The sharp growth in online video consumption suggests the people of the world are becoming more enraptured by visual content than anything else. But for teachers of the ancient Vedic tradition, sound is seen as capable of having a much deeper transformational effect on a human being.

Interestingly, this Vedic wisdom is supported by research work of Psychologist Katharine Le Mee. She writes in her book Chant:

The sense of hearing . . . connects experientially with the heart, and music and sound touch us most directly. We do not resonate so deeply with the visual as with the auditory. This may be explained by the fact that our visual apparatus has a frequency range of slightly less than one octave, from infrared to ultraviolet, whereas our auditory system has a range of about eight octaves, approximately 60 to 16,000 hertz, or number of vibrations per second. We are sensitive to sound frequency as pitch and to light frequency as color. The frequencies of the visual field are much higher than those of the auditory field (by an order of 1010), and, as is well known, the higher the frequencies, the lesser the penetration of a given material. For instance, a piece of cardboard shields us easily from the light, but it takes a thick wall to block out sound, and the lower the pitch the deeper the penetration. We are very sensitive to sound, not just through the ear but through our whole skin, and all our organs are affected by it.

The findings of Don Campbell, a music therapist, are in line with that of Le Mee. He writes in The Mozart Effect: 

Music can equalize brain waves, slow down heart beat, lower blood pressure, reduce muscle tension, improve memory and learning, strengthen digestion and decrease depression. In an instant, music makes us dance, lets the child in us play, the monk in us pray, and the hero in us to surmount all obstacles.

Indeed, looking back on revolutionary movements, what empowered their heroes were iconic tunes and songs :“We Shall Overcome” of the American civil rights movement, “La Marseillaise” of the French revolution, and songs by Beatles, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, and the Grateful Dead of the Sixties’ counter culture.

Even today we are transformed by sound in subtle but significant ways, many a times subconsciously. Advertisers rouse us to buy things using carefully designed brand-tunes. For instance, Nokia 2110 phone was launched in 1994, and with it came the ringtone Nokia Tune. Soon this tune started ringing round the globe round the clock, 20,000 times/second,1.8 billion times/day! “The Nokia ringtone played a big role in the cellular phone's integration into popular culture,” says Dan Lafferty of PH Media Group, U.K.

But the sounds that most affect our lives are the mantras generated by our own minds. One genre of mantras, like a whirlpool, pull us down - “I am not good enough”, “I am a failure”, “I am lonely” - and the other genre, like a whirlwind, push us to loftiness  - “I am always right”, “Everybody should agree with me”. The first genre victimise us in failure, and the second spoil us in success. We are tossed up by one wave of mantra, only to be tossed down by another that follows, sooner or later. Imperceptibly, these waves are etching our character, more profoundly than our visual memories. 

The Vedas recommend that we chant sacred positive mantras to replace the negative ones. These divine vibrations have the power to bring harmony even in a chaotic physical environment, what to speak of the inner environment for which they are designed. American author Steven Rosen writes in his book Sonic Spirituality:

A recently constructed device called a “tonoscope” graphically demonstrates the power of Sanskrit syllables to evoke forms in a physical medium. The tonoscope is a tube suspended over a thin membrane and covered by a layer of fine dust. When sounds are broadcast through the tube, corresponding designs form in the dust that can tell us something about the initial sound that went through the tube. While most sounds produce random, ill-defined images, the vibration of Sanskrit syllables produces quite a different result. When Sanskrit mantras are repeated at the proper pitch, for example, a perfect circle forms, and out of that a yantra, or a traditional geometric image used in worship. These experiments, which are still in their infancy, indicate that Sanskrit mantras embody objective vibratory energies that can act on the environment. If the sounds of mantras can activate a gross element such as dust, one can only imagine the power such vibrations might have on human consciousness. 

The sanskrit word mantra is formed from combining the root words, manas, which means “mind,” and trayate, which means “to deliver” or “to free.” Repeating a mantra frees the mind from anxiety, or arrogance, and brings peace and harmony. 

Though seekers across all the well known world traditions use sound for inner transformation - the Jews recite psalms; the Christians sing hymns; the Muslims call out Qur'ānic prayers; the Sikhs sing shabads; and the Buddhists loudly read the sutras - sound forms the foundation of Vedic spirituality. In fact, one of the three sections of the Vedas is called Shruti: ‘that which is learnt by hearing’. Steven Rosen writes: 

Portions of Vedic literature are almost like textbooks on the art of using sound as a spiritual tool. They describe the concept of Nada Brahman – God as sound. Nada, a Sanskrit word literally meaning “sound,” is related to the term nadi, denoting the stream of consciousness. The concept of Nada Brahman recommends sound as a preeminent means to attain higher, spiritual consciousness.

And even if you aren’t seeking higher consciousness, but are seeking to build a successful business, it’s worthwhile turning to the power of sound, rather than stick to the visual-paradigm. Of the top 10 viral YouTube videos of 2015, six were rooted in music. “While they (those six videos) may have other things going on, videos are just better with music, and everybody has caught on to this, from those at late night TV shows to advertising agencies looking to create something that will go viral. YouTube has become a place to experience just how powerful music is through other mediums, as well as to listen to music,” says pop music journalist Hugh McIntyre of New York City.

Source:http://iskconnews.org/tuning-into-sound-in-a-visual-age,5939/

I approached a middle-aged lady. She was favorable, and I offered her the Krishna book, but she didn’t want to accept it. She started to explain why.
“You know, when I was seventeen, I read the Bhagavad Gita, and while reading it, I was constantly crying, because it was what I was always looking for. I directly felt Krishna’s presence.
“When I was a little girl, I always felt that this world is not my home. I told my parents many times: ‘You are not my parents. I want to go home!’
The last fifteen years I have lived a mundane life with my husband and children, but I have always desired Krishna’s association. I meditate every day, and I read the Gita, but I feel that in this world everything is gray and empty, and I desire to go to Krishna’s home to be with Him. He is like my secret lover.”
Finally she bought the Krishna book and said that at first she didn’t want to, because if she would read more about Krishna, then she would cry a lot again. She actually cried several times during our conversation.
She also said that she regularly visits people in the hospital who have cancer and preaches to them, because the last part of human life is the most important.
And she told me that it’s very difficult for her to try to become Krishna conscious alone, so she was happy that I invited her to the temple and to join our community.
She came to the temple for the Sunday program with her husband, and they liked it very much.
Your servant,
Mohana Dasa

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=33584

On Saturday, November 12, the Chariot Festival Ratha Yatra was held in Chile, with thousands of people pulling Lord Jagannath's car through the main avenue of the capital, followed by a cultural show in front of the Government Palace La Moneda. 

In an unprecedented event, Santiago's main street, Avenida Libertador Bernado O'Higgins, was used exclusively by the majestic chariot that carried the Lord of the Universe and the people who pulled its ropes, filling the streets of Santiago with joy and colors like never before. 

