viernes, 1 de octubre de 2010

Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: “My Life” by Mark Strand











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"Planet ISKCON" - 65 new articles

  1. Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Bhajan - Ratna Radhika dasi - Hare Krishna - 1/5
  2. Bharatavarsa.net: Book distribution seminar: Even the Derelicts Take Books
  3. Book Distribution News: Even the Derelicts Take Books
  4. Japa Group: Japa Retreat Question and Answer
  5. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 3.4.31 Getting Out Of The Material Conception Of Life
  6. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 3.1.19 Pins For Pleasure 2005-01
  7. ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Svarupa-sakti Mataji
  8. ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Jaya Radha Madhava - Svarupa-sakti Mataji
  9. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 3.1.18 Do Not Try To Find Krishna In The Taste Of A McDonald’s Hamburger
  10. Australian News: 24 Hour Kirtan at New Gokula Farm – Tomorrow… we’ll be expecting you!
  11. Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: “My Life” by Mark Strand
  12. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  13. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  14. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  15. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  16. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  17. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  18. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
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  20. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  21. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  22. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  23. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  24. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  25. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  26. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  27. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  28. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  29. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  30. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  31. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  32. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  33. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  34. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  35. H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Tuesday, September 28th, 2010
  36. H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Monday, September 27th, 2010
  37. Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: A Definition of Self-realization
  38. Manorama dasa: Őszi óra átállítás 2010. október 31-én
  39. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 3.1.15 Different Levels Of Duty 2005-01
  40. Dandavats.com: More Hearts Come Closer to Krsna ISKCON Prison Ministry
  41. Dandavats.com: ISKCON Kanpur is under flood water
  42. Dandavats.com: Yamuna’s raise to embrace Vrindavan
  43. Dandavats.com: The Stars of Reincarnation: From Raghava to Ratnavali
  44. Dandavats.com: The Diary of Ratnavali Devi Das
  45. H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: Ramayana Day 5, Vraja, Pensylvania, USA
  46. H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 9.11.26 Lord Ramachandra didn’t have an iPad – Video
  47. H.H. Sivarama Swami: On the occasion of Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in the USA
  48. Ananda Subramanian, Iowa, USA: Approaching Ayodhya
  49. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: 87
  50. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: Prabhupada Smaranam
  51. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: Poem from Under Dark Stars
  52. H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: Journal Preaching
  53. ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Srila Prabhupada Memories Movie Night - TODAY!
  54. Australian News: News from Hare Krishna Valley… Clearing the Deck… (Aniruddha style)
  55. Australian News: Brisbane prasadam restaurants….beyond vegetarianism, way beyond.
  56. Australian News: Ladies and Gentlemen, Roll Up Roll Up for the Greatest Show on Earth The Harnam Sankirtan Grassroots Revolution (where’s yours?)
  57. Akrura das, Gita Coaching: EVERY DAY QUESTIONS
  58. Gauranga Kishore das,USA: Radhanath Swami on the Dennis Miller show
  59. Yoga of Ecology, Bhakta Chris, USA: ISCOWP Update Aug-Mid Sept 2010
  60. The Loft, Auckland, NZ: Spanish Bhagavad Gita Class
  61. The Loft, Auckland, NZ: Movie Night - First and third Tuesday each month
  62. The Loft, Auckland, NZ: Cooking class Dates and Times
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  65. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
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Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Bhajan - Ratna Radhika dasi - Hare Krishna - 1/5


Ratna Radhika singing a Hare Krishna bhajan at a home program.

Ratna Radhika (vocals), Sri Rupa (drum), Gopinath (flute) 

Dallas, TX

2010-07-10 


Download: 2010-07-10 - 1 - Ratna Radhika dasi - Hare Krishna.mp3
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Bharatavarsa.net: Book distribution seminar: Even the Derelicts Take Books


Some time back I was sitting behind a book table in Sydney. Not so many people were checking out the table, but by Krsna's grace I was stopping a few and some books were going out. Then a derelict stopped and started looking at the books. He asked how much the hardback Bhagavad-gita was. When I told him, he walked away, and I didn't think I'd see him again. But he soon returned, and after perusing the books he miraculously pulled out a fifty-dollar bill for the Gita and told me to keep the change! So I gave him an Ever Well-Wisher, a Krsna book, and an SSR as well.

Later that day I moved to the next suburb and set up. I usually try to have some prasadam to give out -- either bliss balls, nuts and raisins, or halava. This time I had a pot of halava. Another derelict came by (a bit intoxicated) and asked me to give him a free book since he had no money. He told me how previously I had given him an Ever Well-Wisher for a small donation and he was in the middle of reading it -- but he had lost it. So he just grabbed an Ever Well-Wisher off the table and started walking away. I told him he couldn't take it for free but if he came back with some change I would give it to him.

After some time he came back stating he still had no money and took the same book off the table. I said, "Listen, I can't give you the book, but take some halava." He loved the halava, consuming about six cups! Just then an Indian gentleman stopped and showed a lot of interest. He ended up buying some books and Krsna posters for a big donation. I told him this other guy really wanted a book but had no money. I asked him if he could throw in some extra change for the other guy. He was glad to do that, he said, and he pulled out a handful of coins and dropped them into the donation bucket. Then the derelict happily walked away with the Ever Well-Wisher, intoxicated on Krsna prasadam!

