ISKCON Desire Tree's Posts (19460)

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Muhammad Ali Talks About Meeting God (10 min video)
Kavicandra Swami: While distributing books in the airport of Chicago, me and other book distributers we would often meet with Muhammad Ali and we would stop him to give him a book. In 1974 I met him and gave him one of Srila Prabhupada’s books. In the beginning he thought that I wanted him to sign it but when I asked him to take it and give a donation, he immediately took out his wallet and gave a 20 dollar donation.
In many other occasions also he received Krishna conscious books from other devotees as he was quite friendly with all. Did he read them??
Judge for your self from this video where he preaches about God during a TV show, repeating almost verbatim Srila Prabhupada’s teachings: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofUhct5Bk_g
Below is a brief description:
Muhammad Ali Talks About Meeting God. 
A little boy asked Muhammad Ali, “I’d like to know what you’re going to do when you retire from boxing?” Ali’s answer couldn’t be more inspiring as he takes his time and gives this young fan an answer he’s sure to never forget. With news of Ali’s death, it is reassuring to know that he prepared for where he wanted to go. Ali said:
When I retire from boxing, I want to say something right here. Life is not really long. Let’s say the average person (is) 30-years-old. If you’re 30 years old you are not but about seven years old…how can I prove it? Add up all the seven, eight, nine hours you slept for 30 years. Out of all the years last night when you went to bed and woke up this morning, you don’t remember a thing. You’ve been unconscious for about eight years…if you’re 30-years-old you slept about eight years. Ok, how much traveling have you done in 30 years, from the television station to home, to another country, to another city, to school, to church…you’ve probably traveled two years your life just getting back and forth to where you’re going. So there’s eight years of sleeping, two years of traveling, There’s 30 years out of your life before you ever accomplish anything. How long do you sit in school? In America we sit in school from the 1st grade to the 12th grade. Six hours a day for 12 years, break it down, you sit in the classroom for three years! Without leaving. Ok, two years of traveling, eight years of sleeping, three years of school. Probably two years of entertainment. By the time you have children, by the time you have made a way for your children, by the time you’ve paid for your home you’re pushing 60-years-old. So…life is real short.
What am I gonna do in the next sixteen years? What’s the best thing I can do? Get ready to meet God. Owning real estate, going in business, teaching boxers…that won’t get me to heaven.
The boxing champ goes onto ask how many people in the audience believe in God, believe that a higher being is behind the earth, moon, the sun and the stars? Most raise their hands that they do. When he asks who doesn’t, not many go up. But Ali questions one of them. He holds up a glass of water and asks if she believes the glass made itself, if the tv studio and her own clothes made themselves. He talks about the moon and planets, and how someone had to have made them, and he believes that someone is God. Because of this, Ali’s mission is to help people because one day he is going to be judged. God is watching him, and he wants to do good. He said:
He wants to know how do we treat each other? How do we help each other? We need someone in the world to make peace. This is a test to see where will we spend this life, heaven or hell? This is not the life here. But your soul and your spirit never die. So God is testing us on how we treat each other and how we live to see where our real home be in heaven. So this physical stuff don’t last us so long. We don’t stay here. We’re just trustees. The most important part thing about life is what’s going to happen when you die. Are you going to heaven or hell?
Looking very serious, Ali talks about just how long forever really is, and the reality of burning in hell versus living in heaven for an eternity. It sounds like Ali has earned his way to the latter. 

Source:http://m.dandavats.com/?p=21831

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Spiritual Fundamentals

Spiritual Knowledge has to be obtained from a bonafide spiritual master or Guru. A bonafide Guru is one who has his own Guru, and so on. The original Guru is God who is perfect in all respects.
 
The Bhagavad Gita is a standard text for spiritual knowledge and we must be careful not to bypass it's essential message when talking about spirituality. Bhagavad Gita's essential message is to become a pure devotee of Krishna and get out of the cycle of birth and death that characterizes the material world.
 
To equate the individual soul with God is a mistake most atheistic spiritualists make. This is an obvious mistake, but due to the power of illusion, the deluded soul is convinced that he can become the supreme or that his powers are unlimited, independent. To take shelter of pure devotees of God is the only way to get out of this dangerous illusion.
 
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8 Steps to Love

Lord Caitanya, the 16th Spiritual Teacher in disciplic line from Lord Krishna, left only one prayer (eight verses) behind him. It contains the complete guide to the practice of devotional service. Here it is in short form with the complete prayer at the end.

. Clean the heart
. Transcend with names
. Humility, like grass
. Desire devotion
. Request a rescue
. Nurture longing
. Feel separation
. Love, no matter what

1. Clean the heart – the first prayer invites us to clean the dust accumulated in the heart through sankirtan – the glorification of Krishna. Sankirtan not only cleanses the heart, it reduces of feelings of misery in life, and enable us to experience spiritual emotions.

2. Transcend with names – Krishna has hundreds and millions of names. Each are invested with his potency. Connect with His name and we connect directly with Krishna Himself.

3. Humility, like grass – the third prayer gives us the mindset for successful devotional practice – more humble than a blade of grass. Find some grass and reflect on this. It’s a powerful insight into what humility can be.

