My last two days was spent with member of TOVP which stands for “Temple of Vedic Planetarium.” It was indeed pleasant for me passing time with an American, an English-man and a South Indian. And I being Canadian by birth made it interesting. I shouldn’t forget our driver - Indresh Gaur, a Punjabi Canadian. We are a good chemistry. Our cause is one and we all happen to be more accurately spirits from a deeper point of view. Culturally we are bonded by Krishna.
One sign of true unity is when a
From Back to Godhead
Can the investigation of God through the method of Krishna consciousness really be called scientific?
God: The Evidence; The God Delusion; God: The Failed Hypothesis; The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief. Apparently, writing about God is the latest rage among scientists, both theistic and atheistic. Many of these authors have also been invited to speak to college crowds, and they are causing quite a stir. But is this really the best way to appro
There was no time in the history of computers when they have been used for better purposes than todays. Previously, a home computer was long time employed for entertainment, thus becoming a tool for a wasted life. Nowadays, under the restrictions imposed by the pandemic to social gatherings, more important or uplifting activities took shelter in the virtual space. Giving in this way to the computers an opportunity to nurture our higher nature. Lots of courses, webinars, spiritual classes or kir
By Bhaktivinoda Thakura
Questions about INATTENTIVE CHANTING and answers by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura from his books:
Q. What is the main impediment blocking one from developing attachment for chanting?
A. If one gives up all the offenses in chanting, but remains inattentive, he can never develop attachment for chanting. (Sajjana Tosani 11/1)
Q. What are the various definitions of inattention while chanting?
A. O Lord! All anarthas are produced when we do not pay attention to our chanting. Th
By Kardama Muni Dasa
Bhadra Rupa Dasa, Ph.D., led an ensemble performing two of his own compositions inspired by the Gita Govinda of Sri Jayadeva Goswami to welcome Dr. S. Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of the Government of India. Members of the Geneva Indian Community, UN officials, and international diplomats, counted at 300 or more, were invited and present, along with Swiss news media. The Minister was in Geneva to dedicate the newly built Permanent Mission of India, which houses
The Kadamba Foundation recently released its inaugural annual report in a September 16th press release. The report reflects on its first year of activities and achievements since Kadamba Kanana Swami’s departure on March 9th, 2023.
According to the press release, “The report highlights the Foundation’s ongoing mission to publish, promote, and distribute spiritual music, books, and other media while managing copyrights, royalties, and translations across multiple languages. Among its key accompli
What an absolute blessing it is to have the company of three great souls who have given everything to the cause of constructing the largest Vedic temple in the world. Visiting us in Southern Ontario are Jauanivas, Sunanda and Braj Bilas, all stationed in the headquarters of Iskcon in Mayapura in West Bengal. The project, “Temple of Understanding” TOVP will be in its completion in 2026. The trio have come for fund raising and the target today in this endeavour was our community in Oakville, jus
By Lilasuka Dasi
ISKCON in North America is growing by leaps and bounds. Child protection needs to grow along with it. At the very beginning of Srimad Bhagavatam, Srila Prabhupada stated, “The protection of children gives the human form of life its best chance to prepare the way of liberty from material bondage” (SB 1.8.5, purport).
We want to thank the ISKCON centers across the U.S. and Canada who are increasing their contributions and enabling the Child Protection Office to add much-needed sta
By Savitri Devi Dasi
We are pleased to invite you to the hybrid Bhakti-vaibhava course at the Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education (VIHE). From September 19th to October 30th, 2024, we will delve into the sacred teachings of Canto 2 of the Srimad Bhagavatam through a verse-by-verse study.
This seminar will be available both on-site in the holy land of Vrindavan and online, allowing you to participate according to your convenience. The course will be enriched by the association of senior devo
Why did people get out and start walking along the free way? Why do some young folks get out of the car on that normally busy road to have a game of volley ball right there? Why did dozens and dozens of motorists go to the roadside creek for a #1 or #2 ?
A traffic jam ! People got desperate. It was an accident, death included, that held westbound traffic for over three hours along the 401 Highway near Brighton, Ontario. Mahadev, Annapurna and I were crawling, or at least, the van was. For mys
Determination is vital either in material or spiritual life. This determination exhibits a devotee’s hankering and sincere desire for attainment of the perfectional stage of devotional service. Lord Brahma, the original first living being was entrusted with the service of engineering the material world, based on the raw ingredients provided by the Lord, under His direction and empowerment. In the course of his creation, Lord Brahma faced five obstacles, from which we too can derive lessons that
By Satyaraja Dasa
How a leader in Indian shipping helped deliver the message of Lord Chaitanya to the western world.
