The all blissful Supreme Personality of Godhead is eternally young and not plagued by any imperfections, not plagued by an old cranky body and not ugly either. Some incarnations of God are certainly not the most beautiful. It is said that various incarnations of the Lord have different qualities of the Lord. Maharaj Pritu had the pālana-śakti, he was empowered with the power to protect the earth. Mohini-murti and Balarama represent the beauty of the Lord. Nrsimhadev is the protector of the devotees. So different incarnations represent different features of the Lord. 

The operative word in Krishna Consciousness is “faith”. In Bhagavad Gita, Krishna uses the word “shraddha” at least ten times in different places in His conversation with Arjuna. In these places, Krishna clearly stresses the importance of faith in knowing Him. In chapter six text 47, there is a clear indication to this point. Srila Rupa Goswami, the leader for Gaudiya Vaishnavas, explains that “shraddha” or “faith” is the preliminary ingredient to understand and love God. Having said that, Srila Prabhupada in his introduction to Bhagavad Gita explains the difference in faith within sanatana dharma and faith in sectarian religion. Below is his quote;

The English word religion is a little different from sanātana-dharma. Religion conveys the idea of faith, and faith may change. One may have faith in a particular process, and he may change this faith and adopt another, but sanātana-dharma refers to that activity which cannot be changed…Those belonging to some sectarian faith will wrongly consider that sanātana-dharma is also sectarian, but if we go deeply into the matter and consider it in the light of modern science, it is possible for us to see that sanātana-dharma is the business of all the people of the world – nay, of all the living entities of the universe. Non-sanātana religious faith may have some beginning in the annals of human history, but there is no beginning to the history of sanātana-dharma, because it remains eternally with the living entities…Yet man professes to belong to a particular type of faith with reference to particular time and circumstance and thus claims to be a Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist or an adherent of any other sect. Such designations are non–sanātana-dharma. A Hindu may change his faith to become a Muslim, or a Muslim may change his faith to become a Hindu, or a Christian may change his faith and so on. But in all circumstances the change of religious faith does not affect the eternal occupation of rendering service to others. The Hindu, Muslim or Christian in all circumstances is a servant of someone. Thus, to profess a particular type of faith is not to profess one’s sanātana-dharma.

“Faith” or “belief” is a common word and has to be understood properly. When it is used purely on a sentimental platform fully dependent on the words of the speaker or a book such as the Bible or Koran or Gita etc, then it is considered “sentimental faith”. But that “faith” which motivates the soul to express his or her inherent nature of selfless and timeless service to God and all beings is considered “realized faith”.

When one’s faith is enriched with realization versus mere sentiment, there is harmony within and without followed by peace and inner joy!

Hare Krishna.

By Bhanu Swami

Karma – Activities of the Conditioned Soul

• Ignorance of Krsna

• Desire to Enjoy

• Material body

• Identity with body

• Desire to enjoy in body

• Action to get enjoyment

Immediate Experience

Of enjoyment

Or suffering

Attachment to objects

causing enjoyment

Repulsion to objects

of suffering

(samskara)

Desires or hatred Restrictions

in next life (vasana) in next life (karma)

Free will, intelligence

Action

Tama Raja Sattva

Misery Immediate Detachment

Pleasure Peace

Action: Prakrti in combination with previous samskaras and vasanas stimulates man to action, to obtain enjoyment.

Immediate Result: The action leads to immediate success or failure in getting the expected happiness depending on karma ( past ), present effort and intelligence.

Samskara: The happiness or distress and how one achieved it produces an impression (samskara) on the individual, which is causes desire (vasana) for objects in this life and next.

Aprarabdha and Prarabdha karma:

The action produces a reaction in future birth: a new situation in the world of matter, according to the quality of the initial act. This is called karma phala.

Action: The individual in that situation, stimulated by prakrti and samskaras, acts again.

Free Will: The individual can activate or deactivate his samskaras and vasanas by his choice of association and place. He can use his intelligence to control feeling (samskara and vasana) for attaining his chosen goal. Then he can act according to choice, not feeling. By intelligent acts he can alter his present and future karma.

Acts of Violence (for one`s own enjoyment) leads to suffering (papa)

• short life span

• Disease

• Poverty

• Bad family

• Legal cases

• No education

Acts of Compassion (for others enjoyment) leads to happiness (punya)

• Long life span

• Good health

• Wealth

• Good family

• Intelligence

How to act:

• Punya increases your material happiness in a sattvika mode in future life, and as prayascitta will mitigate present suffering due to papa.

• Negative: Attachment to sattva

• Tapas (renunciation of action and sense control) can gradually reduce future karmas.

• Negative: Difficult for common man

• Niskama Karma, acting without self interest, gradually frees one from bondage.

• Negative: Gradual process

• Jnana, and meditation on the self, can eliminate future karmas. One can get free from gross and subtle bodies.

• Negative: Indifference to world, inactive, no spiritual body

• Bhakti, unmotivated Love of God, can eliminate present and future karmas, free one from gross and subtle bodies, and manifest a spiritual body for service to the Lord.

Purpose of Karma: Karma is not a punishment but a chance to recognize the responsibility we have for our acts. It is learning through material experience. If we commit violence we suffer violence. The condition of suffering is a message for us to rectify our exploitative mentality, and act according to compassion rather than passion. We must learn to change our actions from service to self to service to other. This is the first step in purification of the jiva.

The Law of Karma when joined to the eternal soul produces effects in future bodies. This extension of karma is called Reincarnation. Reincarnation is a series of opportunities for us to learn the same lessons if we fail and to learn new lessons if we pass.

Laws of Description Lesson

Desire Desires produce Actions, which produce Impressions, which produce DesiresWe can redirect desire with intelligence and higher taste

Karma or Responsiblity The results of our actions on others produce equal reactions upon ourselfPerform acts, which do not violate others. Perform acts, which give benefit to others

Compassion Acting with compassion for others with no self-interest yields optimum material Condition for the humanEven in optimum material condition we cannot escape suffering and dissatisfaction

Identity Mistaken identity gives dissatisfaction, therefore we seek knowledge of spirit Self is not matter but eternal spirit, we must make a commitment to achieve spirit

Spirit Like attracts like, spiritual interest generates spiritual association and action God acts as the guide to lead us to him when we develop desire to contact him

Love Love means complete surrender to God’s interest Unconditional love of God is our eternal condition

Verses:

“The living entity in the material world carried his different conceptions of life from one body to another as the air carried aromas. Thus he takes one kind of body and again quits it to take another.” –Ch.13.8

“Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his his body, O son of Kunti, that state he will attain without fail.” – Ch.8.6

“Therefore, Arjuna, you should always think of Me in the form of Krsna and at the same time carry out your prescribed duty of fighting. With your activities dedicated to Me and your mind and intelligence fixed on Me, you will attain Me without doubt.”- Ch.8.7

“Thus I have explained to you knowledge still more secret. Deliberate on this fully, and then do what you wish to do.” – Ch.18.63

Facts about the subtle body called Mind

According to Modern Experience

APerceptions of energy

All matter is energy vibration.

Mind creates, transssmits, transforms, and receives energy:

The mind’s thought forms are real.

The thought forms can materialize in our world.

There are many different worlds of different vibrational frequency.

Mind can receive and send information or feelings to different levels of existence, and journey there if qualified by similar energy level.

Prayer: for spiritual benefit of the receiver, without personal motive of prayer, sincere

Negative energy , or curse can also be sent to you.

Mind travels instantaneously in time and space. It can recall events from any time and place, including ones own life.

All thoughts, words and deeds get recorded.

Every material human has a subtle body which continues after death.

After death, it achieves a place and state which is the sum total of vibration level through its actions during life, either higher or lower

Sinful violent people have difficulty leaving their gross bodies.

No one gets condemned forever. Our acts will decide.

Selfless spiritual activities increase the vibration and brightness of the subtle body.

Unconditional love is the strongest positive force.

Responsibility is the lesson we must learn.