Your servant Rupa Raghunatha das Australia (Text D:3614878) -------------------------------------------

------- End of Forwarded Message ------ (Text 4598) ------------------------------------------------

------- End of Forwarded Message ------

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Book Distribution News: Even the Derelicts Take Books



Some time back I was sitting behind a book table in Sydney. Not so many people were checking out the table, but by Krsna's grace I was stopping a few and some books were going out. Then a derelict stopped and started looking at the books. He asked how much the hardback Bhagavad-gita was. When I told him, he walked away, and I didn't think I'd see him again. But he soon returned, and after perusing the books he miraculously pulled out a fifty-dollar bill for the Gita and told me to keep the change! So I gave him an Ever Well-Wisher, a Krsna book, and an SSR as well.

Later that day I moved to the next suburb and set up. I usually try to have some prasadam to give out -- either bliss balls, nuts and raisins, or halava. This time I had a pot of halava. Another derelict came by (a bit intoxicated) and asked me to give him a free book since he had no money. He told me how previously I had given him an Ever Well-Wisher for a small donation and he was in the middle of reading it -- but he had lost it. So he just grabbed an Ever Well-Wisher off the table and started walking away. I told him he couldn't take it for free but if he came back with some change I would give it to him.

After some time he came back stating he still had no money and took the same book off the table. I said, "Listen, I can't give you the book, but take some halava." He loved the halava, consuming about six cups! Just then an Indian gentleman stopped and showed a lot of interest. He ended up buying some books and Krsna posters for a big donation. I told him this other guy really wanted a book but had no money. I asked him if he could throw in some extra change for the other guy. He was glad to do that, he said, and he pulled out a handful of coins and dropped them into the donation bucket. Then the derelict happily walked away with the Ever Well-Wisher, intoxicated on Krsna prasadam!

Your servant Rupa Raghunatha das Australia (Text D:3614878) -------------------------------------------

------- End of Forwarded Message ------ (Text 4598) ------------------------------------------------

------- End of Forwarded Message ------

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Japa Group: Japa Retreat Question and Answer


At the end of the Japa Retreat, Sacinandana Swami talks about the importance of breathing and answers questions.


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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 3.4.31 Getting Out Of The Material Conception Of Life


SB 03.04.31_Getting Out Of The Material Conception Of Life_2002-03-26 Lecture – Srimad Bhagavatam 3.4.31 Getting Out Of The Material Conception Of Life 2002-03-26 Radhadesh

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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 3.1.19 Pins For Pleasure 2005-01


SB 03.01.19_Pins For Pleasure_2005-01 Lecture – Srimad Bhagavatam 3.1.19 Pins For Pleasure 2005-01 New Govardhan Australia

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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Svarupa-sakti Mataji



Srimad Bhagavatam 11.25.2-5 - Transcend the material modes of nature simply by chanting Hare Krishna attentively.

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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Jaya Radha Madhava - Svarupa-sakti Mataji


Length: 7:55

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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 3.1.18 Do Not Try To Find Krishna In The Taste Of A McDonald’s Hamburger


SB 03.01.18_ Do Not Try To Find Krishna In The Taste Of A McDonald’s Hamburger_2005-01 Lecture – Srimad Bhagavatam 3.1.18 Do Not Try To Find Krishna In The Taste Of A McDonald’s Hamburger 2005-01 New Govardhan Australia

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Australian News: 24 Hour Kirtan at New Gokula Farm – Tomorrow… we’ll be expecting you!



Clear a spot in your diary for this event: Time October 2 at 6:00pm – October 3 at 6:00pm

Location New Gokula Farm, Lewis Lane Millfield NSW

On the final day of World Holy Name Festival, coinciding with HG Aindra Prabhu’s 108 hour memorial Kirtan, we will be holding a Maha 24 Hour Kirtan at New Gokula Farm. The event is also held over a long weekend and in uni/school spring holidays

Check out the website for more details.

Here’s the facebook page, let them know your coming!

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Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: “My Life” by Mark Strand


The huge doll of my body

refuses to rise.

I am the toy of women.

My mother

would prop me up for her friends.

“Talk, talk,” she would beg.

I moved my mouth

but words did not come.

My wife took me down from the shelf.

I lay in her arms. “We suffer

the sickness of self,” she would whisper.

And I lay there dumb.

Now my daughter

gives me a plastic nurser

filled with water.

“You are my real baby,” she says.

Poor child!

I look into the brown

mirrors of her eyes

and see myself

diminishing, sinking down

to a depth she does not know is there.

Out of breath,

I will not rise again.

I grow into my death.

My life is small

and getting smaller. The world is green.

Nothing is all.


