Moksada Ekadasi This Moksada Ekadasi occures in the waxing moon in the month of November/December. The glories of this Ekadasi is described in Brahmanda Purana in the conversation between Lord Krishna and Maharaj Yudhistira.

Once Yudhistira asked Lord Krishna, my dear Krishna what is the name of the Ekadasi that occures during the waxing moon in the month of Novembeer/December? Also please explain to me in details about the procedure for observing this Ekadasi. ?

Lord Krishna Said, o best of the King! This Ekadasi distroys all once sinful reactions. If one worships the supreme lord with tulasi manjari on this day, the lord becomes extremely pleased. By observing this ekadasi one achieves the result of performing Bajpeya sacrifice.

There was a King named Vaikanasa lived and ruled in the city of Champaka. The King was very affectionate towards the citizen. Many qualified brahmanas who were well versed in vedic knowledge lived in his Kingdom. Oneday the King had a dream that his father was fallen in the hell and was suffering unlimited meseries there. On seeing this the King became struck with wonder. The next day the King disclosed the topics of his dream in the essembly of learned brahamins. He also informed them that his father has requested to delilver him from the helish condition. Ever since the King had this dream he became restless. And he did not feel any happiness or interest in rulling his kingdom. He even dealt with his family members indifferently. He thought the life, kingdom, oppulance, power and influence of a son is completly useless if his father is suffering in the hell. That is why the king pathetically appealed to all the learned brahmins, please tell me the way by which I can deliver my father from the clatches of hell.

On hearing his appeal the brahmins said - O King the ashram of Parvata Muni is situated very near from here. He is the knower of past, present and future. You please relate the topics of your dream to him.

After hearing their suggestion King Vaikanasa arrived at the ashram of Paravata Muni accompanied by the brahmins and his subjects. When Parvata Muni inquired about the well being of his Kingdom King Vaikanasa Said, O my lord, we are all very well by your mercy; but inspite of possessing the kingdom and all appulances I am in a great difficulty. In fact a doubt has arrisen in my mind and in order to remove that I have come to y our lotus feet.

After hearing the whole incident from the King Parvata Muni sat down in deep meditation. After a while he gotup from his meditation and said to the King - 'My dear King your father was very lusty in his previous life hence he has degraded himself in this condition. Now you oall should observe the vow of Ekadasi which occures during the waxing moon in the month of November/December for the deliverence of your father and donate the accumulated piety to him. Then by the influence of that peity your father will be relieved from the clutches of hellish life. After hearing these words from Parvat Muni king returned to his palace surrounded by his entourage.

Thereafter in due course of time the king with his wife, children and servants duly observed this Ekadasi which occures during the waxing moon in the month of November/December and dedicated all its piety to his suffering father. By the influence of this piety the father attained the heavenly planet and blessed his son very much.

O King, one who properly follows this Moksada Ekadasi certainly relieved from all sinful reactions. ==========================================================================

The Advent of Bhagavad Gita This is the annirversary day commemorating the day that Srimad Bhagavad Gita was spoken by Lord Sri Krishna to His dearmost devotee Arjuna at the place now known as Jyotisar Tirtha amid the waring families of the Kurus and the Pandavas at Kurukshetra. If one wishes one can still go and visit that place and see the monument erected there with Krishna as Parthasarati (the chariot driver) and Arjuna the warrior on their chariot. It is claimed by the ashram who maintain the shrine that the tree that is next to Them is a continum growth of the original tree witness that was there at the actual day of speaking.

Traditionally devotees come to Kurukshetra (Dharmakshetra) and recite Bhagavad Gita from early morning until the next morning, perform arati to Bhagavad Gita and to Krishna and Arjuna upon the chariot, offer lamps 'deep daan' at Brahma Sarovar, shloka recitals, shobha yatras and seminars on the significance of the Gita today.

Devotees who cannot get to Jyotisar Tirtha remember the blessed event by reciting Bhagavad Gita, performing Bhagavad Gita ahuti of each verse or selected chapters into the sacred fire, and discussing the subject matter of Bhagavad Gita in the association of devotees. Distribution of Bhagavad Gitas' on this day is also a very auspicious activity to perform.

Remembering the Scene:

The Pandavas army took the western side of the battlefield of Kurukshetra. They were facing the east. Their army was stationed near a lake. A white royal umbrella was seen in the Kauravas army. The soldiers started warning up at the thought of the battle ahead. Blowing of conches raised a great tumult and beating of drums and many other instruments were sounded to announce the readiness for the war. Excitement was building up.

The warriors of both the sides met and settled the rules of the war. Only equals will fight in personal duels. Those who surrender, there lives will be spared, No charioteer, animal, or servants who were not soldiers were to be attacked. These and some other rules that were usual in a Dharma-Yuddha or a righteous war were finalised and both the sides agreed to abide by them.

On the eve of the war, sage Vyasa visited the palace of Dhritarastra, who was his son, now the terrible days are in store. All your sons and the kings will be killed soon. This is settled by fate. It is ordained so, do not be sorry. I shall grant you your eyesight so that you may witness the war. Dhritarastra was shaken by the stark words of the sage. He said, ‘My lord, I have been blind all my life. I do not want to see my sons dying in the battlefield. If someone can give me an account of the war as it unfolds, I shall be happy. Vyasa said, Sanjaya would get the power to see everything that happens in the war. He will be able to see during the day as well as in the night. He shall be even able to know the thoughts of the persons engaged in the war. He shall not be tired or exhausted. The omens are all against the Kauravas." Saying this the great sage departed.

