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"Planet ISKCON" - 31 new articles
- H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Sunday 24 April 2011--Connecting with Krishna in Russia--and--How Am I Different from Krishna?
- Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Bhajan - 24hr Kirtan - Raja - 17/26
- ISKCON Brampton, Canada: Saranagati seminar - Atma Nivedana - April 22 2011 by Satchitananda Dasa
- Japa Group: Please Join The Japa Group
- Krishna Lounge, LA, USA: Kirtan 2011-04-21
- Krishna Lounge, LA, USA: Spiritual Confidence
- Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Discourse at ISKCON Brampton Tomorrow
- Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: Enmity in Krsna consciousness -- why?
- H.H. Sivarama Swami
- H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 289—Poem for April 23
- H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): OLD FRIENDS
- Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: American Swami Startles 830 HSBC Bankers
- Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: AKASOL® brand PV backsheet with new colours and designs
- ISKCON News.com: New Buenos Aires Restaurant A Hit With Trendy Clientele
- ISKCON News.com: Aussie Devotees Bring the Delicious to Byron Bay Bluesfest
- ISKCON News.com: Vaishnava and Muslim Expressions of Love Explored in D.C. Dialogue
- ISKCON News.com: The Passing of Radhika Raman Das Brahmacari
- New Vrindavan, USA: Guest Cabins Receive a Major Upgrade
- H.H. Sivarama Swami: Rasarasini d.d. and Dina-natha d. both asked the same question
- New Vrndavan, USA: New Vrindaban’s Guest Cabins Receive a Major Upgrade
- H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Thursday, April 21th, 2011
- H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Wednesday, April 20th, 2011
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: IF YOU PURIFY
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: DIVINE NAMES RETREAT LIVE VIDEO BROADCAST
- ISKCON News.com: Unnecessary Necessities
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Candrasekhara Prabhu
- Dandavats.com: Online Broadcasting - BC Radhadesh Divine Names Retreat 2011
- Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: Perfect teacher - nivritta trishna
- Japa Group: Sweet Like Sugar Candy
- Gouranga TV: Lecture – Tamohara Prabhu – SB 10.2.11-12 – Material Miseries
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana
- More Recent Articles
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H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Sunday 24 April 2011--Connecting with Krishna in Russia--and--How Am I Different from Krishna?
A daily broadcast of the Ultimate Self Realization Course(TM) Sunday 24 April 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: Connecting with Krishna in Russia Uploaded from Kaliningrad, Russia Krishna is everywhere. There is nowhere where Krishna is not present. Therefore we can connect equally with Krishna in Sri Vrindavan Dhama, in London, in Austin, in Riga, in Russia, or anywhere where we hear, chant, and remember the transcendental name, form, qualities, and pastimes of the Supreme all-beautiful, all-powerful, all-renounced, all-knowing, all-wealthy, and all-famous Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna. The insider's secret is that the more we share this connection with others, the more our connection becomes enhanced. Therefore those who are greedy for the strongest possible connection with Krishna dedicate their entire lives for reconnecting the entire universe with Krishna. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Home Program Lecture Kaliningrad, Russia--22 April 2011 http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Spring/Russia_Lecture.JPG Ecstatic Farwell Kirtan Kaliningrad, Russia--22 April 2011 http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Spring/Russia_Farewell.JPG Answers According to the Vedic Version: Question: How Am I Different from Krishna? If everyone is within Krishna, how can we be separate from Krishna? If Krishna is like the ocean, I am like a drop. So am I different from the ocean? S.N. Answer: Just as Water Molecules are Distinct Since Krishna is the complete whole and we are only tiny parts of the complete whole, Krishna can be compared to the ocean and we can be compared to the drops of water. The tiniest drop of water is a water molecule. The water molecule maintains its individually or it differentness even if it enters into a large body of water such as the ocean. It is still a tiny molecule composed of two parts of hydrogen and one part of oxygen. Similarly, the living being, even if he is fully Krishna conscious, maintains his individuality or differentness so he can eternally render loving devotional service to his beloved Lord. He does not want to annihilate his individuality because this would mean that he would no longer be able to serve his dearmost sweet Lord Sri Krishna. So try to understand that just as we can float a battleship on the ocean, but not on a drop of ocean water, there is always a distinction between a living entity and Krishna, even in the liberated stage. 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. 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Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Bhajan - 24hr Kirtan - Raja - 17/26
Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Bhajan - 24hr Kirtan - Raja - 17/26
Raja singing a Hare Krishna bhajan for Dallas' New Year's 24hr Kirtan.
