Click here to read this mailing online.
"Planet ISKCON" - 44 new articles
ISKCON Brisbane, AU: Transcendental Visit
ISKCON Brisbane, AU: Gita Jayanti Festival
Hello Everyone, …as autumn gives way to winter…
George Henry Durrie
American artist George Henry Durrie is most well-know for his work in the genre of landscape painting. His depictions of rural life became popular through the mid-19th century and won him acclaim by Currier & Ives. I must say that in my younger days as an art student, I paid no attention to this style of work or subject matter. We found it very boring and far too quaint. Nowadays, I hope I take a broader view. Painters is this genre were masters of light and nuance. See how the artist captures an entire mood and at the same time, never misses even the smallest detail; his oxen woven into the very fabric of life. I hope you like them.
Have a nice weekend, is service to the Oxen,
Chuck
Chant
Hare Kṛṣṇa Hare Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare
Hare Rāma Hare Rāma Rāma Rāma Hare Hare
        Australian News: Blow your mind with the daily Darsan at Melbourne’s Mahaprabhu Mandir
‘Taking Darsan’ means to present yourself before the deitiy for of Lord Krishna to be seen by Him and to see Him. There is great spiritual benefit in this and it should form part of your spiritual practice. One of the powerful uses of the Internet is that you can ‘take Darsan’ of Krishna in his deity form from locations all over the world. Many temples take photos of the deities who live there and present them on the Internet for our benefit. Some even stream live video of deities for your benefit. You an see a nice example of this at at the www.mayapur.tv web site. Here is Australia we can see the beautiful deities at Sri Mahaprabhu Mandir in Melbourne. The wonderful devotees there provice the opportnity for darsan almost on a daily basis. You can see how fabulously the deities there are dressed and taken care of. What a feast for the eyes and soul it is to gaze upon the deities when ever you chose. There are currently 18 different days to look at and more are being added all the time. Click on this link to be transported to the Darsan section of the melbourne temple web site and blow the dust of the Kaliyuga from your subtle body.
          
ISKCON Transcriptions: Can you trust Devotees and can Devotees trust you? (part 2)Seminar on Vaisnava Culture and Trust given by HH Hridayananda Das Goswami at ISKCON Alachua in 2007.
As we read last night, Prabhupada stated that even in ordinary activities these six types of dealings between loving friends are absolutely necessary. Prabhupada says that ISKCON has been established to facilitate these six kinds of loving exchanges between devotees, and that people must be given a chance to associate with the devotees of Krishna because simply by reciprocating in the six ways mentioned above an ordinary man can fully revive his dormant Krishna consciousness. So these methods are very important, and Prabhupada goes on to explain that, for example, chanting Hare Krishna is a loving exchange revealing something to people: that people need to give up non-devotee association and associate with devotees… read full story Australian News: Get thee to a Kirtan: ALACHUA ONLINE 24 Hour Kirtan
Click on the link below and be transported to Alachua, Florida in the USA where a 24 hour Kirtan is currenty in progress. The live feed is being streamed from the Krishna.com web site and that is where this link leads. Whils you are there at Krishna.com have alook around, you’ll be amazed. Click here to get the live feed: http://www.krishna.com/alachua-24-hour-kirtan Share this story your way:
ISKCON Melbourne, AU: When Vraja dhama meets Melbourne dhama...
Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: Happy Turkey Day?! Picture from the Daily Herald Article Americans are celebrating Thanksgiving weekend. Up here in Canada it is celebrated on the 2nd Monday of every October and some jokingly call it Happy Turkey day. Unfortunately, for most Turkey's it is not a happy day as they are slaughtered in mass. Every year, the U.S. President "pardons" a Turkey so that he can roam and live his natural life...the turkey that is. So I guess, somewhere along the road they understood that the decent and respectable thing to do is to "pardon" a turkey and too bad all the hoop-la on TV News does not translate into a mass "pardon" of all Turkeys and for that matter all animals. This year the highlight of our Canadian Thanksgiving day was to spend it with Bhaktimarga Swami and a group of very sincere devotees that are pushing Srila Prabhupada's movement along in the Toronto area. Of course, we enjoyed heaping prasadam and just think, if that entire room was not in Srila Prabhupada's shelter at least 5 or more Turkeys would have been devoured (the opposite of pardoned). And with so many homes and families being directly or indirectly touched by "Hare Krishnas" perhaps more and more turkeys are being pardoned from Hollywood to Manhattan from bsby boomers to teens. My impetus for writing this is the fearless and devout leader in Utah, Caru Prabhu who picked up another nice article in the Daily Herald titled "Krishna devotees observe vegetarian Thanksgiving". Just one more ripple effect in changing Consciousness. The article is linked here: http://www.heraldextra.com/news/local/south/spanish-fork/article_b04e5b5a-f998-11df-a418-001cc4c03286.html ISKCON Melbourne, AU: Today's Darsana
"There is only one guru - Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
So those who simply repeat His words, they also become guru. But of course a guru never thinks himself as being God. He only thinks himself as the servant of the servant of the servant." So here's the slideshow of Krishna, the one and only Guru, lovingly surrounded by His magnificent associates and direct expansions. Kripamoya dasa, UK: Cold, Dark and HappyThis morning I scraped a layer of ice off my car windows. It took some effort, and my hands froze. The temperature here is now -1 or -2 in the mornings. We’ve been having icy blasts coming down from the Arctic circle over the past week. Winter has arrived. A few weeks ago, in southern India, the temperature was 32 Celsius or 89 Fahrenheit one hour after breakfast. I feel as if I’ve been plunged into a walk-in fridge ever since I’ve come back. But never mind, the cold helps one’s spiritual life. There’s nothing like a prolonged cold water splash in the morning to wake you up and focus the mind on higher matters. Meditation is easier after a cold shower. I speak from years of shivering experience. My readers in India may be surprised to learn just what the expression ‘cold tap water’ means to us here in wintry England. Whereas in your country the cold water that comes out of the tap is what we would call ‘lukewarm,’ meaning tepid, or not hot, in England and in most Northern climates, the cold water in the home is actually very cold, as if it had just been taken out of a fridge. When my guru, Srila Prabhupada, once asked a disciple to bring him a glass of water during his visit to London, he took one sip and returned it saying: “This is too cold.” On another occasion he wrote a letter to his disciples in England expressing his gratitude that during the cold winter months they were still travelling around the country to sell his books. During the cold season here it is also dark. The sun does not rise until 7.15 am and then, after passing quite low through the sky, sinks down in the west around 4.20pm. So the days are not long. But we here in England spare a thought for our neighbours to the north in Sweden, where the sun rises at 8.00am and sets at 3.00pm! The darkness steadily increases until December 22 and then on the 25th there is a celebration of the sun returning, and longer days beginning, which is now marked by Christmas. Although the birth of Jesus Christ was most probably in October, the midwinter festival that fell on the 25th each year was such a fixed feature on the early British calendar that even the might of the Roman empire was not enough to move it. So it has stayed through the centuries. Of course, for the people of these cold, dark lands, the mid-winter period is a time when their thoughts turn to giving happiness to others and reciprocating for kindness shown to them during the year. The devotees of Krishna hold an annual month-long festival of sacred book distribution during December, and it is amazing just how many books are sold – many being given as Christmas presents! Many people have told us they celebrated their Christmas by reading about Lord Krishna for the first time! So even in the freezing temperatures and the times when the sun does not like to shine in the sky, we Vaishnavas in England can still be happy. It is during this cold season, of course, that Lord Sri Krishna chose to speak the immortal Bhagavad-gita. There must have been a good reason for the Lord to choose this month! In the cold British weather, book distributor Chandramohini dasi interests another passer-by in Srila Prabhupada’s books.
