martes, 27 de diciembre de 2011

Spiritual Scientist: Is the metaphorical interpretation of the Gita’s battlefield setting authorized?



PLANET ISKCON

Your email updates, powered by FeedBlitz

 

 
Here are the latest updates for you


 

"Planet ISKCON" - 62 new articles

  1. ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Snana Yatra Bathing
  2. H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: Minister Of External Affairs On Gita Case before Indian Parliament.
  3. H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: Spiritual Best Wishes for 2012 to HH Bhakti Charu Swami & the Family
  4. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  5. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  6. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  7. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  8. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  9. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  10. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  11. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  12. Spiritual Scientist: Krishna is realer than reality
  13. Spiritual Scientist: Is the metaphorical interpretation of the Gita’s battlefield setting authorized?
  14. Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Harinama Melbourne July 18th 08` - Bourke St Mall
  15. Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Faithless (Harinam ideas)
  16. Sri Nandanandana dasa: Without Promotion Vedic Culture Cannot be Protected, by Stephen Knapp
  17. Madhavendra Puri, New Govardhana, AU: Won-Durr Boiz End Their Journey
  18. Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Interfaith Harinam ISKCON Melbourne 2011
  19. Madhavendra Puri, New Govardhana, AU: Won-Durr Boiz Recovering in Radhadesh
  20. Madhavendra Puri, New Govardhana, AU: Won-Durr Boiz Celebrating Radhastami in Radhadesh
  21. Madhavendra Puri, New Govardhana, AU: Won-Durr Boiz from Berlin to Belgium
  22. David Haslam, UK: A Clear and Present Danger to ISKCON
  23. Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: hare krsna muchu’s photostream on Flickr.
  24. Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Photo
  25. Madhavendra Puri, New Govardhana, AU: Won-Durr Boiz at Kirtana Mela 2011 (Leipzig Rathayatra)
  26. Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Photo
  27. Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Photo
  28. Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Photo
  29. Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Photo
  30. Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: For full recipe email me.
  31. Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Carob chip cookies
  32. Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Stealing cookies is ok
  33. Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Photo
  34. Madhavendra Puri, New Govardhana, AU: Won-Durr Boiz at Kirtana Mela 2011 (Day 4)
  35. Madhavendra Puri, New Govardhana, AU: Won-Durr Boiz at Kirtana Mela 2011 (Day 3)
  36. David Haslam, UK: Modes of Material Nature is Powerful
  37. Japa Group: One Will Certainly Be Delivered From The Clutches Of Maya
  38. Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Must think of a good advertisement!
  39. H.H. Kadamba Kanana Swami: The miracles of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
  40. Dandavats.com: Yamuna-devi and Srila Prabhupada–Vani and Vapuh
  41. One ISKCON.com: Psychotherapy for Devotees? – Part One
  42. H.H. Kadamba Kanana Swami: Outlining our identity
  43. Japa Group: Tips For Chanting
  44. Ananda Subramanian, Iowa, USA: Book Distrubution 2011 - II
  45. Jaya Kesava das, Denton, Texas: Mother Yamuna.
  46. New Vrndavan, USA: PRC Minutes 12-2-11
  47. Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Photo
  48. ISKCON Melbourne, AU: 2011 Snana Yatra Deities' Darshan
  49. H.H. Sivarama Swami: During X-mas eve of the 1st world war the soldiers of both sides confirmed Srila Prabhupada’s statement
  50. Dandavats.com: Transcript of Conversation With Yamuna Devi Dasi on September 18th, 1995
  51. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  52. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  53. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  54. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  55. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  56. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  57. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  58. Srila Prabhupada's Letters
  59. ISKCON Melbourne, AU: HH Janananda Goswami
  60. Gouranga TV: Dasaratha prabhu kirtana
  61. Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Goals
  62. H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Monday 26 December 2011--A Beautiful Morning in Govinda Valley--and--How to Get Out of the Material World?
  63. More Recent Articles
  64. Search Planet ISKCON
  65. Prior Mailing Archive

ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Snana Yatra Bathing

After our enthusiastic bathing, Shri-Shri Jagannatha-Baladeva-Subhadra retired to Their bedroom in Prabhupada House. They are suffering from chills. 

SnanaYatraBathing.jpg Please encourage Them to return to give us Their transcendental darshan. You can offer cards, honey and flowers via Their pujaris. 

mahambhodhes tire kanaka-rucire nila-shikhare 
vasan prasadantah sahaja-balabhadrena balina 
subhadra-madhya-sthah sakala-sura-sevavasara-do 
jagannathah svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me 

'On the shore of the great ocean, within a large palace atop the brilliant, golden Nilacala Hill, Lord Jagannatha resides with His powerful brother Balabhadra and His sister Subhadra, who sits between Them. May that Jagannatha Svami, who bestows the opportunity for devotional service upon all godly souls, be the object of my vision.' (Shrimad Adi Shankaracharya, Shri Jagannathashtaka 3: uttered by Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.) 



 
• Email to a friend •  •


H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: Minister Of External Affairs On Gita Case before Indian Parliament.

  By His Holiness  Gopal Krsna Goswami (Click on the pictures to discover the Treasure House Of India’s Spiritual Wisdom as presented by ISKCON Founder Acharya Srila A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada) Camp: New Delhi Dear Maharajs and Prabhus, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. The Minister for External Affairs, Mr. [...]
 
• Email to a friend •  •

H.H. Bhakticharu Swami: Spiritual Best Wishes for 2012 to HH Bhakti Charu Swami & the Family

  Article Sent By His Grace Ramkinara Dasa (Click on the pictures to discover the Treasure House Of India’s Spiritual Wisdom as presented by ISKCON Founder Acharya Srila A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada) Hare Krishna Our Dearest Spiritual Master, Srila Bhakti Charu Swami Please accept our humble obeisances at the dust of your divine Lotus [...]
 
• Email to a friend •  •


Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1968 December 27: "When I put on the hat sent by you on my head, everyone says that it is brilliant, and because one has to dress according to the taste of friends this hat has become an important factor of my dressing."
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 December 27: "That is advancement, to stick tightly to the orders of the Spiritual Master. Because my Guru Maharaja ordered it, I am also ordering it. Go on preaching, spread this Krsna Consciousness all over the world."
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 December 27: "What is this alone? Vaisnava is never alone. When I first came to your country I was alone for one year. But I never felt alone. I always felt the presence of my Guru Maharaja."
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 December 27: "Under all circumstances you must remain in the association of devotees. Continue to make nice milk preparations for the Deities. When I come in the spring I will be glad to accept them three times a day."
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 December 27: "I can come immediately. Try to arrange many programs with respectable gentlemen, philosophers, scholars, etc. If you can arrange nice programs in Brazil then I will be very pleased to go there also."
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 December 27: "Thank you very much for installing the very nice Radha-Krsna Deities. So do like that in every village and town. The matter is in the American hands. It must go on very nicely. That is my desire."
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1974 December 27: "So local men are coming daily. By good association and good preaching they can all become devotees. This is Lord Caitanya's mission to go to every town and village and create Vaisnava spirit in the local men."
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1975 December 27: "'Christmas week book distribution despite closed airport 112,000 BTGS, 8,000 Gitas sold.' Thank you very much. This is very good. Fight and depend on Krsna, that will bring you victory."
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Spiritual Scientist: Krishna is realer than reality

In our time of troubles, we may doubt, “Does God really exist?” Gita wisdom turns this doubt on the head by prompting the doubt, “Does the world around me really exist?”

