| "Progressing in Spiritual Life" seminar given by HH. Bhaktividya Purna Swami at ISKCON Brisbane in 2011  One thing that's very clear is the relationship between endeavor and result. You do something and then you get a result. The first point is that no results come without an endeavor. There is this idea that by doing nothing, or by giving minimal effort, we will get some amazing results, and that's false. If you just buy this one kind of deodorant and walk down the street then 10-20 girls will come running after you. Does that make sense? But if you really think about it, you have your house, you have plenty of money, you dress nicely, you're socially situated, and it's still hard to get even one woman to run after you. Despite that, they'll present that you simply have to buy this can of deodorant. Why that works is another topic: the first potency of Maya. Maya has two potencies, the covering and the throwing. Covering means that whatever situation you're in you'll think "I can enjoy this situation". When you accept that, she applies the second potency and throws you in a situation where you're miserable but because you still think "I'm going to enjoy this" from the first situation, you don't complain. That's how she works…. Read full story..
I went to a talk today at the Lincoln Center called Soul Music – a discussion on the nature of the soul, and how it relates to the experience of music. What makes music soulful, and what transforms an ‘ordinary’ musical experience into something transcendent? The panelists were mostly unknown to me – a well known archaeologist -Alison Brooks, and a philosopher – David Chalmers. The one I did know was Philip Glass, whose career as a composer has been quite prolific and varied. The talk began with a performance of shape note singing by a group called Sacred Harp. I had never heard of it before, and was surprised twice – when my first reaction to the sound was not so positive – there was an earthiness, a very human imperfection in their harmonies and exuberance which felt somehow jarring for a moment. Then all of a sudden the sound hit my heart and tears sprang to my eyes. It was quite powerfully beautiful. The songs they sang were composed in the 17th and 18th centuries by American Christian settlers and were designed to be sung by everyone in a congregation, whether musically literate or not – hence the term ‘shape note’ – the notation was written in shapes like squares and triangles instead of in the more traditional way,to make it all the more easy for anyone to read the music by sight. Listening, I suddenly got goosebumps all over – there was such joy and devotion in their song, and their harmonies were unusual and almost otherwordly. Here’s an example.  There is just something so deeply moving about unaccompanied voices. In that moment the body is used an instrument, literally and figuratively, and when done in community, I think it has the power to change the world, from the inside, out. I could see this yesterday during the monthly 6 hour kirtan at the Bhakti Center. Such a diversity of people came – it was incredible. At one point I was dancing and noticed a young woman who had just come in mouth incredulously to her friend, ‘Everyone looks so happy!’ She nodded, amazed. It’s true, we were. Though we all have a myriad of trialling circumstances to return to when it’s all over, kirtan, sacred call and response singing, connects us deeply with one another and with a timeless divinity that brings a feeling of profound happiness. The leader of the Sacred Harp group today said something beautiful about the spirituality of their music, that the singing is ‘communal property – people are drawn to it because the sound of these voices together is not ours, just as our soul is not ours.’ So it was quite interesting to hear the panelists grappling with the deeper philosophy behind why we feel this way. Of course for me, coming from a spiritual tradition that can totally explain the nature of the soul and the context that it sits within, it is always fascinating to hear others working over the discussion. Each of them stated that they had little insight into it, but attempted to examine it from different angles. Philip Glass talked about his experience of composing, being totally mysterious. He said that he can never actually remember composing anything, and feels the sense of ‘a witness’ who watches and remembers what he does, who takes over in those moments, leaving him unable to explain why he created in the way he did. It sounds to me like ‘Paramatma’ the divine within who witnesses our every moment, but of course it can be justified in many ways. So much to write about on this topic – so much to explore! For now, here’s a logo I’ve been designing for the newly founded Call and Response Foundation – set up to bring kirtan and creative communal experiences into schools, prisons, hospitals and more. It’s a work in progress. 