(After this the entire account of the war is as related by Sanjaya to the blind king Dhritarastra)

Duryodhana was busy arranging his troops in a battle array. He told Dussashan, ‘take care to protect our grandsire, Bhishma. All the chariots and warriors should be placed in such a position to Bhishma. He alone is capable of destroying the entire army of the Pandavas led by Dhristadhyumna. We should pay special attentions to kill Shikhandi. He could be a source of danger to Bhishma.

Then (one Akshauhini of Army comprises of 21870 chariots, 21870 elephants, 65610 horses and 109350 men.) akshauhinis of the Kauravas army was arranged in Vyuha (battle array) and one akshauhini was under the direct control of Bhishma. Bhishma chariot was white-silver coloured, it was driven by white horses and his flag was golden, bearing his personal insignia. The Sun was rising in a golden dawn. Bhishma spoke to his soldiers, "Today is a very auspicious day. The gates of heavens are open to all the Kshatriyas who will be fortunate to die in the battle. It is not beckoning of a Kshatriya to die in bed or of sickness. Battlefield is the only glorious place to die. Without thinking about tomorrow do your best to win the war. Karna was the only warrior who had not joined the war. Bhishma chief body guard was Ashwathama, who was supported by seven more warriors. Salya and Bhurishrava were among them. Duryodhana’s banner was proudly fixed a top his chariot.

Looking at the vast army of the Kauravas, Yudhisthira said to Arjuna. Their army is so huge. They have eleven akshauhinis against them we have only seven. How best can be arrange our army in battle formation. Bhishma is quite formidable. Arjuna said, that he would arrange the army in a ‘Vyuha’ named ‘Vajra’. This was the favourite arrangement of lord Indra. Dhristadhyumna was in the centre of the army. Bhima, Yudhisthira, protected him and Arjuna supported Shikhandi. The most prominent banner in the Pandava side was that of Arjuna, having lord Hanumana himself on it, driven by Krishna, having white horses. All those who knew the reality, saluted Krishna. Krishna said to Arjuna, ‘See the army of the Kauravas, led by your old grandsire. The lion among the Kaurava heroes, is your first victim.

courtesy BBT Int.

This is the anniversary day commemorating the day that Srimad Bhagavad Gita was spoken by Lord Sri Krishna to His dearmost devotee Arjuna at the place now known as Jyotisar Tirtha amid the waring families of the Kurus and the Pandavas at Kurukshetra. If one wishes one can still go and visit that place and see the monument erected there with Krishna as Parthasarati (the chariot driver) and Arjuna the warrior on their chariot. It is claimed by the ashram who maintain the shrine that the tree that is next to Them is a continum growth of the original tree witness that was there at the actual day of speaking.

Traditionally devotees come to Kurukshetra (Dharmakshetra) and recite Bhagavad Gita from early morning until the next morning, perform arati to Bhagavad Gita and to Krishna and Arjuna upon the chariot, offer lamps 'deep daan' at Brahma Sarovar, shloka recitals, shobha yatras and seminars on the significance of the Gita today.

Devotees who cannot get to Jyotisar Tirtha remember the blessed event by reciting Bhagavad Gita, performing Bhagavad Gita ahuti of each verse or selected chapters into the sacred fire, and discussing the subject matter of Bhagavad Gita in the association of devotees. Distribution of Bhagavad Gitas' on this day is also a very auspicious activity to perform.

What is the Bhagavad Gita?

The Bhagavad Gita(BG) was spoken by Sri Krishna to His friend and disciple, Arjuna at the beginning of the epic war, Mahabharata. BG provides the concise conclusion of the millions of verses in all the Vedic scriptures. In just eighteen chapters containing seven hundred verse, Sri Krishna answers all questions about the duty of the living entity. In glorifying the BG, Lord Shiva says in the Gita Mahatmya (Padma Purana) that it is sufficient to lead one to liberation.

How should one read the BG? The BG should be studied in the same mood as it was heard by Arjuna. Sri Krishna declares that He is revealing this most confidential knowledge to Arjuna because is not envious and He is a friend. So one must read and understand the BG in the mood of at least theoretically accepting the position of Krishna as God. This knowledge is never revealed to one who reads it in a challenging and speculative mood.

Owing to the universal message in the BG, many people take to it instinctively. Unfortunately its importance has also given rise to many people speculating and misinterpreting it. In order to protect the trusting people from this kind of cheating, Sri Krishna stresses the importance of Paramapara (disciplic succession) and Guru (spiritual master) in receiving the knowledge of the BG.

Who should read the BG? The BG is often referred to as the "Handbook for humanity". Never in the BG has Sri Krishna restricted the scope of the BG to Hindus or Indians. It is completely non-denominational, meant for any one inquiring about his reason for existence. Indeed many people following Christianity or Islam get a much better perspective of their own religion after reading the BG and are able t o follow their religions with greater conviction.

What is Purpose of the BG? The BG was spoken to guide the conditioned soul on the path of the spiritual advancement. It is presented as principle and details. The dominating principle of the BG is to develop God consciousness. In the details, Sri Krishna explains three primary ways of doing this and then further expands on these paths. He then relates them to each other and brings forth the single most effective path for returning back to God

What are the three paths? These paths are explained as yoga. The Sanskrit word "yoga" means connecting to the absolute, and it is in this context that the word yoga is used in the BG.

The three paths given by Sri Krishna are Karma yoga, Jnana yoga and Bhakti yoga. The first six chapters primarily discuss Karma yoga, liberation by performing prescribed activities. The last six chapters primarily talk about Jnana yoga, liberation by worshipping the Lord through one's intelligence. Ensconced between these two "protective" covers, like a pearl in the oyster, in the middle six chapters, Krishna reveals the most confidential of all knowledge, Bhakti yoga, the path of pure, unalloyed devotional service. He declares this to be the highest, the easiest and the fastest path to Him, and for one who is fortunate to embark on it, the binding illusions of Maya are dispelled in no time.

