They were having a whole of a time. Actual whales- two humpbacks—wild and free. The announcement came on the overhead speakers. “You’ll see two whales to the left of the ferry.” Passengers on board shifted to that side of the ferry’s interiors (myself included) to view the couple with fins, enjoying their aquatic habitat.
It’s just hard for me to comprehend that some folks don’t believe in a creator when there is such wonder in the wilderness.
Jai Govinda came off the massive ferry after d
The desire to see God, to touch God, to talk to God is in itself probably the strongest argument for His existence; besides the logic and evidences from the scriptures, this direct experience is very significant indeed. Bringing Deity Worship from the insiders circle of elderly pujari-priests and making it part of the congregational development is probably the only way it may become part of the positive future for many places in ISKCON. While everyone hankers for direct experience of God in per
From Back to Godhead
How we value, acquire, use, and relate to money reflects our inner state of being.
Sri Sukadeva Goswami said, “Money does not stay in one place. It passes from one hand to another. Ultimately no one can enjoy money, and it remains the property of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 5.14.24) Money is God’s energy. He created it, He owns it, and He controls it: “Everything animate or inanimate that is within the universe is controlled and owned by the Lord
By His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Lecture given in San Francisco on September 11, 1968
Only one person can rightfully claim to be beyond all control.
jñanam te ’ham sa-vijñanam
idam vakshyamy asheshatah
yaj jñatva neha bhuyo ’nyaj
jñatavyam avashishyate
“I shall now declare unto you in full this knowledge, both phenomenal and numinous. This being known, nothing further shall remain for you to know.” – Bhagavad-gita 7.2
Knowledge means to know how this universe is working
In this talk Sacinandana Swami recounts a mystical event that occurred at Bimal Kund, a spiritually significant location for God realization. He narrates the story of a devoted ascetic performing his worship when he was interrupted by two boys knocking on his door, requesting water to drink. Initially dismissive, the ascetic finally relented and poured water for one of the boys. As he looked into the boy's eyes, he was overwhelmed by their beauty and kindness, causing him to faint. Upon awakeni
This class by HH Svayam Bhagavan Keshava Swami focuses on the verse *Caitanya Caritamrta*, **Adi Lila 10.63**, which highlights the profound glories of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s associates. The verse underscores the depth of devotion, humility, and dedication of Mahaprabhu's followers, demonstrating their essential role in spreading *sankirtana-yajna*—the congregational chanting of the holy names of the Lord.
#### Key Points from Adi Lila 10.63:
- The verse mentions Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's int
By Atma Tattva Das
From 2021 to 2024, the Rural Entrepreneurship for You(th) project united eight ISKCON and ISKCON-friendly organizations from European countries in a common effort to address challenges faced by rural communities concerning young people. Funded by the EU’s Erasmus+ program in Hungary, this collaborative project sought to empower youth by fostering entrepreneurship, promoting sustainability, and encouraging cultural exchange. At the heart of its continuity lies the Online Educat
Today is the festival of Odana-sasthi. This ceremony indicates that from that day forward, a winter covering should be given to Lord Jagannatha*.” – Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, Madhya-lila16.79, purport Once, Srila Pundarika Vidyanidhi and Srila Svarupa Damodara came to Jagannatha Puri and saw the festival of odana-sasthi. On this day, the Lord is offered new cloth, and from that day forth, the Lord should be offered winter clothing. This cloth that was offered to the Lord was directly purchased f
Today is Odana-sasti, the date on which Lord Jagannatha is given a winter shawl. One year when Lord Chaitanya and His associates celebrated this festival in Puri, Pundarika Vidyanidhi, who is Vrsabhanu Maharaja, Srimati Radharani’s father, in krsna-lila, received some special mercy. His experience is instructive for us all.