       
"By showering Your glance of mercy upon me, deliver this poor ignorant fool who is immersed in an ocean of worldly sorrows, and become visible to my eyes." (Sri Damodarastakam) By granting us Your darsana You so mercifully make Yourself visible to our eyes; thank you unlimitedly O Sri Sri Radha Ballabha.
Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.30 - Universal form of the Lord is material and is meant for the neophytes, whereas the devotees are intereseted in the spiritual form, sac-cid-ananda rupa.
We held our 16th retreat of this year at Pandavas Paradise, from the 7th to the 12th of October. This particular yoga retreat was one of our best of the year, with a great group. Though ages varied from 23 to 71, and yoga experience varied from zero to teacher training course level, all the guests quickly bonded and had deep, meaningful exchanges. 
The guests enjoyed our walks 
and our waterfalls. 
We had a yoga teacher from Brasília, Priscilla, giving four hours of class a day, including basic lessons in anatomy and the health benefits of different asanas. 
As usual, every day the guests had early kirtan with the maha-mantra, followed by 30 minutes of japa mantra meditation. At night they had aratik and a lecture. 
The guests had a wonderul time. Here are some comments they sent us: “I had six special days in Pandavas Paradise where I got in touch with myself and with loving and wonderful people.”- Ramman, Brasilia-DF “Pandavas Paradise exceeded my expectations. It made me more aware of my body and soul through meditation and the beauty of the Chapada”- Zenilda “It was my fourth time (the third this year), and not last, in Pandavas Paradise. Again I experienced special moments, delicious food, invigorating yoga practices and came in contact with very, very special people… I cannot wait to have my fifth experience in Paradise! “- Helena, Brasilia-DF “… I had moments of pure nectar, praying on my beads and listening to your lectures … in silence and in the middle of nature it's easier to approach Krishna. “- Nara, Rio de Janeiro-RJ “I am very happy to have been awarded with these days in Paradise. Thank you for all the shared wisdom. “- Paula, Belo Horizonte-MG “…Pandavas Paradise is magical! I am very happy and fulfilled. You gave me everything I needed – the retreat was very important for me because I was able to purge everything negative that had been bothering me, and I left that wonderful place feeling at peace and very happy. It's been a long time since I've laughed and smiled the way I did there.”- Grace, Rio de Janeiro-RJ
You can see more pictures of the retreat here.
       
4:28 A.M. Poem for October 22 Lord Caitanya next arrived at Udupi, the place of Madhvacarya, where the philosophers known as Tattvavadis resided. There He saw the Deity of Lord Krishna and became mad with ecstasy. Lord Caitanya could understand that the Tattvavadis were very proud of their Vaisnavism. He therefore smiled and began to [...] Poem for October 22 is a post from: EVERY DAY
From Entering the Life of Prayer "My dear Lord Krishna, please have mercy on this sinner. I want to be happy in prayer. I want to have favorite prayers, but most important is what You want. My dear Lord Krishna, I am not the center of the universe or even the center of my prayers. [...] Selected Writings is a post from: EVERY DAY
4:20 A.M. Poem for October 21 In Mallara-desa, Lord Caitanya's brahmana assistant was allured by the Bhattatharis (gypsies) who tempted him with a woman and polluted his intelligence. Krishnadasa went to their place early in the morning, and the Lord also went there quickly just to find him. Upon reaching their community Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu [...] Poem for October 21 is a post from: EVERY DAY
From My Autobiography The autobiography is a work-in-progress. I finished writing about my pre-Krishna conscious memories and career in ISKCON. Now I am writing on the books I have written. Because writing is so important to me, it is a crucial part of my life story. I am now writing about the book Churning the [...] Selected Writings is a post from: EVERY DAY