4. Desire devotion – What do we want in life, from life? Peace, love, money, happiness, our own island? What do we want? Lord Caitanya says nothing compares to feelings of devotion to Krishna. Desire only that.

5. Request a rescue – we know we are making progress when we accept we can’t do it on our own, and even more progress when we ask for help. Please pick me up from this ocean of birth and death is the ardent request in the fifth prayer.

6. Nurture longing – when we don’t have something we really want, we long for it. Focus that longing on loving service to Krishna. Such feelings of longing can soothe a heart parched by the troubles and sadness of the world around us.

7. Feel separation – as we come to the end of the verses we glimpse advanced stages of devotion. Even as we move closer to Krishna we ironically feel the spiritual “pain” of separation. It’s a heightened sense of longing that brings a deeper love.

8. Love, no matter what – this is the goal of the practice of Krishna Bhakti – pure, unconditional love for Krishna. He is purchased by this love, only satisfied by this love, and we too are incomplete until we can offer it. This last verse brings us to the summit of love.

This eight verse prayer is deep and wide. It outlines the path to pure love and if we walk it we will see that it’s not so hard. Not only is such love part of us, but Krishna, the object of our love, reciprocates as we progress. The first step is to want it – to want to find, live, and offer pure love. We have to discover that important desire within us and put it front and center of our lives. And keep it there.

Here is the complete prayer:

cheto-darpana-marjanam bhava-maha–davagni-nirvapanam
shreyah-kairava-chandrika-vitaranam vidya-vadhu-jivanam
anandambudhi-vardhanam prati-padam purnamritaswadanam
sarvatma-snapanam param vijayate sri-krishna-sankirtanam

Glory to the Sri-Krsna-Sankirtana, which cleanses the heart of all the dust accumulated for years and extinguishes the fire of conditional life, of repeated birth and death. This sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.

namnam akari bahudha nija-sarva-shaktis
tatrarpita niyamitah smarane na kalah
etadrishi tava kripa bhagavan mamapi
durdaivam idrisham ihajani nanuragaha

O my Lord, Your holy name alone can render all benediction to living beings, and thus You have hundreds and millions of names, like Krsna and Govinda. In these transcendental names You have invested all Your transcendental energies. There are not even hard and fast rules for chanting these names. O my Lord, out of kindness You enable us to easily approach You by Your holy names, but I am so unfortunate that I have no attraction for them.

trinad api sunichena
taror api sahishnuna
amanina manadena
kirtaniyah sada harih

One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige, and should be ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.

na dhanam na janam na sundarim
kavitam va jagad-isha kamaye
mama janmani janmanishvare
bhavatad bhaktir ahaituki twayi

O almighty Lord, I have no desire to accumulate wealth, nor do I desire beautiful women nor do I want any number of followers. I only want Your causeless devotional service, birth after birth.

ayi nanda-tanuja kinkaram
patitam mam vishame bhavambudhau
kripaya tava pada-pankaja-
sthita-dhuli-sadrisham vichintaya

O son of Maharaja Nanda (Krsna), I am Your eternal servitor, yet somehow or other I have fallen into the ocean of birth and death. Please pick me up from this ocean of death and place me as one of the atoms at Your lotus feet.

nayanam galad-ashru-dharaya
vadanam gadgada-ruddhaya gira
pulakair nichitam vapuh kada
tava nama-grahane bhavishyati

O my Lord, when will my eyes be decorated with tears of love flowing constantly when I chant Your holy name? When will my voice choke up, and when will the hairs of my body stand on end at the recitation of Your name?

yugayitam nimeshena
chakshusha pravrishayitam
shunyayitam jagat sarvam
govinda-virahena me

O Govinda! Feeling Your separations I am considering a moment to be like twelve years or more. Tears are flowing from my eyes like torrents of rain, and I am feeling all vacant in the world in Your absence.

ashlishya va pada-ratam pinashtu mam
adarshanan marma-hatam karotu va
yatha tatha va vidadhatu lampato
mat-prana-nathas tu sa eva naparah

I know no one but Krsna as my Lord, and He shall remain so even if He handles me roughly by His embrace or makes me brokenhearted by not being present before me. He is completely free to do anything and everything, for He is always my worshipful Lord, unconditionally.

Source: http://iskconofdc.org/8-steps-to-love/

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iPhone Blog

I have an iPhone.

They are everywhere. We talk on them, walk with them, search them, listen to them, laugh, cry, sleep, and die with them. The ubiquitous iPhone is a friend to all. If we forget it or lose it we feel pain. And today, I write my blog on one.

Studies are now showing that we should leave our phone aside more often. It distracts, interrupts, can cause ill health and certainly fatal accidents. “Don’t let the things we own, own us” we learned last week during the Sunday Open House. When there is too much “i” involved with our iPhone, there will be trouble.

