My wife Archana and I just returned from visiting her parents to participate in their 60th wedding anniversary celebration. A momentous occasion for anyone, though even more so when we consider the state of today’s marriages. Our family get togethers are always fun and help everyone come closer together, while gaining understanding, and appreciation for the differences between us. From a spiritual perspective, any event can be a learning experience, and any person our teacher. All circumstances present an opportunity to think of the Krishna conscious, or bhakti yoga, philosophy in practical terms. We can learn to be more understanding and seek common ground. I share some thoughts in free verse about my experience, in the mood that everyone’s life can be connected to Krishna’s service. Mundane or spiritual is a state of mind, and we have to make the best of any situation and relationship. read more
"...As Lord Krishna enchants the world with His beauty and charm, Sri Radha enchants Him. Therefore She is the Supreme Goddess. Sri Radha is the full power, and Lord Krishna is the possessor of full power. (Sri Caitanya Caritamrta, Adi-lila) O Sri Radha, may you enchant our hearts that we long for nothing else but Your darsana and that of Sri Krsna along with all the residents of Vrndavana.
"People work very hard to get the best deal for the best TV in order to watch TV commercials about how to get the best deal for the best TV." – Prahladananda Swami a quote from a class at 26 2nd Ave excerpted by Atma-Nivedana Das
Srimad Bhagavatam 1.4.13 - Devotees should keep 10 items of compassion in their mind while endeavoring to reach out to people.
radha-krishna-pranaya-vikritir hladhini saktir asmad/ekatmanav api bhuvi pura deha-bhedam gatau tau/caitanyakhyam prakatam adhuna tad-dvayam caikyam aptam/ radha-bhava-dyuti-suvalitam naumi krishna-svarupam ‘The loving affairs of Sri Radha and Krishna are transcendental manifestations of the Lord’s internal pleasure-giving potency. Although Radha and Krishna are one in Their identity, They separated Themselves eternally. Now these two transcendental identities have again united in the form of Sri Krishna Caitanya. I bow down to Him, who has manifested Himself with the sentiment and complexion of Srimati Radharani although He is Krishna Himself’ [Caitanya Caritamrita Adi-lila 1.5] radha – of Srimati Radharani; bhava – mood; dyuti – the lustre; su-valitam – who is adorned with; krishna-svarupam – who is identical with Sri Krishna ‘Radha-Krishna is one. Radha-Krishna is Krishna and Krishna’s pleasure-giving potency combined. When Krishna exhibits His pleasure potency, He appears to be two – Radha and Krishna. Otherwise, Radha and Krishna are one. This oneness may be perceived by advanced devotees through the grace of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This was the case with Ramananda Raya. One may aspire to attain such a position but one should not try to imitate the maha-bhagavata‘ [CC Madhya-lila 8.282 Purport]
Filed under: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Spiritual Life, Srimad Bhagavatam Tagged: caitanya caritamrita,caitanya mahaprabhu, postaweek2011, prabhupada purports, radha and krishna combined, ramananda raya, sri caitanya mahaprabhu        
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, Melbourne, Australia, 2011)
 A story about Krishna from the book ‘Gopala Champu’ by Jiva Goswami. We recall when Krishna lived in Dvārakā. At that time, there was a an eclipse. A full eclipse where the eclipse of the sun was being predicted. So everyone was worried about it and Vasudeva decided that they should all go to Kuruksetra, to perform a big sacrifice there. Therefore, the whole entire family of the Yadus went to Kuruksetra and a big arrangement for a sacrifice was being made, and all on the order of Vasudeva who was arranging for everything.
