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Kadamba Kanana Swami: Even if we are limping on the spiritual path,

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on September 17, 2015 at 4:42pm
Kadamba Kanana Swami: Even if we are limping on the spiritual path, even if we are jumping on one leg, still we have to continue on the spiritual path, even if it is on crutches, carry on and then one can be glorious. Just like our Bhakti Raghava Swami, somehow he lost his leg and since then he walks on crutches but of all the swamis, he is the one who went on foot to Tirupati, India, for darshan. He went up the mountain with his crutches. I went with a car and met him as he came up on his crutches. Read the entire article here: https://goo.gl/7svdyd

Kadamba Kanana Swami: Even if we are limping on the spiritual path, even if we are jumping on one leg, still we have to continue on the spiritual path, even if it is on crutches, carry on and then one can be glorious. Just like our Bhakti Raghava Swami, somehow he lost his leg and since then he walks on crutches but of all the swamis, he is the one who went on foot to Tirupati, India, for darshan. He went up the mountain with his crutches. I went with a car and met him as he came up on his c

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Chand Kazi to Lord Nityananda

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on September 17, 2015 at 4:40pm
This is called a ‘kunti.’ This particular piece was given by the Chand Kazi to Lord Nityananda, as proof that the Chand Kazi authorized public chanting of the holy names within his district. Originally it was a symbol of the Kazi’s authority. The samkirtan party carried it everywhere.

This is called a ‘kunti.’ This particular piece was given by the Chand Kazi to Lord Nityananda, as proof that the Chand Kazi authorized public chanting of the holy names within his district. Originally it was a symbol of the Kazi’s authority. The samkirtan party carried it everywhere.

 
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Indradyumna Swami: During our trip to Kharkhorin,

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on September 17, 2015 at 4:38pm
Indradyumna Swami: During our trip to Kharkhorin, the old capital of Mongolia, we visited the ancient Buddhist monastery of Erdene Zuu. After discussing spiritual matters with the monks there for sometime, they asked us to have kirtan. I believe it was one of the best kirtans Bada Haridas prabhu ever led. Before leaving we gave the head monk a copy of Bhagavad Gita. It was altogether an historic occasion. That evening we had wonderful program for 100 citizens of Kharkhorin in a local hall. After the lecture everyone chanted and danced in great happiness during the kirtan. See the photos here: https://goo.gl/JcCjb5

Indradyumna Swami: During our trip to Kharkhorin, the old capital of Mongolia, we visited the ancient Buddhist monastery of Erdene Zuu. After discussing spiritual matters with the monks there for sometime, they asked us to have kirtan. I believe it was one of the best kirtans Bada Haridas prabhu ever led. Before leaving we gave the head monk a copy of Bhagavad Gita. It was altogether an historic occasion. That evening we had wonderful program for 100 citizens of Kharkhorin in a local hall. Af

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The Power of Prayers!