Whatever quality of energy you expend, that quality you receive back.

Giving even one person real spiritual knowledge gives you unlimited blessings.

Preventing spiritual knowledge will give great negative reactions.

Proofs:

Out of body experience:

A most highly credible scientist, Dr Robert Cookall analysed over 700 reports of OBE’s. He found that 81% of those who had experienced them had a firm conviction of life after death owing to their personal experience. What astounded Crookall, a meticulous scientist, was the consistency of the reports of OBE’s coming from all over the world with near death experiences and with the communications coming from high level mediums (Crookall 1970).

Remote viewing

Major David A Morehouse, a highly decorated U.S. army officer, was from 1987 to 1991 assigned to several highly classified special access programs in the US Army’s Intelligence Security Command
and Defence Intelligence Agency. In his book Psychic Warrior- The True Story of the CIA’s Paranormal Espionage Program he quotes key figures in the program as follows.

The secret is out: remote viewing exists, it works, it has been tested, proven and used in intelligence for over two decades. The recent government admissions concerning the use of psychic warfare are crucial, irrefutable testimony that what I have said here is the truth. The government of the most powerful nation on the face of the earth has admitted that it knows humans can transcend time and space to view distant persons, places, things and events, and that information thus gathered can be brought back. I hope you comprehend the significance of this information.’ (Morehouse 1996 )

Regardless of one’s a priori position, however, an unimpassioned observer cannot help but attest to the following fact. Despite the ambiguities inherent in the type of exploration covered in these programs, the integrated results appear to provide unequivocal evidence of a human capacity to access events remote in space and time, however falteringly, by some cognitive process not yet understood. My years of involvement as a research manager in these programs have left me with the conviction that this fact must be taken into account in any attempt to develop an unbiased picture of the structure of reality.

H.Putoff., Stanford

University

Experiments is Psi

The deviations achieved in any given run are practically immeasurable but the results of half a million test runs show an unmistakable signature of an effect the researchers attribute to human consciousness. Detailed mathematical analysis suggests that a minute perturbation of the “elementary binary probability” is involved, as if the mind were ever so slightly nudging the electronic dice in the desired direction.

An even more puzzling result of the experiments is that the effect can be produced even if the experimenter is several thousand miles away from the random device, and perhaps even over significant intervals of time. In the most extreme case an experimenter in Europe on Monday might concentrate on producing the effect, but the actual measurements on the device are, by prior agreement, not carried out until Friday in Princeton.

Speculating on the phenomenon Jahn states, “All forces known to physics, like gravity for example, diminish with distance. And no forces in physics operate freely across time like this. It’s as if consciousness is somehow able to direct its influence directly across space and time, and understanding that certainly poses a challenge for science.”

And Dunne adds: “This is similar to what mystics have claimed through the ages, but now we have scientific evidence.”

Prof Robert Jahn , Princeton University

Near Death Experience

Dr. Moody:

A strange sound. A buzzing or ringing noise, while having a sense of being dead

Peace and painlessness. While people are dying, they may be in intense pain, but as soon as they leave the body the pain vanishes and they experience peace.

Out-of-body experience. The dying often have the sensation of rising up and floating above their own body while surrounded by a medical team and watching it down below, feeling comfortable. They experience the feeling of being in a spiritual body that looks like a sort of living energy field.

The tunnel experience. The next experience is that of being drawn into darkness through a tunnel, at an extremely high speed, until reaching a realm of radiant golden-white light.

Rising rapidly into the heavens. Instead of a tunnel, some people report rising suddenly into the heavens and seeing the earth and the celestial sphere as they would be seen by astronauts in space.

People of light. Once on the other side of the tunnel, or after they have risen into the heavens, the dying meet people who glow with an inner light. Often they find that friends and relatives who have already died are there to greet them.

The being of light. After meeting the people of light, the dying often meet a powerful spiritual being whom some have called God, Jesus, or an angel. Also, although they sometimes report feeling scared, they do not sense that they were on the way to hell or that they fell into it.

The life review. The being of light presents the dying with a panoramic review of everything they have done. In particular, they relive every act they have ever done to other people and come away feeling that love is the most important thing in life.

Reluctance to return. The being of light sometimes tells the dying that they must return to life. Other times, they are given a choice of staying or returning. In either case, they are reluctant to return. The people who choose to return do so only because of loved ones they do not wish to

In 1977, Dr. Kenneth Ring, a brilliant young professor of psychology at the University of Connecticut, read Dr. Moody’s book Life After Life and was inspired by it. However, he felt that a more scientifically structured study would strengthen Moody’s findings. He sought out 102 near-death survivors for his research.

One. Those cases who came closest to death or were clinically dead, just as Moody’s cases reported, told of being outside of their bodies, of moving through a void or dark tunnel toward a luminous light, of meeting with departed relatives and friends, of having a feeling of great comfort and bliss and of being surrounded by compassionate love, a feeling so beautiful they longed to remain, and when they returned to the “earthly” realm, were affected by this feeling the rest of their lives.

Two. No one type of person was especially likely to have this experience. It cut across race, gender, age, education, marital status, and social class.

Three. Religious orientation was not a fact affecting either the likelihood or the depth of the near-death experience. An atheist was as likely to have one as was a devoutly religious person.

Four. Regardless of their prior attitudes – whether skeptical or deeply religious – and regardless of the many variations in religious belief and degrees of skepticism from tolerant disbelief to outspoken atheism – most of these people were convinced that they had been in the presence of some supreme and loving power and had a glimpse of a life yet to come.

Five. Drugs, anesthesia and medication did not seem to be a factor in inducing these impressions and exquisite feelings of the near-death experience. Indeed, drugs and anesthesia seemed to be more likely to cause a person to forget such a near-death experience.

Six. He definitely concluded near-death experiences were not hallucinations since hallucinations are rambling, unconnected, often unintelligible and vary widely, whereas near-death experiences all tend to have similar elements of a clear, connected pattern.

Seven. Based on the information of those who had reported such incidents, the moment of death was often one of unparalleled beauty, peace and comfort – a feeling of total love and total acceptance. This was possible even for those involved in horrible accidents in which they suffered very serious injuries. Dr. Ring found there was a tremendous comfort potential in this information for people who were facing death.

Eight. After going through a near-death experience, people reported a loss of fear of death as well as a greater appreciation of life. They also reported stronger feelings of self-acceptance and a greater concern and sense of caring for other people. They had less interest in material things for their own sake. Many tended to become more spiritual – though not necessarily more involved in organized religion.

Nine. Almost all who experienced the near-death experience found their lives transformed and a change in their attitudes and values, and in their inclination to love and to help others. Dr. Ring was convinced that these were absolutely authentic experiences and noted that since returning, many of them had occasion to think about ‘what might have been.’ And their subsequent lives were powerful testimony to our common ability to live more deeply, more appreciatively, more lovingly, and more spiritually.

Past life memories:

Ian Stevenson

The causes of most birth defects are also unknown. About 35% of children who claim to remember previous lives have birthmarks and/or birth defects that they (or adult informants) attribute to wounds on a person whose life the child remembers. The cases of 210 such children have been investigated. The birthmarks were usually areas of hairless, puckered skin; some were areas of little or no pigmentation (hypopigmented macules); others were areas of increased pigmentation (hyperpigmented nevi). The birth defects were nearly always of rare types. In cases in which a deceased person was identified the details of whose life unmistakably matched the child’s statements, a close correspondence was nearly always found between the birthmarks and/or birth defects on the child and the wounds on the deceased person. In 43 of 49 cases in which a medical document (usually a postmortem report) was obtained, it confirmed the correspondence between wounds: and birthmarks (or birth defects). There is little evidence that parents and other informants imposed a false identity on the child in order to explain the child’s birthmark or birth defect.

It was a spectacular day for women across Durban who attended a high tea party hosted by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) at the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple in Chatsworth, on Tuesday, August 9.

