ISKCON Desire Tree's Posts

Become Very Eager To See Krsna

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 25, 2016 at 3:04pm

…The idea is that one gopī is advising another gopī, “My dear friend, there is one boy. His name is Govinda. He is standing on the bank of Yamunā near the Keśi-ghāṭa, and He’s playing on His flute. And He’s so beautiful that especially during full moon night, please do not go there.” [laughter] Why? “Now, because if you have got intention to enjoy in this material world with your family members, wife, children, husband, please do not go there.” Smerān bhaṅgī-traya-paricitāṁ sāci-vistīrṇa-dṛṣṭim. Bhaṅgī-traya. “Kṛṣṇa always stands in three-curved way with His flute. That is Kṛṣṇa’s tri-bhaṅga-murāri.” Tri-bhaṅga. Three places, He is bent. (Lecture 1.2.12)

Lecture on the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam
By His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
First Canto, Chapter 2, Text 12

Full lecture

tac chraddadhānā munayo
jñāna-vairāgya-yuktayā
paśyanty ātmani cātmānaṁ
bhaktyā śruta-gṛhītayā
[SB 1.2.12]

“The seriously inquisitive student or sage, well equipped with knowledge and detachment, realizes that Absolute Truth by rendering devotional service in terms of what he has heard from the Vedānta-śruti.”

Very good, thank you. Yes. She has done better than all of you. All right. [chanting resumes] [Prabhupāda interrupts again:] Yes. That’s all.
So people, they sometimes say, “Can you show me God? Have you seen God?” These questions sometimes we meet. So the answer is here. Yes, you can see God. Everyone can see God. I am also seeing God. But there must be the qualification. Just like God is there… Suppose a motorcar is there, something is wrong there. Everyone is seeing. But one engineer or mechanic, he sees differently. Therefore we have to go there. “What is the wrong in this car? It is not running.” He immediately touches some machine part; it runs. So these rascals, they do not know that “How I can see God if I have not the qualification?” The machine has gone wrong, I am seeing the machine. And the engineer, the mechanic, he is also seeing the machine. But his seeing and my seeing is different. He’s qualified to see. Therefore when the machine has gone wrong, immediately he touches some part, it runs. So if for a machine we require so much qualification, and we want to see God without any qualification? Just see the fun. Without any qualification. Rascal, they are so rascal, so fool, that they want to see God with their nuisance qualification.

Kṛṣṇa says in the Bhagavad-gītā: nāhaṁ prakāśaḥ sarvasya yoga-māyā-samāvṛtaḥ: [Bg. 7.25] “I am not exposed to everyone. Yogamāyā, yogamāyā is covering.” So how you can see God? But this rascaldom is going on, that “Can you show me God? Have you seen God?” God has become just like a plaything. “Here is God. He is incarnation of God.” Na māṁ duṣkṛtino mūḍhāḥ prapadyante narādhamāḥ [Bg. 7.15]. They are sinful, rascals, fools, lowest of the mankind. They inquire like that: “Can you show me God?” What qualification you have acquired, that you can see God? Here is the qualification. What is that? Tac chraddadhānā munayaḥ. One must be first of all faithful. Faithful. Śraddadhānāḥ. He must be very much eager to see God, actually. Not that as a proclivity, frivolous thing, “Can you show me God?” A magic, just like God is a magic. No. He must be very serious: “Yes, if there is God… We have seen, we have been informed about God. So I must see.”

There is a story in this connection. It is very instructive; try to hear. One professional reciter was reciting about Bhāgavata, and he was describing that Kṛṣṇa, being very highly decorated with all jewels, He is sent for tending the cows in the forest. So there was a thief in that meeting. So he thought that “Why not then go to Vṛndāvana and plunder this boy? He is in the forest with so many valuable jewels. I can go there and catch the child and take the, all the jewels.” That was his intention. So, he was serious that “I must find out that boy. Then in one night I shall become millionaire. So much jewelries. No.” So he went there, but his qualification was that “I must see Kṛṣṇa, I must see Kṛṣṇa.” That anxiety, that eagerness, made it possible that in Vṛndāvana he saw Kṛṣṇa. He saw Kṛṣṇa the same way as he was informed by the Bhāgavata reader. Then he saw, “Oh, oh, you are so nice boy, Kṛṣṇa.” So he began to flatter. He thought that “Flattering, I shall take all the jewels” [laughter]. So when he proposed his real business, “So may I take some of your these ornaments? You are so rich.” “No, no, no. You… My mother will be angry. I cannot…” [laughter] Kṛṣṇa as a child. So he became more and more eager for Kṛṣṇa. And then… By Kṛṣṇa’s association, he had already become purified. Then, at last, Kṛṣṇa said, “All right, you can take.” Then he became a devotee, immediately. Because by Kṛṣṇa’s association…

So some way or other, we should come in contact with Kṛṣṇa. Some way or other. Then we’ll be purified. Kāmād bhayād dveṣyāt. Just like the gopīs… The gopīs came to Kṛṣṇa being captivated by His beautiful features. They were young girls, and Kṛṣṇa was so beautiful. So actually, they came to Kṛṣṇa being lusty, but Kṛṣṇa is so pure that they became first-class devotees. There is no comparison of their devotion. Because they loved Kṛṣṇa with heart and soul. That is the qualification. That is the qualification. They loved so much Kṛṣṇa that they didn’t care for family, for reputation. When they were going at dead of night… Kṛṣṇa’s flute was there, and they were all fleeing. Their father, their brother, their husband: “Where you are going? Where you are going in this dead of night?” They didn’t care. They neglected their children, their family, everything: “We must go to Kṛṣṇa.” So this is required. We must be very, very eager so that… And many gopīs who were forcibly stopped, going to Kṛṣṇa, they lost their life. Just see how much eager they are. So this eagerness is wanted. Then you can see God. Either you become lusty or a thief or a murderer or whatever it may be. Some way or other, if you develop this eagerness, that “I must see Kṛṣṇa,” then Kṛṣṇa will be seen.

So here is… The first thing is how much eager you are to see Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa will respond. If you are actually eager to see Kṛṣṇa… It, the reason may be different, either you are lusty or to steal His ornament. Some way or other, you become attracted to Kṛṣṇa, then your business is successful. Rūpa Gosvāmī has advised that… He says in a poetry. It is on the matter of the gopīs talking. One gopī is advising another gopī that “My dear friend…”

smerān bhaṅgī-traya-paricitāṁ sāci-vistīrṇa-dṛṣṭiṁ
vaṁśīnyastādhara-kiśalayām ujjvalāṁ candrakeṇa
govindākhyāṁ haritanumitaḥ keśi-tīrthopakaṇṭhe
mā prekṣiṣṭhāstava yadi sakhe! bandhu-saṅge ‘sti raṅgaḥ

The idea is that one gopī is advising another gopī, “My dear friend, there is one boy. His name is Govinda. He is standing on the bank of Yamunā near the Keśi-ghāṭa, and He’s playing on His flute. And He’s so beautiful that especially during full moon night, please do not go there.” [laughter] Why? “Now, because if you have got intention to enjoy in this material world with your family members, wife, children, husband, please do not go there.” Smerān bhaṅgī-traya-paricitāṁ sāci-vistīrṇa-dṛṣṭim. Bhaṅgī-traya. “Kṛṣṇa always stands in three-curved way with His flute. That is Kṛṣṇa’s tri-bhaṅga-murāri.” Tri-bhaṅga. Three places, He is bent. So,

smerān bhaṅgī-traya-paricitāṁ sāci-vistīrṇa-dṛṣṭiṁ
vaṁśīnyastādhara-kiśalayām ujjvalāṁ candrakeṇa
govindākhyāṁ haritanumitaḥ keśi-tīrthopakaṇṭhe
mā prekṣiṣṭhāstava yadi sakhe! bandhu-saṅge ‘sti raṅgaḥ

“If you think that you will enjoy more your life in this material world, then you do not go there. You do not go there.”
The idea is that if you once see Kṛṣṇa, then you will forget all this nonsense material enjoyment. That is seeing Kṛṣṇa. No more. Svāmin kṛtārtho ‘smi varaṁ na yāce [Cc. Madhya 22.42]. “My dear Lord I don’t want anything.” Dhruva Mahārāja… Dhruva Mahārāja went to see Kṛṣṇa to get the kingdom of his father, but when he saw Kṛṣṇa, Viṣṇu… Viṣṇu offered, “Now, whatever benediction you want, you take.” He said, svāmin kṛtārtho ‘smi varaṁ na yāce, “My dear Lord, I have no more any desire.” That is Kṛṣṇa seeing. That if you want to see Kṛṣṇa for some business, that “I shall see Kṛṣṇa…” Just like… Of course, if you are eager to see Kṛṣṇa, the motive may be different, but somehow or other, due to your eagerness, you’ll see Kṛṣṇa. That is the only qualification.

In another poetry Rūpa Gosvāmī says, kṛṣṇa-bhakti-rasa-bhāvitā matiḥ kriyatāṁ yadi kuto ‘pi labhyate. The, our this Kṛṣṇa consciousness, I have taken this from this word kṛṣṇa-bhakti-rasa-bhāvitā matiḥ. This is actual translation in Sanskrit or… Kṛṣṇa-bhakti-rasa-bhāvitā matiḥ. So Rūpa Gosvāmī advises that “Kṛṣṇa consciousness, if it is possible, please purchase. Don’t delay.” Kṛṣṇa-bhakti-rasa-bhāvitā matiḥ kriyatām. “Purchase immediately!” Kṛṣṇa-bhakti-rasa-bhāvitā matiḥ kriyatāṁ yadi kuto ‘pi. “Where it is available? It is very nice thing.” “Yes, it is available. You can purchase. The movement is going on.” “And what is the price?” “Price?” “It is such a nice thing; you have to pay price.” “Yes, there is price.” “What is that?” Tatra laulyam ekalaṁ mūlyam: “Simply your eagerness. That is price. This price you have to pay.” Then you get Kṛṣṇa. Immediately. Kṛṣṇa is not poor. And the Kṛṣṇa-seller, the Kṛṣṇa devotee, he is also not poor. He can distribute Kṛṣṇa free. And he’s doing that. Simply you have to purchase by your eagerness. That is wanted. Tatra laulyam. “Oh, eagerness? I have got eagerness.” “Oh, it is not so easy.” Tatra laulyam ekalaṁ mūlyaṁ janma-koṭi-sukṛtair na labhyate: “This eagerness cannot be achieved even by pious activities for millions of births.” If you simply go on doing pious activities… Because without being pious, you cannot approach Kṛṣṇa. So if you go on doing simply pious, janma-koṭi-sukṛtaiḥ… Sukṛti means pious activities, simply pious. Still, this eagerness is not awakened.