To the response, “The world obviously exists because it tugs and pulls at me, making real demands and bringing real consequences,” Gita wisdom counters: is this level of reality much higher than the reality of dreams? Within the dream duration, don’t dreams also make demands and bring consequences? Just as the worries of the dream disappear when we wake up physically, the worries of the world disappear when we wake up spiritually.

To ensure that temporary troubles don’t sidetrack us from such a spiritual wakeup, the Bhagavad-gita (2.16) urges us to see the realm of matter as unreal due to its temporality and the realm of spirit as real due to its eternality. The Gita (15.18) further reveals that within the real realm of spirit Krishna is the highest reality. His real love can solace, encourage and invigorate us even when the entire real world around us seems to be falling apart.

When amidst our real trouble we take real shelter of Krishna and experience his real love, then we will realize for ourselves that Krishna is realer than reality.

 
• Email to a friend •  •

Spiritual Scientist: Is the metaphorical interpretation of the Gita’s battlefield setting authorized?

Question: In your article on the battlefield setting of the Gita, you said that its metaphorical interpretation is not wrong. Does this statement have any basis? Are there any precedents for this sort of interpretation?

(This question is a paraphrase of a comment to the earlier article posted by K Jaydeva Dasa)

Answer: The metaphorical interpretation of scripture has a long and respected history within the Vedic tradition. It was integral to a method of scriptural interpretation known as gauna vrtti (secondary meaning) as contrasted with mukhya vrtti(primary meaning) and was reserved for the special contexts like those where:

  1. The direct meaning would result in obvious absurdities. The standard example for this in Indian philosophy is the sentence “His house is on the river.” As no house can lie on the river, this has to be interpreted as meaning “his house is on the banks of the river.”
  2. The direct meaning could be supplemented – but not supplanted – with an additional meaning obtained by looking at the implied symbolism. Here are a few examples of the use of this approach by eminent Vedic teachers:
  • Sripad Madhvacharya in his well-known analysis of the Mahabharata, the Mahabharata Tatparya Nirnaya, states that the Itihasas like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana can be understood at three levels:
    • The literal:  The events described in these literature happened historically as they were described,
    • The ethical: These historical events serve as moral benchmarks to guide us in our present-day ethical decision-making.
    • The metaphorical: These historical events symbolize truths relevant to seekers on the spiritual path. Madhvacharya is quick to emphasize that the literal understanding is the most accurate and the other understandings are only to gain additional, esoteric insight that is consistent with – and not contradictory to – the literal understanding.
  • Sri Vedanta Deshika, a prominent teacher in the line of Ramanujacharya, used the metaphorical understanding of the kidnapping of Sita in the Ramayana to show how that traumatic event is relevant to us now: “When the soul represented by Sita turns away from God represented by Lord Rama, the mind represented by Ravana immediately carries the soul away from God and imprisons it in the body represented by Lanka.”
  • Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, a prominent author-teacher in the Vaishnava tradition, used this approach in his Krishna Samhita (Chapters 4-6) and also Chaitanya Shikshamrita (Part 5, Chapter 6) to explain how the various demons killed by Krishna in Vrindavana represent the various anarthas (undesirable behavioral traits) that the seeker needs to eradicate from his heart, which is like Vrindavana. Bhaktivinoda Thakura doesn’t deny the literal or historical reality of Krishna’s demon-killing pastimes; these pastimes occurred in the past when Krishna had descended to the world. But he also states that the killing of the demons by Krishna also represents the destruction of the anarthas in our heart by Krishna that will happen when we hear those demon-killing pastimes submissively.
  • Srila Prabhupada himself used the metaphorical interpretation of the Kurukshetra war occasionally, as in his talk while giving initiations for the first time in America in 1966 at New York, as quoted in The Hare Krishna Explosion by Hayagriva Dasa. “Krishna and Arjuna sat in the same chariot. But Arjuna knew that Krishna is the Supreme. We are also in a kind of chariot with Krishna. That chariot is this material body, and within the heart Lord Krishna is present as the Supersoul, witnessing all our activities. Even though He accompanies us within the material world, Krishna is never attached.” Paraphrasing Srila Prabhupada, the author further writes, “He then reminds us that we should never fret when confronted with adversities, for we should always know that Lord Krishna is driving our chariot.”

Srila Prabhupada rejected time and again the metaphorical interpretation of the Kurukshetra war when it was used as a substitute for the literal interpretation, as a means to deny the historicity of the Mahabharata war, as a tool to explain away the violence that took place there. That has not been done at all in the earlier article . In fact, that possibility is specifically mentioned and countered.


 
• Email to a friend •  •

Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Harinama Melbourne July 18th 08` - Bourke St Mall

Check out this video on YouTube:


Mucukunda das

 
• Email to a friend •  •

Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Faithless (Harinam ideas)

Check out this video on YouTube:


Mucukunda das

 
• Email to a friend •  •

Sri Nandanandana dasa: Without Promotion Vedic Culture Cannot be Protected, by Stephen Knapp

Vedic culture has more to offer the world than many care to admit. It has always served the people as a gift from God, a gift from the great sages and rishis to bring humanity to a higher standard of consciousness and living, and a gift from all those Hindus who gave their lives for its continuation throughout the attacks of the last 1000 years from the invaders of India who tried to exterminate the Vedic tradition.

            However, many people do not know the profound nature and depth of insights that the Vedic philosophy and tradition has to offer. And no one will know if it is not promoted and taught properly, which seems to be increasingly the case inIndia. It is not enough to simply do the worship or practice of Vedic Dharma, but a person also needs to know why to do these things. They need to know what’s in it for them, and what they are going to get out of it? This is what needs to be explained. It is like this; even if you are an author of a great book, if no one knows about your book, no one will buy it. It has to be promoted. There is no question of this. In the same way, Vedic culture has to be promoted and then taught properly in order for people to realize what it really is and what it actually has to offer.

            If you think you can merely sit back and do nothing, and people will still be attracted to investigate the Vedic tradition and its philosophy, then you do not understand the reality of the situation. If you think the acharyas and spiritual masters can merely sit on their high seats and everyone will come to see them at their ashramas and that is enough to preserve and protect Vedic Dharma, then you do not understand the reality of the situation. If you think that there is nothing to worry about because Sanatana-dharma is eternal and will always exist somewhere, then you do not understand the reality of this world, nor the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita. When there are far more people inIndia converting to Christianity and Islam than to Hinduism, this is no time to sit on our laurels and merely watch to see what happens.

