H.H. Sivarama Swami: Can we take some lessons from Europe’s biggest Hasidic community

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Here are the latest updates for   "Planet ISKCON" - 41 new articles H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Thursday 19 May 2011--Conquering the Unconquerable--and--Why Have a Guru? ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Prabhavisnu Swami Australian News: Why Maha Mantra Kirtan? Find out at Srilprahlada.com Japa Group: The First Two Processes H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: Invitation to view Janaka Raj Dasa’s Picasa Web Album – Brisbane & Sunshine Coast Retreat With His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj April 14-18 2011 ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darshana H.H. Sivarama Swami: Can we take some lessons from Europe’s biggest Hasidic community on how to develop our own Krsna conscious communities in the world’s metropolises? Sita-pati dasa, AU: To express yourself... Ananda Subramanian, Iowa, USA: Ricotto cheesecake with blueberry glaze topping Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Jai Sri Srinivasa Acarya! Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Jaya Sri Srinivasa Acarya! - Aspecto de Su Vida Sutapa das, BV Manor, UK: Split personality Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Jai Sri Paramesvari Dasa Thakura! Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Jai Sri Paramesvari Dasa Thakura! - Anecdotas de Su Vida Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: And we meet 10 years later Sri Nandanandana dasa: Becoming a Dharmic Leader, by Stephen Knapp Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: Srila Prabhupada thanks a disciple H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 314—Poem for May 18 H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): OLD FRIENDS H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Tuesday, May 17th, 2011 H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Monday, May 16th, 2011 H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Sunday, May 15th, 2011 Devadeva Mirel, Alachua, USA: Tipster : Food Tents On The Cheap Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: Quotes from Gandhi on Cow Protection New Vrindavan, USA: The 24 Hour Kirtan is June 18 – 19, 2011 H.H. Sivarama Swami: Inside Europe’s biggest Hasidic community Dandavats.com: The Four Divisions Of Human Society Dandavats.com: Kirtan All The Way Dandavats.com: Ancient Rathayatra At-Puri, Orissa 2011 Dandavats.com: You are invited! Exciting event this Saturday, May 21st! Learn & grow! Dandavats.com: Iskcon Philadelphia Dandavats.com: Opening ceremony of ISKCON temple in Mombasa - video Dandavats.com: Daytona Beach Festival of the Chariots and Ratha Yatra Parade Dandavats.com: New Orleans Rath yatra has been postponed Dandavats.com: 24h kirtan in Villa Vrindavana H.H. Sivarama Swami: Many visitors to our temples or judge in court have raised an eyebrow at the scene of Nrsimhadeva killing Hiranyakasipu Devadeva Mirel, Alachua, USA: Interview : Monica Mackenzie Design Mayapur Online: Nrisimha Caturdasi - Photo's posted to gallery Japa Group: Sweet Like Sugar Candy Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: The Topmost Sacrifice Akrura das, Gita Coaching: MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP Gouranga TV: Bhajan – 24hr Kirtan – Amala Kirtan das Mayapur Katha Magazine: Radha-Madhava altar on Nrisimha Chaturdasi 2011 More Recent Articles Search Planet ISKCON Prior Mailing Archive H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Thursday 19 May 2011--Conquering the Unconquerable--and--Why Have a Guru? A daily broadcast of the Ultimate Self Realization Course(tm) Thursday 19 May 2011 The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna, and His eternal consort, Srimati Radharani are enjoying transcendental pastimes in the topmost planet of the spiritual world, Sri Goloka Vrindavan. They are beckoning us to rejoin them. (Click on photo to see a larger image.) Our Mission: To help everyone awaken their original Krishna consciousness, which is eternal, full of knowledge and full of bliss. Such a global awakening will, in one stroke, solve all the problems of the world society bringing in a new era of unprecedented peace and prosperity for all. May that day, which the world so desperately needs, come very soon. We request you to participate in this mission by reviving your dormant Krishna consciousness and assisting us in spreading this science all over the world. Dedicated with love to ISKCON Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, our beloved spiritual master, and to you, our dear readers. Today's Thought: Conquering the Unconquerable Uploaded from Bhaktivedanta Ashram--Austin, Texas USA In this world everyone is conquered by death. No matter how much scientific advancement we make, everyone is still subject to the law of death. Even the greatest scientist, Albert Einstein, could not protect himself from all-devouring death. However, a person who has revived his dormant Krishna consciousness completely conquers over death. He becomes truly deathless. For him death is nothing more than discarding some old worn out baggage as he travels back to his original home, the supreme destination, that wondrous spiritual sky, where nobody ever dies. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Srila Prabhupada Teaches How to Conquer Death http://www.backtohome.com/images/Prabhupada/sp_groupwalk.jpg Answers According to the Vedic Version: Question: Why Have a Guru? What is the purpose of having a guru R.P. Answer: To Become Reconnected with Krishna The purpose of having a guru is to become reconnected with Krishna. Just as we plug a lamp into an electrical outlet in order to connect it with the powerhouse, in order to reconnect ourselves with Lord Sri Krishna, the ultimate source of all energies, we take shelter of His representative, the bona fide spiritual master. 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:   • Email to a friend • • ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Prabhavisnu Swami Daily Class - Prabhavisnu Swami - Srimad Bhagavatam 12.6.68-70 SB 12.6.68: O glowing one, O powerful lord of the sun, you are the chief of all the demigods. I meditate with careful attention on your fiery globe, because for those who offer prayers to you three times daily according to the Vedic method passed down through authorized disciplic succession, you burn away all sinful activities, all consequent suffering and even the original seed of desire. SB 12.6.69: You are personally present as the indwelling lord in the hearts of all moving and nonmoving beings, who depend completely on your shelter. Indeed, you animate their material minds, senses and vital airs to act. SB 12.6.70: The world has been seized and swallowed by the python of darkness in its horrible mouth and has become unconscious, as if dead. But mercifully glancing upon the sleeping people of the world, you raise them up with the gift of sight. Thus you are most magnanimous. At the three sacred junctures of each day, you engage the pious in the path of ultimate good, inducing them to perform religious duties that situate them in their spiritual position. Srimad Bhagavatam 12.6.68-70 - Srila Prabhupada wanted devotees to preach Krsna consciousness everywhere and to everyone from Europe to Africa to Bangladesh. This is the vision of a learned person who sees everyone equally (...panditah sama-darsinah). 9.5MB Posted by Bhakti Sara Dasa at 19/5/11; 12:36:29 PM to the Daily Class dept Daily Class - Prabhavisnu Swami Daily Class - Prabhavisnu Swami - Srimad Bhagavatam 12.6.68-70   • Email to a friend • •   Australian News: Why Maha Mantra Kirtan? Find out at Srilprahlada.com Hari Om! After travelling all over the world, Shrila Narada Muni approached Lord Brahma (his own father and guru) during the time when Dvapara-yuga was about to end. He asked him, “O Lord! How will all the living entities be able to deliver themselves from the most degraded age of Kali which is about to begin”. Lord Brahma replied, “You have asked the most important and relevant question for the benefit of humanity. I will tell you now the most concealed secret of the Vedic literatures, with the help of which everyone can easily cross this most dangerous age of Kali. Click here to learn the secret and read the rest at wwwsriprahlada.com Share this story your way:   • Email to a friend • •   Japa Group: The First Two Processes While thinking of something to post on the Japa Group, I sometimes struggle to come up with a new or interesting quote or video/audio recording but then I remembered Srila Prabhupada's instruction that all devotees should write daily realisations. Today I wanted share a realisation - our spiritual life hinges on chanting the Holy names, it's the basis of Krsna consciousness....sravanam and kirtanam hearing and chanting as enunciated by Lord Chaitanya. When we understand the importance of these two processes....then we can realise how this affects the rest of our sadhana - for example attentive Japa will mean we can hear class with attention. The first two processes of devotional service are the most important.   • Email to a friend • •   H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: Invitation to view Janaka Raj Dasa’s Picasa Web Album – Brisbane & Sunshine Coast Retreat With His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj April 14-18 2011 Sent By His Grace Janaka Raja Prabhu To watch all the pictures please click here   • Email to a friend • •   ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darshana "I offer my respectful obeisances unto my spiritual master, who has opened my eyes, which were blinded by the darkness of ignorance, with the torchlight of knowledge." (Sri Guru Pranama in Songs of the Vaisnava Acaryas)   While we take darshan of Srila Prabhupada we should be aware of the thoughts we have in mind on that moment. Let us keep praying to him for humbleness, a strong desire to receive his instructions and to be able to understand and really experience in our hearts which special path he has laid out for us.     • Email to a friend • •   H.H. Sivarama Swami: Can we take some lessons from Europe’s biggest Hasidic community on how to develop our own Krsna conscious communities in the world’s metropolises? H.H. Sivarama Swami: Can we take some lessons from Europe’s biggest Hasidic community on how to develop our own Krsna conscious communities in the world’s metropolises? May 18th, 2011 [ 13:01 ] Can we take some lessons from Europe’s biggest Hasidic community on how to develop our own Krsna conscious communities in the world’s metropolises?   • Email to a friend • •   Sita-pati dasa, AU: To express yourself... Sita-pati dasa, AU: To express yourself... In order to express yourself you have to feel comfortable. And in order to feel comfortable, you have to practice - Krishna Kishora   • Email to a friend • •   Ananda Subramanian, Iowa, USA: Ricotto cheesecake with blueberry glaze topping I made this blueberry glaze topped ricotto cheesecake for Lord Narasimhadev on His appearance day. I took the recipe from here. Enjoy the cake! Hare Krishna   • Email to a friend • •   Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Jai Sri Srinivasa Acarya! The treasure trove of vedic literature authenticates this movement and for us Srila Prabhupada is the link to this bonafinde gem. Just like in a chain there are many links or in a delivery system there are many crucial hubs along the way, Sri Sri Srinivasa Acarya is a crucial piece of our Gaudiya Vaishnava Tree. Srinivasa Acarya was the leading disciple of Srila Gopala Bhatta Gosvami and Jiva Gosvami. Srinivasa Acarya personally delivered the writings of the six Goswamis into Bengal and of course this was an important link to our current in take of this most important vedic literature.  