There are other “i’s” that get us into trouble too. We carry them with us all the time and they truly cause problems and blockages in our spiritual life.

iKnow – when you think you know everything there is no room for learning. To keep this app from taking over your head; make it a practice to learn something new. To gain spiritual knowledge one must come to the point of knowing that you don’t know. It’s not a foolish kind of “not knowing.” It’s the kind that makes us humble and eager to inquire about spiritual truths.

iWant – we are full of desires and are unendingly entertained and enticed by the thoughts of fulfilling them. It is one of the two main functions of the mind – hankering and lamenting. Learning to live with less, working with needs instead of wants, and desiring to love and serve Krishna are good ways to balance out the iWants in our lives.

iDon’tCare – at the end of the day we don’t really care about a lot of things, even our self. This is a painful fact to face and why a healthy spiritual life is so important. Whenever I am lazy about recycling , I don’t care. Whenever I lie, cheat, or steal, I don’t care. We can make our own list. Not caring comes from laziness and ignorance. Lots of attentive chanting and hearing can transform this tendency.

iPhones are here to stay. As are the i’s in our life. Keep them small so that they are manageable. They, as well as life in general, are meant help us find the true I, the true spiritual ego beneath it all.

The above applies to Android phone owners as well!

Source: http://iskconofdc.org/iphone-blog/

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26, 2nd Ave celebrates ISKCON 50

Dear devotees,

Hare Krishna. Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

We just celebrated ISKCON’s 50th anniversary at the Sadhu Sanga Retreat last week. To thank all the sponsors and core volunteers who work for the retreat all-year, we have a tradition of gifting them a sweatshirt. This year, we wanted to do a very special design for the sweatshirt to commemorate ISKCON50.

The inspiration for the design came from His Holiness Romapada Swami Maharaja who had come up with the title “The Seven Petals of ISKCON” for his Gita Nagari retreat last weekend to discuss the seven purposes for which Srila Prabhupada founded ISKCON. The pun here is the fact that there are seven petals in the ISKCON logo, which can be taken to mean the seven purposes of ISKCON. (By the way, I’m curious to know who designed the ISKCON logo originally and if this pun is intended).

One of the things I’ve been having difficulty with is remembering the seven purposes of ISKCON – as they are a bit long. Modern companies have figured out that remembering the mission is important to ensure all the activities of employees are aligned with the mission of the organization. For e.g. Google leaders repeatedly emphasize their mission of “organizing the world’s information and making them universally accessible” over and over in meetings so that employees keep that in mind when developing any product.

So we thought of making it easy to remember the seven purposes of ISKCON through the design of the sweatshirt. To do that, we did the exercise of taking each purpose and boiling it down to its core essence to fit in just two words so that we can use that as a mnemonic to remember the whole purpose. Here is what we came up with based on Romapada Swami’s explanation of these purposes in this article http://www.dandavats.com/?p=11900

1. To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all people in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world. => *Spiritual Education*

2. To propagate a consciousness of Krishna (God), as it is revealed in the great scriptures of India, Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam. => *Krishna Consciousness*

3. To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, thus developing the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna). => *Loving Relationships*

4. To teach and encourage the sankirtana movement, congregational chanting of the holy name of God, as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. => *Congregational Chanting*

5. To erect for the members and for society at large a holy place of transcendental pastimes dedicated to the personality of Krishna. => *Temple Construction*

6. To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler, more natural way of life. => *Farm Communities*

7. With a view towards achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings. => *Book Publication and Distribution*

After doing this distilling exercise, our appreciation for Srila Prabhupada grew so much more as it helped us understand what a great visionary His Divine Grace is. Even when most of these purposes hadn’t manifested yet, Srila Prabhupada had such a futuristic vision with which he had encoded a spiritual blueprint for our Society in these purposes. Fast forward fifty years from then – still we are doing exactly just these things in ISKCON!

So we put these two words on the sides of each petal. And now, how do we easily remember these two words for each purpose? For that, we came up with an image for each purpose that helps us remember the corresponding two words easily – after all a picture is worth a thousand words. Putting all these together, this is the final design we came up with:

The front of the sweatshirt has a customizable design where each individual Temple/project can put their logo.

We printed 250 sweatshirts for Sadhu Sanga and 120 sweatshirts for Gita Nagari Memorial Day Weekend retreat and all of them were sold out! Since there is so much interest amongst devotees, we are making this design available for any Temple/project to customize it for their own congregation.

To start with, we’ve customized the sweatshirt for the first ISKCON Temple which Srila Prabhupada started at 26, Second Ave in New York in 1966 as a way of helping with the maintenance of the 26 Second Ave Temple as mentioned here: http://krishnanyc.com/iskcon-50th-anniversary. The designer of the sweatshirt, Mother Jaeme from ISKCON Laguna Beach, has kindly offered to donate 50% of the profits towards the maintenance fund for the 26 Second Ave Temple. Here is the link to buy http://sundaram.life/collections/apparel/products/iskcon-50-anniversary-hoodie this really high-quality sweatshirt. Please help spread the word: the more people buy, the less the printing costs are and the more funds we get for this holy tirtha in NYC.

Who wouldn’t want to get this beautiful sweatshirt, anyway?

And, next time, when you happen to stand in a long Prasadam line behind a person wearing this sweatshirt, you probably wouldn’t mind the wait – as it’s yet another opportunity to remember Srila Prabhupada’s greatness!

Hare Krsna,
your servant,
Govinda caran das.

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=21835

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ISKCON-London Open Day – May 2016

On Saturday 28th May, ISKCON-London had our first Open Day event of the year. Every year, we organise several Open Days during the summer months to welcome new and inquisitive souls to the Temple.