Filed under: Poetry
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Srila Prabhupada's Letters


1967 September 30: "East Journey is authoritative. A student wrote me that this information has given them new life - not only is God alive but we can go and live with Him. So we must present this information to the whole world very nicely."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters



1967 September 30: "We should work solidly to get the attention of important men and make them understand how this movement is the most authorized, scientific agitation to invoke man's dormant Krishna Consciousness. We are not lacking in philosophy. There is no necessity of stopping questions by dogmatic statements."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters


1972 September 30: "By selling my books they are doing the greatest service. What your preaching will do? They hear and go away but if they have one book at home, they will read and solid preaching work is done."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters


1972 September 30: "Yes, we want money. That is the real preaching, selling my books. Do it by hook or by crook. The real preaching is selling my books. But you should know the tactic how to sell without irritating."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters



1972 September 30: "The art is to sell many, many of my books and not irritate the public. That is the greatest service. So instruct how to do this. That is sannyasa. That is GBC. Why there should be business competition?"
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters


1972 September 30: "The success of your preaching will be substantiated by how many of my books are sold. If you cannot handle the matter nicely, that is your fault. If you only irritate and they go away, that is your lack of intelligence."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters


1972 September 30: "A brahmacari and unmarried woman alone in the same room together is strictly forbidden. You should not mix at all with brahmacarinis. Remain separate and talk almost nil. Actually you should not even see the face."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters



1975 September 30: "A cat or dog is thinking he is such and such and a human being thinks he is this and that. Entrapped by so many designations the human being remains on the platform of cats and dogs. The purpose of Bhaktivedanta Institute is to establish this distinction of human life."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters


1967 September 29: "I do not approve anyone's separation who are married by me. If they disagree, they may live separately, but no more marriage. If this is not followed, I will not take part in anyone's marriage in the future."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters


1967 September 29: "The secret of success in the matter of Krishna Consciousness is devotion to the Lord and the Spiritual Master. So continue your present attitude and you will be successful even I am not physically present before you."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters



1972 September 29: "Try to recruit local men there for helping you spread this movement. Better that you convert the local people and train them nicely in our philosophy and send them off for preaching party."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters


1975 September 29: "People are coming forward to donate. They will donate more and more, because they see here is something good. These boys now they are saintly. They do not smoke even. They talk only of God."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters


1975 September 29: "The women devotees also come to Krishna. I cannot deny. I take you all as part and parcels of Krishna. If our male members become steady in Krishna consciousness, there is no problem."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters



1975 September 29: "Rascal leaders say the farm is primitive but to become rogue and rascal in the city, that is advanced. Dog race, horse race, gambling, coca cola, pepsi cola. This is all going on because they have no good engagement."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters


1975 September 29: "The people are innocent. If these farm projects are successful, then all this industry will be closed. We do not have to make propaganda, but automatically people will not want it."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters


1975 September 29: "What can I do? I have appointed the GBC not to fight amongst yourselves but to manage. If there is fighting then how will you manage?"
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters



1968 September 28: "I am so pleased you are lecturing in the Boston University. Please always remain submissive in spirit to Krishna and Spiritual Master, and by their Grace you will get all strength to speak and satisfy your audience."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters


1968 September 28: "My books are the ultimate source of knowledge. If you simply reproduce what I have explained surely you will come out victorious, even in the midst of so many great scholars."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters


1968 September 28: "They are not mundane speculations, they are authorized versions by liberated souls, presented by our humble self. We simply have to present them without adulteration, in humble service spirit. That is the secret of success."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters



1971 September 28: "I am always thinking of you and praying to Krishna when you will be relieved and join us again. Your hospitalization is an opportunity. Simply go on chanting and think of Krishna always."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters


1971 September 28: "He is yet to learn a little more. Unless one is in our line of thought it is very difficult to translate nicely. He may associate with us and it will take some time to come to the perfectional stage."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters


1972 September 28: "I am very much distressed why this business is not yet settled up. I sent him there and he was silent and went away. Now both of you go there immediately. Try to get bank loan and keep me informed daily."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters



1972 September 28: "I very much enjoyed the photos of the new deities that I have entrusted to you. Krsna is giving facility as much as He is pleased. As long as the Deities are pleased by your service, everything will operate very smoothly in your temple activities."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

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H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Tuesday, September 28th, 2010


The Natural Crave




Toronto, Ontario



It was to be a casual time after a wonderful meal at the home of a gracious couple. Well, that it turned out to be. It was question and answer time for the twenty guests there this evening.



One young woman who read that all you need is Divine Love and everything will happen for you. She tried it for eight months, following a routine hoping for that Divine Love to come. She carried on working on developing spiritually. However, she expressed some disappointment at not achieving other goals.



“I want a soul mate. I want a family, a house, some things. I would like some magic to happen,” she said. I did not sense that she was greedy in the least. These were only natural, biological and social needs, which is not alien to 99% of us. She was merely voicing what is ‘human nature’.



That want of hers sparked a rather incredible roll of remarks from the group and she was personally asking me how to address her needs. I did volunteer to respond and suggested that there might be a need to push for more social interaction in order to find the right person and the right situation. I told of how I had traveled for six summers on a youth bus tour with young men and women and how I had seen five couples form out of that event. The environment was devotional. Krishna was the centre.



I further sensed that most of the room was occupied with the same natural craving. The general mood was “I really want to get settled down.” I did not anticipate that discussions would go in this direction but they did. I saw in the room a group of very sincere people who have been practicing bhakti yoga for some time but who were wanting a real relationship with Krishna as well as with a mortal.