The day was held to commemorate National Women’s Day. The fundamental aspect of the morning was holistic nourishment as spirituality and meditation plays a vital role in enhancing peace, love and positivity through one’s daily life. Some of the highlights of the brunch were the guest speakers, who spoke about women health and empowerment.

There were also prize giveaways and games as well as a Vedic Fashion show, which showcased the timeless traditions of ancient India and how exotically beautiful they remain today.

ISKCON communications officer, Krsangi Radhe Dasi said, “The day was a grand success as there was almost 300 women in attendance. It was an honour to put a smile on their faces. Women in today’s modern society are faced with many challenges, therefore we need to celebrate and acknowledge their struggles.”

Speakers at the event included Karunamayi Devi Dasi (womens’ health), Haripriya Dasi (art of forgiveness), Krsangi Radhe Dasi (organiser) and Champkalata Dasi (women empowerment).

Experts are saying consciousness continues even when the heart has stopped beating after a study shows people continue experiencing awareness for up to three minutes after death.

The most significant finding of the study is that of a 57-year-old man believed to be the first confirmed out-of-body experience in a patient. After suffering a cardiac arrest, the patient revealed he was able to recall what was taking place around him with eerie accuracy after temporarily dying.

head researcher Dr Sam Parnia said: “Contrary to perception, death is not a specific moment but a potentially reversible process that occurs after any severe illness or accident causes the heart, lungs and brain to cease functioning.”

“This is paradoxical,” Dr Parnia said, “Since the brain typically ceases functioning within 20-30 seconds of the heart stopping.”

Out of the 2,060 patients from Austria, America and the UK interviewed for the study who had survived cardiac arrests, 40 per cent said they were able to recall some form of awareness after being pronounced clinically dead.

The recalled experience surrounding death merits a genuine investigation without prejudice. Dr Jerry Nolan, Editor-in-Chief of Resuscitation, the journal in which the research was published, stated: “The AWARE study researchers are to be congratulated on the completion of a fascinating study that will open the door to more extensive research into what happens when we die.”

http://www.southampton.ac.uk/news/2014/10/07-worlds-largest-near-death-experiences-study.page

Hare Krsna Mantra – meaning of the mantra
Meaning as explained by Gopala Guru Gosvami, disciple of Svarupa Damodara of Puri:
The word “hare”: 
hari harati papani dusta cittair api smrtah
anicchayapi samsprsto dahaty eva hi pavakah
vijnapya bhagavat tattvam cid ghanananda vigraham
haraty avidyam tat karyam ato harir iti smrtah
“Just as the fire, on contacting an object, automatically burns it, so the name of Hari takes away (harati) or burns up all ht esins of the people with materialistic hearts. It removes (harati) all ignorance and reveals the transcendental, blissful form of the Lord. Also, ‘hari’ means that personality who attracts (harati) the minds of all the people in the universe when they hear stories of His transcendental qualities; or, He who attracts the minds of people by His beautiful youthful form. 'Hari’ in the grammatical form of address, the vocative, or calling out to a person, becomes 'hare’.”
The word 'hare’ has another meaning:
svarupa prema vatsalyair harer harati ya manah
hara sa kathyate sadbhih sri radha vrsabhanuja
Hara is Srimati Radhika, daughter of Vrsabhanu, who steals (harati) the mind of Hari, Krsna, by her unalloyed love. Hara, in the form of address, also becomes 'hare’.
The word 'Krsna’:
krsir bhu vacakah sabdo nas cananda svarupakah
tayor aikyam param brahma krsna ity abhidhiyate
“The word 'krsna’ is composed of the root 'krsi’ meaning 'bhu,’ the shelter of all existence and the word 'na’ meaning 'nivriti’ or the form of supreme bliss. Combined they form the word 'krsna’ which signifies the param brahma, the supreme personality of Godhead with blissful form.”
Krsna in the form of address remains as 'krsna.’
The word 'Rama’:
ramante yogino 'nante nityanande cidatmani
iti rama padenaiva param brahmadbhidhiyate
“The param brahma is known as Rama because the yogis take pleasure (ramante) in meditating on His eternal, blissful form.”
vaidagdhi sara sarvasva murti liladbhidevatam
sri radham ramayan nityam rama ity abhidhiyate
“The Supreme Lord is called Rama because He carries out pastimes of pleasure with the most beautiful Sri Radha.”
Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Oh Radha, please attract my mind, and free me from this material world.
Oh Krsna, please attract my mind.
Oh Radha, attract my heart by showing your sweetness.
Oh Krsna, purify my mind by giving knowledge of how to perform worship of You through Your pure devotee.
Oh Krsna, give me steadiness to appreciate Your name, qualities and pastimes.
Oh Krsna, may I develop a taste for serving You.
Oh Radha, please make me qualified for your service.
Oh Radha, please instruct me on how I can serve you.
Oh Radha, let me hear of your intimate pastimes with your beloved.
Oh Rama (Krsna), let me hear of Your intimate pastimes with your beloved.
Oh Radha, reveal to me your pastimes with your beloved.
Oh Rama, reveal to me Your pastimes with Your beloved.
Oh Rama, engage me in remembering Your name, form, qualities and pastimes.
Oh Rama, please make me qualified for your service.
Oh Radha, be pleased with me.
Oh Radha, be pleased with me.

It is written that the
color of Krishna
is like a monsoon cloud
dark bluish grey
like the heavy rains
gathering at the edge
of an unbearably hot day
or at the edge of an
unbearable time of our life
a low rumbling of cool relief
that we know is going to
change things
change us.

Monsoon Krishna
is known as Syamasundar
the beautiful Syama
the color of love, joy, hope
the color of mystery, movement, and depth
the color of life – rich, full, and ready to overflow
when the cloud bursts
upon us all.

Can we receive?
Can we hold?
Can we stand outside
our protective layers
trusting the goodness
of that dark cloud?
We need to let that happen.
We need to dance and sing
and be swept away
with joyful abandon
in the monsoon rains of Krishna’s love.

We need this weather, this rain. We need this love.

The great Sankirtan Movement of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu is a great gift to the world and a very rare event! 
Gauragopala dasa: Many could take it for granted without realizing how rare Lord Caitanya’s appearance actually is as He comes once in every day and night of Brahmā. That is once every 2000th Kali-yuga in the cycle of Maha Yugas, there are 4 Yugas to a Maha Yuga, Lord Caitanya appears “once” in a Kali-yuga with His Sankirtan Movement out of every two thousand.
There are 4,320,000 human years in a Maha Yuga multiply that by 2000 (that equals 8 billion 640 million years) and you will see that Lord Caitanya’s appearance is very rare as He comes once over that enormous period of time
Krishna also comes once every 2000 Maha yugas or every 8 billion 640 million years at the end of Dvarpara-yuga just before Lord Caitanya’s appearance 4,500 years into the Kali-yuga
In this rare Kali-yuga there there is a 10,000 years Golden Age of the Sankirtan Movement of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu or the congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha mantra, the previous 1,999 Kali-yugas had no Lord Caitanya or Golden Age of Sankirtan.
The Four Yugas
The four yugas make up a cycle called Divya-yuga or Maha-yuga, which lasts 4,320,000 years.
One thousand of these yugas equal one day of Brahma, which is called a kalpa and another one thousand makes up a night.
Brahma’s lifespan is 100 years of his time and 311 Trillion 400 billion years of our time.
SATYA YUGA - (sometimes also called krta-yuga): The golden age lasts 1,728,000 years. The process of self-realization in this yuga is meditation on Vishnu. During this yuga the majority of the population is situated in the mode of goodness and the average life span at the beginning of the yuga is 100,000 years.
TRETA YUGA - Also called the silver age, lasts 1,296,000 years and the process of self realization is the performance of opulent yajnas(sacrifices). The average life span is 10,000 years and the godly qualities decrease one fourth compared to the Satya yuga.
DVARPARA YUGA - Or the bronze age, lasts 864,000 years and the process of self realization is the worship of the deities within temples. Godly qualities are reduced to 50% by now and the average life expectancy is only 1000 years. Krishna in His originally Form comes at the end of Dvarpara-yuga but not every Dvarpara-yuga as He only comes once in a day of Brahma which is only every 2000th Dvarpara yuga
KALI YUGA - The iron age of hypocrisy and quarrel lasts 432,000 years. Lord Krsna appeared in His original, transcendental form right before the beginning of a Kali-yuga at the end of Dvarpara-yuga in one day of Brahma which is every 2000 cycles of the four yugas. Both Krishna in His original Form and Lord Caitanya do NOT appear in every Maha-yuga. Krishna does not appear at the end of every Dvarpara-yuga and Lord Caitanya does NOT appear in every Kali-yuga as explained above

For many years, ISKCON’s Gita Nagari farm community in Pennsylvania has held annual Labor Day retreats, on topics from improving japa meditation to understanding the nature of the guru.