Dallas, TX
2010-12-31
Download: 2010-12-31 - 18 - 24hr Kirtan - Raja.mp3
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ISKCON Brampton, Canada: Saranagati seminar - Atma Nivedana - April 22 2011 by Satchitananda Dasa
Saranagati seminar - Atma Nivedana - April 22 2011 by Satchitananda Dasa
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Japa Group: Please Join The Japa Group
Please share your realisations with other devotees from around the world...simply send me an introduction email and I will be happy to make you a member:
rasa108@gmail.com
ys
Rasa Rasika dasa• Email to a friend •
Krishna Lounge, LA, USA: Kirtan 2011-04-21
Krishna Lounge, LA, USA: Kirtan 2011-04-21
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Krishna Lounge, LA, USA: Spiritual Confidence
Our initial contact with the unknown can be a source of anxiety and hesitation, but as we learn more about it we gain confidence and see things in a whole new light. Simililary on the spiritual path, we may initially approach the possible detachment of our materialistic desires with such hesitation, but as we make progress, like anything in life, it becomes easier and easier with each step.
Talk by Giriraj:
Talk by Giriraj: Krishna Lounge, LA, USA: Spiritual Confidence
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Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Discourse at ISKCON Brampton Tomorrow
With the mercy of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, Subhavalisa das will be giving the discourse at ISKCON Brampton tomorrow. So if you missed his discourse at ISKCON Toronto last week, you will have a chance to hear this nectar plus much more at ISKCON Brampton.
The program starts at 11am and the discourse is around noon. The devotees at the Brampton temple are very homely and welcoming and they have a great Sunday school program for the kids as well. So hopefully you can make it out and share in the devotional atmosphere which defines ISKCON Brampton. For directions and more information please visit:
http://iskconbrampton.ca/contacts.html• Email to a friend •
Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: Enmity in Krsna consciousness -- why?
Even in Krsna consciousness, separation and enmity take place due to the prominence of material propensities.
>>> Ref. VedaBase => SB 5.14.37
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H.H. Sivarama Swami
Christian, Hindu, or Muslim, it doesn’t matter. One must have faith in God. But if one does not know what is God, then what is the question of religion? This sectarian view has caused havoc in the world. Our real business is to know God and one’s relationship with God.
- Srila Prabhupada
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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 289—Poem for April 23
4:57 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 30 years. I hope this variety will be pleasing.
Poem for April 23
Now I have a laminated
picture of Radha-Govinda to
chant to as soon as I get up,
before Narayana comes to wake
the Deities. I can behold Their
beautiful forms as I chant
japa-yajna.Rupa Gosvami was told by the
Lord that tasting the fruit
of love of God in Goloka
is the highest bliss, compared
to which all other religious
achievements are insignificant.
He took it in his realized
heart and wrote books
of rasa-sastras. These are
the teachings to Rupa Goswami.Narayana and I will
meet together with
Radhanatha Swami, and
then I’ll meet with him
alone. I hope to find
a friendly wavelength
to touch with him
in confidence.Chanting was dispatched
in minimum time, too
quickly to deeply savor
the deep meanings of yugala-kishora.
You need to do them speedily
but swoon in realization
of the actual sweet names.The other poet I look
at is too solipsistic and
indirect with no reference
to Krishna. I at least focus
on the Lord and praise
Him in a simple verse.
Krishna is the summum bonum,
the dear Cowherd Boy
who plays with the gopis.
He’s fixed in my life
as the cynosure of attention.
I look upon him every
morning and through0ut the
day. He is kind to
me to give me darsana
even though I am so unworthy.My writing somehow
continues, and I beg each day for another
installment. I am
entirely dependent on
the muse without any
guarantee or control
over the outcome. I
pray for continuance.
He asked me yesterday
‘How is your writing?’
And I honestly answered,
‘It’s all right.’”• Email to a friend •
H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): OLD FRIENDS
From Memories
“The End
“Shall I explain once more how I tried to contact my mother and how she rejected me? In all fairness to my parents, I have to admit that in a sense I also rejected them. I didn’t even attempt to contact them for years. I guess I expected them to contact me. Probably they felt it was my duty to keep in touch with them. Years went by with neither of us making a move toward the other.
