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"Planet ISKCON" - 44 new articles
- H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Wednesday 28 September 2011--From Denmark to Finland to Estonia--and--Are the Vedas Mythology?
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: WHAT ABOUT MY MIND?
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: GRHASTHA VISION TEAM FOR SPIRITUAL FAMILY LIFE
- H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Photos from summer bus tour July - August 2011
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: ASK
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: GITA COACHING: Excellent Questions for Excellent Life
- H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Monday, September 26th, 2011
- H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Photos from Sept 22-26, 2011 - Broadway, Halifax, Pictou, Melville, New Glasgow,Tatamagouche - Nova Scotia
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: DISCRIMINATORY POWER
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: EASY JOURNEY TO THE ANTI-MATERIAL PLANETS
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: 18 INSTRUCTIONS FOR DEVELOPING REAL KNOWLEDGE
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: PASS THE TEST
- Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: the plan of the Lord
- Nityananda Chandra Das, Dallas TX: TEXAS FAITH 50: Is it ever right to divorce a spouse with Alzheimers?
- Kurma dasa, AU: Baklava
- Jahnavi, UK: Let's Talk.
- Dandavats.com: Self-aggrandizement is Not Krishna Consciousness
- Krishna Lounge, LA, USA: A Brave New World
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- New Vrndavan, USA: Palace Restoration Committee Minutes July 9th, 2011
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- New Vrndavan, USA: CVPT Group Discussion Tuesday 27 September 5:30 pm
- ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Bhaktimarga Swami Featured in Article from the East Coast!
- H.H. Sivarama Swami: Connection between reality and illusion
- H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Sunday, September 25th, 2011
- Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Lecture - Nityananda Prabhu - SB 9.10.3 - Rama Navami
- H.H. Sivarama Swami: If Krsna says he protects the fame of his devotees, why does infamy stain both devotees and the Movement?
- Japa Group: Please Join The Japa Group
- Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: “Separation of Church and Steak” by Madan Oppenheimer
- ISKCON Malaysia: Humbling the Devotees at Tapah Ratha Yatra
- Dandavats.com: A Tribute To Gopiparanadhan Prabhu
- Dandavats.com: ISKCON Vraj Mandala Parikrama 2011 (Silver Jubilee Parikrama)
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Darshan
- Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: Temporary and miserable world
- Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: Beggar or Director - a book for everyone
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Kesava Prabhu
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Gopa-Vrndesa Prabhu
- Gouranga TV: Sacinandana Swami – 24 Hour Hare Krishna Kirtan at New Vrajamandala
- More Recent Articles
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H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Wednesday 28 September 2011--From Denmark to Finland to Estonia--and--Are the Vedas Mythology?
•Akrura das, Gita Coaching: WHAT ABOUT MY MIND?
•
Akrura das, Gita Coaching: GRHASTHA VISION TEAM FOR SPIRITUAL FAMILY LIFE
www.vaisnavafamilyresources.org
•H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Photos from summer bus tour July - August 2011
•Akrura das, Gita Coaching: ASK
•Akrura das, Gita Coaching: GITA COACHING: Excellent Questions for Excellent Life
•H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Monday, September 26th, 2011
•H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Photos from Sept 22-26, 2011 - Broadway, Halifax, Pictou, Melville, New Glasgow,Tatamagouche - Nova Scotia
•Akrura das, Gita Coaching: DISCRIMINATORY POWER
•Akrura das, Gita Coaching: EASY JOURNEY TO THE ANTI-MATERIAL PLANETS
•Akrura das, Gita Coaching: 18 INSTRUCTIONS FOR DEVELOPING REAL KNOWLEDGE
•Akrura das, Gita Coaching: PASS THE TEST
This is further proof of the Lord's mercy toward His devotee.
The Supreme Personality of Godhead sometimes puts a devotee to severe tests that are almost unbearable.
One could hardly even live under the conditions forced upon Bali Maharaja.
That Bali Maharaja endured all these severe tests and austerities is the mercy of the Supreme Lord.
The Lord certainly appreciates the devotee's forbearance, and it is recorded for the future glorification of the devotee.
This was not an ordinary test.
Hardly anyone could survive such a test, but for the future glorification of Bali Maharaja, one of the mahajanas, the Supreme Personality of Godhead not only tested him but also gave him the strength to tolerate such adversity.