            In the West, however, there are still many people who take up Vedic customs, and it continues to grow, but that is primarily because of its promotion, and the freedom that still exists to investigate it deeply. When people see how it can help them reach their true and higher potential, or a deeper level of spirituality and understanding about life, they become interested. They want to know how it can help them. And many are those who look for answers from the Vedic traditions, whether it be through yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, Jyotish, Vastu, or any of the other aspects of Vedic culture. But again, these have to be promoted and taught so people can understand how to proceed and use these for higher benefits.

            For example, I’ve been a practicingKrishnabhakta or Hindu for 40 years, at least in this lifetime. I keep getting stronger in my convictions everyday. But that is because of my deepening realizations that come with the spiritual development that can be attained along the path of Vedic Dharma. And that comes from practicing it and taking it seriously. Then the proof of its validity becomes self-evident. 

            So, for the general masses, we must look to the future to see what Sanatana-dharma can do for society, and how it fits into the lives of others. But we must also see how we must preserve our place in the world, and protect the future of Vedic Dharma. It is one of the few cultures that actually promotes the freedoms of the individual and does not force a dogma on anyone, but offers a person to make their own choice and to take up any portion of it, according to one’s interest and level of awareness. In other words, it does not force a set of rules and then punishments on those who do not follow them. It is not based on the fear that other religions often use to acquire converts and keep everyone in line, and, thus, a part of its congregation. We have discussed this more thoroughly in other articles.

            However, the world today is extremely competitive, and every political party or institution is often engaged in promoting itself as the best of all others, and then criticizing and demeaning whatever competition it has. And that can be plainly seen in the world of religions as well. But it is not the nature of the Vedic tradition to do that. Nonetheless, if we are not going to be a doormat for everyone else, there are certain things we need to do.

First, we need to understand the danger of remaining silent. This is often viewed as apathy by many, which is used to the advantage of those who would rather see an end to Vedic Dharma. If we do not take a stand to defend our culture, then others will certainly use that to gain ground for themselves or whatever institution or religion they represent. Therefore, as I have related in other articles, we must understand the need to protect and even promote the Vedic path. The fact of the matter is that you cannot properly protect and preserve Vedic culture in today’s world without its promotion.

 

FEW WAYS OF PROMOTION

 

There are many simple and non-imposing ways to do this. It is not like you have to become a salesman, or take to the streets to demonstrate as political activists, or the like. But you can easily do one or a few of several things.    

1. Create a spiritual revolution by widespread distribution of spiritual knowledge. There is no deeper spiritual knowledge than what is offered in the Vedic literature. Thus, the more that people have access to this knowledge, the more they will see the depths of it. Therefore, there is a great need for introductory literature and simple explanations of the lofty philosophy in the Vedic tradition. Such books, along with the likes of Bhagavad-gita and other Vedic texts need to be distributed on a wide-scale basis. People everywhere can take advantage of this and use it in their lives. ISKCON, for example, has shown so many different ways of accomplishing this, which anyone can learn how to do.

2. Books that enter mainstream markets with an accurate portrayal of Vedic Dharma and the reasons for its traditions are also very important, which is one area that I work in, along with making more kinds of introductory literature.

3. In this same line of thinking, websites and blogs have been very effective as well. This has also shown that people from many walks of life, even inIndia, are looking for this knowledge but do not always know where to find it. It has to be more accessible, and websites offer tremendous help in this way.

4. Radio and television shows are also very effective. I have had friends who have taken it upon themselves to arrange for making radio programs about various aspects of Vedic culture, or who have made television shows for the cable networks, which is much simpler than many people may think.

5. Courses for schools are also important. And by schools I do not mean necessarily public schools. There are many private or neighborhood weekend schools that are organized by parents who help train their own children as well as the children of their friends and neighbors in the ways of the Vedic customs, legends, histories, and philosophy. I have met with husband and wife teams in India that do this on Sunday mornings for all the children who want to attend their programs, or even here in America where temples offer fun classes for the children to attend and learn all about the Vedic tradition and the moral values that are part of it. 

6. Classes in the temple for adults. Many temples inIndiado not distribute the Vedic knowledge or teach it. They are mostly open to do the worship and collect donations. But this is not enough to allow people to understand the depth and importance of the philosophy. Therefore, more temples need to create an atmosphere for greater understanding of the traditions they utilize. They need to be centers for higher knowledge and learning, not just a place for rituals that many people do not understand.

7. College and university student clubs and associations. This is easy to do for most any college or university students. They can get permission of the college to form a club or association based on furthering their understanding of Vedic culture, yoga, etc., and have meetings, activities, book readings, slide shows, guest speakers, dinners, and so on. This helps attract more students and encourages everyone to look at and participate in the Vedic tradition more deeply, and see how it really may be able to assist them in their own progress.  

            8. Acharyas and spiritual teachers should get out of the ashramas and tour and do programs, not only in the cities but also in the villages. They need to show how important it is to them that others also have the rights, freedoms and privilege to participate in the Vedic traditions and its philosophy. This can be very important and inspiring for the common masses to see, and it can create lasting impressions in the public that someone cares about their participation in Vedic culture if the Acharyas and spiritual teachers would do this on a regular basis.

            9. Techniques of the Swadhyaya Movement. Beyond merely distributing books, there also needs to be the follow up in ways of engaging people and giving them association for enthusing them to stay together and learn and become active together. The Swadhyaya Movement is an organization that I have admired for a long time now, and who are most successful in this regard. Here is an institution that has been growing intensely for the past 60 years or so, and their techniques of sharing are quite simple but most effective. They mostly do one of two things: first individuals simply invite people they know to come to their meetings in which they learn more about the Bhagavad-gita and the Vedic culture, or they call up people they know and ask to come over for a visit and simply talk and become better friends. Then they may discuss theBhagavad-gita and invite their new friends to their meetings simply to learn more about their own customs. Then they help serve each other on the basis of the teachings of Lord Krishna. Teaching and inspiring their youth is also very important. They have now developed into an organization of many millions of members worldwide through these simple means. There are many ways that other organizations can do this as well to grow and expand by merely being friends and growing in the Vedic tradition through fellowship.

            10. Being Vedic ambassadors—showing by example & sharing what we know. I have explained more about this in other articles, but the above points can also fit into the idea of merely being a Vedic ambassador and simply showing others how the Vedic tradition and philosophy has helped you, and then share with others your story of how it has done that. This can be done on a personal level or through more technological media, as described above. But it requires very little but a friendly disposition and a little knowledge about your own culture to simply share it with others.