So this eagerness is very important thing. But it can be awakened by the association of devotees. Therefore we are giving chance to everyone to invoke that eagerness. Then you will see God eye to eye. It is not difficult. Tac chraddadhānā munayaḥ. Those who have developed that eagerness, faith, that “I must see Kṛṣṇa in this life…” This life is meant for seeing Kṛṣṇa. It is not meant for becoming dogs and hogs. Unfortunately, the whole civilization is going on, they are being trained to become dogs and hogs. It is the only institution that is teaching people how to see Kṛṣṇa. This is the only institution, this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement. It is so important. Tac chraddadhānā munayo jñāna-vairāgya-yuktayā [SB 1.2.12]. By eagerness, automatically you will be enriched with knowledge and detachment. Knowledge does not mean, “Now we have discovered this atomic bomb.” That is not knowledge. What knowledge this is? People are dying. You have discovered something which will accelerate death. But we are giving some knowledge to stop death. That is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. This is knowledge. Jñāna-vairāgya-yuktayā. And as soon as you get this knowledge, automatically you become detached to all this nonsense material happiness.

Hare Kṛṣṇa. Thank you very much. Hare Kṛṣṇa. [devotees offer obeisances] Chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. [end]

Source: http://theharekrishnamovement.org/2016/02/24/become-very-eager-to-see-krsna/

Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HH Krishna Ksetra Swami

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 25, 2016 at 2:30pm

Granthraj Srimad Bhagavatam ki jaya!

Has it ever happened to you that you are requested to give a Bhagavatam

class in Sridhama Mayapur before all the exalted devotees and you are

suggested to choose the verse that you want to speak from. And so you

choose the verse and then you inform what that verse is and they say ok.

You even write it in an email and then you come to sit down to give class,

guess what, its another verse, its another Canto! Hare Krishna! I think

Krishna is having a good laugh at me today. So be it! Well we may get to

say something about what I was thinking to say but alas time is also very

short. The verse on the board is Canto 7, Chapter 2, verse number 8. Its

part of a translation of two verses. We will read together the second of these,

the verse number 8.

mac-chula-bhinna-grivasya

bhurina rudhirena vai

asrk-priyam tarpayisye

bhrataram me gata-vyathah

Verse 7 is as follows

tasya tyakta-svabhavasya

ghrner maya-vanaukasah

bhajantam bhajamanasyabalasyevasthiratmanah

Translation

“The Supreme Personality of Godhead has given up His natural tendency of

equality toward the demons and demigods. Although He is the Supreme

Person, now, influenced by maya, He has assumed the form of a boar to

please His devotees, the demigods, just as a restless child leans toward

someone. “I shall therefore sever Lord Visnu’s head from His trunk by my

trident, and with the profuse blood from His body I shall please my brother

Hiranyaksa, who was so fond of sucking blood. Thus shall I too be peaceful.”

Before speaking something I beg for the blessings of all of you present, such

an august assembly of Vaisnavas and Vaisnavis, that we may say something

illuminating and inspiring. What Hiranyakasipu has to say may not be very

illuminating and inspiring for the devotees because he is plotting to kill the

Lord. But it becomes a kind of inspiration knowing, as we do, that his plot will

be foiled!

Today is the first day of the ISKCON leadership sanga and I am most

honoured to speak, discuss Bhagavatam on this occasion. I have to say that

Mother Laxmimoni would not take no for an answer. So here I am. All glories

to Mother Laxmimoni and her wonderful service of arranging this entire event.

As I said I had another verse in mind and we may get back to something from

today’s verse but let me move on to what I had in mind and we will see where

we go in the very limited time we have.

I chose a verse from Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 8, Chapter 7, verse 39.

pranaih svaih praninah panti

sadhavah ksana-bhanguraih

baddha-vairesu bhutesu

mohitesv atma-mayaya

This is Lord Siva speaking and he is speaking to his wife and he is

expressing his resolve to help the demigods who are in trouble because they

have been churning the ocean, the Cosmic Ocean, together with the demons,

with the intention to create nectar. But they are in trouble because they

haven’t produced nectar. They have produced something else. Here is the

translation:

“People in general, being bewildered by the illusory energy of the Supreme

Personality of Godhead, are always engaged in animosity toward one

another. But devotees, even at the risk of their own temporary lives, try to

save them.”

So this is describing or this is in the context of, what SrilaPrabhupada would

call a reversal, a reversal of events. Events are going in some direction and

then something happens by some arrangement. Ultimately we may say the

Lord’s arrangement and this is a reversal, something unexpected. I thought

to raise this subject of poison because, of course we are talking about

leadership and it struck me that Lord Siva is identifying what is spiritual

leadership in his own example and he uses the word sadhu, sadhavah ksana-

bhanguraih pranaih svaih, they who recognise that life will be finished in a

moment, ksana, ksana-bhanguraih, it will be broken in a moment and

recognising that the sadhus are willing, are ready as Prabhupada translates

‘to risk their own temporary lives’ for others. For which others? For those

who are in conflict, which is the tendency in this world. People in general

being bewildered by the illusory energy of the Lord are always engaged in

animosity with each other.

Actually I said that the demigods had approached Lord Siva. In fact its both

parties, the demigods and the demons have approached him to solve this.

But I want to raise the point that in a sense, taking this in an extended sense,

the poison problem can arise in any situation, where there is an endeavour, a

sincere endeavour to create something, to accomplish something. And I

would suggest that if you study, especially in the first three Cantos of

Bhagavatam, very much of the description of the efforts to create the

universe, a feature of this creation is, there is always trouble. You start off

and then there is trouble. You start again and there is more trouble. Okay,

lets try it again! Lord Brahma has to give up his body at one point, his gross

body but again he pursues his mission with determination.

So the question that I think we all have when trouble comes is how to deal

with it. And especially it is a question for leaders. How to deal with

challenges in a Krishna conscious way and I would suggest that Lord Siva is

good to remember in this context because he was so willing to take trouble,

such trouble that he actually takes on a kind of wound which becomes a

permanent mark, which actually is a glorification of Lord Siva. He is known

as Neelkantha because of his blue throat, because he agreed to take this

poison.

Srila Prabhupada once referred to the age of Kali as the age of

misunderstanding. We all have this experience. Misunderstanding may

come despite our best efforts to be understood and often this is the beginning

of the problem. We want to make sure that we are understood, when

perhaps what is needed first of all is to understand what someone is trying to

communicate to others. Now I want to expand on this but time is short.

I am going to first ask those of you who were here two years ago, when I also

spoke Bhagavatam class if you can recall, I know its two years ago ago, what

do you expect. But two years ago I was sharing with you something that I

learnt in the spiritual leadership seminar which took place at that time. And

what I learnt was, one way to understand leadership is in terms of three

principles that a leader should give. Number one vision. Number two

inspiration. And Number three, does anybody remember, (devotee responds:

facility) facility. Give that man a gulabjamun! Hare Krishna! (applause) One

should facilitate.

If we think about Srila Prabhupada, all of his activity and his preaching, who

can think of a better leader than Srila Prabhupada, as one who gave the

complete vision of Krishna consciousness, who gave unlimited inspiration,

who gave facility, who facilitated us. I remember coming here the first time

1978, revealing my age, there were three buildings, there was Srila

Prabhupada’s bhajan kutir, there was the Long building, there was the Lotus

building. I feel nostalgia for those days. Now we have so many structures, all

of course which are expressions of the sincere love of the devotees. So not

to minimise this but I do like to remember that time when there were mainly

fields.

Ok, vision, inspiration and facility. Could it be that sometimes

misunderstanding comes because you and I have different partial perceptions

of the vision and we take our particular vision or understanding of the vision

as the whole vision and we may want to say, this is the whole vision, your’s is

not the vision. That may be one possibility of misunderstanding.

Different inspirations, someone is inspired by, you know, lets keep it simple,

especially by prasadam, someone else especially by kirtana. So someone

says we have to do prasadam distribution, some says we have to do kirtana

everywhere. This can be a kind of cause for misunderstanding.

There may also be differences in understanding about facility. How much do

we appreciate what facility is being given to us. So in terms of quantity but

also other aspects of facility. We may not see where facility is, when its there.

Or we may not understand the best way to use facility that is given.

Well all of these reflections led me to recall that Kapiladeva in speaking to His

dear mother Devahuti itemises three types, actually four types of bhakti. Of

course we want to all practise pure devotional service. But alas sometimes,

because as we heard yesterday the modes of nature are always competing

with each other and we just might some of the time feel some of the influence

of those modes. So I though its good that we review the descriptions of

devotional service predominated by these three modes. Shall we do this? Ok.

It starts from the bottom and goes to the top. Canto 3, Chapter 29, verse 8

we have,

“Devotional service executed by a person who is envious, proud, violent and

angry, and who is a separatist, is considered to be in the mode of darkness.”

Now before I go on, I want to suggest, on the principle that Srila Prabhupada

suggested that or encouraged that we discuss Bhagavatam from all angles of

vision, I want to suggest, what if, just what if, we heard these verses not in

terms of individuals but in terms of collectivity of devotees, of the society as a

whole or a particular community of devotees in which we may reside, in which

we may be involved.