What is Karma yoga? A person situated in Karma yoga executes one's prescribed duties. These duties are as prescribed by the Varnashrama system created By Krishna through the Vedas. According to one's ability and inclination, a person may acquires a particular varna. He may become a Brahaman (teacher, guide), Ksatriya (administrator, warrior), Vaishya (merchant, farmer) or Sudra (worker). According to his situation he lives in one of the four ashrams: Brahamacari (student), Grahastha (married), Vanaprastha (retired) and Sannyasa (detached). The eight fold Varnashram system is created to allow one to be aware of his prescribed duties and execute them properly. It is important to note here is that the BG stresses that a varna is acquired by one's ability and inclination, never by birth. So in the BG, there is no support of the "caste-system" prevalent in India. The Varnashram system appears naturally in all societies over the world.

Performing prescribed duties will earn a person much pious credit, but it will also continue to bind him to the material world. So Karma can be "sakarma" (done in anticipation of enjoying its fruits) or "nishkarma" (detached from the results). In both cases a person is attached to performing the activity. However, when a person performs activities only for the pleasure of the Lord, he has reached the stage of Bhakti. For instance Sadhna (japa, arati, kirtan) are activities performed with no material motives, simply to glorify or remember the Lord. Thus Karma yoga can be used to elevate one self to the position of Bhakti yoga by first performing prescribed activities, then renouncing the fruits of the activities to Krishna and finally by renouncing the activity in itself to Krishna.

What is Bhakti yoga? The path of devotion is described as the most confidential path back to Godhead. It is described as the "elevator" approach to Krishna as opposed to all the other "staircase" paths. The essence of the Bhakti yoga is summarized by Sri Krishna in Chapter 9, Verse 34, as follows: "Engage your mind always in thinking of Me, become My devotee, offer obeisances to Me and worship Me. Being completely absorbed in Me, surely you will come to Me."

This verse, often considered to be the summary verse of the entire BG, contains the essence of the existence of a spirit soul. In the material world, trapped in the illusory sense of identifying with the body and its extensions, a spirit soul remains forever bewildered by the duality of existence. However by simply surrendering to Krishna, understanding Him to be the original, primeval cause of all causes and thus worshipping Him without any desires of material benefit, one can easily go back to Him.

Bhakti yoga does not mean inactivity. Indeed a bhakta is most active, for he sees all his activities now in relation to the Supreme. But he is detached from the activity and the fruits of the activity, neither happy in success nor distressed in failure, understanding that all this is ultimately for Krishna and coming from Him only.

What is Jnana yoga? In the Jnana section Krishna elaborates about the five factors of existence: Isavara (God), Jivatma (Soul), Kala (Time), Karma (actions) and Prakriti (Nature). He explains that while Kala, Prakriti, Jiva and Isavara are eternal, Karama is not. As long as one is involved in fruitive activities, the cycle of Karma, performed in one of the three modes of material Nature (goodness, passion, ignorance) is binding. For every action, good or bad, there is a reaction. This cycle can only be broken by performing devotional service, since that does not have any reactions, good or bad. In this stage the person transcends the material plane of existence and enters into the spiritual realm.

When Krishna explains the path of spiritual advancement by knowledge, Arjuna gets confused between the Karma (action) and Jnana (inaction). Krishna explains that one must strive for activities performed in knowledge of Him, which will ultimately lead to Bhakti. Philosophy without faith is speculation, and faith without philosophy is rituals. The two must complement each other. Thus, Krishna once again stresses that the ultimate goal of all transcendentalists is Him. They may reach Him directly by Bhakti or first reach Bhakti through Karma or Jnana.

Why has Krishna given alternatives? A confusing aspect of the BG is the fact that while acknowledging the superiority of Bhakti yoga. Krishna spends considerable time talking about Jnana and Karma yoga. He even speaks briefly about the eight fold astanga yoga process followed by the mystics. For many people this is very confusing if not apparently contradictory.

In reality. Krishna is offering some thing for every one according to their levels of advancement and inclination. As God, He does not interfere with the free will of a living entity. But as the most compassionate well wisher He wants every one to leave this material world of misery and return to the original spiritual abode.

So, for a person attracted to action, there is Karma yoga. For the intellectual there is Jnana yoga. For the mystic there is astanga yoga. The BG meets the person at the level they are in and gradually elevates them to the platform where they become qualified to execute Bhakti yoga, pure devotional service. A very few fortunate souls, by the causeless mercy of Krishna and His devotees, are able to take directly to Bhakti, and for them the way back to Godhead is quick and easy.

Conclusion We hope that these points address your interests and motivate you to read the Bhagavad Gita As It Is.

compiled by HG JT caran prabhu

Hare Krishna! Please accept my humble obeisnaces, All gloris to Srila Prabhupad. 

By blessings of H.H,Lokanath Maharaj and all vaishnavas.. we have activated PANDHARPUR PARIKRAMA which used to be done in ancient times by devotees.There was ancient tradition of doing dham Parikrama , Holy Bath in river chiandrabhaga and taking divine Darshan of Lord Vitthal- Rikminiji. 

Many great saints and acharyas like Ramanujacharya, Madhavacharya, Nimbarkacharya,..Saint Tukaram, Namdev, Dyaneshwar..etc would do this parikrama and visit holy places around, take bath and take darshan of Lord Vitthla which is noone but Lord Krishna. This year 2016 is our third year of Pandharpur dham Parikrama. 

As Gaudiya Vaishnav Sampradaya we have great connecetion to Pandharpur dham. 