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of ISKCON, and to increase the public’s awareness and appreciation of the movement, the theme for this year’s Open Days is “50 Years of Contribution to the Global Community”. Attendees start a journey of self-discovery and gain insight into topics including the science of the soul, attaining inner and world peace, mantra meditation, yoga and vegetarianism – many of these being new concepts for the attendees.

Whilst we welcome new guests to the Temple on a daily basis, the Open Days provide a structured series of interactive sessions for the public to learn about our philosophy and culture. It provides an opportunity to answer questions such as what goes on inside a Hare Krishna Temple, what are the Hare Krishnas’ beliefs and other questions that often cross the minds of passers-by or the spiritual seeker.

Our first Open Day of the year had over 80 guests attending, the majority who had never visited a Hare Krishna Temple before. They attended sessions based on the philosophy of the Bhagavad Gita, mantra meditation and a Questions & Answers Hub where they could stay for as long as they liked and ask questions to a resident senior monk. Attendees also had the opportunity to join the 6 Hour Kirtan in the Temple Room to put into application the power of chanting the holy names.

Feedback from attendees have been positive:
“I can’t wait to come for next one.”
“It was wonderful and peaceful.”
“I like the music and looking forward to come for Sunday programme.”

Attendees left with a complimentary copy of Higher Taste and a prasadam sweet and several attendees were interested in buying further books.

Looking to introduce a friend, family or colleague based in London to our beautiful philosophy? You can invite them to one of our Open Days.
Dates: 25th June, 30th July, 20th August, 17th September.

For more information or if you wish to volunteer, please email events@iskcon-london.org.

Your servant,
Bhaktin Natasha
ISKCON-London Communications Secretary

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=21833

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In Memoriam and book review

By Kavicandra Swami

My dear god brother H H Purna Candra Goswami went to his samadhi some time back and we heard many praises. HH Bhakti Vijnana Goswami was lamenting that Purna Candra Prabhu was not so well known world wide since he had much to offer.

He did leave us a very beautiful book that I think should be studied by anyone who is serious about spiritual advancement while serving, in any position, within ISKCON.

The book is titled, UNSPOKEN OBSTACLES ON THE PATH TO BHAKTI. The title says a lot.

Most of the devotees who spoke at his samadhi function mentioned his deep philosophical thinking extensive scriptural knowledge. HH Sivaram Swami mentioned that his meetings with Purna Candra Goswami were always refreshing since the talks were always philosophical. In this books he has spoken out very frankly, sometimes it seems to be very much criticizing, but looking carefully we find compassion and a helping hand.

I will just show a bit to give an idea. I do not know just where one can find copies. His disciples were selling them in Vrndavana. The following are a few of the chapter titles:

Freedom and Trust
Blind Following
Varnasram and Being Oneself
Emotions and Impersonalism
Substance and Form
Character and Culture.

He always gives scriptural evidence to back up whatever he proposes. It was he who conceived of the SAC, Scriptural Advisory Committee, to assist the GBC on philosopical issues. The GBC welcomed it and he formed and headed the committee.

I will leave you with a few quotes and hope the book becomes easily available internationally.

“It is clear that laws and duties must exist even within a family, what to speak of within an organization. But if there is an inordinate emphasis on them, it indicates insecurity and a lack of love and trust. This undue emphasis hinders creativity and growth. Unfortunately some leaders care more about rules than they do about people.”

Maharaja also give relevant quotes from non devotees. “Mark Twain once said, ‘It is better to deserve honors and not have them than to have them and not deserve them’”.

In discussing the role of emotions, “Another difference between repression and control is that repression can be artificial and, in that case, there may be some resentment or aversion. Whereas, when the senses are under control, on is detached and considers them as differnet from the self.”

“Srila Prabhupada once said that spiritual life is difficult, but material life is impossible.. Therefore a devotee must always be tolerant and look on the bright side.If one expects too much from any spiritual oganization,seeking perfection in all dealings, one will be disappointed…..Healing comes, however, by practicing being personal. Thus, being personal is both the means and the end.

“For those whose substance is lacking, dependence on form is proportionately necessary. “

“This adjustment focusing on substance will keep our Society pure. Srila Prabhupada came to give Absoute Truth, beauty , love and freedom, ans we should continue to give them to others. We cannot use Krsna’s name without them, because His name and form contain them. One who sincerely chants His name and serves Him with devotion will develop absolute truthfulness, beauty, love and freedom.”

“Again, we must turn our sights inward and observe our own anartha, not being too much concerned about other’s anarthas. I have seen reformers in the past, who wielded strong criticism toward others, but had not pointed their critical facilities toward their own hearts. The reformers should reform themselves at least as much as they try to reform others.”

I do hope that this will inspire devotees to read that book. Even if one cannot access the book right off, to think serviously along these lines.

Your servant
Kavicandra Swami

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=21837

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Gaborone — As one of the initiatives to the buildup to Botswana's 50th anniversary, Moselewapula Ward Development Committee (MWDC) will host a festival of chariots on June 4.

A press release from International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Botswana says the festival will feature a number of activities that will start at 2:30pm, opposite Baobab primary school in Gaborone.

The Chariots will cover a distance of 2.2 km in approximately 2 hours, with watering-point stops.

Participants who will be from different organisations will dazzle the audience with live music and dance. There will be a parade that will start and culminate at the ISKCON centre where participants will pull a 6.6 to 7 metre high chariot while singers and dancers will lead the parade.