        Bharatavarsa.net: Bhakti Vikasa Swami: They must be brahmin to do the arotikKusa Mataji remembers: There was one incident that I remember... because we had had non brahmins doing the worship and Gaurasundara... because Srila Prabhupada, his health had been fragile he hadn't wanted to tax Srila Prabhupada with making... asking for more initiations. So there were only a few brahmins in the temple and we ladies had been doing the arotiks and what not. Turya das did mangal aratik. And here we were at the situation where we realize we don't have the brahmins. So we phoned to Waimanalo(?) to ask Srila Prabhupada if it was ok if the first initiates do the arotik. I was a first initiate. Srila Prabhupada yelled "No! They must be brahmin." We could hear through the phone... >From Memories of Srila Prabhupada DVD #48 Japa Group: The Sun Of The Holy Name Shines
Once the cloud and mist are dispelled, the sun of the holy name shines brilliantly once more and enlightens the devotee with love of Godhead. Harinama Cintamani - Haridasa Thakura to Lord Caitanya  Dandavats.com: Headteacher HuntPradyumna das: The I-Foundation - the education charity behind Leicester’s first Hindu state school, which is due to open next September - has launched a global hunt for a head teacher Bharatavarsa.net: Book distribution seminar: Book distribution on the moveRecently we flew south from a preaching tour in North Queensland, Australia, since our house in Sydney had been sold and we were moving a thousand kilometers north to the New Govardhana farm. We left our van with some friends in Mackay, North Queensland, since it was too far to drive in a short time with a baby and a wife. So we moved our possessions up north. After doing so much traveling and moving our household, I felt like resting a bit before flying back up to North Queensland to get our van. But my wife insisted that there were some towns we had missed and some bhaktas we had promised to hold a feast for. So we set out to get our van and do another trip. Halfway through the trip, though, we felt maybe it was time to go back. Then we changed our minds and decided try a little more before heading back. We nearly ran out of books, so we ordered more. When they came I picked them up and we drove to the motel we were staying at. After we got out out of the van, my wife asked me to hang the washing. I walked into the laundry and came face to face with a man with a shaved head. I said "Hare Krsna," and he replied "Hare Krsna" and asked if I had any books. He bought one of all the hard and softcover books I had for $120. (So it pays to always serve your wife if she needs immediate help.) The next day he came to our morning program and got beads. I asked if he wanted to come out with us that day and do some preaching, since he had no job. The next two days he enthusiastically came out with us and stayed out all day doing books, harinam, and prasadam distribution. One day we went to a plaza. It was the end of the day and I had to buy something. I told him to wait in the parking lot and approach a few people. I was not expecting much, since he hadn't sold many books so far. When he came back he handed me $170, saying a lady had given him a $100 donation and then bought two Kurma cookbooks for $70! I thought, "This man has some shakti!" That day he also came to me and said he had a gift. When I opened the envelope, to my surprise it contained $500! To try to enthuse him I asked him to come traveling with us. He came for a week and went out every day, and he even wanted to wash the dishes after every meal! Then he went home but said he would like to come to the Kuli Mela in January at New Govardhana. He has already booked his ticket and will stay with us. If he likes it, he plans to move to the farm. After this experience, we realized that this was Krsna's special plan and that our second trip was well worthwhile. Your servant Rupa Raghunatha das Book Distribution News: Book distribution on the moveRecently we flew south from a preaching tour in North Queensland, Australia, since our house in Sydney had been sold and we were moving a thousand kilometers north to the New Govardhana farm. We left our van with some friends in Mackay, North Queensland, since it was too far to drive in a short time with a baby and a wife. So we moved our possessions up north. After doing so much traveling and moving our household, I felt like resting a bit before flying back up to North Queensland to get our van. But my wife insisted that there were some towns we had missed and some bhaktas we had promised to hold a feast for. So we set out to get our van and do another trip. Halfway through the trip, though, we felt maybe it was time to go back. Then we changed our minds and decided try a little more before heading back. We nearly ran out of books, so we ordered more. When they came I picked them up and we drove to the motel we were staying at. After we got out out of the van, my wife asked me to hang the washing. I walked into the laundry and came face to face with a man with a shaved head. I said "Hare Krsna," and he replied "Hare Krsna" and asked if I had any books. He bought one of all the hard and softcover books I had for $120. (So it pays to always serve your wife if she needs immediate help.) The next day he came to our morning program and got beads. I asked if he wanted to come out with us that day and do some preaching, since he had no job. The next two days he enthusiastically came out with us and stayed out all day doing books, harinam, and prasadam distribution. One day we went to a plaza. It was the end of the day and I had to buy something. I told him to wait in the parking lot and approach a few people. I was not expecting much, since he hadn't sold many books so far. When he came back he handed me $170, saying a lady had given him a $100 donation and then bought two Kurma cookbooks for $70! I thought, "This man has some shakti!" That day he also came to me and said he had a gift. When I opened the envelope, to my surprise it contained $500! To try to enthuse him I asked him to come traveling with us. He came for a week and went out every day, and he even wanted to wash the dishes after every meal! Then he went home but said he would like to come to the Kuli Mela in January at New Govardhana. He has already booked his ticket and will stay with us. If he likes it, he plans to move to the farm. After this experience, we realized that this was Krsna's special plan and that our second trip was well worthwhile. Your servant Rupa Raghunatha das Kurma dasa, AU: Only 4 Shopping Weeks to ChristmasWow! Only four shopping weeks to Christmas!
