"Planet ISKCON" - 47 new articles
- H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Sunday 21 August 2011--The Most Auspicious Krishna Janmastami--and--Bhagavad-gita and Wrongful Deeds?
- Australian News: Melbourne – Janmashtami – Operating Instructions
- Australian News: ISKCON acquires Chippiwada temple
- Australian News: Seventeen Mile Rocks Janmastami 2011- program update
- Australian News: Backto Godhead: The Magazine of the Hare Krishna movement
- Japa Group: Meaning Of The Sixteen Names PT.7
- Australian News: Braja's India… ….Images from the inside…
- Manoj, Melbourne, AU: 219. In the Melbourne temple
- ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Jagannatha Rama Prabhu
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: SHARPEN YOUR LEADERSHIP
- Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: pre-Janmastami meditation; The yajna-patnis vision of Krsna
- Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: Man in tree
- Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: A humble request for Srila Prabhupada's Vyasa-puja
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: HOW CAN I HELP SOMEONE WITH A GOAL?
- Nrsimhadeva.com: Krsna Appears as Nrsimhadeva
- Bharatavarsa.net: Book distribution seminar: Something worth buying
- Book Distribution News: Something worth buying
- Madhavendra Puri, New Govardhana, AU: Won-Durr Boiz in Poland (Part 13) – Posting Off Pobierowo
- H.H. Sivarama Swami: Remembering departed vaisnavas
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Srila Prabhupada's Letters
- Krishna Dharma dasa, UK: Pause for Thought
- Dandavats.com: ISKCON acquires Chippiwada temple
- Dandavats.com: Murder and Mayhem in Mumbai
- Australian News: Don't miss Krishna's Birthday for Kids – August 27th – Sydney Temple
- Australian News: Nobody does it better – Melbourne – Harinam – Video – ROAR
- Australian News: Murwillumbah Hare Krishnas at the Banana Festival today ON VIDEO NOW
- Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: Please “Like” ECOV’s Facebook Page
- ISKCON News.com: Happy Janmasthami!
- H.H. Sivarama Swami
- H.H. Sivarama Swami
- H.H. Sivarama Swami: The importance and benefit of following Janmastami vrata and other vows
- ISKCON News.com: Vermont Psychiatric Hospital Welcomes "Kirtan Therapy"
- ISKCON News.com: Germany Hosts the World's First Four-Day Kirtana Mela
- H.H. Sivarama Swami: Krishna’s wonderful pastimes in Bhandiravana forest with his friend Sridama
- ISKCON News.com: When the Husband is Not a Devotee: The Grihasta Vision Team Responds
- ISKCON News.com: Victory For The Vegetables
- Akrura das, Gita Coaching: READER COMMENT
- Japa Group: Meaning Of The Sixteen Names PT.6
- ISKCON News.com: Serving Pilgrims In Switzerland
- Gouranga TV: iskcon mandir aarti vrindavan shree radhe krishna
- More Recent Articles
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H.G. Sankarshan das Adhikari, USA: Sunday 21 August 2011--The Most Auspicious Krishna Janmastami--and--Bhagavad-gita and Wrongful Deeds?