It was a very stimulating conversation and I must admit I feel deeply for these people whose intention is to be spiritual and yet not become monastic persons.



When the gathering dissolved due to time wearing itself on, I trekked a good hour form Yonge and Eglinton back to my room in the temple ashram and in my mind I was hoping and wishing all these great people well on their journey. I also appealed to Krishna hoping that some inspiration came to them from the words I delivered on His behalf.



5 KM

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H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Monday, September 27th, 2010



A Call of Alarm



Toronto, Ontario



Somewhere between morning and evening walks today I received a call from someone from Vancouver who was on some level of distress. I asked, “How can I help you?”



“I’m concerned about something that’s happening on facebook. People are talking about atheism; they are promoting it. They are also making fun about eating babies. They are joking about it. There is this person who’s a popular atheist and people are practically worshipping him as if he’s God.”



When the caller made this last point I thought, “I guess they are not hard core , defying the very meaning of atheism.” But going back to the caller’s concern I agreed that there is a growing popularity of this extremism. It is a scary situation. On the one hand you have religious zealots blowing up Buddha statues (referring to Taliban) and on the other hand a class of people who are sold out to extremist practices. The safest zone to be in is to be an advocate of the Divine Intelligence, give credit where He’s due and appreciate that great power above us and take a humble demeanour.



There are different genres of atheists. A general description is detailed in chapter sixteen of the Bhagavad-gita. I also expressed to the person calling that devotees of Krishna run a weekly chanting session at a campus in Pennsylvania where the president of the Athiest Society is the most enthusiastic participant in mantra meditation and brings her entire flock of members to that happening.




The type of fanatics the caller describes are of concern and it convinces me that there are divisible dynamics occurring in the world today, perhaps an ugly polarization.



“Keep offering your friendship to people. Show kindness and when they are receptive to you present the mantra of deliverance,” I suggested. Once you have the taste of that, debates on existence of a creator versus not will not be an issue.



The caller became somewhat appeased and expressed a realization about the usage of facebook. “It actually encourages impersonalism. I sometimes spend hours and get dissatisfied.”



“That’s right,” I thought.



“I’m going to spend less time at facebook,” was the remark.



“I think it’s a good idea,” I said.




12 KM

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Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: A Definition of Self-realization


Self-realization means becoming indifferent to the needs of the gross and subtle bodies and becoming serious about the activities of the self.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => SB 1.3.33

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Manorama dasa: Őszi óra átállítás 2010. október 31-én


Már most sokan keresik, hogy mikor lesz az óraátállítás. Az ő örömükre: A 2010 évi őszi (téli) óraátállítás október 31-én lesz. Ekkor hajnali 3-kor 2-re állítjuk az órát.

A Govinda Életmód Központot vezetem. Ha már az oldalamra találtál, egy izgalmas játékra invitállak. :)

Próbáld ki Te is a tanfolyamainkat ingyen! Játssz velünk! A tennivalód mindössze annyi, hogy elküldöd névvel és e-mail címmel ellátott jelentkezésedet az email címünkre: tanfolyamok@govinda.hu A jelentkezők között kisorsolunk egy 2 alkalmas indiai főzőtanfolyam- illetve egy kezdő jógatanfolyam belépőt. A nyereményeket a nyertesek a nekik megfelelő időpontokban válthatják be. :)

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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 3.1.15 Different Levels Of Duty 2005-01


SB 03.01.15_Different Levels Of Duty_2005-01 Lecture - Srimad Bhagavatam 3.1.15 Different Levels Of Duty 2005-01 New Govardhan Australia

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Dandavats.com: More Hearts Come Closer to Krsna ISKCON Prison Ministry


By Bhakti-lata Dasi

I was just listening to a Prabhupada lecture today and he was reiterating that if one spend one hour rendering devotional service, his life is a success, but that even if one spends millions of lifetimes in material life, there is no gain

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Dandavats.com: ISKCON Kanpur is under flood water


By Madhavendu das

ISKCON Kanpur and thousands of the surrounding villages are affected by flood it has brought damage and suffering to ISKCON Kanpur. Prasadam is being cooked last three days in great inconvenience

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Dandavats.com: Yamuna’s raise to embrace Vrindavan



By Lakshman das

This year, Yamuna wanted to kiss Vrindavan with no miss. She swelled and swelled and expanded her reaches to embrace Vraja as much as she could. When alarm bells rang, those graced her ways dwelling on her sides moved on to safe elevations fearing her overflowing tears of love

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Dandavats.com: The Stars of Reincarnation: From Raghava to Ratnavali


By Abhaya Mudra Dasi

Let us glance at the astro-data of Raghava das Brahmachary and Ratnavali devi dasi. From the correlations between them, we will see that these two are in fact the same person who has transmigrated from one body to the next

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Dandavats.com: The Diary of Ratnavali Devi Das


By Patita Pavana das Adhikary

I have remembrance of my last past life as a brahmachary named Raghava das. This has come about through a sequence of dreams that were later found to be real of events in the life and death of Raghava, as confirmed by those that knew him. His post mortem injuries and my birth marks, scars and illnesses all correlate

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H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: Ramayana Day 5, Vraja, Pensylvania, USA



Transcription : Ranga Radhika Dasi, Bhaktin Ramola, Shyama-Mohini Dasi, Sacikumar Dasa, Ramananda Raya Dasa Editing : Hemavati Radhika Dasi THE FOLLOWING IS A CLASS GIVEN BY HIS HOLINESS BHAKTI CHARU SWAMI ON THURSDAY JULY 1ST 2010, AT THE NORTH AMERICAN RETREAT, VRAJ, PENNSYLVANIA (RAMAYAN DAY 5) Paramahamsa Parivrajakacarya Asatotara Sri Sriman AbhayaCaranaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada [...]