            11. Taking care of others. Simply being nice and known as a Hindu or devotee is also part of being a Vedic ambassador. It lends for a good impression on other people about who and what you are. And often times I have seen that when people know you as a decent and upstanding person who follows a particular culture, they want to know more about it. They may ask questions, and how you respond will make a difference in the impression they have about the culture. This is all part of being a Vedic ambassador and helping promote the qualities that are attained by following the Vedic teachings.

            12. Inviting others to participate in the colorful and joyful Vedic festivals can also be very effective. Everyone loves a good time, and if you invite others to join or participate in such festivals, it can create lasting impressions of good will. And if they are new to Vedic traditions, if you or someone can show them around and explain things to them about the meaning of what is happening, it will only increase their good impressions and what they get out of it. This may also lead to their desire to learn more or increase their participation in the culture. And all you have to do is simply show your friendly personality and be yourself. 

 

            People need a reason to unite, to feel unified for a cause. Are we going to supply the means and the reason for this? Or are we going to sit back and wonder why someone else should have done this? We have to see the need to do this and then get up and be active in the same way that Lord Krishna encouraged Arjuna to be active to defend Vedic Dharma. There are so many ways to do this, of which the above list is a few.

            These are but important suggestions on how to easily promote the Vedic Dharma, which is necessary if we expect to protect and preserve it. There are, of course, many other things that can be done, many of which I have written about elsewhere. But see which ones pique your interest or fit your character and then move forward with a plan to help out, or team up and help with others who may already have some ideas or are engaged in such ways. This will greatly assist everyone in their own spiritual growth and development, and also help the world attain a higher recognition of who we are and the purpose of life, which we all share.

            Further action plans and details of these are given in my book “Crimes Against India: And the Need to Protects its Ancient Vedic Tradition.”


       
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Madhavendra Puri, New Govardhana, AU: Won-Durr Boiz End Their Journey

[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.]

[The Won-Durr Boiz said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.]

 

Diary for the 7th

 

Radhadesh . The End . Title Page

Read original post: [http://madhat.me]

Subscribe: [http://maddmonk.wordpress.com/subscribe]

 


 
• Email to a friend •  •

Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Interfaith Harinam ISKCON Melbourne 2011

Check out this video on YouTube:


Mucukunda das

 
• Email to a friend •  •

Madhavendra Puri, New Govardhana, AU: Won-Durr Boiz Recovering in Radhadesh

[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.]

[We had one day in Radhadesh to recover from our long journey, all soon to head off.]

 

Diary for the 6th

 

Radhastami . Radhadesh . The End

Read original post: [http://madhat.me]

Subscribe: [http://maddmonk.wordpress.com/subscribe]

 


 
• Email to a friend •  •

Madhavendra Puri, New Govardhana, AU: Won-Durr Boiz Celebrating Radhastami in Radhadesh

[The Won-Durr Boiz celebrate Radhastami together (although after such a long journey you could hardly say that we were 'together' individually speaking).]

 

Diary for the 5th

 

Berlin-Belgium . Radhastami . Radhadesh

 


 
• Email to a friend •  •

Madhavendra Puri, New Govardhana, AU: Won-Durr Boiz from Berlin to Belgium

[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.]

 

[Flying back to Radhadesh, where we were due to depart in only a few days.]

 

Diary for the 4th

 

Leipzig Rathayatra . Berlin-Belgium . Radhastami

 

Read original post: [http://madhat.me]

Subscribe: [http://maddmonk.wordpress.com/subscribe]


 
• Email to a friend •  •

David Haslam, UK: A Clear and Present Danger to ISKCON

Share

Over the past month I have been busy updating my clinical studies, including the mandatory training required by legislation. It is something I am constantly reminded of but can be quiet neglectful of as I’m busy in work of devotional activities.

This month I went not only on my protection of Vulnerable adults update but as it had been many years since doing the main study course also did that one; along with my protection of children updates; as I am fortunate enough to work with both groups.

It remains an emotive issue and one that brings polarized views; Guilty, Not Guilty; Abuse, Non Abuse. But those who have ever worked on a case of abuse will know that in a majority of cases this is not quiet black or white, sometimes being faced with unclear evidence, hear say or conjecture. Simply at times there is other social factories and outside pressure a loss of control of circumstances that lead to an episode of abusive behavior.

Abuse or neglect is a fine line, the needs or requests of one can out way the needs of another or works outside of society norms.

Looking closely at figures of reported abuse, there is a notable increase, awareness and training and better ways of reporting has allowed and made it more easy and that’s not a bad thing; and get conviction rates and prosecution remains significantly lower than that reported.

Some fall at the first hurdle, insufficient evidence, compromised witnesses.

Some because they can be dealt with via other means, family support and training (ie. anger management), financial advice, medical advice.

In my many years I’ve seen families go through tough times, but that given time and great efforts come out a stronger more cohesive unit; from dysfunctional to functional.

However I am aware that there is abuses of power and authority, more revelations involving the Catholic Church and earlier on this year the Nursery were the Nursery Nurses were involved and implicit in abusing the children in there care (made more shocking that it was women involved) and who can forget the horrific video of the care home for people with learning disabilities.

But if we look at it this is less than 1% of those in positions of trust who abuse that trust; indeed very few parents abuse there child, and very few family members abuse there aging family member. And get those who work in protection of those vulnerable in society are sadly aware that we will never make it a 0% risk, and all the safe guards in the world will never stop abuse.

I was saddened a few months ago being taken to task after offering to pay for the Gurakula Children’s chip’s on Ekadasi asking why the reply came we are warned about men who buy children sweets; I was deeply saddened that even a small act can be seen in such terms.

Indeed I guess if you did a profile of a person who would be seen as an abuser then I’m up there as suspect number one; has been abused, middle aged, no children, no close family, only one very brief relationship that failed – I guess stamp a big Potential Abuser Stay Away sign on my head. A clear and present danger to children and frail old people.

And this is a sadness that we no longer see the good or the potential we are immediately seeing individuals as a threat, to the point were even after all these years I question each and every action.

There are those who present a clear danger to others, and for them prison with indeterminate or no parole;

But over the years I’ve also seen the benefits of society and social groups pulling together, working with individual’s and families; were an abusive partner / abusive relationships have turned around and this for me marks out a society, one that can see beyond and although condemns the action does not turn it’s back on the individual but allows them to learn what they lack.

For if as a society we just condemn, segregate, ban; then we have neither helped them, nor helped ourselves; we all loose.

And as I reflect back, the one thing that in many ways saved me from ending it all was my appreciation that this life was neither mine to take and the believe one individual had in me at the NSPCC that I could overcome, learn and adjust to society.

But I am saddened that after all these years caring for others, I have failed to convince others that I am not a threat as even the slightest action leads to the greatest of suspicion; and that fills me with the greatest of sadness, For although we need to be aware of potential of individuals abusing others, not all actions are taken with the intent to abuse; many are simply due to kindness of heart or the need to just do something kind for another.

 
• Email to a friend •  •

Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: hare krsna muchu’s photostream on Flickr.

