On July 31st padayatra camped on the outskirts of the Manalmedu Village, 10 kilometers away from Karrur. There was an old age home nearby where many disabled, diseased and elderly people lived. We thought because they could not walk to come see us that we would go to them. So, we went there and had a wonderful kirtana and katha for the residents. When we were leaving the old age home we noticed a man very cruelly dragging a cow to his village. It was painful to watch and we understood by the manner in which he was treating her that he was going to kill her for sure. A few of us followed him as he entered his village. When he reached his house we saw a large pile of cow flesh.  It was very evident that he was preparing to kill the cow that he had hauled to his home. We were both horrified and really scared when we saw that he had a big sharp instrument that he was going to use to cut the cow’s head.

Sometimes when people see sadhus or devotees they tell us to ‘go away’ or ‘get lost’ but we could not just stand by and let this heinous act occur. However, to our surprise he saw us watching and called out to us, “Hey Maharaj! Come here. What are you doing here? What do you want?” Parthasakha Dasa from Tamil Nadu had once instructed us to be very careful in certain areas here, especially in areas where there are dacoits and robbers. He even said that some people would not allow us to do kirtana in their area –therefore we were really terrified when this man called us. We took the name of the most merciful Nitai Gaurasundar and went to talk to him. We told him that we were padayatris and that we were doingparikrama of Char Dhama[1] and that we were preaching the message of Lord Krishna all over India. We told him that we travelled with Sri Sri Nitai Gaurasundar deities on a bullock cart. We then asked him if we could come to his village to dosankirtana. He listened attentively as we spoke and said, “Yes, of course, please come.” I then said to him “Okay, we will come but please clean this pile of flesh before we come here.” Whilst we were speaking he had forgotten about the cow that he was going to slaughter and when we left he was busy making arrangements for the padayatra’s arrival.

When we arrived at the village the man we had met earlier had informed everyone there that we were coming. There was 150 people gathered around us and all of them participated in the kirtana singing and dancing.  When we asked them to raise their hands they would raise their hands, and when we said chant the mahamantra loudly they would chant in a thunderous way.  They simply did whatever we asked of them like innocent children . It was indeed the causeless mercy of the Lord, because nothing else could allow for this to happen.  After the kirtana everyone took darsana of the Lord and then we had katha. I quoted a verse from Caitanya Caritamrta:

kali-kale nama-rupe krsna-avatara[2]

Which translates as, “In this age of Kali, the holy name of the Lord, the Hare Krsna maha-mantra, is the incarnation of Lord Krishna.” I explained to them that Krishna descends in the form of his name in the age of kali yuga. This holy name is the maha-mantra:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/

Hare Rama Hare Rama

Rama Rama Hare Hare

I went on to say that only by harinaam will we be delivered from all the sins we have committed in this lifetime. I then narrated the pastime of Lord Ram when the monkeys were building a bridge to Lanka. The monkeys wrote “Ram” on each stone and tossed them into the ocean. When the stones hit the water they started to float. So, I explained the Lord’s name can deliver even a stone –we are just like these stones heavy with sin but if we chant the holy names we can be delivered.  Some of the people listening to the katha had tears in their eyes. I encouraged them by saying, “You are good people.” I then asked them, “How can you kill cows. Killing a cow brings a lot of sin.” We later found out that every Sunday the village would buy a cow, slaughter it and eat it. It had become a sort of tradition that they were just following for years without any real reason behind it.

After the katha we served kitchari prasadam to everyone. When we normally do prasadam distribution people gather all around us but this did not happen here.  They surprised us by forming a queue and then sitting in a line to honor prasadam,just like how we devotees do. A few people bought Bhagavad-gitas and we gave them free japa mala beads with every book. The ladies came to us crying, they expressed how fortunate they were that we had came to their village with the Lord. The man that we had met earlier came up to me after the program. He thanked us for coming to his village and reached out to shake my hand. I was wondering, “Should I shake his hand after all he has killed so many cows?” I then took the name of Sri Nitai Gaurasundar and shook his hand anyway. He was so pleased. I said to him, “You are a good man why are you slaughtering cows. If you want to eat meat, eat goat.” He replied, “But killing goats are also sinful.” I responded, “But if you kill a cow you will take birth the number of times equal to each hair on the cow’s body.” Since he appeared to be the leader of the village we invited him to join us for managal arati the next morning. I thought of this verse in Bhagavad-gita:

yad yad acarati sresthas
tat tad evetaro janah[3]

Which translates as, “Whatever action is performed by a great man, common men follow in his footsteps.”

Sure enough the next morning he came and he also brought 20 people with him to attend managal arati. Afterwards he took a sankalpa or solemn vow in front of Sri Sri Nitai Gaurasundar to never slaughter cows or eat meat from that moment on. He then asked us to teach him how to chant. He chanted with us, purchased 6 Bhagavad-gitas, gave a donation and walked with us to our next destination. I asked him to please chant the holy names and took down his telephone number. I told him that I would call him and follow up with him. He was very glad. He paid obeisances to us and returned to his village.

This whole arrangement was due to the mercy of Srila Prabhupada. It was Srila Prabhupada who ordered Lokanath Swami, my beloved Gurudev to start padayatra. Now padayatra goes with Sri Sri Nitai Gaurasundar to places where no one else reaches. What we had experienced in the village was a miracle. The people were hypnotized by the darsana of Sri Sri Nitai Gaurasundar and never objected to anything we said –they just listened with rapt attention. We were all surprised how these people who were slaughtering cows so ruthlessly could be so virtuous. This was the Lord’s way of displaying the power of the holy names. After all He delivered Jagai and Madhai, He can deliver anyone.

We are celebrating ‘World Holy Name Week” this month and so we are intensifying all our preaching programs and doingsankirtana everywhere we can to spread the holy names.  We were inspired by the incident that occurred in this village and by Lokanath Swami’s mercy we were instrumental in changing the hearts and minds of the village folk.  This has increased our faith in the holy names. Gobhakshaka (one who eats cows) turned into gorakshaka (one who protects cows) that day.

Patitapavana Nitai Guarsundar ki! Jai!