Srila Prabhupada explains, “At the beginning of winter, there is a ceremony known as the Odana-sasthi. This ceremony indicates that from that day forward, a winter covering
Odana Sasthi is not just a festival; it's a moment in time when the spirit of devotion permeates the air, and the hearts of devotees resonate with love for the Supreme Lord. It is a time of joy, gratitude, an
Reading of Stories told by Srila Prabhupada by H.H. Suhotra Swami recorded on 31st August 1994 in Radhadesh, Belgium
This evening we’re going to read from a collection of stories that were told by Srila Prabhupada on different occasions. So very lengthy file and some of the stories I have not seen before, so we can’t go through all of them, obviously, but I’ve selected the ones which I consider to be for myself most interesting, namely the new ones. Some old ones too. So without further delay w
Rooted in the South Asian Vedic culture, the shelter promotes peace, kindness, and respect for all living beings, particularly cows, which symbolize motherhood and prosperity. The farm provides a safe, loving home for cows, including rescues, ensuring they are never harmed. Visitors, including families, are encouraged to connect with the gentle animals, fostering a bond of care and appreciation.
Source: http://www.dandavats.com/wp-content/nectar/2024-12-04-11-13-35.html
It is my great honor to sign a landmark MOU with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. for the eco-rejuvenation of five historic water bodies in Braj Dham - Prem Sarovar, Vivhal Kund, Pawan Sarovar, Jal Vihar Kund, and Krishna Kund in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.
It was also my great pleasure to share with the leadership team at Indian Oil Corporation Limited the vision of a sustainable future and three guiding principles - DREAM DARE & DELIVER.
Inspired by the teachings of HDG Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Pra
Looking to post my daily Srila Prabhupada quote I stumbled upon the beautiful chapter 22 of canto 8, describing pastime of Bali Maharaj. It was amazing to read how Krishna expertly, what else can we expect from Him, bestows opulence on His aspiring devotees. On one hand He grants a lot to some while on the other hand He takes away everything from others.
It is a misplaced perception that Krishna does not grant opulence to His devotees, in fact His devotees receive limitless opulence, there are
Very grateful to ONGC Limited team headed by Chairman, Shri Arun Kumar Singh along with the Executive Directors and other leaders to invite HH Radhanath Swami Maharaja and myself to speak on the topic of Vedic Leadership and Sustainability at the ONGC auditorium in Mumbai.
Source: http://www.dandavats.com/wp-content/nectar/2024-12-03-10-38-03.html
By Bhaktin Olessia
Sadhu Priya Das, ISKCON Russia, and Sri Madhava Das, ISKCON Uzbekistan, were invited to take part in the International Conference for Religious Tolerance in Uzbekistan on November 16th, 2024.
The Conference was held at the initiative of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan, to commemorate International Tolerance Day. ISKCON devotees and other representatives of the Hindu faith were invited. Sadhu Priya Das spoke in front of the assembly of different faith leaders as
On 29th November, the grand inauguration of Govinda's Mathura and Sweets began with soulful kirtan by Banabhata Prabhu, graced by the presence of HH RT Swami, HG Pancagauda Prabhu, Daivishakti Mataji, Srutakirti Prabhu, Nirguna Mataji, and many Vrindavan devotees. The ceremony featured Narasimha Puja and Arati led by HH Bhakti Anugraha Janardan Swami, concluding with sumptuous prasadam for all.
Source: http://www.dandavats.com/wp-content/nectar/2024-12-03-10-01-14.html
The Palgrave Macmillan Animal Ethics Series
Series Editors
Andrew Linzey
Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics
Oxford, UK
Priscilla N.
Cohn Pennsylvania State University
Villanova, PA, USA
Associate Editor
Clair Linzey
Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics
Oxford, UK
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the ethics of our treatment of animals. Philosophers have led the way, and now a range of other scholars have followed from historians to social scientists. From being a marginal issue, an
The Leader who showed us the Bhagavata Path by Jaganmohini Devi Dasi
On December 7th, 2024 (Saturday), the 87th Vyasa Puja of H.H. Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami Sripada Maharaj will be celebrated all over the world by his disciples, servants and well-wishers. As part of this celebration, I am indeed delighted to share Maharaj’s exceptional personality and role as a Bhagavata leader. Also, as the Bhaktivedanta Institute (BI) approaches its 50th anniversary after its formation, this article serves
By Gopika Radhika Devi Dasi
Books were what set Mayapriya Dasi on her road to Krishna Consciousness. A practitioner of Krishna Consciousness for over five decades now, Mayapriya dasi is a disciple of Srila Prabhupada. She says that her strong connection with Srila Prabhupada’s vani has sustained her unswerving service to his mission. Back in the 1960s, like numerous other American college students, Mayapriya Dasi and her husband-to-be were spiritual seekers who considered various yoga groups unt