1966 October 23: "Gargamuni and Ranchhordas are given Harinama today. Back to Godhead published again Today."
Prabhupada Journal :: 1966
1967 October 23: "Your child should be named Subhadra, the name that you have already chosen, this is nice. Regarding the horoscope, it is a nice idea and if I meet a good astrologer I shall try to get one for your little child."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967
1972 October 23: "Always remember that our first business is preaching and distributing literatures, never mind we have to live under a tree. But because the people of your country expect something, we must give them place, but preaching is our real business."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
1970 October 23: "I am so much pleased that you are carrying on the Street Sankirtana Party even though you have sometimes only one companion. This spirit is most satisfactory so please go on and you may rest assured that Krsna will always help you in any difficulty."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970
1967 October 23: "When coming from San Francisco I promisedthat this time when I come back I shall first come to San Francisco. So I shall return by Pacific route. Please convey my greetings to Janaki's Aunt Edna. She may remain there with you till my return."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967
1970 October 23: "I have safely arrived in Amritsar and we are being very well cared for at the Vedant Niketan. The people and also the Sannyasis here are very much liking our Sankirtana Movement, so things are going on nicely."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970
1972 October 23: "You are feeling some discomfort in your life in Krishna Consciousness, but I can assure you that this is only temporary condition of little importance, because main thing is that somehow or other you have got a little attraction for Krishna."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
1972 October 23: "If there is any slip in enthusiasm, then how things will go on? I have seen how everything is deteriorating, simply because this enthusiasm is lacking. Enthusiasm and patience, these things required first. If we are not able to maintain, how we shall expand?"
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
THE FOLLOWING LECTURE ON SRIMAD-BHAGAVATAM CANTO 3 CHAPTER 24, THE RENUNCIATION OF KARDAMA MUNI, TEXT 36 WAS GIVEN BY HIS HOLINESS BHAKTI CARU SWAMI ON 4TH SEPTEMBER 2010 IN ISKCON UJJAIN, INDIA. Transcription : Her Grace Ranga Radhika Dasi Editing : Ramananda Raya Dasa For audio-hearing please click here etan me janma loke ‘smin mumuksuṇam [...]
 I was there. But the revolution must go on until we are free from maya’s grip.
International bestselling author Jeffrey M. Smith is the leading spokesperson on the health dangers of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs). He documents how the world's most powerful Ag biotech companies bluff and mislead critics, and put the health of society at risk.
Today in the Japa Room there were many interesting questions and concerns about Japa. We sometimes find ourselves in difficult situations where it's hard to rise early or it's difficult to chant our Japa in the morning. One such question arose today about how a devotee was finding it very difficult to take rest early due to work commitments and therefore their Japa was suffering - he was feeling very sleepy and inattentive and he was wondering what to do.
In any situation of difficulty we need to take action and try to adjust ourselves to make Japa the No.1 priority and we also need to pray to the spiritual master and Krsna for help. In a situation like this, the devotee needs to adjust his schedule and try to rise at the same time each day, even if that means slightly later than we would like. Srila Prabhupada recommends 6 hours sleep each day and normally we can survive on 6 - 7 hours of sleep each day which should give us time to chant a good amount of Japa in the morning before anything else.
It's our sincere efforts that Krsna wants to see, if He sees us trying to chant His Holy names in the best way we can, then we can get that reciprocation of the Lord and feel his various spiritual energies in our spiritual life.
