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On this day number 2 of a walk with Bhakti Academy we landed ourselves at a picnic table to attempt a concentrated session with the maha mantra. At this hour, 6.45am, we could find no disturbances externally, perhaps internally. Everyone could speak for themself on this, but chronically that agitating does get in the way. As it was put by one of the callers later on in the afternoon on the Gita zoom, "I'm lucky to have just one minute of internalization."

Such is the nature of the monkey mind.

Sorry I’ve not written anything in a while but often think maybe me writting gets a bit too much and will just bore all of you, however I have been moved to write of a sweet simple loving exchange that I had recently. Every day I am meeting people through my work and everyday I get to realise how special all living things are. I never cease to be amazed how the Lord is everywhere, in one’s hearts whether known or unknown to them.

A few weeks ago there was a festival at Cheltenham headed by the

Before tucking into bed last night my host, Sreyas, a doctor at one of Ottawa’s hospitals, brought me to see his father, 91, recovering from surgery. This is one of those comforting obligations that goes with the priestly portfolio. The next morning, however, I had the pleasure to visit, not the aged and mature, but those classes of youngsters at the Bhakta Prahlad Montessori School.

Krishna Dulal, who is sometimes described as entrepreneur extraordinaire, is also the manager of the school, and

We completed our kirtan presentation at Queen’s Park on the grass under a tree. I had to think twice as to whether trees are safe considering the mishap with the Willow the other day. Today's tree, chosen by our Bhakti Academy, was a handsome and tall oak.

Anyways, we were blessed with guitar and traditional mridanga drum, and a host of singers. Though at times our group sometimes sounds like a funeral tone, for the most part, we were upbeat. An elderly man who made great friends with a squirre

What is really good news is the preparation for this year’s MANtra retreat. Behind us all are the virtual sessions of 2022 and 2021. This exciting program, now back to physical interactive-ness, carrying the theme “Together Again” will take place in the Appalachian Hills of West Virginia and New Vrindavan. The time soon approaches us – September 9th, 10th & 11th – when men of the Vaishnava orientation will bond on “conscious” living.

Whatever the endeavor in the past four years, whether virtual

I get so much joy from being with the group of Ukrainian/Russian bhakti yogis. Today was about a year ago when Igor opened up his backyard to a host of us for the regular “devotee thing” — chanting, philosophizing, dancing, eating blessed food, etc. This group shows a lot of love and they were most enthusiastic to listen to the topic of “The Ills of Gossip.” It’s subject that resonates with most people. The consensus of people in general is that rumor mongering is one of the worst practices.

Wh

The Annual MANtra, Men's Retreat, usually held in New Vrindaban, USA, is going virtual this year and it all happens this weekend beginning Friday evening November 20 (EST), and continues through Sunday, Nov. 22.  All men are invited ages 16 and up. 

This annual men’s sanga will feature interactive sessions with leading devotees of all ages and backgrounds including Mahatma, Chaitanya Charana & Sutapa, Bhuta Bhavana, Namarasa, Raghunatha, Partha, Kaunteya, Anuttama, Madhvacarya, and Gopal Lila pr

Ideal Companion for Meditation
It is a common ritual around the world, to light up a incense, a companion for meditation, which is one’s attempt to reach the ultimate state of bliss. Although meditation only requires control over the mind and to have a spiritual experience, but it is easier said than done. Th

There are so many mantras out there? Why is the Hare Krsna mahamantra considered to be the most powerful one?

Mantras are all invested with power. Previously, there were sages, who by chanting mantras, could do many things. Some people were fighting with mantras. Now we think we are very sophisticated these days; we have missiles for instance. But in the old days, you could just chant a mantra and invoke a great power. So mantras are known to have all kinds of powers. People could light fire by