It all started as a dream. When Sri Bhakti Das, in charge of the Department of Culture of ISKCON Chile, visualized Lord Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra in front of La Moneda, he felt that it would be a beautiful offering for Srila Prabhupada on the 50th anniversary of the International Society for Consciousness Krishna. 

In December of 2015, Sri Bhakti met with the manager of the last Ratha Yatra in Chile, Arjuna Das, who shared his experiences on the organization of the previous festivals. In addition, Pundavanika Devi Dasi and Premi Krishna Das  joined the production team. Because this year the chosen place was so historic, a large number of permits and government authorizations would be necessary. 

After almost a year of work, the festival was confirmed and the preparations began in the different areas. "All the devotees of the yatra made service to make it possible, from the team to build the car (led by Viryavan Das and Bhakta Matías Vallejos), the coordination of the stands, communication, prasadam, cleaning, and so many other services. It was amazing to see the teamwork of the community”, said the organization team.

The event was covered by the mainstream medias in Chile, on television, radio and newspapers. This contributed the vast attendance to the Ratha Yatra, especially by people who had never had contact with Krishna-consciousness before.

On the day of the event, the tour began at a strategic point in downtown Santiago, the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center (GAM). With a sunny day and a clear main avenue, Lord Jagannath's chariot was accompanied with joyous songs and dances. The devotees of ISKCON Chile had prepared for the procession choreography for weeks, which was applauded by the festival participants for their coordination and beauty.

Three disciples of Srila Prabhupada attended the festival: Maha Visnu Swami, Visuddha-sattva Das and Dharmatma Das. Harinam Ruci was also here, and encouraged everyone to dance and sing the Maha Mantra.

The procession concluded at Plaza Bulnes, a historical place of Santiago in front of the Palace of La Moneda. There, many booths were displayed, such as Food For Life, books, questions and answers, yoga, activities for children and prasadam. In addition, a first class artistic show was performed with dance presentations by Danza Odissi Chile and the participation of outstanding chilean musicians such as Millapol Gajardo and the musical groups Om Bhakti and Krishna Sambandha.

The festivities, which lasted until 9 o’clock at night, hosted hundreds of people who got the chance to get introduced to the culture of Bhakti, to read and buy books of Srila Prabhupada and taste delicious prasadam. 

“I was very happy to see how the whole community was united by this Ratha Yatra, working together to position the legacy of Srila Prabhupada in the most important place of our country. I hope Krishna will give us His blessings to continue this beautiful teamwork forever”, said Sri Bhakti Das.

Source:http://iskconnews.org/historic-ratha-yatra-in-the-heart-of-santiago-chile,5940/

Despite the chilling cold and rainy weather of Nairobi, a large group of more than 250 devotees assembled at the Sri Sri Radha Banke Bihari Mandir to commemorate the ISKCON’s golden jubilee. Amongst them were Bhakti Narasimha Swami (South Africa), Akhandadhi Das (UK), ISKCON Nairobi Vice President Rukuma Das, Manasi Ganga Dasi, and 90 jubilant students who celebrated attaining a Certificate of Ethics and Morality after a year-long course on Vaishnava philosophy. The program is run by the Hare Krishna Training Center, part of ISKCON Nairobi. 

The goal of the training center is to introduce students to the ageless wisdom of Vedic philosophy and practice of Krishna Consciousness. The center seeks to further A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada’s mission of reaching out to all people around the world. It also seeks to establish a large pool of devotees by targeting mostly young students from local universities who have an interest in understanding their purpose in life. By offering character building courses, students are not only introduced to the need to live an ethically astute and morally sound life as young adults, but are also introduced to the unwavering practice of Krishna-consciousness that is a much needed antidote against the vagaries of society in an increasingly volatile East African region struggling with poverty, Islamic fundamentalism, corruption, and ethnically motivated conflict and violence.

By rigorously engaging in a study of Prabhupada’s books, the students are introduced to the practice of devotional service and Krishna-consciousness while also pursuing their academic and material lives. The program has grown over time since its inception in 2012 when six students graduated, to 25 students in 2013, 60 students in 2014, 75 students in 2015, and eventually 90 students in 2016. In 2016, a total of 670 students attended classes. The exponential growth is partly due to the testimony from many students who have gone through the program and found it fulfilling and worthwhile. 

According to Allan Mbugua, one of the students who have been attending the classes for more than a year, “God can do without man, but man cannot do without God”. He lauded the openness, directness, and practical approach of Krishna-consciousness in fostering one’s spirituality. Although most of them first came to the temple for the sumptuous prasadam that was being served after the classes, it was Prabhupada’s teachings on Vaishnava philosophy that have kept them keep coming to the center. “If you find someone who teaches you how to practice spirituality then that is the best friend”, he continued.

The inclusivity that is practiced by the Hare Krishnas is a critical ingredient in today’s society if peace and cohesion is to be attained. The course has rescued most of them from engaging in mundane material sense gratification such as intoxication.

Each year, the curriculum is built around one of Prabhupada’s books, and in 2016, The Journey of Self-Discovery provided an incisive and enriching spiritual sojourn for the students. Its sharp philosophical buildup coupled with Prabhupada’s critical but practical approach to addressing tough questions was essential for the students’ introspection of their morality and dharma.

The program is run by facilitators from the training center who are essentially second and third year resident students that have either resided in the ashram for some time before joining the Center or have excelled in the study of Prabhupada’s books. The center currently boasts ten qualified facilitators from amongst its students who have mastered some of Prabhupada’s books and paperbacks.   

According to the program’s founders Govinda Prem Das and Gaurasakti Das the growth in student numbers is just a beginning. The main objective is to make the center rise to college level with the ability to offer training that leads to bachelors, masters, and PhD degrees.

At the moment, the Center will be offering a Bhakti Sadachar course for its resident students while the ethics and morality courses offered to external students living around will continue acting as a prerequisite for admission to the Training Centre. It will also be offering an informal Bhakti Sastri course to its more senior students in preparation for the course and exam elsewhere in one of ISKCON’s centers around the world as it is yet to receive ISKCON accredited teachers to conduct the program.

Source:http://iskconnews.org/90-students-graduate-from-nairobis-hare-krishna-training-center,5941/

In this purport, we read about the brahmanas and the kshatriyas, and Srila Prabhupada put the emphasis, especially for the brahminical class of men, on controlling the senses. He said, “For the intelligent men, controlling the senses is the essence,” and then he expands on that, “… sex indulgence even with the legitimate wife must also be controlled and therefore family control will automatically be followed.” So this is intelligence and it is a different definition than the modern definition of intelligence in that conduct is also considered. It is not that one just knows standards or better ways of life but one must also embody it. If one does not embody the intelligent conclusions then one is not intelligent at all. Therefore intelligence must translate into a higher moral standard of life otherwise, as Prabhupada said, it is misused and this is the result of modern education which does not offer morality.