This year’s retreat, set to run from Friday September 2nd to Monday September 5th, will tackle an intriguing subject: Varnashrama Dharma.

Varnashrama generally refers to a social structure consisting of four varnas, or occupational groups, and four ashramas, or stages of life. However there are many nuances to it, with seemingly contradictory statements on it running through Srila Prabhupada’s works. There have also been debates in the devotee community over the years as to how it can be applied in modern times, or even if it can be applied.

Significantly, though, Varnashrama was clearly very important to Srila Prabhupada, who in his later days stated that fifty per cent of his work remained unfinished because he had not implemented Varnashrama Dharma.

 “We aim for our conference at this retreat to have a broad and balanced, rather than a one-sided or narrow approach to the topic,” says GBC Romapada Swami, who was inspired to make the event happen. “Because it’s a topic that needs multiple perspectives to understand what it is and how to apply it.”

Romapada Swami hopes that through the retreat, devotees will gain a deeper understanding of Varnashrama and feel inspired to begin the process, something that has still not been practically realized by Prabhupada’s disciples and grand-disciples.

At the conference, entitled “Exploring Varnashrama,” ISKCON Laguna Beach temple president Tukarama Das will bring his exhaustively researched approach to the questions “Did Srila Prabhupada want Varnashramam? And if so, what did he mean by ‘varnashrama’?” In his talk, Tukarama will present Prabhupada’s quotes on the topic, and attempt to harmonize the varying statements he made on issues like Varnashrama and Bhagavata Dharma, Brahmanas and Vaishnavas, etc.

Tukarama -- who has concluded that for Srila Prabhupada, the first step in Varnashrama is farms centered around cow protection -- will also discuss how to take that first step in a practical way. It’s something he has first-hand experience in, heading up the ISKCON Escondido farm which supplies the San Diego and Laguna Beach temples with protected cow milk and many varieties of vegetables.

Braja Bihari Das, who handles mediation and conflict resolution in ISKCON, will also attempt to reconcile seemingly contradictory statements on Varnashrama by Srila Prabhupada. And he’ll ask, “What are the questions we should be asking regarding Varnashrama? Why are there different opinions? And how can we have fruitful discussions on topics we have varying opinions on?”

Romapada Swami (right) and Ravindra Svarupa Das speak at last year's Gita Nagari Labor Day retreat

Meanwhile Sivarama Swami, who is behind the New Vraja Dhama farm in Hungary which has been vastly successful in both spiritual and simple living efforts, will give a talk entitled “Varnashrama: Why devotees need to adopt it, and the first steps to doing so.”

He’ll discuss Prabhupada’s statements on the feasibility of Varnashrama today, the qualities devotees must develop in order to be eligible for the Varnashrama system, and the challenges in changing to a lifestyle that’s very different from that of the world around us.

Devamrita Swami will speak about the Amish as an example of a different social order sustaining over time in modern America and Canada.

Abhirama Das will share personal instructions Prabhupada gave him on Varnashrama, and talk about co-existing with other communities, like the Amish, who have similar simple-living-based lifestyles. He’ll also talk about how to get started on Varnashrama, and how to develop a Varnashrama community connected to a city preaching center, something he hopes to do himself with his New York City-based Harinama ashram.

Kaunteya Das will take an academic look at the different responses in ISKCON to the idea of Varnashrama, and like other speakers will also look at reconciling Prabhupada’s apparently icongruent statements on the topic.

Finally, Dhruva Das and his wife Parijata Dasi, who are currently heading up Gita Nagari’s resurgence in cow protection, milk production, and local food production, will talk about Prabhupada’s paper on spiritual rural communities, “The Conception of Gita Nagari.”

They’ll also discuss how to create successful collaborations between farm and city ISKCON centers, which they are currently doing. And they will talk about how whether or not a community has defined social orders, we invariably act in various capacities or service roles anyway, such as deity worship, administration, trade, cow protection and more.

“The essential thing is that devotees are utilizing their natures in service to Krishna,” they write in their summary of their upcoming talk. “Equally important is mutual respect among the devotees carrying out these services. And, of course, remembering the paradoxical teaching that devotees are understood to be transcendental to the varnas.”

While the adults are chewing on all this brain food, their children aged 5-12 will also be engaged in Varnashrama themed activities, including a visit to an Amish farm, an evening campfire, verse recitation, and identifying and learning about local plants.

The 200 or so devotees expected to attend from the U.S., Canada and Europe will also participate in absorbing kirtans with senior devotees like Sivarama Swami, Vatsala Das, Satarupa Dasi, and Abhirama Das.

“We hope that after attending this retreat, devotees will understand more about what Prabhupada wanted in relation to Varnashrama,” concludes Romapada Swami.

To register for the retreat, please click here: http://goo.gl/forms/pNS4AiFsOydr4sgI2

Alternatively, you can email organizer Satya-sara das at reachsarva@hotmail.com

Modern materialistic science is not sure about the origin and nature of most psychic phenomena including dreams. This information can be found in Vedic scriptures.
Srimad Bhagavatam 6.16.53-54, 7.7.25 or 7.15.61 describes three material states of consciousness:
1. jagrata, awakened state (beta, 14 - 20 Hz)
2. svapna, dreaming state (alfa, 7 - 14 Hz)
3. susupti, deep sleep (theta, 4 - 7 Hz)
Beyond them is the fourth state (turya) which is non-material (SB 6.5.12, 7.9.32, 7,15.54). On this level the Supreme Lord can be perceived. Gaudiya Vaisnavas describe another, fifth state (turyatitah), dimension of love between the jiva and Krsna.
What follows are paraphrases of Vedanta-sutra (by Suhotra Swami) and corresponding Srimad Bhagavatam verses:
Dreams are created by the Supersoul to award the living entity with the results of insignificant karma. (Vs 3.2.1) SB 6.16.55
The Supersoul causes objects of desire to appear in dreams as they do in other situations (e.g. the waking state). (Vs 3.2.2) SB 11.13.32
Dreams are features of the Supreme Lord’s maya. (Vs 3.2.3) SB 11.13.33
Some dreams are omens; sastra and experts so declare. (Vs 3.2.4) SB 10.42.26-27
Objection: When one awakes from dreaming, he knows that his dreams were unreal. Therefore no value should be imparted to dreams.
Reply: The manifestation and the withdrawal of the dream world within the consciousness of the living entity is effected by the Lord. In the same way, bondage and liberation proceed from him also. (Vs 3.2.5) SB 3.7.10-12
The state in which consciousness is focused on the physical body (the waking state) is created by the Supreme Lord. (Vs 3.2.6) SB 6.16.53-54
Different statements in the Upanisads indicate that deep sleep is the result of the soul entering 1) the nadis (subtle channels that pervade the body from the center of the heart), 2) the pericardium, or 3) the Supersoul. The resolution is that the soul sleeps within the bed of the Supersoul, after having entered the palace (the pericardium) through the door of the nadis. (Vs 3.2.7) SB 11.3.35, 1.10.21
Because the Supersoul is the resting place of the soul in deep sleep, it is the Supersoul alone who awakens the sleeping soul. (Vs 3.2.8) SB 3.26.71
[Koran 6.60: “And He is it who takes your souls at night (in sleep), and He who knows what you acquire in the day (…).”]
When the living entity awakes from deep sleep, he is the same person. This is certain because of four proofs: 1) the living entity continues his unfinished karma, 2) he retains memory of his identity, 3) the scriptures so describe him as returning to the same body, and 4) he is bound by the scriptural injunctions (i.e. it is enjoined that the jiva cannot attain liberation while in the state of deep sleep, so he is obliged by sastra to return to the body from that state). (Vs 3.2.9) SB 11.3.39, 11.13.27,28
The state of swoon (mugdha) is midway between deep sleep and wakefulness. That is to say, the soul partially attains rest in the Supersoul. (Vs 3.2.10) SB 7.13.5