Jagat Guru Srila Prabhupada ki! Jai

World Holy Name week ki! Jai

Book Scores – July 2016

NB: All books distributed were in the Tamil language as padayatra is currently in the state of Tamil Nadu

Small books (soft cover)                   6684

Medium books (soft cover)     42

Big books (soft cover)             146

Maha Big book (hard cover)   2808

Total :                                     9680

As long as we think, even mildly, that material situations are important, we are in the trap of deadly illusion. This illusion causes us to mistake the unimportant as important, the inessential as essential, the temporary as permanent. It makes us despair in unfortunate times; it makes us fearful about losing the good ones. It makes us struggle to accumulate more and even to just maintain status quo.

Unfortunately the world situation today forces us to struggle even for basic necessities and securities even if we are unattached to material situations. Gone are the days where one could lead a peaceful spiritual life away from the rigmarole of the general life of the masses. Life has become a struggle for all.

Sometimes I pause for thought – “what is motivating my spiritual journey?” The fact that one continues on with a seeming enthusiasm, year after year, may not tell the full story. When we receive appreciation, respect, encouragement and a plethora of impending opportunity, it’s somewhat easy to carry on with a gusto and drive. There is, after all, an immediate sense of achievement, value and purpose. The defining moments, however, often occur when that reciprocation is not so forthcoming. That’s the acid test to measure the sum and substance of our spirituality. In those difficult times we witness where we are actually drawing our enthusiasm from. Is the driving force a genuine spiritual connection or more based upon material gratification? What happens when all the results are taken away? 

Periodically, we'll all be confronted with situations where people are oblivious to our sacrifices, unappreciative of our endeavours, and seemingly unimpressed with our contributions. People may even misunderstand our purpose and cuttingly criticise us. Swami Prabhupada talked about a period of his life where he was "crying alone in the wilderness." Few who heard, even less who genuinely appreciated, and scarcely anyone who actually helped. He nevertheless continued on with no loss of enthusiasm. In such testing times, the level of our spiritual purity is exhibited and developed. One must be fixed in the consciousness that there is divine appreciation for our sincere endeavours, even if the individuals around us aren't so forthcoming. When Mother Teresa scribed her poem entitled "Do it Anyway," she concluded with a poignant reminder - "in the final analysis its between you and God, it was never between you and them anyway."

Thus, in the rollercoaster journey of life, the ‘good times’ and ‘bad times’ all have their part to play. Whatever encouragement we receive is being willed by providence because it’s the ‘need of the day’ in our spiritual journey. Those times of stability, prosperity and recognition, should be utilised for spiritual immersion so we can build up assets of inspiration, gratitude, strength and unbreakable faith. And when the acid test comes, when we’re stripped of that encouraging support, crying alone in the wilderness, then we exercise the internal muscles by practicing resilience, humility, patience and tolerance. The test will expose us, educate us and hopefully inspire us. It’s a learning curve and I’m trying to remain alert – surprise tests are always around the corner.

Source:http://sutapamonk.blogspot.in/2015/10/acid-test.html

I like chanting Hare Krishna. It’s great & a good means to bring out the best in people. Yet within the society of ISKCON I wonder if there is a place for people like me?

Let me explain what I mean, by people like me. I really want to be a good person in the sense that I want to treat everyone with love, respect & kindness. We’re all birds of a same feather – we are all spiritual beings at different places in our journey. Even the most apparently horrible person say for instance a cannabalistic serial killer; is on their path back to Godhead. It’s not that I would seek such a person’s association but, I truly believe that we’re all going back to the spiritual world…eventually. It’s simply a question of how many lifetimes or other reformatory births that stand in our way from our arriving there, I may be a million away & you may be only a few. Keeping this thought in mind helps me to treat people better by understanding whatever bad behavior they may exhibit just means that they’re working through some funk to prepare themselves for the return to their true home.

I want to associate with persons who are asking important questions in life – existential ones (why am I here, what is my purpose, what is the purpose in life, etc.), difficult ones ( what is truth, of that what I’ve been taught – what is fact what is fiction, what is reality, etc), moral ones (what is right, what is wrong, etc) & lifestyle ones (how can I make the most out of this life, how can I make a difference in this world, how can I relate with people in the most meaningful, compassionate way possible, etc).

I’m not interested in simply regurgitating answers that come from a particular book or teacher. I want to find answers & teachings that deeply resonate with every aspect of my being. On the controversial subjects within ISKCON, I lean to the side of what feels right within my heart. For instance, gay marriage or monogamy – I believe people have the right to love & live as they choose to do so provided their lifestyle choices aren’t harming others. If that is with someone of the same gender – who am I to say that is right or wrong? They’re doing what it is they need to feel loved, happy, connected & authentic – which I think is absolutely essential to one’s growth & development.

To put it simply, I believe firmly in equality. From my understanding, no material designations (gay, straight, woman, man, black, white, yellow, sudra, brahmana, Catholic, Hindu, Muslim, etc) have any bearing on one’s ability to make spiritual advancement. I don’t believe that a straight, white, Hindu brahmana has any better of a shot than an illiterate, gay, sudra woman when it comes to achieving pure love of God. I also like to think in terms of difference more so than superiority/inferiority. For instance, generally speaking people have various strengths & weaknesses in terms of material designations but, that doesn’t make one person better than the other – it simply makes them different. Also, since we are all unique individuals I like to think/act according to that. Just because someone is in a black, female body – it doesn’t mean that person fits the stereotypes assigned to that race or gender.

To deny one’s intelligence & feelings of the heart because of what some Holy books say or some supposedly self-realized master says or because of thoughts like what will the devotees think seems to be the opposite of what I’m seeking. I’m seeking to be authentic & happy. From years of experience indulging the senses in a wide spectrum of their objects, I find only fleeting happiness or relief from the harsh realities of this world. Which to some extent, I feel may be God-given as a vehicle to take a break from all the hard truths that are out there. Are they the way, in & of themselves to find the answers I’m seeking? Most certainly not – but a mere distraction. Am I advocating or condemning sense gratification? Not so much – I’m simply trying to see it for what it is – a distraction which perhaps may even be necessary or therapeutic at times or could be completely destructive. It all depends on time, place & circumstance.