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H.H. Prahladananda Swami: Lecture – SB 9.11.26 Lord Ramachandra didn’t have an iPad – Video


Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 9, Chapter 11, Text 26 titled “Lord Ramachandra didn’t have an iPad”

Dallas, TX

2010-07-08

Srimad Bhagavatam 9.11.26

asikta-margam gandhodaih

karinam mada-sikaraih

svaminam praptam alokya

mattam va sutaram iva

TRANSLATION

During the reign of Lord Ramacandra, the streets of the capital, Ayodhya, were sprinkled with perfumed water and drops of perfumed liquor, thrown about by elephants from their trunks. When the citizens saw the Lord personally supervising the affairs of the city in such opulence, they appreciated this opulence very much.

PURPORT

We have simply heard about the opulence of Rama-rajya during the reign of Lord Ramacandra. Now, here is one example of the opulence of the Lord’s kingdom. The streets of Ayodhya were not only cleaned but also sprinkled with perfumed water and drops of perfumed liquor, which were distributed by elephants through their trunks. There was no need of sprinkling machines, for the elephant has a natural ability to suck water through its trunk and again throw it out in a shower. We can understand the opulence of the city from this one example: it was actually sprinkled with perfumed water. Moreover, the citizens had the opportunity to see the Lord personally supervising the affairs of the state. He was not a sleeping monarch, as we can understand from His activities in sending His brothers to see to affairs outside the capital and punish anyone who did not obey the emperor’s orders. This is called dig-vijaya. The citizens were all given facilities for peaceful life, and they were also qualified with appropriate attributes according to varnasrama. As we have seen from the previous chapter, varnasrama-gunanvitah: the citizens were trained according to the varnasrama system. A class of men were brahmanas, a class of men were kshatriyas, a class were vaisyas, and a class were sudras. Without this scientific division, there can be no question of good citizenship. The King, being magnanimous and perfect in His duty, performed many sacrifices and treated the citizens as His sons, and the citizens, being trained in the varnasrama system, were obedient and perfectly ordered. The entire monarchy was so opulent and peaceful that the government was even able to sprinkle the street with perfumed water, what to speak of other management. Since the city was sprinkled with perfumed water, we can simply imagine how opulent it was in other respects. Why should the citizens not have felt happy during the reign of Lord Ramacandra.

SB 09.11.26_Lord Ramachandra Didn’t Have An IPad_2010-07-08

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H.H. Sivarama Swami: On the occasion of Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in the USA


let us meditate on what it means to put His Divine Grace in the centre of our lives

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Ananda Subramanian, Iowa, USA: Approaching Ayodhya





I have not been following the verdict on Ayodhya temple and Babur mosque issue in the land of Ayodhya, India. The verdict on the Ayodhya issue I believe is today. I am not aware of the full details that encircle the political problem and the current verdict. I have read and heard sentiments being hurt on both sides. Surely, this is a sensitive and sentimental affair.



I remember when I was in high school, the demolition of the Babur mosque took place and as a result there were huge riots with people killing each other. It was party time for politicians who instigate such violent acts in the name of “dharma” or protecting religion. Since then, the Hindu-Muslim divide has only gotten deeper. The mainstream Hindus accept Ayodhya as an iconic and sacred symbol representing their values, culture and heritage. The mainstream Muslims argue the same, thus the ill feelings between both parties.



Ayodhya is not a material idea. By material, I mean, it is not bound by time and geography. It is not represented by brick and mortar. When we argue over brick and mortar, we bring Ayodhya to the mundane plane thus defiling and spoiling its purity. Gold is gold regardless of dirt covering it. Whether there is a mosque or shopping mall, Ayodhya retains its significance as a sacred symbol because Ayodhya is spiritual not constricted by material elements. After all, this body we are occupying will also be demolished one day. Does that mean we cease to exist? Just because the temple was demolished and now a mosque built, does it mean Ram or His Ayodhya Dham does not exist? The external representation made of material elements will eventually fade away with time. This is the law of nature and desired by Lord Ram Himself. Why are we lamenting and fighting over destruction of brick and mortar? Therefore, instead of fighting over the deteriorating body (temple) made of material elements, we should worry about reviving our original Ram Consciousness by chanting His Holy Names. This is the will of Sri Ram.



Today, however, the Hindus who claim to follow Sri Ram and protect Ayodhya are not able to distinguish material from spiritual. As a result they feel pain to see a temple being demolished. They think that their religion is blasphemed due to the presence of Muslims. This type of material sentiment is the reason we have killings in the name of “religion”. Unfortunately, this so-called religious sentiment is anything but spiritual or pure.