The Lord is so kind to His devotee that when severely testing him the Lord gives him the necessary strength to be tolerant and continue to remain a glorious devotee.
So what is the test that Bali Maharaja passed?
Although bereft of his riches, fallen from his original position, defeated and arrested by his enemies, rebuked and deserted by his relatives and friends, although suffering the pain of being bound and although rebuked and cursed by his spiritual master, Bali Maharaja, being fixed in his vow, did not give up his truthfulness. ... He did not give up religious principles, for he is true to his word.
•Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: the plan of the Lord
SB 1.9.16 text:
O King, no one can know the plan of the Lord [Sri Krsna]. Even though great philosophers inquire exhaustively, they are bewildered.
>From Srila Prabhupada's purport:
...since time immemorial no one, including such demigods as Siva and Brahma, could ascertain the real plan of the Lord. So what can we understand about it? It is useless also to inquire about it. Even the exhaustive philosophical inquiries of sages cannot ascertain the plan of the Lord. The best policy is simply to abide by the orders of the Lord without argument.
•Nityananda Chandra Das, Dallas TX: TEXAS FAITH 50: Is it ever right to divorce a spouse with Alzheimers?
Dallas Morning News,
Each week we will post a question to a panel of about two dozen clergy, laity and theologians, all of whom are based in Texas or are from Texas. They will chime in with their responses to the question of the week. And you, readers, will be able to respond to their answers through the comment box.
When Christian broadcaster Pat Robertson told a caller on his TV show that a married man dating another woman because his wife was suffering from Alzheimer's "should divorce and start all over," it caused a predictable reaction. Even his co-host reminded Robertson that couples vow to remain together "for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer." But Robertson did not back off: "I hate Alzheimer's. It is one of the most awful things because, here is a loved one, this is the woman or man that you have loved for 20, 30, 40 years, and suddenly, that person is gone. They're gone. They are gone." Alzheimer's, he said, "is a kind of death." And he said he would not put a "guilt trip on someone who divorced for such a reason."
What to make of this? Conservative Christian leaders were swift to condemn Robertson's remarks. But as the New York Times reported, many doctors and patient advocates had a more complex response - some suggesting that he had broached an important subject, how spouses and other family members of dying patients can prevent their lives from being engulfed and start to move on.
How do we reconcile the practical and moral conflicts in Robertson's advice? Is it ever right to divorce a spouse suffering from Alzheimer's? What is the morally acceptable thing for people who develop new relationships while caring for a spouse in the last stages of Alzheimer's?
Our Texas Faith panel weighs in with some provocative, and often surprising, answers on a very difficult issue.
What is the eye of exploitation? It is when we view others as objects of enjoyment, thinking "what can this person do for me?" Because in America we do not have a God conscious culture rather we have a iGod conscious culture we cannot have steady relationships. As soon as person is no longer useful for the others gratification there is divorce. Whereas in India there is a remnant of spiritual culture remaining. Marriage is held together by the sense of duty. That I have a duty to God, society, and saints to properly uphold the marriage institution. Therefore I am duty bound to protect and care for my spouse, regardless of how difficult it is. Such duty is purifying for our heart and produces spiritual realizations.
Life is meant for shreyas, working for ones ultimate good, rather than preyas, instant gratification. Living a life for your own gratification only produces dissatisfaction. On a side note one who at the age of 80, at the door step of death should not seek additional relationships but rather should marry themselves to God.
Only that person who is ready to renounces everything (home, wealth) to work for the highest good is permitted renounce family ties and thus be a sannyasi.
"A person who is not disturbed by the incessant flow of desires -- that enter like rivers into the ocean, which is ever being filled but is always still -- can alone achieve peace, and not the man who strives to satisfy such desires." -Bhagavad Gita As It Is 2.70
•Kurma dasa, AU: Baklava
Jenny G from Milsons Point in Sydney wrote: "Hello Kurma, I am a great fan of your work. Can you share a recipe for Baklava with me?"
My reply: Yes!
Turkish Nut Pastries in Syrup (Baklava)
Baklava is probably one of the best known of all Middle Eastern sweets. In this delightful version of Turkish origin, sheets of buttered wafer-thin filo pastry are layered with nuts and baked; then they're soaked in a lemon and orange-blossom flavoured sugar and honey syrup.
