In this video, HH Sacinandana Swami shares insights on controlling and focusing the mind, especially during the practice of chanting the Holy Name. He explains that the mind, much like a vast storage of memories and distractions, must be “turned off” to focus solely on Krishna. Swami references various teachings from saints and scriptures on how to manage the mind: for example, Rupa Goswami encourages lovingly directing the mind towards holy topics, while Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur sugge
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By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
Nectar Talks, a podcast hosted by devotees at ISKCON Alachua, has launched its second season following the success of its first. The podcast is dedicated to capturing and sharing the essence of devotees’ spiritual journeys.
In a recent conversation with ISKCON News, Amrita-keli Dasi, one of the podcast hosts, shared some exciting updates about the new season. Among the enhancements is upgraded equipment, which will significantly improve both the quality and ov
As part of the 2024 Bhadra Purnima campaign, the Badrinath/Haridwar Yatra distributed more than 150 Srimad Bhagavatam sets over a five-day period. It was yet another wonderful opportunity to reconnect, rejuvenate, and recommit to exploring one of the many channels that Srila Prabhupada continues to provide so that we can participate in his most cherished service—book distribution.
Around 650+ devotees took part in this campaign, visiting places such as Sukaratala, the very place where Sukadev Go
There were a lot of things “on the go” for me today. Before leaving for a frisky walk to Union Station to hit the commuter “GO train”, I was hearing the gory details of an abuse case that an acquaintance went through in Europe. (Details withheld). That was the third scenario. I heard this week for an hour long call.
Then I heard of some Hollywood scandal by a celeb, Diggy, whom I don’t really know - something to do with party abusiveness on minors and none. At this point it is not rumour, as
By Madhur Gauranga Das
The Damodara Outreach Program (DOP), initiated by the Congregational Development Ministry (CDM) in 2004 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, aims to spread the teachings and love of Lord Damodara during the sacred Kartik month, which spans from October 17 to November 15 in 2024. This initiative has grown from a small local effort to a global movement, attracting devotees eager to engage in acts of devotion.
Kartik month, revered for its spiritual significance, offers unique opport
In this video, H.G. Sankarshan Prabhu delivers a talk on Chapter 5, Text 16 of the Bhagavad Gita, focusing on the transformative power of spiritual knowledge. He explains how true knowledge, which comes from surrendering to Krishna, dispels ignorance like the rising sun and reveals one’s eternal connection with the Divine. He contrasts mundane and spiritual knowledge, sharing personal anecdotes about his own spiritual journey and encounters with false teachings. The talk emphasizes the importanc
By Atma Tattva Das
Mauritius recently commemorated the 49th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s historic arrival in the country in 1975 with a week of celebrations that honored his legacy as well as set the stage for next year’s highly anticipated 50th-anniversary event. From heartfelt gatherings at Krishna Balaram Mandir to a vibrant beach kirtan at Pointe aux Sables, the spirit of devotion and gratitude for Srila Prabhupada’s contributions was palpable.
The festivities kicked off on September 29
The latest poem: The Game The Gamble
When Krishna was an adult
His response to the Earth’s insult
Was to sit in deliberation
And dismiss the current administration
He saw the world was rotting
Essential values were forgotten
From Back to Godhead
False Prestige heads a list of weeds, such as Lust, Greed, and Anger, that block the growth of the vine of Bhakti.
Sri Chaitanya-charitamrita metaphorically describes love of God as a creeper, or vine. The following story is based on that metaphor.
I reared my head like a cobra, not to strike at someone but to catch the sun. Holding a jumbo glowing flower at the top of my green leaves, I dominated the garden with my presence.
My name is False Prestige, and I call myself an
Udhava came to see me. “Obeisances ! Do you want to go for a walk?”
“Yes ! Now ?”
“Now ! Yes !”
We burst out the door, may our way down on Avenue. Inside, I was rejoicing that the city is finally doing something about the street’s narrow sidewalk just north of Davenport St. It looks like the sidewalk is going to be widened. This is sweet for pedestrians, sad for motorists. The concrete blockades are pointed bright colours with animal themes. I guess its one way to put some ease on motori
The Better India platform shares positive stories happening across India “uncovering the tales of everyday unsung heroes, community change-makers, groundbreaking innovations, and remarkable ideas often overlooked by mainstream media.”