 

tumblr_lwj6feBOa41r5z4iwo1_500tumblr_lwl4r5EZhx1r5z4iwo1_500tumblr_lwj6qz70et1r5z4iwo1_500syney uni

hare krsna muchu’s photostream on Flickr.

 
• Email to a friend •  •

Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Photo


 
• Email to a friend •  •

Madhavendra Puri, New Govardhana, AU: Won-Durr Boiz at Kirtana Mela 2011 (Leipzig Rathayatra)

[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.]

 

[The final day of our kirtanas in the hall.]

 

Diary for the 3rd

 

Kirtana-Mela (4) . Leipzig Rathayatra . Berlin-Belgium

 

Read original post: [http://madhat.me]

Subscribe: [http://maddmonk.wordpress.com/subscribe]


 
• Email to a friend •  •

Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Photo


 
• Email to a friend •  •

Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Photo


 
• Email to a friend •  •

Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Photo


 
• Email to a friend •  •

Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Photo


 
• Email to a friend •  •

Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: For full recipe email me.


For full recipe email me.

 
• Email to a friend •  •

Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Carob chip cookies


Carob chip cookies

 
• Email to a friend •  •

Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Stealing cookies is ok


Stealing cookies is ok

 
• Email to a friend •  •

Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Photo


 
• Email to a friend •  •

Madhavendra Puri, New Govardhana, AU: Won-Durr Boiz at Kirtana Mela 2011 (Day 4)

[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.]

 

[The final day of our kirtanas in the hall.]

 

Diary for the 2nd

 

Kirtana-Mela (3) . Kirtana-Mela (4) . Leipzig Rathayatra

Read original post: [http://madhat.me]

Subscribe: [http://maddmonk.wordpress.com/subscribe]

 


 
• Email to a friend •  •

Madhavendra Puri, New Govardhana, AU: Won-Durr Boiz at Kirtana Mela 2011 (Day 3)

[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.]

 

[The kirtana bliss just didn't seem to stop!]

Diary for the 1st

Kirtana-Mela (2) . Kirtana-Mela (3) . Kirtana-Mela (4)

Read original post: [http://madhat.me]

Subscribe: [http://maddmonk.wordpress.com/subscribe]

 


 
• Email to a friend •  •

David Haslam, UK: Modes of Material Nature is Powerful

Share

VICARU DAS [TKG] 
BHAKTIVEDANTA MANOR 
UK

The supreme personality of godhead Sri-Krishna had just slightly glances upon mahat tattva in his creating form, and all the living entities created along with three modes of material nature; NOW, to facilitate to really enjoy with our different varieties of bodies in eight million four hundred thousands of species,and to enjoy our senses specially in human forms,which suppose to be the most fortunate form. There was only one choice.

To some how achieve this rare human form and immediately get busy in finding out the purpose of human life, now? as i meet people. And many times i enquire from them that what’s your opinion what the purpose of human life is? Generally you get the same answer, eating, mating, defending, sleeping and don’t worry mate there is no life after death whatever we have now that’s it full stop; so enjoy as much as you can for 60yrs, or 80yrs or whatever your life span is. Our body is made of chemicals, brain, heart, muscles, bones, flash just be good to yourself and others. Or Jesus is the one and only way so be a nice person.

Then asking them is there a soul exist in our body? answer no’ 6.5 billion people on this small planet in the eyes of Krishna’s creation and the diameter of this universe is 4billion miles and the head in-charge is Brahmaji and from top to bottom 14 planets are there and we are in the middle one [earthly planet] and bellow us are subterranean heavenly planets. And beyond are heavenly planets but every where there are different varieties of living beings.

But still we are inside the same material universe with the body made with same material element which the universe is made including our eyes which we see with Is again made up of same element 5 major gross elements. Because super-soul exists in our universe that’s why it is in shape; the soul and super-soul exists in our individual body that’s why body exists the consciousness is the extension of the soul in our body that’s why we can move.

The day the soul leaves the body this body falls dead so although majority of the people in the society believe in the hell and heaven or not but the fact and the matter is the hell and heaven exists anyway .So similarly you believe it or not the eternal soul exists in this dead material body and that’s what we are.

According to our vedic teaching and how to perceive the existence of the soul in the body through [mahajano yena gatah sa panthah] ENQUIRE from mahajanas who we are? I am not my nose, I am not my eyes, I am not ears or head than who am I where do I come from where do I go after the death of the body: DRY arguments are inconclusive.

A great personality whose opinion does not differ from others is not considered a great sage. simply by studying the vedas which are variegated, one cannot come to the right path by which religious principles are understood. The solid truth of religious principles is hidden in the heart of an unadulterated self realized person, consequently, as the sastras confirm, one should accept whatever progressive path the mahajanas advocate.

Material nature consists of three modes,goodness, passion, ignorance, when the eternal living entity comes in contact with nature he becomes condition by these modes. Mode of passion is born of unlimited desires and longings. Mode of ignorance is the delusion of all embodied living entities and in this iron age of Kali men have but short lives ,very quarrelsome, lazy, misguided, unlucky and disturbed due to our previous karma [yesam tu antagatam pappam jyan nam punya karma nam te dvandha nirmukta bhajate mam dhridha vrta] almost puried from the sins, than some how got chance to enquire about bhajate mam.

During the time of Yudhistira Maharaj was ruling the world as [raja] all the Praja citizens were devotees because he was a devotee he made everyone fallow his style of living and now due to the power of kali [greed, hatred, anger, lust, envy, madness, illusion is the overall quality of today’s king. And when the adolescence increase, and sinful activities increase they feel joy because they are one of them; to control the nature and society and to promote [adharma ]and destroy [dharma] than no wonder people worship a cat, a dog, a human, a technology, and materialistic society as their [GOD] today’s king, tomorrows stool and urine and ashes and insects feast on them.

IT’S ONLY THE WONDER OF THOSE GREAT SOULS WHO TRAVEL AROUND AND DISTRIBUTE THIS HOLY NAME and other means of giving Krishna, See around us. every ones running mad doing same thing follow what others follow, get born from mothers womb, with same routine consciousness, fed nicely grown up join the same flock of education, pay fees with blood and sweat learn the same thing work hard get education, get a job get marriage buy a property and live selfish life stealing all the property from god, namely this body, intelligence, property, land, air, water, fire everything we use in our daily life is a property of god. Without having the idea of where it all coming from [no fear of achieving beautiful body and becoming overwhelmed to enjoy it and sooner or later same body becomes the source of all misery, too fat, too skinny, skin disease, accidental face burns up, disability, fear of becoming old, wrinkles appears than it becomes the store house of worry and than some disease appears than drugs applied.