I’ve attempted to fit myself into the cookie cutter mold of what an ISKCON devotee looks like…at best it was simply an external show. I’ve arisen the 1.5 hours before dawn, wrapped myself up in a sari, applied the finest tilak, chanted my 16 rounds and gayatri mantras, worshipped Deities, engaged in service until my body was physically exhausted yet, it still hasn’t given me the certainty in the answers to my deepest questions – I haven’t had that one-on-one association with God that many devotees seem to be privy to. I ask the Lord for answers to my questions yet I don’t have any bright lights or a booming voice from the sky that tells me for certain, what I am to do. It would be a hell of a lot easier if I did.

That said, where I’m at now is attempting to find what feels true to myself, what satisfies the heart. It’s a tough road to walk on as the Gita says what tastes like poison in the beginning is nectar in the end & vice versa. So it seems we have to be willing to put ourselves out there & engage in that which may not seem right at first to later realize that – that thing was indeed what we needed. I find that with chanting a lot – the mind gives so many excuses not to chant or read scripture or do service or whatever else, once I ignore it & engage my heart feels happy.

So I think it comes down to the concept of the key to rapid progress is to always push yourself just beyond your comfort zone. I don’t claim to have any certain level of purity or realization. I simply aim to do that which seems to be the best thing I can do to find that authentic, blissful, honest, compassionate, kind, open-minded, loving person that I’m seeking to be.

Am I a member of ISKCON ? I don’t know. I don’t even know what that really means. One may carry out all the formalities or externals that show I’m a good ISKCON devotee – yet, the inside could be completely rotten & vice versa. So when it comes down to it, the way I see it is that’s between the individual & God. It is not bound to one society, sect or path. If there are teachings, teachers or persons of different traditions both secular & spiritual that deeply resonate with my heart & seem to offer answers or association that are leading me towards my goal – why would I ever deny them? I simply want truth, love, peace & happiness. I really want to be a good person & even if I don’t reach that goal in this lifetime, if I can feel that I’ve made even one step closer to that goal then, I can confidently say that this lifetime was a success.

Source:https://strugglingsadhaka.wordpress.com/2015/10/14/current-ponderings/

Srila Prabhupada Receives the First Big 1972 Original Bhagavad Gita As It Is
by Nanda Kumar Das

One day, when I was first with His Divine Grace in L.A., Brahmananda Prabhu came from New York and they were talking about the printing of a Bhagavad Gita with Sanskrit included. Evidently, there was a question as to whether the western people could pronounce the transliteration with diacritic marks.

Srila Prabhupad rang his bell, and I came into his room. Brahmananda was there. Srila Prabhupad handed me a paper with Sanskrit transliteration and said “Read this!” I have been able to read since I was three, so evidently, I made the pronunciations close enough. Srila Prabhupad said to Brahmananda, with great enthusiasm, “See! I told you they could do it!” He was very happy.

So the printing went on, and in New York, when His Divine Grace was there, Brahmananda brought in the first edition of the big Gita with all the Sanskrit in it. Remembering the LA experience, he very kindly gave the Gita to me, and said “Here, you can give this to Srila Prabhupad.” I was overjoyed, and went to His room to offer it to Him, followed by a photographer. I gave it to Him and said “Here is the first copy of Your new Bhagavad Gita, Srila Prabhupad.”

In His amazing way of innocence and childlike excitement, He took it and held it to His head, saying “Jai! Jai!” It was awesome to be present for such an important and empowering moment. Srila Prabhupad was so kind to me. Even though I was/am a deeply entrenched rascal, He has engaged me so many times in wonderful service. All Glories to Srila Prabhupad!

Nanda Kumar Das

Source:https://theharekrishnamovement.org/2016/08/02/srila-prabhupada-receives-the-first-big-1972-original-unrevsied-bhagavad-gita-as/

It is funny how we devotees always can find something to occupy ourselves with. If I was a karmi, staying here at the ayurvedic center I would have left screaming for being bored out of my mind. Benefits of being a devotee, Radha rati mataji and me are occupying ourselves with singing kirtans, reading the Bhagavatam (we have an aim to finish the first canto before we leave) and generally exchanging our realizations.

Last night I was particularly lamenting on my separation from Panihati Dham and the deities there. Deity worship is something that I miss truly from the core of my heart. You have to be a pujari to know what I'm talking about....a pujari who has no deities at the moment to serve. A small temple like Panihati dham where during the weekdays, it is just you and the deities....prabhupad singing softly in the main temple room, there is so much bliss that it really hurts knowing that it is highly impossible for me to go back to that kind of service.

Prabhupad's bhajans are the most soothing sounds in this world. Getting absorbed in Prabhupad's deep voice, removing Panihati candra's mukut pieces, scrubbing gopi dots off of Madan mohan, giving jagannath some fresh water for the night, sweeping and mopping the altar with some eucalyptus oil.....

Bringing in their beds....tucking Krishna's flute under his pillow...

"Now come, O Kesava, along with Your beloved Srimati Radharani and Her friends, to the bed covered with transcendental, aromatic flowers. Now happily enjoy Your pastimes, O Madhava."

and then chanting the respectful mantras for everyone else , switch off the lights on the altar,
and then whisper a,
"Good night...".....and slowly tiptoe out the back locking the doors...

...until I see them the next morning glowing softly for Mangala arati....

So, Caitanya Mahāprabhu is very kind. Parama karuna, pahū dui jana.Two Lords, Nitāi-Gauracandra, Nityānanda Prabhu and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, They are very kind, you see? They have appeared just to reclaim the fallen souls of this age. So They are more kind than Krishna. Krishna, He is also very kind. He comes to deliver. But Kṛṣṇa demands that first of all surrender. Caitanya Mahāprabhu even does not demand surrender. He is so kind. (voice choking) So take shelter of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and be happy. Thank you very much. (weeping) (end)

-Srila Prabhupada, Arrival Address, February 28, 1975, Atlanta, Georgia.


You made Prabhupada weep...will I ever gaze at your merciful eyes again? scrub the chandan off your feet?.... 

Source:http://walksatdawn.blogspot.in/2009/03/good-night.html

In our current experience so far, to serve others is not very glorious position. In fact people like to be served but not serve others or people serve only if there is some sort of return. So generally speaking, to serve is not popular or done with some motive. So when pure devotees pray to the Lord for service, it is not very appealing to the common man.