This Movement is particularly for intelligent people because it is not so simple to understand how to act. The other day, I addressed the topic of fundamentalism and how it is a form of reductionism where we try to reduce everything to very simple principles that apply at all times and where we just switch off the intelligence – no need to judge any circumstances, no shades of grey, just all black and white, no need to apply a principle and see how to fits in the circumstances and find an appropriate solution.

An example that comes to mind is that of Ashwathama and Arjuna. Ashwathama was the son of Dronacharya, a brahmana, but he had misbehaved because he had revenged the death of his father by killing the sleeping sons of Draupadi. So it was outright murder, a most heinous act and at that stage Ashwathama lost his brahminicalstatus. Arjuna pursued him, defeated him, captured him and brought him back bound-up. This was very shocking, to see a brahmana bound up like an animal. Draupadi found this very difficult to see as Ashwathama was the son of their teacher.

Then a whole discussion unfolded where the Pandavas and Krsna were all divided. Krsna asked what will be done – Ashwathama was the killer of man therefore he should be killed. Bhima agreed that he should be killed immediately but then Draupadi said, “No, he is the son of our teacher and a brahmana. How can we kill him? And I don’t want his mother to go through what I am going through so he should be spared.” Yudhishthir also said they should consider that throughout his life, Ashwathama was a brahmana of high qualification and even though he had committed a heinous act, he should not be considered an ordinary man, therefore he should not be killed.

Then Krsna asked Arjuna, “So, what will you do now?” Then Arjuna had a difficult task and he figured it out with intelligence. He cut off the jewel on Ashwathama’s head. This jewel was the symbol of Ashwathama’s brahminicalqualities and in this way, he killed him but he also did not kill him. Arjuna killed Ashwathama’s identify as a brahmana but he did not take his life. In this way, Krsna was very satisfied. So just see, it was not all fundamentalism – just kill him – it was about intelligence!

Source:https://www.kksblog.com/2016/11/the-intelligent-class-of-people/

Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 3: Chapter Twenty-nine, Text 34 TRANSLATION: Such a perfect devotee offers respects to every living entity because he is under the firm conviction that the Supreme Personality of Godhead has entered the body of every living entity as the Supersoul, or controller. PURPORT: A perfect devotee, as described above, does not make the mistake of thinking that because the Supreme Personality of Godhead as Paramatma has entered into the body of every living entity, every living entity has become the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This is foolishness. Suppose a person enters into a room; that does not mean that the room has become that person. Similarly, that the Supreme Lord has entered into each of the 8,400,000 particular types of material bodies does not mean that each of these bodies has become the Supreme Lord. Because the Supreme Lord is present, however, a pure devotee accepts each body as the temple of the Lord, and since the devotee offers respect to such temples in full knowledge, he gives respect to every living entity in relationship with the Lord. Mayavadi philosophers wrongly think that because the Supreme Person has entered the body of a poor man, the Supreme Lord has become daridra-narayana, or poor Narayana. These are all blasphemous statements of atheists and nondevotees.

Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 3: Chapter Twenty-nine, Text 21 TRANSLATION: I am present in every living entity as the Supersoul. If someone neglects or disregards that Supersoul everywhere and engages himself in the worship of the Deity in the temple, that is simply imitation. 
PURPORT: In purified consciousness, or Krsna consciousness, one sees the presence of Krsna everywhere. If, therefore, one only engages in Deity worship in the temple and does not consider other living entities, then he is in the lowest grade of devotional service. One who worships the Deity in the temple and does not show respect to others is a devotee on the material platform, in the lowest stage of devotional service. A devotee should try to understand everything in relationship with Krsna and try to serve everything in that spirit. To serve everything means to engage everything in the service of Krsna. If a person is innocent and does not know his relationship with Krsna, an advanced devotee should try to engage him in the service of Krsna. One who is advanced in Krsna consciousness can engage not only the living being but everything in the service of Krsna. 
TEXT 22 
TRANSLATION One who worships the Deity of Godhead in the temples but does not know that the Supreme Lord, as Paramatma, is situated in every living entity’s heart, must be in ignorance and is compared to one who offers oblations into ashes. PURPORTÜd1111 1ÜŒ It is stated clearly herein that the Supreme Personality of Godhead, in His plenary expansion of Supersoul, is present in all living entities. The living entities have 8,400,000 different kinds of bodies, and the Supreme Personality of Godhead is living in every body both as the individual soul and as the Supersoul. Since the individual soul is part and parcel of the Supreme Lord, in that sense the Lord is living in every body, and, as Supersoul, the Lord is also present as a witness. In both cases the presence of God in every living entity is essential. Therefore persons who profess to belong to some religious sect but who do not feel the presence of the Supreme Personality of Godhead in every living entity, and everywhere else, are in the mode of ignorance. If, without this preliminary knowledge of the Lord’s omnipresence, one simply attaches himself to the rituals in a temple, church or mosque, it is as if he were offering butter into ashes rather than into the fire. One offers sacrifices by pouring clarified butter into a fire and chanting Vedic mantras, but even if there are Vedic mantras and all conditions are favorable, if the clarified butter is poured on ashes, then such a sacrifice will be useless. In other words, a devotee should not ignore any living entity. The devotee must know that in every living entity, however insignificant he may be, even in an ant, God is present, and therefore every living entity should be kindly treated and should not be subjected to any violence. In modern civilized society, slaughterhouses are regularly maintained and supported by a certain type of religious principle. But without knowledge of the presence of God in every living entity, any so-called advancement of human civilization, either spiritual or material, is to be understood as being in the mode of ignorance. 
TEXT 23 
TRANSLATION 
One who offers Me respect but is envious of the bodies of others and is therefore a separatist never attains peace of mind, because of his inimical behavior towards other living entities. 
PURPORT: In this verse, two phrases, bhutesu baddha-vairasya (“inimical towards others”) and dvisatah para-kaye (“envious of another’s body”), are significant. One who is envious
or inimical towards others never experiences any happiness. A devotee’s vision, therefore, must be perfect. He should ignore bodily distinctions and should see only the presence of the part and parcel of the Supreme Lord, and the Lord Himself in His plenary expansion as Supersoul. That is the vision of a pure devotee. The bodily expression of a particular type of living entity is always ignored by the devotee. It is expressed herein that the Lord is always eager to deliver the conditioned souls, who have been encaged within material bodies. Devotees are expected to carry the message or desire of the Lord to such conditioned souls and enlighten them with Krsna consciousness. Thus they may be elevated to transcendental, spiritual life, and the mission of their lives will be successful. Of course this is not possible for living entities who are lower than human beings, but in human society it is feasible that all living entities can be enlightened with Krsna consciousness. Even living entities who are lower than human can be raised to Krsna consciousness by other methods. For example, Sivananda Sena, a great devotee of Lord Caitanya, delivered a dog by feeding him prasada. Distribution of prasada, or remnants of foodstuffs offered to the Lord, even to the ignorant masses of people and to animals, gives such living entities the chance for elevation to Krsna consciousness. Factually it happened that the same dog, when met by Lord Caitanya at Puri, was liberated from the material condition.

Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 3: Chapter Twenty-nine, Text 24 
TRANSLATION: My dear Mother, even if he worships with proper rituals and paraphernalia, a person who is ignorant of My presence in all living entities never pleases Me by the worship of My Deities in the temple. 
PURPORT: This gratitude and love for God is exhibited by a pure devotee, who knows that the Lord lives in every living entity. As such, temple worship necessarily includes distribution of prasada. It is not that one should create a temple in his private apartment or private room, offer something to the Lord, and then eat. Of course, that is better than simply cooking foodstuffs and eating without understanding one’s relationship with the Supreme Lord; people who act in this manner are just like animals. But the devotee who wants to elevate himself to the higher level of understanding must know that the Lord is present in every living entity, and, as stated in the previous verse, one should be compassionate to other living entities. A devotee should worship the Supreme Lord, be friendly to persons who are on the same level and be compassionate to the ignorant. One should exhibit his compassion for ignorant living entities by distributing prasada. Distribution of prasada to the ignorant masses of people is essential for persons who make offerings to the Personality of Godhead.

Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 4: Chapter Three, Text 22 TRANSLATION: My dear young wife, certainly friends and relatives offer mutual greetings by standing up, welcoming one another and offering obeisances. But those who are elevated to the transcendental platform, being intelligent, offer such respects to the Supersoul, who is sitting within the body, not to the person who identifies with the body. 
PURPORT: It may be argued that since Daksa was the father-in-law of Lord Siva, it was certainly the duty of Lord Siva to offer him respect. In answer to that argument it is explained here that when a learned person stands up or offers obeisances in welcome, he offers respect to the Supersoul, who is sitting within everyone’s heart. It is seen, therefore, among Vaisnavas, that even when a disciple offers obeisances to his spiritual master, the spiritual master immediately returns the obeisances because they are mutually offered not to the body but to the Supersoul. Therefore the spiritual master also offers respect to the Supersoul situated in the body of the disciple. The Lord says in Srimad-Bhagavatam that offering respect to His devotee is more valuable than offering respect to Him. Devotees do not identify with the body, so offering respect to a Vaisnava means offering respect to Visnu. It is stated also that as a matter of etiquette as soon as one sees a Vaisnava one must immediately offer him respect, indicating the Supersoul sitting within. A Vaisnava sees the body as a temple of Visnu. Since Lord Siva had already offered respect to the Supersoul in Krsna consciousness, offering respect to Daksa, who identified with his body, was already performed. There was no need to offer respect to his body, for that is not directed by any Vedic injunction.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=33534

Institute of International Social Development

2016 Annual Award Ceremony, 20th Anniversary and Book launching of ‘Ocean of Mercy’ by H.H. Bhakti Charu Swami

On, 17th of November 2016, Institute of International Social Development – New York, an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations awarded a special award to His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami.

Over the years, Institute of International Social Development, has grown from a small organization to a vast Non Governmental Organization, helping those in disadvantaged areas. The organization is very grateful for all the support His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj gave them on behalf of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, in spreading the message of spirituality for the World Peace and Understanding between Nations and Civilizations. Institute wanted to show him their appreciation, with this small token of love and sincerity.

There was also the book launch of “Ocean Of Mercy”, Maharaj’s recent book on his personal experiences with Srila Prabhupada. Many news channels also covered the whole event.

We can study the example of a topmost Vais.n.avi, Queen Kunti-, who prayed for calamity to remember her Lord again and again. Of course, she is the personified zenith of devotional dependence, but we can greatly benefit by trying to at least get a glimpse of her mood.

SB 1.8.25

vipadah. santu ta-h. s’as’vat tatra tatra jagad-guro
bhavato dars’anam. yat sya-d apunar bhava-dars’anam

I wish that all those calamities would happen again and again so that we could see You again and again, for seeing You means that we will no longer see repeated births and deaths.

Firstly, obstacles and impediments are an on going agenda on this plain, whether in personal relation, management, or the communication field.

Srila Prabhupada, our most noteworthy example, established an international society amidst overwhelming physical handicaps or apparent setbacks that became a precursor to a worldwide society. Then there are his sincere followers, whose tests and trials amidst obstacles, have realization, trying their best to fulfill his will.

Apart from what should be a ‘main concern’ of positives; victories, satsan.ga, kirtans and good times, let us examine the difficulties that we may individually/collectively undergo as we traverse the path of devotion in this present field.

We may have an ax to grind with regard to an individual, guru, management, or society. Possibly, we may feel taken advantage of, manipulated, abused, and used within arenas that proclaim spiritual values, where material agendas have sadly arisen.

Has politics pushed us into the background? Has our response to various scenarios been accommodating or reactionary? Do we focus on the grains of sand of ‘an event’ rather than the instructing panorama of the Lord’s arrangement with regard to an individual or collective?

Sometimes, due to infatuation with the comic strip of temporal incidents, we forget the larger picture, the mind and plan of the presiding ‘Overseer’. Amidst our sincere attempts, within changing governments or administrations, have we supported various phases of assumed spiritual backing, representing the Supreme?

What ever it may be, by appreciating Queen Kunti-, her mood and appeal, we can at least understand what has come our way is perfect and complete. For her, the tests are a barometer of the Lord’s love, and an opportunity to live more selflessly for others.

In our case, as we operate from a platform of mixed sam.ska-ras, the difficulties in devotion may force us to digest a painful ‘blessing in disguise’, a correction, a direction, and hindsight, bringing us together, closer to the mark. The question is, “Are the struggles part of a learning curve in devotion or ignored historical repeats?” Surely, we are also being tested in ‘our response’ to these unforeseen events, a foundation to our future.

How to move closer to this transcendental mood of Kunti-, to become immune to happiness or distress, fearlessly relishing the ‘God sends’ within the roller coaster of time?

As the various forms of blessings come our way, may we always be ‘mindful’ to be ‘seen by Him’, then ‘we can truly see’, reflect, and remember, as we have become dependent on the Lord in all circumstances.

Best Wishes

Your Servant,

Bhaktisiddhanta Swami

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=11886

MotelGita has distributed ten thousands of Bhagavad Gita’s in hundreds of motels and hotels across the United States of America in the last couple of months.
With the help of a call center, MotelGita is making sure that all the hotel/motel owners get new or replacement books in a timely manner so that Srila Prabhupada’s books are in the rooms.

Several ISKCON temples like Baltimore, Dallas, Austin, Boston etc…helped attend the regional conventions and participated in fulfilling orders.
Special thanks to donations from all the devotees of North America.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=33490

Does transcendence mean we ignore current events? Does it mean ‘we are spiritual’ and ‘that is material’ and we don’t get involved? Does being detached mean we don’t care? 
Yes and no.

