As devotees, we talk a lot about getting free from the material energy, free from the influence of maya, free from our attachments to material sense pleasures and their objects.
Why do we want to do that? What would be the reason?
Sometimes it can be confusing. It may seem like we’re taking all this too seriously, when really it’s all Krishna’s creation and life in this world can have so many pleasures to offer us.
Here is an example that perhaps will illustrate the reasons.
Suppose you are in
From Back to Godhead
An answer to the question:
"Why is a good Christian like you worshiping a Hindu god?"
People often ask me why I changed my faith from Christianity to worship of Krsna. They ask what made me give up Christianity. I am always quick to answer that I never "gave up" Christianity. The principal instruction Jesus gave was to love God, and I believe I can best do that by worshiping and serving Krsna.
What is it that makes Krsna more attractive or meaningful to me than the God of
From Back to Godhead
I offer my most respectful obeisances unto His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, my spiritual master and the spiritual master of the universe, from whose lotus lips has sprung the eternal message of the Vedas in the purest line of disciplic succession from Sri Krsna, the Absolute Truth, through Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaja. He is spreading the teachings of Krsna consciousness around the planet for th
Japa is the name of the mediation a Krishna devotee does while using beads. A string of beads has 108 beads on it and the complete Hare Krishna mantra (link to our webpage here) is chanted on each bead. When you complete 108 beads you have done 1 round, which usually takes about 7 minutes. Devotees who have taken first level vows chant 16 rounds or more every day. That is 108×16 = 1726 mantras each day. If done properly this is a powerful meditation that purifies the heart and mind, and awakens
Aishwarya Kallakuri, a 14-year-old ISKCON devotee from Charlotte, North Carolina, was among the final four candidates for the highly competitive national event. This is her second year participating in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which is celebrating its 100th edition this year.
According to a profile, “This eighth grader distributes yoga and philosophy books for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Her profound interest in learning new languages took her on trips to India
In the lives of great persons there is always opposition and apparent road blocks in accomplishing their goals or mission in life. Whether through another person, an accident, their own body or mind, or some natural disturbance, what appears on the surface to be an impediment is passed through and the glory of the person is revealed.
Practically we can see that great success in any undertaking or field is not accomplished without passing through many setbacks and even failure. In the personal g
The gift of the Holy Name is the greatest treasure because it is Krsna Himself. Everything is contained within the Holy Name. The Holy Name is more merciful than Krsna Himself. When you offend Krsna yourself, you can purify that by chanting the Holy Name. But if you offend the Holy Name, then what? Even that we can purify by chanting the Holy Name. The only remedy is chanting the Holy Name!
Source: https://www.kksblog.com/2021/05/chanting-is-the-only-remedy/
jivasya samsrtir bahvir
avidya-karma-nirmitah
yasv anga pravisann atma
na veda gatim atmanah
TRANSLATION:
There are varieties of material existence for the living entity according to the work he performs in ignorance or forgetfulness of his real identity. My dear mother, if anyone enters into that forgetfulness, he is unable to understand where his movements will end.
PURPORT:
Once one enters into the continuation of material existence, it is very difficult to get out. Therefore the Supreme P
Hare Krishna,
I am sharing below the transcript of a lecture by Srila Prabhupada where he mentions how anyone can see God! He reveals that we have Television in our heart!
Sila Prabhupada: So we are worshiping Govindam, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the original person. So this sound, govindam adi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi, is reaching Him. He is hearing. You cannot say that He is not hearing. Can you say? No. Especially in this scientific age, when television, radio messages are broadcast
One of the most prominent sages in the Vedic literature, he travels throughout the universe awakening love for the Lord.