1) Lord chaitanya's elder Brother Lord Vishvarupa who became Sanyasi and chose this place as his Kshetriya Sanyas, stayed here and ended his pasttimes here. 

2) Lord Nityananda stayed here for long time and got initiated by his spiritual Master Laxmiteertha ji. 

3)Lord Chaitanya came to pandharpur to take darshan of Lord Vitthla and also in search of his elder brother Vishwarup swami. He stayed here for 11 days and during his stay he would take holy bath in river Chandrabhaga and dance ecstatically whenever he takes darshan of Lord. Please find attached files for schedule and details of Parikrama. This year Parikrama is commenced on 15.16,17 and 18 february 2016 15 feb is Bhishmashtami 16 feb is Navami 17 feb is dashami (the day when Chaitanya mahaprabhu initiated saint Tukaram) 18 feb is Jaya Eakadashi (Maagh Wari which is one of crowded Ekadashi of Pandharpur) 18 th february is Jaya Ekadashi (magh waari) which is one of biggest eakadashi festival at Pandharpur. Thousands of Dindis( Big sankirtan group) from all over march by walking with ecstatic sankirtan for Pandharpur to take holy bath in river and take darshan of Lord. So if you remain this day in Pandharpur dham you will see everywhere vibrant atmosphere because of constant chanting of name of Lord. 

We request all of you to please spread awareness of this Parikrama to your respective centers and tell all devotees to participate and expireince SPIRITUAL BLISS of Sridham Pandharpur. 

Thank you,
Your servant 
Brajprem Das.

Pls write to 
pandharpurparikrama@gmail.com for registration 

and for more details visit... 
www.iskconpandharpur.com ;
www.pandharpurdham.org

In this recent time we have been concentrating on the interior and exterior finishing work on the TOVP. A lot of progress was made just in the past weeks.

GRC Workshop

Sadbhuja Prabhu congratulating Savya Sachi Prabhu on the opening of the GRC Workshop. All machinery, materials and devotees have moved to the new location, equipped with a gantry crane, office and big storage area, the GRC workshop is officially moving at full speed.

 

Sandstone

With no time to wait, the sandstone has arrived from Rajastan and already we have begun applying the Jali windows. This Pink Sandstone will frame the windows of the 2 base floors of the Planetarium and Nrshimha Dev wings.

 

Art work

Indra, the king of Suwarga Loka and the Demigods, bows down to the fierce form of Lord Nrshimha Dev. This murti will appear in the left wing of the temple, over-looking the Nrshimha Dev altar. In this pastime, as described in the Srimad Bhagavatam 7th canto, other demigods will be present offering their respects to the Lord. Led by Bhaskara Prabhu, the art team is creating the 7 feet (2.1 M) tall murtis in Ganga mud and straw. Once a model is created, the casting progress will commence to make the murtis. Next they will be colourfully painted.

 

Blue Marble

Bolivian blue marble is a very prestigious marble, only an expert can select a good batch. Sadbhuja Prabhu had to travel to Bolivia to pick the best quality marble. This splendid blue marble will be used for the altars of Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Panchatattva and Guru Parampara. This is our last purchase of the Blue Marble from Bolivia.

ISKCON Outreach is an initiative of GBC Strategic Planning Team. It is resource for all ISKCON leaders and members to learn the successful techniques of outreach adapted by different centers and members all around the world. In these video-interviews Iskcon leaders and devotees are sharing their outreach programs and realizations about how to present the science of Krishna consciousness in today’s society.

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=17676

Perhaps you are a Christian, or Muslim or Jew. And can you - a convinced atheist? No! Are you a doctor or a school teacher! But you look more like the head of the council or an employee of special units? You may have a simple worker, a taxi driver or a police officer. Whoever you are, you will be interested to look through our magazine.

You've certainly met dancing and singing Hare Krishna in the streets of your cities and you have a question: who are they and what are different from others? How dangerous are they to me? Or maybe I should not worry? Our magazine provides answers not only on these issues, but also talks about the fact that we are all united, like opening for everyone new horizons in a modern, it seemed to have the length and breadth investigated the world. If you are justgetting started with our movement, the magazine Harinam - your best friend and guide. Do not wait for happiness! Take it at once! Try harinama taste this minute! Do not wait until the ripe! You deserve to be happy without delay. That is what we teach our followers.

In this world, everything Coming, youth, beauty, health, wealth, friends, relatives. You can not say about Harinam. Harinam - a spiritual enduring phenomenon. There is no better topic of conversation and descriptions. To describe such beauty and surprisingly diverse sentiments that arise in the Harinam - a real pleasure. Look it up yourself. Is not that so?

How then have to be heartless to harinama hide from the general public.Harinam - a feast for the senses. If the soul is happy all the rest is not so important. More precisely: "Important! But not so. "

About Vaishnavi (in common Hare Krishna) has already said a lot, and sometimes such that even better not to talk about it out loud. Once the same and we have to say for themselves? In this magazine, we will talk about how things really are. As they say, first hand. Here we tell you about everything that is interesting to a wide range of people. And the interest in something is not really small. And vegetarianism, and Ayurveda and Vedic culture, karma, reincarnation, chanting of mantras, Vedic wedding, birth and parenting, family relationships, theater, music and philosophy, but the main thing - it is a culture of joint glorify God's name.

The material we have more than enough! Newspaper? It's cheap and just junk.No, the newspaper did not go. Journal? It is expensive! But colorful. Living magazine quality photo attached to a very rich emotional intensity, and explaining the original texts serve as a fixer for the emerging positive mood.

