Mayapur: Departure of our bull “Jagannath”!
One of the attraction of our Saturday elephant procession is our beautiful big horned black bull Jagannath, majestically pulling the bullock cart of Gaura Nitai. It is a usual sight that the visitors would somehow sneak in to have a snap with him. He is a very gentle, very friendly bull, who has been doing this service for years for the pleasure of Gaura Nitai. Sometimes he also pulls the Goshala bullock cart that used to run from Govinda’s to Goshala. Recently he was ill, became very weak and on 2nd February he left his body. The way he departed was amazing, which shows that he is a very special soul. Though normally the cows deny taking its food prior to its departure, Jagannath voluntarily gave up having food for 14 days and was taking very little water, without showing any sign of tiredness. He was very peaceful and grave and didn’t accept service from anyone. On the early morning Brahma muhurta hours, he left his body facing the north direction. His departure reminds of the great Mahajan Bhishma deva. His body was peacefully laid with garlands of Narasimhadeva, Radha Madhava covered by the dust of the holy Dhama in the midst of Kirtan by devotees. Every soul in the dhama is special and Jagannath is undoubtedly one of those special souls. Now he has gone back to continue his eternal service in Goloka Dhama. We also thank the devotees who served Jagannath by bringing garlands, caranamrita, cleaning his place and playing non-stop Prabhupada chanting box. We pray to him that may we also be blessed with the opulence to leave our body in the dust of the holy Dhama. We will forever miss his association in the elephant processions.

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=18919

He first came to the flat where I do video recordings – I think of it as my digital bhajan kutir. When he saw a picture of Srila Prabhupada in the studio, he immediately said, “This is from New Vrindavan. It was in 1972, Kirtananada Maharaja was near Prabhupada and I was there too, standing where you are.” He pointed to where I was standing. Looking closely at the picture and then at me, he said, “No, I was not that close. I was where Vaishnava Seva Prabhu is.” He pointed to a spot a couple of feet away. Maharaja gazed at the picture for several long moments – it was clear that he was in a different world.

As I was observing Maharaja, another similar incident flashed through my mind. A few months ago when I had met Giriraja Maharaja in America, I had given him my book Prabhupada: The moments that made the movement. On seeing some of the pictures of Srila Prabhupada in that book, He too had become momentarily lost in devotional absorption.

It struck me that Srila Prabhupada’s disciples have a treasury that we his grand-disciples don’t. They have such rich memories of Prabhupada, something that we can relish only as long as they are still with us on this planet. After that, we will be bereaved of that great treasure of personal memories of the person who has changed the course of Vaishnava history.

As Maharaja turned to leave, he again turned back to the picture and said to me, “I helped make that vyasasana which Prabhupada was sitting on. It was 1972, and I was not even initiated – I hadn’t even shaved my hair. But I got to help in making that vyasasana, and Prabhupada sat on it every day when he gave class. After that, it was taken to the bramachari ashram and used there for many years.”

As we left the flat, Maharaja asked me about my realizations from my US visit. As we had just started speaking, we reached the IDT office, and our discussion was cut short.

“Even I am inspired by Vaishnava Seva Prabhu’s dedication”

IDT office is actually the same as Vaishnava Seva Prabhu’s home. He has taken two adjacent flats and merged them into an improvised office. He is a respected surgeon, Dr Bimal Shah, specializing in laproscopic surgery and heading the Department of Laproscopic Surgery at the Bhaktivedanta Hospital in Mira Road, Mumbai. His wife Dr Kshama Shah (Kalindi Mataji) is chief anesthesiologist at the same hospital. Both of them stay in just one room and his father stays in another room. He keeps a guest room for visiting devotees, usually those who want to recuperate after treatment at the Bhaktivedanta Hospital. The rest of the home is used as workspace for over a dozen employees.

From this inconspicuous base has issued a gigantic digital outreach of Krishna’s message. Iskcondesiretree.com has 23.000 members and over 11,000 unique daily visitors. The reach is spread further through over 70 sites and over 100 apps. From audio.iskcondesiretree.com, 7000 audio files are downloaded daily. And IDT’s youtube channel is viewed for 120,000 minutes daily.

Maharaj entered IDT office and sat on a sofa. Vaishnava Seva Prabhu outlined briefly the history of IDT starting with how decades ago he had been doing audio recording of Maharaja’s classes and handling the tape ministry, library and sound system in Radha Gopinath temple. Maharaja nodded and, speaking to everyone, appreciated Vaishnava Seva Prabhu’s commitment and versatility, saying that he is not just a high-class surgeon, but also an architect – he designed and oversaw the building of the Bhaktivedanta Hospital. Maharaja turning to Vaishnava Seva Prabhu said that we discussed what color the building should be and what kind of windows we should have. Maharaja appreciated him, saying that it’s amazing that he is able to do so much in twenty-four hours.

Vaishnava Seva Prabhu, pointing to his wife, said, “Due credit for whatever I have done goes to my better half too.” Maharaja nodded and smilingly said, “I was going to say that, but I was waiting for you to say that. It is more appropriate if you acknowledge that rather than I tell you that.”

As everyone laughed, Kalindi Mataji humbly said, “Maharaja, this is what I can do; I cannot preach like other Matajis, but I can do this small service.” Maharaja replied, “This is not a small service; it is a huge service.”

During his subsequent talk addressed to everyone assembled there, Maharaja said, “All over the world people tell me that they get lectures from ISKCON desire tree. I travel all over the world spending so much time and energy, but I can’t reach as many people with all that traveling as you can reach just by pressing a few buttons.”

After a moment’s thought, he added, “Even what I speak can’t reach as many people by my traveling as it can by your pressing a few buttons – you are all doing a very valuable service.”