I certainly seem to have a funny longstanding and tidal relationship with Hollywood. Last Friday, I went to watch the premiere of the new movie that I’m a small part of. It’s called 10,000 Saints and stars some of the biggest names in Hollywood right now – Ethan Hawke, Emile Hirsch, Hailee Steinfeld, Asa Butterfield. It also happens to star a bunch of the devotees from the Bhakti Center in New York – Doyal Gauranga, Chaitanya Kapadia, Vinay Vanodia, and a bunch of other handsome and beautiful devotees of Krishna. I play the illustrious role of, “Hare Krishna priest”  and I get to live out one of my long-time dreams of chanting mantras about Krishna in a Hollywood film. I chose to sing the prayers of Lord Brahma (also called the Brahma Samhita) where he describes the supreme beauty and attractiveness of Govinda and his spiritual world. Seems a fitting offering to an industry so captivated by beauty and love. At the end of each stanza Emile Hirsch and Hailee Steinfeld toss handfuls of grains into the fire and sing “Swaha” as they pretend to get married at the temple.

I don’t want to spoil the movie for anyone who plans to see it, so I’ll just say the basics. It centers around a young man and his Journey to find himself in the 1980s straight edge hard-core scene in New York City. There’s a lot of graphic drug use (especially in the beginning of the film) sexual overtones, and spicy language so I wouldn’t enthusiastically recommend my gentle hearted, sattvic, spiritual friends should all go see the film. But if you’re one of those bhaktas who enjoys binge watching lowbrow, high-entertainment shows like Game of Thrones after you finish your 16 rounds, then by all means feel free. It’s definitely enjoyable to see the Bhakti Center and the beautiful atmosphere of flower garlands, colorful saris and ecstatic Kirtan captured for posterity in this independent film. When I went to the DC premiere of this movie Eleanor Henderson, the author of the book the film is based on, told me the scenes at the temple are her favorite scenes in the film.

And be careful not to blink or you might miss the future nominee for the Oscar for “Best Turban Worn By An Actor Portraying a Hare Krishna Priest in a Film About the Hard-core Punk Rock Scene in 1980s New York.” 

ॐ
—
Gaura Vani

Source:http://www.gauravani.com/5236-ten-thousand-saints

Namaste, I am delighted to send my best wishes to everyone at Bhaktivedanta Manor in what is a very special year for all those associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
(ISKCON).

For fifty years since its foundation by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the men and women behind ISKCON have dedicated their lives to the words of Lord Krishna to achieve peace and unity.

ISKCON can be proud that in that time it has grown the world over, setting up over 500 centres and 50 schools.

In celebration of the birth of Lord Krishna, it is wonderful to see so many in the Hindu community flock once again to Bhaktivedanta Manor to be part of the Janmashtami celebrations.

I am delighted to see festivities on such a scale take place, reminding us all of the great number of people from diverse backgrounds throughout this country.

As you gather to celebrate in the beauty of the Manor’s surroundings, let me wish you all a spectacular Janmashtami festival , and of course, pay tribute to the thousand and more volunteers who have given their precious time to make this year’s festival a memorable one.

Theresa May MP
PRIME MINISTER

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=30430

August 12, 2016. Dear Friends, Hare Krsna. I thought you might be interested to see this page from the August 2016 issue of Oprah Magazine. The article references the studies on the Hare Krsna Maha Mantra that I conducted in the 1990s. Hare Krsna.
Sincerely, Dhira Govinda das
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/62JUs5

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/wp-content/uploads5/Mantram%20in%20Oprah%20August%202016.pdf

Indian Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi has congratulated ISKCON on its 50th anniversary, praising its accomplishments in a way that shows a strong understanding of ISKCON's  core message and efforts. We hope its Founder-Acarya Srila Prabhupada, who always tried to reach the leaders of society, is pleased.

The Prime Minister's letter, released on August 8th, reads in full:

"I am delighted to learn that the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

"Over the last five decades, the journey of ISKCON has been one of selfless service to society.

"The ISKCON family has emerged at the forefront of the quest to create a more peaceful, harmonious and compassionate society. ISKCON's journey has been a manifestation of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.' Integration has been at the core of your philosophy.

"ISKCON's story has been the story of the determination and devotion of lakhs of devotees spread across the world. Inspired by the teachings of Lord Krishna, they spread His message far and wide. The efforts of the ISKCON family in sectors like education, publishing and disaster-relief are commendable.

"On this occasion, I convey my best wishes to the ISKCON family and hope they continue to serve humanity with the same enthusiasm and diligence as they have been doing for the last five decades. May this family of devotees be agents of change in creating a better tomorrow.

"Jai Shri Krishna!

"Signed, Narendra Modi

"New Delhi

"08 August, 2016"

The Prime Minister's letter

Source:http://iskconnews.org/indian-prime-minister-commends-iskcon-on-its-50th-anniversary,5748/

Here is another fine article compiled by Vidura Mahatma Prabhu, which appeared in my mailbox some time back. Some very nice quotes.

The Cause of Confusion and Dissension in the Krishna Consciousness Movement
by Vidura Mahatma Das

“When disciples do not stick to the principle of accepting the order of their spiritual master, immediately there are two opinions. Any opinion different from the opinion of the spiritual master is useless. One cannot infiltrate materially concocted ideas into spiritual advancement. That is deviation. There is no scope for adjusting spiritual advancement to material ideas.” (Caitanya-caritamrta Adi 12.9 purport)

“All the devotees connected with this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement must read all the books that have been translated (Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Bhagavad-gītā and others); otherwise, after some time, they will simply eat, sleep and fall down from their position. Thus they will miss the opportunity to attain an eternal, blissful life of transcendental pleasure.”
(Chaitanya-caritamrta Madhya-lila 25.278 : Purport by Srila Prabhupada)

“The order of the spiritual master is the active principle in spiritual life. Anyone who disobeys the order of the spiritual master immediately becomes useless.” (CC Adi 12.10)

1. Not following Srila Prabhupada’s orders/discipline

“When disciples do not stick to the principle of accepting the order of their spiritual master, immediately there are two opinions. Any opinion different from the opinion of the spiritual master is useless. One cannot infiltrate materially concocted ideas into spiritual advancement. That is deviation. There is no scope for adjusting spiritual advancement to material ideas.” (Caitanya-caritamrta Adi 12.9 purport)

“The Māyāvādī philosophers, they want to become one. “One” means you agree to the Supreme. That is oneness. Just like we are conducting this international society. We have got many workers, many disciples, but we are one. “One” means they are carrying their spiritual master’s order. Therefore they are one.” (Lecture on SB 3.26.25 — Bombay, January 2, 1975)

“Unless one is firmly fixed in the regulative principles, one may perform mischievous acts, even if one is a member of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. We therefore advise our disciples to strictly follow the regulative principles; otherwise the most important movement for the upliftment of humanity will be hampered due to dissension among its members. Those who are serious about pushing forward this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement should remember this and strictly follow the regulative principles so that their minds will not be disturbed.” (SB 5.14.35 : PURPORT)

“Śrī Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī, at the time of his passing away, ordered all his disciples to work conjointly to preach the mission of Caitanya Mahāprabhu all over the world. Later, however, some self-interested, foolish disciples disobeyed his orders. Each one of them wanted to become head of the mission, and they fought in the courts, neglecting the order of the spiritual master, and the entire mission was defeated.” (CC Adi 7.95-96, Purport)

“Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, at the time of his departure, requested all his disciples to form a governing body and conduct missionary activities cooperatively. He did not instruct a particular man to become the next ācārya. But just after his passing away, his leading secretaries made plans, without authority, to occupy the post of ācārya, and they split into two factions over who the next ācārya would be. Consequently, both factions were asāra, or useless, because they had no authority, having disobeyed the order of the spiritual master. Despite the spiritual master’s order to form a governing body and execute the missionary activities of the Gauḍīya Maṭha, the two unauthorized factions began litigation that is still going on after forty years with no decision.” (CC Adi 12.8, Purport)

CC Adi 12.10, Translation and Purport: The order of the spiritual master is the active principle in spiritual life. Anyone who disobeys the order of the spiritual master immediately becomes useless.
Here is the opinion of Śrīla Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī. Persons who strictly follow the orders of the spiritual master are useful in executing the will of the Supreme, whereas persons who deviate from the strict order of the spiritual master are useless.