Preparation & cooking time: about 1 hour 5 minutes Baklava soaking time: overnight, or at least 2 hours Makes: about 18 large pieces
Pastries 450g (1 pound) filo pastry (about 30 sheets) 250g (9 ounces) unsalted butter, melted 250g (9 ounces) finely chopped walnuts (or almonds, pistachios, or a combination) 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder ¼ cup sugar
Syrup 1¼ cups sugar 1 cups water 2 tablespoons lemon juice ¼ cup honey 1 tablespoon orange-blossom water (available at Middle Eastern grocers)
Butter a 28cm x 18cm (11-inch x 7-inch) tin. If necessary, cut the pastry the size of the tin.Place one sheet of pastry on the bottom of the tin and butter it with a pastry brush. Repeat for half the pastry (about 15 sheets).
Combine the nuts, cinnamon, and sugar.
Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top layer of buttered filo pastry. Continue layering the remaining pastry on top of the nut mixture, again brushing each layer of pastry with melted butter. After the final layer of pastry is placed on top, brush it with butter.
Carefully cut the tray of pastry into diagonal diamond shapes with a sharp knife, cutting directly to the base.
Bake in a moderate oven 180°C/355°F for about 45 minutes or until the top is crisp and golden.
Combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice in a pan, stir over low heat to dissolve the sugar, and then boil for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat, add the honey, stir to dissolve, and add the orange-blossom water.
Pour the hot syrup over the cooked baklava. Let set for at least 2 hours, or for best results leave overnight for the syrup to be fully absorbed.
•Jahnavi, UK: Let's Talk.
The Hudson reminded me of the Ganges last night.
Last night I arrived in NYC again, skimming over the Hudson at sunset to touch down in the city once more.
I’ve been saying my mantra ‘I’m trying not to travel – it just keeps happening!’ Needless to say, I must not be trying very hard, because my wheels keep turning. This month I came from England straight to LA, to Joshua Tree, to Santa Barbara, to Laguna Beach, to Florida, and now back in the Big Apple. It’s all connected in an attempt to take kirtan wherever there is an enthusiasm for it, but it can sometimes feel like living in a series of trailers. Movie trailers that is, not Winnebagos. The people around me are changing all the time – the places, the pillows, the temperature. I try and stay as adaptable as I can, but it can be overwhelming at times. As soon as you adjust, you’re changing again. There are only a few constants in the midst of it all.
One is my personal sadhana – my japa meditation that I do every day. Though I sometimes struggle with time zone changes to get up early and do it first thing, and doing it on the plane is an exercise in fighting every kind of distraction possible, if I give it priority, it gives focus and spiritual strength to my life on a daily basis. The other is unfortunately, my laptop. Staying connected with the world through email, Skype, and though I hate to say it, Facebook, gives some continuity. It’s alright I suppose – a symptom of our modern age. But sometimes I worry that looking at a screen becomes easier than interacting with those around me. Sometimes you just don’t want to answer the same old questions again, or tell your life history to yet another new set of perfectly well intentioned people.
I’ve always been shy, so this is something I’ve thought about a lot in my life. What is the value of making the endeavour to connect personally? In gaining confidence, and trying to remember that my laptop and phone are just tools for genuine human exchange, it’s getting easier to realise that the true and deep connection between people is magical. Closing the email inbox and opening myself to an unexpected conversation in person has often had the most extraordinary consequences, within and without. It’s common sense, but sometimes that’s not so common.
I attribute so much of anything going right in my life to encouragement and love from others. There is a quality of energy exchange that seems to be able to transform, from the inside out. All the more so in person, as I have been experiencing lately. Though there are all too many people whose kind words are only niceties, there are also an equal amount who really mean what they say. If words took physical shape and form as they emerged, perhaps they’d be jewels.
Electric communication will never be a substitute for the face of someone who with their soul encourages another person to be brave and true. – Charles Dickens
•Dandavats.com: Self-aggrandizement is Not Krishna Consciousness
By Pusta Krishna das
Somewhere along the line, the boundary between Krishna Consciousness and narcissism has become blurred. This is not very surprising because we live in the material world with a desire to occupy the lofty and unique position of Sri Krishna Himself. Krishna, however, is ajita, undefeatable, being the Summum Bonum, the Creator of all, and the only true Enjoyer with his creation as His property
•Krishna Lounge, LA, USA: A Brave New World
Orwell & Huxley – comparison
Orwell feared those who would ban books.