“In 1977 I met a woman named Rosa Forkash. She was the mother of a devotee, and she served as an intermediary between the devotees and their estranged parents. Anyone who was interested in contacting their parents could give her information about their parents, and she would call their parents and try to bring about a reconciliation. Many devotees accepted her help, and I too went to her one day and gave her the details on my parents. I also confessed that I had been just too afraid to call them over the past ten years.
“The last time I saw my mother was in 1967. She and my mother-in-law visited my wife and me in Boston. I had thought the visit went well—my mother bought a suit for me and a drafting table for my wife, and we showed both mothers around the storefront, which was filled with Jadurani’s paintings. Later we took them to our apartment, which although sparsely furnished, was warm and sunny. But I was wrong. I heard later through my mother-in-law that my mother had been horrified by her visit. I was hurt by her reaction, and didn’t try to contact her again.
It wasn’t only hurt, however. I was more than fully occupied by all my temple duties. Prabhupada said nothing that I should cultivate a relationship with my parents. Rather, he wrote me and said that my relationship with my father was ephemeral and that my relationship with him, my spiritual father, was real.
“As the years went by, it seemed to get harder to even think of calling them. When the anti-cult movement gained momentum in the late 1970s, I could only imagine how it affected my parents’ vision of what I was doing, and that made it even harder. Up until that point, they had no one with which to share their chagrin that their son had joined a weird Indian religion. Now it was being broadcast on television and in the newspapers: the Hare Krishna movement is a dangerous cult, as insidious as the Moonies and the Children of God. I’m sure they were mortified. I wonder what they told people if anyone asked them what I was doing. What could they say? They probably acted as if I had died.
“I also felt that I had broken the family honor, and therefore, I was no longer eligible to be their son. One devotee, a mother of three, wrote me recently: ‘As a mother, it is incomprehensible to me how it would be possible to reject one’s child, no matter how strongly one disagreed with what they were doing. She cannot think in terms of having a code of honor; if a child were to break that code, the only way he could compensate for it would be to give up his rebellion and again accept his parents’ definition of life. This certainly would have been true in my case. For me to re-establish harmony with my parents, I would have had to either deny or compromise my relationship with Prabhupada.
“There was one other alternative, but I wasn’t prepared to accept it. That is, I could have gone to them and begged for their affection. I could have taken their crap directed at me and the Krishna consciousness movement—kept taking it—until they finally gave up, if they ever did. I know I would have had to listen to Prabhupada being blasphemed because that’s the kind of people my parents were. They would slur any race or religion or anything outside the bounds of what they considered normalcy. How much of it could I have borne? They never actually said anything blasphemous to me, but I’m sure it would have come to that.
“The signs were on the wall from the beginning. I phoned my father one evening after the Sunday feast. I felt really happy and I wanted to share my happiness with him. He was incredulous. ‘Feast? What did you have, three peas and a string bean?’ Always sarcastic, and always putting me down. My sister was just the same, but without the profanity that my father usually used, expert needler that she was.
“With my mother and sister, the big affront was that I had given up Catholicism for Krsna consciousness. I had tried to preach to my sister on the telephone about how faithless everyone is in this age, and I added, ‘Even the Catholics don’t follow the Pope.’ Although she didn’t tell me at the time, I later found out my statement had offended her. She told my mother, ‘Who is he to say Catholics don’t follow the Pope? He doesn’t follow the Pope!’ She saw it as my hypocrisy, me, the lapsed Catholic. Of course, I was speaking in a broader sense and trying to explain that no one in Kali-yuga follows their religious teachers. My point was that I had now found a bona fide religious teacher. I expected them—and this was incredibly naïve of me—to accept Krishna consciousness as if it were a version of Catholicism, a form of love of God. I thought they would appreciate that I was a lapsed Catholic. I had committed sinful activities. Now I had given that up to pursue spiritual life. In essence, I was following Jesus and the Pope. They couldn’t swallow it. They preferred me to follow the Pope externally, hypocritically, and at least pretend to be a Catholic rather than join some crazy Indian religion.
“My sister thought Indians were worthless people. She remarked on this, coincidentally, the same summer I met Prabhupada. I don’t really know why she had a prejudice against Hindus, but she listed off a variety of races and what they had going for them, and then she said that Hindus didn’t seem to have anything going for them either materially or spiritually. For me to join a religion followed only by the world’s poor seemed insulting to her. After all, the white Americans had worked so hard to make a decent place for themselves. All glories to the Irish and Italian-Americans and their climb to the top!