“We have got practical experience how a great institution was lost by whimsical ways. Without carrying out the order of the spiritual master, they manufactured something and the whole thing was lost.” (Lecture on SB 1.2.11 — Vrndavana, October 22, 1972)

“The central point is the order of the Spiritual Master, and I am very glad that you are trying to give importance to this aspect of management. The difficulty is sometimes things are interpreted in a manner dovetailing one’s own sense gratification. I have got this personal experience in my Guru Maharaja’s institution. Different Godbrothers took the words of Guru Maharaja in different interpretations for sense gratification and the whole mission disrupted. This is still going on for the last 40 years without any proper settlement.” (Letter to disciple — Tittenhurst 18 October, 1969)

“There may be different orders for different disciples, but a disciple should take the order of the spiritual master as his life: “Here it is, the order. So let me execute it without any deviation.” That will make him perfect. Just see, the Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s, this is His instruction. He says, ei ājñā pāñā nāma la-i anukṣaṇa. He did not think, “Oh, My spiritual master thought Me a fool, rascal (CC Adi 7.71). Oh, why I am rascal? Let Me see Vedānta-sūtra. Why shall I not see?” Oh, that is rascaldom again. That is rascaldom again. You cannot deviate the order of the spiritual master by an inch if you really want success.” (Lecture on CC Adi-lila 7.76-81 — San Francisco, February 2, 1967)

2. Not reading Srila Prabhupada’s books / Hearing from Srila Prabhupada

“All the devotees connected with this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement must read all the books that have been translated (Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Bhagavad-gītā and others); otherwise, after some time, they will simply eat, sleep and fall down from their position. Thus they will miss the opportunity to attain an eternal, blissful life of transcendental pleasure.”
(Chaitanya-caritamrta Madhya-lila 25.278 : Purport by Srila Prabhupada)

“I think that the best thing for you is to study our books very carefully and then try to write something. Do not try to concoct your own theories. This is not the process. You must write just as you have heard from your Guru and nothing else. Otherwise, your writing is useless.” (Letter to: Bhakta Dennis — Mayapur 8 April, 1975)

“First thing is that one must understand Srimad-Bhagavatam fully. The first verse, if you simply explain, will take volumes and volumes. So, please study my books intensely and do not fail to chant 16 rounds daily following the four regulative principles strictly. This will make everything perfect.” (Letter to: Aticandra — Bombay 4 January, 1975)

“The service of the spiritual master is essential. If there is no chance to serve the spiritual master directly, a devotee should serve him by remembering his instructions. There is no difference between the spiritual master’s instructions and the spiritual master himself. In his absence, therefore, his words of direction should be the pride of the disciple.” (Caitanya-caritamrta Adi 1.35 Purport)

“If one thinks that there are many pseudo devotees or nondevotees in the Kṛṣṇa Consciousness Society, one can keep direct company with the spiritual master, and if there is any doubt, one should consult the spiritual master. However, unless one follows the spiritual master’s instructions and the regulative principles governing chanting and hearing the holy name of the Lord, one cannot become a pure devotee. By one’s mental concoctions, one falls down. By associating with nondevotees, one breaks the regulative principles and is thereby lost.” (Cc Madhya-lila 19.157)

3. On the whole: Not serious about Krishna Consciousness

Bhagavad-gita As It Is
Chapter 2 Tex 41

vyavasāyātmikā buddhir
ekeha kuru-nandana
bahu-śākhā hy anantāś ca
buddhayo ‘vyavasāyinām

vyavasāyātmikā—resolute Kṛṣṇa consciousness; buddhiḥ—intelligence; ekā—only one; iha—in this world; kuru-nandana—O beloved child of the Kurus; bahu-śākhāḥ—various branches; hi—indeed; anantāḥ—unlimited; ca—also; buddhayaḥ—intelligence; avyavasāyinām—of those who are not in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

TRANSLATION

Those who are on this path are resolute in purpose, and their aim is one. O beloved child of the Kurus, the intelligence of those who are irresolute is many-branched.

PURPORT
A strong faith in Kṛṣṇa consciousness that one should be elevated to the highest perfection of life is called vyavasāyātmikā intelligence. The Caitanya-caritāmṛta states:

‘śraddhā’-śabde viśvāsa kahe sudṛḍha niścaya
kṛṣṇe bhakti kaile sarva-karma kṛta haya

Faith means unflinching trust in something sublime. When one is engaged in the duties of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, he need not act in relationship to the material world with obligations to family traditions, humanity, or nationality. Fruitive activities are the engagements of one’s reactions from past good or bad deeds. When one is awake in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, he need no longer endeavor for good results in his activities. When one is situated in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, all activities are on the absolute plane, for they are no longer subject to dualities like good and bad. The highest perfection of Kṛṣṇa consciousness is renunciation of the material conception of life. This state is automatically achieved by progressive Kṛṣṇa consciousness. The resolute purpose of a person in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is based on knowledge (“Vāsudevaḥ sarvam iti sa mahātmā sudurlabhaḥ”) by which one comes to know perfectly that Vāsudeva, or Kṛṣṇa, is the root of all manifested causes. As water on the root of a tree is automatically distributed to the leaves and branches, in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, one can render the highest service to everyone—namely self, family, society, country, humanity, etc. If Kṛṣṇa is satisfied by one’s actions, then everyone will be satisfied.

Service in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is, however, best practiced under the able guidance of a spiritual master who is a bona fide representative of Kṛṣṇa, who knows the nature of the student and who can guide him to act in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. As such, to be well-versed in Kṛṣṇa consciousness one has to act firmly and obey the representative of Kṛṣṇa, and one should accept the instruction of the bona fide spiritual master as one’s mission in life. Śrīla Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākur instructs us, in his famous prayers for the spiritual master, as follows:

yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo
yasyāprasādānna gatiḥ kuto ‘pi
dhyāyaṁ stuvaṁs tasya yaśas tri-sandhyaṁ
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam.

“By satisfaction of the spiritual master, the Supreme Personality of Godhead becomes satisfied. And by not satisfying the spiritual master, there is no chance of being promoted to the plane of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. I should, therefore, meditate and pray for his mercy three times a day, and offer my respectful obeisances unto him, my spiritual master.”

The whole process, however, depends on perfect knowledge of the soul beyond the conception of the body—not theoretically but practically, when there is no longer chance for sense gratification manifested in fruitive activities. One who is not firmly fixed in mind is diverted by various types of fruitive acts.

Also:

“After receiving the spiritual master’s mercy, one must repeat his instructions, and this is called śravaṇa-kīrtana-hearing and chanting. One who has not properly heard from the spiritual master or who does not follow the regulative principles is not fit for chanting (kīrtana). This is explained in Bhagavad-gītā (2.41): vyavasāyātmikā buddhir ekeha kuru-nandana. One who has not listened carefully to the instructions of the spiritual master is unfit to chant or preach the cult of devotional service. One has to water the bhakti-latā-bīja after receiving instructions from the spiritual master.” (CC Madhya 19.152)

The quotes used in this compilation have been taken from Srila Prabhupada’s original, unrevised books and teachings.

