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ISKCON Connection Newsletter, Issue 28, September 22, 2019
 
Prabhupada Nectar
All big, big yogis, there may be, but a person who is always absorbed in thought of Krishna within himself, he is greater than all such big, big yogis

Lecture -- Gorakhpur, February 17, 1971

Kṛṣṇa also says in the Bhagavad-gītā that yoginām api sarveṣāṁ mad-gatenāntarātmanā: "One who is always thinking of Me within himself, he is first-class yogi." Yoginām api sarveṣāṁ (BG 6.47). There is no need of speculating. Simply this easy process, thinking of Kṛṣṇa. Kṛṣṇa says in the Bhagavad-gītā that yoginām api sarveṣāṁ. All big, big yogis, there may be, but a person who is always absorbed in thought of Kṛṣṇa within himself, he is greater than all such big, big yogis. Greater than the greatest yogi. Yoginām api sarveṣāṁ mad-gatenāntarātmanā. Mad-gata means his life is so molded that he cannot stay without thinking of Kṛṣṇa. Mad-gata. He has become absorbed. That is samādhi. Mad-gatenāntarātmanā śraddhāvān. Not for artificial makeshow, but śraddhāvān, with faith and love. Śraddhāvān bhajate yo māṁ sa me yuktatamo mataḥ.

But how this stage can be attained? This stage can be attained only by persons who have developed pure love of God. Just like... It is very easy to understand. If you love somebody, always you'll think of him. In this material world also, the so-called love... If a boy loves some girl or a girl loves some boy, naturally, he thinks always of him. So to think of Kṛṣṇa always means you must develop your love. That is there within yourself, everyone. Kṛṣṇa-bhakti nitya-siddha. It is eternally truth, eternally fact, that you have got your love for Kṛṣṇa within yourself. Simply you have to revive. That process is easy, very easy. The chanting. Ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam (CC Antya 20.12). The glittering thing, Kṛṣṇa, or the Kṛṣṇa light. Kṛṣṇa light is within everyone. Nitya-siddha: eternally truth. But it is covered by material contamination. And by chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra these nasty, dirty things will be cleansed. Ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam. This is polishing. Polishing. Just like mirror, you polish; you can see very nicely the reflection of your nice face. Similarly, if you polish your heart by chanting, ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam, then immediately you develop your dormant love of Kṛṣṇa. And as soon as the dormant love of Kṛṣṇa is awakened, immediately you are liberated. Bhava-mahā-dāvāgni-nirvāpaṇam.

 

 

 

 

ISKCON News

Courtesy of iskconnews.org

From Srila Prabhupada’s Vision to Today: Krishna House’s Legacy and the Call for Support
From Srila Prabhupada’s Vision to Today: Krishna House’s Legacy and the Call for Support

Krishna House in Gainesville, established in 1971 following Srila Prabhupada’s vision, has been a hub for prasadam distribution, kirtan, and spiritual education. The Bhakti Academy, launched in 2008, has trained over 500 students, with many committing to a lifelong spiritual path while excelling in academics and careers.

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Lord Raval Makes Oath of Allegiance with Bhagavad Gita As It Is
Lord Raval Makes Oath of Allegiance with Bhagavad Gita As It Is

Recently Krish Raval OBE was introduced into the House of Lords as “Baron Raval of Hertsmere.” Lord Raval’s peerage is a testimony to his outstanding contributions to leadership development.  Today he is Director of Faith in Leadership and Chair of Labour Indians.

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BBT Calls for Nominations for the 2024 Book Distribution Awards
BBT Calls for Nominations for the 2024 Book Distribution Awards

We are seeking nominations for the Book Distribution Awards Ceremony 2024 that will be taking place at the ILS on February 17th, 2025 in Sri Dhama Mayapur. Please nominate devotees and communities for the awards here. Please submit your nominations by Friday, February 14th, 2025.

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Tulsi Gabbard Becomes First Hindu to Lead U.S. Intelligence, Drawing Strength from Vaishnava Teachings
Tulsi Gabbard Becomes First Hindu to Lead U.S. Intelligence, Drawing Strength from Vaishnava Teachings

February 12, 2025- In a 52-48 vote, Tulsi Gabbard, a former four-term member of the US House of Representatives and Lt. Colonel in the US Army Reserves, was confirmed by the full US Senate to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI). 

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Holi Festival of New Zealand Welcomes Prime Minister
Holi Festival of New Zealand Welcomes Prime Minister

On Sunday, February 2nd, ISKCON Auckland hosted its annual Krishna Holi celebration at its lively 88-acre farm, New Varsana, drawing a record-breaking crowd of 15,000 visitors.  With clear skies and warm sunshine marking the final month of summer, visitors were eager to sing, dance, relish Krishna prasadam, and, of course, partake in the traditional throwing of coloured dyes.