Photo harinama will not leave anyone indifferent. Regularly publishing (2 times a year to begin with) and extending this magazine, we will bring a lot of positive in the minds of people living in cities boiling passions. We can change an ingrained social prejudices about our movement. We will be able available and show a positive role Harinam Festival can play in individual lives, as well as in the life of cities, countries and the planet as a whole.

Harinam - a source of spiritual energy, a healing balm, lying down on the withered hearts of the people of the Iron Age. It's really true! So why do we have to hide such a treasure?

What you put in this edition of the magazine is not an investment in the void.Matter what you choose you will receive investments as well and our thanks.The publication of the journal Harinam - this is our love with you interchange in which there can not be one-sided and self-interest. 30 thousand rubles, we need to layout the revision and correction, 124 000 for printing. If you collect more, the longer to print. That's all arithmetic.

The magazine will serve for Vaishnava and the broad masses of people. Our silence - this is our problem! This is a signature in the record of our insolvency.No! it should not be! About Harinam to say. This is a great theme for all people.Harinam self-explanatory, but otherwise on her way there are formidable obstacles. After all, as a result of our silence, in the minds of the general public already misconceptions about Vaishnavi, and about what they are doing. All this false information is disseminated thanks to the enthusiasm of some dishonest people. But why do they have to be just such a commitment and enthusiasm? Let people hear, and our view of our movement. Especially because there is no ban. Especially when it comes to the public in a positive manner. Harinam! It's so beautiful!

Let's make this magazine. Send us a photo, article, we will look at good ideas.Invest in the edition and have their magazines and are widely disseminated.How many? Decide for yourself. Together we will make this magazine is very modern and popular worldwide. Especially because we are not dealing with simple everyday topics, and with a surprisingly beautiful, all-attractive themes of auspicious holy names, exuding spiritual energy, positively transforming the curved face of modern reality.

We - the editors of the magazine Harinam very inspired by this idea. We hope and inspiration to you is transmitted. But only together can we promote this project. Let's do it each according to his abilities. And let's do it now always, that is life! Harinam devote his life - this is the height of perfection of human life!

Source:http://goo.gl/2h6yM5

Vishnu Purana: My Lord, you are the well-wisher of the cows and the brahmanas, and You are the well-wisher of the entire human society and the of the entire world.
Purport: In this prayer we see that special mention is made of the cows, indicating that special protection must always be given to the cows who are very dear to the Supreme Lord. The Lord is very fond of cows and we are encouraged to give reverence and love to the cow. For the cowherd men and the cows, Krsna is the supreme friend. Therefore, He is worshiped by the prayer “ namo brahmanya-devaya go brahmana –hitaya ca”. His pastimes in Gokula, are always favorable to the brahmanas and the cows, His first business is to give all protection to the cows and the brahmanas. In fact, comfort for the brahmanas are secondary, and comfort for the cows are His first concern ( Srimad Bhagavatam 10.8.16 Purport)

Soure: https://goo.gl/NNXNWI

Dear Friends,

Hope this meets you all well.

Monday Dec 21st, 2015, is Gita Jayanti, the anniversary of Lord Sri Krishna’s speaking the Bhagavad-Gita to Sri Arjuna. Special Gita Jayanti Recitation of the entire Bhagavad-Gita starts @ 5:00pm.

We will be offering special prayers for all the Kartik 2015 CHAD participants at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Sri Radha Madanmohan. If you recited a chapter of Gita during Karthik and your name is not listed on www.readchad.com please email recite.chad@gmail.com ASAP.

Summary of Programs @ ISV:-

Friday: Mini Festival/Harinama Sankirtana @ Palo Alto, CA

Saturday: “The Pearl Story” from Sivarama Swami’s book “Krsna-Sangati” by HG Akruranath Prabhu

Sunday: Sunday Feast Talk by H.G Yugal Kishore Das

Monday: Special Gita Jayanti Recitation of the entire Bhagavad-Gita presided by HG Akruranath Prabhu

We extend a warm welcome to you and your family to join us for the classes and event this week at ISV!

Please join us for this last mini festival of 2015 and bring your family and friends.

When: Friday, December 18th @ 6.59pm (Please come as early as possible)
Where: Lytton Plaza on University Avenue (220 University Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301)

“Lord Sri Krsna Caitanya is the initiator of sankirtana [congregational chanting of the holy name of the Lord]. One who worships Him through sankirtana is fortunate indeed.” CC Ādi 3.77

In honor of the MSF of Pearl Festival H.G Akruranath Prabhu will read “The Pearl Story” from Sivarama Swami’s book “Krsna-Sangati”!

Please join us for the reading at ISV.

7.30am: Brahma Samita followed by reading from “The Pearl Story” from Sivarama Swami’s book “Krsna-Sangati” by H.G Akruranath Prabhu

10:00am: Guru Puja followed by prasadam

HG Yugal Kishore Prabhu is a senior Brahmachari disciple of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj, leads wonderful Kirtans and well versed in delivering inspiring lectures on Srimad Bhagavatam and Srimad Bhagavad-gita.

4:00pm – 5:45pm: Krsna Katha by H.G Yugal Kishore Prabhu

6.00pm: Sandhya Aartik followed by Announcements and Prasadam

If you would like to sponsor a Sunday Feast, to commemorate a special occasion (like birthday or wedding anniversary) or just in general, please write to us at isvconnect@gmail.com. We will offer the bhoga to the Deities and serve prasadam to all the devotees in your name. Donation amount for the Sunday Feast is $301 only.

Gita Jayanti is a unique opportunity to remember Krishna by chanting the Gita with full concentration in the association of devotees.

You are invited for Gita Jayanti Celebrations at ISV on Monday, December 21st, starting at 5pm. There will be a special recitation of entire Srimad Bhagvad Gita led by His Grace Akruranatha Prabhu, followed by Ekadashi Prasadam.