Could it be the case that sometimes, although I may be engaged in suddha-

sattva devotional service, that the community is a bit tinged. Again with so

much no doubt sincerity but the road to hell is paved with what, good

intentions. Ok, with that in mind let us hear about devotional service in the

mode of passion.

“The worship of Deities in the temple by a separatist, with a motive for

material enjoyment, fame and opulence, is devotion in the mode of passion.”

(SB 3.29.9)

We should notice the word separatist here, bhinna-dṛg is the Sanskrit, one

who is separate, thinking difference, thinking I am different, we are different,

its me and Krishna only. Of course that gets into the definition of the prakrta

bhakta. Moving on.

“When a devotee worships the Supreme Personality of Godhead and offers

the results of his activities in order to free himself from the inebrieties of

fruitive activities, his devotion is in the mode of goodness.” (SB 3.29.10)

Now here again I want to see if we can stretch ourselves a little to appreciate

these statements with a different angle of vision and for this I need to invoke

the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle. Aristotle spoke of what he called

‘virtue ethics’ and in his notion of ‘virtue ethics’ you have a virtue and then

you have two extremes. One extreme going one way and another extreme

going the other way. Example is courage. Courage is a virtue. To do

something without consideration of dangers, taking unnecessary risks, that’s

one extreme. Cowardice is another extreme.

So lets take this and apply it to the idea of the three modes of nature and

instead of thinking of a hierarchy, mode of ignorance, mode of passion, mode

of goodness at the top, what if we think of a triangle with mode of goodness

at the top and the other two modes down at the bottom. I think this helps us

to appreciate that this Krishna consciousness movement as a collectivity is

not only or maybe I should say is inclusive of, its not only about going

forward, Krishna prema, its about teaching the world virtue and that’s only

possible to that extent we individually and collectively are virtuous.

The word guna happens to mean not only rope, that which binds, it also

means, as we know, quality and it also means virtue. So devotional service in

the mode of goodness can be working us to a position where people of the

world will be more inclined to say ‘Oh yeah, those Hare Krishna’s! They are

really nice people!’ Some people do that but I beg to submit, not enough.

Not enough are saying, ‘Oh yes the Hare Krishna’s! They’re good people!’

Ok, then we have the transcendental, free from the modes, devotional

service.

“The manifestation of unadulterated devotional service is exhibited when

one’s mind is at once attracted to hearing the transcendental name and

qualities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is residing in

everyone’s heart. Just as the water of the Ganges flows naturally down

towards the ocean, such devotional ecstasy, uninterrupted by any material

condition, flows towards the Supreme Lord.” (SB 3.29.11-12)

What do you think, do we want not just individually but collectively,

uninterrupted by any material conditions, that our movement moves forward

to spread Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission. What do you think? (Haribol!)

Sound like a good idea? I only heard a couple of Haribol! (devotees:

Haribol!)

Again time is short I have so much more to say but back to Lord Siva. Lord

Siva appears in Navadvipa dhama as Hamsa vahana Siva over in I believe its

Madhya dvipa. He is called Hamsa vahana Siva because he is riding not on

Nandi the bull but rather he is riding, he borrowed from Lord Brahma his

hamsa. Why? He was in such a hurry, he was in a total hurry as we would

say in America, he was totally in a hurry, right! Teenagers all say that, he was

totally in a hurry, to come to this place. Why? In order to hear Gaura lila from

Suta Goswami. That anxiety, that anxiousness to hear Gaura lila we know

that is the solution and that is how Lord Siva we could say in this context is

swallowing the poison.

The poison of so much good intention which it leads to unfortunate situations.

In these unfortunate situations we all need to step back and recognise,

despite all our good intentions something has arisen. Now we really need to

take shelter of the devotees of the Lord, the sadhus, to remember that the

business of our society is to be a society of sadhus and sadhavis. That is our

business more that anything else in the public sphere of expanding this

mission.

So I will ust end by saying, I suspect, I haven’t seen the schedule yet, but I

suspect that in the ILS there will be several workshops and so on, on

outreach and this is as it should be. I just want to suggest that along with the

outreach there needs to be inreach. Because without the inreach, which

looks critically at ourselves individually and collectively, our best intentions

are not going to bring the result, the nectar which we are all hankering for.

Granthraj Srimad Bhagavatam ki jaya!

Devotee: Hare Krishna Maharaja! So you were speaking about devotional

service in the three modes and this is something that devotees often speak

about. And of course we want to perform devotional service ultimately in a

way that is not influenced by the modes. We spoke of how the, how we are

perceived according to how we perform our devotional service and I a

wondering, its difficult for me to understand what the difference is in the result

of our devotional service when its practiced in the three modes. You can say

maybe its not very pleasing to Krishna in terms of our conciseness and

everything.

Maharaja: I will give one quite graphic example from my own experience in

Germany 1975. Some of the devotees here will remember. One day on a

Sunday morning, where you there Maharaja, at the temple, the temple found

itself surrounded by police cars. I wasn't there. I was in Denmark. You were

there. What was this a result of. The devotees were out doing a lot of as we

say collecting and they were doing it very successfully but they were doing it

for the most part under false pretences. They were telling people we are

collecting for X Y and Z, which we were not collecting for and alas karma, I

think we can say something like collective karma caught up with us. So I

would say this would be an example for devotional service in the mode of

passion.

Again everyone had the best of intentions and we were convinced that we are

beyond the modes of nature and therefore we can do this. I am sure

although I haven't yet had a chance to read that in Vaisesika Prabhu’s book,

we get a thorough schooling in how this is not the way to distribute Srila

Prabhupada’s books. Yes? Thank you. (laughs) So thats one example. I am

sure others could think of others.

But this became, this had huge negative consequences for our movement in

Germany for years! The way we got ? through the coals of the German press

unbelievable. There was no mercy. Well actually there was mercy because

the movement continued. Devotees continued distributing books. They

wrote to Srila Prabhupada and reported that despite all of this we are still

distributing and people are still taking books and Srila Prabhupada said, ‘Yes

let it increase, let it increase!’ And so it did.

Devotee: So the conclusion we can draw from this is that if we are

performing devotional service affected by the modes there is going to be

karmic consequence.

Maharaja: There could, I would say there is, this is my understanding, yes

there can be, if not, thats a big subject but. Certainly something will be there

which is there for us to push us forward to pure devotional service. We may

call it karma, we may call it the Lord’s direct intervention but in any case

something will be there.

All right I think we will stop here. Thank you all for your kind attention and I

wish you all the best for today and for the remaining days of the ILS

conference.

Srila Prabhupada ki jaya!

Anantakoti Vaisnava vrnda ki jaya!

Gaurapremande!

New ISKCON Temple Opens At Lord Nityananda’s Birth Place

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 25, 2016 at 12:04pm

The new ISKCON Ekachakra temple

ISKCON inaugurated a new temple at the birthplace of Lord Nityananda, Ekachakra Dham. The temple is built in traditional Bengali style, painted saffron – a lovely sight in the midst of a rural area. ISKCON GBC Jayapataka Swami remarked that this was a humble offering to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Nityananda for the occasion of the auspicious year of ISKCON 50.

The temple was inaugurated on 14-15th of Feburary, 2016. Over 10,000 devotees from all over the world attended the festivities. The ceremonies were culminated in the grand Abhishek for the Lordships Sri Sri Radha Vrindavan Mohan, Lalitha,Vishaka Sakhis and Sri Sri Goura Nitai. The attendees included many senior devotees and sanyasis such as Jayapataka Swami, Bhakti Vighna Vinasa Narashima Swami, Bhakti Chaitanya Swami, Bhakti Gaura Vani Swami, Lokanath Swami, Bhakti Purushottama Swami, Jananivas Dasa and others.

Apart from the local devotees, members of the Temple of Vedic Planetarium helped to a large extent in raising funds for the Ekachakra temple project. They remarked that they felt the need to build a temple for Lord Nityananda at his birthplace and that it would assist Lord Chaitanya’s Temple of the Vedic Planetarium manifest faster.

The temple has a built up area of about 8000 square feet. The ceiling of the temple has carvings of some of the beautiful pastimes of Lord Nityananda. Stain glass depicting various pastimes of the Lord, add to the aesthetics of the temple.

The temple room

The temple is in a short distance from the actual Janmasthan or the birthplace of Lord Nityanada. Other attractions in the village of Ekachakra include Nitai Kunda, Jhanukunda and Pandava Sthala.

Located about 165 kilometers from Sri Mayapur, Ekachakra is surely going to be increasingly visited. A new guesthouse facility is under construction that will soon accommodate devotees to stay. “It is Nitai’s mercy that this temple has come up finally, but there is more to do and we seek the support of devotees in further developing the project”, said temple president Sanatana Gaura.

Source: http://iskconnews.org/new-iskcon-temple-opens-at-lord-nityanandas-birth-place,5414/

PRAYERS FOR JAYAPATAKA SWAMI & KADAMBA KANANA SWAMI

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 25, 2016 at 12:02pm

The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple would like to make a special plea for all devotees and well-wishers to extend their prayers for the health of two senior devotees of our international Hare Krishna movement: Jayapataka Swami and Kadamba Kanana Swami. Jayapataka Swami has been battling poor health for some time now. He was recently hospitalized. Kadamba Kanana Swami has been recently diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing surgery today. Some information and updates as follows:

Update on Jayapataka Swami
Feb 24, 2016
Jayapataka Swami has been off of the ventilator for over 24 hours and spent a good night without it. He remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the hospital in Delhi under detailed supervision to ensure he progresses nicely in his recovery. At this point he has been responding well to the treatment so far. We pray that he continues this positive trend.

At this very moment all the leaders meeting at the ISKCON International Leaders Sanga (ILS) in Mayapur sent a collective prayer for Jayapataka Swami’s wellbeing. The master of ceremony referred to him as a soldier of the “good old days, present days and future days”. So let’s also keep our prayers so he continues without the need of a ventilator and that his lungs breathe on their own at this time.