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Holy Name Retreat at Ekachakra: A Transformative Journey in the Birthplace of Lord Nityananda
Holy Name Retreat at Ekachakra: A Transformative Journey in the Birthplace of Lord Nityananda

From December 21 to 25, 2024, a Holy Name Retreat was held at Ekachakra, the birthplace of Lord Nityananda, organized by Devaki Devi Dasi and assisted by Dhara Devi Dasi. The event brought together participants from various parts of the world, including India, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and the UK. 

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COMING OF AGE #24 – Remembering the Basics
COMING OF AGE #24 – Remembering the Basics

Eternal truths don’t change. Truth is truth. Facts are facts. We humans, on the other hand, tend to relativize almost everything! 

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Śrī Ekacakrā-dhāma at Your Fingertips: A New Digital Initiative Explores the Holy Places of Lord Nityānanda
Śrī Ekacakrā-dhāma at Your Fingertips: A New Digital Initiative Explores the Holy Places of Lord Nityānanda

Śrīla Prabhupāda instructed, “If you are actually serious about going back to home, back to Godhead, then please seek after the mercy of Nityānanda.” Inspired by this instruction, the Mayapur Master Plan Office is delighted to introduce the Virtual Pilgrimage to Ekacakrā Dhāma, the sacred birthplace of Lord Nityānanda. This initiative allows devotees around the world to explore holy places, offer prayers and connect with the boundless mercy of Lord Nityānanda at their own time and pace, throughout the year.

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Dandavats

Courtesy of dandavats.com

Spiritual Milestones: ISKCON’s Impact Today. February 15
Spiritual Milestones: ISKCON’s Impact Today. February 15

By Dandavats Staff Writer

Bali Maharaja - HG Bhakta Prabhu. 25 Years of Spiritual Legacy - Mayapur Institute Celebrations. What exactly happens at the moment of death. Kirtan Love Fest. Sri Purusottama Thakur. Free Write Journal. Spiritual Energy: Now You See It, Now You Don't! Lord Chaitanya's glories - HG Radha Mohan Prabhu. Hema Sundari Devi Dasi distribution. Harinama in Australia. Iskcon Balaramdesh photos. The great sage Maitreya.

...

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Transforming Lives Through ISKCON’s Spiritual Teachings. February 14
Transforming Lives Through ISKCON’s Spiritual Teachings. February 14

By Dandavats Staff Writer

Stimulation for Ecstatic Love - Locks Of Dark Blue Hair. Sanskrit, Latin And Greek: is there a relation between them? Meaning of the Mahamantra. Who is qualified to hear the transcendental pastimes of the Lord. Spirituality & Responsibility: Fitting it all in. See God Clearly with the Lens of Devotion! A nicely made video about Mahakumbh 2025 . "Pariksit's Horoscope" with Devaprastha Prabhu. Bhaktivedanta Academy Gurukul NEWSLETTER. Hare Krishna News - Iskcon Durban. Krishna attracts everyone. Glories of Lord Narasimha & Prahlad Maharaj.

...

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Transcendental Knowledge
Transcendental Knowledge

By Mukundamala Dasa

One of my friends in college was known for his immense general knowledge. He knew the names of all recent Hollywood and Bollywood movies, the actors, directors, and producers of each movie, and the winners of Oscar and Filmfare awards from every year. In sports, he knew the winners of each Grand Slam tennis tournament from every year as well as similar information about football and cricket. He also knew the capital city and currency of each country, and a lot more....

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Krishna Consciousness: Teachings, Leadership & Liberation. February 13
Krishna Consciousness: Teachings, Leadership & Liberation. February 13

By Dandavats Staff Writer

Be Always Respecrful! HH Bhakti Chaitanya Swami - ISKCON New Town, Kolkata Surrender to Krishna-No More Maya Drama! (by HG Arcita Prabhu). Lead Like Prabhupada (by HG Mahatma Prabhu) Quotes from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. Class - ISKCON of Houston (by HH Hanumat Prekasa Swami). From Oxford Street Chaos to Blissful Chanting! Lord Raval makes Oath of Allegiance with Bhagavad Gita As It Is. The importance of taking shelter of Guru. Class by HH Bhakti Prabhava Swami - Mayapur. Sukhada devi dasi Sunday Feast Lecture. Class by H. G. Kasturika Mataji - Vrindavan

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Meaning of the Mahamantra
Meaning of the Mahamantra

By Srila Jiva Gosvami

Krishna steals the minds of everyone, yet Radha steals even His mind by Her divine expertise. Thus She is known as Haraa. When the residents of Gokula were crying due to fear of the forest fire, Krishna immediately swallowed it and gave His devotees great joy. In this way, He is known as Rama. In order to please Sri Radha, Krishna manifested the most wonderful lake (Syama-kunda) in Vrndavana. He then called all the holy rivers to fill it. He is thus known as Krish...