A daily broadcast of the Ultimate Self Realization Course Sunday 21 August 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. Special Announcement: Connect With Other Members of this Course. Join this Conference: http://groups.google.com/group/sda_students Today's Thought: The Most Auspicious Krishna Janmastami Uploaded from Bhaktivedanta Ashram, Austin, Texas USA According to the Vaisnava calendar today is Krishna Janmastami here in Austin, Texas USA. This is the most auspicious day of the Lord's appearance in this world. Krishna is so kind that He descends from the spiritual world to display His amazing divine pastimes for attracting all of the souls of this material world back to His eternal abode. After first appearing with four arms in Kamsa's prison in Mathura, He manifested a two-armed human-like form as a baby and was then carried by His father, Vasudeva, to Vrindavan where He grew up with Nanda Maharaja and Mother Yasoda as His foster parents. His Vrindavan pastimes are a replica of His pastimes in His eternal abode in the spiritual sky, Sri Goloka Vrindavan. His Vrindavan pastimes are full of the most amazing splendor and have been remembered and worshipped for the last five thousand years. His Vrindavan pastimes will be eternally remembered and glorified by the self-realized souls. Sankarshan Das Adhikari If you would like to make a Janmastami offering to be used in spreading Krishna's glories all over the world, you can do so here: http://www.ultimateselfrealization.com/donate Krishna Appearing in the Prison of Kamsa http://www.backtohome.com/images/Krishna/Krishna_Appears.jpg Answers by Citing the Vedic Version: Question: Bhagavad-gita and Wrongful Deeds? If people in this whole world read the Bhagavad-gita and they also do wrong things, what is the use of reading it? Are they doing wrong things unknowingly or is it their habit? Kinjal S. Answer: Gita Followers Must Be Saintly Anyone who seriously reads the Bhagavad-gita will give up their nonsense and surrender to Krishna. People act wrongly out of ignorance only. Anyone who is fully enlightened with transcendental knowledge by reading and understanding the Bhagavad-gita will naturally manifest all saintly qualities. 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:
•Australian News: Melbourne – Janmashtami – Operating Instructions
On the website for Mahaprabhu Mandir it says “Please find appended the program for our busiest day of the year.” JANMASHTAMI is here and this is the plan for Melbourne.
Click here to visit the ISKCON Melbourne website
Share this story your way:
•
Australian News: ISKCON acquires Chippiwada temple
Dear Maharaj and Prabhus,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Sri Radha Krishna Mandir in Chippiwada (New Delhi), where Srila Prabhupada
stayed for a long time and began writing and publishing his books,
especially Srimad Bhagavatam before leaving for the west.
The Radha Krishna deities there are perhaps one of the few which Srila
Prabhupad himself worshiped for a long time. This temple has been donated
to ISKCON.
Srila Prabhupada during his presence tried to buy the temple but the
trustees were not interested, but by his mercy the discussions with the
trustees began early this year by H.H.Gopal Krishna Maharaj and followed
up Raghava Pandit Das and after finally convincing to donate it and
settling the legal requirements. The temple was handed over to ISKCON on
19th of August.
Srila Prabhupada even once wrote in the temple guestbook:
“I am pleased to write herein that I have come to Delhi from my H.Q.
1/859, Keshi Ghat, Vrindaban (U.P.) purely on spiritual mission to
propagate the cult of devotional service of the Lord. And I am more
pleased to mention herewith that Çrémän Sri Krishna Sharma,
Haribhaktanudas, has provided me a suitable room for my literary
activities.
I am publishing an English fortnightly magazine of the name “Back to
Godhead” from this place and the Nawal Prem Shabha of which Sri Krishnaji
is the Hony. Secretary is arranging for my daily lectures on Srimad
Bhagwat.
Late Pandit Jyoti Prasad Sharma, father of Shri Krishnaji, was also known
to me, and during his lifetime whenever I used to come to Delhi, Late
Pandit Jyoti Prasadji would provide me with residential place. His good
son is also following in the footprints of his noble father, and as
secretary of the Nawal Prem Shabha, he is doing good service in
propagating Rama Nama all over the city.”
Your Servant,
Yudhistir Govinda Das
ISKCON Delhi-Promotions
This is wonderful news! Before his departure Srila Prabhupada
instructed us to obtain the places where he lived and establish them as
tirthas. This is an important place in Srila Prabhupada’s pastimes. All
glories to HH Gopal Krishna Goswami, Raghava Pandit prabhu and all the
devotees involved. This is a great service to Srila Prabhupada on his
Vysaspuja 2011.
Your humble servant,
Hari-sauri dasa
By Yudhistir Govinda Das
Huddled amongst the thousands of buildings in one of the busiest Delhi markets, at end of one of the myriad narrow lanes, a rustic but palatial structure in Chippiwada would miss out any common man's sight. But to the followers of Srila Prabhupada, this building housing the Deities of Sri Radha Krishna is where he had began his initial preaching of Krishna Consciousness years later which was to burgeon as a global movement spreading the message of Lord Chaitanya.
After establishing ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada visited the temple several times and later instructed his disciples to request acquire the temple which he himself had initially tried but backed out as the trustees were not interested in it then.