It was just at that time, Nanda Maharaj was also coming to visit and he arrived. When Krishna saw Nanda Maharaj, then Krishna became so emotional and so did Nanda Maharaj. Vasudeva had never seen Krishna like that. Then he said out loud: “It’s not surprising that Krishna is so attached to Nanda Maharaja, although Nanda Maharaj was not his real father, but of course he stayed there for a long time”. Nanda Maharaj didn’t even hear that, he just saw Krishna and Krishna saw Nanda Maharaj. Then a brahmana came and said to Vasudeva: “Please, you must come now for the sacrifice, so that we can counteract the inauspicious influence of the eclipse”. And Jiva Goswami or some narrators who tell story say: “What is the question of any inauspiciousness when Krishna is there!” So the whole sacrifice was not required, because Krishna was present. Nanda Maharaj understood that there was no need for a yajña. But Vasudeva wanted to do the yajña, to ward off the inauspiciousness. So here, we see something between the mood of Dvārakā, and the mood of Vrindavana, which is very interesting. How in the mood of Dvārakā, there is all this opulence so they are into the external ritual, and for the sake of dharma and everything! But in Vrindavana:
‘It’s okay, we have Krishna. When Krishna is here then everything is auspicious…..where there is Krishna ”. The gopis have that same mood! So one who chants the holy name of Krishna, goes for the essence – ‘Krishna, Krishna, Krishna!’ Wherever there is Krishna, then there is no need! 
One of the hardest tasks we face is teaching new people about Krishna and in particular His unlimited power. It will be an interesting conversation with them if we have to explain this verse : ” By Me, in My unmanifested form, this entire universe is pervaded. All beings are in Me, but I am not in them. And yet everything that is created does not rest in Me. Behold My mystic opulence ! Although I am the maintainer of all living entities and although I am everywhere, I am not a part of this cosmic manifestation, for My Self is the very source of creation.”
- Chapter Nine, SB
        
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati was deeply attached to the holy names of Krsna. Whenever devotees inquired how to improve their bhakti and overcome anarthas, he usually stressed the need to chant faithfully and offenselessly, quoting Lord Caitanya's statement iha haite sarva-siddhi haibe sabara: "By this alone all perfection will come." He advised, "Chant the maha-mantra loudly and with attachment. This will drive away inertia, worldly ills, and disturbances." He maintained that chanting the Lord's names is tantamount to directly seeing Him: "The Lord and His name are one and the same. Chanting the holy name is equivalent to directly experiencing Him." He always emphasized harinama as the topmost sadhana. From Sri Bhaktisiddhanta Vaibhava
by Bhakti Vikasa Swami
[The Won-Durr Boiz diary series is based on four ex-gurukuli brothers (surname: Durr) coming together for the first time to share Krsna consciousness with the outside world. Madhavendra Puri (the author and middle elder) has been waiting in Radhadesh (Belgium) for his brothers to arrive. Nitai Canda (the eldest) and Rupa Gosvami (the youngest) arrive first, and Bhisma Deva (the middle younger) is scheduled to come half way through. Their adventure takes them through Belgium, Germany and Poland, for rathayatras, festival tours and kirtana events. These diaries aim to bring inspiration and joy to the readers, and hopefully encourage others to entangle themselves in Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtana movement – whether for the spiritual benefits or simply for the fun.] 
[Due to lack of writing time these tour diaries will be done in audio.] 7th (Part 1) 7th (Part 2) Poland (20) . Poland (21) Read original post: [http://maddmonk.wordpress.com] Subscribe: [http://maddmonk.wordpress.com/subscribe] 
Palace Restoration Committee Minutes – Conf call October 14, 2011 Present: Gaura Shakti, Gopisa, Jaya Krsna, Tripad Absent: Malati, Ramesvara Agenda: 1. Minutes last meeting 2. Update on the repair on the roof, the planning for the gift shop 3. Project manager, how to proceed 4. General planning for the overall restoration 5. Miscellaneous – decision on Parampara Prabhu as committee member Minutes: - 1. The minutes of conf call September 30, 2011, has been ratified.
2. Update on the current work at the Palace Material for the flat roof received and applied; two coats applied. Material for the domes has to be applied, arrived yesterday. The roof still leaks, it means that there is another leak, which has to be sealed. Tripad checked the vent by the office; it is wet inside. The vent will be coated. Leak in this area showed up since about three months. The area around the vent was coated. Gift shop: Clean out started at the old ghee factory. Clean out will be finished the upcoming weeks. Stairs: Second mason will arrive on Monday to inspect the front stairs. Gus provided a quote related to his work for the gift shop. Gopisa is waiting for a response to the budget estimate. - 3. Project Manager:
The members of the PRC see the need to elect the project manager for the restoration of the Palace in the near future. Gaura Shakti and Gopisa are the candidates for the service. A conf call with the other members of the PRC will be organized by Jaya Krsna to define the process related to the election. The joint board members are the authority to vote on the project manager. - 4. General Planning
PRV wants to move forward on the overall restoration. The timeline depend on the availability of Gus. PRC has to decide the material to be used. The topic will be further discussed when Gus responded to the gift shop topic. - 5. The PRC members elected unanimously Parampara Prabhu as member of the Palace Restoration Committee.