Thereafter, Maharaja aptly and insightfully expanded on the name ISKCON desire tree. Sometimes, some names become so integrated into our functional vocabulary that we overlook their transcendental import. That’s what had happened to me with respect to the name ISKCON desire tree, I realized while hearing Maharaja’s talk. Maharaja spoke, “Every tree begins with a tiny seed, and as it is nourished, it grows and finally gives fruits. ISKCON desire tree started as a small seed in the recording space at Radha Gopinath temple, and from that seed now it has grown so big that it is giving thousands of fruits, millions of fruits, unlimited fruits, to people all over the world.”

After speaking for a few minutes, he brought his talk to a beautiful conclusion: “Lord Chaitanya when he was in Varanasi said that he had so many fruits of love of God to distribute, but had only two hands to distribute them, so he needed helping hands. All of you are his helping hands, assisting Lord Chaitanya and Srila Prabhupada in distributing those fruits.”

When his talk ended, I mentioned to Maharaj, “Vaishnava Seva P is not just funding and facilitating IDT – he is also pioneering it. Whenever any new technological initiative comes up, he is in the forefront, learning it himself first, then teaching it to his staff. That’s how he diversified from audios to videos and recently to mobile apps. He works all day as a surgeon and late into the night for IDT. He is so dedicated that although I am a brahmachari, I am inspired by his dedication.” Maharaja smiled and replied, “I am a sannyasi and I too am inspired by his dedication.”

After Maharaja’s talk, when Vaishnava Seva Prabhu was leading Maharaja to a small video studio inside his house, I mentioned to Maharaja that I had recorded 75 lectures on the Mahabharata here. Intrigued, Maharaja said, “75 lectures?” and followed Vaishnava Seva Prabhu inside. On seeing the four tiny rooms, Maharaja turned to me and asked, “Where did you record those 75 classes?” When Vaishnava Seva Prabhu pointed to the place, Maharaja immediately realized that the room was too small for anyone else to be sitting with the camera. So he asked me, “You sit alone in front of a camera and speak?” When I nodded, Maharaja said, half-jokingly, “I can’t speak in front of a camera; I become speechless. You are sitting in one small room and are reaching out to so many people.”

When Maharaja was leaving, he remembered and asked me about my US trip. But his secretary had earlier told me that Maharaj had to go for another meeting. So I told Maharaj that as I didn’t want to delay him, I would work out with his secretary the time for a meeting later. Maharaj nodded, embraced me and said, “You are doing such amazing service. I am proud of you.”

Affection beyond affliction

While Maharaja’s words were certainly memorable for me, the most revealing and edifying part of his visit was his conversation with Vaishnava Seva P’s father (I will refer to him as Mr Shah). He is afflicted with dementia, and has periods of lucidity that alternate with phases of incoherence. Maharaja’s visit was a period of lucidity, though there were a few moments of incoherence in between. Yet Maharaja treated him with respect and attention throughout.

After seeing IDT, when Maharaja was about to leave, Mr Shah suddenly spoke out loud, “I once fought with you.” As several of the devotees gasped at the outburst, Maharaja turned around, peered at Mr Shah and returned to his seat. Mr Shah continued, “I had a verbal fight with you when he (pointing to Vaishnava Seva P) left me to go to you. Do you remember?” Maharaja replied, “Yes, I remember. That was a natural expression of your affection for your son. So I respected it.” After a pause, Maharaja added, “I didn’t agree with it, but I respected it.”

Mr Shah then reminisced several defining incidents in his life, including the time when he had a bypass surgery. At that time, Maharaj, Mr Mafatlal (Krishna Chandra Prabhu) and Mr Desai (Srinathaji Prabhu) had come to see him in the hospital. Vaishnava Seva Prabhu, who was giving us a running commentary to his father’s recollections, elaborated, “Those visits changed his attitude – he started feeling that devotees really cared for him.”

After a brief pause, Mr Shah told Maharaja, “Although I fought with you once, now I like you. You know why?” Maharaja remained silent and shook his head slightly. Pointing towards his son, Mr Shah said, “Because you changed him.”

After mentioning a few other incidents, Mr Shah suddenly said, “My memory is very sharp. Be careful.” Maharaja replied with gravity in his voice and joviality on his face: “Yes, I will be very careful.”

After a few moments of silence, Mr Shah said, “I am a Jain, but I appreciate Vaishnavism.” Maharaja nodded, “Therefore, you are a Vaishnava, and he (pointing to Vaishnava Seva P) is Vaishnava Seva. I am proud of the way he is taking care of you.”

While Mr Shah was speaking, intelligibly but disconnectedly, jumping from one incident to another, Maharaja gave him his full attention, as if he had all the time in the world. Finally, Vaishnava Seva Prabhu mentioned discreetly to his father that Maharaja had to leave. After his father nodded, Vaishnava Seva Prabhu intimated to Maharaja. Maharaja got up, went to Mr Shah, gave him another tight, long embrace and said, “I am honored to spend time with you.”

I had known that Maharaja always values relationship more than projects. It’s not that he undervalues projects – the many projects that he has inspired are testimony to his commitment to offering doing wonderful projects in Srila Prabhupada’s service. But he keeps relationships at an appropriately high priority. This became evident when he said, “I am proud of your son for the way he is taking care of you.” I found it sobering that Maharaja didn’t say, “I am proud of him for pioneering IDT.” IDT might seem to be a far more special and glorious project than taking care of one’s ailing father, and Maharaja is definitely pleased with the IDT service, as was evident from his earlier talk. But Maharaja’s statements underscored that while doing big things in Krishna’s service, we shouldn’t neglect the ordinary things that define us as human beings and as devotees.

Maharaja has won the hearts of thousands, if not millions, all over the world because of his capacity to connect at the level of the heart with people. That is not a skill we get genetically or learn by some self-help training. We can form heart-to-heart connections with others only when we have genuine respect and concern for them. And Maharaja has always had that in abundance, even from his pre-devotional days.