Along the way he converted King Birhambir... Of course there is much historical account of the appearance of Srinivasa Acarya and his time in Vrindavan, however to increase the nectar I want to share with you the story of Srinivasa Acarya converting King Birhambir. To do this the following is borrowed from a noble son of Srila Prabhupada, very elevated devotee and master author, His Grace Satyaraja Dasa from the book The Lives of the Vaishnava Saints. The Journey to Bengal As they began traveling, Sri Jiva and several other devotees accompanied them, unable to bear being separated. As the caravan neared Agra, the well-wishers stayed behind. Now the journey was underway. There could be no turning back. After many months, the party reached a small village named Gopalapura, just within the boundaries of the Malla kingdom of Vana Vishnupura, in Bengal. When they retired that night, they felt confident that their mission was almost complete. Vishnupura is in the district of Birbhum, bounded on the north by the Santhal Pargannas and on the south by Midnapura. The king of Vishnupura, Virhamvir, was the leader of a strong group of bandits who were the terror of the adjoining countries. He had employed a large number of thugs and assassins who infested the highways and killed and robbed wayfarers. The astrologers of the court were ever ready to submit to him confidential reports as to what fortunes the stars would grant him if he carried on robberies in particular localities. Stealing the Books The king’s dacoits had been following the cart from afar. This cart was especially interesting because the king’s astrologers had said that it held a great treasure. Although the dacoits had been following the cart for quite a distance, they thought it wise to wait until the cart reached their own kingdom. The dacoits saw only fifteen men escorting the cart—ten armed soldiers, two cartmen, and three holy men. The band of dacoits, numbering over two hundred, inflamed one another’s imaginations with the astrologers’ words: “This cart is filled with jewels more valuable than gold.” They almost overtook the party in a village named Tamar, but circumstances did not permit it. They followed the party through the towns of Raghunathapura and Pancavati. Finally, in Gopalapura, the party spent the night near a beautiful lake. All fifteen men slept soundly, tired from the journey. When they awakened, their worst nightmare had come to pass: the manuscripts had been stolen. They could not contain their tears. Srinivasa, the leader of the party, advised Narottama and Syamananda to proceed to Bengal and Orissa with the teachings of the six Gosvamis. He would take it upon himself to retrieve the manuscripts. He wrote to Jiva Gosvami and told him all that had happened. The King’s Regret Meanwhile, as King Virhamvir was rummaging through treasures stolen from various travelers, his servants appeared with the court’s most recent acquisition—Srinivasa’s carefully wrapped chest of “the most precious jewels.” Virhamvir dropped everything else and feverishly unwrapped his latest prize. Having heard the prophesies, he could scarcely imagine what splendors awaited him. In one suspenseful moment, he removed the cloth covering and opened the trunk to reveal—manuscripts. Where was the priceless treasure? Lifting out the top manuscript in disbelief, the king saw the signature “Sri Rupa Gosvami” written on a palm leaf. When he examined further and began reading Sri Rupa’s beautiful exposition of Vaishnava philosophy, he felt something change deep within. He reverentially returned the book to the trunk and retired for the evening, aware of the grave sin he had instigated. Srinivasa Appears in a Dream That night, the king had an unusual dream. He saw a beautiful and effulgent person whose body was filled with divine energy. “Do not worry,” the person said with a loving smile. “Soon I will come to Vishnupura and we will meet. I will retrieve my manuscripts, and you will be relieved of all sinful reactions. Your joy will be boundless. Know for certain that you are my eternal servant and I am your eternal well-wisher.” The next morning the king awoke and started his life anew, waiting for the day when the mysterious prediction of his dream would come to pass. Meanwhile, Srinivasa Acarya made his way to the outskirts of Vishnupura, where he met a brahmana resident named Sri Krishna Vallabha. The two became friends, and Krishna Vallabha invited Srinivasa to be a guest in his home. Gradually, Krishna Vallabha realized Srinivasa’s exalted position and surrendered to him as a disciple. In due course, Krishna Vallabha mentioned that the king regularly convened a Bhagavatam study group for all who were interested. Srinivasa was curious about the nature of the Bhagavatam presentation and asked Krishna Vallabha to take him to the next meeting. Bhagavatam Recitation When they arrived, Vyasacarya, the court pandita, was reciting and commenting upon the Bhagavatam. Srinivasa was unimpressed but said nothing. The next day, they found Vyasacarya pontificating in the same fashion. After two weeks of the court pandita, Srinivasa could not contain himself, and after the meeting he spoke to Vyasacarya. “You, sir, do not follow the text,” said Srinivasa, “nor are your commentaries in line with Sridhara Svami or the other standard exponents of Bhagavata philosophy.” Vyasacarya listened to Srinivasa’s comments but ignored his advice. The king, however, who was nearby, overheard what was said and found it interesting. The next day at the recital Vyasacarya again attempted to elucidate the esoteric section of the Bhagavatam that delineates Sri Krishna's rasa-lila. Respectful but firm, Srinivasa interrupted with a question: “Sir, how can you comment on such confidential subjects without referring to the statements of Sridhara Svami? You are obviously unfamiliar with his work.” Vyasacarya became angry. He disliked being challenged in front of his sycophantic assembly, who were accustomed only to his peculiar rendition of Bhagavatam commentary. Before another word was said, however, the king began to defend Srinivasa’s position: “How is it that this brahmana scholar finds fault with your explanations? Perhaps your interpretations are questionable.” “Who can interpret the texts better than I?” the arrogant Vyasacarya replied. “This newcomer is an upstart, and he dares to question me in the presence of Your Majesty.” Then he turned to Srinivasa. “If you are such an authority on the Bhagavatam,” he said, “why don’t you come sit here and explain these verses in a better way?” Srinivasa rose to the challenge. He sang the Bhagavatam verses beautifully and then commented upon them with great verve and authority. He drew upon existing Vaishnava explanations and yet offered his own unique presentation. No one had ever heard such a masterly enunciation of Bhagavata philosophy. The king encouraged him to go on, allowing him to speak for several hours. When he finished, the whole assembly applauded, ecstatic with Srinivasa’s contagious love for Krishna. Vyasacarya could not believe his ears. He was defeated, but he was happy. King Virhamvir was greatly moved. “No one has ever come to this kingdom and shared so much love and scholarship in the way you have,” he said to Srinivasa. “Please, tell me your name and where you come from.” “My name is Srinivasa and I am a native of this country,” said Srinivasa. “I came here to see your magnificent court and to relish the Bhagavatam.” The king then gave him the best accommodations in the palace and asked him to stay as long as he liked. The King Surrenders Later that evening, the king asked Srinivasa to dine with him, but Srinivasa said that he took only one humble meal per day and had already eaten. Nonetheless, Virhamvir encouraged him to have some fruit, and he complied, not wanting to offend his distinguished host. As Srinivasa ate his fruit, the king sat at his side like a humble servant. The king had never felt this way about anyone: Srinivasa was that effulgent person he had seen in his dream—his guru—and he wanted to render some menial service. That night, he heard Srinivasa repeating the name of Krishna in his room. It seemed as if Srinivasa did not sleep. “Here is a genuine saint,” thought the king. “He is simply absorbed in the name of God.” With this pleasant idea, the king fell asleep, listening to Srinivasa Acarya’s blissful voice in the next room. The following day in the great assembly Srinivasa again spoke from the Bhagavatam. Once again, the eager, expectant audience relished every word. Srinivasa astonished all who listened. Chroniclers of the event have reported that “even the stone walls of the hall seemed to melt with emotion.” Srinivasa spoke with erudition, sensitivity, and devotion, honoring his Vaishnava predecessors, and everyone present agreed that the wisdom of the orator far exceeded his years. One by one, people came and bowed at Srinivasa’s feet, hoping to become his disciples. Later, the king submitted himself to Srinivasa as a lowly beggar: “You are the real king,” he said, “for you have love for Krishna. I am not even worthy to be in your presence.” Srinivasa, with all humility, merely shook his head; he was not able to accept his own exalted position. But the king persisted: “Allow me to be your servant. Please! How can I serve you? My entire kingdom is at your disposal.” “I came from the holy city of Vrindavana with a mission from Gopala Bhatta Gosvami and Jiva Gosvami,” Srinivasa replied. “I was to bring their writings to Bengal. But unfortunately this treasure was robbed within your kingdom. If I cannot retrieve these books, I would prefer to lose my life. Can you help me get them back?” The king burst into tears. “A poor worm am I,” he said, “lost hopelessly in this land of birth and death. My own men pillaged for years and years under my order, and then they came upon your party. We were told you carried the greatest treasure in the universe, and we naturally pursued it. I cannot express my sorrow.” Reflecting for a moment, the king said, “But there is a positive side to all of this. Our meeting would not have otherwise occurred. I would commit these sins again and again for but a moment of your association.” Srinivasa laughed and reassured the king that sinful life was unnecessary for attaining his association. Srinivasa then forgave the king for all his sins and asked him to sin no more. The Books Are Safe! The king led Srinivasa to the room where his treasures were kept, and Srinivasa saw the trunk with the Gosvamis’ literature. Srinivasa felt ecstasy and took the garland of flowers from his own neck and placed it on King Virhamvir. Srinivasa asked the king to bring him tulasi leaves, flower garlands, sandalwood paste, and other items to worship the sacred books. The king brought everything, and his own initiation ceremony followed. By reciting into the king’s ear the maha-mantra—Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare—Srinivasa initiated him. According to the Prema-vilasa, Srinivasa gave him the name Haricarana Dasa. Jiva Gosvami later showed the king special mercy by writing a letter in which he renamed him Caitanya Dasa. The king’s wife, Queen Sulakshana, and their son, Prince Dhari Hamvir, also became Srinivasa Acarya’s surrendered servants. The queen’s initiated name is unknown, but the boy was named Gopala Dasa. Krishna Vallabha and Vyasacarya also became dedicated disciples. Vishnupura as a Vaishnava Center The initiation of the king and his loyal subjects was an important event in the history of the Gaudiya tradition. Vishnupura soon became a great center of Vaishnavism. In all of India, only in Vana Vishnupura did Gaudiya Vaishnava culture and art develop without foreign or distracting influence. Even the Muslim intrusion was minimal. Consequently, the architectural and sculptural art of Bengal, from the beginning of the seventeenth century onwards, is nowhere found in such abundance and in such pristine form as in the Vaishnava monuments of Vishnupura. This is one of the many virtues of royal patronage. King Virhamvir reigned from 1596 to 1622 and in that time wrote many songs in praise of Krishna, Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and Srinivasa Acarya. Much of his exquisite poetry can be found in the Bhakti-ratnakara and the Pada-kalpataru. The king’s beautiful voice, reflected in his literary work, helped him in his mission of spreading Vaishnavism throughout his domain. Srinivasa had thus accomplished his mission in Vishnupura. He wrote to Jiva Gosvami that not only had the books been retrieved but the main bandit, a king, had taken up Gaudiya Vaishnavism. All of Vrindavana rejoiced and sang the glories of Srinivasa Acarya. King Virhamvir and his entire kingdom were now converted to Vaishnavism, and Srinivasa was developing an important center there. - From The Lives of the Vaishnava Saints by His Grace Satyaraja Dasa Jaya Sri Srinivasa Acarya! Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Jaya Sri Srinivasa Acarya! - Aspecto de Su Vida El hallazgo del tesoro de la literatura védica auténtica es para el Movimiento y para nosotros Srila Prabhupada es la unión a esta gema de nuestro Maestro Espiritual. De la misma forma que en una cadena hay muchos eslabones o en un sistema hay muchos ejes cruciales a lo largo del camino, Sri Sri Srinivasa Acarya es un parte crucial de nuestro árbol de la Gaudiya Vaishnava. Srinivasa Acarya fue el discípulo principal de Srila Gopala Bhatta Gosvami y de Jiva Gosvami. Srinivasa Acarya entregó personalmente las escrituras de los seises Goswamis en Bengala y por supuesto esto era una rama importante de nuestro árbol de esta literatura védica más importante. A lo largo de su vida él convirtió a rey Birhambir. Por supuesto hay reseñas históricas sobre los aspectos de la vida de Srinivasa Acarya y de su tiempo en Vrindavan, no obstante para aumentar el néctar quiero compartir con usted la historia de Srinivasa Acarya que convirtió al rey Birhambir. Para hacer esto lo que sigue se toma prestado de un libro de Satyaraja Dasa, hijo de Srila Prabhupada, llamado Las Vidas de los Santos de Vaishnavas, que escribió durante su periodo espiritual, es un gran devoto muy tolerante, maestro espiritual y escritor de temas espirituales. El viaje a Bengala Mientras que comenzaron su viaje, Sri Jiva y varios devotos, él los acompañó, incapaz de soportar el estar separado. Como la caravana se acercada a Agra, los simpatizantes quedaron atrás. El viaje comenzaba ahora. No podían volverse atrás. Después de muchos meses, el grupo alcanzó una pequeña aldea llamada Gopalapura, apenas dentro de los límites del reino de Malla en Vana Vishnupura, en Bengala. Cuando se retiraron esa noche, se sentían confiados que su misión estaba casi completa. Vishnupura está en el districto de Birbhum, limitado en el norte por el Santhal Pargannas y en el sur por Midnapura. El rey de Vishnupura, Virhamvir, era el líder de un grupo fuerte de bandidos que eran el terror de los países colindantes. Él había empleado a una gran cantidad de gamberros y de asesinos que infestaban las carreteras y mataban y robaban a los caminantes. Los astrólogos de la corte nunca estaban listos para darle a él informes confidenciales en cuanto a qué fortunas le concederían las estrellas si él continuaba por este camino de robos y matanzas. Robo de los libros Los dacoits del rey habían estado siguiendo el carro desde lejos. Este carro era especialmente interesante porque los astrólogos del rey le habían dicho que contenía un gran tesoro. Aunque los dacoits hubieran estado siguiendo el carro a una distancia prudencial, ellos pensaban que era mejor esperar hasta que el carro alcanzara su propio reino. Los dacoits vieron solamente quince hombres, diez soldados armados, dos carreteros, y tres hombres santos. La banda de los dacoits, que eran unos doscientos, se le inflamó la imaginación los unos a los otros rememorando las palabras de los astrólogos: “Este carro está lleno de las joyas más valiosas que el oro.” Casi alcanzaron a los carros en una aldea llamada Tamar, pero las circunstancias no lo permitieron. Siguieron a la comitiva a través de las ciudades de Raghunathapura y de Pancavati. Finalmente, en Gopalapura, la comitiva pasó la noche cerca de un hermoso lago. Los quince hombres durmian profundamente, cansado del viaje. Cuando despertaron, su pesadilla fue lo peor que les había ocurrido en sus vidas: los manuscritos habían sido robados. No podían contener sus lagrimas. Srinivasa, el líder grupo, aconsejado por Narottama y por Syamananda a seguir hacia Bengala y hacia Orissa con las enseñanzas de los seis Gosvamis. Él lo haría para recuperar los manuscritos. Él escribió a Jiva Gosvami y le dijo todo que había sucedido. El Rey Regret Mientras tanto, como rey Virhamvir registraba los tesoros robados a varios viajeros, sus criados aparecieron con el pecho cuidadosamente envuelto llevando a la corte, la más reciente adquisición, los libros de Srinivasa, “las joyas más preciosas.” Virhamvir se agachó y comenzó a desempaquetarlo febrilmente su último premio. Oyendo las profecías de los astrólogos, él podría imaginarse qué esplendores lo aguardaban. En un momento misterioso, él quitó la cubierta de paño y abrió el envoltorio con los manuscritos revelados. ¿Dónde estaba el tesoro inestimable? Levantó el manuscrito de arriba con incredulidad, el rey vio el nombre de “Sri Rupa Gosvami” escrito en una hoja de palma. Cuando él examinó con más detención y comenzó a leer la hermosa exposición de Sri Rupa sobre la filosofía Vaishnava, él sentió que algo cambiar profundamente en su interior. Él reverencialmente devolvió el libro al montón de libros y se retiró por la tarde, comprendiendo del pecado tan grave que él había cometido. Srinivasa se le aparece en un sueño Esa noche, el rey tuvo un sueño inusual. Él vio a una persona hermosa y brillante cuyo cuerpo estaba lleno de energía divina. “No se preocupe,” la persona dijo con una sonrisa cariñosa. “Pronto vendré a Vishnupura y nos encontraremos. Recuperaré mis manuscritos, y le quitaré todas las reacciones pecadoras. Su alegría será ilimitada. Sepa con toda seguridad que usted es mi sirviente eterno y yo soy su bienqueriente eterno.” A la mañana siguiente cuando el rey se despertó y comenzó su vida de nuevo, esperando el día en que la predicción misteriosa de su sueño se cumpliera. Mientras tanto, Srinivasa Acarya llegó a las cercanías de Vishnupura, en donde él encontró a un brahmana residente llamado Sri Krishna Vallabha. Los dos se hicieron buenos amigos, y Krishna Vallabha invitó a Srinivasa a que fuera una huésped en su hogar. Gradualmente, Krishna Vallabha entendió la posición elevada de Srinivasa y se entregó a él como discípulo. A su debido tiempo, Krishna Vallabha mencionó que el rey convocaba regularmente a un grupo para el estudio del Bhagavatam para todos aquellos que estuvieran interesados. Srinivasa sintió curiosidad sobre la naturaleza de la presentación de Krishna Vallabha, sobre el Bhagavatam y le pidió que lo llevara a la próxima reunión. Recitación de Bhagavatam Cuando llegaron, Vyasacarya, el pandita de la corte, era el que recitaba y hacía comentarios sobre el Bhagavatam. Srinivasa se puso inexpresivo pero no dijo nada. Al día siguiente, encontró a Vyasacarya pontificando (haciendo los comentarios religiosos) de la misma manera. Después de dos semanas de ver y oir al pandita de la corte, Srinivasa no pudo contenerse, y después de la reunión él habló a Vyasacarya. “Usted, señor, no sigue el texto,” dijo Srinivasa, “ni coinciden sus comentarios con Sridhara Svami o los otros exponentes estándar de la filosofía del Bhagavata.” Vyasacarya escuchó los comentarios de Srinivasa pero no hizo caso de su consejo. El rey, sin embargo, que estaba en las proximidades, lo oyó por casualidad lo que le había dicho y lo encontró interesante. Al día siguiente en la conferencia Vyasacarya intentó otra vez aclarar la sección esotérica del Bhagavatam que describe el rasa-lila de Sri Krishna. Respetuoso pero firme, Srinivasa interrumpió con una pregunta: ¿“Señor, cómo puede usted comentar respecto a tales temas confidenciales sin referir a las declaraciones de Sridhara Svami? Usted es obviamente desconocedor con su obra.” Vyasacarya se puso enojado. Él tenía aversión de que fuera desafiado delante de su asamblea sicofántica, que estuvaban acostumbrados solamente a su interpretación peculiar del comentario del Bhagavatam. Antes de que se dijeran otra palabra, sin embargo, el rey comenzó a defender la posición de Srinivasa: ¿“Cómo es que este erudito brahmana encuentra algún error en mis explicaciones? Quizás sus interpretaciones son cuestionables.” “Quién puede interpretar los textos mejor que yo?” el Vyasacarya arrogantemente contestó. “Este recién llegado es un pretencioso, y él se atreve a preguntarme en presencia de su majestad.” Entonces él se volvió hacia Srinivasa. “Si usted es una autoridad tal sobre el Bhagavatam,” él le dijo, “porqué no lo explica usted viniendo hacia aquí y sentándose y explica estos versos de una mejor manera?” Srinivasa se levantó y aceptó el desafío. Él cantó los versos de Bhagavatam maravillosamente y después comentó sobre ellos con grandes bríos y autoridad. Él delineó sobre las explicaciones existentes de los Vaishnavas pero ofreció su propia y única presentación. Nadie habían oído nunca tal importante y principal enunciación de la filosofía del Bhagavata. El rey lo animó a que siguiera, permitiendo que él hablara durante varias horas. Cuando él acabó, la asamblea entera aplaudió, extática con el amor contagioso de Srinivasa por Krishna. Vyasacarya no podía creer lo que oían sus oídos. Lo derrotaron, pero él era feliz. Conmovieron grandemente al rey Virhamvir. “Nadie ha venido nunca a mi reino y con tanto amor halla compartido este conocimiento de la manera usted lo ha hecho,” el rey le dijo a Srinivasa. “Por favor, dígame su nombre y de donde viene usted.” “Mi nombre es Srinivasa y soy un natural de este país,” dijo Srinivasa. “Vine aquí para ver su magnífica corte y disfrutar con el Bhagavatam.” El rey después le dio las mejores comodidades de su palacio y le pidió que permaneciera mientras él lo deseara. El Rey Rendido Más adelante, el rey le pidió a Srinivasa que cenara con él, pero Srinivasa le dijo que él tomaba solamente una humilde comida por día y que ya había comido. No obstante, Virhamvir lo animó a comer un poco de fruta, y él se conformó, no queriendo ofender a su anfitrión distinguido. Pues Srinivasa comió su fruta, el rey se sentó a su lado como un humilde criado. El rey nunca había sentido este sentimiento por otra persona: Srinivasa era esa persona brillante que él había visto en su sueño - su gurú - y él quiso hacerle algún servicio inferior. Esa noche, él oyó a Srinivasa repetir el nombre de Krishna en su habitación. Parecía como si no durmiera Srinivasa. “Aquí hay un santo genuino,” pensó el rey. “Lo absorben simplemente el nombre de Dios.” Con esta agradable idea, el rey se durmió, escuchando la voz dichosa de Srinivasa Acarya en el cuarto contiguo. Al día siguiente en la gran asamblea Srinivasa habló otra vez del Bhagavatam. De nuevo, la audiencia impaciente, expectante disfrutó con cada palabra. Srinivasa asombró a todos los que escucharon. Los cronistas del acontecimiento lo divulgaron “incluso las paredes de piedra del pasillo parecían derretirse de la emoción.” Srinivasa habló con la erudición, la sensibilidad, y la dedicación, honrando a sus precursores de Vaishnava, y a cada uno de los presentes convino que la sabiduría del orador excedía con mucho a otros. Uno por uno, las personas que habían venido se inclinaban ante los pies de Srinivasa, esperando que les hiciera sus discípulos. Más adelante, el rey se sometió a Srinivasa como humilde sirviente: “Usted es el rey verdadero,” él le dijo, “porque usted tiene amor para Krishna. No soy incluso digno estar ante su presencia." Srinivasa, con toda humildad, sacudió simplemente su cabeza; él no podía aceptar su propia posición exaltada. Pero el rey persistió: “Permita que sea su criado. ¡Por favor! ¿Cómo puedo servirle? Mi reino entero está a su disposición.” “Vine de la ciudad santa de Vrindavana con una misión de Gopala Bhatta Gosvami y Jiva Gosvami,” Srinivasa contestó. “Debía traer sus escrituras a Bengala. Pero desafortunadamente este tesoro fue robado dentro de su reino. Si no puedo recuperar estos libros, preferiría perder mi vida. Puede usted ayudarme a conseguirlos?” La explosión del rey en sus lloros. “Soy un vil y pobre gusano,” dijo el rey, “perdido y desesperado en esta tierra de generación y muerte. Mis propios hombres cogidos durante años y años bajo mi orden, y entonces ellos vinieron sobre caravana. Nos dijeron que llevaban el tesoro más grande del universo, y lo perseguimos naturalmente. No puedo expresar mi dolor.” Reflexionando por un momento, el rey dijo, “pero hay un lado positivo en todo esto. Nuestro encuentro no hubiera ocurrido de otra manera. Confiaría estos pecados repetidas veces para poder tener un momento de su asociación.” Srinivasa rió y tranquilizó al rey ya que la vida pecadora era innecesaria para lograr su asociación. Srinivasa después perdonó al rey por todos sus pecados y le pidió que él que no pecara más. ¡Los libros estan seguros! El rey llevó a Srinivasa al cuarto en donde estaban sus tesoros guardados, y Srinivasa vio el baúl con la literatura de los Gosvamis. Srinivasa sentía éxtasis y tomó la guirnalda de flores de su propio cuello y la colocó sobre el cuello del rey Virhamvir. Srinivasa le pidió al rey que le trajera las hojas de tulasi, las guirnaldas de flores, la pasta de sándalo, y otros artículos para adorar los libros sagrados. El rey trajo todo, y su propia ceremonia de la iniciación siguió. Recitando en el oído del rey el Maha-mantra Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare - Srinivasa lo inició. Según el Prema-vilasa, Srinivasa le dio el nombre de Haricarana Dasa. Jiva Gosvami más adelante le demostró al rey la misericordia especial escribiendo una carta en la cual él lo renombró como Caitanya Dasa. La esposa del rey, la reina Sulakshana, y su hijo, el príncipe Dhari Hamvir, también se iniciaron y se entregaron a Srinivasa Acarya. El nombre iniciado de la reina es desconocido, pero nombraron al muchacho Gopala Dasa. Krishna Vallabha y Vyasacarya también se iniciaron como discípulos dedicados. Vishnupura como Centro Vaishnava La iniciación del rey y de sus leales fue un acontecimiento importante en la historia de la tradición de la Gaudiya. Vishnupura pronto se convirtió en un gran centro del Vaishnavism. En toda la India, solamente en Vana Vishnupura hizo la cultura de Gaudiya Vaishnava y el arte no tiene influencia extranjera o de distracción. Incluso la intrusión musulmán es mínima. Por lo tanto, el arte arquitectónico y escultural de Bengala, del principio del siglo XVII hacia adelante, en ninguna parte se encuentra en tal abundancia y en la forma prístina tal como en los monumentos Vaishnavas de Vishnupura. Éste es una de las muchas virtudes del patrocinio real. El Rey Virhamvir reinó a partir la 1596 a 1622 y en ese tiempo escribió muchas canciones en la alabanza de Krishna, de señor Caitanya Mahaprabhu, y de Srinivasa Acarya. Mucha de su exquisita poesía se puede encontrar en el Bhakti-ratnakara y el Pada-kalpataru. La voz hermosa del rey, reflejada en su trabajo literario, le ayudó en su misión del Vaishnavism de extensión a través de su dominio. Srinivasa había logrado así su misión en Vishnupura. Él escribió a Jiva Gosvami que no sólo los libros había sido recuperado sino que el bandido principal, el rey, había tomado el Vaishnavism de la Gaudiya. Todo Vrindavana disfrutó y cantó las glorias de Srinivasa Acarya. Ya que convirtieron al rey Virhamvir y a su reino entero al Vaishnavism, y Srinivasa desarrollaba un centro importante allí. A partir de las vidas de los santos de Vaishnava por su tolerancia Satyaraja Dasa ¡Jaya Sri Srinivasa Acarya!   • Email to a friend • •   Sutapa das, BV Manor, UK: Split personality Many of us on the spiritual path lead double lives. Carefully avoiding the image of a Bible-bashing religious nerd, we often end up hiding our spirituality and even compromising our principles just to fit into the crowd. Initially, people may appreciate the added spiritual dimension to life, but when ones interest grows, commitment deepens and priorities begin to change, that’s when the alarm bells start to ring. Parents are happy with the morality and principles that practice of spirituality brings, but later they fear you may become too detached from the world, lose your drive for success and renounce your duties towards the family. Friends think it’s cool and funky to ’think deeper’, but later they complain that you’ve changed and how your company no longer stimulates them. How do we balance our spiritual journey with our worldly relationships? Is it possible to maintain your principles without becoming a social outcaste? In the second chapter of the Bhagavad-gita Krishna explains that “what is night for all beings is the time of awakening for the self-controlled; and the time of awakening for all beings is night for the introspective sage.” Once, when asked what the purport of this statement was, Srila Prabhupada replied “they think you are crazy and you think they are crazy!” Materialists look at spiritualists and pity what they see as a conservative life of self denial and childish fairytale. Spiritualists look at materialists and lament their illusory pursuits for pleasure, foreseeing the frustration that comes from seeking substance in the shadow. Everyone has their own take on life. I guess the most important thing for a spiritualist is to come to terms with who they really are. There comes a point when you realize that life is too short to put up false pretenses and masks. If you’re not comfortable with yourself, we can't really expect anyone else to be. Interestingly, as a spiritualist matures, he is not only unaffected by the skepticism of others, but by his conviction and inspiration he can often influence and transform those very same people. Going to a deeper level, we realize we have lots in common with others. Everyone, despite their desires, aspirations and goals in life are all actually looking for the same things – peace, love, achievement, relationships, security etc. The only difference is that we are all looking in different places. In this way, a spiritualist need not see himself as a black sheep, standing out like a sore thumb in society. Rather they can be likened to a drop of red ink thrown into a pool of water – by boldly taking the plunge and confidently expressing themselves, they will colorfully enrich the lives of everyone around them.   • Email to a friend • •   Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Jai Sri Paramesvari Dasa Thakura! Every day we chant and do service to Krishna. Why? To resetablish our connection or Love of Krishna.  Wouldn't it be nice if we could get "love of Krishna  very easily"?  If that interests you, then read on...  Yesterday was the disappearance day of Sri Paramesvari Dasa Thakura. With 5 festivals in one day and running behind schedule, we failed to honour him. Writing these posts is meditative and beneficial for us to remember these days and honour them properly. Thus the importance to us of this post and the next post honoring the Appearance Sri Srinivasa Acarya, even though we are doing so a day late. There are many stories for Sri Paramesvari Dasa Thakura incuding mystical ones. For example one story recounts how some trouble makers tried to disturb sankirtan by throwing a dead fox they found on the road amidst the sankirtan party. Most people were disturbed by this contamination but Sri Paramesvari Dasa Thakura mystically brought the fox back to life.  Some stories and accounts are hard to verify and come from various sources. So in order to honour great personalities it is always best to turn to bonafide sources and this is found in the authoritive words of Sri Krishna Das Kaviraj Das and Srila Prabhupada's purport. paramesvara-dasa -- nityanandaika-sarana krishna-bhaktipaya, tanreyekaresmarana Paramesvaradasa, said to be the fifth gopala of krishna-lila, completely surrendered to the lotus feet of Nityananda. Anyone who remembers his name, Paramesvaradasa, will get love of Krishna very easily. PURPORT Srila Bhaktisiddhanta SarasvatiThakura writes in his Anubhashya, "The Caitanya-bhagavata states that Paramesvaradasa, known sometimes as Paramesvari dasa, was the life and soul of SriNityanandaPrabhu. The body of Paramesvaradasa was the place of Lord Nityananda's pastimes. Paramesvaradasa, who lived for some time at Khadadaha village, was always filled with the ecstasy of a cowherd boy. Formerly he was Arjuna, a friend of Krishna and Balarama. He was the fifth among the twelve gopalas. He accompanied Srimati Jahnava-devi when she performed the festival at Khetari. It is stated in the Bhakti-ratnakara that by the order of Srimati Jahnava-mata, he installed Radha-Gopinatha in the temple at Atapura, in the district of Hugli. The Atapura station is on the narrow-gauge railway line between Howrah and Amata. Another temple in Atapura, established by the Mitra family, is known as the Radha-Govinda temple. In front of the temple, in a very attractive place among two bakula trees and a kadamba tree, is the tomb of Paramesvari Thakura, and above it is an altar with a tulasi bush. It is said that only one flower a year comes out of the kadamba tree. It is offered to the Deity. "Paramesvari Thakura belonged, it is said, to a vaidya family. A descendant of his brother's is at present a worshiper in the temple. Some of their family members still reside in the district of Hugli, near the post office of Canditala. The descendants of Paramesvari Thakura took many disciples from brahmana families, but as these descendants gradually took to the profession of physicians, persons from brahmana families ceased becoming their disciples. The family titles of Paramesvari's descendants are Adhikari and Gupta. Unfortunately, his family members do not worship the Deity directly; they have engaged paid brahmanas to worship the Deity. In the temple, Baladeva and SriSriRadha-Gopinatha are together on the throne. It is supposed that the Deity of Baladeva was installed later because according to transcendental mellow, Baladeva, Krishna and Radha cannot stay on the same throne. On the full-moon day of Vaisakha (April-May), the disappearance festival of Paramesvari Thakura is observed in this temple." Sri Paramesvari Dasa Thakura ki Jaya. Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Jai Sri Paramesvari Dasa Thakura! - Anecdotas de Su Vida Diariamente cantamos y mantenemos a Krishna. ¿Por qué? Al reestablecer nuestra unión o amor con Krishna. No debemos ser agradable si podríamos conseguirlo fácilmente a través del amor de Krishna? Si eso le interesa, después lea en… El ayer fue el día de la desaparición de Sri Paramesvari Dasa Thakura. Con 5 festivales en un día y por acabar tarde, no pudimos honrarlo. La escritura de estos postes es meditativa y beneficiosa para que lo recordemos actualmente y los honremos correctamente. Así la importancia para nosotros de este poste y del poste siguiente que honra el aspecto Sri Srinivasa Acarya, aunque lo estemos haciendo un día después. Hay muchas historias sobre Sri Paramesvari Dasa Thakura incluyendo las místicas. Por ejemplo los recuentos una historia de cómo algunos provocadores intentaron perturbar el sankirtan lanzando un zorro muerto en medio del grupo de sankirtan, que ellos encontraron en el camino. Esta contaminación molestó a la mayoría de la personas allí reunidas pero Sri Paramesvari Dasa Thakura místicamente trajo el zorro de nuevo a la vida. Algunas historias y narraciones son dificiles de verificar y por venir de varias fuentes. Para honrar a tan gran personalidad es siempre mejor el ir a las fuentes auténticas y esto se encuentra en las palabras autoritivas de Sri Krishna Das Kaviraj Das y el significado de Srila Prabhupada. paramesvara-dasa -- nityanandaika-sarana krishna-bhaktipaya, tanreyekaresmarana Paramesvaradasa, dijo ser el quinto gopala del krishna-lila, entregado totalmente a los pies del loto de Sri Nityananda. Cualquier persona que recuerda su nombre, Paramesvaradasa, conseguirá el amor de Krishna muy fácilmente. El Significado de Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura escribe en su Anubhashya, " El Caitanya-bhagavata indica ese Paramesvaradasa, conocido a veces como Paramesvari dasa, era la vida y el alma de Sri Nityananda Prabhu. El cuerpo de Paramesvaradasa era el lugar de los pasatiempos del Señor Nityananda. Paramesvaradasa, que vivió por algún tiempo en la aldea de Khadadaha, fue llenado siempre del éxtasis de un muchacho vaquero. Él era antes Arjuna, amigo de Krishna y de Balarama. Él era el quinto entre los doce gopalas. Él acompañó Srimati Jahnava-devi cuando ella realizó el festival en Khetari. Se indica en el Bhakti-ratnakara que por la orden de Srimati Jahnava-Mata, él instaló a Radha-Gopinatha en el templo en Atapura, en el districto de Hugli. La estación de Atapura está en estrecha unión con la línea ferroviaria entre Howrah y Amata. Otro templo en Atapura, establecido por la familia de Mitra, se conoce como el templo de Radha-Govinda. Delante del templo, en un lugar muy atractivo entre dos árboles de bakula y un árbol de kadamba, está la tumba de Paramesvari Thakura, y sobre ella hay un altar con un arbusto de tulasi. Se dice que solamente una flor al año sale del árbol del kadamba. Se ofrece a la deidad. "Paramesvari Thakura perteneció, se dice, a una familia del vaidya. Un descendiente de su hermano es actualmente un fiel en el templo. Algunos de sus miembros de familia todavía residen en el districto de Hugli, cerca de la oficina de correos de Canditala. Los descendientes de Paramesvari Thakura tomaron a muchos discípulos de las familias del brahmana, pero como estos descendientes llevaron gradualmente la profesión de médicos, de las personas de las familias del brahmana dejaron de hacer sus discípulos. Los títulos de los descendientes de la familia de Paramesvari son Adhikari y Gupta. Desafortunadamente, sus miembros familiares no adoran la deidad directamente; han dedicado a brahmanas pagados para adorar a la deidad. En el templo, Baladeva y Sri Sri Radha-Gopinatha estan juntos en el trono. Se supone que la deidad de Baladeva fue instalada anteriormente porque según trascendental melodía, Baladeva, Krishna y Radha no pueden permanecer en el mismo trono. En el día de la luna llena de Vaisakha (Abril-Mayo), el festival de la desaparición de Paramesvari Thakura se observa en este templo." Sri Paramesvari Dasa Thakura ki Jaya   • Email to a friend • •   Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: And we meet 10 years later Right outside Urbanedgeyoga I met this guy who was with his friend and initially not ready to stop at all. But then his eye caught the perfection of yoga and he instantly remembered that in 1992 he had met a mataji distributing books and he had got a Bhagavad Gita from her. He told me she was also very enthusiastic about it. I asked him to take the Perfection of yoga and he gave me a donation without my asking for it. Then he started asking me about the nectar of Instruction I was holding and I explained the mantras and the explanation along with the picture of Radha Kunda. So then he decided to take that book and gave more donations so I probed deeper. Turns out that he had read the Bhagavad-Gita and then over the years even though he had sealed it in bubble wrap it had disintegrated. Now I started to show him the Laws of Karma and as he was taking his 3rd book his friend started to feel the pressure and said – I also want a book. So I gave her a Bhakti yoga and she gave a donation. Then she started to explain that she was a meditation coach and got interested in the Karma book I was showing her friend so she took one too. I thought I might as well show them the Maha Mantra – I tried to make them repeat it and the guy instantly remembered it and started to dance and sing Hare Krishna. He started to explain how he had seen Hare Krishnas before but was concerned and asking where we were now. Then the lady started to explain that she had a yoga student who had turned into Hare Krishna. It was like these two had so many stories about having met devotees and Srila Prabhupada in various stages of their life, must be special souls. Also makes us realise how much work there is to do, Srila Prabhupada has given us more than a lifetimes reading and distributing to do. For every book we distribute to someone, there are so many more to grab.   • Email to a friend • •   Sri Nandanandana dasa: Becoming a Dharmic Leader, by Stephen Knapp             Becoming a Dharmic leader, or one who truly represents the Vedic path of Sanatana-dharma, is similar to becoming the ultimate revolutionary, but a spiritual revolutionary. It is being an agent of reality in a world that still lacks reality, meaning the genuine basis of what is our true spiritual identity. This is beyond politics or a violent revolution against the typical establishment construct, or anything like that. But it is working to bring in a new dimension, a higher consciousness, and a loftier awareness of who and what we are. It is like the saying by George Orwell: In a time of deceit, telling the truth itself becomes a revolutionary act. In this way, in this age of Kali-yuga, a time when the basis of most business transactions, politics, or relations in general is deceit and dishonesty, becoming truthful enough to speak the deeper truth of spiritual reality and following Vedic Dharma itself becomes revolutionary.             Of course, “revolution” is a word which invokes many images or ideas. But in the sense in which we are speaking, it has nothing to do with promoting some kind of uprising against the present establishment, government, dictators, or the like. It is much more refined. It is an internal quest of an individual to reach one’s real identity as a spiritual being and then assist others in doing the same. It is a matter of reaching the ultimate freedom a person can attain. Only after becoming truly free can a person help others also become free. You cannot free others if you are tied up or confined in the same trap of ego and ego-based conceptions that are promoted and perpetuated in much of  society. In the end truth prevails, thus the main endeavor of a Dharmic leader is to never stop finding the ways to present the real truth and meaning of the deepest spiritual knowledge, which is the Vedic philosophy, for this is what can overcome all obstacles in time. Therefore, Dharmic leaders must operate on many different levels and help others in many different ways.             Therefore, Dharmic leaders and Agents of Reality are: 1. Always working to be in touch with their higher spiritual realizations and perceptions. A Dharmic leader, teacher or guide always makes sure that he works on his own spiritual development in order to stay in touch with the spiritual dimension. That is his foundation, his inspiration, and the basis for his insights and his motivation in helping all others. Without that he knows that he cannot be free enough to lead others to the same freedom. 2. A Dharmic leader must know how to free others from being a prisoner of the false aims and perspectives that are commonplace in materialistic life. Because a true Dharmic leader has a connection with the spiritual realm through his own spiritual development, he naturally wants to give the same to others, and works for that purpose. This kind of freedom cannot be fully appreciated until it is experienced. And that is the object of everything that a Dharmic leader does. Through this process, a Dharmic leader works to help free others from the illusions, the bodily concept of life, and find the ways to deliver the higher perception of the purpose of life in a way that others can understand. This must include everyone so that no one is left behind. Thus, he lives for the benefit of others.  As Dharmic leaders, we are trying to free others from this limited dimension of existence and bring them to a higher level of spiritual reality, at least for those who are acceptable to it. Here the material existence is like a temporary dream from which we need to awaken and of which to be free, and we must know how to maneuver our way through it. 3. A leader also has to fully understand the importance of the Vedic spiritual knowledge and its culture, follow it appropriately, and show by example how others can also benefit from it. 4. A Dharmic leader must also be properly educated in the Vedic spiritual knowledge and to work to spread that genuine spiritual information and culture for everyone’s well-being. When questioned about Vedic philosophy and culture, he must know how to answer with an equipoised mind and with proper responses. He must know how to deal with practical issues, both in the temples and how they operate and are managed, and also in regard to social issues, like casteism, caring for the poor, dealing with discrimination, and other matters that are often found in India. He must know how to educate others so that they also understand, in whatever way is best for them, the importance of this information and how to apply it to their lives. It cannot be given in a way that appears overly lofty, impractical or too unapproachable by the average person. The point is that if a person does not understand this knowledge, they will never be able to remember it, and if they cannot remember it, they will never be able to apply it to their lives. Thus, the importance of receiving this spiritual knowledge from a Dharmic leader who has the cultivated knowledge from proper references and is also experienced or realized and knows how to explain it in practical terms is most important.             Furthermore, Dharmic leaders must know how to explain the customs and their purpose to others, not merely go through the rituals without describing the reasons for them or what is going on. He must be able to explain the objective of the rituals and the benefits of performing them so that people comprehend their purpose. Otherwise, if such rituals do not make sense, or if people do not appreciate their purpose, soon they will be given up and forgotten.    5. A Dharmic leader must not afraid to be inventive and look at and try to use new ways to infuse the message of Vedic Dharma that can be fun, enjoying and entertaining for both the young and old in order to invoke their desire to learn more. There are so many ways to do this. Otherwise, the message can seem to get old and boring, and then people lose interest. Another problem with many Hindus is that they think they already know all they need to know, and there is no longer any reason to learn, study, or take guidance. But when it comes time for them to explain the Vedic culture to someone else, they are at a loss for what to do. This means that, if they cannot even remember enough to repeat or present to others, then actually they have a long way to go, but may refuse to admit it. A Dharmic leader, however, can even invent new ways of teaching the message, while maintaining the proper and traditional standards. The fact is that there will need to be new variations in the approach of teaching it for each succeeding generation to make it interesting.             6. A true Dharmic leader knows that all religions are not the same. Dharmic leaders must understand the profound and deep nature of the Vedic philosophy and not resort to some wimpy idea that all religions are the same. They are not, and you will know that if you seriously study each one. They all take you to different levels of consciousness and understanding of who you are, the purpose of life and the universe, what is God, what is the soul, and so on. Some consist mostly of moralistic principles and rules for living, and hardly touch the higher principles of deep spiritual realization. Others are more like forced dogmas which must not be questioned too much, whereas the Vedic system is to guide a person to their own ability to perceive their spiritual identity and the higher dimension, not to merely depend on blind faith. Thus, all religions are not the same, and a Dharmic leader must know how to distinguish the differences between them.             7. Dharmic leaders understand the need to bring in the spiritual energy and infinite love that is so essential for us to become complete while living in a world that is increasingly ruled and controlled by the darkness of materialism and all the negative qualities that come with it, such as anger, jealousy, envy, prejudice, competition, hatred, etc. Infinite love is the love coming from the Supreme Being. We must be clear mediums through which that love may come so that it can be received and experienced by others. 8. A Dharmic leader will also help free others from false or misleading political views and its corruption, and from sham economic strategies and promises that are often promoted by the agents of this ignorance that misleads the general masses in a way that benefits the few for profit and power at the expense of the many. This is part of the false aims of life that distract one from the spiritual goals that are the real purpose of human existence.             We need to work to set up a life of simplicity as an alternative to the oncoming crisis of peak oil, water shortages, environmental collapse, or other economic or political disasters, the likes of which few are working to prevent. However, if a Dharmic leader becomes successful at receiving large donations of money or land, he shows the proper example by using it for the highest good to help others both spiritually and materially, while he lives a simple life. This leads to the next point: 9. Any Dharmic leader must be beyond suspicion of inappropriate activities or association. They must act in such a way to be free from any rumors or the appearance of any improprieties.             Especially if one is wearing saffron, which is the color of renunciation, he must be free from the association of women. (If such a leader is a woman, then she must be free from unnecessary association with men.) A person wearing saffron should never be alone with a woman. That is the proper etiquette, but also because there may be those who are simply looking for a reason to spread accusations, or who try to bring an important person in the Vedic community down and ruin his or her reputation, influence, position, or life, which thus reflects back on the culture or tradition he represents in negative ways. Therefore, Dharmic leaders must be pure in all of their actions so that they do not become vulnerable to false appearances and so that they may lead by example.             Nonetheless, a Dharmic leader knows the spiritual equality between the sexes, that both men and women are spiritual beings inside different material bodies that are like various costumes or appearances. He realizes and knows the different roles that they can play in family life, temple management, and the importance of women role models in the community and in temples. But he also knows he must never exploit others or use his position to his advantage, and, thus, is never seen in situations that can be controversial, or become food for rumors. He must be beyond suspicion of any kind. 10. Dharmic leaders must know how to collaborate with those who are from various Vedic affiliations so they can all work together to achieve the protection and preservation and practice of the Dharma. Then we can join together as one unit by using each other’s various experiences and talents for reaching something extraordinary. In this way, unity amongst other Dharmists is also extremely important because there is strength in numbers. And the more who work together, the more force there is for the preservation and proper promotion or defense of the Vedic culture from those who try to unnecessarily criticize it or even try to bring about its extinction. The more we work together, the easier everything becomes. Therefore, collaborating with the larger community, and with other Vedic organizations, temples, etc., and working with the power of the collective as opposed to small groups, much more can be accomplished. Dharmists in general must let go of their ego and show how to work together. The entire Vedic community, when working in a united way, can more effectively help pass laws, institute changes to suite their needs, get the attention of politicians, and show that their vote can and will make a difference. That will provide much more influence when dealing with local government agencies. This can also help provide assistance for the whole community in times of need. Working with the collective with proper leadership will always show much more efficiency, power, and speed at getting things done than merely working alone or as only one temple or one small group.             