By Kripamoya das

Two weeks ago at Bhaktivedanta Manor, a new garden was dedicated to Srila Prabhupada and his disciples. Since it was the week in which we were celebrating the 50th anniversary of the formal establishment of ISKCON, I gave the following speech:

If you would please look up and cast your eyes behind me towards this sequoia tree. It’s at least 100 feet high. It was planted here in the 1880s by a gardener who never got to see it the way we can see it today. This tree is one of 183 trees here at the Bhaktivedanta Manor. I’d like to think it has its own personality. Certainly it has heard more kirtan than most sequoias.

At sometimes 200 – 300 feet high, the sequoia tree is one of the largest living things in the world and can live for more than three thousand years. A tree like this can produce 250 seeds from every cone. And a mature tree can produce thousands of cones.

Now, the seed of the sequoia is tiny – only 5 millimetres long. Yet inside a tiny seed is everything needed to grow an entire tree. Think of that for a while. An entire tree inside a tiny seed. Something that will live for three thousand years, inside a tiny seed. Inside the cone is a special chemical which only allows the seeds to fall when the moisture level is just right. Inside the seeds there are so many working parts with wonderful names: vacuoles, ribosomes, mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. And inside them there is intricate coding – every single detail of the future tree is there.

So within the seed is both the essence of the sequoia tree – the essence that will make it different from all other trees – as well as the specific coding that will form the trunk, branches, twigs and cones, coding that will help the tree to grow, stand tall, and endure for centuries. The essence and the structure – both are needed.

In any area of human life, when someone begins an endeavour – especially one they hope will endure for a long time, they are, in effect, planting a seed. By their aspirations, their vision of the final result, and by their determination, they plant a seed. And, provided the conditions are right, it will grow.

The growth of a spiritual movement, such as ours, depends on the flow of grace from the divine source and the aspirations and channelled energy of the spiritual seeker. It is said that God reaches down to the soul and the soul reaches upwards to God. And where they meet is called the guru.

The interplay between guru and disciple allows for the transmission of intricate spiritual coding. By sincere enquiry and service, by following the compassionate guidance of the guru and making himself a vessel for the guru’s wisdom and grace, the disciple can begin to grow upwards. But through the disciples the guru also grows. His ability to help the world grows as his disciples reach out to others. They multiply his ability to give Krishna. Guru and disciple together make a spiritual movement.

In the case of a tree, in the beginning there is but a small stirring in the soil. But as the years pass the small sapling grows into a magnificent, tall tree with many branches and hundreds of twigs on every branch. In the case of a spiritual movement, inspired followers attract more followers and a small band of disciples grows into a movement. It takes time, and the growth may not always be apparent, but it grows.

From this small seed comes a tree that can grow to three hundred feet and last for thousands of years. With the establishment of ISKCON Srila Prabhupada planted a seed for centuries to come.

50 years ago, our founder and acarya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada planted a seed. He brought into existence a society whose specific name he chose and whose specific shape he carefully formed. The original group of early followers might have been bemused to learn the name of the organisation typed up on the deeds of incorporation: the International Society for Krishna Consciousness – ISKCON. There were no assets to speak of and with only one room in a back street of New York there was no way it could be described as even the New York State Society for Krishna Consciousness, what to speak of the American Society for Krishna Consciousness. And international? What a preposterous and utopian idea!

Yet with the signing of that document – the planting of the seed for his future organisation – Srila Prabhupada gave all the natural coding for the growth that was to come. The love and gratitude of his disciples, their enthusiasm to do his bidding, and his daily teaching and careful guidance, all formed the perfect setting for growth to take place.

There is an old Irish story of a farmer who looks up from his field towards the nearby road and sees a saintly man walking. “Where are you going, sir?” he asks. “Oh, I’m going to start a religious movement,” replies the saint. Then the farmer sees the devil walking some yards behind and asks him: “Why are you following the saint?” “Oh, I’m going to help him organise his religious movement,” he replies with a grin.

We don’t trust organisations. They can be very tricky things. It’s not always easy for human beings to work together as an organisation – we are all independent and we are needy in so many ways. Yet an organisation is, in effect, nothing more than a living organism- like this tree – but made up of humans. An organism is something alive that contains organs – parts that perform certain functions for the welfare of the whole body. An organisation is an organism where those organs are made up of teams of humans working together.

Now, it is true that sequoia trees, or anthills, or beehives, function much better as living systems than humans do when they try to work together. We just don’t get along like ants or bees, or like the living organism of the tree. A survey conducted by Yale University found that in the 20th century the lifespan of the average S&P Index listed American company fell from 67 years to just 15. So at 50 years old, ISKCON is already bucking the odds by a factor of three.

Our company, ISKCON, is by ordinary calculation a company that should either be struggling or have gone out of business already. Consider the fragility of an organisation that promotes education in spiritual values, pays its members no dividends and depends mainly on voluntary contributions; that extols virtues that most of the world considers vices, and that runs counter to many of the intellectual notions held sacred by the world. Surely such an organisation should have collapsed by now.

Yet against all the odds, and despite some irregularities, Srila Prabhupada’s movement has endured, grown and prospered – and has reached its half century. This is something to be applauded. The secret of ISKCON’s success so far is an open secret: Srila Prabhupada planted the seed and the information content of that seed was very high. Not only the Sanskrit texts and teachings of ancient wisdom, but the careful guidance of how the structure was to grow, flourish and expand. How the members of his movement should work together, and how the resulting movement would spread and sweep up many more people in its embrace.

At the heart of it is the relationship of those early disciples with their master; a special friendship grounded in the sincere exchange of enquiry and revelation. From the master came wisdom so encouraging that it changed their young lives, and they offered grateful service to a person who they knew loved them. It was the oldest of all relationships, the guru-sisya sambandha.

Disciples gave their entire youth to Srila Prabhupada. The years normally spent in learning and making a home were sacrificed so that the seed of his divine tree, ISKCON, could be planted. We who enjoy membership of ISKCON today know that without those early disciples and their love for their spiritual master, we would not be here. So today we salute them and we thank them for their life of service. Some of them are gathered here today. We thank you and applaud your gift to us. This garden, thisguru-sisya udyana, is dedicated to you and your relationship with Srila Prabhupada. Let this garden always remind us of how you served him, of the divine exchange between guru and disciple, and of the efforts you took to bring us all to Srila Prabhupada, and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

Source: https://deshika.wordpress.com/2016/08/11/learning-from-a-tree/

By Hari Narayana das

In the 11th century AD, emperor Majapahit, ruling from Java, spread his kingdom upto Madagascar Island. During his rule, Kediri, in East Java, was famed as the centre of vedic culture, from where all the great sages appeared who are revered till the present day all over Indonesia. Archaeological findings in 2007 revealed a rich vedic cultural heritage of the region. Detailed stone images of Lord Narasimha deva, the half-man, half-lion incarnation of Vishnu; Lord Visnu Himself seated on His bird-carrier Garuda; Ganesha, Harihara and many other similar specimens takes one on a time travel into the past….giving a vivid picture of what Indonesia was like back then. All these images and statues are now kept in the local Majapahit Museum.

After a span of roughly 10 centuries or one thousand years, in early 2016, devotees visited Kediri with an intention to meet the local Hindus and try to distribute Srila Prabhupada books. What they found in Kediri left them overwhelmed. Inspired by the encouragement of His Holiness Subhag Swami- a team of enthusiastic devotees: Srigarbha das, Saciputra das and Gadadhar das,-went to Kediri for the first time in their lives. The local people including members of the Hindu parishad were so happy to see them. For the first time they heard the purports to the verses of Bhagavad-gita by Srila Prabhupada and all of them expressed that never before had they heard such clear explanation of the Gita. And when they saw the books everyone just practically ran to grab the books.