We kindly request all disciples and well-wishers to please continue with your sincere prayers for Lord Nrisimhadeva and Srila Prabhupada that they kindly protect Jayapataka Swami.

We will post regular health updates of the situation with Jayapataka Swami’s health. Kindly share this message with others so we all together support him in his recovery.

Your servants,
Guru Maharaja’s Health Team
Maha Varaha Das / Iksvaku Das

Update on Kadamba Kanana Swami
Feb 19, 2016
[Excerpts from a public post from Kadamba Kanana Swami]
Only days ago I was diagnosed with cancer in the rectum, the tumor has already been removed by operation. Now a second operation is due to remove the surrounding tissue. It may or may not end there, that will come out after some more time. So far it has not been found that the cancer has spread to other places in the body, let’s hope it will remain so.

Lord Krsna is the Supreme Controller and we are little controllers, in this situation there is not much for me to control, I can not steer my boat on the now wild river of time, I have to just go along with things and see what will come on the way. So far there is a realistic chance of survival, but let’s see how things will evolve. You kindly pray for me. Either in this world or the next I am in Krsna’s hands. I will let you know more as things develop.

The doctors are advising me not to have many visitors, because there will be some radiation and chemo involved, which breaks down the immune system, we can’t afford to catch something on top of this.So I will write an update from time to time.

My heart goes out to so many wonderful people that I have met everywhere, and if Krsna so desires I hope that we can meet again and spend many inspiring moments together.

Your servant
Kadamba Kanana Swami

Source: http://iskcontoronto.blogspot.in/2016/02/prayers-for-jayapataka-swami-kadamba.html

ISKCON Leadership Sanga

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 25, 2016 at 11:56am

This year’s ISKCON Leadership Sanga coincided with the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada incorporating ISKCON in New York.

Over 1200 devotees travelled to Sridham Mayapur to attend 8 days of seminars, kirtan and transcendental association.

On the first day everyone was welcomed by the GBC Chairman, Praghosa das, and Gopal Bhatta das, chair of the GBC Strategic Planning Team outlined the schedule of activities for the week.

Source: http://www.ramaiswami.com/iskcon-leadership-sanga-3/

KKS Worldwide Sankirtan Marathon

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 25, 2016 at 11:30am

We’re slowly coming to an end with our 3-day Kadamba Kanana Swami Worldwide Sankirtan Marathon. Wednesday is still young in the western hemisphere and later during the night results are expected from Canada, Mexico and the US.

Europe and Africa started submitting their offerings as of now. The numbers are just great. Earlier today, Australia again kept their standards high for the third day in the row, thus expressing their love for Kadamba Kanana Swami and desire to please Srila Prabhupada.

Regarding Europe, news is that only a day after returning from India, sankirtan devotees went out in Budapest. Feeling sorry for not being able to contribute to the fullest of their resolute want, these humble and mature Vaisnava devotees of Radhe Syama will dedicate their Monthly Sankirtan Festival which has been scheduled for Saturday, February 27th, to our cause. The offering to Srila Prabhupada will take place the day after, on Sunday in (Grand) Budapest Temple where the most merciful Dayal Nitai Vijay Gauranga preside. This regular monthly event in Budapest usually sees between 50 and 70 full-time and part-timesankirtan devotees and members of congregation engaging in the activity that is most pleasing to Srila Prabhupada. May they have a fine weather and all the help from the above!

Another initiative that has come in response to our Marathon is self-imposed Vanipedia translation marathon. Devotees engaged in this important service of transcribing, translating and tagging Srila Prabhupada’s legacy, have decided to increase significantly their daily targets in order to satisfy His Divine Grace. The cause is, again, one with our KKS Worldwide Sankirtan Marathon.

And regarding our 3-day Marathon, however, the most important news is that the scores shall be offered to Srila Prabhupada tomorrow at ISKCON Durban, South Africa, where Kadamba Kanana Swami is currently located and undergoing severe medical treatment. After presenting the scores to His Divine Grace for his pleasure, devotees will humbly ask Prabhupada to petition Krsna who alone can remove the current health crisis and cancer issue from His dedicated servant, so that he can continue with his service in full capacity.

The ceremony shall begin after the morning class, around 8.40 AM and everybody can join via Mayapur TV, Durban channel. There will be kirtan afterwards. More news and the actual scores shall be published tomorrow during the day at Kadamba Kanana Swami-Blog.

Regarding time zone, Durban is GMT+2. That is 11 hours behind New Zealand, 9 hours behind Sydney and Melbourne, 3.5 hours behind India, 1 hour ahead of continental Europe, 2 hours ahead of the UK, and between 7 and 10 hours ahead of the Americas. Please tune in, if practical.

Matsya Das

Source: https://www.kksblog.com/2016/02/42470/

Why Can’t I Live up to my Ideals?

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 25, 2016 at 11:30am

QUESTION: When we read something, we intellectually process it, and we understand it – but still we can’t act on it. Why not?

It takes time. First you get the food on a plate. Then you chew it. Then swallow. Then it digests. And eventually you get the nourishment and energy.

Similarly, first you hear knowledge – this is the “food” on the “plate.” Then you intellectually process it – this is the “chewing.” Once it is processed you can practice trying to apply it to life – this is the “digestion.” The more you digest it by trying to apply it in the real world, the more the theoretical knowledge your intellect chewed can become an actual part of the “energy and nutrition” that motivates and informs your actions.

Don’t expect that simply by hearing something your life will change. Don’t expect that simply by understanding something intellectually, it changes your life. These things – hearing and understanding – are important steps on the way to changing your life. Yet they have to be applied by sādhana, which is the practice of trying to apply them in the real world. Then, by that practice of application what you heard and comprehended becomes fully a part of who you are, and you can live it as a tangible reality.

Vraja Kishor das

www.vrajakishor.com

TKG Academy is now enrolling new students for the school year 2016-2017

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 24, 2016 at 5:34pm

Dear Families, Hare Krsna.

Please accept our humble obeisances.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

We are pleased to announce that TKG Academy is now enrolling new students for the school year 2016-2017.

We encourage you to please register as soon as possible to secure your child’s/children’s place. A child will be considered for official enrollment only after the completed forms have been submitted and the enrollment fees have been paid.

The non-refundable registration fee is $150 per student.

The application form and more information can be found on our website:

http://www.tkgacademy.com/admissions-process/

We look forward to having you as part of our growing family.

Thank you very much.

Your servants at TKG Academy (Dallas, TX)

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=19232

Sriman Mahaprabhu Dhyana.

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 24, 2016 at 5:23pm

Sriman Mahaprabhu Dhyana.
From Srila Dhyanacandra Gosvami’s “Sri Gaura-govindarcana-smarana-paddhati”
—
In his manasa-deha, the sadhaka will follow his guru, parama-guru, paratparaguru and paramesthi-guru to the temple of Sriman Mahaprabhu. By their order, he will awaken the Lord and offer Him scented water for washing His lotus face, etc., and do other seva as is appropriate. Then he will meditate upon the Lord as described in the Urddhvamnaya-samhita:
—
Absorbed in prema, the golden Lord Gaura stands holding one hand in the benediction pose and the other in the pose for awarding fearlessness, while He incessantly chants the holy names.
—
(20) Sri Gauracandra Pranama
I offer my humble obeisance again and again to that great soul who is known as Visvambhara (maintainer of the universe), Gaura, Caitanya, Saci-putra, the Husband of Laksmi and the Friend of All.
—
(73) Sri Gauranga’s Asta-kala-seva
The nectarous pastimes of Sri Navadvipa-candra are very wonderful. Eager to serve the Lord, the sadhaka shall always think of these pastimes.
(74) At the end of night (nisanta), he shall meditate on the Lord sleeping in His own home. In the early morning (pratah-kale), the Lord rises from His bed, bathes and takes His meal.
(75) In the forenoon, the Lord becomes deeply absorbed in krisna-lila-smarana and experiences intense feelings of separation. In the middle of the day, Mahaprabhu performs astonishing pastimes on the bank of the Ganga. The sadhaka shall meditate on Lord Gauranga in this way.
(76) In the afternoon, Gaurahari very joyfully roams about Sri Navadvipa-dhama. In the early evening, He returns to His own home, revealing His enchanting beauty.
(77) In the late evening, He meets His dear associates at the home of Srivasa Thakura, where they perform a great sankirtana festival far into the night. The sadhaka shall thus blissfully meditate on Sri Gauracandra.

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=19220

Bonds of Love “Loving Krishna will help you love your son”