I remembered an incident during his spiritual search. A sadhu had served spicy khichadi to Maharaja (then Richard Slavin). Although the chili in it was burning him from within, he not only finished all of that khichadi but also accepted a second helping when offered – just to not hurt the feelings of that sadhu.

I also remembered how, during a Pune yatra many years ago, HH Devamrita Maharaja had said, “What amazes me about Radhanatha Maharaja is his ability to maintain so many loving relationships.” I gained a deeper understanding of that appreciation when I meditated how Maharaj had so affectionately and respectfully connected with a person whose affliction would have normally made anything beyond basic greeting difficult.

Vaishnavas are desire trees. Advanced Vaishnavas such as Radhanatha Maharaj are like giant desire trees. I felt grateful to have had the opportunity to behold the pastime of a giant desire tree blessing ISKCON desire tree.

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=18915

By Jagat Vira das

Devotee Care

“Almost 10 years ago, an unknown face appeared at the Alachua Temple, searching for truth and feeling the pull of Krishna’s love – once he stepped on the sacred ground of ISKCON Alachua, immediately he felt at home. Taken by the loving hands of senior devotees – he felt cared for and warmly welcomed. This level of care opened his heart after many years of feeling lost – and gently welcomed him home to the loving embrace of Krishna’s devotees.” When ones feels cared for, the spark of devotional service is supported and nurtured. This service is a small attempt in giving back to a very loving and supportive community – which always gives Krishna with enthusiasm, kindness and compassion.

From the Mission Statement for Devotee Care: “We strive to care for the spiritual, emotional, physical and social well being of the devotees in order to be enthused to expand Srila Prabhupada’s mission.” From this mission statement one of the primary aims – is “we aim to provide care that includes personal attention to both devotees’ spiritual and material lives.” This is one of the important aims, which facilitates every devotee in feeling cared about and inspired by their respective community, and never left being alone without the care of other devotees. Whether you live close to the temple, far away or you just attend the festivals, it is important to feel a part of a loving and welcoming Vaisnava community.

It is from this aim, that an opportunity to serve devotees through a “bi-monthly email check in” arose, this would serve devotees both close and far away in a personal and supportive manner: Some of the goals of this service would support a committed progress in spiritual life, create real – lasting success as the continued evolution of a happy, loving Vaisnava Community – which has the capacity to interact with all devotees whether they live close to the temple or far away from the association of devotees.

This can provide a caring and personal support twice a month – with a short and simple “check in” to inspire, encourage and enthuse one’s devotional life. One of the unique keys of this service is the “personal check in” with a tremendous amount of information on the internet, few opportunities have been presented which facilitates a personal interaction – this alone can support ones devotional life and in the simplest way offer encouragement just at the right moment.

In the Sri Siksastka Sloka Four “O Lord of the universe, I do not desire material wealth, materialistic followers, a beautiful wife or fruitive activities described in flowery language. All I want, life after life, is unmotivated devotional service to You.”

Srimad – Bhagavatam Canto 11, Ch. 3 Text 30 “One should learn how to associate with the devotees of the Lord by gathering with them to chant the glories of the Lord. This process is most purifying. As devotees thus develop their loving friendship, they feel mutual happiness and satisfaction. And by thus encouraging one another they are able to give up material sense gratification, which is the cause of all suffering.”

This is taken from a talk given by Giriraj Swami “In this effort to serve and care for each other, we will become a very close family, and that is what people want: a sense of family, a sense of belonging. In Kali-yuga now—Kali means, “quarrel,” and Kali-yuga is the Age of Quarrel—quarrel is so prominent that it enters everywhere. It enters families. There is quarrel between husbands and wives, parents and children, brothers and sisters—it is everywhere. It can even enter into religious institutions. But we can overcome Kali’s influence by constant, attentive chanting and hearing, and service rendered in the mood of being the servant of the servant of the servants. And then, when we have that beautiful family atmosphere, everyone will want to join, because that’s what everyone is looking for.”

The process is simple: Sign up at E-mail: sarvajana108@gmail.com and you will be sent a verification email – if at any moment you wish to opt out – just send a return email with “Opt Out” in the subject line and you will be removed in 24 hours.

Source: http://m.dandavats.com/?p=18923

Every year a group of yoga students from America go to the gardens of a flower grower in Vrindavan (India), who produces large amounts of flowers for the garlands and decorations in the many temples there. This year, however, the gardens did not have much to show. Weather and other factors had wiped out the crop and the gardener, already poor by our standards, was even poorer. As they sat with him he was jovial, telling them stories of Krishna and his temple experiences.

‘How can you be so happy after so much loss?” they asked him.

“That part of my life is a struggle, and this year will be hard,” he said. “But my relationship with Krishna has nothing to do with that. That’s always joyful.”

Here, I thought, is wisdom in action. Rather than making God a part of his life (and struggle) he was choosing to be a part of God’s life. In other words, as we move along in the world, dealing with the ups and downs, we often lean on God, pray for help, find Him in our little universe, and even complain when we don’t think He is doing his part (i.e., fulfilling our desires).

There is nothing wrong with this, and it’s better than not acknowledging His existence at all. Krishna is happy to help and be involved, as he was with Arjuna in the Gita’s battlefield.

Yet as students of the science of bhakti yoga we learn that the true goal is to get to know Krishna who exists beyond our mundane life. If Krishna is a person, then He has a life, a place, and all kinds of relationships. The gardener gives us a clue. Instead of pulling God into our own little life, why not set that aside for a while, and start looking into God’s life?

Talking time everyday to be in a relationship that has nothing to do with the karma of the world, nothing to do with who we are in this body, nothing to do with the present context of our life – that’s what the gardener was doing. Yes, I lost everything this year, he said, but not Krishna. He is always there. And that’s my joy.