But after nearly 4 decades, beginning early this year, ISKCON's Governing Body Commissioner Gopal Krishna Goswami and a team lead by Raghava Pandit Dasa began meeting and a negotiating with the trustees of Chippiwada temple to donate it to ISKCON and after several months of discussions, the legal procedures for the transfer of the temple was completed on 19th of August, remarkably just 4 days prior to the appearance day of Srila Prabhupada.
"Prabhupada told us that he got the inspiration to write and preach in Radha Damodar temple, but this [Chippiwada temple] is where he really began writing, especially Srimad Bhagavatam" said Brahmananda Dasa, one of the early disciples of Srila Prabhupada.
The temple located close to the famous Red Fort and in the heart of a printing market proved an ideal locality for Srila Prabhupada to begin his book publishing. While staying there he would personally worship the 103 years ago installed Radha Krishna Deities and deliver discourses on Srimad Bhagavatam. But at the same time would spend his time on translating Sanskrit literatures into English.
"Swamiji [Srila Prabhupada] would sit on his type writer and would translate for hours together sometimes as long as 11 to 12 hours without even taking a break. And we would offer him little food late at night which he would humbly accept," remembers Mr. Sharma, one of the trustees of Radha Krishna Madir.
Srila Prabhupada in appreciation with the hospitality of the hosts wrote in the temple's guestbook:
"I am pleased to write herein that I have come to Delhi from my H.Q. 1/859, Keshi Ghat, Vrindaban (U.P.) purely on spiritual mission to propagate the cult of devotional service of the Lord. And I am more pleased to mention herewith that Sriman Sri Krishna Sharma, Haribhaktanudas, has provided me a suitable room for my literary activities. I am publishing an English fortnightly magazine of the name "Back to Godhead" from this place and the Nawal Prem Shabha of which Sri Krishnaji is the Hony. Secretary is arranging for my daily lectures on Srimad Bhagwat.
Late Pandit Jyoti Prasad Sharma, father of Shri Krishnaji, was also known to me, and during his lifetime whenever I used to come to Delhi, Late Pandit Jyoti Prasadji would provide me with residential place. His good son is also following in the footprints of his noble father, and as secretary of the Nawal Prem Shabha, he is doing good service in propagating Rama Nama all over the city."
Also at dandavats.com
•Australian News: Seventeen Mile Rocks Janmastami 2011- program update
Lord Krishna appearance day on
Monday 22nd of August 2011
Program starts at 5pm
@ 32 Jennifer St. Seventeen Mile Rocks
(Prasadam to be served from 6 – 9pm)
Program
5.00pm Bhajans
7.00pm Gaura Arati
7.45pm Lecture by HG Nrsngha Kavaca Prabhu
8.30pm Yagna & Krishna Dance
9.30pm Abhishek
10.30pm Kirtan
12:00 am Midnight Arati
12:30 am Feast
Click here to visit the Brisbane Temple Website
Share this story your way: •Australian News: Backto Godhead: The Magazine of the Hare Krishna movement
When Srila Prabhupada left India in 1965 to travel to the United States, his mission was to teach. He was confident that people would welcome the philosophy of Krishna consciousness if they understood it. He didn’t demand blind following; he wanted people to hear an unadulterated presentation of Lord Krishna’s teachings and use their intelligence to judge its value.
In “Real Knowledge Changed My Life,” Vishakha Devi Dasi recalls how, unlike anything she had heard before, what she learned in her early encounters with Prabhupada’s teachings and his disciples clarified everything. Manu Dasa’s story, related in “Recovering from Childhood,” reveals his attraction to the application of the philosophy of Krishna consciousness, witnessed during his visits to the first London Hare Krishna temple.
Click here to read the rest and much more at Back to Godhead’s own website at Krishna.com
Share this story your way: •Japa Group: Meaning Of The Sixteen Names PT.7
While in Gokula, Sri Hari (Krsna) killed the demon known as Aristasura. During that time, Radha cried out to Him with great feeling and by doing so, She stole His mind. She is thus known as Hara.
•Australian News: Braja's India… ….Images from the inside…
A bird swoops down upon the breeze
Pilgrims bow on bended knees
Temple speakers turned to loud
A flute-song dances through the crowd.