The release says there will also be a feast and cultural music performance and drama will follow in the evening.

The purpose of the event is to bring the community together "in a very light and good mood to have fun and witness how chariots operated in ancient years."

ISKCON is one of the non-profitable organisations which came on board with MWDC to ensure that the event is successfully made to up the mood of Batswana towards the independence. This year also marks ISKCON 50th anniversary hence they are aware of the significance of this day to Batswana and strive to make it remarkable.

Source : BOPA


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Hare Krishna devotees in town

Devotees of Hare Krishna came to Eastbourne this week during a five day walking festival from Hastings to Brighton.

The Pilgrimage for Peace saw a group walking with a bullock cart along the seafront.

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Lawyer lawbook and judge would always be in alignment. We can find many times or instances where Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam are inline in every respect.
BG 15.34 purport
The real form of this tree cannot be perceived in this world. No one can understand where it ends, where it begins, or where its foundation is. But with determination one must cut down this strongly rooted tree with the weapon of detachment. Thereafter, one must seek that place from which, having gone, one never returns, and there surrender to that Supreme Personality of Godhead from whom everything began and from whom everything has extended since time immemorial.
It is now clearly stated that the real form of this banyan tree cannot be understood in this material world. Since the root is upwards, the extension of the real tree is at the other end. When entangled with the material expansions of the tree, one cannot see how far the tree extends, nor can one see the beginning of this tree. Yet one has to find out the cause. "I am the son of my father, my father is the son of such-and-such a person, etc." By searching in this way, one comes to Brahmā, who is generated by the Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu. Finally, in this way, when one reaches the Supreme Personality of Godhead, that is the end of research work. One has to search out that origin of this tree, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, through the association of persons who are in knowledge of that Supreme Personality of Godhead. Then by understanding one becomes gradually detached from this false reflection of reality, and by knowledge one can cut off the connection and actually become situated in the real tree.
 

SB 3.25.11Devahuti continued: I have taken shelter of Your lotus feet because You are the only person of whom to take shelter. You are the ax which can cut the tree of material existence. I therefore offer my obeisances unto You, who are the greatest of all transcendentalists, and I inquire from You as to the relationship between man and woman and between spirit and matter.

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June 13th — July 11th SadhusangaOnline.com will conduct a study of one of the most relevant sections of Srimad Bhagavatam for anyone regularly chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, the first three chapters of the Sixth Canto.

Topics:

How Can One Uproot the Desire for Sinful Actions?

How Candidates for Hell are Determined

Was Ajamila Fit to Go to the Hellish Planets Due to His Sinful Lifestyle?

How Can One Atone and Gain Freedom from Past Sins?

A Taste for Chanting Requires Freedom from Past Sinful Reactions

Suddha-nama, Namabhasa & Namaparadha

Instructions by Yamaraja, the Lord of Dharma

Dharmaṁ tu sākṣād bhagavat-praṇītaṁ

Mahājano yena gataḥ sa panthāḥ

Enroll at: SadhusangaOnline.com

Watch eCourse Overview: (http://sadhusangaonline.com)

How to Use Our Website: (https://youtu.be/hx6nLIeQqas)

Source:http://m.dandavats.com/?p=21807 ;

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ISKCON of Radhadesh, Belgium hosted the 2nd European Yoga Congress from May 27th to 29th, sharing insights and techniques with thirteen different yoga schools from twelve countries.

The seeds of the event were sewn in November 2014, when many different yoga organizations met at Yoga Vidya in Germany, Europe’s largest yoga ashram, to explore commonalities and possibilities for cooperation.

That gathering, attended by a delegation of a dozen ISKCON members, resulted in the creation of the European Yoga Confederation, and an agreement to hold a European Yoga Congress every two years.

This year’s event in Radhadesh was held in a giant nearly 1,000 square-foot tent on the grounds, as well as a satellite classroom in the temple. Some 160 to 180 people attended.

Yadunandana Swami, Rector of the Instituto de Estudios Bhaktivedanta in Spain, and Vaiyasaki Das, a Prabhupada disciple and renowned kirtaniya,  represented ISKCON Belgium along with several other devotees.

Jagat Guru Amrta Suryananda, whose Portuguese Yoga Confederation has forty centers in that country, brought 70 people. Sanatan Dharma, an organization from Spain that has sixty centers, brought 30 people.

Other schools represented were Yoga Vidya from Germany; Yoga Surya from Czech Republic; Pauls Stradinš Clinical University Hospital from Latvia; the Russian Classical Yoga Federation; and the Association of Hungarian Yoga Teachers.

Swami Nirliptananda from the London Sevashram Sangha in the UK also attended; as did Dr. Bhandari Chandra Mohan from the Sulislaw Institute of Yoga and Ayurveda, Poland; and Master Sricharan Faeq Biria – a Sri Vaishnava and direct disciple of B.K.S Iyengar – from the Paris Iyengar Yoga Centre in France.

Proceedings began with a “pre-opening” at midday on Friday, during which ISKCON devotee yoga teachers Anandini Dasi and Ekachakra Dasi taught yoga asanas, culminating in a Hare Krishna kirtan.