Lord Sri Ram is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is Sat Chit Ananda. His abode, paraphernalia and His devotees are all Sat Chit and Ananda. He is seated in everyone’s heart as the Supersoul or Paramatma. He knows each and every individual’s motivation and desires. No one can cheat Him or flatter Him. He is beyond the dualities of this world. Along with Sri Ram accompanies His eternal consort, abode and pastimes and that includes Ayodhya Dham. The Dham of Ayodhya can be realized within everyone’s heart provided we are ready to surrender to the will of Lord Ram. When Mother Sita was kidnapped by Ravan, Lord Ram went in search of Sita. Lord Ram fought the war as a last resort as Ravan was adamant and demoniac. Even during the war when Lord Ram was about to kill Ravan, Ram gave a last chance to Ravan by awarding one day respite. However, Ravan was too foolish to surrender to the will of Ram. The message is that we can fight like Ram or Arjuna only if we are completely on the transcendental platform devoid of false-ego. Otherwise, we have to take the humble position and tolerate the dualities of life.



If Hindus are really and genuinely following their dharma, then they should approach Ayodhya in the mood of Sat Chit and Ananda. They should approach Ayodhya as tiny little jivatmas (atomic spirit) in utter dependence on Sri Ram (Paramatma). They should approach Ayodhya with a desire to give up bodily designations that give rise to lust, greed, anger, pride, illusion and envy and serve Sri Ram in complete devotion just like Lord Hanuman. One who is on this transcendental platform are only qualified to fight.




The true temple of Ayodhya and the dham of Ayodhya are eternal and visible to the eyes of the pure devotees of the Lord who are eternally situated at the Lotus Feet of Ram and serving Him in pure love and devotion. For such pure souls, they see Ayodhya everywhere and in everything. They are never separated from Ayodhya.



If Hindus are really and truly Ayodhya conscious, then the correct method of approaching the Ayodhya issue is not by fighting for it externally by restoring bricks and mortar but fighting for it internally by cultivating bhakti with determination. By desiring to control the mind and senses and execute the will of Ram in Bhakti, in doing so, they will never be separated from Ayodhya whether it is a mosque or even the destruction of one’s own material body.



Hare Krishna

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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: 87



www.sdgonline.org. SDGonline Daily updates

2:51 A.M.

From Namamrta by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada:

“The holy name protects one from danger and fear:

“[Sukadeva Goswami to King Pariksit]: My dear King, wherever people in any position perform their occupational duties of devotional service by chanting and hearing, there cannot be any danger from bad elements. Therefore there was no need for anxiety about Gokula while the Supreme Personality of Godhead was personally present.”



“Everyone is thus advised to seek shelter in the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra and remain engaged in his own occupational duty. There is no loss in this, and the gain is tremendous. Even from a material point of view, everyone should take to chanting the Hare Krishna mantra to be saved from all kinds of danger. This world is full of danger (padam padam yad vipadam). Therefore we should be encouraged to chant the Hare Krishna mantra so that in our family, society, neighborhood and nation, everything will be smooth and free from danger. (Srimad-Bhagavatam 10.6.3)

“When chanting the maha-mantra, we are completely safe, even in this most dangerous position. We should always be aware that in this material world, we are always in a dangerous position. In this world, there is danger at every step. The devotees of the Lord, however, are not meant to remain in this miserable, dangerous place. Therefore we should take care to advance in Krishna consciousness while in this human form. Then our happiness is assured.” (The Path of Perfection)

It is interesting that Prabhupada says chanting Hare Krishna protects us from material fears even in the temporary material world. Ultimately we are protected because we leave this material world, where there is danger at every step, and we go back to Godhead where there is no fear at all and no danger. But even while in the material world, a chanter of Hare Krishna gets the Lord’s protection and is free from danger. The Hare Krishna mantra is an all-around protector, and we should understand it in this way. We should chant Hare Krishna in any dangerous situation we find ourselves in, such as a car accident or danger from aggressive criminals, wartime, etc. And ultimately, even when we cannot be spared danger because the material world is so constructed as to bring us danger, we should chant for the ultimate relief, liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Chanting makes one free from fear in all situations.

This morning I woke very early and got up from bed at 11:30 P.M. Since it was too early to start a new day’s chanting, I wrote a half-hour writing session. Then, starting at a quarter after twelve, I began my japa. My head remained clear, and I was able to chant consecutively all sixteen rounds before 2:30 A.M. I chanted with attention and without diverting the mind to other subjects. It was somewhat mechanical, but in a good sense, running the machinery of the tongue and whispering. We have our instruments to make the sound of Hare Krishna mantra, and if that can be called mechanical, it is not necessarily a bad thing. But we should not chant mechanical in the sense of doing it without any thought content. That is not good. We should try to put feeling and prayer and thought in our chanting. The different categories of Namamrta are helpful for daily meditation such as the one this morning that tells us the holy name protects us from danger and fear. One can meditate on that while chanting, and I did so today.