Let that be our joy too.

Source: http://iskconofdc.org/a-wise-gardener/

sravanad darsanad dhyanan
mayi bhavo ’nukirtanat
na tatha sannikarsena
pratiyata tato grhan

“It is by hearing about Me, seeing My Deity form, meditating upon Me, and chanting My names and glories that love for Me develops, not by physical proximity. Therefore please go back to your homes.” (SB 10.23.33)

Giriraj Swami: “When devotees are attracted to Krishna, they may feel—and I am sure many of you have felt the same way—that they don’t want to do anything else but serve Krishna. Now, this verse contains an instruction. Lord Krishna is telling the wives to go home to their husbands and duties. He would not have given them an instruction to discourage them, but He was giving them a way to increase their love for Him even at home. He said, sravanad—by hearing about Him. How did these ladies become so attracted to Krishna? By hearing about Him. They had not met Him in person, but they had heard about him from various women folk in Vrindavan, and by hearing about Him they became attracted. We, too, have not met Him directly in this lifetime, but we have become attracted to Him by hearing.”

Jaya Radha Madhava, Krishna House, Gainesville
Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.23, Krishna House, Gainsville

Sunday Feast-Sri Advaita Acharya Appearance by Sesa Prabhu at ISKCON Alachua on 29 Jan 2012 at ISKCON Alachua
(Sesa Dasa was initiated by Srila Prabhupada in 1974 while he was traveling as a member of the initial Bhaktivedanta Book Trust library party. Sesa Dasa has a portfolio of two ministries: Minister of Educational Development and Minister of Justice, under which ISKCON Resolve works.)

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Lecture on Thinking of Lord in Hatred and Anger by Bhanu Swami 

(Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 10, Chapter 02, Text 23)

(Bhanu Swami was born in Canada and holds a BA in Oriental fine arts history from the University of British Colombia. He joined the Hare Krishna movement in India in 1970.)

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QUESTION 1: What are the proper conceptions of the Name for persons who are just beginning to chant (i.e. those who are without attachment to Krishna in any particular rasa, but with a desire to somehow or other obtain such an attachment)?

Everyone has some “sambandha” with Krishna, and everyone should invoke his name in the context of that sambandha.

Sambandha means “bond” or “relationship.” Sambandha-jñāna (“knowledge of ones relationship to Krishna”) includes both the abstract and specific aspects of that relationship. The abstract aspects are much more relevant to the beginner, whose comprehension of Krishna is still abstract and somewhat vague. The specific aspects become more relevant as the practitioner clarifies his or her heart and soul through study and application of the mantra.

The abstract aspect of sambandha-jñāna is to know Krishna as the threefold manifest advaya-jñāna-tattva – the ultimate root of all beings and all things, including one’s very own self. Even the newest begginer to bhakti-yoga can be directly instructed about this philosophy. As they begin to comprehend thissambandha, their chanting of Krishna’s name naturally imbibes the sense of calling to the root of all reality, calling to the root and sustainence of one’s very own self.

“You are the root and essence of all the is real.”

“You are the root and essence of my very self.”

These conceptions of relationship to Krishna are pertinent and appropriate to every sādhaka, no matter how neophyte or advanced. But for the neophyte, this is all there is. For the advanced there is this and much more.

QUESTION 2: What are some possible conceptions after the appearance of greed in the heart for a specific relationship with Krishna?

In our quest for sambandha-jñāna we must hear about advaya-jñāna-tattva not only as the essence of everything (brahman), not only as the root of everyone and everything (paramātmā), but also as the delightful epitome of life itself – the Supreme Person (bhagavan). Then, hearing about Bhagavan in more detail from the śāstra, through the guidence of sādhu-guru, we will fairly soon find some details or aspects of Bhagavan that really “speak to” us, that “click” with us, and truly attract our heart and attention uncommonly and undeniably. This is the beginning of a rati-bija (seed of affection), described as laulya or lobha (longing and wanting, or “greed”).

If this never happens, we develop a bija for śānta-rati which is directed upon Paramātmā. If it does not happen with any specificity, but only as a general attraction, then we develop bija for service in general, dāsya-rati, directed upon Nārāyaṇa

In most cases, by attentively and thoughtfully hearing Srimad Bhagavatam from sādhu-guru, the attraction should gradually develop increasing specificity.  Once we notice a spark of specific interest, we must enthusiastically fan that spark into flame – by hearing more and more about that topic of interest.

The more we recognize this spontaneous, undeniable interest in us for particular qualities of Krishna that express themselves in particular līlā with particupar parikara (associates), the more our sambandha develops some specificity, and moves away from the general, abstract sambandha characteristic of the yogi-bhaktas of śānta-rasa and the aśwarya-bhaktas of dāsya-rasa.

As specificity develops, the sādhaka would invoke Krishna’s name with increasingly specific subjective feeling. Somewhat generic examples include… “O Krishna my master,” or “O Krishna my friend,” “O Krishna my son,” “O Krishna my darling lover.”

With more clarity, one always hankers to keep Krishna with the devotee whose affection one cherishes. So for example, instead of “O Krishna my darling lover,” It could become “O Krishna our darling lover.” Or, “O Krishna,Rādhā’s darling lover.”

Each name in the mahāmantra takes an appropriate context relative to the chanter’s sambandha. For example, to one whosesambandha is mādhurya/ujjvala (Romantic), Hare means something like, “O Krishna’s enchanting beloved Rādhā.” Krishna means something like, “O Rādhā’s all-attractive beloved.” Rāma means something like, “O Radha’s delight/delighter.”

QUESTION 3: I’ve heard some devotees quote Aindra prabhu in saying that in the beggining one can conceive of the Name to be Gaura-Nitai.