“I never knew for sure who was the most stubborn about the freeze between me and my parents. Were they willing to lose their only son just because he joined the Hare Krishna movement, or did they reciprocate with what appeared to be my own desire to leave them behind? I expected my father to be tough about my choice, but maybe he wasn’t. One of the very few times I talked to him on the phone after joining Prabhupada, he said, ‘I’m gonna keep my anchor in with you.’ He said he wouldn’t abandon me, he wanted to keep connected. It touched me at the time.”
From Spiritualized Dictionary
“grievance ‘1. A circumstance thought to be unjust or injurious and grounds for complaint or resentment. 2. Complaint or resentment, or a statement expressing this against a real or imagined wrong. 3. A complaint arising from circumstances or conditions relating to one’s employment.’
“We should be slow to have a grievance against anyone or any system. Rather, we should understand that pain and suffering are caused by our own bad karma, which means sinful activities, and which we ourselves have engaged in in the past, and for which we are now collecting our dues. We don’t have to name the agent of that karma, and we don’t have to present a grievance.
“There is grief in the world, grief in sadness, still we shouldn’t complain. If we have been misled in Krishna consciousness, however, we can register an official complaint. Every person has that right. But we should be cautioned and tempered by the other instruction: don’t blame people for anything. Our complaint should be made only to encourage rectification, not to blame another. If a rascal comes to town and claims that he is God, and then calls all the girls out to hold a rasa dance with him, we should present a grievance against him—that’s religious responsibility—but even a grievance should be presented in a Krishna conscious context, for a Krishna conscious purpose, and with full understanding of the inner working of things. We are to blame for our own pain and suffering.”
From Begging for the Nectar of the Holy Name
“Snapshots
“Every day I want to pick up a photo of Prabhupada and comment on it. I think it will help focus me. A japa retreat without being close to Srila Prabhupada is useless.
“This is a picture of Srila Prabhupada walking on the road in Mayapur, around 1975, surrounded by disciples. He seems to be moving quickly. Hari-sauri is just starting to unfold Prabhupada’s chadar. Pusta-krsta Swami is looking at the controls of the tape recorder. The microphone isn’t visible yet. I think I am there somewhere in the middle ranks; one of the upraised dandas is mine. We negotiate our places. It’s almost like a game, a sport, like soccer or football. Srila Prabhupada is the central main figure—where he moves, we move.
“The gate has already been built. Oh, now I see—Srila Prabhupada is returning from the walk. The tape recording is complete, and the chadar is being folded because Prabhupada doesn’t need it any more. Golden clothes, and his skin a darker golden hue as he walks in Gaurachandra’s land. He holds a rose in his left hand.
“I cannot know the mind of the acarya. His life is public, shared with hundreds of devotees to whom he is giving Krishna consciousness. Srila Prabhupada is coming back from a walk, heading for the temple and the grand routine there—ringing the bell, circumambulating the altars, worshiping Radha-Madhava—then giving a lecture. He looks very simple and small—one hesitates to say ‘ordinary.’ The snapshot has caught or distorted an image where Prabhupada does not look like a grand monarch. He is obviously the central figure, surrounded by worshipful disciples, but his simplicity has been caught by the camera as he heads for the temple pageantry.
“My dear Srila Prabhupada, I am writing this almost twenty years later, trying to be as true and honest as possible. The falsity, the ‘routinization of charisma,’ closes in on us. We fight it off, but that sometimes means we have to appear rude or rough. We don’t ever mean to be that way toward you. We have to clear the falsity that gathers around your name and form—whether it’s my fault, or time’s fault or no one’s fault, like dust on a mirror, it has to be brushed away. No one should think I am trying to brush away Srila Prabhupada himself or reverence to him, but the dust and false figures and wrong attitudes and the lies. Get rid of lies.
“I have come here to chant, to chant the same Hare Krishna mantra Prabhupada gave me in 1966. Eternal mantra sound. I want to join in it, to reform.
From Japa Reform Notebook:
“‘The power of bad habits is such that it may even become a bad habit for life . . . (p.8)
“‘After chanting for years, you are still inching along in the vast stretches of the intermediate zone.’ (p. 10)”
From The Worshipable Deity and Other Poems (1984)
Reflections, Potomac
“Arriving at the temple, I find letters.
one wife doesn’t want to return to her husband;
one man has harsh words against another,
and some letters are lighter,
expressing joy in devotional service.“From my cabin window I see
green grass turned yellow.