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on September 17, 2015 at 3:56pm
The Power of Prayers! Jayapataka Maharaj’s long-standing secretary, Mahavaraha Das writes this. It was in the month of may this year, just 3 months ago that Jayapataka Maharaj faced a very serious health crisis. As Jayapataka Maharaj is back preaching here is an article written by HG Mahavaraha prabhu , underlying the importance of prayer and a series of events that went on in those difficult days. The Power of Prayers ————- Prayers and willpower are an intrinsic part of the lives of aspiring spiritualists. They form the foundation and crux of the daily lives of individuals of all faiths, whether they be Christian, Muslim, Jewish or Hindu. In fact, the prayers and willpower of devotees are so enthusiastic and determined that we sometimes forget their true potential in our fights against Maya. Regardless of our short remembrance, the prayers by sincere devotees establish a direct link with the Lord that, at the very least, convince Him to hear our pleas. Now let’s just take a step back for a second and ask ourselves, “What is a prayer, anyway”? According to Oxford dictionaries, a prayer is “a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity.” Queen Kunti. Prahlad Maharaj. Draupadi. Gajendra. These divine personalities are without a doubt, exemplary pure devotees of the Lord. But they all had something special in common - their determined, unyielding, intense prayers convinced the Lord to turn His merciful glance upon them in perilous situations that would have otherwise resulted in tragic results. As we begin to see the first rays of sunshine at the end of this dangerously dark tunnel of HH Jayapataka Swami’s recent health crisis, we may assert that we have witnessed the Bhagavatam and Caritamrta coming alive in the present day. For a short recap of events: Jayapataka Maharaj was having severe breathing difficulties in Mayapur during the beginning of May. A multi-resistant pneumonia caused him to not be able to breathe well. Due to this inability to breathe well, carbon dioxide began building up in his body. Further, due to a weak liver, ammonia gas also began building up. The excess of gases combined with a low breathing power caused his body to become almost unconscious. As per medical science, the aforementioned symptoms would eventually lead to death. Vital parameters could not be stabilized in Kolkata and we experienced a momentary loss of hope. Shortly thereafter, Jayapataka Maharaj was intubated during the wee hours of the morning and airlifted to New Delhi. Intubation is a procedure in which a pipe attached to a ventilator machine is inserted down the trachea through the vocal chords to assist in breathing. Jayapataka Maharaj was sedated for some days as it is common medical procedure to sedate patients during intubation to help in maintaining patients’ peace of mind and allowing them to sleep well. It is extremely uncomfortable to have tubes inserted all the way down one’s throat. After about a week of the intubation, the doctors noticed that Jayapataka Maharaj’s sedation was weaning off and he was becoming alert and active. Seeing these positive signs, they decided to remove the pipe (known as an extubation). After extubation, he was still kept in the ICU for a few days. On the 26th of May, Jayapataka Maharaj was shifted to a private room. However, within a day-and-a-half, his breathing drastically dropped, again. He had failed the first attempt. Thus, he was moved back into the ICU and was sedated and intubated. All our hopes crumbled. The hospital doctors, our in house doctors, and the caretakers were so worried. There was a big question mark hanging on the top of our heads. We, the caretakers and the senior disciples team of Jayapataka Maharaj, decided that we should announce Jayapataka Maharaj’s precarious and fragile health condition to the GBC Body and the ISKCON World. That same day, the GBC Executive Body sent out a message in the social media about Jayapataka Maharaj’s perilous condition and requested devotees to intensify their prayers. This time, Jayapataka Maharaj was intubated for a longer time to ensure that he would be able to breathe on his own, using his own lungs. After a few days, Jayapataka Maharaj became more alert and active, but he was still very much dependant on the ventilator to breathe. The hospital doctors became even more cautious at this time. They gave their very best in their treatment of Jayapataka Maharaj. 3rd June, 10.30 AM: Due to the risk of infection of having a tube inserted down one’s trachea for so long, Dr. Sarin decided that it would be best to have the ventilator removed and have a tracheotomy performed. A tracheotomy is a minor surgical procedure in which an incision is made through the trachea to allow for a tube to be inserted which assists in breathing. However, reactions to this decision turned out to be completely unexpected, especially from Jayapataka Maharaj’s side; Jayapataka Maharaj has undergone this same surgery, twice. Dr. Sarin, himself, was not happy from the very beginning and hesitated to give this tracheotomy option to Jayapataka Maharaj because he was afraid that Jayapataka Maharaj’s voice could be affected. He knows very well that preaching is Jayapataka Maharaj’s life, which obviously involves lots of talking. But you’ll see below how it all played out, below. 