Yes because we are all caught in karmic cycles of events, and on many levels we cannot do much about it. We should remember we are souls inhabiting our bodies, and that all that is happening does not touch the soul…can not touch the soul. Spiritually we are not defined at all by the externals of the world. By our spiritual nature, we are ‘sat, cit, ananda’ - eternal, happy, and complete with knowledge. Our soul in its essence transcends all that is matter, both body and mind. This temporary world, with all it’s comings and goings, is the stage upon which our false ego, our bodily sense of self, builds its identity.

But temporary, and ultimately false as it is, this world and our place in it is also real. Life and spiritual life really can’t be separated, as they are both God’s energy. The understanding that we are spiritual and part and parcel of a real and loving God, is meant to make us better humans, better people. We need to take a step back and remember who we are beyond the body, and then we have to step in and live our best life with our body.

As devotees of Krishna we will each respond differently, because of our unique individuality, to how public life is playing out before us. But our response will be based on a foundational principle of the practice of Krishna consciousness - that is, a devotee of Krishna cares about the suffering of others. We care when lust, anger and greed - gateways to hell the Gita teaches - become rampant. We care when the bodily concept of life makes one group put down another - my body is better than yours, my country is better than yours, my religion is better than yours. Oh, how we have lost our way and fight like arrogant children sometimes.

For most Krishna devotees their best response is to teach the wisdom of the scriptures and the practice of meditation. They inspire faith and offer good counsel to all. Some may also feel their calling is in the realm of Krishna conscious social justice - fighting for proper leadership. Arjuna is perhaps the most famous devotee of Krishna, and he was front and center in the great battle of Kuruksetra. His duty (and nature) as a warrior was to protect - to stand up for right action and to protect the earth and all who live here from the burden of misuse and abuse.

Krishna Consciousness is devotional service - action in relationship to the self, to community, to guru, and to God. It means loving service to Krishna in thousands of different ways, but under the guidance of wisdom teachers and teachings. Then our actions can transform ourselves and others - no matter how we are called to serve.
Ananda Vrindavanesvari Devi Dasi

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=33494

2016 marks 50 years of ISKCON. 50 years of dedication, 50 years of sacrifice, 50 years of devotional service. This video is dedicated to all the volunteers who work tirelessly year after year to make Sri Krishna Janmashtami at Bhaktivedanta Manor the most amazing place to be on Lord Krishna’s Birthday. ‘Krishna will reward you in Goloka’ – Sruti Dharma das

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=33502

A special birthday poem, for Guru das

An intricate mosaic is Guru das ji
Experiences life footloose and fancy free
But a closer look reveals a tender heart
Moved by compassion, caring as an art.

You have known the highs and lows of human life
Rejected inherited values despite poverty’s strife
Sought to give a picture of a divine example
For Prabhupada’s grace you’ve received ample.

You chose not to take much of this dreary world
And to share glimpses of divinity so others may be healed
May you live a very long life for our heart’s sake
Until Krishna your soul will gently take.

But that, my friend, is a new beginning 
Where every word is a song, every step dancing
To the sweet sound of Krishna’s flute
And be with Prabhupada again in a spiritual suit.

As Krishna expresses, something in the way She moves
Perhaps enlisted in service to Her servants, no higher Truths
Leave this place behind for the grateful dead
Goloka is for the living, let it be written, let it be said.

Happy 75th. Birthday, Guru das November 18, 2016
from your friend, Pusta Krishna das

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=33514

I was distributing door to door: I rang the bell, and a middle-aged woman opened the door. When she saw me she opened her mouth and eyes wide.
Slightly laughing, I said, “I’m a missionary, do not worry”.
In the meantime her husband came, saw the situation and invited me to enter the apartment.
After few moments the woman “woke up” and told me,“ Please excuse me if I did not let you in immediately but I was very shocked to see you here, it is the first time…. you are a Hare Krishna right?”
“Yes it is, and yes I am” I answered back.
She continued,“ I am simply in love with Srila Prabhupada and His more than wonderful books.”
Then I asked which books she had and she showed me six books of S.P that she bought in a used books store. I presented to her the Caitanya Cairitamrta set and other introductory books that she immediately accepted.
I felt very encouraged after this because I saw the potency of the SKT movement and in particular of S.P. books. I used to say sometimes to the people I meet: “I know you do not read but take this book anyway because these are the only books with legs….” The only contact she had with Krishna Consciousness was Srila Prabhupada books. Actually, “They” are doing sankirtana we may be or not be there but S.P’s Books are there, and they’re the “Real Thing”.
Your Servant,
Anakadundubhi Das

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=33530

A few Sundays ago, at the LA temple, I noticed that the BBT FEME books were
not on the main book table outside, which is active during the Sunday
program, being located right in front of the temple room. I asked the
devotee in charge of the table to please put them there, which he did.

About a half hour later, someone came to tell me that three brothers from
Palestine were looking at the Arabic books with a lot of interest. He
suggested that I should speak with them. I discovered their interest to be
more like overwhelming, and I invited them to the feast which they loved.
One of the brothers, who was headed back to Palestine the next day, was so
excited with everything that he said that, if it was possible, he very much
wanted to bring a small quantity of the Arabic books back home with him and
try to distribute them there.

They settled on forty books as the maximum they could fit into his suitcase
and still be hidden somehow. As they were purchasing them, they were also
discussing how (and if) he was actually going to get himself safely back
into Palestine with the books. Palestine has no airport, so he would have to
fly into Jordon, go through a potentially dangerous checkpoint into Israel,
where they always check the luggage, and then go through an even more
difficult checkpoint into Arabic-speaking Palestine, where they also always
examine the luggage.

With some serious concern but also excitement they took the books and left.

I didn't hear anything for some days. After ten days I was getting pretty
worried, and my emails to Jereis went unanswered.


The next day I got this note:

Dear Satyanarayana,

How are you? I want to let you know that I arrived home safely. It was an
easy journey, thanks to Srila Prabhupada. I have a very good news for you:
Krishna consciousness is spreading throughout the Palestinian Territories. I
distributed all the books and people are asking for more. I checked out the
Web site WWW.BBTFEME.COM <http://www.bbtfeme.com/> <http://www.bbtfeme.com/ and

saw that the other
translated books in Arabic are Sri Isopanishad, Science of Self-Realization,
and the most important book, Bhagavad-Gita As It Is. Do you have any
suggestions how I can get these books? If I want to order a hundred copies
of each of the six books on the website, how much will it cost to ship them?
I look forward to hearing from you.

Much Love,
Jeries


After getting this email, I was able to reach him on Skype. He exploded with
enthusiasm, telling me that “Krishna blinded the checkpoint officers. No one
checked anything!”