The world is a fearful

place and even in America,

there is fear from terrorist

acts, crime on the street,

and suffering from poverty.

At any moment one can

die in his brand new car,

or be burned to death in

his new home, or swept

away with all his dear

ones and belongings in an

earthquake or hurricane.

Thus the Bhagavatam says,

padam padam, at every

step there is danger.

But the vast ocean of

material life can be

shrunk up to the size of

a calf’s hoof in the mud,

if one takes shelter of Govinda.

The best way to do this

in the present age is by

chanting His holy names,

the one great quality

in this ocean of vice

and danger. Let us

chant Hare Krishna and

be at peace.

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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: Prabhupada Smaranam


www.sdgonline.org. SDGonline Daily updates

One Hundred Prabhupada Poems, (#44)

“Prabhupada, this morning I read

your purport to api cet su-duracaro.

I intended to read only the verse,

wanted a darsana with Lord Krishna.

(Thought it would be more mystical and

prayer-like to read only the verse.

But I read your purport and I’m glad.)

You’ve engaged the whole man, body,

mind, intellect and soul. O wamt

darsana of Krishna through you.

“You want us to keep our vision

in Goloka but our feet on the ground–


so we can answer people’s questions

subdue our own doubts.

It’s mystical too, the mercy of

Lord Krishna—when our intelligence

stays fixed and we follow you

in your purports.

“As if for the first time I read

about conditional and constitutional natures—

and how Lord Krishna forgives the devotee

when he makes a mistake.

Who would miss these words?

“No one should take advantage

of this verse and commit nonsense

and think he is still a devotee.”

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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: Poem from Under Dark Stars


www.sdgonline.org. SDGonline Daily updates

1.

The UDS poems develop
more the theme of patients
(subpersons) in a sanitorium.
The lead voice gets head-
aches and complains of fragility
and can’t endure long meetings
with people. It’s a pretty
clear poem, but maybe I
can add to it.
2.

Here is the poem:
read more from SDGonline - daily updates Viraha Bhavan journal

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H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: Journal Preaching


www.sdgonline.org. SDGonline Daily updates

Free Write

I turned at random to Srimad Bhagavatam Canto One, Chapter Ten, verse 36:

“On His journey through these provinces He was welcomed, worshiped and given various presentations. In the evening, in all places, the Lord suspended His journey to perform evening rites. This was regularly observed after sunset.”

This verse describes Lord Krishna’s travels through various provinces on His way home to His capital of Dvaraka. Wherever He went He was given gifts. It is mentioned that He stopped His journey after sunset to observe religious rites. This means that the Supreme Lord was acting like a human being and following religious codes for purification. As the Supreme Lord He did not have to stop to perform these rites, but He acted in a way others would follow. If Krishna didn’t act according to the rulings of the revealed scriptures, the common people might go wrong.

He acts according to the duty of everyone but when He does something extraordinary, that is not to be imitated by the living being. It is not possible to follow His mountain-lifting or His dancing with the gopis. Therefore in all matters one should consult with the spiritual master, and the path of progress will be assured.

You are comfortable in your sanatorium, even though you get multiple headaches daily. You are able to chant your japa every morning. Baladeva read at breakfast about Ramacandra Puri criticizing Lord Caitanya and influencing Him to cut His eating in half. When Ramacandra Puri left Nilacala, it was like a great rock had been lifted off the heads of the devotees. They returned to their normal eating and chanting of Hare Krishna. Ramacandra Puri insulted his spiritual master, Madhavendra Puri, when he was passing away from the world, and he was thus punished to become an offender. Isvara Puri rendered intimate service to his guru at the end and received the benefit of becoming a great Vaisnava. I have rendered some service but also made blunders before Prabhupada, and I don’t know what the result of it all in Krishna’s eyes.

In my late years I am definitely slowing down in outward preaching except for my daily journal. The French radical philosopher and writer Voltaire was called “the fabulous invalid” because he was plagued with illness, yet he continued to lead a creative, prolific life. I would like to do more writing and be able to go deeply and originally. Now is the time to do it. Each month that you do not make progress is an irrevocable loss. I want to be a “fabulous invalid.”

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ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Srila Prabhupada Memories Movie Night - TODAY!


We are currently celebrating the Maha-Mantra week at ISKCON Toronto! This festival celebrates the arrival of Srila Prabhupada to the west in 1965. This was a very significant movement as his arrival to the US began the Hare Krishna movement which began at a small storefront in New York and today has grown to numerous temples around the world.



We thought what better way to honour Srila Prabhupada than to watch movies about him and the Hare Krishna movement! Join us this Thursday as we watch a movie about Srila Prabhupada with popcorn and juice and a small surprise :)!



The movie will be played from 6:30pm - 8:00pm and will be in the temple room.



Hope to see you there!



Also, check out how we are doing on our Japa Challenge of collectively chanting 45,000 rounds! (Updated at 1:45pm EST)




fundraisers





Rest of the events for the coming week are:



* Harinam in Yorkville TOMORROW (Friday, 6:30pm) - Buckle up, and join us for a happening friday evening, singing to your hearts content and sharing the message of Lord Caitanya with the passersby!



