I kept going and looked back to see him crack a slight smile while staring straight ahead. Its true, the Hare Krishna’s are everywhere!
Leaving Melbourne I had another exchange. I had put my bag through the screening machine and as often happens, the operator signaled to one of the other guards to check it. I expect it because I carry my Deity of Srila Prabhupada and various silverware for puja in it, and that usually flags some curiosity. As I unzipped the lid the tall young security guy, again keeping a straight face, leaned over and said, “Hare Krishna prabhu! Is there anything in here I should pay special attention to?” Turns out he was a regular attendee at the temple which he said he loved to visit, and he was concerned that he not disturb any Deity that I might be carrying. Those Hare Krishnas are everywhere!
Times change, fortunately for me, for the better. Once upon a time in Melbourne we were not so popular with the authorities.
I have to say that in most places travelling conspicuously as a devotee has proved to be an advantage. I generally get treated with respect and a determined effort at fairness. The ‘politically correct’ atmosphere works to your benefit if you are in the right kind of minority group i.e. not on the potential terrorist list, and government officials tend to go out of their way to be fair and polite.
OK, something about Perth coming up….
•Madhavendra Puri, New Govardhana, AU: Won-Durr Boiz in Poland (Part 2) – The First Festival [Kolobrzeg]
[The Won-Durr Boiz diary series is based on four ex-gurukuli brothers (surname: Durr) coming together for the first time to share Krsna consciousness with the outside world. Madhavendra Puri (the author and middle elder) has been waiting in Radhadesh (Belgium) for his brothers to arrive. Nitai Canda (the eldest) and Rupa Gosvami (the youngest) arrive first, and Bhisma Deva (the middle younger) is scheduled to come half way through. Their adventure takes them through Belgium, Germany and Poland, for rathayatras, festival tours and kirtana events. These diaries aim to bring inspiration and joy to the readers, and hopefully encourage others to entangle themselves in Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtana movement – whether for the spiritual benefits or simply for the fun.]
Tuesday 28th, June 2011
Rishab and I rolled out early to the site. It was scary to see the bare beach of Kolobrzeg, waiting for us to fill it with the countless tents of Festiwal Indii. We jumped straight into it. I was still a little sick but the light work, oxygen and morning sun seemed to be the best thing for me. Nitai was cruising off with the harinams and Rupa was back in the base making prasadam kebabs. The Durr boys were keenly engaged in various devotional activities.
I found HH Indradyumna Swami wandering around the festival site, after the harinam had returned. He came over and I introduced him to Nitai and Rupa. He had just arrived that day but seemed very pleased with the arrangements. He pulled a cheeky smile when he saw all three of us. I informed him that there was still one more to come.
Our Bhakti Dance group from America had arrived. There were many new devotees on this tour, lots of them speaking English. I took the chance to show them all the basics I knew, acting as somewhat of a tourist guide. I showed them to the money exchange, the shop and threw out the tiny bit of Polish I knew.
The first festival was on its way. The hectic scene behind the stage and in the sound tent was transparent to the audience. Our usual acts filled the stage. Our dance group from India, Sankya, had brand new acts and a live musical performance. Earlier, I had been told the Gita drama was cancelled but I was soon surprised with the news that it was going to happen. I was doubly surprised when Maharaja pushed the drama a whole hour earlier, to keep the crowds. It was now or never; I barely had enough practice but Krsna decided to throw me out, raw and unready. I took shelter of the Gita itself, praying to be an instrument in the hands of Krsna (whilst acting as Krsna instructing the same lesson).
We sat on the sand in the late parts of the show. Jayatam came to us and asked us if we could fill in as the emergency dish washing crew that night. It turned out that his planned dish washers had not yet arrived so we’d have to temporarily take the service. We submitted to the needful, sure that it was only for the night. We squashed into the bus on the way home and went on into the night in the kitchen.
Wednesday 29th, June 2011.
Maharaja woke us up in the morning: “Common boys, it’s the second day not the second month.” I nearly didn’t go to the festival, being informed Gita drama was cancelled (again). Nonetheless, it was a false call yet again and I decided to go to the festival at the last minute, without even knowing.