Eyes raise slowly to the sky
The clouds amass, a storm is nigh
Clouds blue black like Krishna’s form
Welcome, welcome, monsoon storm…
Photo: Swans on lotus detail, Bhaktivedanta Swami Samadhi Mandira, Mayapur
Click here to find yourself in Braja’s India
Share this story your way: •Manoj, Melbourne, AU: 219. In the Melbourne temple
I have been away for 3 weeks from my dearest temple – Melbourne Mahaprabhu Mandir. As I walk up the path leading to the main hall, I can see all the tent setup for the upcoming Janmasthami celebrations. Tomorrow to be exact. I meet some senior devotees on the way who enquire about my health and well-being. It’s like being back with your family.
Right now, I have taken a place to sit on the steps of the altar and listening to a nice lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.19 – questions by the sages.
” We never tire of hearing the transcendental pastimes of the personality of Godhead who is glorified by hymns and prayers. Those who have developed a taste for transcendental relationships with Him relish hearing of His pastimes at every moment.”
Wow. We are back to Canto 1 ! But the taste keeps on increasing !
•ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Daily Class - Jagannatha Rama Prabhu
Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.18 - Glories of Srimad Bhagavatam and qualifications of the speaker and the listner.
•Akrura das, Gita Coaching: SHARPEN YOUR LEADERSHIP
•Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: pre-Janmastami meditation; The yajna-patnis vision of Krsna
His complexion was dark blue and His garment golden. Wearing a peacock feather, colored minerals, sprigs of flower buds, and a garland of forest flowers and leaves, He was dressed just like a dramatic dancer. He rested one hand upon the shoulder of a friend and with the other twirled a lotus. Lilies graced His ears, His hair hung down over His cheeks, and His lotuslike face was smiling.
>>> Ref. VedaBase => SB 10.23.22
•Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: Man in tree
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Please see the attached photo.
This demonstrates a well-known parable that Srila Prabhupada also told:
A man was sitting on the end of a tree branch sawing on the portion of the limb between himself and the tree trunk. Seeing the danger, a passerby called out, "If you keep on sawing, you are going to fall." "Go away, " said the man on the limb, "I don't want anything to do with you. I don't want to listen." The man continued sawing until the branch broke and he fell to the ground. He then hurried after the man who had warned him. "You must be an astrologer—you can predict the future." Prabhupäda said, "That's the definition of a rascal.
>>> Ref. VedaBase => SPN 2-48: Prabhupäda Tells More Short Stories
Suggested captions:
"Western intellectual supremacy"
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•Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: A humble request for Srila Prabhupada's Vyasa-puja
On Monday night there will be throngs of devotees, congregants, friends and well-wishers to see Lord Krishna playing His flute and looking magnificent in new dresses, flowers and in some centres like Toronto with the midnight flower dress. The atmosphere will be dripping with kirtan and ecstasy.
But today I would like to make a humble request for the day after Janmastami. The way I see it Krishna came on Janmastami and in 1896 the day after Janmastami Krishna brought us the most pure devotee to bring Krishna to the entire world. Without Srila Prabhupada's mercy we would not be standing in these temples, taking darshan of Krishna and enjoying this bliss. So the day after Janmastami is Srila Prabhupada's vyasa-puja and my humble request is to fill his temples with new comers and old comers. First, second and third generation devotees regardless of affiliation or status should all come forth in front of Srila Prabhupada united in gratefulness.
On many occasions I have been invited to attend vyasa puja celebrations for Godbrothers (disciples of Srila Prabhupada) and I honor these occasions and share some of my memories or association with them. I do so to honor the fact that they are pushing on Srila Prabhupada's movement. On occasion, I have noticed some of these events perhaps better attended then Srila Prabhupada's vyasa-puja. Perhaps this is due to Srila Prabhupada's vyasa-puja being at noon and not the evening or some being exhausted from Janmastami celebrations. But can't we make the extra endeavor for Srila Prabhupada's vyasa-puja?