* 12-hour Kirtan (GRAND FINALE) (Saturday, 9am - 9pm) - 12 hours of complete immersion in the powerful soul stirring kirtans! Stay tuned for the schedule of kirtan leaders!



Also, don't forget to join in our daily morning conference calls for the last few days!

Daily from 7:15-7:25am.

Toll-free dial-in: 1-800-617-7801,

Conference code: 6833446





Hope that you can join us for the last few events of the Maha-Mantra week!
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Australian News: News from Hare Krishna Valley… Clearing the Deck… (Aniruddha style)


We had another successful home programme in Geelong on Friday night which was attended by around 20 guests who enthusiastically chanted Hare Krishna and listened to a lecture about the importance of accepting a spiritual master in devotional life. We then chanted 1 round of the Hare Krishna Mantra together on meditation beads, and enjoyed a feast of Krishna prasadam.

We spent most of the week cleaning up around the farm, getting rid of many unwanted things which have been accumulated over the years. We removed some of the old hot water systems, which had never been disconnected from the ashram buildings. While we were working, different guests drove onto the property to see what we are about. Since we erected our new signs out the front of Hare Krishna Valley, people regularly pay us a visit, being curious to see what we do on the farm.

Below is a picture of some of the nice guests we received this week.

We look forward to speaking to you again next week.

Until then, I remain yours in the service of Srila Prabhupada.

Keshava Dasa.

See the web site for more information

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Australian News: Brisbane prasadam restaurants….beyond vegetarianism, way beyond.


Govinda’s Restaurant is a pure vegetarian Hare Krishna Restaurant run by ISKCON Brisbane and situated at 99 Elizabeth Street, Brisbane.

At Govindas the devotees serve an all you can eat menu of hot rice, dhal, sabji, pappadums, koftas, chutney, samosas, salad, hot halava and thirst quenching drinks. The restaurant is very popular with business people, students and devotees alike.

The hours of operation are

Mon – Thurs 11 am to 3 pm (all you can eat)

Evening Menu 5 pm to 7.30 pm ($12 per meal)

Friday 11am to 8.30pm (all you can eat)

Saturdays 11 am to 2.30 pm (all you can eat)

A Sunday Feast is also held at the restaurant every first sunday of the month which begins at 5 pm and includes kirtan class and feast.

Govinda’s Stones Corner

At Stones Corner

Shop 3/302 Logan Rd, Stones Corner

Open Monday to Saturday 11.00am-2.30pm

Thursday/Friday 5pm-7.30pm

Govinda‘s West End

82 Vulture St. West End (upstairs-above Perfect Potion)

Open Monday – Saturday 11.30 am – 2.00 pm

Visit Govinda’s restaurant & cafes web site: www.brisbanegovindas.com.au




You can download the catering menu and check out the web site here.

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Australian News: Ladies and Gentlemen, Roll Up Roll Up for the Greatest Show on Earth The Harnam Sankirtan Grassroots Revolution (where’s yours?)



Ladies and Gentlemen, please let me have your attention. Here for the second time in Sydney, direct from Goloka Vrindavan, we present for your eternal spiritual benefit The HOLY Name by The Harinam Sankirtan EXPERIENCE…..

CRANK UP THE VOLUME….. (in your mind)

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Akrura das, Gita Coaching: EVERY DAY QUESTIONS


We may ask ourselves these four questions every day to gain more clarity, motivation, action and results:

1. What do I want to do?
2. Why do I want to do it?
3. How will I do it?
4. When will I do it?

Or we may say - four words: what, why, how and when.

First question helps us gain clarity about our goals.
Second questions is about our motivation or how strong is our desire.
Third question is about making an inspiring plan of action.
Fourth question asks us for a deadline or when we will start taking action.

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Gauranga Kishore das,USA: Radhanath Swami on the Dennis Miller show



Check it out here.
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Yoga of Ecology, Bhakta Chris, USA: ISCOWP Update Aug-Mid Sept 2010



Click here for the latest update from our friends at the International Society For Cow Protection (ISCOWP)

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The Loft, Auckland, NZ: Spanish Bhagavad Gita Class


Spanish Bhagavad Gita Class

Every Thursday 6pm
$ 8 incl. Dinner and desert

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The Loft, Auckland, NZ: Movie Night - First and third Tuesday each month


Movie Night

First and third Tuesday each month

$ 8 incl. Dinner and Desert

start 5.45 pm
Tuesday 5th of October

Title of the next Movie is
`blue gold`

Award-winning featured documentary narrated by Malcolm McDowell. Global Warming is an issue of ‘how’ we live, the water crisis is an issue of ‘if’ we live.

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The Loft, Auckland, NZ: Cooking class Dates and Times


Cooking Class Dates and Times

Friday the 15th of October
Friday the 19th of November

Start 4 pm until 8 pm

You prepare what you eat.

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ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Gangesvara Prabhu


Srimad Bhagavatam 11.25.1

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Gouranga TV: Kirta, Rupanuga Das


Kirtan, Rupanuga Das, Washington DC

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Srila Prabhupada's Letters


1972 September 28: "I am especially interested in your college program. Lead the students gradually into Krsna Consciousness. The universities are freely allowing us to reside on campus, this is a very good sign."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

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