Huxley feared that there would be no reason to ban a book, for there would be no one who wanted to read one.
Orwell feared that the truth would be concealed from us.
Huxley feared the truth would be drowned in a sea of irrelevance.
Orwell feared we would become a captive culture.
Huxley feared we would become a trivial culture, preoccupied with some equivalent of the feelies, the orgy porgy, and the centrifugal bumblepuppy.
In 1984, Orwell said that people are controlled by inflicting pain.
In Brave New World, people are controlled by inflicting pleasure.
In short, Orwell feared that what we fear will ruin us.
Huxley feared that pleasure will ruin us.
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1967 September 27: "By the Grace of Guru one gets Krishna and by the Grace of Krishna one gets a bonafide Guru. One minus the other is no good for the devotee. Guru and Krishna are two parallel lines on which the spiritual express runs very smoothly. Do not ever try to approach Krishna directly. Anyone who talks of Krishna without service to Guru will not be successful."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1968 September 27: "Come and live with me so you can be freed from the doubts. Sometimes Maya disturbs us but that does not mean any serious drawback. So you can come and live with me for some time, and everything will be set up."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1968 September 27: "It is by Krishna's Grace that you have gotten a job as desk clerk. This is another good news. Please continue in that job and try to organize a center perhaps our own temple of Radha Krishna which is very attractive for me at least."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1968 September 27: "By the Grace of Krishna and the Spiritual Master, the dumb man can speak like a great orator, and a lame man can cross over a great mountain. So we must have the necessary unflinching faith in Spiritual Master, and the strength will be supplied by Krishna."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968
•New Vrndavan, USA: Palace Restoration Committee Minutes July 9th, 2011
Palace committee
Minutes – Meeting July 9, 2011, 4pm to 6pm
Present:
Gaura Shakti Dasa
Gopisa Dasa
Jaya Krsna das
Malati Devi Dasi
Ramesvara Dasa
Absent: Tripad Dasa
Agenda:
1) What part of the Palace of Gold is of historic relevance?
2) Next steps
3) How to utilize the architectural work done so far by Kayafas Architects
- The members of the committee agreed that Srila Prabhupada's house is the core of the Palace with the Rose Garden and should never be removed. The later on added part towards the pond is in its form not of historic value and can be destructed.
- The following reasons request a new construction of a part of the Palace:
- Handicap facilities
- The visitors flow
- The planned content of a tour (visitor's center, multi media show, Srila Prabhupada's museum and the Palace itself)
- The desire to expand the glorification of Srila Prabhupada
- The deterioration of the materials used; it is intended to use materials which will last for centuries and not for only a few decades
- A proper design related to materials used, water drainage, mechanical infrastructure (water, electricity, AC)
- An orientation towards LEED certification
- Improved landscaping
- Parking capacities and arrangements such as cross walk
- Security issues
The committee decides that the facilities should allow having 250.000 visitors a year. The layout should easily allow dealing with an average number of visitors plus 30%.
- The followings steps have been identified for the near future:
- Get a quote from Kalkreuth for the immediate repair to gain time for a proper design and the fundraising Gopisa
- Get proposals for a new design/expansion
- o Surabhi, contacted by Jaya Krsna
- o Sadhbuja and related designers of TOVP Gaura Shakti
- o Other individuals all committee members
- Review each devotee repair by professionals in order to guarantee longevity
- 4. A Story Board to be defined for the design teams. Proposal by JKd
- General decisions:
- The main dome should be renewed.
- The main elements of the outer area should be kept.
- The fountains and lightening should be reactivated.
Gopisa will visit Kayafas Architects in order to get a proper understanding of their service related to the Palace renovation. Gaura Shakti will arrange a visit. Ramesvara will send copies of potential design for the dome.