Srila Prabhupada is not only the founder-acarya of ISKCON but the deliverer of devotees through his books, instructions and vani. Srila Prabhupada is the uniting factor as the spiritual father or grandfather no matter if you are an IDS, GKG, RNS, BMS, JPS, BKG, ABC or XYZ, Srila Prabhupada is the common factor. I am certain that all of my Godbrothers will agree. So it is my humble request, even if it is with some material difficulty, I beg you to come forth in front of Srila Prabhupada on Tuesday as we collectively glorify and worship our Founder-acarya and saviour who presented us with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's message and has given us the Krishna Consciousness movement. FILL THE TEMPLES FOR SRILA PRABHUPADA!
A fallen and worthless servant of Srila Prabhupada,
Subhavilasa das
•Akrura das, Gita Coaching: HOW CAN I HELP SOMEONE WITH A GOAL?
| stephencovey.com Thank you for your willingness to help your friend reach their desired goal. There's no substitute for a loyal support system when it comes to providing valuable encouragement, affirmation and accountability to help each other charter new ground. Here are some ideas for you to consider as you help your friend achieve the most important things in their lives: | ||||
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•Nrsimhadeva.com: Krsna Appears as Nrsimhadeva
 |
| Sri Sri Radha Syamasundara in New Vraja Mandala, Hungary |
Sri Krsno Narasimha rupa dharano nityam prapalo stu nah
Sri Krsno Narasimha rupa dharano nityam prapalo stu nah
Sri Krsno Narasimha rupa dharano nityam prapalo stu nah
May Lord Krsna who appeared as Nrsimha always protect us
May Lord Krsna who appeared as Nrsimha always protect us
May Lord Krsna who appeared as Nrsimha always protect us
•Bharatavarsa.net: Book distribution seminar: Something worth buying
Rio de janeiro, Brazil
The other day I stopped a man, showed him the Bhagavad gita and asked for a donation. He gave me a nice donation and said, "It is the first time in my life that I see someone selling something that is really worth buying on the streets, you are doing the right thing, never stop doing this". He thanked me again and left very happy with the Gita in his hands.
Satvata das
PS I hope everyone has an ecstatic Janmastami and Srila Prabhpada Vyasapuja day, they're very auspicious days to go out and spread the glories of Sri Krsna and his most dear devotee Srila Prabhupada.
your servant, Vijaya das
•Book Distribution News: Something worth buying
Rio de janeiro, Brazil
The other day I stopped a man, showed him the Bhagavad gita and asked for a donation. He gave me a nice donation and said, "It is the first time in my life that I see someone selling something that is really worth buying on the streets, you are doing the right thing, never stop doing this". He thanked me again and left very happy with the Gita in his hands.
Satvata das
PS I hope everyone has an ecstatic Janmastami and Srila Prabhpada Vyasapuja day, they're very auspicious days to go out and spread the glories of Sri Krsna and his most dear devotee Srila Prabhupada.
your servant, Vijaya das
•Madhavendra Puri, New Govardhana, AU: Won-Durr Boiz in Poland (Part 13) – Posting Off Pobierowo
[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.]
Monday 25th, July 2011.
We were still in Miedzyzdroje, waiting for the tent crew to finish their late night work. It was some time after midnight when the bus rolled on back to base. I led the Nrsimha prayers, masked by darkness.
We woke up again in the morning for site crew set up. Cid was leaving, so he was in our room saying goodbye and handing me over his sound crew uniforms. His whole family was only heading off for a few days but he was making his way back to Mayapur to return to HH Bhaktividyapurna Swami's gurukula. The family came and sought the blessings of HH Indradyumna Swami before their departure, relishing a sweet conversation with him.
It was my first day back on the stage set up. We cruised through and I noted how much easier it was to do this year than in previous ones. We were done with the bulk of it well before the harinam party had even returned, and we were more than ready to put on another magical show.
Nitai was the stage managed for these next couple of days, while Vana was off with the family in Berlin. It was a good time for me to take back my role because it meant I'd be dealing with my brother fairly often. Nitai had to weave his way through a relentless crowd every time he wanted to give us an update on the schedule. The same crowds that were restraining Nitai's mobility were putting a smile on the face of HH Indradyumna Swami.