The official opening followed with an invocation by the Omkara Choir from Portugal, who sang the Ganesh Sharanam to destroy any obstacles and create auspiciousness. Representatives from each yoga organization then spoke a few words, introducing themselves to the students.

The next three days included classes on hatha yoga, pranayamas, asanas, relaxation, meditation, karma yoga and iyengar yoga. There were also sessions on holistic health and wellness through a combination of yoga and Ayurveda; openining and harmonizing of chakras; and the physiological effects of asanas on the cardio-vascular and respiratory systems.

Other classes focused more on yoga philosophy. There were talks on conquering fear; self discipline and freedom; classical yoga education as an alternative to modern yoga trends; and the relevance of yoga for European society and world peace.

Some, like members of the Yoga Shivananda group, where more inclined towards worship of Lord Shiva, or had other differing approaches to ISKCON’s. Devotees, however, found commonality due to a strong message of cultivating virtue, spirituality and transcendence across all groups’ presentations.

In his talk on “The Need for a New World Order,” for instance, Swami Nirliptananda of the London Sevashram Sanga spoke about Dharma and spiritual values; how sense enjoyment is the source of problems in society; and how youth should be educated in yoga principles for a better world.

“Many speakers also quoted the Bhagavad-gita in a nice, respectful way, so that was another common denominator,” says Yadunandana Swami.

ISKCON, of course, emphasized Bhakti. In his well-received talk drawing from the Gita, Yadunandana Swami gave six reasons why Bhakti is powerful in yoga: it integrates karma and jnana; is the goal of karma and jnana; naturally fixes the mind; reveals all transcendental secrets; is easily performed; and invokes the blessings of God, which counteract any shortcomings.

Meanwhile Dhira Nitai Das from ISKCON Simhachalam, Germany, spoke about his Bhakti Yoga Teachers Association, an ISKCON-associated group that is trying to create a unified approach to presenting bhakti through classical yoga.

Finally Vaiyasaki Das gave a seminar on japa and kirtan, and held three interactive kirtans that escalated from meditative to getting everyone up on their feet, dancing and chanting. 

These kirtans were a major part of the event’s cultural programs every evening, which also included performances by renowned flute player Hariprasad Chaurasia and Latvian master Bharat Natyam dancer Gaura Nataraja Das.

“Gaura Nataraja performed beautiful dances dedicated to Lord Krishna and His devotees, Suryadeva, and Lord Shiva,” says Yadunandana Swami. “He also did one on the verse from the Ishopanishads “Tamaso ma jyotir gamah,” going from the darkness into the light, that delighted the yogis in attendance.”

Meanwhile guests were thrilled at the hospitality and accommodation provided by Radhadesh devotees, and the delicious prasadam with vegan and gluten-free options prepared by Gundica Das from Barcelona and Shyamananda Das from ISKCON London.

The cherry on top came when the hosts offered gifts of books to all the presenters and prasadam from the Radhadesh bakery to all participants during the closing session.

“Many expressed that they were happy to have been hosted in such a friendly atmosphere, and that they felt very welcome,” Yadunandana Swami says. “Some yoga teachers said they want to come back to Radhadesh, and even bring their students for a retreat.”

On Tuesday May 31st, after the Congress, all the participating organizations also attended a session at the European Parliament in Brussels on what yoga and spirituality can contribute to the betterment of society.

Speakers included many of the same yoga masters who spoke at the Congress, as well as MEP Carlos Zorrinho, Indian Embassy Councelor Ankan Banerjee, and General Secretary of the Quality Council of India Ravi P. Singh.

They discussed how yoga could help solve today’s problems like the environment, corruption, wars, and terrorism; the benefits of yoga practice in physical, mental, intellectual and spiritual well-being; and how it can help people develop virtues like compassion, a spirit of selfless service, and peacefulness.

“More than one speaker also mentioned the principle of service to God as an essential to success in transforming society from the present difficult situation of degrading values, to an experience of peace and happiness for individuals and communities,” says Yadunandana Swami.

Ultimately, despite any differences in approaches, it was this that bonded all the participants of the 2nd annual European Yoga Congress. 

Source:http://iskconnews.org/iskcon-hosts-2nd-european-yoga-congress,5606/

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A brand new exhibit of artwork from Kim Waters and Chris Murray’s classic 1980 book, Illuminations from the Bhagavad-gita, opened at the Museum of Sacred Art (MOSA) in Radhadesh, Belgium on May 28th.

The exhibit features all Kim’s original illustrations from the book, which is illuminated with translated verses from Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad-gita As It Is. The uniquely charming, colorful images depict Krishna and Arjuna, Radha Krishna, Krishna Balarama, Vishnu, Pancha-Tattva, Nrsimhadeva, Sita Rama, and more.

The exhibit also includes Kim Waters’ cut-out, stand-up illustrated altars of Vrindavana Dhama, Devi, and Buddha, as well as other assorted works.

Amongst the attendees at the opening were the Mayor of nearby Durbuy, Philippe Bontemps; the representative of the Indian Ambassador to Belgium, Ankan Banerjee; and many Radhadesh congregation members and supporters.

Proceedings began at 10:00am with local priest Dhira Krsna Das chanting mantras to inaugurate a new Bhagavad-gita Walk through the forest around ISKCON Radhadesh. The walk features thirty-two large panels of art from Illuminations from the Bhagavad-gita,  with Sanskrit verses and translations in French, Dutch and German.