Therefore very few people actually pray like this – “oh my Lord, please engage me in your service as the servant of your servant!”. However, to serve the Lord or His devotees is not the same as serving people of this world. In fact serving the Lord or His devotees is higher than the position of Lord Brahma or Siva who are the masters of this universe. Service to Bhagavan Sri Krishna is the pinnacle of all austerity, charity, prayer and religions principles. It is the highest position a soul can achieve in his or her journey towards God.

Let me always desire only one thing “oh my Lord, let me always be engaged, if you so desire,in your service as the servant of your servants”, for there is nothing greater than this!

Hare Krishna

Source:http://servantoftheservant-ananda.blogspot.in/2016/08/to-serve.html

The TOVP Kalash is the only one of its kind in the world owing to its sheer size and magnitude. It is 23 meters (75 feet) tall and 19 meters (62 feet) wide, and sits atop a mammoth dome at a height of 84 meters (276 feet) from ground level. Being the topmost architectural feature of the temple dressed in resplendent gold, it will be visible from far and wide. Hence, considerable efforts have gone into its complex and intricate design as well as execution.

According to sacred architecture, the Kalash is the axis mundi; the connection between the spiritual and material worlds. Therefore, it is one of the most important parts of the temple. The dome tapers upwards towards the Kalash and blends in harmoniously with it. Following the laws governing proportional form in nature, the Golden Proportion rules the relationship of the Kalash to the dome and to the temple as a whole.

The Kalash is designed as a stable hollow structure in Stainless Steel. Externally, different parts of the Kalash are adorned with beautiful lotus petal motifs. The ornate gold finish will be achieved by coating the Kalash with Titanium Nitride. It will be supported at the base by massive brackets that will be intricately moulded in the GRC factory.

One of the most phenomenal features of the Main Dome will be the more than 5 meter (16 feet) diameter Chakra that will sit on top of the Kalash. To design this arrangement it took attentive and intelligent strategic planning from the engineers. Also, many elements had to be engineered to support the lightning arrester, aviation light, and flag pole on the Kalash. The Kalash was engineered to withstand hurricane force winds that travel at 250 kilometers (155 miles) per hour. It was also engineered so that each level of the Kalash includes an ingenious outlet that will ensure proper drainage of rainwater from its heights. Jagadananda Das Prabhu, one of the TOVP engineers, has been collaborating with the Chakra manufactures in Moscow for the last few months to perfect the engineering.

The TOVP Kalash has actual human access from inside. This has been made possible by a complex combination of ladders and support frameworks. These ladders lead up to a door that opens out into a terrace on the top of the temple. This is a feature that has never been attempted before. This was engineered with the aim of aiding service and maintenance of all the topmost features including the Chakra, lightning arrestor, aviation lights, and so forth. This feature will allow us to change the Flag on the Chakra every day.

Lastly, the bell speakers placed at the foot of the Kalash will further promote the profound impact of the temple through the medium of sound. This sound of ringing bells will resonate in the souls of everyone around, near and far, across the universe.

Source:https://tovp.org/construction/tovp-kalashes-one-kind/#utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=tovp-kalashes-one-kind

Gopidots.
Scent of rosewater making me heady
bathing your glowing white body
The silence of the altar
Hum of the mahamantra
It is just you and me
as I play with your skirts
Which earrings would you like today ?

The ache is back my dear Rani
Is some of that mercy saved for me?
One desire.
One day again....just to hold that brush
be absorbed in those patterns.......just to paint gopidots on your moonlike face.....When?

Source:http://walksatdawn.blogspot.in/2009/12/gopidots.html

I have a cartoon. The first picture shows a child, you know, baby just born and the caption says, “Too young.” Next picture shows a couple in love, hand-in-hand, full moon behind them, “Too much in love.”Next picture shows a family, a few kids, you know, bags with groceries. He has got a phone, a computer, a drill and a screwdriver. I mean, they have six arms; they are, “Too busy.” Next picture, an old man; death, “Too old.” Last picture has cross on the grave, “Too late.”

So at every stage of life, we have an excuse. We always have an excuse. So, now you can say, “I always thought chanting Hare Krsna was very difficult and now I have the perfect excuse – children! So happy that I have children because I don’t have to chant Hare Krsna anymore. It is a relief, right, because now I have very good arguments not to chant.”

No, chanting must be done under any condition of life and no material difficulty can ever be accepted as a valid excuse for not chanting.

Yeah, you know, “Why didn’t you chant your rounds today?”
“I broke my leg.”
“That is not a valid excuse. You could have chanted in the hospital.”
“Yes, but I was unconscious.”
“Well, then you should have started chanting when you regained consciousness.”

So we do not accept any excuse when it comes to chanting. Sorry! That is the first point and that is how we have to deal with ourselves. You have to take charge of yourself with intelligence as if you are another person, looking at yourself then you see yourself coming with excuses.

“I’m too busy.”
“Sorry, that’s not an excuse.”

Make time. You manage to make time when you really like something… like for your favourite TV program. So yes, with our intelligence, we must take charge and make arrangements – make time to chant. And chant with a plan. Don’t just let chanting happen.

“I have to chant sixteen rounds. I’m really trying, I’m trying. But I’m so busy, I’m so busy. You can’t believe how busy I am, I just cannot do it. I just don’t have the time. I try and try, every day I try. Don’t have the time.”

Uh, uh. Get time management! You have a time management problem. Yes, you are chanting without a plan. How do you think you will get it done without a plan? You have to have a plan. You have to build chanting into your day. Say, “I’ll chant here, I’ll chant there, and I need so much time for sixteen rounds. So many rounds here, so many rounds there.” That is how it is done!

You know, I also have a plan to chant today because I just arrived in Australia. I am sort of still dizzy and disoriented and looking at like, “Where am I?” Seems to be Sydney and there are three programs today. Three programs. So, I have to chant some rounds on the drive back… I have to make sure that I don’t fall asleep and that the driver is not going to try to reveal his heart to me while driving. (laughter) So, make a plan for spiritual life and it will go well.

Jayapataka Swami remembers precious times with Srila Prabhupad.!
Srila Prabhupada spoke to me for the first time- then he asked, “What is your plan?” “Well I thought that I would go to India to find a master but I already found you here.” I said.

 People are unhappy. Someone has lost their dear one, someone has not yet settled down in life. Someone still yearns for affection and appreciation, or that elusive recognition. Someone still looks back at what could have been and some heart burns at a lifetime of limited success. Someone has classmates more accomplished than them, someone has friends who pity them. Someone struggles for daily bread and someone dreams for a stable job. The list is unending. Eyes moisten if you care to look.