I have just shipped more Arabic books to an Israeli address they're keeping,
and hopefully they will also be able to get those back across the border and
into the hands of many more of these serious Palestinian seekers of the
truth.

Your servant,
Satyanarayana Dasa

On Saturday, November 12, the Chariot Festival Ratha Yatra was held in Chile, with thousands of people pulling Lord Jagannath’s car through the main avenue of the capital, followed by a cultural show in fron of the Government Palace La Moneda.

In an unprecedented event, Santiago’s main street, Avenida Libertador Bernado O’Higgins, was used exclusively by the majestic chariot that carried the Lord of the Universe and the people who pulled its ropes, filling the streets of Santiago with joy and colors like never before.

It all started as a dream. When Sri Bhakti Das, in charge of the Department of Culture of ISKCON Chile, visualized Lord Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra in front of La Moneda, he felt that it would be a beautiful offering for Srila Prabhupada on the 50th anniversary of the International Society for Consciousness Krishna.

In December of 2015, Sri Bhakti met with the manager of the last Ratha Yatra in Chile, Arjuna Das, who shared his experiences on the organization of the previous festivals. In addition, Pundavanika Devi Dasi and Premi Krishna Das joined the production team. Because this year the chosen place was so historic, a large number of permits and government authorizations would be necessary.

After almost a year of work, the festival was confirmed and the preparations began in the different areas. “All the devotees of the yatra made service to make it possible, from the team to build the car (led by Viryavan Das and Bhakta Matías Vallejos), the coordination of the stands, communication, prasadam, cleaning, and so many other services. It was amazing to see the teamwork of the community”, said the organization team.

The event was covered by the mainstream medias in Chile, on television, radio and newspapers. This contributed the multitudinary attendance to the Ratha Yatra, especially from people who had never had an approach with Krishna consciousness before.

On the day of the event, the tour began at a strategic point in downtown Santiago, the Gabriela Mistral Cultural Center (GAM). With a sunny day and a clear main avenue, Lord Jagannath’s chariot was displaced between joyous songs and dances. The devotees of ISKCON Chile had prepared for weeks a choreography to guide the procession, which was applauded by the attendants for their coordination and beauty.

Three disciples of Srila Prabhupada attended the festival: HH Maha Visnu Swami, HG Visuddha-sattva Das and HG Dharmatma Das. Harinam Ruci was also here, and encouraged everyone to dance and sing the Maha Mantra Hare Krishna.

The procession concluded in Plaza Bulnes, historical place of Santiago in front of the Palace of La Moneda. There, many booths were displayed, such as Food For Life, books, questions and answers, yoga, activities for children and prasadam. In addition, a first class artistic show was performed with dance presentations by Danza Odissi Chile and the participation of outstanding chilean musicians such as Millapol Gajardo and the musical groups Om Bhakti and Krishna Sambandha.

The activity, which lasted until 9 o’clock at night, received hundreds of people who were able to know about the culture of Bhakti, read and buy books of Srila Prabhupada and taste delicious prasadam.

“I was very happy to see how the whole community was united by this Ratha Yatra, working together to position the legacy of Srila Prabhupada in the most important place of our country. I hope Krishna will give us His blessings to continue this beautiful teamwork forever”, said Sri Bhakti Das.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=33445

Tivon and Cheyenne are an African American couple in their mid-twenties. She works in a steakhouse, and he’s in marketing. Cybil, in her fifties, is a real estate agent. Jorge is a student. Lauren is a professor of music at Towson University. Maria is retired from her government agency job. Ravi is doing his postdoc in medicine at John Hopkins. Kate is a nurse and a Buddhist. And Henna works on a horse farm.  

They’re as diverse a group as possible, but they all have one thing in common: they’re all regular attendees at the recently re-opened Bhakti Lounge in Baltimore. 

Lokadhyaksha Das and his wife Vidarbha Suta Dasi, who run the Lounge, are genuinely interested in people. And people are interested in them.

They meet people at the many vegetarian and street festivals where they sell prasadam and books – including D.C. VegFest, Baltimore Vegan SoulFest, LatinoFest, and Columbia Street Festival.

“At VegFest, there was a continuous line of 25 or 30 people throughout the day for our vegan ‘hot dogs’ and samosas,” says Vidarbha-Suta, whose booths also sell Srila Prabhupada’s books. “Many want to know more, so we take their information and send them invitations to our programs.”

At Vegan SoulFest, Vidarbha recalls, while one person was writing down their information, two or three others would appear to do the same. “We told one lady, ‘We have never seen the kind of enthusiasm for spiritual knowledge that we see here in the Baltimore area.’ She replied, ‘It’s the only way we can survive.’”

From these interactions, Lokadhyaksha and Vidarbha have built a pool of 750 people on their page at Meetup.com, a website where people can find weekly gatherings for things they’re interested in.

Newcomers respond positively to Srila Prabhupada's purports

Originally the gatherings were held in a tiny space – barely more than a shed. Since being restarted in October, however, the Bhakti Lounge’s home has been a handsome, two-storey residential house with a wrap-around porch and comfortable furnishings, located near the ISKCON Baltimore temple in Catonsville, Maryland.

“We wanted to create a really welcoming space where people would feel at home,” Vidarbha says.

Many people who come to the Bhakti Lounge previously purchased either Prabhupada’s books or his biography at Lokadhyaksha and Vidarbha’s booth and asked questions. The Lounge meetings every Sunday are a chance for them to delve deeper. 

To guide group members, the couple have come up with a system they call “Sutra to Samadhi.” Taking various sutras often used by Srila Prabhupada – such as “raso vai sah” (Krishna is the reservoir of pleasure); “aham brahmasmi” (I am spirit soul); and “athato brahma jijnasa” (now is the time to enquire about the absolute truth) – they use them as launching pads into sections of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, Isopanisad or Bhagavad-gita where Prabhupada discusses them.

This creates dynamic focus points to study Prabhupada’s books through. “It’s really, really exciting,” Vidarbha says. “People are really liking it.”

At each meeting, members also have a kirtan, chant one round of japa together, and then chat while tucking into delicious prasadam.

“It’s so powerful to see the impact reading Prabhupada’s purports has on people,” says Vidarbha. “One lady told us, ‘At first, just the word Krishna made me so uncomfortable. I really fought the idea of a personal God. But it’s just so freaking true that I cannot fight it anymore!’ Another girl said, ‘When I hear all of this, nothing comes to me as a surprise. It all seems so obvious. But then I look outside and realize, ‘Wow, so many people don’t even think about these things!’” 

The Bhakti Lounge uses philosophical sutras as launching pads into Prabhupada's purports

Some people do struggle with different philosophical concepts or statements in Prabhupada’s books. But, Vidarbha says, there’s almost always something that connects with their hearts. And sometimes statements the devotees think will be problematic are not.