11. A Dharmic leader must be able to delegate duties and activities to others who are also enthused to participate in working for Sanatana-dharma. Such people can then become enlivened to continue in their work and endeavors with confidence.             In this regard, a Dharmic leader must also know how to enhance the Hindu/Vedic Community through the temples. This means to understand the importance of uniting the community with festivals, holidays, customs, and through the performance of seva. This seva or service that can be performed by other Dharmists in the community can include helping manage the temple, serving the deities in the temples, providing the means for making the temples more effective and useful to the community, and so on. Community services, such as health fairs, or prasada and food distribution, distribution of clothes to the needy, or so many other programs, can be parts of that seva in the mood of service. Dharmic leaders must know how to coordinate activities for the protection and promotion of the Dharma, whether it is writing letters, establishing promotional campaigns, doing radio shows, television programs, or producing videos, newsletters, websites, and so on. Each leader may not know all of the ways or details to do each endeavor, but he should know how to coordinate and inspire those who do to work in unity for the ultimate goal.             In this way, a Dharmic leader should recognize and unite people around a common set of Vedic values, concepts and traditions that can be the universal uniting factors between all Hindus or Dharmists.             12. A Dharmic leader must also know that many people everywhere are looking for a higher level of spiritual perception and experience, but they simply do not always know where to look. This may include Indians and westerners alike. Many are those who are looking for deeper spiritual knowledge to which they can feel a stronger connection, and many are those who become attracted to the Vedic spiritual path once they know what it is and learn more about it. It is not proper for Hindus to feel that they are some exclusive group that few others can join. Such an attitude is but a prescription for a slow extinction of Vedic culture, at least in this world. Sanatana-dharma includes everyone as spiritual beings. So a Dharmic leader provides the means and openness so others, meaning non-Dharmists, can learn about the Vedic tradition, its spiritual knowledge, temple rituals and customs, or even attend yoga classes, instruction on meditation, temple festivals, and so on, to see what it has to offer, and how it may assist them in their own spiritual progress, or even bring them a deeper level of joy and happiness. There have been many instances when such people have taken a strong attraction to the Vedic culture to lend much support to other Dharmists and the tradition itself, or who have fully taken it up in their lives and now recognize themselves as Hindus, Dharmists. Such access has often lead to greater degrees of harmony and understanding with the local community.             From this mid-set, from this perception, and from the infinite love that manifests in a true Dharmic leader’s heart, comes the attitude as summarized by the phrase “No Hindu left behind.” No Dharmist or devotee should be left behind. A true Dharmic leader will feel this in the core of his heart. He knows that he is merely mirroring the love of God to all others in the life he leads and in the actions he performs, and in the love and patience he shows to everyone. But it is also in his heart where he feels that no Hindu can be left behind. There is space for everyone, just as there is space for everyone in the spiritual world. No one can be left behind. Everyone is a part of the whole, the Complete. We merely have to awaken that completeness within ourselves. When everyone shares this vision, when it is shared amongst the whole community, that community becomes extremely powerful. When everyone is imbibed with such spiritual unity, concerned for the welfare of all, then the spiritual vibration is no longer something to acquire but it is something to witness, to experience, and to bring together through all like-minded people who work in that unity to expand that spiritual vibration, that higher energy that exists within us all.              The key to this love is in everyone, but a Dharmic leader knows how to draw it out and provide the means for everyone to focus on it and perceive it as their own ultimate value, self-worth, and their own offering to God and the community. Everyone in the Vedic community must see all others as Dharmic brothers and sisters who are eligible to make the same spiritual progress as anyone else. No Hindu left behind. That means everyone is eligible to enter the temple, everyone is eligible to participate in the rituals, the sadhana or spiritual practice, and the core identity of being a Hindu, Dharmist and devotee. No Hindu left behind. Everyone should feel they have a place and are valued and have something to contribute. This is the basis of enthusiasm, which everyone should feel. This is the power a united Dharmic community. No Hindu is left behind. When this is established, it creates a most positive atmosphere in all who participate, it creates a very positive future, and it creates a winning team in which many others will want to join. Who would not be attracted? Everyone wants to be in a warm and loving environment, and there is no reason why Hindus cannot create that for the whole community. And if someone cannot accept this, if someone cannot see the unity that we all share spiritually on the Vedic path, then they have not yet understood the basic Vedic principles of Sanatana-dharma. It means that they are still in the illusion, they are in the depths of maya. Yet, no one should be left in such a condition. Everyone should be taught and shown how to raise their own vision, consciousness and spiritual perception of who they are and the spiritual unity they share with everyone else. After all, no Hindu, Dharmists or devotee left behind. We must raise everyone up to higher and higher levels of consciousness, higher and higher levels of perception. Then we all become very powerful in our ability to change this world, and bring in the spiritual vibration for one and all. That is the purpose of the Vedic philosophy and its peaceful and joyful traditions.             With that ideal of no Hindu left behind, the Dharmic leader knows how to instill the unity for everyone to take a stand, to defend and preserve the Vedic culture and all who participate in it. The usual apathy amongst Hindus is what must be given up and cast aside as we all gather momentum to make sure we all have our freedom to follow the principles, the customs, and the traditions of the Vedic path well into the future.              Isn’t this worth working for? Isn’t this worth dying for? What else is the purpose of life other than to benefit the spiritual well-being of others? 13. Finally, a Dharmic leader must create the means so that others can become future Dharmic leaders. It is not enough to be a leader, but such a person must also encourage and provide the means, the example and inspiration for others to become Dharmic leaders. We all grow old and eventually leave this world. So there must be those who are younger, who are trained, educated, experienced, and inspired to take up the cause and the position as a new Dharmic leader who can also work to preserve, protect and promote the Vedic tradition well into the future. Naturally, not everyone may have the qualities, characteristics, or even inclination to be a Dharmic leader, but everyone can instead be a “Vedic Ambassador,” for which there is also a huge need. Everyone can join forces in the ranks of being a Vedic Ambassador, and all work together to show the benefits and advantages we all had the fortune to acquire through the practice and development of the Vedic tradition in our lives. How to do this is easy, and has been described in my article, “A Call to be Vedic Ambassadors,” which can be found on my website at www.stephen-knapp.com. Dharma Rakshati Rakshitah, and Jai Sri Krishna.          Other articles on Stephen’s website, or here on this blog, that may also be of interest connected with this article include: American Hindus: How to Cultivate Your Culture in America Creating a Spiritual Revolution in India For Protecting India’s Vedic Heritage Why All Religions Are Not the Same Hindus Must Stand Strong for Dharma Time to Plan the Survival of Vedic Culture Vedic Temples: Making Them More Effective An Action Plan for the Survival of Vedic Culture Opening Vedic Temples to Everyone [This article is available at www.stephen-knapp.com]   • Email to a friend • •   Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: Srila Prabhupada thanks a disciple Thank you very much for so carefully studying my books. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Bhadravardhana, February 22, 1977   • Email to a friend • •   H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): 314—Poem for May 18 www.sdgonline.org. 5:59 A.M. A Writer of Pieces New format—I will begin with a poem written on the day of its printing. Then I will print random excerpts of books I have printed over the last 35 years. I hope this variety will be pleasing. Poem for May 18 I was wide awake at 9:30 P.M. Took a sleeping pill and didn’t wake until 3:30. Late for my japa I rushed through the rounds and arrived at the poem with the sky clear and the birds singing. Lord Caitanya’s mind wandered in ecstasy as He spoke things He didn’t intend to. Krishna’s smile is the quintessence of His sweetness. His flute-song captures the minds of the gopis and without shame or social restriction they run out and come to Krishna. Prabhupada writes that anyone who has realized the ecstasy of chanting Hare Krishna, it’s like the gopis with the flute-song, and he can’t think of anything but the qualities and pastimes of Krishna. Haryasva and I walked on the road after the rain. He said he didn’t know what he was looking for in coming here, but he intends to visit more often to find it. Nitai is staying an extra day. He is sweet and submissive. He works in a world of tremendous stress managing a huge factory in Bangladesh and flying around the world for executive meetings. Yet at his heart he remains simple and pure unaffected by the maya of the business world. The poets don’t help me. I go on my own. Simple lines each day to make a song. My friends play upbeat tempo, and I try to merge with them to bring you music from a spring morning in Stuyvesant Falls before the children come outdoors to catch the school bus. Today I am too late to take a nap but just enough time to give you lines I’ve gathered while listening to the trumpet.   • Email to a friend • •   H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami (Ret.): OLD FRIENDS www.sdgonline.org. From A Visit to Jagannatha Puri “Why Visit So Many Places? “From Saranagati 31.3 by Bhaktivinoda Thakura: ‘May I visit all the holy places associated with the lilas of Lord Caitanya and His devotees.’ (Antya-lila, 4.2.11, purport) “‘A devotee should make a point of visiting all the places where Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu performed His pastimes. Indeed, pure devotees of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu even want to see the places He visited for only for hours or minutes.’ (Antya-lila, 4.2.11, purport) “’Pure devotees of Lord Caitanya regard any place where He stayed or even walked through as a worshipable tirtha. When Lord Caitanya started on His tour to Vrndavana, King Prataparudra ordered that ‘wherever Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu took His bath or crossed to the other side of the river, they should establish a memorial column and make that place a great place of pilgrimage. Indeed,’ said the king, ‘I will take my bath there. And let me also die there.’ (Madhya-lila 16.114–5) Revisit to Siddha Bakula “‘At noon, when there was an upala-bhoga offering in the place called Bhoga-vardhana-khanda, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu would go outside the temple. Before going outside, He used to stand at the Garuda-stambha and offer His obeisances and prayers. Afterwards, the Lord would visit Siddha Bakula, where Haridasa Ṭhakura lived. After visiting Haridasa Ṭhakura, the Lord would return to His own place at the abode of Kasi Misra.’ (Madhya-lila 15.6, purport) “‘He used to go visit these three great personalities [Haridasa Thakura, Rupa Gosvami and Sanatana Gosvami] on His way to His own residence. If one of these three was not present, He would meet the others. That was His regular practice.’ (Madhya-lila 1.64   • Email to a friend • •   H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Tuesday, May 17th, 2011 Awesome People Toronto, Ontario The fellow objected, "Hey, I'm an aboriginal and you're doing that in my country?" It was my pranams (hands folded together) that he didn't like. I had walked by the trainway station-turned-liquor store on Yonge St. when the fellow stood by asking for change. I held up hands in the pranam gesture when he blurted out the remark. Now I could have responded with a "Listen, everyone's an immigrant here. You're ancestors may have came 10,000 years ago through the Berring Strait and my parents come from Holland after WWII, but we are all a result of migration." Of course, I dind't want to go there and say that. It's important to keep your cool - it's a monk's obligation. Other remarks on this cheery afternoon were more pleasant. "Hey, Buddha! I love yah!" yells a guy across the street at Summerhill Ave. He threw a manly kiss. then a woman by the name of Fiona recognized me, "Well, I haven't seen you for years." I told Fiona that turning a corner at her home has been part of my walking route for years. She didn't know about my three treks across Canada. "Well, that is amazing. You know you've got my favourite colour on." I invited her to the temple as she was in the middle of gardening when she first spotted my saffron clad robes. She's considering the invite for the future. I was met by many smiles on this day. I don't know why it was so special. The weather has been sombre, overcast for days, but somehow through the mystery of Krishna the bulk of pedestrians, gardeners and shoppers were just awesome. 8 KM   • Email to a friend • •   H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Monday, May 16th, 2011 Nature and the Source Toronto, Ontario Oh, Nature! You are so interesting! Today you created a new surface on the sidewalk. With your wetness and your wind and your weight you hurled buds and blossoms to the ground, changing its colour and texture. Crocs don't take a liking to the slippery dynamics you've created. One must walk with care. Oh, Nature! Our guru used to trigger our thoughts when he asked, "Who's nature?" I have a nature, everyone has a nature. Sometimes people say Bhaktimarga's nature is so and so. That means it's the way I am. It denotes a unique attitude, taste, preference, etc. When I think of nature, which you cannot avoid in the out-of-door, we see it as mysterious, unpredictable, sensational, flickering. It's easy to give nature the adjective "divine", because there is something very pure about it, yet sometimes it turns against us. It kills us. It also gives us life. It is sometimes hard to figure out. If we look to its source we may detect something wild and wonderful in it. Some Sanskrit words beginning with 'a' come to mind when deliberating on nature's source. Words such as ananta (unlimited), ajita (unconquerable), aja (unborn), adhoksaja (incomprehensible). There are so many words which describe nature's divine source. Oh, Nature, as you move along, so many events pass with you. Damodhara and Radha Krishna were just married. Subuddhi is celebrating her birthday. Dave got out of prison. Someone is dying and someone is being born. you are the witness and the agent behind all of this. That is how it stays. Credit goes to the One who made you. 7 KM   • Email to a friend • •   H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Sunday, May 15th, 2011 Trails and Messages Cleveland, Ohio I left New Vrindavan today. It is a pilgrimage place designed specifically to encourage meditation on Krishna. My visit had expired and I made sure that I had a minute or so to express to the new management under the able guidance of Jai Krishna, a devotee from Switzerland, that this meditation can be enhanced if there was the development of nature trails on the property. Pilgrims could come anticipating treks through nature's foliage. "Let the city folks have a real retreat, see God's country, have a good workout and above all be in an atmosphere conducive to spiritual consciousness. These trails would be a great place to chant." I suggested the same to Radhanatha Swami, an American monk who spent a good portion of life here in the seventies. He then suggested light heartedly, "I guess you'll need to spend more time here." "I don't know about that," I responded, thinking I'm spread out thinly enough with the continual travels. I left with Akhilananda and Madhavendra Puri of Toronto for Cleveland. Once we arrived at the city's east end at the home of Krishnanandini and Tariq, we sat to discuss verse 2:45 from the gita. The divine words of Krishna amplify the intent to go beyond the numbers 2 and 3. The figure 2 refers to the dualities of life - hot and cold, good and bad, praise and defamation, etc. The figure 3 refers to the three conditions of life - goodness, passion and ignorance. Krishna is saying to Arjun (and to us essentially) to rise above the 2 and the 3. This is where the word 'transcendence' is most applicable. The message is that we must go beyond and become truly divine. It's a message that the gathering in Cleveland so much enjoyed listening to, and it's something that always needs reminding. 9 km   • Email to a friend • •   Devadeva Mirel, Alachua, USA: Tipster : Food Tents On The Cheap Outdoor dining is natural as weather warms up and we try to keep our homes–and kitchens–cool. But bugs are also natural. Make your picnic more enjoyable by keeping flies–and their dirty little feet–off your food. You could go in for some food tents, but they cover a small area and, depending on how large your spread, can really start to put a dent in your casual dining budget. Here’s a tip I stole from the vendors at our local farmers market. It’s cheap. It’s practical. And it’s pretty! Inexpensive tulle netting, purchased for less than $2 a yard at the local fabric shop, doubles as a bug net, keeping flying critters off your food. You can cut a square to cover individual dishes (I weighted mine down by attaching buttons on the edges) or use a few yards to cover a table. It works just as well as store bought food tents, comes in a variety of colors and is totally washable. print   • Email to a friend • •   Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: Quotes from Gandhi on Cow Protection The Cow In Hinduism The central fact of Hinduism is cow protection. Cow protection to me is one of the most wonderful phenomena in human evolution. It takes the human being beyond this species. The cow to me means the entire sub-human world. Man through the cow is enjoined to realize his identity with all that lives. Why the cow was selected for apotheosis is obvious to me. The cow was in India the best companion. She was the giver of plenty. Not only did she give milk, but she also made agriculture possible…….. Cow protection is the gift of Hinduism to the world. And Hinduism will live so long as there are Hindus to protect the cow…… Hindus will be judged not by their TILAKS, not by the correct chanting of MANTRAS, not by their pilgrimages, not by their most punctilious observances of caste rules, but their ability to protect the cow. (YI, 6-10-1921, p. 36) Place Of The Cow THE COW is a poem of pity. One reads pity in the gentle animal. She is the mother to millions of Indian mankind. Protection of the cow means protection of the whole dumb creation of God. The ancient seer, whoever he was, began with the cow. The appeal of the lower order of creation is all the more forcible because it is speechless. (YI, 6-10-1921, p. 36) …The cow is the purest type of sub-human life. She pleads before us on behalf of the whole of the sub-human species for justice to it at the hands of man, the first among all that lives. She seems to speak to us through her eyes: ‘you are not appointed over us to kill us and eat our flesh or otherwise ill-treat us, but to be our friend and guardian’. (YI, 26-6-1924, p. 214) I worship it and I shall defend its worship against the whole world. (YI, 1-1-1925, p. 8) Mother cow is in many ways better than the mother who gave us birth. Our mother gives us milk for a couple of years and then expects us to serve her when we grow up. Mother cow expects from us nothing but grass and grain. Our mother often falls ill and expects service from us. Mother cow rarely falls ill. Here is an unbroken record of service which does not end with her death. Our mother, when she dies, means expenses of burial or cremation. Mother cow is as useful dead as when she is alive. We can make use of every part of her body-her flesh, her bones, her intestines, her horns and her skin. Well, I say this not to disparage the mother who gives us birth, but in order to show you the substantial reasons for my worshiping the cow. (H, 15-9-1940, p. 281) Cow-Slaughter I would not kill a human being for protection a cow, as I will not kill a cow for saving a human life, be it ever so precious. (YI, 18-5-1921, p. 156) My religion teaches me that I should by personal conduct instill into the minds of those who might hold different views, the conviction that cow-killing is a sin and that, therefore, it ought to be abandoned. (YI, 29-1-1925, p. 38) Cow slaughter can never be stopped by law. Knowledge, education, and the spirit of kindliness towards her alone can put an end to it. It will not be possible to save those animals that are a burden on the land or, perhaps, even man if he is a burden. (H, 15-9-1946, p. 310) My ambition is no less than to see the principle of cow protection established throughout the world. But that requires that I should set my own house thoroughly in order first. (YI, 29-1-1925, p. 38) Cow protection to me is not mere protection of the cow. It means protection of what lives and is helpless and weak in the world. (YI, 7-5-1925, p. 160) But let me reiterate….that legislative prohibition is the smallest part of any programme of cow protection. …People seem to think that, when a law is passed against any evil, it will die without any further effort. There never was a grosser self-deception. Legislation is intended and is effective against an ignorant or a small, evil-minded minority; but no legislation which is opposed by an intelligent and organized public opinion, or under cover of religion by a fanatical minority, can ever succeed. The more I study the question of cow protection, the stronger the conviction grows upon me that protection of the cow and her progeny can be attained only if there is continuous and sustained constructive effort along the lines suggested by me. (YI, 7-7-1927, p. 219) Goseva Preservation of cattle is a vital part of GOSEVA. It is a vital question for India . . . There is urgent need for deep study and the spirit of sacrifice. To amass money and dole out charity does not connote real business capacity. To know how to preserve cattle, to impart this knowledge to the millions, to live up to the ideal oneself, and to spend money on this endeavor is real business. (H, 17-2-1946, p.11) In so far as the pure economic necessity of cow protection is concerned, it can be easily secured if the question was considered on that ground alone. In that event all the dry cattle, the cows who give less milk than their keep, and the aged and unfit cattle would be slaughtered without a second thought. This soulless economy has no place in India, although the inhabitants of this land of paradoxes may be, indeed are, guilty of many soulless acts. Positive Measures Then, how can the cow be save without having to kill her off when she ceases to give the economic quantity of milk or when one becomes otherwise an uneconomic burden? The answer to the question can be summed up as follows: 1. By the Hindus performing their duty towards the cow and her progeny. If they did so, our cattle would be the pride of India and the world. The contrary is the case today. 