July 3rd sun blazes down;
I sit with candana on my forehead,
and try to make a poem.“Sometimes I think I should go away
to be alone, to chant and hear,
But I know I cannot do it;
I would sink in lust and perish.
There is no point in renouncing real duty.“Some mornings are so difficult
I want to throw in the towel,
but time turns and Krishna shows
it is quite possible for me to go on.
When I think of the austerities of others,
I gain conviction.
And the expert way provided by my spiritual master
turns me toward a better view of things.
Like suddenly coming to a clearing,
I dance and feel young again.”• Email to a friend •
Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: American Swami Startles 830 HSBC Bankers
H.H. Radhanath Swami from ISKCON addressing a full house at HSBC's Global Headquarters in the U.K.It seemed as if time had paused on Thursday 7th April to witness an historical event where two extreme ends of the world met for a fusion of the material to the spiritual. His Holiness Radhanath Swami was invited as key note speaker on behalf of the Euro CEO of HSBC to address a large gathering of high profile influential bankers along with the Group Manager of the Board on the topic of universal Board on the topic of universal equality.
Organised by the Vedic Society in HSBC, over 830 bankers congregated together at the global headquarters of HSBC in Canary Wharf UK to explore the message of Holi – ‘The Festival of Colours’ symbolising the message of universal equality despite being diverse materially. With a presence in over 87 countries, managing in excess of $2.5 trillion, HSBC is amongst the top universal banks, the largest listed company on the Londons Stock Exchange and according to Forbes, the eight largest company in the world.
The rest of the write up can be found at: http://www.scribd.com/fullscreen/53632086• Email to a friend •
Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: AKASOL® brand PV backsheet with new colours and designs
Vaihingen / Enz, Germany – Manufacturers of solar modules now have the choice: KREMPEL has extended its colour range of AKASOL®-PV backsheet.
In addition to the standard colours white and black, KREMPEL now offers its PV- AKASOL® backsheet in terracotta-red or transparent design. The company thus supports the market trend in architectural design of buildings with solar units.
The new terracotta-red allows manufacturers of solar units to create ideal visual matches for traditional roofs or the shingle roofs of historical buildings. This type of design is not only predominant in southern Germany but also in the southern countries of Europe.
The transparent variant of PV backsheet is highly suitable for modern new buildings with flat roofs as well as special designs for shade-providing constructional superstructures as well as for roof or façade-integrated solar modules. Typical applications include schools, sports stadiums, car ports and green houses.
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ISKCON News.com: New Buenos Aires Restaurant A Hit With Trendy Clientele
It’s been a full house since day one for a brand new restaurant, called Naturaleza Divina—or Divine Nature—which recently launched at the ISKCON temple in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.
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ISKCON News.com: Aussie Devotees Bring the Delicious to Byron Bay Bluesfest
ISKCON devotees in Australia have set up shop to serve delicious prasadam at the week-long music festival Bluefest for the seventh time this year, from Thursday April 21st to Tuesday April 26th. A champion since 1990 of diverse music genres such as Blues and Roots, Latino Music, and African music, this year’s festival will see Bob Dylan headlining on its two final days.
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ISKCON News.com: Vaishnava and Muslim Expressions of Love Explored in D.C. Dialogue
After a successful event last year, the second annual Vaishnava-Muslim interfaith dialogue was held at the Rockwood Manor retreat center in Washington D.C. on March 6th, on the topic “What Do We Love When We Love Our God?”
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ISKCON News.com: The Passing of Radhika Raman Das Brahmacari
The passing away of Radhika Raman Das Brahmacari, a true Vaishnava, disciple of Bhakti Bringha Govinda Swami. On March 28, 2011 he left his body in the sacred Yamuna river in Vrindavan. A video taken by Shyam Gopal das and Vijay Radhika dasi.
ISKCON News.com: The Passing of Radhika Raman Das Brahmacari
If the selection above is hosted by YouTube then after the video plays there will be several links presented to other videos. ISKCON News Weekly has no control over the selections presented and is not responsible for their contents.• Email to a friend •
New Vrindavan, USA: Guest Cabins Receive a Major Upgrade
“The cabins are the preferred accommodation for visitors,” said Damodar dasa, Vice President for Guest Services. “Now, with the cabins being upgraded, they will be even more popular. Therefore, I urge anyone interested in reserving a cabin to call the Guest Lodge early and book in advance.”
