We have to remind ourselves again and again who we are and who we are not.
Most people seek only to increase their sense gratification rather than to understand who they are.
Everyone is in a rush going nowhere.
If people can understand their bodies are changing but they are not changing, that is a second birth.
If we cannot give up hankering and lamenting and see all people on the spiritual plane, we cannot begin devotional service. [Bhagavad-gita 18.54]
Neither Brahma nor the insignificant an
In the Ramayana, the vanara Hanuman takes flight like a bird, and enters supra-mundane realms.
Sometimes it’s fun to take a retrospective—a look back at what was happening in the world a few years ago. The following article originally appeared in the Hindustan Times, New Delhi, on November 9th, 2005.
What do C.S. Lewis, Quentin Tarantino and J.K. Rowling have in common? Maybe nothing, but here’s what I think: One, all will have hit the big screen by December 2005; two, all are considered innova
“Krishna – My Best Friend” is a new book written by Gourangi Gandharvika Devi Dasi and Acintyapriya Davi Dasi and published by the Congregational Development Ministry – Bhakti Kids. Their intention behind writing this book is to help children develop a personal connection with Krishna, viewing Him as their best friend rather than approaching Him only with awe and reverence.
At the heart of the Bhakti Kids project lies a grand vision—to create a comprehensive Krishna Consciousness curriculum tha
By Atma Tattva Das
Soweto, South Africa – In a harmonious endeavor that transcends cultural boundaries, the Hare Krishna Mzansi Choir is making waves with its innovative fusion of African choral music and traditional Vaishnava bhajans.
Led by the dynamic duo Caru Candi and her husband, Ujwala, this choir has captivated audiences and stirred hearts with their soul-stirring performances in ISKCON South Africa. Now, the initiative calls for participatory support to expand their reach and perfect
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
When we talk about sankirtana, we are, of course, talking about the congregational chanting of the Lord’s holy names, specifically in the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. For many people, this is the first way they come in contact with the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, and with Lord Chaitanya’s sankirtana movement, by hearing the devotees chanting the holy names. But what is it about this process that makes it so effective, and so important in the way people are first exposed to it?
To answer th
A common denominator for practically each of the unlimited varieties of material bodies is that the spirit soul dwelling within is to one degree or another attached to the particular body they reside in.
In turn most resided in bodies have others who are also attached to them, generally family members, or what Srila Prabhupada often referred to as ‘skin disease’. He specifically used this term to describe excessive attachment to family members which leads to increased illusion and the bizarre h
From Back to Godhead
How to protect our spiritual lives from the constant allure of mundane topics.
Srila Prabhupada a few times repeated a story he had heard from a friend about a preacher trying to persuade coalminers in Sheffield, England.
“Do you know Jesus?” the preacher asked.
All the miners wore a number on their shirt, so they asked the preacher, “What is Jesus’ number?”
“I am referring to Jesus the Savior,” the preacher said. “He doesn’t wear a number.”
“Then we don’t know him,” they r
Why follow Caturmasya?
Durward is an old friend of mine, and he called me about something important. When I say old, I mean I've known him since 1973. Also, he's in his 80s. His message was, “I don’t think I’ll be here much longer. My breathing is not good. Please come to my apartment and take my deities of Krishna. I know you’ll give them a good home.”
Gabriel and I acted on his request immediately and met Durward, who is a member of ACTRA, and is a retired actor living in the Performing Arts Lodging. It was difficu
By Atma Tattva Das
Nrsimhananda Das, a dedicated and influential devotee within ISKCON South Africa, has embarked on a remarkable journey of spiritual growth and service since 1985. His passion for studying and teaching Srila Prabhupada’s books led him to participate in establishing the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture as co-international director. The institution is a significant initiative to develop and continue Krishna Conscious education within ISKCON South Africa and abroad
In India, they are not less than 95% villagers &
Mahatma Gandhi wanted this village organization.
I think this is a solid program
Srila Prabhupada in letter to Radheswaranand Goswami,
Perth, Australia 10th May 1975
Venu-Madhuri as mission is to fulfil Srila Prabhupad’s desire of having village organisations.
Venu-Madhuri was invited to present its work at the G20 conference at Ahmedabad. The theme of two days conference was Acharanam (आचरणम) Indic Wisdom for Sustainable Lifestyle, hosted b
It was absolutely great to see Marcel again after about four decades. He hails from London, Ontario, and became involved with the mission of Prabhupada back in ’74 when he and a group of his buddies joined our ashram when we were located in cabbage town of Toronto. There was Henry and Cindy, Rick, Robert, all from the London, St. Mary’s area. Not all of the group stayed with Krishna. It is hard to say what paths they took, and it is very apparent that they lost track of each other. They all had
Lynchburg, Tennessee
Here they tell us about their self-sufficient spiritual community in the Appalachian foothills.
In the southern Appalachian foothills, near Lynchburg, Tennessee, you’ll find another kind of farming community.
“We started out in 1976,” says Balavanta Dasa. “At first we figured we’d just plant corn or some other cash crop and make a lot of money for Krsna. But when I told our spiritual master Srila Prabhupada, he sat back thoughtfully and said, ‘Making money on our farm? That
We are all very fortunate, whether we are present in person or whether we are present through electronic means, because it does not really matter. It is transcendental sound vibration and it is the connection with this sound that is very important. Srila Prabhupada was very unique because he had faith in recordings and he recorded the Holy Name and he had faith that all the potency was in this Holy Name. This was revolutionary! Prabhupada would give second initiation by tape where he would spea
Bhagavad-gita is having an influence on a friend of mine and on my sister-in-law.
I received a shipment of these books and asked Krishna to help me distribute them to those ready to receive this knowledge. So far, I distributed two Gitas.
The first was to my sister-in-law, who has always been searching for this sort of knowledge. Like me, she searched high and low, only to be dissatisfied with the results of her searches.
When I received the book, I instantly understood that what it contains is
On my way to speaking at Ohio State University (OSU) last night, I visited Hitchcock Hall, where Srila Prabhupada and Allen Ginsberg had presented a program. And I reread the account of the event in BTG, which began, “On the night of May 12, 1969, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and poet Allen Ginsberg filled a campus auditorium at Ohio State University in Columbus to twice its capacity. About two thousand students flooded the stage and aisles, and soon after His Divine Gra
Last Sunday our Bhakti Academy group had a reading from the Krishna Book about Govardhan Hill and the torrential rains sent forth by the angry god of thunder, Indra. Since that time, it has been raining every day, and today was no exception. Torrential? No! But wet? Yes.
A window of opportunity for a walk arose when the same group felt a dry spell this afternoon, but then drizzle and double/triple time came, just as they, and I, entered Ramsden Park. The only shelter from Indra’s liquid was the
Q.
Dear Bada Haridas,
I led my first kirtan yesterday evening! I was wondering what is the role of the kirtan leader? I know that practically speaking they are playing an instrument and singing the mantra for the group to repeat, but what is their job spiritually?
I felt a little bit nervous to take on the task at first and was wondering if you could share some of your wisdom in that regard. Hare Krishna!
A.
Glad to hear you are leading kirtan. Thank you for asking such a nice question and for
By Sri Nandanandana dasa (Stephen Knapp)
There have been some people who have declared that the worship of Deities or images or the murti in the temples is but a recent invention of Vedic culture. However, that is not an accurate point. It is true that according to the different yugas or ages (such as Satya-yuga, Treta-yuga, Dvapara-yuga, and Kali-yuga) there are different processes for spiritual development that have been more recommended than others. For example, meditation was the recommende