“In the beginning” means in the beginning of the Kīrtan or initial batch of japa“rounds,” to evoke the presence of Sri Caitanya and his principle associates. He did not mean “in the beginning stages,” so far as I understand.

In Gauḍīya tradition, Kīrtan is performed for their pleasure, and it begins by inviting them to participate and dance in the kīrtan. This is usually done with specific songs and mantras. For example, in ISKCON and many similar Gaḍīya branches it is customary to chant “śrī kṛṣṇa-caitanya prabhu nityānanda…” before chanting “hare kṛṣṇa, hare kṛṣṇa…”

Aindra’s specific service, however, was to perform akhaṇḍa-nāma-kīrtan – 24 hour “unbroken” kīrtan of Krishna-nām. The Gauḍīya tradition is that akhaṇḍa kīrtan is purely hare kṛṣṇa mahāmantra unmixed with any other mantra – which even excludes śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya… Aindra’s unique service (coupled with his unique depth of practice) gave him a special realization about the viability of using the Hare Krishna mahāmantra to invoke the blessings and presence of Sri Caitanya Mahāprabhu and his principle associates.

His understanding, as far as I understand it:

Gadādhara Prabhu is one form of Rādhārānī in Gaura-līlā. So the name “Hare” (which primarily invokes Rādhārānī) can invoke Gadādhara. Mahāprabhu is Krishna in Gaura-līlā. So the name “Krishna” can invoke Him. Thus, “hare kṛṣṇa, hare kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa kṛṣṇa, hare hare” can be sung with the sambandha of relationp to Gaura-līlā, to the effect of invoking “gadai gaura, gadai gaura, gaura gaura, gadai gadai.”

In Gaura-līlā Rādhārānī also appears as Mahāprabhu’s mood. Hence “Hare” can also represent Mahāprabhu’s mood. Balarāma appears as Nityānanda Prabhu in Gaura-līlā, hence “Rāma” can be used to refer to Nitai. Thus, “hare rāma, hare rāma, rāma rāma, hare hare” invokes “gaura nitai, gaura nitai, nitai nitai, gaura gaura.”

Vraja Kishor dās

www.vrajakishor.com

“Our Family Business” set to release at ILS Meetings, Mayapur, February 2016. It’s finally here! The launch of the highly anticipated BBT publication of Our Family Business ­ The Great Art of Distributing Srila Prabhupada’s Books. And the timing couldn’t be better, as ISKCON’s leaders from around the world gather in Mayapur to kick off the 50th anniversary celebration of the incorporation of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness by its Founder­ . Acarya . His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. It’s as if Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Himself wrote the script for this release. “Our Family Business” gives us a never­before­seen glimpse into the spontaneous beginnings of ISKCON and how Srila Prabhupada’s plan from the get­go was to unleash the explosion of a worldwide spiritual revolution through the mass distribution of his books. The author, His Grace Vaisesika Dasa, gives us this rare glimpse into ISKCON’s history from the unique perspective of one who has been distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books continuously for more than 40 years. He has thoroughly researched those books as well and employed his own innovative style to artfully narrate the development of ISKCON through the heart­warming, exhilarating, and life­changing adventures of book distributors throughout the world. He offers first­hand insights into the service of distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books and authoritatively describes Srila Prabhupada’s vision of book distribution as “literary kirtana” perfectly linked to the yuga­dharma. He goes on to deeply analyze how book distribution is high sadhana that instills a taste for hearing and chanting about Krishna and delivers powerful spiritual realizations. In this very readable book, His Grace Vaisesika Dasa discusses how all services devotees do are actually a part of the family business of distributing transcendental knowledge through the written word and how book distribution benefits distributors, the devotional community, and all those who receive Srila Prabhupada’s books. He also reveals simple and vital secrets to improving and perfecting one’s daily sädhana. He details the famous “Four Laws of Book Distribution” – proven principles guaranteed to improve and increase your book distribution – as well as practical ways to involve your whole congregation in book distribution while making it fun and easy! Several senior disciples of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada have given glowing reviews of . Our Family Business . . His Holiness Jayapataka Swami says, “It’s surely a must-have.” His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami strongly recommends the book to those who distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books, those who want to distribute books but don’t feel inspired enough, and those who have never distributed books. His Holiness Radhanath Swami says he can “feel the contagious spirit of gratitude and compassion that springs from the heart of Vaisesika Dasa” on every page. “ . Our Family Business . is a great milestone in the history of the Hare Krishna movement,” says His Holiness Indradyumna Swami. Our Family Business . will be officially released on 24th February 2016 at the ISKCON Leadership Sanga meetings in Mayapur. For further information about the book, and to place orders in bulk or retail, please check out the website . www.ourfamilybusiness.us . For latest updates on the book, photos, blurbs, reviews and videos, Like the Facebook page . https://www.facebook.com/OurFamilyBusiness/www.ourfamilybusiness.us . For latest updates on the book, photos, blurbs, reviews and videos, Like the Facebook page . https://www.facebook.com/OurFamilyBusiness/ , or follow @BrihatMridanga on Twitter. All questions and clarifications can be directed to brihatmridanga@gmail.com. 
Brief video introduction of the book placed at https://vimeo.com/153455522

This is what Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in his response to the news that India has ruled against his highly ambitious Internet.org’s Free Basics.

“Everyone in the world should have access to the internet. That’s why we launchedInternet.org with so many different initiatives — including extending networks through solar-powered planes, satellites and lasers, providing free data access through Free Basics, reducing data use through apps, and empowering local entrepreneurs through Express Wi-Fi. Today India’s telecom regulator decided to restrict programs that provide free access to data. This restricts one of Internet.org‘s initiatives, Free Basics, as well as programs by other organizations that provide free access to data.

While we’re disappointed with today’s decision, I want to personally communicate that we are committed to keep working to break down barriers to connectivity in India and around the world. Internet.org has many initiatives, and we will keep working until everyone has access to the internet. Our work with Internet.org around the world has already improved many people’s lives. More than 19 million people in 38 countries have been connected through our different programs.