JKd July 14, 2011
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1971 September 27: "So far your visions are concerned, that is all right but better you give your attention for hearing more. That is essential. Don't speculate in the mind; simply hear. That is the process."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1973 September 27: "I am so glad to learn you have again ordered for so many of my books. Although in the beginning we had no such opportunity, still I brought some books from India, and that was the foundation stone of our Krsna consciousness movement. So I want all our centers should give very much importance in the matter of book distribution."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1974 September 27: "I thank you very much for your prayers for my health. By your prayers and by the grace of Lord Nrsimhadeva I am recovered. So let us now go on with the spreading of this sublime cult of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu all over the world."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1975 September 27: "I am in due receipt of your letter with Greek pamphlet. This preaching work is very pleasing to me. Go on with your translation work, and Krishna will surely bless you. Thank you very much."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975
•New Vrndavan, USA: CVPT Group Discussion Tuesday 27 September 5:30 pm
Community Vision and Planning Group Discussion
Tuesday 27 September 5:30 pm Lodge
Prasadam is 5.30, discussion starts at 6.00
The Intention of the discussion is to refine our Vision Statement.
We'll review our Values Statements, Vision statements,and further refine our Vision for New Vrindavan Community.
Please come!
•ISKCON Toronto, Canada: Bhaktimarga Swami Featured in Article from the East Coast!
NEW GLASGOW – Clad in a bright orange robe and wearing sneakers, a Hare Krishna monk is walking through Pictou County this weekend as part of his fourth trip across Canada.
The Ontario-born Bhaktimarga Swami, now 53, joined the Hare Krishna in 1973 and adopted a Sanskrit name as part of his vows.
Bhaktimarga, who began his travels in Newfoundland a week ago, averages about 30 kilometres a day and camps on the side of the road, preparing his own vegetarian meals. This weekend, he plans to stay with a friend in the county and hold a ceremony welcoming a Halifax woman in to the movement before continuing on towards New Brunswick.
Click Here for Full Story
•H.H. Sivarama Swami: Connection between reality and illusion
Tomorrow Maharaja will attend a national conference on advertising at Egerszalók. We are grateful for the invitiation to our friend Ákos Szabó who is the chief organizer of this year’s conference. Its main topic this year is REALITY. Sivarama Swami is one of the speakers and he will talk about the connection between reality and illusion.
•H.H. Bhaktimarg Swami: Sunday, September 25th, 2011
Beyond the Dark
Melville to Tatamagouche
We started at 3:45 AM, very early, due to a program scheduled for 1 PM in Halifax. Karuna Sindhu from Canada, and Mirza from Bosnia both travelling the country to spread Krishna Consciousness joined me on foot to going down a black tarred road. The trees on either side were black. The sky was black. All was black except for us. We were not men in black. Our saffron stood out to any headlights coming from a moving car or pickup. We must have looked like ghosts to those motorists, but we only imagine that the odd motorist must have been freaked out. Being that it was dark, there was only the sound 'Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare'. Once light had arisen, we could see. Apples from abandoned trees kept us nourished. They are totally organic. This is God's mercy. We discovered the Cross Canada Trail and trekked on it for some time. Dr. Jal joined us. From there we rushed to Halifax for a kirtan, chanting party, at Sullivan Pond Park. Folks from a Copenhagen cruise joined us in our singing circle. Then we proceeded to chant on the McKay Bridge which spans over the Halifax Harbour. This was fun, stimulating, it was a sharing of what we know. Though our attendance was rather small, we could not be discouraged with a program that beckons song, dance and fun. Duty always rises above mental circumstance.
28 KM
•Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Lecture - Nityananda Prabhu - SB 9.10.3 - Rama Navami
Rupa Madhurya das, TX, USA: Lecture - Nityananda Prabhu - SB 9.10.3 - Rama Navami
Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 9, Chapter 10, Text 3 given by Nityananda Prabhu. This lecture was on Rama Navami - the appearance day of Lord Rama.
Dallas, TX
2011-04-12
TRANSLATION
O King Parikshit, the transcendental activities of Lord Ramacandra have been described by great saintly persons who have seen the truth. Because you have heard again and again about Lord Ramacandra, the husband of mother Sita, I shall describe these activities only in brief. Please listen.