These are my books. I'll personally sign them for you.
Learn how to cook this delicious Cauliflower Curry.
This is the 11-disc 20-hour Kurma TV cookery show DVD compendium.
Contact Kurma now: kurma.acbsp@pamho.net
Dandavats.com: New Website for Online Flight Tickets launchedBhadra Balaram das: In a humble attempt to reach out to ISKCON's worldwide devotee community and congregation members who are able to get cheap air fares on the internet Mayapur Travel Seva has put up a simple website where you can buy online flight tickets the way you could be buying on any other website like makemytrip, yatra, etc. Dandavats.com: The 2010 Prabhupada Marathon and World Enlightenment DayBy Vijaya das How the Prabhupada Marathon evolved is interesting. The most successful three days in book distribution history up to 1972 took place at the end of that year in Los Angeles. Three days before Christmas, the Los Angeles devotees distributed more than 17,000 pieces of literature! Srila Prabhupada's Letters1966 November 26: "I wish to train up the American youths in devotional service and entrust them with Radha Krishna temples in this part of the world and I expect full cooperation of all devotees of Krishna in India for this mighty progress."  Srila Prabhupada's Letters1969 November 26: "Your work is very, very nicely done, save and except some typographical mistakes. And the transliteration is also very nice. Maintain this standard and that will be quite sufficient for my satisfaction."  Srila Prabhupada's Letters1970 November 26: "Performing Kirtana and conducting classes at universities is very important. They have innumerable university departments of knowledge but no department for understanding the science of Krishna. We must introduce such a department."  Srila Prabhupada's Letters1972 November 26: "Always remember to chant Hare Krishna. As darkness cannot stand before the light, so maya cannot remain in the presence of Krishna. When Hare Krishna mantra is vibrating on your tongue, there is no question of maya."  Srila Prabhupada's Letters1972 November 26: "This attitude of changing this, changing that, that if by adjustment, by changing, I may create the perfect combination and everything will be all right - this is not at all good attitude."  Srila Prabhupada's Letters1972 November 26: "You have been leader for long time, you are the pioneer there, so why you should be whimsically discharged? Why they have misunderstood these things? We are devotees, not politicians. So this plotting must be stopped."  Srila Prabhupada's Letters1973 November 26: "Regarding your community committee, if sometimes devotees should like to come together and chant and discuss, I have no objection. But we should not take such committees too seriously. In the ultimate capacity our chanting is the only thing that will save us."  Srila Prabhupada's Letters1974 November 26: "Our movement is being accepted. They are saying that Swamiji is doing nice things. It is all Krishna's grace. So it is up to you Europeans and Americans to push our movement all over the world and if you do - one day you will be the leaders of the world."  Madhava Ghosh dasa, New Vrndavan, USA: Conan O’Brien Goes To IndiaNo, nothing really socially redeeming about this advertisement, other than a glimpse of Indian ambiance, but interesting none the less. Here is the spot that is playing on TV:
For those who have already seen that, here is the extended YouTube version. More stuff but not as good, IMHO.