Connecting India is an important goal we won’t give up on, because more than a billion people in India don’t have access to the internet. We know that connecting them can help lift people out of poverty, create millions of jobs and spread education opportunities. We care about these people, and that’s why we’re so committed to connecting them. Our mission is to make the world more open and connected. That mission continues, and so does our commitment to India.”

The Internet is flooded with reports and comments, in favor of and against TRAI’s ruling. Sure those who sympathize with Mark Zuckerberg have reasons too, but the question is, do they outweigh the reasons against his project? What do you say?

Here is a rundown of what’s going on:

Trai vs. Facebook’s Free Basics: 7 Things You Need to Know | NDTV Gadgets360.com

Q: What is Free Basics? A: Free Basics is, first and foremost, an app. People in developing countries rely on Free Basics to access certain digital services, such as health, schooling and financial information, as well as job leads. For these folks, Free Basics is great because it does exactly what it sounds like: grants people crucial, life-enhancing information at virtually zero cost to them. All they need is a cellphone with a data plan. And Free Basics doesn’t even count against your data cap, so you can stretch your monthly data even further.

Q: If it’s so great, then why does India want to ban it? A: While Free Basics helps connect low-income people to the Web, some people argue that it comes with a huge trade-off for society. This trade-off has to do with how Free Basics works. Free Basics is “free” because Facebook has struck business deals with the telecom networks over which the app’s data travels. That’s how the telecom companies can exempt Free Basics from their data caps. (Read mroe Trai vs. Facebook’s Free Basics: 7 Things You Need to Know | NDTV Gadgets360.com)

Facebook’s ‘Free’ Internet Service Blocked In India – Huffington Post

India introduced rules on Monday to prevent Internet service providers from having different pricing policies for accessing different parts of the Web, in a setback to Facebook Inc’s plan to roll out a pared-back free Internet service to the masses … Facebook’s ‘Free’ Internet Service Blocked In India – Huffington Post

Overnight Tech: Facebook not giving up on Internet plans – The Hill

LEDE: Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Monday said the company’s focus on India is not over after the government there effectively blocked Free Basics, Facebook’s suite of free web services meant to connect poor users to the internet. “While we’re … Overnight Tech: Facebook not giving up on Internet plans – The Hill

Indian regulator stands up for net neutrality, bans Facebook’s walled garden – Boing Boing

As the protests spread, India’s independent telcoms regulator announced a consultation on net neutrality and mobile carriers, which Facebook responded to with a massive charm offensive full of misinformation and FUD, a rebranding effort (they changed … Indian regulator stands up for net neutrality, bans Facebook’s walled garden – Boing Boing

Facebook Loses a Battle in India Over Its Free Basics Program – New York Times

Even with that noble aim, Facebook miscalculated in introducing the program in India. While Facebook expected to be welcomed with open arms, its message to the country focused on itself rather than the broad coalition of telecommunications firms …WIREDUSA TODAYThe Guardian – Facebook Loses a Battle in India Over Its Free Basics Program – New York Times

Priyavrata das: Food for Life Global is requesting donations to buy a mobile kitchen for our affiliate in Serbia to distribute more than 60,000 vegan meals over the next 6 months to feed refugees seeking asylum in Serbia.
“We are already serving as the main source of food to many refugees pouring through this country, but we could be so much more effective if we could feed them on the spot,” explained Moksha Rupi, head chef for FFL Serbia.
The alarming living conditions of refugees coming to Eastern Europe
Since the beginning of 2015, more than 350,000 migrants and refugees have arrived at European borders with unaccompanied children and vulnerable families making up thousands of them. At the risk of their own lives, these men and women flee the war in the Middle East in the hope of offering a better life and a hopeful future to their children.
Seeing images of boats capsize on the Mediterranean coast and the distress of migrants trying to reach Europe, we all wonder what we can do to help. Refugee families need everything from a shelter to warm clothes, medical and psycho-social support. But the first basic need they experience is the lack of food that is suitable for their journey.

To read the rest of the article click here: http://www.ffl.org/9421/crowdfunding-campaign-launched-to-acquire-mobile-kitchen-for-ffl-serbia/

Radha Kunda Seva - January 2016 Photos and Updates (Album with photos) 
The crowds gathered in Radha Kunda on New Year’s Eve are a sure sign that the world is discovering the speciality of this most glorious holy place. It’s amazing, really, how many people are able to squeeze into this tiny town. And yet, what a perfect way to launch the New Year – by visiting Radha Kunda.
Even better… what a perfect way to spend each and every day - by serving in Radha Kunda!
The fog was late this year, but it finally showed up mid-month. There’s something so magical and mysterious about the fog, the way it closes in on you and isolates you from the world around you. The cleaning and prasadam distribution continued, each cleaner bustling about in his or her little fog bubble and each prasadam recipient emerging from their fog to join the happy prasadam bubble.
We conducted an informal survey of the widows to get a sense of what their needs are. When it comes to shelter, it is very important to them that they have their own independent housing situation. Most of them have a room that they can use for the remaining years of their life while paying a very minimal rent each month. Since they cannot afford gas for cooking and their rooms don’t have the ventilation to allow them to cook using cowdung, and since some are too elderly and feeble to cook for themselves, they are very grateful to receive a fresh, hot meal each day. The main lacking they expressed is medical care. For a while, we were providing medical care to one particularly old and invalid widow, Guru dasi. And we are finding out, as we suspected, that there is a larger need for medical care among the widows in general.
We are also always thinking of ways to engage the widows who are able in some service. A good number of them are already involved in cleaning and prasadam distribution, and the most recent idea is to set up those who will with book tables selling books on the practice of Bhakti Yoga by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada. We already have a widow who is eager to take up this service and we should be launching this project soon.
Meanwhile, we are going ahead and sharing the finished plans for the kitchen and asramas with you. We are waiting for government approval at which point, as soon as the funds are in, we will be ready for construction!
We are so grateful for your blessings and support. Jai Jai Sri Radheeeee, Shyam!
Please browse our latest photos and join our efforts by visiting www.radharani.com.
Your servants, Mayapurcandra dasa, Campakalata Devi dasi, Padma Gopi Devi dasi, and Urmila Devi Dasi.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/G1YEis