2015 was the 500th anniversary year of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s visit to Vraj Mandal and 2016 being ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Come for Vraj Mandal Parikrama on this special occasion and immerse yourself in Krishna katha and kirtan by devotees from around the world.

There will be special facilities for international group. Visit www.vrajmandalparikrama.com for details on booking and facilities available. For more information contact us

VRAJ84@Pamho.net, Brajbhoomi.lok@pamho.net, shyamrupdas.lok@gmail.com.

Brajbhoomi Das :-+91- 9415113744

Istadev Das:- +91-9593648074

Shyamrupa Das:- +91-8087115554

Paramdham Das:-+1(301)906- 3598

Fees

A) Rs. 5000/- Bramhachari, Fulltime Devotees,Namhatt Devotees ( with recommendation letter )

B) Rs. 7000/- Regular Indian devotees

C) Rs.11000/- International Group

D) Rs.12000/- shuttle Group

E) Rs. 21000/- Special Group

Below is the schedule.

October 2016
16th:- Vrindavan Parikrama – Ishtagoshti
17th:- Vrindavan To Mathura
18th:- Mathura Parikrama
19th:- Mathura to Madhuban
20th:- Madhuban To Shantanu Kund
21st:- Shatanukund to Radhakund
22nd:- Radhakund – Goverdhan Parikrama
23rd:- Radhakund – Bahulaashtmi Radhakund
24th:- Radhakund to Deeg
25th:- Deeg to Badrinath
26th:- Badrinath Parikrama – Indira Ekadashi
27th:- Badrinath to Kamavan
28th:- Kamavan Interior Parikrama
29th:- Kamavan External Parikrama
30th:- Kamavan to Barsana – Deepavali
31st:- Barsana – Goverdhan Puja

November 2016
01st:- Barsana
02nd:- Barsana to Nandgaon
03rd:- Nandgaon to Kokilavan
04th:- Kokilavan – Prabhupada Disapp Day
05th:- Kokilvan to Sheshashyai
06th:- Sheshashyai to Shergarh
07th:- Shergarh to chirghat
08th:- Chirghat to Bhandirvan – Gopastami
09th:- Bhandirvan to Mansarovar
10th:- Mansarovar to Lohavan
11th:- Lohavan to Dauji – Utthan Ekadashi
12th:- Dauji to Brahmand Ghat
13th:- Bramhand Ghat to Raval
14th:- Raval to Mathura – Kartik Purnima

Patita Pavana dasa: It was 1971 or 1972, I had been out on the streets of New York City all day preaching, selling books, collecting and generally spreading the blessing of serving the Supreme Lord through the mercy of His representative Shrila Prabhupada. That day the Guru of the Universe was leaving New York to spread Lord Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s divine message of Krishna consciousness all over the world.
On the street of Manhattan I had spotted a sidewalk vendor selling novelty newspapers. You tell him the headline and he would print it up for a small amount. I asked him if he would make one as service, a donation, for the pure devotee. He smiled and readily agreed. So I told him, “KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS TAKES OVER THE WORLD.” H gave it to m with a broad grin.
Later at the airport, I presented the newspaper to Shrila Prabhupada. His Divine Grace glowed golden, beaming from ear to ear. “Who has printed?” he kept asking me. “Who has printed?” I went dumb, and was too shy—or something—to explain though I should have simply confessed, “I printed it.”
Aravinda, who was his servant at the time, blurted out, “It’s a joke, it’s a joke, Prabhupada.” Shrila Prabhupada folded the paper and put it away smiling slightly in his always endearing and philosophical way. Actually as I look back, I realize that His Divine Grace would have been just as pleased had I told him that this headline represented his future vision, and all of us members of his New York sankirtan party agreed because of our faith in whatever he said. 
And indeed it is true that Krishna consciousness is destined to take over the world. It is just a matter of time …
- Patita Pavana dasa
Picture: Sachisuta (in blue) smiles broadly as Romapada dasa Brahmachary (with glasses) looking on. Aravinda is in the saffron kurta on Sachisuta’s right.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=30101

Ananda Vrindavana Devi Dasi: As we approach Janmastami, Krishna’s birthday, we’ll be thinking of what to give. It’s a birthday celebration after all and everyone’s invited. The guest list is unlimited and when it’s a birthday we think of expressing our love with a gift.
Each of us has a unique and personal relationship with Krishna. Our world is not just me, myself and I. It’s me, the world, and Krishna. And still, this is our story as we are the main player. Everyone else is a supporting cast member. Even Krishna stands back. He’s there with us as Supersoul in our hearts, but he remains an observer until we interact with Him.
So, what do we as an individual want to give to Krishna, who owns everything, who has everything, and who is not in want of anything? I suggest we give ourselves.
There is a right and wrong way of such giving. Wrong is thinking Krishna has everything, so why bother giving Him anything. I’ll just show up with a smile on my face and give myself.
Right is knowing Krishna has everything, giving as much as we can in gratitude for the privilege to able to do so, and also knowing that what really makes Krishna happy is the giving of ourselves in humility. Who am I? Someone very small, who sometimes thinks I am very big and important. Please accept me as your insignificant servant. Please engage me in your service.
That is the gift of you.
As the lead player in our own life story we can write the script. What do we want to be thinking, feeling, and doing in relationship to Krishna? Where do we want our energy to be focused on Janmastami? What do we want to be thinking?
The radical process of bhakti is all about changing our mindset. We exist as individuals…eternally. That’s our true ego which is defined as the “I” or soul. The false ego is the “I” that’s connected to the body and our identity in the world. Bhakti recovers our other ego, our original true ego, which is hidden behind the false one. And the process is radical because just by rethinking the way we think we can get past the false ego.
We can’t outsource ourselves and our conversations with Krishna. No one can do them for us. This is our life, our personal relationship. Plan, pray, prepare. Use your head to follow your heart and make it special. It’s His day. Add to it.

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=30112

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness celebrated its golden anniversary, recently, an in an effort to highlight this momentous occasion, a cupcake distribution was held.

A total of 5000 delicious cupcakes were lovingly prepared by devotees and then distributed throughout Durban at no charge. All residents enjoyed the sweet treats and thanked the devotees.