PURPORT
Modern Rakshasas, posing as educationally advanced merely because they have doctorates, have tried to prove that Lord Ramacandra is not the Supreme Personality of Godhead but an ordinary person. But those who are learned and spiritually advanced will never accept such notions; they will accept the descriptions of Lord Ramacandra and His activities only as presented by tattva-darsis, those who know the Absolute Truth. In Bhagavad-gita (4.34) the Supreme Personality of Godhead advises:
"Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth." Unless one is tattva-darsi, in complete knowledge of the Absolute Truth, one cannot describe the activities of the Personality of Godhead. Therefore although there are many so-called Ramayanas, or histories of Lord Ramacandra's activities, some of them are not actually authoritative. Sometimes Lord Ramacandra's activities are described in terms of one's own imaginations, speculations or material sentiments. But the characteristics of Lord Ramacandra should not be handled as something imaginary. While describing the history of Lord Ramacandra, Sukadeva Gosvami told Maharaja Parikshit, "You have already heard about the activities of Lord Ramacandra." Apparently, therefore, five thousand years ago there were many Ramayanas, or histories of Lord Ramacandra's activities, and there are many still. But we must select only those books written by tattva-darsis (jnaninas tattva-darsinah), not the books of so-called scholars who claim knowledge only on the basis of a doctorate. This is a warning by Sukadeva Gosvami. Rishibhis tattva-darsibhih. Although the Ramayana composed by Valmiki is a huge literature, the same activities are summarized here by Sukadeva Gosvami in a few verses.
Download: 2011-04-12 - Nityananda Prabhu - SB 9.10.3 - Rama Navami.mp3
•H.H. Sivarama Swami: If Krsna says he protects the fame of his devotees, why does infamy stain both devotees and the Movement?
•Japa Group: Please Join The Japa Group
Please share your realisations with other devotees from around the world...simply send me an introduction email and I will be happy to make you a member:
rasa108@gmail.com
ys
Rasa Rasika dasa
•Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: “Separation of Church and Steak” by Madan Oppenheimer
Which part of “kill” don’t you understand?
Doesn’t “Thou shall not” sound like a command?
Amidst the braying and crying
You only hear your greed
Drowning out the voices
Of those on which you feed
Hurting them to help yourself
Taking care of your own hide
You have dominion over them
And you feel justified
Which part of “kill” don’t you understand?
Doesn’t “Thou shall not” sound like a command?
Chewing flesh, saving souls
Portrait of a lie
Embodiment of contradiction
ever asking why
Give it up, walk away
Turn the other cheek
The Earth shall be inherited
By the humble and meek
Which part of “kill” don’t you understand?
Doesn’t “Thou shall not” sound like a command?
Meat is Murder, God is love
Where is the connection?
Docile stare, knife blade glare
Crime escapes detection
Words of truth interpreted
Ask your fellow man
Which part of “kill” don’t you understand?
Doesn’t “Thou shall not” sound like a command?
Filed under: Cows and Environment, Poetry
•ISKCON Malaysia: Humbling the Devotees at Tapah Ratha Yatra
BY SANTI VARDHANA CAITANYA DASA
Tapah ratha yatra started with heavy rain, a residue from the Typhoon Nesat, which is wrecking havoc at Philippines. The temple priest of Sri KarumariammanTemple and Param Brahma dasa offered coconut to the sky [Lord Indra] and immediately, within five minutes, the rain subsided. The Deity, Sri Karumariamman Ambal, was so beautifully decorated that evening, and She was in most blissful self at the visit of Her beloved Elder Brothers - Sri Krishna and Balarama.
The rain - probably Her tears of joy??
Datuk M Saravanan, Federal Territories and Urban Well being Deputy Minister, came for the opening ceremony at Sri Karumariamman temple at Kg Pahang. He was at his most humble self. Datuk M Saravanan offered worship and prayed intently for some time to the Lord of the Universe - Lord Jaganatha, Baladeva and Lady Subhadra (election is coming?). He also took a second helping of Lord Jaganatha's prasadam "kesari", saying, "It is not sweet. So I can take a second." God bless him! for sponsoring the Tapah ratha yatra.
Even though it was pouring, many Tapah Indian residents braved the rain to make offerings to Lord Jaganatha. This is most encouraging as Tapah is known as the bastion of the DMK - the atheistic political movement of Tamil Nadu, in Malaysia. They have their Malaysian headquarters in this town. All this welcome for Lord Jaganatha despite only three weeks notice date given and its our first ratha yatra here.
The route wasn't very long and the chariot reached its destination at Sri Thandayuthabani Temple [Skanda] in Tapah town by 8.00 PM. The temple was filled with about 350 + guests waiting eagerly for Lord Jaganatha's darsana.
The guest of honor at the temple hall is Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon, who is the Perak State Executive Councilor - meaning a State Minister. He was immediately ushered to the Temple Office for briefing with Radha Madhavam dasa and I joined them just as Radha Madhavam Prabhu was answering the question by the Minister as to the significance of the chariot festival.