New Vrindaban is spending over $60,000 to upgrade the eleven guest cabins that are available for rent from Easter through Thanksgiving. The upgrade includes new floors throughout all the cabins, as well as new sinks, showers, etc. in the bathrooms. In addition, most cabins are receiving new countertops and stoves in the kitchenette, as well as a new boiler for heating. Many cabins will also have expanded lofts for more comfortable sleeping space. Finally, the cabins are being furnished with new furniture, bedding, and kitchenware.
This is the first comprehensive upgrade of the cabins since they were built in the early 1980’s. The cabin upgrade is the first in a series of projects aimed at community development and capital improvement.The cabins have bed space for a minimum of 5 – 7 people, a kitchenette with a refrigerator and microwave, and a living room. All the cabins have a bedroom and bathroom downstairs, and either a loft or bedrooms upstairs.
The cabins, which are all within walking distance from the temple, are the perfect place to un-wind after a long drive on the Interstate. Many cabins overlook a lake, and they are located in a beautiful wooded area filled with deer, birds, ducks, swans, and other native wildlife. “The deer and other animals are so used to seeing people and they feel so safe that our guests can practically walk right up to them,” said Damodar. “Consequently, New Vrindaban is one of the best places for nature photography.”• Email to a friend •
H.H. Sivarama Swami: Rasarasini d.d. and Dina-natha d. both asked the same question
“What is the boundary at which one is over-attached in family life?”
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New Vrndavan, USA: New Vrindaban’s Guest Cabins Receive a Major Upgrade
Currently, New Vrindaban is upgrading eight of the eleven guest cabins that are available for rent from Easter through Thanksgiving through the Palace Lodge. The entire project is estimated to cost approximately $63,000.
The eight cabins that are being upgraded this year are 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, and 11. The interior re-modeling on the first five cabins is completed, and the re-modeling on the remaining three cabins will be completed by the end of May 2011. Following the re-modeling, the Palace Lodge is expecting to put on new roofs as necessary.
This is the first comprehensive upgrade of the cabins since they were built by the devotees in the early 1980’s. This is the first project in a series of projects aimed at community development and capital improvement. The goal is to increase the quality of life for residents and to attract and better serve the pilgrims and other guests. The New Vrindaban Board of Directors chose the guest cabins as the first project because of the high return they will receive on their investment. Last year, the cabins produced $240,000 in income, or 40% of the total income generated by the Palace Lodge.
The New Vrindaban Board of Directors is expected to grant a total of $50,000 from the Capital Investment Fund (aka the Gas Lease Money) for the materials and labor for the roofs and the interior re-modeling. The interior re-modeling includes new floors throughout the many of the cabins, and new countertops and stoves in the kitchenettes. The bathrooms will be completely re-modeled in most of the cabins with new sinks, showers, etc. In addition, the boiler is being replaced in most cabins. Finally, many cabins have expanded lofts for more comfortable sleeping space.
In addition to the outright grants discussed above, the New Vrindaban Board of Directors will also make an interest-free loan of $13,000 from the Capital Investment Fund to New Vrindaban for non-capital expenses. This money is being used for items such as new furniture, bedding, and kitchenware.
The cabins have bed space for a minimum of 5 – 7 people, a kitchenette with a refrigerator and microwave, and a living room. All the cabins have a bedroom and bathroom downstairs, and either a loft or bedrooms upstairs.
Guests find that the cabins, which are all within walking distance from the temple, are the perfect place to un-wind after a long drive on the Interstate. Many cabins overlook a lake, and they are located in a beautiful wooded area filled with deer, birds, ducks, swans, and other native wildlife.
The peacocks are one of the most colorful and entertaining forms of non-native wildlife around the cabins. Last year, a guest said that he rented a cabin mainly because the peacocks. His parents were visiting from India, and the peacocks reminded them of home.
Walking around the cabins and other parts of New Vrindaban, our guests are always excited to find peacock feathers lying on the ground. Our guests take the feathers home as a reminder of their visit to New Vrindaban.
To reserve a cabin, please call the New Vrindaban Guest Lodge at 304-843-1600 x111. The supply of cabins is limited, so please call in advance and make your reservation early.