We waited for Nitai to come back from harinam. Rupa had fetched him a plate of prasadam. We waited at the festival site but decided Nitai never came. At one point, a mentally retarded boy approached us. He was interesting in the sense that he knew a few words in English. He had been mingling in the cooking demo tent the day before and it seemed he was roaming the festival site each day. He sat down with us as if we were his friends. He looked over at Nitai’s plate with wide, excited eyes. He pointed and spoke some words in Polish. The boys were not sure what he was saying but I could catch the gist. “Tak” I replied (meaning “yes). He grabbed up the plate and ate every gulp. It was the most interesting method of prasadam distribution I had ever experienced.
To do the Gita drama, we often use costumes from Dina Dayal’s act. Today the acts were too close together and we needed an alternative. Mostly everyone wore black in the Gita but it seemed that I was going to wear my white silk dhoti on instead. I was shy the first day but now, in my white attire, I was sticking out like a black sheep (just to be ironic).
We had an awesome kirtana at the end of the show. Nitai was so inspired afterwards that he fired up a kirtana while we waited for the bus. Once we were in the bus, the spirit of kirtana was spent into the Nrsimha prayers. Although we were asked to fill in for one night of dishes, I found myself and Nitai on dishes again tonight. I was starting to question the end of this ongoing saga of late nights.
Thursday 30th, June 2011.
Maharaja was leading a spontaneous kirtana in the halls. The late night dishes had planted me in the horizontal position. The saddest thing was I couldn’t even go down to shower, because the kirtana was roaming the halls of the school. I was trapped, so I just listened with a big smile on my dial.
I published the monthly update for June, clearing the writing table for the upcoming Won-Durr Boiz adventures. It was going to be another wild tour diary, full of endless madness.
The festival went smoothly but the weather wasn’t the best. We started the Gita drama and the clouds rumbled in. I watched as the crowds thinned and thinned. We were left with almost no one, as the drama came to the end. Maharaja came onstage and signalled a cancel, minutes before the climatic end of the Gita drama. The festival ended abruptly and we all rushed for the buses. It was a great three day start to the two months of festivals ahead. We were now rolling on into the sensation of Polish Tour 2011.
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•Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Toronto Ratha Yatra this weekend! Updates from the street and the festival site all weekend...
This weekend is Ratha Yatra in Toronto! We will all be at Ratha Yatra so there will be no regular blog posts. If you are reading this, chances are you did not make it to Toronto to join the festival. [You still have tomorrow to make it to Toronto Island to join...]
Nothing beats being here live...but the next best thing is to get some nectar from the weekend. So join us on Facebook during the weekend as we do a few posts here and there with photos (maybe some video) from Ratha Yatra followed by the festival on Toronto Island.
To set expectations...this will not be professional or official...just random pictures taken by my daughter Minakshi, son Indresh and daughter-in-law Kishori.
Check them out on my Facebook page and if you are not a friend yet just ping "Subhavilasa Das" on Facebook
Jaya Jagannatha!
•H.H. Sivarama Swami: In answering Ananda Caitanya’s question I remembered how my father taught me to swim
He would swim ahead and say “come here.
•ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Toronto Ratha-Yatra - LIVE!!
We are going to try to broadcast our parade live!
We apologize in advance if this doesn't work!
•ISKCON News.com: Poorest Village Children Find Home in New Nepal Gurukula
 | Some of the poorest children in Nepal are finding refuge and education at a new ISKCON Gurukula school in Sanga, a village 22 kilometers from Katmandu that lies in the shade of a colossal 108-foot deity of the demigod Shiva. |
•ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Jagannatha Ram Prabhu
Srimad Bhagavatam 12.13.1 - The glories of Srimad Bhagavatam; takes us on journey of spiritual realizations from sraddha to prema.
•Dandavats.com: Prabhupada on the Wikipedia main page again
By Krishna das
This is the highest level of prominence an article can gain on this world's 7th most popular site, being highlighted on its main page that gets 4-5 million visitors a day