Jivan Shaili by HH Lokanath Swami on 07 Feb 2016 at ISKCON Noida (Hindi)

(Lokanath Swami born in Aravade, a small village Maharashtra, Indian, he went to Mumbai for studying. In the year 1971, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada was touring India with his foreign disciples and had organized a pandal program in Mumbai.Intrigued, maharaj attended the whole Hare Krsna Festival and heard from Srila Prabhupada.)

To Listen and Download - click here

By Purushottam Nitai Das

At the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Arjuna put aside his weapons and with tears in his eyes looked at Krishna expecting compassion. But in return he got chastisement. Tears of sorrow did not impress Krishna but rather it displeased him. If a child refuses to appear in an exam then his mother won’t be sympathetic although her child may give several reasons for not giving the exam. Mother being the best well -wisher of her child knows how important exam is for her child’s career.

Krishna being the best friend of Arjuna expected him to exhibit exemplary qualities befitting a great personality. Tears of lamentation, moroseness and reluctance to do once ordained duty isn’t appreciated by Krishna. These are the qualities of people in mode of ignorance. And devotees are expected to come to mode of goodness which is characterised by enthusiasm, hard work, patience and perseverance. Off course devotees of the Lord do their duties keeping Lord in the centre so they rise above goodness. 

The celebrated devotees of the Lord are not those who gave up their responsibilities whimsically but are those who were highly dedicated and devoted in their duties. Victory or defeat never bothered them; they were just driven with a service attitude to please the Lord. Jatayu fought ferociously but lost the battle with Ravana but won the heart of Lord Rama.

We generally lose the crucial battle of life not because of lack of skill or any external circumstances but we lose because we are internally too weak or too tender hearted to overpower our emotions. We fail to take right decision at the right time. We prefer remaining captivated by our own reasoning or else remain more concerned about other people’s reactions to our decisions.
Arjuna gave various reasons not to fight:
How can I fight against my dear grandfather Bhisma, adorable gurus like Drona and Kripa, my relatives and friends.
If I fight and become cause of their death then I will incur sins.
Even if I am able to win the war then how will I enjoy the kingdom in absence of all my friends and family members?
War will lead to destruction of dynasty which will lead to overall devastation of family tradition which will give rise to irreligion.
Luckily Arjuna did not allow his own reasoning to subdue him but he without delay sought Krishna’s advice.
Krishna gradually and systematically removed Arjuna’s ignorance. He step by step took Arjuna to the path of righteousness and finally revealed the highest knowledge to achieve highest perfection.
First Krishna educated Arjuna about the science of soul. “You are not this body but a soul currently occupying a body, as a soul you are eternal and so are all the living beings. Soul never dies; it just transmigrates from species to species as per their karma.” (Bhagavad Gita 2.20- 2.25)
As a Kshatriya it is your duty to protect the religious principles, so you should fight. If you forego your duty then you will suffer the consequences. B.G. 2.33
There is no glory in not doing your prescribed duty. If you fight and win then you will enjoy the kingdom and if you lose and die in the war then you will attain heavenly kingdom and enjoy heavenly pleasures. B.G. 2.37
Perform your duty equipoised abandoning all attachment to success and failure. By doing so you will free yourself from the results of work in this material world and you can free yourself from the cycle of birth and attain and attain liberation. (B.G. 2.48 – 51).
And finally, Krishna imparted the highest knowledge to Arjuna – “Work for me and offer all the results of work to me. If you do so then you will surely attain me and return to my kingdom where there is no misery, no envy, no disease and no death.” B.G. 9.27 – 9.28. By this time Krishna had already revealed to Arjuna that he is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

After speaking elaborately and eloquently, Krishna did not impose his will on Arjuna. He gave Arjuna a choice to follow him or not to follow him. Krishna said, “Thus I have explained to you knowledge still more confidential. Deliberate on this fully, and then do what you wish to do.” B.G 18.63

Arjuna had cast aside his weapons, had refused to fight and with tearful eyes had asked for Krishna’s counsel. But now after hearing Krishna, he was thoroughly enlightened and without any doubt and hesitation, he picked his weapon and with renewed vigour and determination looked into Krishna’s eyes and said, “My dear Kṛishna, O infallible one, my illusion is now gone. I have regained my memory by Your mercy. I am now firm and free from doubt and am prepared to act according to Your instructions.” ( B.G. 18.73)

Arjuna’s tears were wiped by Krishna’s grace and he ultimately won the battle for Krishna. In our life too challenges will come bringing tears in our eyes but we should not get torn apart by any unpleasant circumstances. We may not have the fortune to have Krishna with us in his original transcendental form. But if we take shelter of Gita’s life transforming message then we would experience Krishna’s presence in our life and we too will find solutions to our problems and get tremendous strength to do our duty with grit and enthusiasm. And we also will then become competent enough to do something wonderful in this world to please Krishna, just like Arjuna.