We will be offering special prayers for all the CHAD participants at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Sri Radha Madanmohan. If you recited a chapter of Gita during Karthik and your name is not listed on www.readchad.com please email recite.chad@gmail.com ASAP.Gita Jayanti, Harinam & Pearl Festival Reading at ISV this week!

Source:http://iskconsiliconvalley.com/2015/12/18/gita-jayanti-harinam-pearl-festival-reading-at-isv-this-week/

Govardhan Farms:

Govardhana Farms is not merely an agricultural endeavor; it is much more than that. The values and lifestyle to which we are fully and deeply dedicated are reflected in our actions and in the way we farm is operated. Those are completely based on the philosophy presented by A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada and his International Society for Krishna Consciousness. It is a philosophy that  not only does make sense in a theoretical level, but is very practical at the same time. While modern technology has perhaps brought more convenience and luxury to some, the cost to the land and animals has been enormous.Govardhana Farms aim to show that there is a sustainable and entirely practical way in which to work the land and raise cattle, a way that helps us satisfy our needs as a society/human race while not causing harm or distress to others.

Source:http://www.iskconbrampton.com/2015/12/join-us-to-learn-about-govardhan-farm.html

Mere academic study of Bhagavad Gita or Bhagavatam will not give us entry into the mysteries of Krishna. What then is the appropriate mood of study - it should be done in a mood of inner desire to transform our hearts to serve without selfishness. When we intellectually assimilate and digest Krishna, and when that intellect of Krishna translates to seva, then the study is fruitful, otherwise not. Then, as our seva becomes free of selfishness, Krishna will reveal His identity. So yes it begins with knowledge (gnana) but culminates in selfless seva or service.

Srila Prabhupada: Now here in India we are constructing a very large Vedic Planetarium…within the planetarium we will construct a huge, detailed model of the universe as described in the text of the fifth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. Within the planetarium, the model will be studied by onlookers from different levels by use of escalators. Detailed information will be given on open verandahs at the different levels by means of dioramas, charts, films etc.

Simply click the player below and it will play one video after the other. Or choose which video you would like to watch by clicking on its photo.
Please note there are different pages with videos. You can navigate them by the “Previous” and “Next” buttons at the bottom of the article.

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=17695

Leaders of faith-based environmental groups, meeting with President Francois Holland of France (center) hold up their petition numbers. Gopal is in the back row wearing glasses

After the history-making climate change talks at COP21 in Paris concluded this past weekend, ISKCON leaders and members are looking to increase their part in fighting climate change. 

On December 12th world leaders and representatives of 195 countries agreed to to work together to limit average global warming to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6F) above pre-industrial temperatures. If possible, they’ll strive for a safer limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 F).

This means stopping use of fossil fuels like gas, oil and coal altogether between 2050 and the end of the century to meet the 2 degrees Celsius cap. To meet the more ambitious 1.5 degree cap, the world will have to stop using fossil fuels between 2030 and 2050.

According to CNN, “Failure to set a cap could result in superdroughts, deadlier heat waves, mass extinctions of plants and animals, megafloods and rising seas that could wipe some island countries off the map.”

So what can ISKCON do? Even secular world leaders agree that the world’s religions can motivate change by presenting the moral reasons for living a green lifestyle.

During the COP 21 talks, French president Francois Holland met with the leaders of twenty faith-based groups at Elysee Palace, where they presented him with 1.8 million signatures supporting a fair climate change agreement. The leaders included ISKCON devotee Gopal-Lila Das, who was there representing multifaith environmental campaigners Our Voices.

Holland – an atheist himself and the president of a largely secular nation – thanked the religious leaders for their efforts and said, “We must protect the planet... Through the petitions, through the walks and pilgrimages, you have committed to defend life.”

ISKCON “committed to defending life” back on November 23rd, by signing a Hindu Declaration on Climate Change put together by the Bhumi Project at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, both of which count ISKCON devotees amongst their staff.

The Declaration presented the moral reasons for living a green lifestyle by quoting the Sri Isopanisad, “Isavasyam idam sarvam,” meaning, “This entire universe is to be looked upon as the energy of the Lord.” It also included a quote from the Srimad Bhagavatam (11.2.41): “Ether, air, fire, water, earth, planets, all creatures, directions, trees and plants, rivers and seas, they are all organs of God’s body. Remembering this a devotee respects all species.”

Meanwhile, many organizations and centers throughout ISKCON are doing their part to save the environment in a Krishna conscious way.

In Lord Krishna’s hometown of Vrindavana, India, Rupa Raghunath Das’ Varahadev project plants trees throughout the sacred village, cleans and maintains the parikrama route, and organizes monthly cleaning drives town-wide. It also started a paper recycling plant and supplies the area with organic vegetables grown without any pesticide or unnatural fertilizers.

Interestingly, the unlikeliest of celebrities – actor Arnold Schwarzenegger – is raising funds to green Dwarka, another city extremely sacred to Vaishnavas, through his Regions 20 charity.

“They’re planning to green a number of pilgrimage sites across the world,” says Gopal-Lila, who talked to R20 Executive Director Christophe Nuttall  at COP21. “They’re talking millions of dollars worth of investment in each site. If Dwarka goes ahead, for example, every single street light in Dwarka would be solar-powered, there would be a total overhaul of the waste management systems, and green transportation would be provided.”

Another major contribution of ISKCON’s to the environment is its promotion of vegetarianism.

“At COP 21 I spoke to Olga Kikou, European Affairs Manager of Compassion in World Farming,” says Gopal. “We were talking about how people are increasingly saying that going vegetarian is one of the quickest and best things an individual can do to reduce their carbon emissions.”            