There was one girl in the Nandalal segment (Nandalal is where we have all the children come on stage and sing songs) who asked Tribi if she could see Krsna. It reminded me of the incident in Rewal and even more so when someone brought out the Krsna puppet onto the stage. This was a unique addition to the usual Nandalal show. The girl very lovingly embraced the puppet Krsna, who was still bigger than she was. It was a touching moment and I was glad I hadn't missed it.
Nitai came by the sound tent, as he had been doing all day, and threw me something I wasn't expecting; "You're giving class tomorrow" he said. I didn't know whether he was joking or not but I knew I had better make sure I was in bed early that night.
The crowd rocked along to the kirtana at the end of the night. I was thrilled to be behind the mixing desk, pushing up the drums when the time called for it. Dylan came by after the show and mentioned how the cooking tent missed me. For me to be in the sound tent I had to miss our usual crowd in the cooking demo tent, full of fun and philosophy and our daily treat at the festivals. The kirtana that night made me feel like the sacrifice was necessary but I still missed my little tour family.
We hopped into the sprinter; it was like old times. Unlike "old times", the sprinter was now an old timer and was starting to show signs of age. The van broke down before we could even drive out of the festival site. I counted the time off my scheduled sleeping for the night, knowing that Bhagavatam class was awaiting me in the morning. Finally, after some mucking around, the motor kicked back into gear and we made our way back to base.
Tuesday 26th, July 2011.
I didn't manage to set my alarm clock that morning, neither did Nitai, but Paramatma seemed to wake Nitai up just in the nick of time. The class went well, thanks to some special blessings. I had read the verse on the bumpy ride back home the night before but I soon found it was the wrong verse anyway. I had to surrender to the situation and, funnily enough, the class was all about surrender.
The festival went along well for most of the day. I decided to slip out of the tent when Maharaja was giving his class, just to do a couple of crucial tasks for survival. I came back and Harry was in an alert state. Something had gone wrong with the sound and I wasn't there to sort it out. Harry tried but there was no obvious solution. Somehow it was all back to normal but now I was more cautious. All of a sudden, Maharaja's microphone cut out completely. The emergency microphone came out but it also didn't work. The sound tent was heated but there was nothing we could do. I posted off message after message on the walkie-talkie with Radha Mohana, trying to figure out the source of the problem.
The lecture finished and we also felt like we were finished. Jayatam came into the tent, on behalf of Maharaja, asking what the cause of the problem was. I wished I could give him a straight answer but we were still perplexed. The problem soon manifested itself in the next acts, as one of the channels shut down at its own will and then switched on when I pressed another independent switch. It was like the desk was possessed. After confirmation with Sadhu Sastra Prabhu (who was in charge of sound this year) I went to see Maharaja. I informed him that the desk had seen better days and was on its way out. Maharaja gave me a loving jab to the chin, telling me not to let it happen again. Fortunately, for us, the desk was being replaced after tonight's festival; we just had to make sure the desk held it together for the time being.
The final kirtana came around. We were extra precautious at this crucial point of the night. I tested every channel before it was switched on and we put HH Indradyumna Swami on a new, separate channel, just to be certain. Everything was set for an awesome kirtana. Maharaja began to sing but nothing was coming out of his microphone. Radha Mohana quickly replaced it with our emergency microphone (this time it worked). Maharaja continued with his kirtana, acting unaffected, but then his harmonium fizzled out, giving off a frightening sound. Radha Mohana was running all over stage, looking for a new microphone and a new channel for the harmonium. Eventually it all stabilized and I managed to mix the kirtana in for a nice finish. Although the kirtana began in complete disaster, it still managed to work out in the end.
Nitai soon came around to inform us of Maharaja's state. He was definitely not happy but he understood that we had done what we could, and he was content that the desk was never going to see another Polish Tour festival. We quickly broke down the festival, faster than I had ever experienced before, and jumped into the bus. It was the final festival before Woodstock.
Pobierowo was a great festival, despite the massive problems with the audio. Nitai said, more than once, that it was the best festival yet. The site seemed full for the whole duration and the weather didn't let us down. It was a great way to end up our Baltic Sea Coast circuit before the ultimate Woodstock experience. I learned that despite my own efforts everything is under Krsna's control, and the best thing I can do is simply surrender to His will.