“It’s 2.8 kilometers long, and takes about forty-five minutes to walk,” says MOSA Director Mahaprabhu Das. “It’s a great way for people to meditate and reflect on the Gita.”

After sampling a section of the walk, guests and devotees attended the inauguration of the Illuminations exhibit at the museum.

Artist Kim Waters had travelled all the way from Washington D.C. for the opening, and did artwork demonstrations for everyone, showing them her mediums and techniques.

She then signed and sold fifty to sixty copies of a new expanded MOSA edition of Illuminations from the Bhagavad-gita, which includes extra drawings, and an account by Satyaraja Das on how the work came to be.

The new edition also includes photos of Srila Prabhupada viewing the illustrations and encouraging the artists on two separate occasions in New Vrindaban, West Virginia, and Potomac, Maryland. “You are introducing a new art form to this country,” Prabhupada reportedly told them. “You will get great rewards for this.”

The signing was followed by a cultural presentation that was shared with the European Yoga Congress, which was also happening in Radhadesh at the time.

A combined audience of 250 watched as legendary flute player Hariprasad Chaurasia and Bharat Natyam Dancer Gaura Nataraja Das left them spellbound.

Kim Waters was thrilled with the public’s positive reaction to her artwork, and in particular that of Chaurasia, who appreciated her work very much.

The Illuminations exhibit will run all the way until November. It will be accompanied through that time by the Bhagavad-gita Walk, which will include a quiz with prizes ranging from postcards and maha-prasadam to copies of Kim Waters’ books, depending on how many questions are answered correctly.

“The exhibit is also part of an ISKCON artists theme at MOSA this year, because it’s the 50th anniversary of ISKCON,” says Mahaprabhu. “At the beginning of the year, we had beautiful portraits of Srila Prabhupada by Mayapur-based artist Anuradha Dasi. Now of course, we have Kim Waters with Illuminations from the Bhagavad-gita. And in November we will have Satsvarupa Maharaja with his Outsider Art, which will also feature Krishna and Srila Pabhupada.”

In the meantime, Mahaprabhu says, Illuminations is a very special exhibit because Srila Prabhupada personally interacted with Kim Waters and Chris Murray and encouraged them to do it.

“It is part of ISKCON’s history,” he says. “Many devotee children grew up looking at the book. And surely, it will inspire future generations of devotee artists to also do their own illuminations on Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad-gita As It Is.”

Source:http://iskconnews.org/new-bhagavad-gita-exhibit-opens-at-mosa-belgium,5607/

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Dear Devotees and TOVP Donors,

Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Greetings from Sridham Mayapur and blessings from Sri Sri Radha-Madhava, Sri Panchatattva and Lord Nrsimhadeva.

We would like to sincerely thank all those who took part in chanting extra japa for the Maha Sudarshana Yajna and Harinam vrata on May 19th. The Yajna was a grand success. More than 350 devotees worldwide took part, and together they chanted more than 14,000 rounds for this event. Actually the totals must have been even higher, because many devotees around the world and in Mayapur took part without sending us their results.

The regular performance of Yajna is vital for the wellbeing of human society. As Lord Krishna famously says in the Bhagavad-gita:

annād bhavanti bhūtāni parjanyād anna-sambhavaḥ
yajñād bhavati parjanyo yajñaḥ karma-samudbhavaḥ

All living bodies subsist on food grains, which are produced from rains. Rains are produced by performance of yajna [sacrifice], and yajna is born of prescribed duties.

(BG 3.14)

Within half an hour after the conclusion of the Maha Sudarshana Yajna, there was a sudden storm in Mayapur which lasted about an hour and created a very fresh atmosphere for Nrsimha Caturdasi. We take this as proof of Srila Prabhupada’s statement in the Srimad Bhagavatam that chanting the Maha-mantra is considered Sankirtana-yajna, and can cause regular rainfall:

“When the Hare Krsna mantra is chanted by many men together, the chanting is called sankirtana, and as a result of such a yajna there will be clouds in the sky (yajnad bhavati parjanyah Bg. 3.14). In these days of drought, people can gain relief from scarcity of rain and food by the simple method of the Hare Krsna yajna.”

(SB 9.1.17 purport)

Sankirtana yajna is thus a cooperative effort that can bring about all spiritual and material benefits to humanity. Similarly, the construction of the TOVP by the hands of every devotee is also a yajna for the pleasure of the Lord that will bring immeasurable auspiciousness to the entire planet:

“An astounding temple will appear and will engage the entire world in the eternal service of Lord Caitanya”

(Lord Nityananda to Jiva Goswami, Navadvipa-dhama-mahatmya)

If we all work together and focus on this vision, we can please Srila Prabhupada by completing the temple and offering Sri Sri Radha-Madhava and the Pancha Tattva Their new home in 2022, the 50th Anniversary of Sridhama Mayapur.

To see more pictures of the yajna please visit – http://www.mayapur.com/2016/sri-maha-sudarshana-yajna/

Yours in the Service of Sridham Mayapur,

Braja Vilas das
Global Fundraising Director 

Source:https://tovp.org/news/fundraising/sudarshana-yajnaharinama-yajna-brings-rain-mayapur/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sudarshana-yajnaharinama-yajna-brings-rain-mayapur

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Free your mind with this step by step guide to Mantra Meditation and learn how to chant the Hare Krishna maha mantra. 