4th June, 11:30 AM: There was a meeting with all of the doctors and Jayapataka Maharaj’s medical team regarding the tracheotomy. Dr. Sarin had already called the top tracheotomy specialists in Delhi to come and perform the procedure. The final step was to obtain Jayapataka Maharaj’s consent and views on the procedure. Later in the day, a medical representative came and presented the top-of-the-line tracheotomy device to the health team. We demonstrated the function of the device to Jayapataka Maharaj. 5th June: From the morning onwards, Jayapataka Maharaj, Dr. Pritirupini and the caretakers had meetings with Jayapataka Maharaj, meticulously going through the pros and cons of having the tracheotomy done. The ICU head doctor, Dr. Lalita, was explaining all of the medical textbook justifications and reasons regarding why it was essential for Jayapataka Maharaj to have the tracheotomy, especially having failed the first attempt at extubation. However, Jayapataka Maharaj was still not convinced. Dr. Lalita clearly explained how if it were another patient present, there would have been no choice; they would have immediately gone for the tracheotomy. However, she said that given Jayapataka Maharaj’s determination and him being a divine person, she would give him a second chance. During the evening, Dr. Pritirupini, Dr. Acyutananda and Jayapataka Maharaj had a skype conversation with and a top doctor from Atlanta, Dr. Anand Deval. He was explaining all the pros and cons of having the tracheotomy performed. However, even after all these discussions, Jayapataka Maharaj still refused to have the procedure done. His willpower was just unshakeable. He wanted to have another chance to breathe on his own without the ventilator and without the tracheotomy too. Then, the doctors finally had to agree to Jayapataka Maharaj’s desire and they extubated him. But all the doctors said that if he was unable to breathe, then they would go for the tracheotomy straight away. During the midnight hours of June 6th, the first night after removing the pipe, Jayapataka Maharaj’s carbon dioxide levels increased and they put on the gigantic Cpap mask which regulates the breathing pattern. Fortunately, the carbon dioxide levels became controlled. For the first few days and nights, we all had our fingers crossed. There were so many ups and downs. By the fourth day of this second attempt of extubation, Jayapataka Maharaj’s breathing had gradually improved. Doctors were shocked to see an overturn of medical theory. Devotees were ecstatic to witness the progress he was making. Jayapataka Maharaj was calm and composed, determined to continue on in his service to Srila Prabhupada. From the very beginning of this health crisis, the JPS correspondence team has been continuously providing updates on Jayapataka Maharaj’s health condition and encouraging devotees to pray for him by inundating the social media. Thousands of devotees and even non-devotees have spontaneously prayed for Jayapataka Maharaj. So just if you’re curious: Within a month, post the health crisis, Jayapataka Maharaj has received over 1000 emails from all over the world, including countries such as Ghana, Estonia, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Uganda, and Iran, with devotees reporting their extra services dedicated for his fast recovery. Collectively, over 99,000 extra rounds of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra and over 411,000 recitations of the Narasimha Kavacha and Ugram Viram Mantras have been chanted. Nearly 400 hours of kirtan were performed and over 3000 books were distributed. 790 devotees were reported to have observed full Pandava-Nirjala Ekadasi fasting and many devotees also reported having done special fire sacrifices and home programs. Please keep in mind that these reported statistics are only those extra devotional services that devotees chose to report! There are still many unreported services that have been dedicated to Jayapataka Maharaj. Further, with this month being Purushottam Adhika Masa, devotees are performing even more devotional service and preaching dedicated to Jayapataka Maharaj’s quick recovery. Jayapataka Maharaj has expressed his heartfelt appreciation for all your extra services on numerous occasions. It is undoubtedly clear that intense prayers and Jayapataka Maharaj’s determined will power combined with the doctors’ skilled efforts and Krsna’s divine intervention have brought him to this current stage after this health crisis. Clearly, the power of prayer is inconceivable. It is best explained by Jayapataka Maharaj, himself - “Prayer is a very important activity we have. It is a private talk between the devotee and the Lord. It also helps us to establish our personal relationship with Krishna because we are praying to Him, as that is our communication with the Lord.” (Excerpt from Srimad Bhagavatam Class 6.9.46, 24th May 1999, Sridham Mayapur) Jaya Srila Prabhupada! Jaya Jayapataka Maharaj! Maha Varaha Das