Poland (12) . Poland (13)
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•H.H. Sivarama Swami: Remembering departed vaisnavas
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1965 August 20:
"The ship is stranded on the Arabian Sea about four miles from the coast. On account of Janmastami day I spoke for an hour on the philosophy and teachings of Lord Sri Krishna. All the officers attended and there was distribution of Prasadam."
Jaladuta Journal :: 1965
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1970 August 20: "We have to push forward this philosophy throughout the whole world. There are so many ideas put forth by so many philosophers but all of them are considered as illusion or zeros if there is no Krsna Consciousness."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1971 August 20: "The majority vote and my opinion should be taken. When the majority opinion is present, my opinion will be yes or no. In most cases it will be yes - unless it is grievously against our principles."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1971 August 20: "I have seen your financial statement, the same thing is going on since the beginning. Collection is Rs 21,000/ but deposit Rs 15,000/. Therefore Rs 6,000/ was eaten up. If 25% of the collection is spent up in this way how things can be managed?"
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1971 August 20: "In his last letter he has informed me that he was sick but since then I have not heard from him. How is he? I am anxious to know. His health should be taken good care of. He is an important worker and a good soul."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1974 August 20: "In teaching the children, you should refer very carefully to my books. You must teach by your personal example and automatically they will do as you are doing. Then they will become strong Vaisnavas."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1974 August 20: "Chanting offenselessly is the remedy for all of these diseases. Therefore I have established that the duty of each Temple President and the duty of each GBC is to see that each devotee may be spiritually fit."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974
•Srila Prabhupada's Letters
1974 August 20: "This is preaching. This is your real success - to convince the local men to become Krishna Conscious. I went to your country alone. No one helped me but I was able to convince you. Now you convince others. This is Krishna Consciousness."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974
•Krishna Dharma dasa, UK: Pause for Thought
These were delivered by me on BBC Radio 2 over the last three weeks on specific themes which they requested. There will be more of these from myself in the next three weeks also. (Thursdays at 5.45)
Week 31 - Fasting
This week marks the beginning of Ramadan and Muslims all over the world will begin observing their sacred month of fasting. I have to admire them for this as I know how difficult it can be, having myself to observe many such fast days throughout the year.
Of course, I don't have to fast, and in our society where food is abundant nor does anyone else, but it is a choice made by many devout followers in all religions for the purpose of bringing one closer to the divine. By forgoing bodily pleasure for the satisfaction of God, one can attract his grace, leading to spiritual progress.
But it can be difficult. An American friend told me how in his youth he had attempted a forty day fast. Convinced that extreme bodily privation would lead to deep mystical experiences he went into the Californian desert and proceeded to live on only water. However, after a few days in the punishing heat he was overcome by intolerable cravings and headed back to the city where, as he put it, he 'grossed out' on ice cream. He tried again a couple of times but with pretty much the same result. Needless to say he did not attain any spiritual realisations beyond that bodily desires are mighty forces indeed.
Although his was a failed experiment, I think he was on the right track and just needed some proper guidance. When fasting is done in accordance with scriptural direction, as an offering to the Supreme, one reaches higher levels of consciousness. The Bhagavad-gita explains that the first point of spiritual understanding is to recognise how the soul is different from the material body it inhabits. This is a difficult concept to grasp while we are fully absorbed in indulging our bodily demands, seeking pleasure through satisfying our senses. As long as our consciousness is focused outwards on the objects of bodily pleasure we cannot go within and discover our deeper spiritual essence. It is therefore recommended that the senses are controlled, and fasting really helps.
From my own faith perspective the aim is to more and more reduce bodily demands and increase one's absorption in the divine. This results in a far higher happiness than can be found through any sensual pleasure. Great saints in our tradition and indeed in all faiths reach levels where they are so rapt in spiritual ecstasy that they entirely forget the wants of their bodies.
But, as my friend discovered, this takes time and gradual practice, and ultimately God's grace. Through our penance and our prayer we please him, and when he is pleased with us we will find the strength to withstand bodily demands and discover levels of joy far beyond anything afforded through bodily senses. And thankfully we don't have to go to any wilderness.