One of its recent spotlights was focused on the city of Chennai which is posed to become “India’s first gender-inclusive city, thanks to a Gender Lab set up by the Greater Chennai Corporation.” The GCC is focused at providing women safe access to public spaces and
The Sacred Glories of Radha Kunda
The holy city of Mathura holds a position of spiritual supremacy over Vaikuntha, the transcendental world, because it is where the Supreme Lord appeared. Yet, even greater than Mathura is the transcendental forest of Vrindavana, renowned for the divine rasalila pastimes of Lord Krishna. Superior to Vrindavana is Govardhana Hill, uplifted by Krishna’s divine hand and the site of His many loving pastimes. But above all, the superexcellent Radha Kunda reigns suprem
Kartik is very auspicious for spiritual advancement. Another name for Kartik is Urja-vrata. Urja means power. The supreme power, the original power, is Srimati Radharani. So Urja-vrata, or Kartik-vrata, is for Srimati Radharani. Many important pastimes took place in the month of Kartik. On the full-moon night, Sri Krishna played upon His flute and enjoyed the rasa-lila, which is considered the best of His pastimes. Also during Kartik, Krishna saw that the residents of Vrindavan were preparing to
krsnasyoccaih pranaya-vasatih preyasibhyo ’pi radha
kundam casya munibhir abhitas tadrg eva vyadhayi
yat presthair apy alam asulabham kim punar bhakti-bhajam
tat premedam sakrd api sarah snatur aviskaroti
“Of the many objects of favoured delight and of all the lovable damsels of Vrajabhumi, Srimati Radharani is certainly the most treasured object of Krishna’s love. And, in every respect, Her divine kunda is described by great sages as similarly dear to Him. Undoubtedly Radha-kunda is rarely att
By Thomas Haribol
Often when I offer a lamp in this spiritually-charged season of Kartik, I am reminded of a time years ago when I was seated next to a woman on a plane who was visibly distressed and quietly weeping. I said to her, “You seem really upset. Is there anything I can do to help?” She said through her tears, “I’m approaching ninety; I will die soon and cease to exist.” “What do you mean?” I inquired. She told me that, in her understanding, souls only continue to exist after death i
By Aseem Krishna Das
On October 11, 2024, a magnificent Gaur-Nitai Shobha Yatra was organized in Karnal, Haryana. This grand procession saw the participation of thousands of people, all coming together to celebrate and express their devotion to Sri Sri Gaur-Nitai.
The deities of Sri Sri Gaur-Nitai, standing in a joyful, dancing posture, were placed on a beautifully adorned chariot that was carried throughout the city. The atmosphere was charged with spiritual energy as the holy names of the Lo
When Gurudas recently came to visit, he gifted me with his latest book, “The Swami - Who Rocked the Worlds” which is a photographical essay presentation of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. I wanted to share with you all on excerpt of this work entitled, “Morning Walks.”
Walking in the early morning with Swamiji was a special treat. He would share random subjects of wisdom, sometimes picking up on something that interested him in the environment.
Walking by his side, I felt secure. He w
The speaker explores the spiritual psychology of fault-finding and how it arises from a sense of personal failure in spiritual life. The story of Daksha, a devout Brahman who criticized Lord Shiva, is used as an example of someone who reacted to their perceived failings with anger, criticism, and grand gestures to conceal their shortcomings. The speaker argues that this kind of behavior is a result of the mode of passion and ultimately leads to unhappiness. They contrast this with the mode of
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
An online workshop called Small Is Powerful, led by Mahatma Das, will be held in two groups on November 22-23, 2024, and November 30-December 1, 2024. This workshop, offered in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Russian, will guide participants in exploring how humility and self-honesty shape and influence their spiritual journey.
Srila Prabhupada always stressed the importance of humility as the foundation for gaining knowl
At a tiny hamlet, Echo Bay
As I ambled along the way
Out of a shallow ditch
Emerged a man, not rich
Appearing a trite unkempt
Tarnished teeth, but of good intent
He wanted to share a fine message
Something I had come to cherish
The gist is what he had to say
“When I wake up I speak to the day
Like a person I know
It gives me energy to go
‘Day! Whatever you have for me
I beg for the strength to be
In the arms of your adventure
And anything you may render
Help me to go through the hours
When m