Kediri is a city in East Java province, Indonesia, located 130 km southwest of Surabaya and the third largest city in East Java after Surabaya and Malang by population. Its location in the slope of Merapi and Wilis mountains make the city very fertile.

The carnival of Kediri celebrated as ‘Week of Culture and Tourism- Kediri Year 2016’, on the theme, “Panji Going Home “. In the Cultural Week this time the theme was “Panji to return home”, because the Panji itself is a form of honor noble culture in the archipelago. It was a sign of reestablishment of vedic culture as it used to be in the age of Kediri Kingdom in the 11th century. Lord Jagannath personally brought back the vaisnava culture back to Kediri with the Ratha Yatra festival.

“These public festivals have proven very effective in spreading knowledge about Krsna consciousness to all the citizens”. SPL to Galim dasa, November 20th, 1971

No devotees live in Kediri. Only devotees from Kediri were Bhakta I Gusti Nyoman Ambara and his wife Bhaktin Isti, who live in Surabaya, about three hours from Kediri. They requested the devotees to use their house in Kediri as preaching centre. Prabhu Gusti and his wife frequently participated in Rathayatra in other parts of Indonesia and were requested by devotees to have rathayatra in Kediri. Then they went to Kediri and met the head of tourism department, Mr. Yuli Marwantoko. They also brought pictures of the rathayatra in other parts of Indonesia. They inquired about the event and festivals that have already been done in Kediri. By the Lord’s mercy Mr. Yuli observed the pictures and surprisingly he felt really happy and he said that “ this festival should be done in Kediri first, not other places because Kediri was the center of Hindu civilization in Indonesia!” Then he entered the office and brought some VCD and gave it to prabhu Gusti and his wife. He added “this is the festival that has already been done in Kediri, please do rathayatra in Kediri. We will facilitate what you need for the festival.” Prabhu Gusti and his wife were shocked and still didn’t believe that Lord Jagannath gave the baton in their hands. Srila Prabhupa mention in his letter that “To implement this transcendental bliss to the people of your country there is immense work to be done ahead and this Ratha-yatra festival is only a bit of sample. If we get opportunity we shall be able to overflood your country with the waves of transcendental bliss, by the grace of Krsna (SPL to Aniruddha, 7th July, 1968).

Announcements were made about Rathayatra in Kediri. Invitations were sent out to the devotees all over Indonesia, collecting donation and preparing for the chariot. The devotees from Jember brought the chariot and Lord Jaganath, Balarama, and Subadradevi deities to Kediri and the Chariot team from Banyuwangi and Jember came to Kediri for preparing the Chariot. Adi prana prabhu organized the bus for the devotees from Bali. He prepared one bus, then by the time the enthusiasm of the devotees increased and he ordered another bus, but still not enough then he called for the third bus. Three buses full of devotees drove to Kediri.

“….but if we try to satisfy Him in so many ways as directed by acaryas and scriptures, indirectly we become benefitted by such activities. So try to nicely observe this Ratha-yatra festival…”(SPL to Yamuna, 27th May, 1969).They came just to satisfy the Lord. They helped the committee in all ways that they could. It was as if Lord Jagannath prepared everything. The government prepared SMKN 1 Ngasem- a vocational school as the base camp of the devotees to stay and prepare the chariot. Prabhu Gusti used his house as the cooking center. Other devotees prepared flowers Garlands, decorating the chariot and car that was used to carry one ton of oranges that donated by Dina Dharini mataji. In the evening after Gaura arati, a class was given by his grace Ramanuja das brahmacari. Ramanuja prabhu said that we were making history. He also emphasized that the devotees who participated rathayatra should remember that whatever they do should be to satisfy Lord Jagannath.

“This purification can be done only by engaging the senses for Krsna. Krsna is called Hrsikesa, or the master of the senses. His senses are omnipotent; therefore, when our senses will be engaged to satisfy the senses of Krsna, at that time we will have perfect sense gratification, and be free of all distressed condition”.(SPL to Mr. Taber, 9th June, 1967)

On the day of festival, the devotees woke up early in the morning, finished their rounds and followed by mangal arati. A recorded class from His Holiness Subhag Swami Maharaj was played and translated by Gadhadar prabhu. Maharaj said that Lord Jagannath was so merciful that He personally came to give blessing to the people of kali yuga. Maharaj also said that simply by serving Him, pulling the rope of the chariot, glorifying Him and chanting his name, it will qualify us to become free from tension and make us blissful and happy. Maharaj further explained that by the mercy of the Lord and His pure devotee, Srila Prabhupada the rathayatra festivals in Indonesia increased in number every year. Everyone who participated in the rathayatra rendering whatever service he can do for the Lord would get the Lord’s blessing.

“For serving the Lord we require to sacrifice our life, our wealth, our intelligence and our words. One can serve the Lord with these four possessions. If not, with three, if not then with two or even one, and that is sufficient to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead…..One has to make the best use of his talent for the service of Krsna. That is wanted. Best example is Arjuna, that he utilized his talents, military science, in the service of Krsna.” (SPL to Gargamuni, 7th June, 1968)

At 09.00 am a phone called came from the tourism department saying that the devotees should be ready on the spot at 10.00 pm because the Lord chariot would be the first group to lead the carnival. The devotees then prepared and the Lordships were brought to the chariot, after the Lord sat on the chariot, the pujari offered bhoga and arati was performed. After arati coconuts were offered to the Lord and broken to invoke auspiciousness. Then the devotees pulled the lord to the starting point. The devotees did kirtan while waiting for the parade. As SrilaPrabhupada wrote in his letter that “if there is chanting of Hare Krsna, even the soul is there for a short time, Oh!he will hear and become advanced. This sound vibration is not material, it is spiritual and powerful beyond our conception. So it cannot be hindered in any way by something material; it surpasses all these material barriers”. SPL to Mukunda and Janaki, 28th February, 1968

The sankirtan team distributed SrilaPrabhupada books to the people around the area. They distributed about 162 books. After opening ceremony by the committee the Lord’s chariot was pulled up to the main stage where all the dignitaries were present. The street was crowded by visitors on both sides. The first line was car decorated with a big Jagannath mask and carrying sound system to support the Kirtan. The fired up Kirtan led by Sridar das prabu made all the devotees and the visitors dance in ecstasy from start point until finish. A ton of oranges were distributed to the visitor. A flower garland that was already offered to the Lord and a copy of Bhagavad Gita were presented to the mayor of Kediri. The parade finished at the mayor office. Then the devotees took rest before returning to the base camp. Arriving in the base came, the devotees honored the prasadam. Blissful as after all ratha yatra festivals, carrying fond memories, the devotees returned to their respective homes.

We would like thank each and every one who helped to make this ratha yatra manifest within such a short period of time. Prabhu Raghava, Bhakta Edy and team who took care to prepare the chariot, the team of cooks, Kirtan party, Sankirtan team, the organizers and all well-wishers…we extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all the wonderful devotees. As always…we remain ever indebted to His Holiness Kavichandra Swami, His Holiness Ramai Swami- the GBC’s of Indonesia; His Holiness Bhakti Raghava Swami, His Holiness Subhag Swami for their ever encouraging support to continue these festivals. And all senior vaisnavas who have always been inspirational…a warm thank you. We pray that Srila Prabhupada is pleased with our small efforts and ask for blessings we be able to continue in this service to his lotus feet.

 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.

An updated report of the amazing achievements of Srila Prabhupada’s Iskcon up today. His movement has expanded into a multitude of projects worldwide all with the unique purpose of spreading the chanting of the Holy Name of Lord Krishna and giving to all a chance for delivery from the material world and Kali Yuga. You will be pleasantly surprised to hear this summary of all the activities the disciples and grand disciples of His Divine Grace are performing daily for the service of his mission and the pleasure of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. 

Source:http://www.dandavats.com/?p=30442