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 24, 2016 at 5:10pm

Bonds of Love “Loving Krishna will help you love your son”
From the time she was 4, Urmila (Dr. Edith Best) was looking for God. If somebody said, “What do you want to do?” she’d say, “I want to be spiritually perfect. I want to find God.” They’d say, “Don’t you want to get married, have kids, have a career?” She’d say, “I just want to find God.”
Urmila Devi Dasi: My first contact with Prabhupada was in ’67 when I was 12 years old. I would regularly listen to him chanting on the Happening album playing in Alan Kallman’s shop on the Lower East Side. I’d ask, “What is this record? Who is this?” My next contact was through the Radha Krishna Temple Album, which I heard on the radio. Prabhupada’s picture was on the album and my initial response to it was skeptical. I thought someone who takes the role of guru might think he’s better than others.
When I was 17, I got Prabhupada’s translation of Bhagavad-gita. After reading it, I decided to move into the temple, but at first I didn’t want to get initiated. Soon after I moved in I got married; my husband was already second initiated, and in his association I started thinking, “How am I going to be able to find God and become spiritually perfect without a spiritual master?” Gradually my relationship with Prabhupada developed and I became his initiated disciple, after he accepted me through the mail.
When I first met Prabhupada in Chicago in the summer of ’74, a little more than a year after I’d moved in. I was expecting a mystical experience. Prabhupada was sitting on the vyasasana giving class and I was fanning him. I was standing very close, to his left, moving the peacock fan, absorbed in every word and gesture. My experience was, indeed, mystical, but not in the way I expected. I felt, “Prabhupada has always been here, because playing a recording of Prabhupada lecturing and listening to him lecture in person is exactly the same.” I was hearing him directly but I felt the same as when I was listening to a recording. It was satisfying and amazing – I realized that I could associate with Prabhupada even in his physical absence with potency equal to his presence. Still, I felt incomplete in the experience.
Later that morning, my father, husband, and I met Srila Prabhupada in his room and I got to know him as a person – he was funny, laughing, casual, jovial, and exchanging affectionately with my father. I understood he cared about me, as an individual, and I felt a loving relationship with him. At that point there was full satisfaction.
My father asked why we give people prasada, and Prabhupada said, “Just like if you eat the food of a sick person, you will get their disease. If you eat Krishna’s food, you will get Krishna’s disease.”
My father thought he was only supposed to come to the temple if he was a devotee, so he asked, “Can I come to the temple just to see my daughter and son-in-law?”
Smiling, Prabhupada said, “They are loving Krishna. Chanting and dancing are symptoms of loving Krishna. You are loving them and they are loving Krishna, so two things equal to the same thing are equal to each other.”
Prabhupada’s mood was light, but I thought, “Prabhupada said I love Krishna, so it’s just a matter of time. Someday I’ll love Krishna.” That meeting changed my life. And it moved my father. He said, “Prabhupada’s a genuine holy man.” He enjoyed Prabhupada’s company and became somewhat of a devotee.
Less than a year later, my baby son Madhava and I were with a group of devotees seeing Srila Prabhupada off at a New York airport. Prabhupada was sitting on a couch in the VIP lounge talking with Satyabhama, Kirtanananda, Jayadvaita, and a few others. I was a couple of feet away, holding Madhava. I felt left out of those devotees’ intimate connection with Prabhupada. I thought, “They really know Prabhupada well,” but it was also a relaxed time for me, getting to be with Prabhupada in a personal way again. During the kirtana, Prabhupada transported everyone to the spiritual world; I forgot that I had a body and that I was in New York. Prabhupada was meditating on chanting and I thought, “Prabhupada is chanting for his guru just as we are chanting for him.” It was incredible. Then at some point in the kirtana my external awareness flooded back: I was again in New York holding a baby.
For a year and a half after Madhava was born, I dove into Srila Prabhupada’s books and lectures. I read 4–6 hours a day, and listened 3–4 hours a day. Doing that deepened my relationship with him as much or more than when I personally saw him. During that period, in the summer of ’75, I went to Philadelphia for Ratha-yatra and to get Gayatri mantra. At class that morning, the devotee reading from the Bhagavatam manuscript said, “[Ajamila] called the name of his son very loudly three times, ‘Narayana, Narayana, Narayana!’ “
Prabhupada responded, “Who said in the manuscript? There is no three times. Not “Narayana” three times. One time, ‘O Narayana,’ that’s all. So did I say ‘three time’? Hmm? No, it is not said here. You should correct it. Once, ‘He, O Narayana,’ that’s all. There is no reason for calling three times. There is no mention here. Once is sufficient. [laughter] Hmm.”
(lecture Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.1.28–29, July 13, 1975, Philadelphia)
It was life-transforming for me to hear him say that calling out Krishna’s name just once in helplessness is enough.
Later that morning my father, husband, and I met with Prabhupada again. When he saw us Prabhupada’s whole face lit up as if we were his favorite people in the world. Like he was meeting a dear old friend he said to my father, “How are you now?” My father responded with similar exuberance and joy. As we were leaving Prabhupada said, “Good father, good daughter.” Prabhupada saw something good and worthwhile in me; he was pleased with me.
When I got Gayatri mantra my husband was carrying Madhava, and Prabhupada’s attention went to the baby. Prabhupada said, “He’s laughing. He’s very intelligent and fortunate.”
Prabhupada had me repeat the mantra, and I thought, “I don’t want to say it perfectly because Prabhupada will think I’m puffed up.” To try to be humble I purposely made a mistake when I repeated the last line. Prabhupada looked disgusted. I thought, “Oops, that wasn’t the right thing to do.” I said, “Prabhupada, I want to preach and please you, but I have this little baby. It’s hard to go out on book distribution.”
He said, “You must take care (of the child) so you may not go out.” The feeling I got from Prabhupada was, “This is really a stupid question.”
The next time I saw Prabhupada was in the summer of ’76 when he came to New York for the Ratha-yatra. Again my father met with him. At one point Prabhupada pointed to me, with my eighteen-month-old son on my lap. He said, “Just like this mother is loving her son without any expectation of return, in that way you should love Krishna.”
My father said, “Will loving her son help her love Krishna?”
Prabhupada said, “No, but loving Krishna will help her love her son.” I understood that if we have Krishna as the center and are attached to Him, then we can love everyone else. If we love people on a mundane level, it doesn’t help us love Krishna – it takes away from that love.
Somehow what Prabhupada said when I was with him was just what I needed to hear. His words changed me in deep and lasting ways.

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=19226

ISKCON Pakistan: Printing Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad Gita As It Is in Sindhi Language!

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 24, 2016 at 5:08pm

ISKCON Pakistan: Printing Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad Gita As It Is in Sindhi Language!
Srila Prabhupada: I don’t say, “Follow me.” I say “Follow Krishna.” Krishna says, “Surrender unto Me.” I say “Surrender unto Krishna.” Is there any difference? My position is simply repeating because Krishna says, “Anyone who preaches this confidential subject matter, he is dear to Me.” Allahabad, January 18, 1971

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=19224

Frankenfish & Why Some Edibles just Aren’t Good Food

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 24, 2016 at 5:00pm

By Karuna Dharini Devi Dasi

Recent advances in genetic engineering (GE) seem to twist nature’s arm. Now scientists alter the genetic code within seeds or eggs to make “improved” plants and animals. Wealthy countries use special GE corn and soy to insure an enormous cash crop in the form of fodder for livestock and to make ingredients for processed fast food, such as the corn syrup in soft drinks.

So far scientists have mastered a few crops, but will they revolutionize the food industry with an engineered fish? In December 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its intention to sanction the first transgenic living organism. GE opponents quickly dubbed it “the Frankenfish.”

It was invented by Aqua Bounty at their farm in Prince Edward Island, Canada. With headquarters in Maynard, Massachusetts, Aqua Bounty has been conducting fishy experiments since the early 90s. To produce the Frankenfish, the genetic material of cold water Atlantic Ocean pout (looks like an eel) is inserted into an artificially compressed salmon egg. The pout puts on fat faster than a salmon, hence the combination makes a fattier fish. However, the material from the pout doesn’t exactly combine with the salmon’s DNA. It is rejected, causing inflammation. A growth factor (GF-1) is then added to accelerate reproduction of the inflammation. The fish grows twice as big and three times as fast as it would have without the engineering.

With so many fast-food restaurants looking for a substitute for red meats, linked to obesity and heart disease, fish is in big demand. Because of over fishing, the ocean population of wild fish is predicted to become nearly extinct in this century. Fish farms are the future. Will the FDA approve the mass production of a manipulated living organism for human consumption?

Fears of the Frankenfish

Some internal biologists predict that eating the GE fish will cause allergic reactions and stomach ulcers. The FDA does not do any testing itself; all of the testing is left up to Aqua Bounty, which claims their fish is perfectly safe. Some environmental scientists say the new fish poses a danger to ocean fish. A Frankenfish loose in the sea would enter the food chain and quickly create an imbalance. After some decades native ocean fish would be wiped out.

Those who wish for ethical treatment of animals complain that this fish will never spawn, swim freely, or live a full life span. And the poor creatures tend to develop birth defects from growth hormones, grow hump backs, and develop jaw erosion or multi systemic focal inflammation. As sterile females with poor longevity, they will require gallons of antibiotics to remain alive in their small underwater fish farms. They will need to be harvested at an early age to prevent disease from establishing itself within the stock.

Environmentalists predict disaster, animal rights advocates cry cruelty, and biologists describe possible health risks and lawsuits. Meanwhile the FDA announces they are on the verge of approval. Is there a veritable edible monster waiting for us in the basement of world food consumption?

It would seem we need to ask ourselves a basic question before we can even begin to confront the lurking horror of the Frankenfish: What is legitimate human food?

Good Food

We can determine when food is good filled with inherent nutritious energy by qualities such as texture, moisture, color, aroma, and radiance. A tree-ripened mango has a glow, hue, and perfume that can attract attention from across a room. How many times have we had a meal with family or friends when someone remarked, “Wow, this tastes amazing!” Good flavor has integrity; it enthralls us because it contains vital subtle elements of the earth imparted to plants. Tasty and satisfying, simple fruits or vegetables can sustain the body and deliver vitality all day long. The ancient Vedas call this potency pusti. Though generally translated as “nutrition,” it is Mother Earth’s gracious power, bestowed by the Supreme Lord, to sustain and maintain all living creatures.

Srila Prabhupada comments on the inherent value of plants: “Krishna’s arrangement is complete. The herbs, plants, trees, and creepers, they grow luxuriously and supply the needs of the human being. Every plant and creeper has got some service. We simply do not know how to use them. Experienced men, they collect so many ausadhi [herbs]. We are neglecting these herbs and vegetables, but because we do not know how to use them we are confronted with so many bills from the doctor.” (Lecture, 1974)

Our ability to discern how every vegetable and creeper has some service to offer human beings can be the dawning of spiritual awareness, as well as good health. In his purport to Bhagavad-gita 17.10, Srila Prabhupada writes,

The purpose of food is to increase the duration of life, purify the mind, and aid bodily strength. This is its only purpose. In the past, great authorities selected only those foods that best aid health and increase life’s duration, such as milk products, sugar, rice, wheat, fruits, and vegetables. . . . All these foods are pure by nature. They are quite distinct from untouchable things like meat and liquor. Fatty foods, as mentioned in the eighth verse, have no connection with animal fat obtained by slaughter. Animal fat is available in the form of milk, which is the most wonderful of all foods. Milk, butter, cheese, and similar products give animal fat in a form which rules out any need for the killing of innocent creatures. Slaughter is the way of subhumans. Protein is amply available through split peas, dal, whole wheat, etc.