Filed under: Jokes         H.H. Sivarama SwamiThis, our book distribution is the most important task in our society. Therefore I am giving so much stress and I am working so hard on this. Because this is my life and soul according to the order of my Guru Maharaja. - Srila Prabhupada New Vrndavan, USA: Varsana With Some New Vrindban Residents In 1980s, Early 90s
H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: 1443:47 A.M.Excerpts from Sri Harinama Cintamani (spoken by Haridasa Thakura to Lord Caitanya, written by Bhaktivinoda Thakura):
“Once the cloud and mist are dispelled, the sun of the holy name shines brilliantly once more and enlightens the devotee with love of Godhead. “The bona fide spiritual master instructs the disciple in sambandha-jnana. The chanting of the holy name is the indication (abhidheya) of this eternal relationship (sambandha). The guru encourages the disciple to take up abhidheya, or chanting. The sun of the holy name now shines stronger and evaporates the mist of anartha. Chanting at this stage becomes an indispensable need (prayojana). Prayojana leads the devotee to love of Godhead. The jiva now experiences ecstasy in every moment of chanting.” Sambandha, abhidheya and prayojana are the three stages of devotional service. The spiritual master teaches the disciple these three steps. The first is to know your relationship with God. It is exactingly explained, and the disciple receives it with faith. Krishna is the master, and I am the servant. Once you know the relationship, you have to take it up. Take up service to Krishna. When one forgets this relationship, he stays in the prison house of material nature. The three stages are: 1. to know your relationship 2. to act in that relationship and 3. to realize the goal. It has been compared sometimes to the relationship of a man and woman. First they meet and develop an initial relationship. When love or intimacy develops, they get married and engage in intercourse. Finally the result of that activity, or abhidheya, is the birth of the child, or prayojana. Prayojana means love. Acknowledging the relationship, acting in the relationship and gaining the fruit of the relationship are the three stages, sambandha, abhidheya and prayojana. I woke up at 1:30 A.M. and began chanting, but my chanting became drowsy distracted. Narayana did not come up at 2:30, and I was on my own in a kind of spaced-out japa. I only chanted eight rounds from 1:30 to 3:40. I finally went and got Baladeva at 3:30, and he woke up the Deities. Now I’m beginning my writing, but I am far behind in my japa quota. First you learn of your
H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: From Prabhupada Meditations, Volume I
The manager of the Vaisnava Institute for Higher Education wrote, asking me to give a series of lectures as part of an upcoming seminar to be held in Vrndavana, India. He suggested that my topic could be “Prabhupada meditation.” As soon as I heard the idea, I began to wonder what the words meant. It might mean simply a few “thoughts” about Prabhupada. Maybe he wanted me to give a series of biographical sketches modeled after Srila-Prabhupada-lilamrta. But at second sight the words seemed not so simple. “Prabhupada meditations” might mean the method of meditating as taught by Prabhupada, which would call for an elaboration on sravanam, kirtanam, vishnu-smaranam (hearing, chanting, and remembering Lord Krishna); or it might mean that they wanted me to describe what Srila Prabhupada personally does in his own meditations—how does he think of Krishna? Or it could be taken to mean that I should talk about Lord Krishna, since it is He who is the object of Prabhupada’s meditations, as indicated by the title of the record album, “Krishna Meditations,” which has a cover photograph of Srila Prabhupada playing the mrdanga while singing a bhajana. Or the title “Prabhupada Meditations” might mean that all of these possible themes are actually inextricably mixed together, and that the VIHE wanted me to consider them in that way. When I began consider in this last way, which seemed the most interesting, it had one big drawback. I would never be able to come to a definite conclusion. How could I prepare a syllabus on “Prabhupada meditation” unless I could lead students to a conclusion, which they could write down in their notebooks, and on which they could be tested in the final exam? “But the invitation was intriguing and so I have decided to go ahead, although the subject is ultimately beyond my reach. As the Supreme Personality of Godhead is unlimited in His glories and qualities, so also His pure devotee, Srila Prabhupada, cannot be measured or contained. In fact, he cannot even be understood except by a qualified Vaisnava. Therefore if I go ahead and speak about “Srila Prabhupada meditation” (whatever it means), my attempt will be like a small bird trying to empty the ocean by carrying drops of water to the land. To be honest, I would prefer to speak my own version of “Prabhupada meditation” and admit it’s not the whole truth. I can give my opinion and show you how I arrived at that opinion. I can tell you the story of how I have taken up “Prabhupada meditation,” pondered it and made it work in and out of my daily life.” H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: Dance and ChantI said my japa rounds
I hold up his hand. Is he dead?