Where is the peace on this planet, now major cities destroyed by natural disaster, enemy attack, enmity inside family and outside family, great contamination in behaviour its a great great suffocation in this material [JAIL]

Believe it or not only the remedy is to stay away from crows and find the swan like devotees of god who are selflessly giving god to everyone. 
Thank You 
Tours Humbly 
VICARU DAS

 
• Email to a friend •  •

Japa Group: One Will Certainly Be Delivered From The Clutches Of Maya

It is to be concluded that with a strong vow, one should chant the holy name of the Lord - Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/ Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare - for thus one will certainly be delivered from the clutches of maya by the grace of Krishna.

Srimad Bhagavatam 6.3.23–24 purport
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Must think of a good advertisement!


Must think of a good advertisement!

 
• Email to a friend •  •

H.H. Kadamba Kanana Swami: The miracles of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, Mayapur, November 2011) Lecture – Caitanya-caritamrta Part 4 

We see that the divinity of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is established. It comes up many times that He clearly is the Supreme Lord, and that there are many miracles that are related to this, because it is expected that whenever you deal with the Supreme Lord, then there are miracles. Some miracles that appeared are…..before His birth mother Śacīdevī saw celestial beings. In his childhood, when Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was very small, in the house they could hear a child who was running around with ankle bells on, but no one was running around. There were footprints in the house, so they thought it was from the śālagrāma-śilā, but then they saw the marks of the footprints of Visnu and the same marks were on Nimai’s feet, but he was too small to run. So how was it possible?

On Ekadasi, there was a great offering being made in the house of Hiraṇya and Jagadīśa, and it was a huge feast that was being cooked. Nimai was feeling very sick that day, and He said that the only thing that could cure Him was some of that prasad, but how did He know that they were having such an offering in that house? Nobody knew, but somehow or other He knew, and far away in the house of Hiraṇya and Jagadīśa there was this special prasad…and that was mystical!

I’ve often told the story of Nimai Pundit eating the brahmana’s offering. He was a extremely learned – super human learning! Later as a preacher He went into the Jharikhanda forest and made the tigers and deers chant Hare Krishna…. and embrace each other. The tigers and deers were kissing each other, which was quite a miracle. He cured Vasudeva the leper from the disease. He also cured Sanatana’s sores.

About one million years ago Lord Ramacandra was showing Sugrivah how very powerful he was, and that He was able to defeat Bali. Therefore, Lord Ramacandra took an arrow and shot it right through seven tall trees. Those trees were there, and when Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu went to South India, He embraced those trees. As He embraced them, they disappeared one after another. So it has been said that they went to the spiritual world!

He pushed Lord Jagannatha’s chariot with His head, when the chariot did not want to move. The king picked big wrestlers, but they could not move the chariot. Then he got the elephants to pull the chariot, but still the chariot would not move, but when Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu went to the back of the chariot and pushed lightly with His head, then it started to roll down the road, and the ropes were lying in peoples’ hands and they were not pulling at all! And the chariot was just moving on its own. So these are just some of the miracles. My point is that the main miracle that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is showing is His outstanding symptoms of love of God and that is the real topic of the Caitanya-caritamrta!

 
• Email to a friend •  •

Dandavats.com: Yamuna-devi and Srila Prabhupada–Vani and Vapuh

By Giriraj Swami

At about 6:30 in the morning on December 20, Yamuna’s constant companion and spiritual confidante, Dinatarini dasi, found that she had left. Her hand was in her bead bag, and a slight smile was on her face. She looked completely at peace—even blissful. She had not been afraid of death. She had been confident that she would again be with Prabhupada, or somehow engaged in serving his mission

 
• Email to a friend •  •

One ISKCON.com: Psychotherapy for Devotees? – Part One

Perhaps the greatest error made in the name of reform is in changing the fundamentals of Krishna consciousness. In any reform, accepting the self-sufficiency of Krishna consciousness is essential. Especially where some idea, method, or action is designated as capable of advancing a devotee on the path of bhakti, it is a mistake to suggest that something outside of scripture and tradition is also required.
 
• Email to a friend •  •

H.H. Kadamba Kanana Swami: Outlining our identity

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, Mayapur, November 2011) Lecture – Caitanya-caritamrta Part 4

I think that the Caitanya-caritamrta in many ways provides us with our identity, because it outlines what we are meant to do as devotees, particularly in this day and age.

Whereas Srimad Bhagavatam is having many passages that are applying to people of another era. In Srimad Bhagavatam we find personalities like Bhima. Bhima has the strength of ten thousand elephants. So he looks stronger than spider man! That is pretty impressive. Although he is an historical person, he is almost mythological by his qualifications and in comparison to us!

We see that Bhisma Dev is lying on a bed of arrows. For me one arrow is enough. A cut on my finger and already I’m out of action. What to speak of an arrow – call an ambulance, and with a hundred arrows…I’m done! So we are looking at personalities who are extraordinary in so many ways.

We can take from their example, the spirit but we cannot imitate! Like Dhruva Maharaja is fasting and at one point he stops eating, which we could try, but then he stops breathing, which again is sort of impossible for us to do. So one can from Dhruva Maharaja maybe take a spirit of being austere, of chanting a mantra and so on.

But in the Caitanya-caritamrta we receive role models of devotees who are more like us. Or who are like what we should be, and who are living in a way that we actually should be living. They are representing our culture. So we find a cultural identity, especially in the Caitanya-caritamrta. We find that through the process of bhakti (as given in the Caitanya-caritamrta) we become purified, and that process gives us our identity!

 
• Email to a friend •  •

Japa Group: Tips For Chanting

My suggestion is that you begin your more concentrated practice of chanting Hare Krsna by going through the helpful tips, which are given in the "Nectarean Ocean of the Holy Name". That is: 

  1. Focus your mind on chanting concentrated rounds the day before
  2. Go to bed early.
  3. Rise early and start your practice by sincerely begging for the mercy of the Holy Name.
  4. Chant the Panca-tattva maha-mantra.
  5. Chant in the mood of ayi nanda-tanu ja (5th verse of the Siksastakam).

From a letter by Sacinandana Swami
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Ananda Subramanian, Iowa, USA: Book Distrubution 2011 - II

I went door knocking again today. It was relatively a quiet day.  I met few folks and distributed some books. I met a guy who knew about the Hare Krishnas. I gave him a book and he accepted it although he did not offer any donations. Then I met an inquisitive individual who asked many questions. Sadly though, after like 15 mins of explaining the philosophy he just took a brochure from me. I suspect he was a christian trying to be polite with me. 

The highlight was I met a Catholic Christian who to my surprise had a very Krishna conscious mind set. In the beginning, she said I know I am not this body and mind and I am soul. She said how God is Supremely good and hence all of His creation also has His goodness. She believes that every individual finds his path towards God and that has their own realizations, so who are we to judge that? As humans she agreed that we have limited capacity to understand God's creation. She said that America is worshipping materialism and not God. 

She also said, which I find interesting is, that Catholicism is the "fullest" form of religion than other paths. Its funny how every religious person thinks the same of their path. I went to a Masjid (mosque) last sunday to see if I could distribute any books, and the person I was conversing with was a devout muslim and he also said the same thing about Islam and Allah. As the Catholic lady was saying about the fullness of her religion, I thought the same about Krishna Consciousness. I guess we need that impetus to be attached to our own paths. 