In this regard ISKCON has served 3 billion plates of sanctified vegetarian food (prasadam) worldwide so far. 1.2 million plates are served daily to Indian children as part of the “Midday Meal” program by ISKCON Food Relief Foundation. And ISKCON has 110 vegetarian restaurants worldwide, many of which have made a sizeable impact on local attitudes to vegetarianism. What’s more, the society provides deep philosophical and spiritual reasons, as well as health reasons, for becoming vegetarian.

“That’s something that ISKCON should be really proud of,” says Gopal. “And I think if we make more connections to mainstream environmental and animal rights organizations, we can have an even bigger impact than we have now.”

ISKCON also has sixty-five farms or eco-villages around the world, including Krishna Valley in Hungary, which is fully self-sufficient in vegetables and fruit and has its own waste water management system and solar panels that cover 70% of its electricity needs.

There’s also Govardhan Eco-Village north of Mumbai, India, which practices organic farming, green building, and water conservation, and produces clean, renewable energy that powers the entire village with solar panels and bio-gas.

“It is such an enchanting place,” commented renowned Filipino climate activist Yeb Sano after visiting. “Govardhan eco-village is of course a spiritual sanctuary, and also a very good refuge for those who seek solutions in this world where we face so many problems that pervade our society and problems that pertain to the environment.”

Meanwhile, many ISKCON centers are starting to use compostable or reusable cups and plates during their feasts, and some city temples like ISKCON of Washington D.C., are running organic community gardens.

Next up is the ISKCON Environmental Initiative, which was unanimously approved by the North American GBC in August and is now in the process of getting off the ground.

“Firstly, it’s aiming to help ISKCON temples build on and increase the good environmental work that they’ve been doing across North America,” says Gopal-Lila, who presented the Initiative to the GBC. “Secondly, it’s aiming to educate members on how to lead more environmentally friendly lives in line with ISKCON’s philosophy. And thirdly, it’s aiming to help temples share what we’re doing with the wider community, the American public.”

 * * *

Gopal-Lila is looking for a good team to take the ISKCON Environmental Initiative forward. If you are interested – even if you are not based in the US -- please contact him at gopal@bhumiproject.org.

Source: http://iskconnews.org/iskcon-can-play-a-part-in-reducing-climate-change,5274/

Fortunate People, an organization that keeps in touch with those who receive Srila Prabhupada’s books on the street, has added an inspirational new feature to its Facebook page: videos of first timers chanting the Hare Krishna mantra.

Fortunate People was launched in May 2013 when Shaktyavesha Avatar Das, a London-based book distributor, saw a possible answer to a major problem in ISKCON book distribution – follow-up.

“We are sowing so many seeds, but we are so poor at harvesting them,” commented ISKCON guru Jayadvaita Swami.

 “We’re distributing hundreds of thousands of books,” Shaktyavesha said before starting the project, “But we don’t see, at least in the UK, many people coming back.”

Shaktyavesha began asking people he met on the streets of London to “Like” the Fortunate People Facebook page on their smartphones on the spot just after receiving a book. He also handed out Fortunate People business cards for those who didn’t have smartphones, so they could like the page on their computers later.

The page grew from 100 followers to over 2,000 today. On it, an “online care team” of mature devotees gently connect with newcomers, make friends, and try to make the book they just bought relevant and appealing to them. They also introduce them to various aspects of Krishna conscious culture.

A particularly attractive aspect of the page has been the photos Shaktyavesha posts of people just after they received Prabhupada’s books.

“When I was distributing books on the street,” he says, “I would show the photos to people, and they would warm to the shining, happy faces so much that they’d take a book too.”

Now, Shaktyavesha and other London book distributors have taken things to a new level.

“During this December’s book distribution marathon, we’re investing a little more love and care into those favorable souls we meet on the street, asking them to chant the maha-mantra,” he says. “We also film their first chant, in an effort to spread love and peace all over the world.”

Shaktyavesha is inviting his Facebook friends to join in by distributing a book to a person new to Krishna consciousness – “They can be a friend or a stranger” – and right after that introducing them to chanting, filming it, and uploading it to the Fortunate People Facebook page.

“You can then nominate three other friends to join this loving Hare Krishna network,” he says. “You’re guaranteed the most rewarding experience!”

Once there are enough clips, Shaktyavesha, an award-winning filmmaker, plans to create a December marathon video of at least 108 people chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra for the first time. 

“The project has already given so much inspiration to local UK devotees and devotees worldwide,” he says.

To watch the videos, please visit enter the hashtag #‎makepeoplefortunate into the Facebook search bar.

For more info, visit https://www.facebook.com/fortunatepeoplesmile/

Source: http://iskconnews.org/online-team-films-peoples-first-time-chanting-hare-krishna,5275/

Pure Enjoyment is the latest CD by Kadamba Kanana Swami. It was released in April 2015 during the Ratha Yatra in Durban, South Africa, and also some time later in Australia but it never made it across the ocean… until now!

Finally available in Europe (and elsewhere for that matter!), the latest audio album by Kadamba Kanana Swami. Pure Enjoyment is a wonderful mix of bhajans recorded in Melbourne and produced in Germany by Potwhale and Jananivasa. Ten lovely tracks that will take you back to Godhead in Pure Enjoyment! Check out all the album details here.