Source:http://risingsunchatsworth.co.za/66013/iskcon-spreads-cupcake-joy/

Inside Kathwada Gam (village) we have an extension centre of ISKCON Ahmedabad, along with a Gaushala and

various organic farms, approximately 15 km away from the temple. Recently, a team of young and energetic go-
getter devotees have taken up the challenge to establish a new temple, to develop a farm community, to improve

the services provided to the cows and to cultivate a wide range of organic products in this centre. Under the kind

care of HG Jashomatinandan Prabhu (ACBSP) (President, ISKCON Ahmedabad) and the management of HG Kalanatha

Chaitanya Das (Vice-president, ISKCON Ahmedabad) along with HG Balarama Vallabh Das, Rupmaya Govind Das and

Mayapur Vasi Das, this project is taking shape at a lightning speed. HG Visnunama Das (Vice-president, ISKCON

Ahmedabad) is also researching and experimenting with various innovative methods for cow-care and organic

farming. Simultaneously, this group has also started a regular ‘Sunday Program’ in the close proximity of the divine

cows, which is generally attended by 500 to 700 villagers and residents from the surrounding area. Surprisingly,

there is a steady increase in the number of people attending this program and hence, many congregational devotees

are extending their help and providing various services to the centre. In order to attract more local residents of the

Kathwada village in our programs and various activities, we thought of establishing a relationship with them through

our standard outreach program – Rathayatra. Hence, on 24th July 2016, a special Rathayatra was arranged for the

Kathwada village, exclusively to win their hearts and simultaneously to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ISKCON. The

details are as follows:

Just as you enter the outskirts of Kathwada village, a temple known as Ramji mandir is situated in a corner of the

road. In front of the temple, in the open space, our Ratha was being bedecked at 8.00 am, while a lot of amazed

sparkling eyes gazed at this spectacular decoration, wondering what we were up to. Gradually, our Kirtan party

commenced with some enchanting tunes of Hare Krishna Mahamantra, as Their Lordships Shri Shri Jagannatha,

Baladeva, Subhadra, Sudarshana and Srila Prabhupada were getting ready for the divine expedition. The surrounding

was truly mesmerizing. It was for the first time that we were to experience a Rathayatra in a village. Innocence,

simplicity, faith and happiness, were the most prominent features projected by the faces around. They were so

much overwhelmed by this procession that they flocked in and struggled to get a glimpse of Their Lordships.

As the Ratha was ready to start, HG Jashomatinandan Prabhu, despite of his insubstantial health, graced the event

with the inauguration speech. The temple president of Vadodara (Baroda) HG Basu Ghosh prabhu (ACBSP), who

speaks fluent Sanskrit, Hindi and Gujarati, though a born American, enthralled the gathering by explaining about the

importance of Rathayatra, first in Sanskrit and then in Gujarati. After him the famous MLA of Gujarat, Shri Babubhai

Jamnadas, delivered a small speech of welcome to the assembled devotees and the villagers. Many other dignitaries

were also present on the occasion, such as Shri K. U. Mistry (Ex-Chairman GPCB) and Shri Gopalbhai Jani (Sarpanch –

Kathwada).

Chappan bhoga were offered to Their Lordships on the chariot, before beginning the yatra and even after the

completion of the Yatra, at ISKCON Gaushala. A team of expert matajis created eleven huge and astounding rangolis

at the crossroads and junctions on the pathway of the chariot. The route of the Yatra was just 4 km, according to the

size of the village. Finally Lord Jagannatha entered the village along with hundreds of devotees, dancing and singing

His glories, distributing sumptuous prasaadam, distributing BTGs and Srila Prabhupada’s books, pulling the Ratha

merrily and spreading the Holy Name all around, purifying the village and its residents. Please don’t miss to visit our

photo gallery so as to participate in the pleasure, all of us relished thus.

One of the most remarkable events that took place during the Rathayatra was of the loving welcome a group of

Muslim brothers provided to us, by serving chilled and soothing sharbat (drink), just outside the main gate of a

mosque. Not only that, they also garlanded HG Jashomatinandan prabhu and Their Lordships, while prabhuji too

reciprocated by garlanding their main leaders and hence, thanked them for their generous participation.

Eventually, when the Yatra reached the destination, ISKCON Gaushala – Hare Krishna farm, with a choked voice out

of ecstasy, HG Jashomatinandan prabhu narrated the importance of Rathayatra through the pastimes of Dwarika.

Once again, HG Basu Ghosh prabhu flabbergasted the audience with his sweet Gujarati speech, while he continued

with the importance of Rathayatra. Thereafter 56 and more items were offered to Their Lordships and Maha-aarati

was offered by the guests of honour. While Mahaprasadam feast was being served to the visitors, a drama was

performed by the prabhus of the IYF, which captivated the villagers and other visitors. Many of the visitors enjoyed

serving the cows and loitering in the fields, after the end of the celebration. Approximately 2,500 visitors are said to

have participated in the event and carried home fond memories of serving the Lord of the universe, Shri Jagannatha.

Honoring prasadam in the Vaishnava fashion is the culmination of culture and service. I learned this art when I was in the Mayapur Academy, and so when I helped direct The Radha Krishna Camp for Girls in Brazil, this system was implemented. Everyone sits in rows and servers come to each person with each dish, silently and lovingly offering prasadam. Then when everyone is completely satisfied, the director gets to serve the servers.

On our third day, I was all set to serve the servers after lunch, but several of the girls who had been serving lunch kept sayingno, no, Bhakti lata sit down, sit down! I insisted that no, this is a privilege, this is my service to serve the servers.

But they were so insistent. So I picked one girl, Annapurna, to serve everyone. Others also wanted to serve, but I insisted that only Annapurna would serve. Oh boy, here we go. So I sat down with the other servers.

Annapurna served nicely. She actually surprised me at one point – several minutes in she handed me a folded napkin. “What’s this?” I asked.

“It’s to wipe your mouth,” she replied. I was shocked. What? I had never taught her that. I laughed to find this competitive urge rise up in my heart. I needed to serve better.

Annapurna served well, and nevertheless I realized that she was simply not ready to serve the servers. None of the girls were ready, they simply needed more training, more experience.