JKd / 10/15/2011
Macintosh pulls kick the style butt of Mad Men Don Drapers everywhere! They are like the cro-magnon pull of the modern era. Check it out, Betty! 
The Mayapur Aratis will be broadcast on COLORS channel tomorrow! All of us watched as camera men ran around the Mayapur temple room a few weeks ago, well their work is now complete and they will show the world the beauty of SS Radha Madhava, Pancha-Tattva, And Nrisimhadeva. read more
Listening to individuals it is a case that in a lot of circumstances they are looking not for advice but more an ear to bend were they will not be judged mocked or belittled; we all at times need that listening ear. Most of the time it is surrounding relationships, there is a deep need for the spirit soul to connect, indeed it is hard at any one time to remain isolated. Even those with severe autism need to reach out and it is delicate understanding of the person that opens up a world few get to see. In our dealings with those we meet there is a need as devotees to realize how tough in this age of quarrel it is to develop and form relationships, and our handling can make a subtle difference in the persons progress especially on the most neglected spiritual path. But I am always confused at advice women give other women, especially in this me first society were women are told they can have it all and not to worry about consequences, or advised on the emotional impact certain lifestyles can have. More so if you see the pain and desire to be loved, to have that special one person who they can connect with, feel safe with, settle down with. Especially in a society that sees relationships purely on the physical platform; were it is quantified purely on sex desire and fulfillment lacking a spiritual angle or insight. The main thing that confuses me is when it comes to relationship break up, a delicate time were emotions are high more so when you have put so much energy into the person and hoped that due to effort it will survive; in most cases I’ve noted the true extent that the women put’s into the one she loves in often cases getting little in reciprocation. Reminding me of an an old saying “there is plenty of fish in the sea” usually used by men and there desire to enjoy as many varieties of women as they can, now women are dropping feminine virtues for the same gun how flippant approach. Look just go out get a man sleep with him and get it out your system, move on, neglecting any emotional connection to the point that the heart becomes hardened and bitterness over time takes it’s place. It always struck me as one of the strangest pieces of advice ever as if randomly sleeping with someone else will solve anything ; listening to one stranger poring her heart out she made two interesting points: The first was why relationships are so hard, this being her longest at just over a year; relationships are noted in terms of months or a few years not lifetimes; it struck me that we are more unsettled and less satisfied not only in relation to consumer goods but that of personal relationships. And her need to be loved on a beeper rather than superficial level. The second was the pressure she felt under by her female friends to just grab the next available bloke, how can I she protested you can’t just sleep with someone without forming an emotional bond quantified by the well for me anyway; again it struck me that the feeling was that this was more abnormal than normal to want to connect with someone and that sex life is meant for something more than simply fulfilling a temporary desire. Listening to the late George Harrisons wife she noted that often the question was asked about how to make a relationship last, what is the secret; laughing she answered simply “don’t get divorced” But they are two amazing spirit souls realizing the spiritual dimensions and the need to work through life’s problems for simply put how can we develop a deep relationship with God if we can’t even manage to perfect our relationship with others, especially when it comes to husband and wife. It was touching to note that as he came to the end of life he followed the vadic tradition of asking for forgiveness and turning to his wife said he hoped he hadn’t been a bad husband; relating the exchange you can tell the deep spiritual connection the souls had made; attachment to each other but in relation also to God (Krishna). Pondering how we need to and seek advice and that we no longer look at things as something that can be worked at, or needs to be worked at, the advice in this age of Kali is simply move on, sleep around, have fun don’t worry about things, surrounding ourself with friends that lead us on a destructive path were we feel almost freakish for holding onto what is now seen as old style virtues, modesty and a need to work at a relationship. Listening to those who have been married for 20 – 30 years it has at times been a struggle for them, there has been up’s and down’s; high points and lows but in the end a majority if not all look back with a smile it was worth it. There was many times walking along the hospital wards you would see a person mature in years with a distant lost look in there face, a story of a life of love untold; facing the loss of the one they loved through death they tell almost the same story only the details are different. Many