The Power of Prayers!
Jayapataka Maharaj’s long-standing secretary, Mahavaraha Das writes this. It was in the month of may this year, just 3 months ago that Jayapataka Maharaj faced a very serious health crisis. As Jayapataka Maharaj is back preaching here is an article written by HG Mahavaraha prabhu , underlying the importance of prayer and a series of events that went on in those difficult days.
The Power of Prayers
————-
Prayers and willpower are an intrinsic part of the lives of aspiring

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Reception for Prime Minister of India

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on September 17, 2015 at 3:52pm
Reception for Prime Minister of India Bhaktivedanta Manor: We are delighted to confirm that ISKCON – Bhaktivedanta Manor is one of the Partners for the forthcoming Reception at Wembley Stadium to honour His Excellency, the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. The event will take place on 13 November 2015. Read more: http://goo.gl/Y8SJ7c

Reception for Prime Minister of India
Bhaktivedanta Manor: We are delighted to confirm that ISKCON – Bhaktivedanta Manor is one of the Partners for the forthcoming Reception at Wembley Stadium to honour His Excellency, the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. The event will take place on 13 November 2015.
Read more: http://goo.gl/Y8SJ7c

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Destination Mongolia – A Visit To A Monastery (7 min video)

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on September 17, 2015 at 3:50pm
Destination Mongolia – A Visit To A Monastery (7 min video) Indradyumna Swami: Yesterday we journeyed to Kharkhorin and visited Erdene Zuu, an ancient Buddhist monastery. There we discussed philosophy with the monks and how we could work together to increase interest in spiritual life amongst the youth of Mongolia. Towards the end of our visit the head of the monastery invited all the resident monks to come and hear us chant Hare Krsna. Before leaving we presented the leader of the monastery with a copy of Srila Prabhupada’s, Bhagavad Gita As It is. It was an historic occasion. Watch it here: https://goo.gl/V4qUSl

Destination Mongolia – A Visit To A Monastery (7 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: Yesterday we journeyed to Kharkhorin and visited Erdene Zuu, an ancient Buddhist monastery. There we discussed philosophy with the monks and how we could work together to increase interest in spiritual life amongst the youth of Mongolia. Towards the end of our visit the head of the monastery invited all the resident monks to come and hear us chant Hare Krsna. Before leaving we presented the leader of the monastery

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Today marks the 50th anniversary of ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya Srila Prabhupada’s arrival at Boston carrying the message of peace and goodwill of the Indian culture.

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on September 17, 2015 at 3:49pm
Today marks the 50th anniversary of ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya Srila Prabhupada’s arrival at Boston carrying the message of peace and goodwill of the Indian culture. In his honor, for the first time the Indian Flag would be raised at Boston City Hall Plaza by Culture Chief Julie Burros in the presence of several leading dignitaries and Embassy officials. The nearly 1000 participants are expected to take part in this historic event.

Today marks the 50th anniversary of ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya Srila Prabhupada’s arrival at Boston carrying the message of peace and goodwill of the Indian culture.
In his honor, for the first time the Indian Flag would be raised at Boston City Hall Plaza by Culture Chief Julie Burros in the presence of several leading dignitaries and Embassy officials. The nearly 1000 participants are expected to take part in this historic event.

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ISKCON Prison Ministry – My Faith in Prabhupada and Krishna is Set in Stone

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on September 17, 2015 at 3:48pm


The drawing was made by Bhakta Burl D., Coleman, Florida

Hare Krsna!

I believe Srila Prabhupada really knew what he was talking about and had a close personal relationship with Krishna. I choose the bliss he has offered to anyone willing to serve and worship Lord Krishna and His devotees’ lotus feet.

I feel very low and unfit to approach Krishna on my own strength so I will make the attempt through service to His devotees. “The servant of the servant of the servant of the Lord.”

My faith i

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50 Years Of The Hare Krishna Movement – One Man’s Journey To A Million Hearts

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on September 17, 2015 at 3:37pm

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) UK

By Mina Sharma

Celebrations are being held across the world today (Thursday 17th September 2015) to commemorate the end of an epic journey from India to the USA made by a 69 year old man, who would go onto establish the global phenomenon known as the Hare Krishna movement.