“In one passage, Prabhupada compares modern education to a dead body that’s covered with decorations, as they are in Indian funeral processions,” recalls Vidarbha. “But people didn’t seem to think it was too heavy a comparison. They actually resonated with it!” 

Next, Bhakti Lounge will release a ‘Sutra to Samadhi’ book, with a different sutra on each page. Decorated with elaborate borders and handpainted sketches, it will be made available to everyone who wants to study at the Bhakti Lounge.

In the future, Lokadhyaksha and Vidarbha-Suta hope to encourage members to start sangas in their own neighborhoods with the people in their circles. 

“Already, some of them have attended festivals at our ISKCON Baltimore temple and engaged in distributing books and prasadam,” Lokadhyaksha says. “They’ve also helped cook prasadam at the temple which we then distribute at homeless shelters – that’s something we hope to increase too.” 

Vidarbha is convinced that it is Prabhupada’s words that have touched people’s hearts and inspired them to do this service.

“I remember how when we restarted the Bhakti Lounge after a long time, there were tears in people’s eyes,” she says. “It’s amazing for us to see how powerful the knowledge that Prabhupada has given us is.”

Source:http://iskconnews.org/diverse-newcomers-delve-into-prabhupadas-books-at-baltimore-bhakti-lounge,5930/

During kartik last year, a very dear friend of mine, Padma visted Sri Vrindavan Dham, and a sincere devotee for many years. She arrived a day after the much celebrated Gopastami festival. As we made our way to the ISKCON goshala that afternoon, I described to her our Gopastami festival, where our Srimati Radharani is dressed as the cowherd boy Subal and at this time Her devotees relish the sweet darshan of Her lotus feet, the only time in the year except Radhastami. On this wonderful day also Their Lordships Krsna and Balaram visits Their cows at the gosala, riding on a palanquin lead by the vibrant chanting and dancing of the devotees. You can’t help but notice Their appreciative smiles as They examine Their calves, bulls and cows.
The whole day devotees are plunged into an ecstasy of dramas, lectures, exotic prasadam and go-seva.

She was really sorry for having missed the festival.

I asked her what she thought about the Supreme Personality of Godhead appearing as a cowherd boy in Vraja.
“Come to think about it, it never struck me as something important, I just took it for granted, you know, it’s in all of Prabhupada’s lectures, books and purports. Its there, and something I accepted without much thought.”

What she said next shocked me.

“What to speak of realizing Krsna as a cowherd boy, I have never touched a cow in my life! I have been to Vrindavan a few times but between my kids, the husband, their getting sick, the morning program, parikramas, loi bazaar and the MVT restaurant, there was no time for the cows. We often saw the stray cows but my kids were too scared to go anywhere near them. I know I should have spared some time to visit the goshala, for them to get used to the cows but we never had enough time. Today will be my first visit and without my family, I should feel guilty but somehow don’t. My mom is taking good care of them. Thank you very much for bringing me.” she said.

“Its only fair then that I should introduce you to the bliss of serving Krsna’s cows and have an inkling of why the Supreme Personality of Godhead appeared as a cowherd boy”
“I am the humble servant of Krsna’s cows, please lead the way!” she said laughingly.

As were entered our ISKCON goshala, the smell of cow dung, cow urine and freshly copped grass filled the air. A few cowherd women were busy picking up cow-dung in a metal pan; a few young boys were washing the cowsheds with buckets of water and else were the cowherd men were leading the bulls out of the sheds into the sunshine. Over the loudspeakers, Prabhupada’s sweet bhajans played in the background.

I watched the happy look on my friends face and gave her, her first assignment, “Please take that pan from this mataji and you go to that part of the barn and fill it up with cow-dung.”
With an amazed look her face, she turned to me, “You can’t be serious!” she said. After giving her a practical demonstration, she went down on her knees and picked up her first handful of cow-dung. And in no time she had the pan filled up. She was having so much fun; she then carried it on her head and took it to the area where it would be made into cow-dung cakes. Sitting among the ladies who were already making them, she made over a dozen cow-dung cakes!

Next we got buckets and filled them with fresh sweet water and she carried them to every cow in the shed, it was tiring for she is not one to do menial labor. “Keeping a maid has made me lazy”, she quipped as she placed the bucket next to Jamuna a beautiful white cow who gave birth a week ago, her udders full, Jamuna drank up all the water and mooed for more.
Giving her back a massage, she panted, “Could I take a break now?” “Sure” I replied. We went over to where the baby calves were kept, there were about five of them sitting huddled together enjoying the sunshine. That did it, she crouched down picked up Jamuna’s baby, placed him on her lap and began caressing and kissing him. Every time he jolted back, she held him tighter. “You are sooooooooo beautiful, eh, sooooooooo beautiful!” And beautiful he was, white as snow except for his forehead and the tip of his tail, which has a sprinkling of brown. She looked at me, “He is mine! I want to take him home, my boys will love him”

“Of course you can take him home, in your heart, and photos should suffice for your boys, till you bring them to Vrindavan.” I said.
“Can’t believe the fun I am having, it’s like another world”
“It is another world,” I said.

After much hesitation she put the calf down. “Give him a name” I said. She looked up at me surprised, “Gosh! I can name him too! ok, I will call him Jamuna Priya, I will never forget him.”
“Alright, its time to feed the cows laddus,” I said. “Oh! Wonderful! Let’s get those laddus.” After we got a basket full of laddus, she wanted to know what they were made of, “jaggery and coarse wheat,” I said. “They smell yummy, are they good for human consumption?” she asked jokingly.

She went around feeding the cows and big calves laddus and at one time she let out a scream, “They have teeth! One just bit me!”

I examined her fingers, “You got the mercy, and I said, millions of your sinful activities have been destroyed, you will be ok.” “Oh, really, and how does that work?” she questioned.
“You see, the 33 million demigods live in the body of these cows, especially these ones with the silky soft skin folds at the neck, lotus eyes and the huge hump on the back. Also residing in their bodies are the nine planets. Remember that time when you sent me an email saying me that your husband was in his saturn period?”

“Yes, I never knew this, so instead of doing this and all the other things, my mother-in-law insisted I do the Shiva puja, Durga puja and read the Hanuman Chalisa, we could have just worshipped Go-mata, why didn’t you tell me?”
“At that time I was also not aware of the importance of worshipping Krsna’s cows. Its only by their causeless mercy, I can render some service to them. Its getting closer to milking time, we have a few minutes left, lets go brush Luxman, my favorite bull, he sometimes bring Krsna Balaram’s milk to the temple.” I said.

We went over to Luxman lying with the other bulls under the pipal trees, as soon as he saw us he got up and held up his head high, a huge copper red bull. I pulled out from my bag a special brush, with firm bristles to brush Luxman. “Krishna! He is such a big bull, you sure he will not toss me back to my hellish country,” she retorted staying a little distance away. “Not at all, He is the gentlest and sweetest of all the bulls in the goshala” I said as I began brushing Luxman under the neck, on his back, the hump, between his horns, his head. He loved it.
Seeing how much he was enjoying the brushing, my friend grabbed the brush from my hands saying “Come on, give me the brush, you are too slow, Luxman wants a full body brush, I am expert in these things, having a husband and two sons, you know!!”