Food is our most fundamental connection with the Supreme. God imparts the delicious mystery of exquisite taste and also the relief of hunger. He is our very power of digestion. By His grace we are enjoying life. Srila Prabhupada writes,

According to ayur-vedic sastra, we understand that there is a fire in the stomach which digests all food sent there. When the fire is not blazing there is no hunger, and when the fire is in order we become hungry. Sometimes when the fire is not going nicely, treatment is required. In any case, this fire is a representative of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. . . . Sabdadhibhyo ’ntah pratisthanac ca [Vedanta-sutra 1.2.27]: the Lord is situated within sound and within the body, within air and even within the stomach as the digestive force. There are four kinds of foodstuff some are drunk, some are chewed, some are licked up, and some are sucked and He is the digestive force in all of them. (Bhagavad-gita 15.14, Purport)

Meanwhile the long-term effects of genetically modified (GM) foodstuffs on human health and the environment remain in question. As the fire of digestion, the Supreme Personality of Godhead doesn’t have to efficiently digest foods not chosen by Vedic authorities as fit for human consumption. And chronic indigestion causes disease.

We depend fully on food, yet with all of modern industrial enterprise we cannot devise anything that can take its place. No modern scientific laboratory equipped with chemicals, test tubes, and scientists with Ph.D.’s has ever invented a way to manufacture food in a tube. Certainly they try; to do so would be highly useful. Their efforts in the form of genetically modifying plants and animals have been arduous and even grotesque.

Srila Prabhupada explains: Godless civilization they can no more depend on the natural gifts. They think that by industrial enterprises they will get more money and they’ll be happy. And to remain satisfied with the food grains, vegetables, and natural gifts is a primitive idea. They say, “It is primitive.” When men were not civilized, they would depend on nature, but when they are advanced in civilization, they must discover industrial enterprises. (Lecture, 1974)

Since the dawn of history human beings have obediently cooperated with nature by becoming the cultivators of seeds, plants, and trees. Now they’ve become manipulators, violating the laws of nature, which are under the strict jurisdiction of the Supreme. Man is allowed to produce food in gracious cooperation with nature but is not allowed to exploit her resources to maximize profit or the slaughter of innocent creatures.

Food As a Loving Offering

According to the Bhagavad-gita (3.14), “All living beings subsist on food grains, which are produced from rains. Rains are produced by performance of yajna [sacrifice], and yajna is born of prescribed duties.” Srila Prabhupada comments:

Food grains and vegetables are factually eatables. The human being eats different kinds of food grains, vegetables, fruits, etc., and the animals eat the refuse of the food grains and vegetables, grass, plants, etc. Human beings who are accustomed to eating meat and flesh must also depend on the production of vegetation in order to eat the animals. Therefore, ultimately, we have to depend on the production of the field and not on the production of big factories. . . . The Lord can be satisfied by sacrifices; therefore, one who cannot perform them will find himself in scarcity that is the law of nature.

The Lord does not say that in order to ensure our survival we need to splice together the genes of several fruits and fishes. Rather, He recommends spiritual sacrifice. He is God, so supplying food to us, no matter how many of us there are, is never beyond His abilities. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “The world has enough for everyone’s need, but not enough for everyone’s greed.”

Srila Prabhupada and the Bhagavad-gita strongly recommend we seek the help of God for getting food. By doing everything we do to please the supplier of the raw ingredients, we transform the way we think of food, and the way we grow, cook, distribute, and eat it.

Whatever food the devotee receives, he or she first offers it to Krishna, who says in the Bhagavad-gita (9.26), “If one offers me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit, or water, I will accept it.” Lord Krishna asks only that our foods be offered to Him with love.

Srila Prabhupada writes: “In this way our karma is neutralized, for from the very beginning we are thinking that the food will be offered to Krishna. We should have no personal desires for the food. Krishna is so merciful, however, that He gives us food to eat. In this way our desire is fulfilled. When one has molded his life in this way dovetailing his desires to Krishna’s then it is to be understood that he has attained perfection in yoga.” (The Perfection of Yoga, Chapter 4).

In the practice of yoga, eating a properly prepared meal is required for mental and physical health. What’s more, it is an essential component for developing our feelings of love of God. Just as cooking a meal for someone you care about is a gesture of affection, cooking meals for the Lord is a special act of transcendental love. The devotee collects and prepares the best natural ingredients with respect for the source of those ingredients and then offers food to Krishna with prescribed prayers. The devotee partakes of the freshly cooked meal with a grateful awareness born of sacrifice. For one who eats only fine food prepared and offered with love, a special appreciation for what is sacred and pure develops. Krishna is the very taste and love in the food. Who can impart divine realization through the sensation of flavor? It must be someone at least as ingenious as the most ingenious scientist. Give credit where credit is due. Let’s first determine what Krishna wants to eat, what He considers proper food, and prepare our meals with Him in mind. Then there will no longer be any question or debate about what is food. We will be fully satisfied and well fed too.

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=19228

The Elephant of Material Life is my Companion

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 24, 2016 at 4:56pm

Sometimes you are on top of the elephant

And sometimes the elephant is on top of you
I am fortunate that I have Krsna and the Vaisnavas, that makes it all okay.

I can go down memory lane
and remember when I was at Govardhana Hill, so many times.
I can remember the darsana of so many Deities, in so many temples in Vrindavan;
Radha Ramana, Radha Gokulananda and Vijay Govinda and Mahaprabhu’s Giriraja.
I can remember how I sat in the Yamuna
water up to the neck, chanting on my beads,
that were floating in the water.
I can remember all my time in the Holy Dhama
Now these memories are my wealth.

I started again reading the Bhagavatam,
First Canto, ah the sages of Naimisaranya
are asking their six questions
What is the ultimate good for all people of the world?
What is the essence of all scripture?

Such nice and profound questions
I am uplifted by their sincerity,
by their broad vision
and heartfelt compassion
A book about Krsna and His devotees
What could be nicer than that?

Vaisnavas have been nice to me
So many stalwart servants of Srila Prabhupada
When I look back at the past, I got so much mercy from the Vaisnavas
And at present they are all kind to me, although I am not deserving
I am looking forward to a bright future
I don’t think the Vaisnavas will ever abandon me
They will take me to Krsna

Oh and the body? Yes I have one!
It doesn’t matter though,
It becomes spiritualized in devotional service
How is it now?
Dead!
It always has been

Yes let us talk of Krsna
And use the little time we have
to increase our treasure of blessings

Sometimes you are on top of the elephant
And sometimes the elephant is on top of you
I am fortunate that I have Krsna and the Vaisnavas, that makes it all okay.

Source: https://www.kksblog.com/2016/02/the-elephant-of-material-life-is-my-companion/

Why there are many religions today?

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 24, 2016 at 4:17pm

Religion as one

God is one and hence laws emanating from God are also one. These laws are called in Sanskrit “dharma” or loosely translated to “religion” in English. I say loosely because it is not an accurate translation. Dharma can be described as the “constitutional and non-changing nature of a thing or living being” whereas religion means to simply profess one’s “faith”. This definition of religion is a far-cry from the description of dharma.

Therefore from the perspective of dharma as described above the concept of God is not a monopoly of one religion or one group of people (in other words it is not sectarian). Today, religion is sectarian (will discuss below). But if one is interested to understand the universal truths of life which is harmonious with nature (thus verifiable truth), one can follow this path of dharma which is natural and non-changing (sanatana).

This sanatana dharma is succinctly explained by Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. The Gita was spoken some 5000 years ago and one can find elements of spiritual knowledge from Gita in other major religions of the world. So the Gita is a universal book of wisdom that teaches how a living being can live in harmony with nature and be happy in his or her local environment.

Religion as many

“One size does not fit all”. This is an axiomatic truth. The reason “one size does not fit all” is because not all are of the same size, shape, form, thought, color, quality or behavior. Human beings, who can comprehend God, come in varying forms, shapes and attitudes. To expect all of the myriad humans to adhere to the highest standard of God consciousness is not practical and is not acceptable. Therefore, based on one’s psycho-physiological states of existence, the “one” religion is packaged differently to the varying degree of human beings. This packaging has happened at certain points in the annals of human history by great seers of truth. People like Jesus Christ, Buddha, Muhammed etc spoke how much ever the local audience at that time could accept a Supreme God. It does not mean they spoke everything. They spoke universal thoughts of penance, charity and devotion to God but packaged to fit the local needs of the audience.

How can we say with confidence that these seers of truth did not present everything? – If we make a comparative study of philosophical ideas of all religions of the world and create a structure based on it, we will find a clear hierarchy of philosophical thought which ranges from complete to incomplete. Just as different grade students study physics at different levels of understanding, similarly different religions teach different levels of spiritual knowledge per the psycho-physiological states of human beings. This is not sectarian.

Religion as materialism

My first topic “religion as one” is purely spiritual. My second topic “religion as many” is material and spiritual. My final topic “religion as materialism” is purely material.

Today majority of believers of God (regardless of their professed faith) have one thing in common – to practice religion for satisfying their material motivations (which also leads to corrupt religious leaders). In other words, religion is used as a tool to satisfy one’s materialistic ambitions. This sense of material identity has different names such as Christian, muslim, hindu, catholic, jew, Buddhist, Methodist etc. While we need the material support system to live peacefully in this life, that is not the end all be all and religion should not be used for that purpose. This is the religion we see and experience every day and this is why there are many religions or faiths.

To put it in a nutshell– because human beings use religion and God for satisfying their selfish material motivations (attitude of consumerism), we have many faiths and many religions. Unless we have a desire to rise above this attitude of consumerism (materialism), we will not find the true dharma which is inherent within all beings, which is universal and transcendent.