NARADA MUNI is exalted in Vedic texts as one of the twelve mahajanas, or great authorities on eternal truth. Details of his life and teachings are recounted in the Narada Purana, the Padma Purana, and throughout Srimad-Bhagavatam. So advanced is his level of spirituality that in these texts he is even sometimes called “Bhagavan,” a term usually reserved for the Supreme Lord,
Srutakirti Prabhu stands as one of the most revered personalities in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), primarily known for his intimate service as Srila Prabhupada’s personal attendant. His unique position allowed him unprecedented access to the daily life and teachings of ISKCON’s founder, experiences he has generously shared through his writings, lectures, and personal interactions with devotees worldwide. His humility, dedication, and deep spiritual insights contin
Dr. Ravi M. Gupta, also known as Radhika Ramana Dasa in Vaishnava circles, represents a remarkable synthesis of rigorous academic scholarship and deep spiritual devotion. As the Charles Redd Endowed Chair of Religious Studies and Director of the Religious Studies Program at Utah State University, Dr. Gupta has established himself as one of the foremost scholars of Hinduism and Vaishnava traditions in Western academia. His extraordinary journey from a homeschooled child in a devotee family to an
Srila Prabhupada’s Western World Headquarters
Srila Prabhupada spent much time in his “Western world headquarters,” overseeing his worldwide mission.
By Karuna Dharini Devi Dasi (From Back to Godhead)
The place Srila Prabhupada called his “Western world headquarters” remains a vital oasis of Krishna consciousness.
Part One: Some History
Starting off in Midcity LA, 1968
ISKCON’s new center in Haight-Ashbury, San Francisco, was getting a good turnout. It was “the summer of love,” 1967, when ideali
Opening Ceremony & Pranams to HDG Srila Prabhupada.
Senior Disciples Discuss Prabhupada’s Letters. Prabhupada’s first disciples on video talk about their personal letters from Prabhupada.Maha HariNam Sankirtan Bus to Santa Monica/Venice Beach. Prabhupada Movies/Memories/Footage
Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=115839
By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
Gauranga Darshan Das, a renowned author and educator, has recently launched a new podcast titled Sadhu Varta, offering listeners a refreshing and intimate glimpse into the lived journeys of practicing devotees. Centered around deep, meaningful conversations, the podcast brings to life the essence of its name — Sadhu Varta, meaning “dialogue with saintly persons.”
Unlike traditional lecture-based formats, Sadhu Varta creates a safe and conversational space where
In an era of immense transformation, ISKCON North America is boldly stepping into the future with a dynamic and inspiring vision that blends spiritual depth with organizational excellence. The “Future Forward” initiative, recently re-launched through a compelling long-format broadcast hosted by Braja Bihari Das and featuring Jai Krishna Das, outlines a clear and courageous roadmap for expansive growth in Krishna consciousness across the continent.
Jai Krishna Das, President of New Vrindaban and
“HH Mukunda Swami recounts receiving a letter from an unknown sender in Italy, which contained color negatives of a photo of the London Deities dressed in the red and green outfit that the devotees were eager to use as the cover for the upcoming ‘Radha Krsna Temple’ album release.”
Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=115822
Twelve days before his departure, Srila Prabhupada was asked about ISKCON’s future leadership. Expressing concern, a guest asked if a single successor would lead. Prabhupada clarified that no one person would succeed him—instead, all should become gurus and collectively carry forward the mission, as instructed by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Source: https://vanisource.org/wiki/771102_-_Conversation_B_-_Vrndavana
771102 – Conversation B – Vrndavana
Conversations by Date, 1977
771102R2-VRNDAVAN – Novembe
Apple Records threw a party for Radha Krsna Temple, the day before the release of their debut single Hare Krishna Mantra.
The single had been produced by George Harrison, and he played harmonium and bass guitar on the recording. It was released as Apple 15, with Prayer Of The Spiritual Masters as its b-side.
Harrison and various members of the Hare Krishna movement attended the party, as did several bus-loads of journalists and photographers. Vegetarian Indian food was served inside a marquee i
By Atma Tattva Das
Chandan-Yatra Das, an Australian-based devotee, has been exploring and documenting India’s sacred pilgrimage sites since 2009. His work serves as a bridge to the dhama for devotees worldwide, offering virtual access to these holy places through detailed articles and photographs.
Early Inspiration and Spiritual Awakening
In 2005, on Sri Krishna Janmastami, Chandan-Yatra came across ISKCON in Canberra. A year prior, he had received one of Srila Prabhupada’s small books, Spiritua