the mayapuris in sydney australia
This Group is for: 1) Spreading the Glories of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath. 2) Uniting and Networking the Friends and Devotees of ISKCON Sydney. 3) Keeping people up to date with major Events at ISKCON Sydney. 4) Discussing Srila Prabhupadas teachings as they relate to the. Sydney Sangha 5) Sharing our realisations. 6) Inspiration and Motivation for ISKCON Sydney 7) Posting ISKCON Media Links like Kirtans and Lectures. 8.) Promoting ongoing projects in the local ISKCON community like Food for Life, Harinam and house Programs in Sydney. 9) Planning local Events like Kirtan retreats and Japa camps. 10) Anyone who is interested in Volunteering at ISKCON Sydney. 11) Promoting Cow Protection and Vegetarianism. 12) Sharing ISKCON News from around Sydney 13) Networking Musicians for Kirtans Click here to find yourself at the Friends of ISKCON Sydney Facebook Page Click here for more from Brihadmrdanga.com Share this story your way: Print Facebook Twitter Google Bookmarks StumbleUpon Yahoo! Buzz del.icio.us Digg Live MySpace PDF
A daily broadcast of the Ultimate Self Realization Course Sunday 23 October 2011 The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna, and His eternal consort, Srimati Radharani are enjoying transcendental pastimes in the topmost planet of the spiritual world, Sri Goloka Vrindavan. They are beckoning us to rejoin them. (Click on photo to see a larger image.) Our Mission: To help everyone awaken their original Krishna consciousness, which is eternal, full of knowledge and full of bliss. Such a global awakening will, in one stroke, solve all the problems of the world society bringing in a new era of unprecedented peace and prosperity for all. May that day, which the world so desperately needs, come very soon. We request you to participate in this mission by reviving your dormant Krishna consciousness and assisting us in spreading this science all over the world. Dedicated with love to ISKCON Founder-Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, our beloved spiritual master, and to you, our dear readers. For Transcendental Association Connect With Other Members of this Course. Join this Conference: http://groups.google.com/group/sda_students Help Popularize Our Message By Liking Today's Thought on Facebook: Today's Thought: Bringing Light to the Light House from Kaunas, Lithuania On the evening of Friday 21 October 2011 our venue for spreading the light of Krishna consciousness to a world that is covered in darkness was a center in Kaunas, Lithuania which is known as the Light House. Even though their book table was loaded with so many varieties of speculative, non-authoritative books, at the end of the program when we encouraged everyone to visit the book table it was our books that were the hit of the evening. It was truly heart warming to see how the people preferred the books that accurately presenting the Vedic wisdom for the upliftment of the entire world society. Sankarshan Das Adhikari The Light of Vedic Wisdom at the Light House Kaunas, Lithuania--21 October 2011 http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Fall/Kaunas_LightHouse1.JPG The Audience Deeply Pondered Our Words http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Fall/Kaunas_LightHouse2.JPG http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Fall/Kaunas_LightHouse4.JPG http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Fall/Kaunas_LightHouse3.JPG Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Best Way to Practice Krishna Bhakti? What is the best way to practice Krishna consciousness? Janna Claes Answer: Associate with Pure Devotees The best way to practice Krishna consciousness is in the association of pure devotees. Therefore you should always associate with pure devotees as much as possible. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Transcendental Resources: Receive the Special Blessings of Krishna Now you too can render the greatest service to the suffering humanity and attract the all-auspicious blessings of Lord Sri Krishna upon yourself and your family by assisting our mission. Lectures and Kirtans in Audio and Video: Link to High Definition Videos Link to Over 1,000 Lecture Audios Lecture-Travel Schedule for 2011 http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com/schedule Have Questions or Need Further Guidance? Check out the resources at: http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com or write Sankarshan Das Adhikari at: sda@backtohome.com Get your copy today of the world's greatest self-realization guide book, Bhagavad-gita As It Is available at:http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com/store Know someone who could benefit from this? Forward it to them. Searchable archives of all of course material: http://www.sda-archives.com Receive Thought for the Day as an RSS feed: http://www.backtohome.com/rss.htm Unsubscribe or change your email address Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Daily_Thought Thought for the Day on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Ultimate.Self.Realization Copyright 2005-2011 by Ultimate Self Realization.Com Distribution of this material is encouraged. Simply we request you to acknowledge where it is coming from with a link to our sign up page: http://www.backtohome.com Our records indicate that at requested to be enrolled to receive e-mails from the Ultimate Self Realization Course at: This request was made on: From the following IP address: 21
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