Hare Krishna

Source: http://servantoftheservant-ananda.blogspot.in/2016/02/why-there-are-many-religions-today.html

HH Jayapataka Maharaja's health report (14 till 22nd of feb 2016)

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 24, 2016 at 12:06pm

14/02/2016 - 22/02/2016 Camp: New Delhi, 8 p.m. This past week has swept us all into a tornado of unexpected urgency, surprise and surrender. Beginning from the holy birthplace of our Adi-guru, Lord Nityananda, in Sri Ekachakra Dhama, Guru Maharaj performed the abhiseka and prana- pratistha of Sri Sri Radha Vrindavana-Mohana and Sri Sri Nityanandacandra Gaurangaraya on the auspicious day of Advaita Saptami. On the morning of the temple opening, Guru Maharaj woke up with a fever. We were all worried about his health. Eventually, by about 9:30 a.m., the fever broke and his body temperature was normal. Despite his bodily fever that morning, Guru Maharaj seemed to seamlessly perform the various rituals and invoke the Lord into His arca- avatara. However, by about 4 or 5 p.m., the fever began slowly recurring. Although there was all hope of Guru Maharaj's fever breaking that night, an ambulance was nevertheless prepared for emergency's sake. By 2:30 a.m., it was clear that the fever was not going to break, despite the medicine, cold towel applications, and all attempts to bring down the body temperature. The ambulance had arrived by about 2:30/3 a.m. and the ambulance team began to put Guru Maharaj on the stretcher and strap him in. While being strapped in at 3 a.m. in the midst of apparent uncertainty, Guru Maharaj still took the time to explain to the temple president about the name of the temple and why the name was given. Guru Maharaj was talking about the new temple and how the name was Ekachakra Candrodaya Mandira. Further, there was another devotee and in this frenzy, Guru Maharaj was asking about the well-being of that devotee. Upon hearing Guru Maharaj's concern for him despite such serious circumstances of Guru Maharaj himself, that devotee broke into tears. We got in along with Guru Maharaj on his stretcher. Then began the earthquake of a journey from Ekachakra to Durgapur, traversing through far from mediocre roads. Guru Maharaj's feet kept falling off the stretcher that we was belted onto; he was sliding down the stretcher due to the bumps. But one thing was clear - he was in conscious, composed and even joking spirits, saying his characteristic "Aayaa ho" marching chant while trudging through the bumpy, rocky roads.

Upon reaching Durgapur, Guru Maharaj was admitted in the emergency room and was doing fine. He was soon shifted into a private room. I went into the private room to see Guru Maharaj and much to my surprise, I saw that he looked blue. We immediately called the nurses and doctors and after some discussion, it was decided to shift Guru Maharaj to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) . We still had some hope that things would get alright within a few hours. However, Guru Maharaj's vitals began fluctuating and finally began deteriorating to such an extent that he had to be intubated with a tube being put down his throat which was connected to a ventilator machine. We feared an imminent deja vu of May 2015, to say the least.

Within a few hours, Guru Maharaj was conscious as ever, wishing to communicate with everyone. Due to the tube being down his vocal chords, Guru Maharaj couldn't orally speak; however, that seemed to be no obstacle in his mission to make himself heard. Instead, Guru Maharaj used an alphabetical chart. Preaching is technically supposed to go on uninhibited, throughout all circumstances. Guru Maharaj took communication to his transcendental level - preaching using the alphabetical chart.

He was getting us all to explain the blue book to the doctors and nurses and have them fill out their details so that he could stay in touch with them. Further, Guru Maharaj told us to distribute clickers with mantra cards and teach the hospital medical staff how to chant. Guru Maharaj ensures that we are engaged in assisting him in the preaching mission of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya, no doubt there, for sure. He also clarified the Ekachakra temple name; the question was if it should be "Ekachakra Candrodaya Mandira" and/ or "Nityananda Candrodaya Mandira," so Guru Maharaj explained how Srila Prabhupada used the name "Mayapura Candrodaya Mandira" on the gate, but that in his books he used "Caitanya Candrodaya Mandira." Late the next morning, Guru Maharaj was breathing alright and the doctors decided to extubate him on that same day. Upon regaining the use of his vocal chords which are so essential to communication, Guru Maharaj began asking a variety of questions to his own staff and the medical hospital staff. He also continued his preaching activity in the ICU. Guru Maharaj responded to some personal letters. He also sent in a foreword for Lokanath Maharaja's book entitled, "Festivals." Guru Maharaj didn't want to waste a second of his time in anything other than his services. However, as the night went on, Guru Maharaj's lungs began to slowly get worn out and he was not able to maintain safe levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in his blood. The following morning resulted in another intubation and turning on of the ventilator. Guru Maharaj became conscious after some time and again began preaching to all the doctors and nurses. It is quite significant to note that many of these medical professionals were Muslim and Christian but still open and receptive to Guru Maharaj's preaching. That's Guru Maharaj. He has transcendental reactions to seemingly critical situations.

On the bodily front, the medical battle continued. What to do next? It was clear that airlifting Guru Maharaj to another location would be the option, but where was the question. It was decided in consultation with Guru Maharaj to go to Chennai and all arrangements to go were made to; the flight was to fly from its base in Delhi to Durgapur, pick up Guru Maharaj and then land in Chennai the following morning. The next morning, the air- ambulance was just not willing to take off from Delhi. Delhi is in its winter now, but somehow, it was very cloudy and rainy that day. I went to see Guru Maharaj that morning and through the alphabetical chart, he told me, "I take this as Krsna's plan." Guru Maharaj continued saying how Dr. Goenka (Guru Maharaj's doctor from Kolkata) was respected and recognized by Dr. Sarin and how we should go to Kolkata instead of Chennai. Then he said, "If things don't work out, then we can go farther." Guru Maharaj went on to say how it was Ekadasi. It was also a Thursday and Guru Maharaj never likes to leave for any place on Thursday afternoons, following in the footsteps of Srila Prabhupada. Further, Guru Maharaj always considers the Rahu kaal and baar bela which are the astrological inauspicious and sinister times of the day - these times always fall in the afternoon to sunset on Thursdays. Lastly, Guru Maharaj said, "We should leave before noon." I asked in astonishment, "Before noon to Kolkata?" and Guru Maharaj confirmed. Then began another round of discussion between Guru Maharaj and his health team (remember, at this point of time, Guru Maharaj is still communicating using the alphabetical chart). Finally, by the late afternoon, arrangements were made to go to Delhi to the same Institute in which he was admitted last May - the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS).

Guru Maharaj was airlifted that evening from Durgapur to Delhi and admitted into the ICU of ILBS, safely. The next few days were quite calm. Although the ICU is a restricted entry zone, Guru Maharaj wanted devotees to come and be with him as much as possible, as often as possible. During the day time, they would switch off the ventilator and just have the tube with some oxygen connected, known as a T-piece. During the nights, they would turn the ventilator back on just to make sure that Guru Maharaj wouldn't get tired. Guru Maharaj was always on top of everything going on, asking detailed questions about the various medical stats and vitals in his body, ensuring that his prasad was made exactly as the dietician had suggested and keeping an eye on time to make sure it was brought and administered on time. He would also speak with the doctors and nurses about various topics, ranging from chanting to his experiences with Kerala prasad delicacies.

On Nityananda Trayodasi, I brought a tablet to show Guru Maharaj the astoundingly beautiful srngara of the presiding deities in Mayapur. While Guru Maharaj was taking a thorough darshan of Nitai, Panca Tattva, Radha Madhava, Nrsinghadeva, and Srila Prabhupada, one if his doctors came up to the bedside. Immediately, Guru Maharaj motioned at me to show the darshan to the doctors. This led to their questions and my attempts to explain to them about Mahaprabhu. I was explaining how these deities are life-size, how Mahaprabhu is about seven feet tall. Then the doctors took darshan of Radha Madhava and I said that they are very tall, about seven to eight feet. Guru Maharaj then called me to correct me about the heights. He began explaining in detail, how Madhava is 5'10", Radharani is 5'6", Astasakhis are 5'4", Gauranga is 7", Nitai is 6'9", Advaita is 6'6", Gadadhara is 6"3', and Srivasa is 6"0'. Guru Maharaj indicated how the last three heights were more or less accurate. Guru Maharaj is completely absorbed and engrossed in Mayapur and Mahaprabhu's lila, regardless of any external material discomforts. To see one truly practice what he preaches is such a fortunate sight, exceedingly inspirational for millions of devotees. Many devotees from around the world had sent 30 second "Get Well Soon" video messages to Guru Maharaj. Guru Maharaj was very pleased to see and hear those as well.

This morning, Guru Maharaj shared how he had dreamed about Radha Gokulananda, Gaura Nitai, Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra, and Sita, Rama, Laksmana, and Hanuman. Just at that moment, Syama Rasika Prabhu showed a video message to Guru Maharaj from Srutidharma Prabhu (president of Bhaktivedanta Manor), and Guru Maharaj went into ecstasy, laughing, saying how this confirmed his dream. Strange enough, this morning and I happened to be watching the Mangal Aarti of Radha Londonisvara and Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra on Mayapur.tv. I'm sure that these deities are taking care of Guru Maharaj. The Lord truly does reciprocate with His devotees; we were fortunate to have been able to experience and witness it today.

Guru Maharaj was extubated (tube was removed from his throat) and has been breathing on his own for about three hours. I am sure that other servants and secretaries will have tons to share from their own perspectives. These next 48 hours are extremely crucial as the tube has been removed and Guru Maharaj will have to be breathing on his own. We request everyone to sincerely, intensely, and faithfully pray to the Lord for Guru Maharaj during this important hour.

Yours in the service of Srila Gurudeva and Srila Prabhupada,
Syama Madhusudana

PM Modi offers arati to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu at Gaudiya Math

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 24, 2016 at 12:01pm

All glories to Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu! His mercy, flowing through His devotees, brought India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Kolkata for the 100th anniversary of Gaudiya math, founded by His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur Prabhupada.