When all the girls had finished, I served Annapurna. A part of me had this competitive urge rise up in me to serve the best! I also felt that it was my duty to be an example of how to serve properly and respectfully and like salt. This was beautiful for my own growth as a servant. It was hilarious, I kept laughing to myself, because I kept thinking of that folded napkin that Annapurna had given me. So I brought Annapurna ice cubes for her water! She accepted.

By the end of this whole experience I had an idea – I gathered the other servers and we had a mini-meeting. We were all going to discuss Annapurna’s service.

“If Annapurna is salt, then what is one and what is ten on a scale from 1-10?” I asked once we were all gathered in our little meeting.

“10 is best, 1 is not good?” one girl ventured.

“No… If Annapurna is salt…”

“Ah! 10 is too much salt, 1 is too little,” one girl exclaimed.

“Exactly. What is five?”

“Perfect, right in the middle.”

“Yes. So we’re each going to give feedback to Annapurna. First we’ll rate her service on a scale from 1-10, where she was at on the salt scale. Then we’ll give feedback in the form of a sandwich – positive, constructive, positive. Clear?”

The process was powerful. Girls gave feedback to Annapurna that she had been a little too salty, saying constantly if we wanted anything, constantly bringing more and more dishes. Girls appreciated that she had been attentive and patient. I gave feedback that Annapurna had been more like 3.5 – not enough salt. I had constantly been asking for another dish, or salt, etc. I also mentioned my surprise and how she had given me the napkin and how I felt this competitive spirit in me to serve even better – I’m going to serve you ice cubes, so take that! We all laughed and laughed.

Then I asked Annapurna, “So, if you were to rate my service on a scale from 1-10, what would I be? What is your feedback for me?”

Annapurna gave me a 5, and I encouraged her to please be as honest as possible. I wanted to grow in my service. She said that she did appreciate the ice for her water, that I had been attentive. When I prodded for constructive feedback, she fell quiet and then at last she said, “You were so serious,”

“Serious?”

“Yes. Maybe you could smile more,”

I laughed and nodded, taking this in deeply. “Thank you,” I said. I folded my palms to her and thanked her for her feedback and that I would carefully consider what she had said.

“Next time I will fold your napkin into an origami bird,” Annapurna said with a grin. We all laughed. 

Source:http://seedofdevotion.blogspot.in/2015/10/perfect-flavor.html

Ravana wasn’t all bad. He, by all accounts, was educated, ran a good kingdom, worshiped the demigods and was good looking. In other words, he wasn’t your typical demon – horribly ugly, angry, with horns coming out the side of his head.

He was just a big materialist who got in over his head. And this can happened to the best of us. There are many Ravana’s lurking in the shadows, and yes, some inside of us.

Pride comes before a fall. Ravana had that. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. He had that. He also had envy. And that led to his ultimate downfall.

Envy is a force to be reckoned with. It starts off in a mood of admiration – we really admire what belongs to someone else, then we wish we had it, then we don’t like the person who has it, then we begin to plan how to get it. It can quickly take over our head and our heart.

Lust is a companion to envy. When Arjuna asks Krishna what is it that forces a person to do terrible things He replied – “It is lust only, the all-devouring sinful enemy of the world”. We then end up doing things that are hurtful to ourselves and others.

Ravana was envious of Rama because he had Sita. His envy turned to desire and he kidnapped her, desperately trying to make this beautiful woman love him. When tensions and warfare loomed on the horizon because of Sita’s abduction, he would not return her, even when his most shrewd advisors told him to do so. They could see the writing on the wall, but he couldn’t, as he was now soaked in pride and anger which made him completely foolish.

Envy is compared to a snake. It can come upon us quietly, weaving in and out of our consciousness, pinching us here and there, but really waiting for us to take the bait. Once we latch on to envy, it draws us deeper, breeding bitterness, resentment, ill-will and a host of other goblins.

Envy is what brought us away from the spiritual world and what holds us here. Learn from Ravana’s story. It is said that bad things happen when good people don’t speak up. When we feel that pinch of envy lurking – banish it at once. Be the good person to stand up for yourself, the protection of your own soul. Envy knows what it wants; you need to know more. And be ready fight the good fight.

Source:http://iskconofdc.org/in-search-of-ravana/

Many Devotees, Dharmists and Hindus in general will say they are not interested in politics or getting involved with it or even in voting. It is a distraction from their normal activities or spiritual pursuits. Or they feel all politicians are crooked or corrupt anyway, so what makes the difference between one or the other. Or the voting system, especially with electronic voting machines, are rigged, so what difference will my one vote make. But actually it is indeed an aspect of our means of protecting, preserving and continuing the Vedic culture and its traditions. It is certainly a means of working to maintain the freedoms that we have that allow us to continue to observe our traditions. Other religions or other political parties will vote in large numbers for their favorite candidate, which is why the politicians will take those people and their vote seriously. But if Hindus and Devotees do not vote, then why should politicians be concerned with our vote, or with the issues that matter to us. Instead, they will place more importance on others and in doing what it takes to get their votes. In this way, whether we are in India or the United States, we watch as our opportunities, freedoms and privileges are taken away and given to others.

Once I was giving a lecture in a large hall in Mumbai, India. With the direction of the discussion, I asked the crowd of about 1500 how many had voted in the last election. Not one had went up. Of course, no one was satisfied with the political party that was in charge at the time. But how can we make a difference if we do not get involved? How can we have a say in what takes place? You must put your faith and the Vedic cause into practical use. Not merely sit back and watch what happens, or think someone else is going to do your part in all of this.

Vedic history in India shows so many fighters, warriors, or even rulers who stood up for the freedom of those who followed the Vedic traditions. So why would we not use their example? Why would we not help make their contribution remain relevant today by taking up some kind of action? The field of politics is one area in which we can make a difference. And here are some ideas in how we can do that.

First, we certainly need to be able to step up and learn which politician has our best interest at heart and then vote for that person. We need to understand which person will take our interests and work for those concerns? Who will most likely help to preserve our traditions? Who, for example, is most likely to work for better relations between the United States and India? Or, who is going to work to preserve the holy places and sacred rivers across India? We need to investigate these points in any person who is running for office that we can vote for. Then we should vote for that person. Therefore the most important duty is to vote for the right person. That is the first thing.