Radha Madhavam Prabu explained it very well and introduced me to the Minister and he immediately asked what is the festival's contribution to the society. I answered that the purpose is to create an awareness, especially among the youths, of the importance of living a clean, honest and disciplined life as a way to truly happy life. I explained to him
about our four regulative principles of no meat eating, no intoxication including cigarettes, no illicit sexual life and no gambling. I explained that all these teaching is based on spiritual scripture of Bhagavad Gita.
Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon immediately replied that he has a copy of Bhagavad Gita As It Is. Just at that significant moment, the elderly Temple Chairman of the Sri Thandayuthabani Temple, who was listening quietly all the time beside us, barged into the conversation saying, in English,"I want to say to you. You people don't criticize any other gods, especially in this temple."It was such an embarrassment and I looked at the good Datuk and saw that he too was embarrassed .Putting up a generous smile, I replied the Chairman that we are very decent people and do not condone such offensive speech. "No. I received phone calls to be careful of you people. That you criticize our gods." This is lost cause. Time for damage control.
Immediately I introduced Radha Madhavam Prabhu to the State Minister saying he is the son of Natesa Pillay and the son-in-law of Amesu Pillay, who are founder members of MIC. "We are a gentleman society. We never say such things", I stressed to Datuk Mah. Radha Madhavam Prabhu took the cue and explained to Datuk Mah Hang Soon that his father, Natesa Pillay, was the first Indian Exco of Perak - the first MIC State Minister in Perak.
At that, the countenance of the Minister changed to one of great respect, and looked at the Temple Chairman in askance. Again he turned to Radha Madhavam Prabhu in great respect and listened to him as he explained our Society's stance. "This is the problem of the Indians,"Radha Madhavam Prabhu concluded, "they are never united!" to which the Minister nodded in agreement.
Cornered, the Temple Chairman tried explaining that he told the caller to come to the festival and together they will monitor us. That he would control the mike system and will switch off the mike if we speak anything offensive but the man never came to him so far. Taking hold of the Chairman's hand, I assured him that he will need have no such fear as Lord Skanda is the son-in-law of Sri Krishna, being the son of His dear Sister, Mother Parvati. The Chairman and the other Committee members in the room nodded happily hearing that. "In any case, I am controlling the mike", he still defended.
On stage. after giving a short welcome speech in English, I spoke at length about how the Bhagavad Gita's scribe was Lord Ganesa. I explained the wonderful qualities of Lord Ganesa for which he was nominated by Lord Brahma to be the scribe to Sri Vyasadeva. How he sacrificed his bodily limb of the beautiful tusk to write the Bhagavad Gita when his writing instrument broke while he was executing his service. All this sacrifice of his bodily limb to write down Sri Krishna's Bhagavad Gita, so that the human society may be benefited. I humbly requested the audience to please purchase the Bhagavad Gita and study it carefully to thus make their life successful. It is a gift of Lord Ganesa, the most intelligent personality in the universe, to the human society.
After Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon's speech, Param Brahma Prabhu delivered his concluding speech thanking the temple Chairmen of Sri Karumariamman and Thandayuthabani temples with garlands. He continued speaking and had the audience in stitches and laughter. He explained that Lord Skanda would be pleased with them if they chant the holy name of Hari as mentioned in Skanda Purana. Param Brahma Prabhu then lead the guests in loud chanting of the Maha Mantra - Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare -three times, which the crowd responded with smiles and happy chanting by raising their hands above their heads.
As we got off the stage, I asked the temple Chairman, "Are you satisfied?", which he answered shyly by nodding his head and had Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon smiling at him and us happily. All of us then had a wonderful feast which the VIP's enjoyed tremendously while Radha Madhavam Prabhu explainedto Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon about the concept of karma free food - prasadam and it's benefits.
So, the Tapah Ratha Yatra is a lesson for all of us, especially preachers, about being tactful and expert, in delivering the message of Lord Caitanya. Later Param Brahma Prabhu told me a devotee had apparently criticized the Devas in that very temple and he was told to stop his speech in middle and leave the temple. This incident happened about 10-15 years ago. He also told me that the Bhagavad Gitas on the book table are all sold out, which concluded our victory.
In Nectar of Devotion, Chapter Six, Srila Rupa Goswami mentions the first ten items of devotional service.