Week 32 - Escape
School holidays are here and for our kids that means six weeks of glorious escape, although of course their parents might take a rather different view. It's not just children of course, all of us need to escape from time to time and towards that end we have, as well as holidays, books, films and other such diversions in which we like to lose ourselves.
Too much escape though is not seen as good. Then one is called an escapist, which tends to be a pejorative, a head in the clouds kind of person who can't face reality. When I first started following the Krishna faith I sometimes found myself confronted with this accusation. At first I would argue but now I would tend to agree. I am indeed trying to escape from the realities of this world, but what exactly are they?
I am not thinking of work, managing a household, raising a family and all that, because I have certainly not escaped that, but rather I mean the intrinsic reality of our human condition. That means the miseries of disease, anxiety, old age and death. For most of us these are seen as inevitabilities, but according to the Bhagavad-Gita everyone can escape from them by spiritual practise and we are exhorted to make that our prime endeavour in life.
In many ways we already try. Science strenuously seeks solutions to the problems we face, hoping to one day eradicate them. Huge resources go into research that aims to cure or eliminate disease, for example. Even old age and death – some scientists believe that if they can just identify the gene that makes us grow old then they will be able to stop the aging the process. I don't think I will hold my breath on that one.
We have to admit that our natural condition in this world is rather an awkward one. We constantly endeavour to adjust our environment in order to make it more comfortable, more secure, safe and peaceful. We have to work hard for this or soon everything would descend into disorder and madness.
But along with this work we should not neglect our spiritual side which ultimately offers the only real escape to our problems. By turning to God and realising our true nature as his eternal blissful parts we transcend this troubled world. We belong with God and somehow made the mistake of turning away from him to come here. Accepting this truth, that this mortal sphere is a place of misery, can be difficult when we so much want to enjoy ourselves here, but for me head in the clouds has always been better than head in the sand.
Week 33 - Opportunities
Nerves will be jangling up and down the country this morning as A-level students anticipate their results. Today is the big day - the fruits of two long, hard years of work and hopefully the doors to that desired university place swinging open. And for those Dads like me who sought to incentivise their leisure-focused offspring by dangling the time honoured carrot of hard cash in front of them, it might be time to dig deep.
What we really want though is for our children to recognise and seize the opportunity that a good education can provide. We want them to be all they can be and above all to be happy. Becoming qualified for a decent career that they actually enjoy is a good start and missing that opportunity would certainly be a shame.
However, everyone has in their life a far greater opportunity than any material education can offer, to achieve something unimaginably more wonderful. To understand this we first need to understand the real point of education. Why do we want to gain knowledge? Maybe to get that plum job or whatever, but really what we are trying to do is avoid difficulty. Knowledge equips us with the ability to cope with life, to deal with its many challenges and carve out what we hope will be some sort of comfortable existence. Without any education or knowledge we will be in trouble. Some of you may remember one of the first AIDS campaigns years ago that led with the slogan 'don't die of ignorance.' Lack of knowledge can have a deadly outcome.
The Bhagavad-Gita tells us that perfect knowledge leads to perfect happiness and urges us to seek that immediately. What am I? Why am I in this world? Why is their misery? Only human life affords us the opportunity to ask these questions and find out the answers. Opportunities for physical and mental enjoyment are there in all species of life, indeed many animals have more facility for material enjoyment than us, but in human life alone can we seek and understand spiritual truths.
To miss this opportunity is compared to a poverty stricken person who has been left a vast fortune in a will but never finds about it. The highest type of worldly enjoyment is said to be like a drop of water next to the ocean when compared to the ecstasy experienced when we realise our spiritual nature and our relationship with God. In the words of the Gita, "having gained this one feels there is no greater gain and is fully satisfied, being plunged into a sea of happiness that has no shore." And for this no A-levels or degree are required. It is available to us all.
•Dandavats.com: ISKCON acquires Chippiwada temple
Huddled amongst the thousands of buildings in one of the busiest Delhi markets, at end of one of the myriad narrow lanes, a rustic but palatial structure in Chippiwada would miss out any common man's sight. But to the followers of Srila Prabhupada, this building housing the Deities of Sri Radha Krishna is where he had began his initial preaching of Krishna Consciousness years later which was to burgeon as a global movement spreading the message of Lord Chaitanya