2. By learning the science of cattle-breeding. Today there is perfect anarchy in this work. 3. By replacing the present cruel method of castration by the humane method practiced in the West. 4. By thorough reform of the pinjrapoles [institutions for aged cows] of India which are today, as a rule, managed ignorantly and without any plan by men who do not know their work. 5. When these primary things are done, it will be found that the Muslims will, of their own accord, recognize the necessity, if only for the sake of their Hindus brethren, of not slaughtering cattle for beef or otherwise. The reader will observe that behind the foregoing requirements lies one thing and that is ahimsa, otherwise known as universal compassion. If that supreme thing is realized, everything else becomes easy. Where there is ahimsa, there is infinite patience, inner calm, discrimination, self-sacrifice and true knowledge. (H, 31-8-1947, p. 300) Filed under: Cows and Environment   • Email to a friend • •   New Vrindavan, USA: The 24 Hour Kirtan is June 18 – 19, 2011 The 24-Hour Kirtan (24HK) is celebrating its 5th Anniversary. The dates for this year’s festival are June 18-19, 2011. Held in the foothills of West Virginia at the Krishna farm community of New Vrindaban, the festival offers an opportunity to chant shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the most gifted Mantra Music artists in the world. For the nearly 1000 people who attend this festival each year, it marks the beginning of Summer. Taking place on the third weekend in June, as per tradition, it falls one week after the New York Ratha-Yatra. The festival is free to all who attend including meals throughout the weekend. A $25 suggested donation is requested to help cover the costs of running the festival. Larger donations and sponsorships are welcome and can be made from www.Mantralogy.com/24. Past years have included Mantra Music chanters Radhanath Swami, Bada Haridas Prabhu, The Mayapuris, Sivaram Swami, and Madhava Prabhu to name a few. This year’s festival features Bhakti Charu Swami, Agnideva Prabhu, and Amala Kirtan, along with the many artists who have become a staple of the 24HK including Ananta Govinda, Acyuta Gopi, Gaura Vani, and the young, meteoric, Ayush Sharma. (See Mantralogy.com/24 for a complete list of chanters.) “I’ve helped put on Krishna-influenced festivals from Burning Man to Rainbow Gatherings,” says Nitai das, (one of the 24HK producers) adding, “There’s nothing like the 24HK. In only five years it’s changed the landscape of the continent. It’s the crucible of kirtan.” Kirtans will take place in the Temple hall which remains open all night to accommodate the chanting. There will be no stage this year as some have expressed it can create a mood of separation between the musicians and the attendees. We’re excited to see how it increases the mood of family and closeness at this year’s festival. In the newly emerging sub-culture of Mantra Music, a short list of music festivals in North America are proving to be very important. Among these, the 24HK is unique for its simplicity. It’s a no frills festival – the only one with non-stop kirtan for 24 hours. And this year the organizers have decided to change the scheduling of the festival to feature younger generation artists during the day time hours, reserving the intense night time 11pm to 4am for established chanters like Gaura Vani, Acyuta Gopi and Ananta Govinda. “I’m so lucky to be chanting at this festival. I still can’t believe it!” says 13-year-old Ayush, who will travel from Seattle to West Virginia with his elder brother Vivek. “I’ve idolised all these guys for ever. They’ve been so encouraging to me. I feel like I’m part of a big family.” “We are hoping to create a platform to encourage and appreciate a new generation of chanters who are the future of this scene.” says Rasa Acharya (Mantralogy co-owner and co-festival producer). It’s an opportunity to refocus on what’s most important and essential. No “isms”. No politics. No distractions. 24 hours of swimming, splashing, and diving in the ancient, sacred names of Radha and Krishna with other like-minded souls. The festival includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday. Each hour will also be webcasted live around the world and the recordings will be available for free download. The recordings from the past four years are available online at Mantralogy.com/24. Accommodations are not included and can be procured by contacting the Palace Lodge directly (304-843-1600 x111) or at surrounding hotels. In order to cover the costs of the free festival, the 24HK Team is actively seeking and accepting donations and has published its budget online. Some key areas to support are: 4 Meals for 600-800 people, travel costs and honorariums for artists, sound system rental, printing costs, marketing and promotions, staffing (from management to bathroom cleaning). Based on the amount of donations raised, festival organizers have created a “Suggested Donation,” a voluntary contribution that can be paid at the time of arrival at the festival for all that have the desire and means to give. “We see this festival as a glimpse into the future,” says Ananda Tirtha (Chairman of the 24HK). “We are cooperating closely with the management of the temple here and trying to build a festival that can sustain for many years to come.”   • Email to a friend • •   H.H. Sivarama Swami: Inside Europe’s biggest Hasidic community Inside Europe's biggest Hasidic community Continue reading the main story In today's Magazine Getting to know Gertrude Could the US crack high-speed rail? An American Dream deferred Quiz of the week's news North London's Hasidic Jewish community is an intensely private world, where marriage is an integral rite of passage, strict rules must be adhered to and faith is taken seriously. Film-maker Paddy Wivell spent three months finding out what goes on behind closed doors and how an outsider is received. "Nobody can become a 10-minute Jew," warns Hasidic scholar and Stamford Hill resident Gaby Lock. "It's so vastly away from your way of life that you would have no understanding of it whatsoever." In Lock's front room, he talks about just a few of the 613 Commandments that govern the lives of the 20,000 orthodox Hasidic Jews who live here. It's already enough to give you a headache. Out on the streets, men with beards and ringlets wear black hats and coats and hurry to synagogue while women push buggies into kosher supermarkets wearing wigs to protect their modesty. Tomado de: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-13417502 SRS: This is the article I was speaking about http://bbc.in/kqOeDn   • Email to a friend • •   Dandavats.com: The Four Divisions Of Human Society By Gautam Saha Having now studied the Srimad Bhagavad – Gita for well nigh over twenty five years, and striving to draw out every nuance of meaning and content from it, I refuse to believe that Lord Krishna was so ignorant or short sighted or not intelligent enough to have been directly responsible for creating the disparities and social injustices of traditional Indian society, based on the caste system   • Email to a friend • •   Dandavats.com: Kirtan All The Way By Premanjana Dasa A memoir of our trip to Jaggnath Puri Dham and Mayapur Nawadeep Dham. It was March 25 when I reached HARE KRISHNA CENTER by a city bus in Jaipur at 5:30 PM. The Prabhu who was in charge of the whole trip gave us a brief idea of the whole trip...   • Email to a friend • •   Dandavats.com: Ancient Rathayatra At-Puri, Orissa 2011 Iskcon Puri: Dear Devotees, Dandabat pranam, All glories to Srila prabhupada. Last 9 years worldwide devotee community serving free Prasad distribution(full meal, Rice, dalma & chatni) During Rathayatra day at puri, for which iskcon puri being appreciated by Govt and common pepule of Orissa   • Email to a friend • •   Dandavats.com: You are invited! Exciting event this Saturday, May 21st! Learn & grow! Damodara Vamsidhari Dasa: Welcome to the Bhaktivinoda Thakura Monthly Sankirtana Festival (BVT MSF) of 1,008 book distributors! The transcendental marketplace is now open and we very happy that you are part of it. You have the opportunity to open the floodgates of mercy surging from Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Lord Nityananda, the 6 Goswamis and the entire paramapara, including the great Thakura Bhaktivinoda   • Email to a friend • •   Dandavats.com: Iskcon Philadelphia Pandava dasa: The current incarnation of Radha Krishna Temple was founded in 1977 after the purchase of the former Cresheim Arms Hotel at 41 West Allens Lane. It was the fourth and final location of the temple, which was originally brought to Philadelphia following the instruction of Srilla Prabhupada, founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1969   • Email to a friend • •   Dandavats.com: Opening ceremony of ISKCON temple in Mombasa - video Radha Mohan das: Opening ceremony of ISKCON temple in Mombasa - Dwarikadham   • Email to a friend • •   Dandavats.com: Daytona Beach Festival of the Chariots and Ratha Yatra Parade Nartaka Gopala dasi: An Indian multi-cultural parade and festival will be celebrated with entertainment for the whole family. There will be live music, singing, classical dance, books, bazaar, and lots of free delicious vegetarian food. The Ratha Yatra Parade is the oldest known parade in the world   • Email to a friend • •   Dandavats.com: New Orleans Rath yatra has been postponed Ramakant Das: This is to inform you that due to the impending major flooding of the Mississippi River in and around New Orleans we have been forced to cancel our Rathayatra Festival scheduled for May 21st and 22nd. The scope of this flood event is practically unprecedented, and we ask you all to extend your prayers and best wishes to all those whose well being and property may again be at risk in our thrice hard hit region   • Email to a friend • •   Dandavats.com: 24h kirtan in Villa Vrindavana Krishna dasi: Villa Vrindavana (Florence), in June, will hold its first 24hours Kirtan "Sravanam Kirtanam, keep your faith alive by hearing and singing"   • Email to a friend • •   H.H. Sivarama Swami: Many visitors to our temples or judge in court have raised an eyebrow at the scene of Nrsimhadeva killing Hiranyakasipu Announcement regarding Venu Gita   • Email to a friend • •   Devadeva Mirel, Alachua, USA: Interview : Monica Mackenzie Design Massachusetts designer Monica Mackenzie shares some tips on what to pay attention to during your kitchen remodel, weighs in on the painted cabinet trend and tells us how she feels about tackling the ultimate design challenge–remodeling an old house. Read the interview here. print   • Email to a friend • •   Mayapur Online: Nrisimha Caturdasi - Photo's posted to gallery We have now posted many amazing photos of the Nrisimha Caturdasi festivities, including over 400 pictures of the abhisek. The day began with great classes given by HH Gopal Krishna Maharaj and HH Jayapataka Maharaj, on the wonderful pastimes of Lord. read more   • Email to a friend • •   Japa Group: Sweet Like Sugar Candy The holy name, character, pastimes and activities of Kṛiṣhṇa are all transcendentally sweet like sugar candy. Although the tongue of one afflicted by the jaundice of avidya [ignorance] cannot taste anything sweet, it is wonderful that simply by carefully chanting these sweet names every day, a natural relish awakens within his tongue, and his disease is gradually destroyed at the root. Nectar of Instruction Text 7   • Email to a friend • •   Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: The Topmost Sacrifice In the Bhagavad-gita, different types of sacrifice are mentioned. Some sacrifices are in the mode of goodness, some are in the mode of passion, and some are in the mode of ignorance. There are different kinds of tapasya and worship because there are different kinds of people within this world. But the ultimate tapasya, Krsna consciousness, is the topmost yoga and the topmost sacrifice. As confirmed in the Bhagavad-gita, the topmost yoga is to think always of Lord Krsna within the heart, and the topmost sacrifice is to perform the sankirtana-yajna. Krishna book chapter 88   • Email to a friend • •   Akrura das, Gita Coaching: MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP Management means you make things happen. Leadership means you make people happen.   • Email to a friend • •   Gouranga TV: Bhajan – 24hr Kirtan – Amala Kirtan das Bhajan – 24hr Kirtan – Amala Kirtan das   • Email to a friend • •   Mayapur Katha Magazine: Radha-Madhava altar on Nrisimha Chaturdasi 2011 NrsChat-RM-altar, a photo by Mayapur on Flickr. www.remembermayapur.com   • Email to a friend • • More Recent Articles H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Wednesday 18 May 2011--No One More Merciful than the Pure Devotee--and--Why Do ISKCON Devotees Dance? Australian News: Mahaprabhu Mandir: Todays Darshan – check it out now ISKCON Brampton, Canada: Sri Narasimha Jayanti 2011 @ ISKCON Brampton ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darshana ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Caru Prabhu

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