I laughed as she got into the swing of brushing Luxman, he loved it so much so, that he practically fell asleep while standing up and after some time he sat done and dozed off, not before she put a couple of laddus in his enormous mouth.
Hugging me as we went to the milking pen, my friend with tears in her eyes said, “Thank you, I never knew cows can be such lovable, sweet and gentle animals, no wonder Krsna loved them so much, I cannot in my wildest dreams ever think, I would ever feel so much happiness and closer to Krsna.”
“It’s not over yet, you have to milk at least one cow and then we will together relish the chanting of the Lords holy name amongst the cows” I said.
As we entered the milking pen, the cowherd men had the milking cows back legs tied with ropes and into a silver pail fell thick, creamy white milk as they gently pressed the udders between their thumbs and forefingers, continuous streams of frothy milk fell into the pails.

My friend could contain herself no longer; she squatted besides Shyam the cowherd boy. He gave her a crimson smile and taught her how to milk Kalindi, at first Kalindi protested, after repeated attempts my friend finally milked her first cow! It was a historical moment. She was jubilant; she danced, gave me repeated hugs, kissed Kalindi and hugged Shyam as well!

As the milking went on, we sat under the kadamba tree, surrounded by Krsna’s beloved cows and with our minds fixed on the Lords holy name, chanted five rounds.
“This is the best japa, I ever did, and everything seems so mystical and pure. It seems as if I am in another time zone, actually it seems as if I am closer to Krsna, a truly unbelievable experience, something to relish, cherish and keep locked away in the heart. We lead such hectic lives, twenty four seven, its about work, money, keeping house, seeing to the kids, pleasing the in-laws, my husband just a promotion and we hardly see him, I make it to the temple on Sunday’s but its not enough, I want to do more, what can I do, please tell me what I can do for the cows?” She said looking at me.

I smiled, gave her a hug and told her to share her experience with others, just as the holy names are non-different from Krsna, He can never be separated from His beloved cows in Vraja. “Also promote go-seva amongst your friends and family members and support this project according to your means.”

“I will” she said. As we made our way back to the temple she picked up a dried cow-dung patty and put it in her bag, looking at me, she said “ for memories and purifying my home and heart.”

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=9649

…As for determination, one should follow the example of the sparrow who lost her eggs in the waves of the ocean. A sparrow laid her eggs on the shore of the ocean, but the big ocean carried away the eggs on its waves. The sparrow became very upset and asked the ocean to return her eggs. The ocean did not even consider her appeal. So the sparrow decided to dry up the ocean. She began to pick out the water in her small beak, and everyone laughed at her for her impossible determination. The news of her activity spread, and at last Garuda, the gigantic bird carrier of Lord Vishnu, heard it. He became compassionate toward his small sister bird, and so he came to see the sparrow. Garuda was very pleased by the determination of the small sparrow, and he promised to help. Thus Garuda at once asked the ocean to return her eggs lest he himself take up the work of the sparrow. The ocean was frightened at this, and returned the eggs. Thus the sparrow became happy by the grace of Garuda.

full article 

Execute Bhakti-yoga with Determination
by Smita Krishna Dasa

The yoga practitioner should be determined and should patiently prosecute the practice without deviation. One should be sure of success at the end and pursue this course with great perseverance, not becoming discouraged if there is any delay in the attainment of success. Success is sure for the rigid practitioner. Regarding bhakti-yoga, Rupa Gosvamī says:

utsahan niscayad dhairyat
tat-tat-karma-pravartanat
sanga-tyagat sato vṛtteh
sadbhir bhaktih prasidhyati
sadbhir bhaktih prasidhyati

“One can execute the process of bhakti-yoga successfully with full-hearted enthusiasm, perseverance, and determination, by following the prescribed duties in the association of devotees and by engaging completely in activities of goodness.” (Upadesamṛta 3)

As for determination, one should follow the example of the sparrow who lost her eggs in the waves of the ocean. A sparrow laid her eggs on the shore of the ocean, but the big ocean carried away the eggs on its waves. The sparrow became very upset and asked the ocean to return her eggs. The ocean did not even consider her appeal. So the sparrow decided to dry up the ocean. She began to pick out the water in her small beak, and everyone laughed at her for her impossible determination. The news of her activity spread, and at last Garuda, the gigantic bird carrier of Lord Vishnu, heard it. He became compassionate toward his small sister bird, and so he came to see the sparrow. Garuda was very pleased by the determination of the small sparrow, and he promised to help. Thus Garuda at once asked the ocean to return her eggs lest he himself take up the work of the sparrow. The ocean was frightened at this, and returned the eggs. Thus the sparrow became happy by the grace of Garuda.

Similarly, the practice of yoga, especially bhakti-yoga in Krishna consciousness, may appear to be a very difficult job. But if anyone follows the principles with great determination, the Lord will surely help, for God helps those who help themselves.

Source:https://theharekrishnamovement.org/2016/11/17/execute-bhakti-yoga-with-determination/

Srila Rupa Goswami.
From the translation and purports of Srila Prabhupada.

Preface:
This book of 11 verses in Sanskrit was written by Srila Rupa Goswami in Vrndavana, and deals the gradual stages of devotion developing within the aspiring bhakta; beginning with the control of the senses, all the way to hearing about the glories of Radha and Krsna and Their topmost lilasthana, Sri Radha Kunda. This book is an instructing guide and manual for all sadhakas. Srila Rupa Goswami gives herein, the basic idea of what a sadhaka should do to reach the highest platform of love of God.

Upadesamrta means, the nectar of Instruction. Upadesa: instruction, amrta: nectar.

Srila Prabhupada in his Preface explains that the Krsna consciousness movement is conducted under the supervision of Srila Rupa Goswami. He is the head of the Gaudiya vaisnavas and together with the other Goswamis of Vrndavana, teaches the whole world about the science of bhakti yoga. To attain pure love for Krsna one must participate in the mission of Lord Caitanya (appearing in the mood of Radharani) and follow in His footsteps. And in order to do that, one must follow in the footsteps of the six Goswamis.

The two main factors to spiritual advancement is 1) control of the senses and 2) the attitude. Without controlling one’s senses, one cannot understand spiritual life. Rupa Goswami is teaching us to come to the platform of goodness so that everything connected to Krsna’s service is assimilated.

Everyone should become a Vaisnava Goswami, or a fully controlled devotee of Lord Krsna. Then one can proceed on the path of perfection.

Upadesamrta is one of the first books that a neophyte devotee should study and follow strictly in order to make spiritual advancement on the path of Krsna consciousness.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/46riwG

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=33451