In 1965 the Scindia Steam Navigation Company was one of the oldest, largest, and most respected shipping establishments in India. Its cargo consisted generally of food, clothing, farming equipment, and medical and educational supplies, which were packaged in boxes, cases, pallets, and barrels. In August of that same year, however, one of its cargo ships carried a passenge
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
As the auspicious occasion of Bhadra Purnima draws near, the global Bhadra Campaign, led by Vaisesika Dasa, has brought together devotees from around the world in a powerful and inspiring mission to distribute Srimad Bhagavatam. This united effort reflects the collective devotion and determination to share the timeless wisdom of the sacred text.
Vaisesika Dasa, sharing the campaign’s vision of distributing at least 68,000 sets of Srimad Bhagavatam worldwide, sa
Meet Arpita Hembram, a bright and determined young girl from the Santal tribe in Purulia, whose inspiring journey exemplifies the power of education and support in transforming lives. With her strong dedication and the guidance of ISKCON’s India Tribal Care Trust (ITCT), Arpita has broken barriers and pursued her dream of becoming a doctor. She is currently studying MBBS at Midnapore Medical College, a remarkable achievement for someone from a rural tribal background.
Arpita’s pursuit of an MB
Lorenzo and I ambled along in the area of the Iskcon Centre, an area where you find a massive Catholic Church every two blocks, some of which are not doing well, attendance wise. My good friend Anubhava, earlier on pointed out to a towering church that is physically falling into decline. Personally it hurts to see these things going on. I would like to see various forms of spirituality succeeding even though these other denominational approaches are slightly different.
As love as they teach l
By Payal Shah
(Adapted from ‘Japa Affirmations’ by His Grace Mahatma Dasa)
Ancient Vedic texts address the notion that no amount of material accomplishments can deeply satisfy us. Our consciousness has been polluted by the material atmosphere, and as we try to exploit resources, we are in fact getting more and more entangled in complexities. Vedic wisdom attributes this condition to a lack of spiritual awareness. These Vedic wisdom texts share with us that we are all spiritual beings and that w
By Rasasekhara Dasa
Inspired by the Sri Sri Radha Kalachandji temple in Dallas and with the blessings of senior Vaishnavas, an expanding community of devotees from North Dallas, Texas, recently kicked off a new project to construct a grand Hare Krishna temple named “Gita Mandir” in the heart of Frisco, TX, an area of the state that has seen phenomenal growth.
On September 7, 2024, devotees from various North Dallas areas, including, but not limited to, Frisco, Little Elm, Plano, McKinney, Prosp
By Partha Dasa and Uttama Dasi
After 109,512 arotikas, 328,560 sticks of incense, and over half a million food preparations offered, Sri Sri Radha Madana-mohana marked the 50th anniversary of Their installation in a grand 3-day festival in Vancouver, Canada.
On Saturday morning, courtesy of Golden Dancer (Caitanya Mahaprabhu) Tours, devotees took a historical bus tour of the early temple locations in Vancouver.
At the site of one of the first temples in Vancouver, Bala Krsna Dasa related how sa
The Radhastami festival this year was an unforgettable experience! The temple hall was fully packed with devotees, and the atmosphere was buzzing with joy and devotion as we all came together to honor Srimati Radharani’s appearance day. There’s no doubt that Radha is truly merciful. As Srila Prabhupada once said, “If you approach Krishna directly, He may be hard to reach. But if you go through Srimati Radharani, she will recommend you to Krishna, and Krishna cannot refuse her.”
This year’s Radha
My travelling companions, Mahadev and Annapurna, are splendid to work with. After a good night’s rest in Gonanogue Inn, we decided some footwork is necessary and that time be given to at least an hour of walking. I started at the 1000 Islands Casino (I didn’t go in) and headed east on highway 2. The couple drove ahead at the 5 km mark, stopped, got out of the van heading in my direction. We met, walked towards the parked van at an old church. I couldn’t resist taking a pic of the two standing by