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H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Thursday, April 21th, 2011
The Travelling Monk and Walking Monk Meet
Durban, South Africa
I had a few minutes with Indradyumna Swami, an American born
monk and a good friend of mine. He is dubbed as the
Travelling Monk. At 61 he’s doing well in body, mind and
spirit. As is customary for Krishna monks
He chants tons but for body he might do thirty laps in the
pool. He complimented me for my physical commitment to
walking. He felt it was our duty as leaders to convey to
the next generation how important is the health for the
sake of service and becoming an aid rather needing it.
If we were on a good regiment for balancing our physical
and spiritual fitness when we joined the mission four
decades ago we would have less casualties amongst our
ranks. Our generation, the flower child Pepsi generation
may be considered a rather careless group. Amongst our lot
a good number have passed on at an early age. This is
interesting. I am personally not shy to bring up the issue
of good health and insert it into a class on bhakti-yoga.
A person remarked to me the other day after having my talk
at a Sunday open house, “we never heard a Maharaja speak
about health”. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons for a
high rate of the infirm amongst our age group.
Now what else about Indradyumna Swami who is rather fit?
Well he stages entertainment in Poland, Australia, South
America, India in spiritual flavor. It’s unique. He has
this exotic variety show complete with martial arts, and
the passion of drama, bharat natyam dance and more. It’s a
two hour bedazzling experience. Indradyumna is in South
Africa for a relaxer from his travelling road show. It’s
another one of those things we share in common ground. He
remarked, “you and I go around and put on shows.”
“That’s fair,”I thought, “We do share this similar
department.”
I guess we both get that buzz from seeing the public
become not only entertained but elevated in consciousness.
All success to your shows, Indradyumna Swami. Wish the
same for me!
16 KM• Email to a friend •
H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Wednesday, April 20th, 2011
Michael’s Question
Durban, South Africa
An Afrikaner chap, Michael, brought up a question after my
delivery of Bhagavatam class.
“How can we settle the matter of the origin of the jeeva,
the soul?”
Michael’s question deserves a little background. The topic
is debatable and controversial. Pundits have been trying
to wrap their hands around the issue of “where did I
initially come from, meaning my soul, my spirit.” Most of
us know about the birth if this body. It’s written on your
birth certificate. That is to do with your body but not
your soul.
We are informed that through a series of lives we have
been transferring. How many lives is unknown. Since time
immemorial. The question pressing for Michael is actually
not so much when but from where did the soul make entry in
the material world.
Debates on this subject matter have spun around in circles
with no agreed upon siddhanta or conclusion. You merely
have factions that hold hard and fast to varying
positions. But as Michael was well aware, our guru Srila
Prabhupada’s stance on the subject was that primarily we
don’t need to be engrossed in the subject, that we be more
concern about the fact that we are a spirit, we are deeply
entrenched into matter. It’s like being trapped in a deep
dark pit and you immediately strategize how to get out.
Don’t worry about analyzing details of how you fell in.
There is a compulsion to get out, a desperate need to act
and to escape.
My response to Michael was perhaps too simplistic for him.
I suggested that life is such that live with doubt, that
we accept mystery and that not all will be known. Krishna
with His Creation reserves the right to retain his title
as Achintya, the inconceivable.
It is better to love Krishna then to try to understand
him.
8 KM• Email to a friend •
Akrura das, Gita Coaching: IF YOU PURIFY
Of course, with this mind you cannot understand.
You cannot think of Krsna.
With this tongue you cannot chant Hare Krsna.
With these ears you cannot hear what is Hare Krsna.
With these eyes you cannot see what is Krsna.
But if you purify...
Just like cataractic eyes cannot see, but if you purify the eyes, then you can see everything.
The eyes will remain as it is, but you have to purify.
The process is purification.
Sevonmukhe hi jihvadau.
That purification takes place when you engage yourself in the service of Krsna.
- Srila Prabhupada• Email to a friend •
Akrura das, Gita Coaching: DIVINE NAMES RETREAT LIVE VIDEO BROADCAST
Online Braodcasting from the Bhaktivedanta College Radhadesh
Divine Names Retreat 2011 with Sacinandana Swami
From now till 28th of April you will be able to follow the Bhaktivedana College Radhadesh Divine Names Retreat online at:
www.bhaktivedantacollege.com
Retreat schedule is here:
http://bhaktivedantacollege.com/downloads/D_Names_2011.pdf• Email to a friend •
ISKCON News.com: Unnecessary Necessities
Contrary to popular belief, meeting one’s basic needs in life is no guarantee to happiness; nor is increasing one’s needs beyond the basic necessities of life automatically leading to increased happiness.