left there body soon after and up to the more modern professional NHS they were put down as death from a broken heart the trauma of a deep loss. Listening and observing I have noted that were there is also a deep spiritual connection, were advice to elevate the soul to God Consciousness is given that this parting takes on even more meaning; the perfection of a relationship with another living soul with Krishna (God) at the centre. I have noted that they can and do enter into a deeper relationship a more personal relationship with Krishna, and as they see there loved one’s soul depart from the material world a deeper love is shown a glow a realization a peace. But it stems from Good Advice, one focused on the teaching found in any of the faiths holy books, on how we conduct ourselves between each other, how we relate to, how we care for, how we lovingly protect according to out dharma/constitutional position. Ultimately looking at the pain etched on tis young ladies face, and those I’ve talked to in the past we ultimately know that any relationship pined in the material world especially in this age of Kali is going to be difficult, at times with emotional hurt; it will only work with Krishna at the centre and wise counsel from those in knowledge of spiritual matters. But whilst we seek advice from our peers caught up in the modes of material nature themselves, the advice will lead us deeper and deeper into difficulty were our hearts and emotions become hardened and resentment and hatred for other spirit souls grows- ultimately damaging ourselves binding us in the material world and halting spiritual advancement. And as I myself progress in spiritual understanding and see the way material nature works on both a gross and subtle level and bewilders and captivates the spirit soul into seeking advice that leads us to believe that what is abnormal as normal, are we moved with compassion? Personally seeing so much hurt caused by material relationships, it focuses my mind on Bramachari lifewhilst also reminding me to choose the counsel I listen to very wisely and carefully for unless it elevates us and brings us closer to Krishna it is advice best avoided.
With much delight I am happy to inform you of our new Mayapur kirtan group called the "Mayapur Chandra's". The group, headed by Naru Gopal Prabhu, has 6 other main members all expertly trained in kirtan, and other devotional fields, either in the Mayapur Gurukula, the MA, or MI. read more
One week has passed since our Mayapur Institute held their inauguration for the current semester of courses, and our Mayapur campus is filled with visiting young devotees from all over the world. The inauguration was very inspirational, with this years faculty speaking encouraging words to the enrolled students. read more
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, Melbourne, Australia, 2011)
So why in the other ages were they not chanting the holy name?
They were………. they were also devotees who were chanting the name of the Lord in other yugas and other ages, but there was a difference and that was: ‘kathañcana smṛte yasmin
duṣkaraṁ sukaraṁ bhavet’, (C.c. Adi 14.1). That in this age of Kali whatever is difficult is made easy by the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. So previously you had to chant and chant and chant forever to get the result. But now you chant a little and you very quickly get the benefit. So in that way, especially in this age of Kali, the most potent process is made easy by the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and therefore now, especially through the direct process of associating with Krishna can one make advancement! 
Today the men had the great fortune of learning from one of the best cooks in Mayapur. Prema Manjari Mataji kindly volunteered her time, as she does every year. She is one of the main cooks for Jananivasa Prabhu and often cooks for visiting senior devotees. Prema Manjari Ki Jaya!Click to view slideshow.
       
Trivikrama Swami Bhagavad-Gita Class 11/07/11
The 2-days seminar conducted by Kadamba Kanana Swami during his Melbourne-October2011 visit is finally on video; for those who missed it and for those who would like to re-live the weekend!
We also have the video of Maharaja's kirtan and lecture at Melbourne University on the 11th October. Kadamba Kanana Swami talks a bit about his life in India, various points of view on consciousness, positive psychology being in line with vedic culture, putting positive values in place that will diminish anxiety, science and the spiritual perspective.
When we bring Krishna into our lives by making him its center and goal, the resulting Krishna consciousness provides us three precious gifts: meaning for the head, love for the heart and purpose for the life: - Meaning for the head: When we let our head bask in Krishna’s wisdom as given in the Bhagavad-gita, he empowers our intelligence to mine deep within every situation – be it relishable, routine or miserable – to extract the precious jewels of meaning. These jewels of meaning illumine to us the opportunities for spiritual growth pregnant in every situation, thereby enthusing us with the confidence that beneath the apparent disorderliness or insignificance of daily events is a meaningful, magnificent master-plan that Krishna is orchestrating for our highest good.