Anyways, the Catholic lady talked about other points that had spiritual (and not religious) connotation and I took leave expressing my pleasure to have met her. Honestly, I have been here for 8 years now and have not met an open minded Christian. Sorry if I offend any Christian, this however has been my experience so far. Either they are materialistic or too literal about the Bible to accept any other path as valid. This woman was a welcome exception and she gladly donated me her entire piggy bank which had a dollar and some chump change. Knocked on few other doors and drove back to my house. 

I am hoping someone will be interested to discuss further about Krishna! 

Hare Krishna
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Jaya Kesava das, Denton, Texas: Mother Yamuna.

I met HG Yamuna dasi on three different occasions, each sweeter than the last. First time was in Vancouver during Ratha Yatra; Karnamrta introduced me to her. She immediately embraced me with such a huge smile that I began to … Continue reading 
 
• Email to a friend •  •

New Vrndavan, USA: PRC Minutes 12-2-11

Palace Restoration Committee

Minutes conf call December 2, 2011

Present: Gaura Shakti, Gopisa, Jaya Krsna, Malati,

1. Minutes last conf call, October 14, 2011

The minutes have been reviewed and accepted.

2. Update on the recent work

Main roof has been covered; water leaking stopped except at the office. Remaining water comes from the front dome and the middle dome.

The concrete of the front dome was completely destroyed (sand and pebbles) at one place opened during the work. Core samples of all different concrete sections have to be taken.

Stripes of heating materials will be applied for the drains; details will be discussed after the meeting.

Middle and front dome will be covered with a coat of the material purchased so far.

Application will be done as soon as the current work in the ashramas is finished.

The first quote of one mason came in: about $60.000 for the upper front stairs. The second quote is expected to come in soon. There will be a meeting arranged with both masons at Kayafas Architects’ office.

Gus suggested finding a good mason and putting him on payroll which would reduce the expenses substantially; the mason would be engaged for the overall work to be done at the Palace.

3. Update on the gift shop

Kayafas Architects sent the proposal for the gift shop. Gopisa distributed the proposal to the members of the committee.

Kayafas Architects propose two phases:

Phase 1: Roof, doors, electrical, plumbing, HVAC. Total $ 68,900, with10% contingency $ 75,790.

Phase 2: Bathrooms and decorative work $ 51,250, with 10% contingency 56,375.

The quotes are based on outside contractors. We will be able to do the work for a much lower price, about 30 to 40% the first phase. The second phase will be most probably integrated in the first phase. The overall costs will be about $ 70,000. Gopisa will come up with a detailed budget for next meeting.

Next steps: Finish the clean out, approving the budget, get the drawings from Kayafas Architects.

Do the roof first, the doors etc.

The INMV board has to give its approval during the next meeting December 8, 2011. ECOV has expressed their view that they will accept INMV’s discretion 
on how we use their donation for the Palace renovations.

4. Activities in the near future

Core samples of the main structure have to be done soon to have a better view how to approach the overall project. The topic will be discussed with Gus next week (extend, time frame, costs).

 
• Email to a friend •  •

Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Photo


 
• Email to a friend •  •

ISKCON Melbourne, AU: 2011 Snana Yatra Deities' Darshan

Happy Snana Yatra! Here is the Deities' darshan. 

SnanaYatraDarshan.jpg December is the start of Melbourne's 'hot' season, so we like to offer Lord Jagannatha His Snana now. 

However in Jagannatha Puri Dhama... 
'Because Jyestha Purnima is the birthday of Jagannath, on that day He takes public bath along with His brother and sister. This festival is known as snana-yatra, and hundreds of pots of water are poured over Them...the full moon day of the month of Jyestha (May-June), is the birthday of Jagannath. 

Jagannath is Krishna, but Krishna’s birthday is Janmastami, the eighth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadra. Therefore, when it is said that the Jyestha Purnima is Jagannath’s birthday, it is understood that on that day Krishna appeared in His form with big dilated eyes, a round face and His hands and legs shrunken. This is known as mahabhava-prakasha, or the ecstatic manifestation of Krishna, Balaram and Subhadra.' (Gaura Govinda Maharaja, The Embankment of Separation: Shri Kshetra Dhama)
 
• Email to a friend •  •

H.H. Sivarama Swami: During X-mas eve of the 1st world war the soldiers of both sides confirmed Srila Prabhupada’s statement

That individually people are good, it is just their leaders that are bad.

 
• Email to a friend •  •

Dandavats.com: Transcript of Conversation With Yamuna Devi Dasi on September 18th, 1995

By Shyamasundara Dasa

In 1995 the year before Srila Prabhupada’s centennial there was some controversy about what Srila Prabhupada’s actual birth time and horoscope were. In order to address that I did extensive research and compiled a book entitled “The Transcendental Horoscope of Srila Prabhupada”. The research included interviews of several devotees who were close to Srila Prabhupada

 
• Email to a friend •  •

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1971 December 26 : "The American Ambassador and the Indian High Commissioner have agreed to come. Now, if you can convince the President of Kenya, Mr. Jomo Kenyatta, then I shall also consent to come for a few days to meet him."
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1971 December 26 : "So never think dissatisfaction. Because you are serving Krishna, that is my satisfaction enough. But because you are also preaching so nicely, then I am more than satisfied. Why he does not write me?"
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1971 December 26 : "We should always cling to the Lotus Feet of the Lord by following very strictly. If routine work - sixteen rounds, rising early, street Sankirtana, etc.- becomes slack or neglected, then all other attempts will fail."
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1971 December 26 : "As long as we keep ourselves pure for preaching, then we shall have all good results - of that there is no doubt. That is the proof of your preaching work - it becomes touchstone and turns iron to gold."
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 December 26 : "They are able to give enough money, but don't bother to try to mix with or preach to the Hindus extensively. Real business is to convert the local men to become Krishna Conscious and carry on the work."
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 December 26 : "Except for some rare soul like George Harrison, big personalities will not help us. Now George is practically converted and he is only preaching about Krishna, and he has done that from the beginning."
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 December 26 : "We want that the mass shall support us, but we want that the class shall preach for us, that is the distinction. Is it clear?"
 
• Email to a friend •  •

Srila Prabhupada's Letters

1972 December 26 : "I remember how you used to bring so many big men to see me at John Lennon's house. So if you sincerely desire to serve Him in that way, Krishna will give you every opportunity and intelligence."
 
• Email to a friend •  •

ISKCON Melbourne, AU: HH Janananda Goswami

jag

 


His Holiness Janananda Goswami will be visiting Melbourne from the 28th December till the 1st January 2012 and here is his schedule.