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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Candrasekhara Prabhu
ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Candrasekhara Prabhu
SB 12.4.30: There is no material duality in the Absolute Truth. The duality perceived by an ignorant person is like the difference between the sky contained in an empty pot and the sky outside the pot, or the difference between the reflection of the sun in water and the sun itself in the sky, or the difference between the vital air within one living body and that within another body.
SB 12.4.31: According to their different purposes, men utilize gold in various ways, and gold is therefore perceived in various forms. In the same way, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is inaccessible to material senses, is described in various terms, both ordinary and Vedic, by different types of men.
SB 12.4.32: Although a cloud is a product of the sun and is also made visible by the sun, it nevertheless creates darkness for the viewing eye, which is another partial expansion of the sun. Similarly, material false ego, a particular product of the Absolute Truth made visible by the Absolute Truth, obstructs the individual soul, another partial expansion of the Absolute Truth, from realizing the Absolute Truth.
SB 12.4.33: When the cloud originally produced from the sun is torn apart, the eye can see the actual form of the sun. Similarly, when the spirit soul destroys his material covering of false ego by inquiring into the transcendental science, he regains his original spiritual awareness.
SB 12.4.30: No hay dualidad material en la Verdad Absoluta. La dualidad percibida por una persona ignorante es como la diferencia entre el cielo contenido en un pote vacío y el cielo fuera del pote, o la diferencia entre la reflexión del sol en agua y del sol en sí mismo en el cielo, o la diferencia entre el aire vital dentro de un cuerpo vivo y ése dentro de otro cuerpo.
SB 12.4.31: Según sus diversos propósitos, los hombres utilizan el oro de varias maneras, y el oro por lo tanto se percibe en varias formas. De la misma manera, la Personalidad Suprema de Dios, que es inaccesible a los sentidos materiales, es descrita en los varios términos, ordinarios y védicos, por diversos tipos de hombres.
SB 12.4.32: Aunque una nube sea un producto del sol y también sea hecha visible por el sol, sin embargo crea la oscuridad para la visión del ojo, que es otra extensión parcial del sol. Semejantemente, el ego falso material, un producto particular de la Verdad Absoluta hecha visible por la Verdad Absoluta, obstruye el alma individual, otra extensión parcial de la Verdad Absoluta, de realizar la Verdad Absoluta.
SB 12.4.33: Cuando la nube producida originalmente por el sol se rompe en dos, el ojo puede ver la forma real del sol. Semejantemente, cuando el alma del espíritu destruye su cubierta material del ego falso investigando en la ciencia trascendental, él recupera su conocimiento espiritual original.
Melbourne, Australia
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Daily Class - Candrasekhara Prabhu
Srimad Bhagavatam 12.4.30-33 - Although the tiny jiva (1/10,000 of tip of hair) is covered by illusory energy (1/4 of whole creation), but still he can be released by taking shelter of Krsna (...mam eva ye prapadyante mayam etam taranti te).
16.6MB
Posted by Bhakti Sara Dasa at 23/4/11; 7:39:50 PM to the Daily Class dept
Today's Darsana
"Sri Nitai is so merciful, He saw that the jivas have been suffering here, drowning in this ocean of materialistic existence from time immemorial. His heart bleeds, so Sri Nitai felt love, affection and compassion for them. He became sympathetic toward the suffering souls, so He brought the holy name from Sri Vrajabhumi for the people of Kali-yuga..."
(Madhur E Harinam- This Holy Name is So Sweet - by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura)
Here is the darsana of that unfathomable well of magnanimity.
Posted by Guna Mani Nitai dasi at 23/4/11; 3:13:49 PM to the Darsana dept
ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Candrasekhara Prabhu
Srimad Bhagavatam 12.4.30-33 - Although the tiny jiva (1/10,000 of tip of hair) is covered by illusory energy (1/4 of whole creation), but still he can be released by taking shelter of Krsna (...mam eva ye prapadyante mayam etam taranti te).
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Dandavats.com: Online Broadcasting - BC Radhadesh Divine Names Retreat 2011
Dinadayal dasa: Hare Krishna - Broadcasting is ready, from now till 28th of April you will be able to follow the Bhaktivedana College Raadhadesh Divine Names Retreat online at www.bhaktivedantacollege.com
jueves, 21 de julio de 2011
Gouranga TV: Lecture – Tamohara Prabhu – SB 10.2.11-12 – Material Miseries
PLANET ISKCON
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