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna.
It is Thanksgiving.
I won’t get you to sing with
It’s a crazy world to
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna
Dance! Everyone is supposed
We danced fast sweating
There were some girls there
“Escape from Gorki Park.”
H.H. Satsvarupa das Goswami: Free Write
I turned at random to Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 3, Chapter 32, text 6: “By executing one’s occupational duties, acting with detachment and without a sense of proprietorship or false egoism, one is posted in one’s constitutional position by dint of complete purification of consciousness, and by thus executing so-called material duties he can easily enter into the kingdom of God.” There are two kinds of religious performances. One is called pravṛtti-dharma, which means the religious activities performed by the gṛhamedis for elevation to higher planets or for economic prosperity, the final aim of which is sense gratification. Every one of us who has come to this material world has the sense of overlordship. But the opposite type of religious performance is to act for the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Engaged in devotional service in Krishna consciousness, one has no proprietorship claim, nor is one situated in the false egoism that he is God or the master. He always thinks himself the servant. That is the process of purifying consciousness. With pure consciousness only one can enter into the kingdom of God. Materialistic persons, in their elevated condition, can enter any one of the planets within this material world, but all are subjected to dissolution over and over again. Acting to please Krishna is the real concern in life. If you do it you can qualify to go back home, back to Godhead. Chanting Hare Krishna is the easiest way to achieve this in the age of Kali. Krishna walked with Balarama through the enchanting atmosphere of Vrndavana. Krishna began praising His older brother. He told Balarama that He was superior to all of the boys. “Just see these tall trees are bending down as if to touch Your lotus feet. Persons take the bodies of trees because they are impersonalists and are given bodies in which they cannot move. But in Vrndavana the trees are taking advantage of Balarama’s presence and bowing to Him. The drones are buzzing all around Balarama because they must have been devotees in their past lives, and they cannot bear to be apart from him. But most of all, the gopis enjoy the presence of Balarama because He embraces them in His strong arms. Krishna and Balarama then get another chance to exhibit Their supernatural powers while playing with the boys in the Talavana forest. The forest is a lovely place with fruit trees and flowers. Around this time, Krishna’s friends Sudama and Sridama approached the brothers and said, “There is a beautiful forest called Talavana. It has very tasty fruits. But unfortunately the forest is guarded by a demon named Dhenukasura. He is in the shape of a gigantic donkey. He is accompanied by cohorts who live with him. They don’t let anyone take a single fruit from the Talavana. But if You brothers could go and get some fruit, we could enjoy them. Frankly, we are very hungry. Don’t you smell the nice aroma from here?” Krishna and Balarama smiled and agreed to get some fruits from the forest. Balarama entered first and began violently shaking one of the trees. Immediately the fruits fell to the ground. Dhenukasura heard the crashing and came running out and found Balarama taking the fruits. He ran right up to Him and struck Balarama on the chest with his two rear legs. Balarama did nothing, but when the donkey struck him a second time Balarama grabbed his two rear legs and whirled him about and threw him up in the top of one of the trees. The donkey at once died, and he hit the tree with such force that the tree fell down and crashed down a few other trees standing beside it. At once, some of Dhenukasura’s donkey friends came charging out and attacked Krishna and Balarama. The brothers grabbed them by the rear legs and in the same way threw them up upon the trees. The boys all cheered and began gathering the mangoes and other fruits that fell to the ground. Hearing the great event, the demigods from the higher planets began to shower flowers on Krishna and Balarama and began beating drums and offering prayers. I should rest and not keep writing, do physical exercise or drawing, or even do free writing. I have a headache and would like to rest before the celebration gathering for Thanksgiving. I want to be able to take part in the kirtana and not have to skip it. Maddy Jean-claude Durr, New Govardhana, AU: The Two Towers [Tower 1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk-xt19pbH0]
 [Tower 2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BthLs6xUCGE]
Read original post: [http://maddmonk.wordpress.com/2010/11/26/the-two-towers]
Subscribe: [http://maddmonk.wordpress.com/subscribe]
Watch more videos: [www.youtube.com/madzapple] Subhavilasa das ACBSP, Toronto, CA: W.W.P.S.P? A few months ago my dad wanted me to put this site together and he also wanted a section to write his notes, thoughts and memories. Although he ran an IT company with multiple offices and employees he was not much of a web surfer, so I showed him a few "blogs" and in the process showed him some of the "tabloid" sites I regularly visited to stay "in touch" with what's going on in and around ISKCON.