Congratulations to all the Gaudiya math devotees who have worked hard all these years, and by joining hands with ISKCON’s global preaching mission of spreading the divine message of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, have enlightened many thousands in Krishna consciousness.

His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur Prabhupada is the spiritual master of the founder of today’s worldwide Hare Krishna movement, or ISKCON, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, who is honored with reverence by his disciples and followers as Srila Prabhupada.

(photo credit: http://www.narendramodi.in/pm-inaugurates-centenary-celebrations-of-gaudiya-mission-and-math-414908

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Gaudiya Math in Kolkata – Daily News & Analysis

This is what provides us strength,” the Prime Minister said. West Bengal Governor K N Tripathi, Tripura Governor Tathagatha Roy and West Bengal Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim were present. Modi later visited the Gaudiya Mission at Baghbazar …Narendra Modi (press release) (blog)India.comNDTV – Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits Gaudiya Math in Kolkata – Daily News & Analysis

India’s spiritual consciousness is the reason for its long-standing civilizational ethos: PM – Narendra Modi (press release) (blog)

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today inaugurated the Centenary Celebrations of the Gaudiya Mission and Math in Kolkata. Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said India’s spiritual consciousness is the reason for its long-standing … India’s spiritual consciousness is the reason for its long-standing civilizational ethos: PM – Narendra Modi (press release) (blog)

‘Bhakti movement acted as the foundation for freedom struggle’ – The Hitavada

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the Bhakti movement,withitsinherentquality to stand up and fight against evil forces, had acted as the foundation for the country’s freedom struggle. “If we see India’s freedom struggle,many great …MerinewsDeshGujaratBihar Prabha ‘Bhakti movement acted as the foundation for freedom struggle’ – The Hitavada

Source: http://mayapurvoice.com/svagatam/pm-modi-offers-arati-sri-chaitanya-mahaprabhu-gaudiya-math/

The Thunderstorm of Love

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 24, 2016 at 11:47am

It is said that the pastime of ‘Lifting Goverdhana Hill’ is the favorite of Sri Krishna because in this lila, all the different devotees from all the different rasas take part simultaneously. Nanda Maharaja and Yasoda Devi were there, as we’ll as the cowherd boys and the beautiful Vraja gopis. Krishna convinced His father and others that the worship of Goverdhana, the cows and the brahmanas was superior to worshiping Indra. He spoke saying it was not useful to worship the demigods because we would all simply get our karma anyway. Indra did not appreciate this and sent a huge thunderstorm to drown all the residents of Vraja, but Krishna tricked him with ease. He lifted the hill to save his devotees and simultaneously satisfied everyone’s desire to stare at his beautiful face. When Krishna displayed his gigantic shape to consume the bhoga offerings, everyone gazed at that form while the gopis were able to stare at Krishna’s original form to their hearts content. The highest worship of Govardhana (Govardhana-sila) is performed with gunja-mala (small red, white, and black beads). The gunja-mala is the representation of Srimati Radharani. When Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu gave Govardhana-sila to Raghunatha Dasa Goswami to worship, He did so with gunja-mala. Dasa Gosvami, our prayojana-acarya, worshiped Govardhana with gunja-mala and thus achieved the highest perfection in love of God. Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila 6.287-307. The devotees of Sri Krishna Balarama Mandir will be celebrating the Lifting of Goverdhana, as well as the worship of the cows and the brahmanas with a class held at the ISKCON Goshala beginning at 8:00 am and an Abishek of Giriraj Sila in the temple at 10:30am on November 12th. You are invited to attend the ceremonies, under the guidance of our dear Srila Prabhupada, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, and pray for the mercy of Sri Nataraji that we may join Him in His eternal pastimes. Various plays and entertainment will be provided for your devotional service to Sri Goverdhana. See you there!

Source: http://www.iskconvrindavan.com/the-thunderstorm-of-love/

New Resource: Deity Photos for Home Altars

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 24, 2016 at 11:34am

Where can I find original or edited Deity photos to print for my home altar?

Go to our new resource page (under the Publications menu): Deity Photos for Home Altars.

The new page includes a selection of edited darshanas uploaded to Flickr. These shots are suitable for home altars and can be downloaded in original-size JPEGs for printing.

Or explore Hare Krishna Melbourne’s Flickr account for the endless variety of all our Daily Darshanas in original size for download.

Source: http://www.harekrishnamelbourne.com.au/new-resource-deity-photos-for-home-altars/

Learning about Dhruva

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 24, 2016 at 11:30am

You might have heard of the name Dhruva – a common name for boys in India. Dhruva is a famous child saint in Indian legend who performed severe austerities to please Lord Narayana at the tender age of 5. Such was his devotion that within six months Lord Narayana personally visited him. The prayers that Dhruva offered to the Lord are immortalized in the Srimad Bhagvatam and studied by scholars and devotees till today. The Lord created a new star for Dhruva which is the brightest star in the sky – the pole star.

We studied about this little boy at Kanhas last week. We read his story from the Vaikuntha enterprises book Dhruva – the star devotee

Dhruva – the star devotee

We did the story over 2 days. Here are a few activities we did along with the story.

Yoga poses like Dhruva – lotus pose and tree pose

Palace craft – Dhruva maharaj was a prince and lived in a palace before going to the forest. We made paper palace cutouts and decorated them with gold and silver “bricks”. It was a great cut and paste activity and children got to learn about palace, architecture, construction etc while practicing their fine motor skills. Some children made patterns so it was a lesson in maths & geometry as well!

Palace designing

Forest collage – We made a really fun forest collage. We added trees, leaves and lots of wild animals. This activity included scissor and crayon skills and also added to the children’s animal vocabulary. It was a great lesson in co-operation and team work as the kids made one large collage and everyone contributed to it. The icing on the cake was adding a picture of Dhruva and Lord Vishnu to the collage and centring the whole activity on the Lord!

Working together to make our forest

Forest small world play – The kids loved making the collage so much that we extended the activity into the third dimension. The kids created 3d forests using rocks, yellow stones etc and added little plastic animals and people figurines. The kids recreated the pastime and meditated on Dhruva while honing their creative skills!

Forest in a box

We really enjoyed learning about Dhruva at Kanhas!

Source: http://kanhasgarden.com.au/learning-about-dhruva/

Bhakti-Vriksha - Caring for ISKCON devotees – the important ratio.

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on February 24, 2016 at 11:00am

Many, many moons ago, way back in the last century, when the ISKCON movement was just becoming established as ‘a confederation of centres, farms, schools and restaurants’ and anybody who was anybody lived in a temple, the temple president was the natural person to care for the spiritual lives of the devotees.

The president was the appointed head of the community, the spiritual supervisor of standards of worship and practise, and often the chief inspiration behind the preaching too. It was a very responsible position – and it still is. Along with the ‘temple commander’ the president engaged the members of local ISKCON in all the activities necessary to support a spiritual community and to prosper in their own spiritual lives.

Of course, it wasn’t just the temple president who cared for the devotees, but it was he who bore the responsibility to ensure it was done. And you could always get to talk to him if you needed to.

Back then – if my memory of the 1970s serves me correctly – the average size of an ISKCON community was around 15. Older devotees sometimes refer to those days as when ‘the movement had a real family atmosphere.’ The 1-15 ratio – spiritual head to resident members – was actually a very powerful factor in the ‘family atmosphere’ that devotees still talk about.

Those who study group dynamics and the way people behave in groups – and organisations – often talk about the optimum number of members necessary for a group to preserve good communications and balanced and productive relationships. Turns out that 15 is pretty good if you don’t want things to start coming unstuck. (And 8 or 10 is even better)

At Bhaktivedanta Manor we have around 300 initiated and ashram residents, then another 250 seriously committed devotees. The ratio of 1-550 makes it impossible for the temple president to function as the prime spiritual carer for the community members – much as he’d like to.

One natural response to this is for initiated devotees to assume that their own diksha guru will provide – from wherever he happens to be located – all the necessary spiritual care, and at just the right time, for them to prosper in all ways. The result of this high expectation is often disappointment.

Srila Prabhupada did expect the local spiritual leader to provide supervision, guidance, education and practical engagement in devotional service. He said it in many initiation letters. Yet when an ever-decreasing percentage of ISKCON members actually lives in small communities, on whom does that responsibility fall? How do the leaders of ISKCON ensure that initiated devotees maintain their faith and practice throughout a long life?

One solution is to recreate the ‘base community’ of 10-15 devotees who meet regularly under the guidance of an experienced spiritual guide. By forming an appropriate number of these groups within any growing community, a favourable circumstance for the promotion of good relationships can be achieved. What we call ISKCON can thus be the aggregate of such small groups, rather than a ‘confederation’ of temples.

Already this system is working well in various parts of the world, notably South Africa, Malaysia, parts of Eastern Europe and of course in India. The Bhakti-Vriksha group system, or the essentially similar Counsellor Groups system organised from the Chowpatty temple in Mumbai, are fundamentally identical to the pyramid of devotee care established for a short time until his passing by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura. His thousands of disciples were each spiritually cared for by the Upadeshaka, who looked after several disciples each. He in his turn was cared for by his Maha-Upadeshaka, who was cared for by a sannyasi. And the sannyasis were directly cared for by the Acharya.

Having the idea to do this in 2008 is one thing, rolling it out and seeing to its implementation is quite another.

Here in England the term mentor seems to be the favoured non-Sanskrit nomenclature for the disciples guide and helper. Our ‘Care’ team members have already seen this system working for two years with some of our youth; and the temple has already requested newly initiated members to have regular meetings with one named member who is senior to them. We’ve also asked all the candidates for initiation to first of all become a member of a local group and to work with such an experienced devotee prior to diksha.

This year will see more devotees trained to take up the responsibility of caring for others, and the creation of a network of small groups based on the ensuing relationships. Please wish us luck!

Source: https://deshika.wordpress.com/2008/01/24/caring-for-iskcon-devotees-the-important-ratio/#comment-9640