When chanting, it is most important to hear each any every syllable being chanted. One round of 108 mantras takes between 7-10 minutes to complete. The mantra consists of 3 words: Hare, Krishna & Rama and goes like this:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,
Krishna, Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama,
Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
The meaning behind this mantra is:
O Hare (energy of Krishna) O the all attractive one (Krishna) O the reservoir of all pleasure (Rama), please engage me in your loving devotional service.

You will need

  • Chanting beads (Japa mala) with 108 beads.
  • Bead bag (to keep beads clean - beads should never touch the floor, or the body from the waist down)
  • Bead counter (to keep track of number of rounds chanted)
  • Quiet/distraction free environment
How to Chant
  1. Rinse mouth with water and wash hands.
  2. Hold the first bead next to the furry Krishna bead between the middle finger and thumb. 
  3. Place the index finger out of the bead bag hole. (The index finger represents the ego as it is used to point and fault find. It is considered inauspicious and therefore not used when chanting. Further more, the middle fingers are used to increase concentration as they are connected to the heart and mind).
  4. Begin with chanting out loud the Panch Tatva Mantra for Blessings and mercy.
  5. Chant out loud the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
  6. Move to next bead and repeat the mantra. Move along to the next bead after every mantra by pulling the bead towards to you with the thumb. 
  7. Once you reach the Krishna Bead you have completed one round of 108 mantras.
  8. Chant Panch Tatva Mantra for Blessings.
  9. Start the next round by chanting on the beads in opposite direction (without crossing the Krishna bead)
    Source:http://www.harekrishnayoga.com/2015/03/how-to-chant-hare-krishna-be-happy.html

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The special global event to celebrate ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary at the Sydney Opera House has sold out in record time. The show entitled ‘Transcendental Journey: Hare Krishna Celebrate 50 Years’ was quite an ambitious and optimistic project but with overwhelming support from devotees and Australian public the show sold out in just 3 days. Transcendental Journey is a theatrical, musical and multimedia spectacular showcasing how Srila Prabhupada’s extraordinary journey transformed the lives of millions. 

The performances scheduled on Saturday 20 August, 2016 follows the life of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada as he journeys west to introduce the Krishna Movement in United States in the mid 1960-70’s. The show then presents the Hare Krishna explosion World-wide and the wonderful achievements to date.

Showcasing devotional music, dance and drama, the show will explore the challenges a young Bhaktivedanta Swami faced, as well as sojourning back to the era of Sri Chaitanya and then Krishna’s time some 5000 years ago. The show presents the cultural roots of Gaudiya Vaisnavism and celebrates the development of the movement in the West over the past 50 years.  

‘Transcendental Journey’, will feature live on stage narration and recount from Mukunda Goswami, Bhakti Charu Swami, Radhanath Swami, Shyamasundara Prabhu and Malati Mataji. Grammy Nominated kirtana band ‘Bhakti without Borders’, Sri Prahlad and the Bhaktivedanta Gurukula Mantra Choir will add the musical segments and the ‘Natya Shakti’ Odissi dance troupe will feature throughout the story.
We hope this highly ambitious show will inspire everyone and expand the appreciation of Srila Prabhupada and the ISKCON Movement. We encourage all centres to use the talented devotees in ISKCON and create such wonderful events. And what is the future of ‘Transcendental Journey’? Well we would love to take the show to major venues in London, New York, Moscow, New Delhi, and of course Mayapur. It is the story of Prabhupada, Lord Chaitanya and Radha Krishna and the devotees – it should be played at every major city every night.
The special event in the Sydney Opera House will be framed by events in Sydney in days prior and after the event. Thursday will see a special Foundation Stone laying ceremony at the new Temple project in Sydney’s western suburb of Vineyard. Govinda’s Restaurant Darlinghurst will host a special 50th Celebratory Bhakti Film Fest on the Friday night and on Sunday there will be a special events; ‘Sadhu Sanga Sunday’ and ‘Journey Within – Kirtan Concert’ in Darlinghurst, Sydney.
Contact us.

Damodara Pandit das
Email: dpddas@hotmail.com
Ph: +61 415 190 313
Skype: dpd108

Source:http://m.dandavats.com/?p=21791

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Nityam Bhagavata Sevaya, ISSUE - 38

Nityam Bhagavata Sevaya
Nityam Bhagavata-sevaya is a Fortnightly E-magazine for serving Srimad Bhagavatam.
If you ever desire to cross over this ocean of material existence and achieve the lotus feet of Supreme Lord Sri Hari then please take shelter of Srimad Bhagavatam, the mature fruit of the desire tree of Vedic literatures.SrimadBhagavatam is declared to be the essence of all Vedanta philosophy. One who has felt satisfaction from its nectarean mellows will never be attracted to any other literature. Srila Vyasadev collected whatever Vedic conclusions were in the four Vedas and 108 Upanishads and placed them in the aphorisms of the Vedanta-sutra. In the Vedanta-sutra, the purport of all Vedic knowledge is explained, and in Srimad Bhagavatam the same purport has been explained in eighteen thousand verses.

 


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