 
• Email to a friend •  •

Gouranga TV: Dasaratha prabhu kirtana

Dasaratha prabhu kirtana

 
• Email to a friend •  •

Mucukunda das, AU/NZ: Goals

Goals
Everyday chant
take prasadam and avoid offenses 
Drink 1 ltr
Chant in one go
No lust
Recite verses
Prayers
Read 1/12 hrs
Present kc nice
No lust 
Mongalz 
Don’t spAce out


Mucukunda das

 
• Email to a friend •  •

H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Monday 26 December 2011--A Beautiful Morning in Govinda Valley--and--How to Get Out of the Material World?

A daily broadcast of the Ultimate Self Realization Course Monday 26 December 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: A Beautiful Morning in Govinda Valley uploaded from Govinda Valley, Australia The beautiful, serene morning in Govinda Valley is a sweet reminder of the amazing transcendental pastime of Lord Sri Krishna in Vrindavan how one morning He got up from bed and blew His buffalo-horn bugle to call all of His cowherd boyfriends. After assembling the many thousands of His boyfriends each with their many thousands of calves, Krishna then headed out to the forest with His boyfriends, their calves, and His personal calves to enjoy a picnic in their company. If even this material forest, Govinda Valley, is so beautiful, we can hardly begin to imagine how beautiful and wonderful is the Vrindavan forest in the most sublime Spiritual Sky. Sankarshan Das Adhikari Beautiful Govinda Valley Morning--25 December 2011 http://www.backtohome.com/images/2011-Fall/Govinda_Valley_Morning.JPG Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: How to Get Out of the Material World? Sir, Sorry to trouble your good self. I am not able to understand how to get out of this worldly environment. I am working in highly materialistic world. My family has its own demands. I want to get out. How can I? Regards, Kapil Answer: Chant Hare Krishna and Avoid Sin If you will regularly chant the Hare Krishna mantra on a daily basis and give up sinful activities, your consciousness will transcend the material world even while you are in the midst of it earning your livelihood. 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 2011-2012 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
 
• Email to a friend •  •

More Recent Articles



juancas

LISTA DE REPRODUCCIÓN - PLAYLIST



  1. JESUCRITO I - viernes 13 de enero de 2012
  2. Mundo Religioso 1 - miércoles 28 de diciembre de 2011
  3. Mundo Religioso 2 - jueves 29 de diciembre de 2011
  4. Mitología Universal 1 (Asturiana) - jueves 29 de diciembre de 2011
  5. El Narrador de Cuentos - UNO - jueves 29 de diciembre de 2011
  6. El Narrador de Cuentos - DOS - jueves 29 de diciembre de 2011

MEDICINA NATURAL, RELAJACION

  1. Medicina Natural - Las Plantas Medicinales 1 (Teoría) - miércoles 28 de diciembre de 2011
  2. Medicina Natural - Plantas Medicinales 1 y 2 (Visión de las Plantas) - miércoles 28 de diciembre de 2011
  3. Practica de MEDITATION & RELAXATION 1 - viernes 6 de enero de 2012
  4. Practica de MEDITATION & RELAXATION 2 - sábado 7 de enero de 2012

VAISHNAVAS, HINDUISMO

  1. KRSNA - RAMA - VISHNU -  jueves 16 de febrero de 2012
  2. Gopal Krishna Movies -  jueves 16 de febrero de 2012
  3. Yamuna Devi Dasi -  jueves 16 de febrero de 2012
  4. SRILA PRABHUPADA I -  miércoles 15 de febrero de 2012
  5. SRILA PRABHUPADA II -  miércoles 15 de febrero de 2012
  6. KUMBHA MELA -  miércoles 15 de febrero de 2012
  7. AVANTIKA DEVI DASI - NÉCTAR BHAJANS -  miércoles 15 de febrero de 2012
  8. GANGA DEVI MATA -  miércoles 15 de febrero de 2012
  9. SLOKAS y MANTRAS I - lunes 13 de febrero de 2012
  10. GAYATRI & SHANTI MANTRAS - martes 14 de febrero de 2012
  11. Lugares Sagrados de la India 1 - miércoles 28 de diciembre de 2011
  12. Devoción - PLAYLIST - jueves 29 de diciembre de 2011
  13. La Sabiduria de los Maestros 1 - jueves 29 de diciembre de 2011
  14. La Sabiduria de los Maestros 2 - jueves 29 de diciembre de 2011
  15. La Sabiduria de los Maestros 3 - jueves 29 de diciembre de 2011
  16. La Sabiduria de los Maestros 4 - jueves 29 de diciembre de 2011
  17. La Sabiduría de los Maestros 5 - jueves 29 de diciembre de 2011
  18. Universalidad 1 - miércoles 4 de enero de 2012

Biografías

  1. Biografía de los Clasicos Antiguos Latinos 1 - viernes 30 de diciembre de 2011
  2. Swami Premananda - PLAYLIST - jueves 29 de diciembre de 2011

Romanos

  1. Emperadores Romanos I - domingo 1 de enero de 2012

Egipto

  1. Ajenaton, momias doradas, Hatshepsut, Cleopatra - sábado 31 de diciembre de 2011
  2. EL MARAVILLOSO EGIPTO I - jueves 12 de enero de 2012
  3. EL MARAVILLOSO EGIPTO II - sábado 14 de enero de 2012
  4. EL MARAVILLOSO EGIPTO III - lunes 16 de enero de 2012
  5. EL MARAVILLOSO EGIPTO IV - martes 17 de enero de 2012
  6. EL MARAVILLOSO EGIPTO V - miércoles 18 de enero de 2012
  7. EL MARAVILLOSO EGIPTO VI - sábado 21 de enero de 2012
  8. EL MARAVILLOSO EGIPTO VII - martes 24 de enero de 2012
  9. EL MARAVILLOSO EGIPTO VIII - viernes 27 de enero de 2012

La Bíblia

  1. El Mundo Bíblico 1 - lunes 2 de enero de 2012 (de danizia)
  2. El Mundo Bíblico 2 - martes 3 de enero de 2012 (de danizia)
  3. El Mundo Bíblico 3 - sábado 14 de enero de 2012
  4. El Mundo Bíblico 4 - sábado 14 de enero de 2012
  5. El Mundo Bíblico 5 - martes 21 de febrero de 2012
  6. El Mundo Bíblico 6 - miércoles 22 de febrero de 2012
  1. La Bíblia I - lunes 20 de febrero de 2012
  2. La Bíblia II - martes 10 de enero de 2012
  3. La Biblia III - martes 10 de enero de 2012
  4. La Biblia IV - miércoles 11 de enero de 2012
  5. La Biblia V - sábado 31 de diciembre de 2011




Subscriptions








TABLA - FUENTES - FONTS

SOUV2 BalaramScaGoudyFOLIO 4.2Biblica Font





free counters

Disculpen las Molestias

Planet ISKCON - 2010  ·  Planet ISKCON - 2011

Correo Vaishnava

Archivo del blog