He began to read and he looked at me critically and asked me a simple question..."Would this please Srila Prabupada?" Unfortunately (for me) his commentary did not end there and he chastised me for spending time on these type of sites and directing me to instead spend that same time on helping him with this blog. So those 5 simple words, "Would this please Srila Prabhupada?" uttered by my father in disappointment set the tone for this blog. It also got me thinking that a few years ago "WWJD" was all the rage in America. It stands for "What would Jesus do?" I guess the ISKCON equivelant could be "WWPD" for "What would Prabhupada do?" but let's face it, I do not think we are qualified to guess what Jesus would do nor what Srila Prabhupada would do in every situation. However, I do think the we all have a fairly good idea of "What Will Please Srila Prabhupada?" or WWPSP. Of course everyone's yardstick is a bit different on this and this is a personal question we can ask ourselves. In Vaishnava tradition there is plenty of room for debate and exchange of ideas, but as long as we can personally answer WWPSP. So, I am actually grateful for being chastised and asked by him "Would this please Srila Prabhupada?" and thus on every blog entry the first and last check mark item is WWPSP! My dad wanted to include the following line from Caitanya Caritāmrta Antya-lila: maryādā - pālana haya sādhura bhusana "Maintenance of the Vaishnava etiquette is the ornament of a devotee" Srila Prabhupada, I sincerly hope this and every entry by worthless servants like us pleases you. Almost time to hit the publish button...so one last time...WWPSP ~ What Will Please Srila Prabhupada? ~ Indresh ISKCON News.com: Amazing Late Bloomers
ISKCON News.com: Diverse and Divided, but Praying as One
ISKCON News.com: Dalai Lama Wants To Give Up Ceremonial Duties
ISKCON News.com: Stem Cell Research at the Crossroads of Religion and Politics
H.H. Sivarama Swami: Gaura Nitai asks questions about Nava Vraja Mahima and successionMadhupati about praying for better health, Vrsnabhanu about what/who the dust of devotees feet is/are and Payonidhi about harmonizing devotees’ two opinions of other religions. Caitanya Mangala, CA, USA: Festival of the Holy Name: Catch it Live! |
Your start to 2011 just got better, because the legendary Deena Bandhu Prabhu (ACBSP) is coming to visit Brisbane. From the 29th December 2010 till the 2nd of January 2011, experience the wonder and magic of Vrindavan without even leaving the country. Tour through Raman Reti, the Yamuna river, Govardhan Hill and countless other holy places, as you relive the wonderful childhood pastimes of Krishna and Balaram. A Brijbasi in an American body, Deena Bandu Prabhu is a walking encyclopaedia on Krishna and His pastimes in Vrindavan. Stay tuned for more details.
We’re trying to understand one line from the Upadesamrita. We’ll read more of Prabhupada’s purport and then try to understand this. The first is 
Radha Mohan Das with retired cow Karuna at Bhaktivedanta Manor. Photograph: Graham Turner for the Guardian 