The next set of 10 instructions, prohibitions, is listed as follows:
(1) One should rigidly give up the company of non-devotees.
(2) One should not instruct a person who is not desirous of accepting devotional service.
(3) One should notbe very enthusiastic about constructing costly temples or monasteries.
(4) One should not try to read too many books, nor should one develop the idea of earning his livelihood by lecturing on or professionally reciting Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam or Bhagavad-gītā.
(5) One should not be neglectful in ordinary dealings.
(6) One should not be under the spell of lamentation in loss or jubilation in gain.
(7) One should not disrespect the demigods.
(8) One should not give unnecessary trouble to any living entity.
(9) One should carefully avoid the various offenses in chanting the holy name of the Lord or in worshiping the Deity in the temple.
(10) One should be very intolerant toward the blasphemy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, or His devotees.
In point number (7), Srila Rupa Goswami clearly mentions that a neophyte devotee should never disrespect the Devas. Therefore any preacher criticizing the Devas is committing an offense indevotional service to Sri Krishna. Such a person is actually doing a dis-service to the sankirtana movement.
•Dandavats.com: A Tribute To Gopiparanadhan Prabhu
Radhanath Swami: I am beside myself with grief and am speechless while trying to digest the reality that His Grace Gopiparanadhana Prabhu has been taken away by Krishna. Krishna's plan is always perfect but when it manifests in the passing away of such an intimate, loving Godbrother as Gopiparanadhana Prabhu it is painful. But our solace is in our deep confidence that he has attained the ultimate perfection of life, entrance into Radha Giridhari's eternal lila
•Dandavats.com: ISKCON Vraj Mandala Parikrama 2011 (Silver Jubilee Parikrama)
Lakshman (das) Vrindavan (IN): Vraj Mandal Parikrama is an annual event held in the Kartik / Damodar month (October-November) which provides an opportunity for devotees from any corner of the world to circumambulate Vrindavana, the Lord's holy abode and favourite pastime place
•ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Darshan
Here is today's darshan.
•Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: Temporary and miserable world
Last evening near Yonge and College close to when I was about to give up, I saw a really tall lady and I thought she wont see me. To my surprise she cut across the pathway to come speak with me. I explained to her how I was sharing knowledge on meditation and showed her a picture of Srila Prabhupada. Suddenly her calm face changed and tears fell from her eyes onto her shirt - I actually saw them fall. Upon my inquiry she explained that she was just going through a very emotional situation minutes ago and this was just what she needed. She was appreciative of the content and told me she had no money but would go to her car and get some. I thought now she won't return and was timing myself but she did return and took books. She got all our program details and said she would visit us. Later on I was thinking how bleak is material life - you shed tears and there is so much pain. I asked her to chant Gauranga and. Explained to her that it was a name of God that gave all happiness. Whole experience reminded me of a bhajan by Bhakti Vinod Thakur :
māyā-jāle baddha ho 'ye, ācho miche kāja lo 'ye,
ekhona cetana pe'ye, 'rādhā-mādhav' nām bolo re
You are bound up in the network of Maya and are forced to toil fruitlessly. Now you have obtained full consciousness in the human form of life, so chant the names of Radha-Madhava.
•Toronto Sankirtan Team, CA: Beggar or Director - a book for everyone
At university of Toronto a lady went past me and then returned curious to know what it was that I was selling. I told her I am not selling but sharing knowledge on yoga and meditation. Showing her a picture of Srila Prabhupada I explained to her what the science of self realization was all about. She said she was wanting to get more into all this and happily gave a donation. As she was leaving I asked her what was she studying on campus. She replied she wasn't a student but the director of health and nutrition for university of Toronto. I told her then the well being of students is in her hand and she should definitely use these books to that end. It makes me realize how these books are meant for the everyone - I have had beggars beg and collect laxmi to buy them at at same time a director in a prestigious university has appreciation for it. A book for everyone - all glories to Srila Prabhupada for such exemplary books !
•ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Kesava Prabhu
Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.1 - The original Personality of Godhead is Krsna who eternally resides in Goloka Vrndavana (govindam adi-purusam tam aham bhajami).
•ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Gopa-Vrndesa Prabhu
Bhagavatam class given on September 26, 2011
Srimad Bhagavatam 1.2.34 - Krsna is all attractive & when He comes to this material world, He attracts everyone (karsati iti krsna).
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