(Purushottam Nitai Das is a member of congregation at Iskcon Kolkata. He blogs at http://krishnamagic.blogspot.co.uk/)

If one desires to see the remnants of an ideal village, then Peddaganjam becomes a frontrunner. It is located away from the messy cities. The history of this village is that there existed a great civilization ruled by Vaishnava kings. The clear proof of this is the existence of a stone carved Sri Bhava Narayana Swami temple. The archaeological survey indicates that the temple could be 700 years old. The main occupation in the village consists of agriculture and salt production (known as uppukotharalu locally). The village is very close to Bay of Bengal and one experiences soothing ocean breeze in the evenings. According to the modern day parameters of development, the village is considered underdeveloped, but by Vedic standards it has a rich ancient culture.

There are many kirtaneers in the village and it still has a culture of 24 hours mahamantra kirtan (they chant hare rama first) during temple festivals or any household events like marriages and samskaras. There is one week mahamantra festival in Kartik month where many kirtan groups are invited and only mahamantra is chanted 7*24hrs. ISKCON devotees from Chirala participate in such festivals in the village. Groups of devotees from the village visit either Tirupathi dham (nearly 280kms from the village) or Bhadrachalam dham (famous Sri Rama temple in Andhra Pradesh—nearly325 kms from the village). This visit goes on every year. They walk the whole distance which in itself is a big ceremony in the village. The devotees going on pilgrimage are felicitated both before and after the Yatra.

The Yatra (bus) reached the village after an hour’s journey from the earlier base at Vetapalem on January 13, 2016. We were cordially received and all the devotees were given seats and were served with water and coconut water. Thereafter, all the ingredients for cooking were offered and the villagers under the direction of local temple brahmanaenthusiastically fetched all the paraphernalia for the evening program. The village head offered his well-furnished guesthouse for our stay.We had to begin the program early in the evening due to absence of street lights. A group of devotees went on for Harinaam in all the main streets of the village. There was traditional Gopuja to invoke auspiciousness. The villagers were awe struck seeing the modern equipment like audio and video systems. The program proceeded with different presentations on the glories of Bhagavad-gita, Holy Name and the mother cow. The local purohit also spoke about the glories of mother cow and encouraged the villagers to take up chanting of mahamantra on the beads and requested them to purchase Srila Prabhupada’s books. We were told that purohit’s son likes to read Srila Prabhupada’s books and he reads from Krishna book in temple mike whenever he is in the village. After the program many villagers commended the presentations. People from the adjacent villages also invited us to visit them and organize many more such programs. Because of their strong request we were obliged to conduct the program in Gollapalem village in morning, though it was not in our schedule.

Sri Govind Gau Gram Prachar Yatra ki jai!

Srila Prabhupada ki jai!!

Source: http://www.iskconvarnasrama.com/home/yatra-to-peddaganjam-village/

"What does God look like?" asked Todd Burpo, father of Colton who had an NDE

The famous best-selling book and movie Heaven Is For Real describes the experiences of Todd Burpo's son, Colton, who had a NDE (Near Death Experience).  Therein the young boy describes the spiritual world, the kingdom of God and also the instructions that he had been told by the divine personality, Jesus.

However when asked specifically about God the father, by his own father, the boy exclaimed something extraordinary.

Source: http://iskcondallas.blogspot.in/2016/02/what-does-god-look-like-asked-todd.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+iskcondallas+(Kalachandji%27s+Community+Blog,+ISKCON+Dallas)

Lecture on Feelings of Separation in Ramayan by HG Sri Giridhari Prabhu (Tamil)

(His Grace Sri Giridhari Das was introduced to krishna consciousness in the year 1999 and was initiated by HH Bhakti Vikasa Swami Maharaj in the year 2002. He currently serves as Editor of Tamil division of Bhaktivedanta Book Trust(BBT) as well as the Editor of Back to Godhead(BTG) Magazine in Tamil.)

To Listen and Download - click here

e Veda presents four goals of life. The first isKĀMA – “pleasure.” This is the root of every goal, for everyone – from insects to gods.

More evolved people, however, don’t just focus on immediate pleasure, they try to insure that they can also enjoy tomorrow. This is the second goal,ARTHA – “wealth.” The purpose of which is to make pleasure sustainable.

Still more evolved people don’t just try to earn wealth, they try to protect it. Eventually they realize that the most effective way to do that is to create a cooperative society where people respect one another’s property and rights. This is the third goal of life, DHARMA – “morality.”

Very evolved people who pursue pleasure through moral wealth eventually come to realize a few things: (1) the rules of morality are often impositions, they want more freedom, (2) they get tired making money, they need a break, (3) their concept of pleasure seems flawed. Thus, people eventually evolve to desire the fourth goal of life, MOKṢA – “liberation.”

The Veda lauds mokṣa as the highest goal of life because liberation is the most refined pleasure, mokṣa is the most refined kāma. It is so because it frees pleasure from being dependent on external objects and situations, and by so doing, frees us from all sources of pain and suffering. Without pain and suffering, we can experience an existence that is carefree, peaceful and tranquil, unbounded, and effortless to maintain.

Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s school, however, brings out a fifth goal from the Veda – one which Vyāsa makes particularly clear in his book dedicated to it: Śrīmad Bhāgavatam. This goal points out that pleasure is not merely freedom from suffering. Within the purely conscious self accessed by a liberated soul, one can discover the Superself; the root of oneself, and the root of everything – Krishna. Discovering this all-important and all-attractive entity, one falls in love!

It is not the love of an external object. It is love for the root of one’s own being! Since the object of love is not extrinsic to one’s own conscious being, it does not have the flaws of external kāma, flaws which demand money (artha)and laws (dharma). It is love built on the freedom and enlightenment of liberation (mokṣa) – but without mokṣa’s shortcoming of merely being tranquil, and not being passionate and thrilling. Love is superior to freedom, because the thrilling pleasure of love vastly outclasses the peaceful pleasure of freedom!

Thus PREMA truly is the supreme goal of life, the “fifth goal” of the Veda.

Source: https://vicd108.wordpress.com/2016/02/08/love-is-the-highest-goal/

Posted By Uddhava dasa on January 27, 2016