The next point is to share our database with other Vedic groups so we can help inform others of the best candidate and encourage them to also vote for the right person. There is force in numbers, and the more people who contribute their vote, the more possible it may be for that person to be elected. We have to work together. Other people from various religions work and vote as a block, and they get their way, too. Politicians will take them seriously if they want to get elected, or stay in office. Hindus and Devotees need to learn this and work in a similar way.

The third point is that we have to get behind the best candidate, show them our support. This also means to contribute in political rallies, or even fundraisers. This does not mean to merely work for the candidate in order to get your picture taken to hang on your office wall. Nothing much comes from that except a boost of ego. This is not what will contribute to our cause. What can make a difference is that Hindus and Dharmists can also volunteer in large numbers in political campaigns to show the force that we can have, so that politicians realize we are a great force that they will want on their side. But we should also vote as a block. We should look seriously at the issues any candidate is addressing, and then vote for the person who will be best for the interests of Hindus and Dharmists.

The fourth point is that the purpose of all this is not merely to show them that they should have us on their side, but once they are in office, if there are particular issues that we need help with, we can go to them and ask for favors. This is what many of us do not realize. After showing our support, and if they are elected, now is the time for them to show their support for us. Now is the time we can go to them as a group and discuss various issues that concern us. Naturally, if he or she is impressed with how we have helped them, they will want us to continue to be on their side. If he does not help us, he or she should know that we may also vote against them in the next election. This is where we can put our power and our culture to good use.

The fifth idea is to invite politicians to events at our temple. Get them involved, let them see what we do, especially things done for the benefit of society, such as free food distribution, medical camps, or educating others in cultural exchange, etc. We can also invite them for temples tours, or for dinner in their honor for something. They often like these kinds of things, and will gain a more favorable view toward us and our temple, organization, or our traditions if they are not Indian. Then they will be inclined to hear our concerns, or even politically or financially help us expand our temple facilities, or kitchens for free prasada distribution, or other programs.

The sixth point is to run for office ourselves. In the United States there are an increasing number of Indians who are running for public office. These may be high political positions, like a governor, or senator, etc, or run for other positions like city council, mayor, or for the board of education. All of these can be helpful to our cause, and will also bring notice to other people in the community of the presence of Hindus or Dharmists and the views that we hold, and that we are a growing presence in the community. There is no loss in this regard, except for maybe the funds needed to run for the office. Nonetheless, an increasing number of Indians and Hindus or Devotees are running for offices, and this can certainly be used to carry our influence and concerns forward. We should not be afraid to become more politically active.

I have a few friends who ran for public office. They did not win, but they used the platform to express their views and ideas based on the Vedic principles, which became very popular. So they lost by small percentages.

Of course, we now all know the example of Tulsi Gabbard who ran for office and is now holding an important position as a United States Representative for the state of Hawaii as the first Hindu congresswoman, being a devotee of Lord Krishna. She was also sworn into office using the Bhagavad-gita, and has so many opportunities to attend speaking engagements and promote her devotion to the Vedic cause and work to uphold the principles by which most Dharmists and Devotees live. So we should not think this is not possible.

The final point is: If we do not do it, someone else will. In other words, if Dharmists and Devotees are not willing to carry forward their cause and concerns, someone else from some other religion or political persuasion will do it. And it makes no sense to simply sit on the sidelines and watch things as they happen as mere spectators, or observe how politicians from other persuasions work to push their own cause forward. We need to be involved. We need to use whatever avenue we can to make a difference. That is how our force will gain momentum, and we can also then gain popularity as our views become more familiar to the rest of the community. And engaging in the political field in any of the above ways will help. We just have to know how to do it.

Another example of what can be done in the field of politics to increase an awareness of Vedic culture took place in America in the State of Michigan as described herein: The Michigan House Resolution no. 419 was adopted by the members of the Michigan House of Legislature in Lansing on September 24. The resolution “declares October 2014 as Hindu American Awareness and Appreciation Month.” Mr. Samir Singh, the representative from East Lansing was instrumental in spearheading this resolution. The full declaration reads as follows:

Reps. Slavens, Singh, Hovey-Wright, Geiss, Switalski, Barnett, Brown, Darany, Heise and Howrylak offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 419.

A resolution to declare October 2014 as Hindu American Awareness and Appreciation Month in the state of Michigan.

Whereas, There are 25 Hindu temples in Michigan, spread across the state from Grand Rapids to Detroit. Furthermore, Ganges, Michigan is the site of two prominent Hindu ashrams (retreats), including the Vivekananda Monastery and Retreat Center; and

Whereas, Michigan Hindu temples have been involved in numerous charity and community drives across the state, including, but not limited to, providing college scholarships for deserving students, serving Hindu refugee communities across the state, and providing free meals to all temple visitors; and

Whereas, Hindu Americans in Michigan are involved in the state’s interfaith leadership. Hindu Americans currently serving on major Michigan interfaith initiatives include: Chandru Acharya on the Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit, Padma Kuppa on the Women’s Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue in Metro Detroit (WISDOM) and Board Member of Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion and Outreach, and Fred Stella as host of the NPR-syndicated radio show Common Threads and president of the Grand Rapids’ Interfaith Dialogue Association; and

Whereas, The Bharatiya Temple in Michigan hosted the World Sabbath of Religious Reconciliation in 2013. This marked the first time that the Sabbath has been hosted outside the Judeo-Christian community;

Whereas, There is an estimated one billion Hindus worldwide, and more than 2 million Hindu Americans live across the nation; and

Whereas, Michigan and our nation have greatly benefitted from Hindu Americans, especially through the Vedanta philosophy, Ayurvedic medicine, classical Indian art, dance, music, meditation, literature, and community service; and

Whereas, The United States was officially introduced to Hinduism by Swami Vivekananda in 1893 at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago: and

Whereas, Hindu Americans promote the ideals of tolerance, pluralism, and religious freedom, which are inherent to their beliefs and respect the diversity of all faiths; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare October 2014 as Hindu American Awareness and Appreciation Month in the state of Michigan.

So let this be an example of things that can happen if Hindus, Dharmists and Devotees take an active role in various ways in the field of politics and public office, or in interacting with those who hold such positions.

Source:https://stephenknapp.wordpress.com/2015/10/29/hindus-dharmists-devotees-and-politics-by-stephen-knapp/