(…to be continued tomorrow)
A daily broadcast of the Ultimate Self Realization Course Friday 18 November 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: Solution for a World in Chaos uploaded from Pune, India At the present moment, due to an ever-increasingly burdensome accumulation of sinful karma, the world situation on all levels is becoming more and more dangerous and uncertain. The self-serving politicians cannot even begin to understand the root cause of all the difficulties and are therefore completely powerless to do anything to solve the problems. This is why there must now arise a class of enlightened souls realized in the Absolute Truth who fully understand the secret of how to dovetail the individual consciousness with the Superconsciousness for bringing perfect peace and happiness, both individually and collectively, to the entire human society. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Devotees Greeted Us With Kirtan When We Arrived 17 November 2011--Pune, India http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Fall/Pune_Arrival.JPG Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Does the Soul Have Size, Shape, and Form? Dear Gurudeva, Bless me. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. My question: Does the atma (the soul) have size, shape and form? Kowsthub Answer: Body Has Form Because Atma Has Form Just as your shirt and pants match the shape of your body, in a similar way your material body matches the shape of the spirit-soul, which resides within it. In other words, in its fully liberated condition the atma or spirit-soul is manifested as a human-like form with a head, eyes, ears, hands, legs, etc. The difference between that spiritual form and your present material form is that while the spiritual form, is eternal, full of knowledge, and bliss, your present material form is temporary, full of ignorance and misery. As long as one remains in material consciousness the atma's spiritual form remains dormant in a seed-like state as a tiny spiritual particle situated within the heart of the living being. But when one fully awakens his Krishna consciousness his original spiritual form will be fully manifested. 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: {contact_address
Known by many as the Godfather of kirtan, Vaiyasaki Das has been singing kirtan for more than 40 years, recording 12 kirtan albums in that time. He and his wife Kaisori, spend their life travelling the world sharing and teaching kirtan. In the 1970’s, after years in the music business as a rock and blues guitarist with a penchant for singing, Vaiyasaki embarked on a personal search for the Divine. His search led him to India, where he first heard the kirtan music that would change his life forever. He was so moved by kirtan that he resolved to dedicate his life to this form of yoga. Kirtan with Vaiyasaki Das and Kaisori is traditional, sincere and full of devotion. The harmonium workshop guarantees you will learn 2 new kirtans by the end of the day! The workshop is suitable for the absolute beginner kirtanist through to more experienced kirtanists. You will learn some of the history and philosophy of the kirtan tradition, the raga system of music, plus there will be some vocal training and without doubt you will learn how to play the harmonium. Should you already know how to play the harmonium this workshop will be an opportunity for you to gain more kirtan insights and to refine your technique and facility of the harmonium. There will also be a session by Kaisori, who will teach the basics of kartels (or munjeera) the little hand cymbals which are so important in providing rhythm for the kirtan. We recommend booking early for the workshop as numbers will be limited. EARLY BIRD TICKET PRICE EXPIRES 7TH DECEMBER! BOOK NOW What: Kirtan Concert When: Saturday 10th December 2011 (our last kirtan for 2011!) Time: 7.30- 9.30pm doors open at 7pm Where: Qi Yoga Freshwater, Moore Rd Freshwater Early Bird Fee: $20 paid by 7th December After Dec 7 or on the door: $25 Bookings: 9977 4725 or ONLINE What: Harmonium Workshop When: Sunday 11th December 2011 Time: 12.30 – 5.30pm Where: Manly Yoga , 27 Pittwater Rd Manly Early Bird Fee: $55 paid by 7th December After Dec 7 or on the door: $65 Bookings: 9977 4725 or ONLINE $65 CONCERT & WORKSHOP PACKAGE PAID BY DEC 7 Click her to visit Manly Yoga website Share this story your way: Print Facebook Twitter Google Bookmarks StumbleUpon Yahoo! Buzz del.icio.us Digg Live MySpace PDF
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