Source: https://www.kksblog.com/2015/12/pure-enjoyment-cd-now-available/

Srila Prabhupada: “Whatever you have on your plate when you start, you have to finish that prasadam.”
Daivishakti: In 1974, maybe in August, after Janmastami, Prabhupada was again recovering from his sickness. And we used to cook for Prabhupada, and then after cooking for Prabhupada we would make something for his servants and secretaries to eat.
There were three of them that we were cooking for at that time. I think it was Brahmananda Swami, Bhagavan, Srutakirti and maybe a few others. So we would bring that prasadam for them around to the front, and then a servant would come and drop off their plates and we’d have to wash them all out here in the garden because there was no water in the house then.
We’d have to draw all the water from the front well. So I was still cleaning the kitchen up and the plates of the servants had been left outside of the kitchen. The devotees hadn’t finished their prasadam that day, so there were some remnants on their plates.
Prabhupada came into the kitchen to go to his bathroom and he saw these plates, and he called me and he said, “What is this?” And I saw the plates. Normally I would have taken them and washed them right away.
I said, “Oh, that’s a mistake, Prabhupada, I was supposed to clean them.” And he looked quite displeased. So immediately Prabhupada walked through his house to the front room where his secretaries lived, and seeing that Prabhupada was displeased I picked up the plates and came the back way to show Brahmananda what Prabhupada had seen and how he wasn’t happy about it.
So simultaneously Prabhupada came from one door and I came from another door with the plates in my hands, and Prabhupada called me in and had me show them the plates with the prasadam on it.
And he explained to them that no matter who you are, no matter whether you’re GBC or anyone, once you touch the plate, whatever is on that plate you have to finish it because it’s prasadam. You shouldn’t leave any prasadam on the plate.
So Brahmananda jokingly said, “But Prabhupada, I had burped. I thought that after you burped you couldn’t finish it.” Prabhupada then said,
“You can take off first. If they’ve given you too much, before you start, you take off and that doesn’t have to be completed. But whatever you have on your plate when you start, you have to finish that prasadam.”
So he was telling the topmost members of our society, the GBCs and personal secretaries, they had to finish their prasadam. Just like a father he was instructing them.

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=17666

amara ajnaya guru hana tara ei desa
yare dekha, tare kaha ‘krsna’-upadesa
[Cc. Madhya 7.128]

Amara ajnaya guru hana. Caitanya Mahaprabhu said… Because Caitanya Mahaprabhu is maha-vadanyavatara, most munificent incarnation to reclaim all the fallen souls. Ei rupe brahmanda bhramite kono bhagyavan jiva [Cc. Madhya 19.151]. So the guru’s business is to make everyone a bhagyavan, fortunate. That is guru’s business. The guru’s business is… They are so much sympathetic that one can get Krsna consciousness if he is fortunate. So guru’s labor, guru’s activity, is how to make people fortunate. That is wanted. Because without being fortunate one cannot understand Krsna. And without Krsna consciousness he cannot be relieved from this avidya-karma-samjna-sakti, material nature. Therefore it is the business of guru to make everyone fortunate. So how he can make everyone fortunate? That is… Caitanya Mahaprabhu advises that amara ajnaya guru hana. You follow the principles of Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s instruction first of all. Sri-krsna-caitanya prabhu-nityananda, sri-advaita gadadhara srivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrnda. You just take their mercy. Then you become guru. And then what is your business? His business is yare dekha tare kaha krsna upadesa [Cc. Madhya 7.128]. So guru-krsna. Guru makes the people fortunate, and then the people become Krsna conscious, and then he becomes fortunate. This is the process of Krsna consciousness movement. Everyone is advised to become guru. 

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=17670

Photo Credits: Krisztina Danka

Earlier this month, a 12 ton, 78 feet Norway Spruce at Rockefeller Center in New York City lit up with 45,000 lights. The tree lighting event at Rockefeller Center started in 1933. But the Christmas tree event goes back to when it was introduced to English high society by Prince Albert who put up an evergreen for the holidays in Windsor Castle in 1841. It had been a pre Christian German symbol, and most Christians at that time loathed the idea of connecting the tree with Christmas. But within 10 years the fanciful custom took root in England and by the end of the 1800’s it also become an established tradition in America with Woolworths stores selling Christmas tree decorations and all.

The tree seems to be a universal symbol in religious and cultural traditions around the world. In Judaism the Torah is referred to as the Tree of Life. The Torah is likened to the branches of a great tree spreading into the sphere of our lives, and it calls upon us to make every act an act for God.

In Buddhism the Buddha attained enlightenment sitting beneath a tree. At one point in his meditation when he was assailed by raging storms and other strange occurrences, a divine serpent arose from the roots of the Bodhi tree to protect him.

"The tree seems to be a universal symbol in religious and cultural traditions around the world."

Nearly a thousand years ago on this continent, Deganawidah, known as the Peace Maker, called for a great council by the shores of Lake Onondaga. There, he carefully uprooted a Pine tree and urged all of the warriors from the gathered tribes to throw their weapons into the hollow of the earth. Then the tree was replanted over the weapons. The tree (the Tree of the Long Leaves) became known as the Tree of Peace. Thus the Great Peace was declared and the five nations of the Iroquois was established.

500 years ago Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the religious leader of the Bhakti Movement, implored us to be as tolerant as the tree which patiently endures the rain and cold and heat. Another time, Caitanya declared to his followers “take the fruits from the Tree of Devotion and give them away freely to all people, in all directions, all over the world. Do not consider who is fit or unfit, let people take these fruits (being the names of God) and become free from old age and death.”

Symbols of spirituality and peace from whatever tradition can surely be revered by all.

* * *

Sankirtana Das, a 40-year resident of New Vrindaban Community, is an award-winning author, storyteller and workshop leader. More info about his book at www.Mahabharata-Project.com

Source: http://iskconnews.org/whose-woods-these-are-i-think-i-know,5276/

Source: http://iskconnews.org/second-vaisnava-film-awards-at-maypur-festival-2016,5277/