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, travelled alone on a cargo ship from Kolkata, India to Boston, USA in 1965, determined to spread the message of pe

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A Rain Of Mercy in the Gobi Desert (photos)

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on September 17, 2015 at 3:36pm
Indradyumna Swami: Yesterday was an historic day in the Mongolian yatra. We performed harinam samkirtan for the first time in the country since 1992. In the early morning, when the Gobi desert sun was still tolerable, we took to the streets of Sainshand, a town of 23,000 people, with mrdungas, kartalas and the sweet chanting of Krsna’s holy names.The people loved it and chanted and danced alongside us. In the afternoon we held the first Krsna conscious hall program in the town. Finally, in the
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World Harmony

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on September 17, 2015 at 3:30pm

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To be nonviolent to human beings and to be a killer or enemy of the innocuous living entities is Satan's philosophy. In this age there is enmity toward poor animals, and therefore the innocent living creatures are always anxious. The reaction of these innocent animals is being forced on human society, and therefore there is always the strain of cold or hot war between men, individually, collectively or nationally. 
 
During the previous Yuga when the holy Vedic Civilisation was prevalent, durin
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HH Gopal Krishna Maharaj’s Vyasapuja a Grand Success for the TOVP

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on September 17, 2015 at 8:33am

By the TOVP Fundraising Team

On September 8th, in New Delhi, HH Gopal Krishna Maharaj’s disciples held his Vyasapuja celebration. This years celebrations were held with a special message. With folded hands Maharaj requested his disciples to come together in support of the construction of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. Maharaj emphasized how magnificent and glorious this new temple in Sri Mayapur would be.

During the program a letter written in 1969 from Srila Prabhupada to HH Gopal Krishn

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Sannyasa initiation ceremony for Amala Bhakta Prabhu. New Sanyasa name is Amala Bhakta Swami Maharaja

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on September 17, 2015 at 8:00am

Today 17th Sept 2015, HH Radhanath Swami gave Sannyasa initiation ceremony for Amala Bhakta Prabhu, and now new name is Amala Bhakta Swami Maharaja. 

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Brief Bio

Amala-bhakta Swami was born in New York City and attended New York University. He moved to Santa Monica, California in 1954 and worked in motion pictures for three years. Then, after an epiphany, he embarked on a journey to find the true purpose of life. On discovering it, he returned to New York in 1957 to study and then later teach t

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My Faith in Prabhupada and Krsna is Set in Stone

Posted by Bhakti-lata Dasi on September 17, 2015 at 1:43am

My Faith in Prabhupada and Krsna is Set in Stone

 by Bhakta Kevin C.

Hare Krsna!

 I believe Srila Prabhupada really knew what he was talking about and had a close personal relationship with Krishna. I choose the bliss he has offered to anyone willing to serve and worship Lord Krishna and His devotees’ lotus feet.

 

I feel very low and unfit to approach Krishna on my own strength so I will make the attempt through service to His devotees. “The servant of the servant of the servant of the Lord.”

 

My fai

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Pandava sena Alumni – God on trial (video)

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on September 16, 2015 at 6:38pm

Published on Sep 13, 2015

A real life courtroom drama based on a debate of the existence of God. This year the PS Alumni have made a production that attracted thousands of viewers to take part and dive deep into the jury for this jaw dropping drama.

Since time immemorial, theists and atheists have debated on the existence of God all over the world. PS Alumni tackled this age old debate via a court room drama production. Prepare to have concept of science and religion changed forever!

Questions

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Advanced Child Protection Training Seminar: Another Bold Step Towards Happy Children

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on September 16, 2015 at 6:28pm




By Madhumati Pushkarini Devi Dasi

Srila Prabhupada, through his books and letters to his disciples, has repeatedly instructed all of us on how important it is to protect the children in our society and provide them with all the opportunities that are necessary for their advancement in Krishna consciousness. ISKCON’s Central Office of Child Protection, established by the GBC of ISKCON, conducted in the month of August 2015, a 3-day advanced all India training program for all members of the so

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Caring For Devotees: The Spiritual Counselor System

Posted by ISKCON Desire Tree on September 16, 2015 at 6:16pm

From Namahatta.org

From a series of lectures by HH Radhanath Swami, introducing the Spiritual Counselor System that has been successfully deployed at Sri Sri Radha-Gopinath Temple in Mumbai, Chowpatti.

Inroducing the Counselor System

Service To The Vaishnavas – The Highest Religious Principle

Vaisnavism has been manifested in its purest and most wonderful form through the love and teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His associates. The most beautiful aspect of Lord Caitanya’s pastimes is

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