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Lessons, Legends & Liberation: Wisdom for the Soul. February 12
Lessons, Legends & Liberation: Wisdom for the Soul. February 12

By Dandavats Staff Writer

Where is my attention right now? HG Kalakantha Prabhu. Yadus, Gulab Jamuns, and Bhakti Blunders! Holi Surprise: NZ Prime Minister Turns Technicolor Hero! Devotion and Delight: Tales of the Godly. Brahmanas? Nope! Just Ksatriyas Playing Dress-Up! From Big Bang to Bhakti: Cosmic Chronicles. HG Visakha Devi Dasi: The Supreme Lord's Guide to Breaking Free. Spirituality: Not a Get-Rich-Quick Scheme. HG Madan Gopal Prabhu: Why Mundane Heroes Flop and Krishna Always Wins .Applied Bhagavatam - The Art & Heart of Praying. "Pariksit Sees Krsna" with Gopal Prabhu and Advaita Prabhu. Cultural Pr...

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Spiritual Hacks for a Life Beyond Limits! February 11
Spiritual Hacks for a Life Beyond Limits! February 11

By Dandavats Staff Writer

The mood of humility. From Caṇḍāla to Celestial: Tales of Heavenly Upgrades! Krishna: The Ultimate Judge-No Bribes Accepted! Free Bliss! Just Chant and Collect Your Grace! Chant, Breathe, Repeat-Yogi Life Ain't Easy! Guru: The Firefighter of Samsara! Ideal Family Life. Nityananda Ashtakam, New Goloka. Srila Prabhupada's room @ RadhaDamodar. Unity Among Diverse Personalities. Spiritual Lessons From Flying. Full Live Stream - Mayapur Mellows. Krishna's Wealth - Harinamananda Prabhu. CC Adi Lila by HH Candramauli Swami. Self-Advocacy and Empowerment - HH Radhanath Swami...

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Quotes from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura
Quotes from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura

By Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura

1. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s instructions in Sikastakam, “param vijayate Sri-Krishna -Sankirtanam” is the only motto of the Gaudiya math. 2. The Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna is the only enjoyer. Everyone and everything else is the object of his enjoyment. 3. Anyone who does not serve Hari, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is ignorant and a killer himself. 4. To learn to tolerate is one of the most important responsibilit...

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Unity Among Diverse Personalities
Unity Among Diverse Personalities

By Visakha Dasi

In terms of our personalities and abilities, no two of us are alike. Why should we be? And why would anyone want us to be? Variety, Srila Prabhupada tells us, is the mother of enjoyment. Whatever our personality, whatever our talents, Prabhupada wants us to use them in Krishna's service. Yet when we learn from Prabhupada's teachings that women are to be chaste, tolerant, shy, and subservient, it may seem that while men have variegated personalities, women's personaliti...

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Ideal Family Life
Ideal Family Life

By Narada Muni

My dear King, those who stay at home as householders must act to earn their livelihood, and instead of trying to enjoy the results of their work themselves, they should offer these results to Krishna, Vasudeva. How to satisfy Vasudeva in this life can be perfectly understood through the association of great devotees of the Lord. A grihastha must associate again and again with saintly persons, and with great respect he must hear the nectar of the activities of the Supreme Lord and His incarnations a...

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Spiritual Lessons From Flying
Spiritual Lessons From Flying

By Suvarna Radhika Devi Dasi

There is one more aspect of spirituality that matches taking a flight. There we are on the plane, looking out the window, watching the fluffy white clouds float by. The flight attendants are charming, and give us what we want with a smile. To pass the time we read or nap or chat with our neighbor. Then the attendant announces, “Kindly prepare for landing.” Then we wonder, “Oh, two hours has already passed? I didn’t even notice!” Time is ticking ...

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Sri Nityananda Trayodashi celebrations all over the world, February 10
Sri Nityananda Trayodashi celebrations all over the world, February 10

By Dandavats Staff Writer

Sri Nityananda Trayodashi - Class. Dhule Dhule Gaur Chand - Madhavas. Krsna's Waiting-But Is Your Attention Missing? Catholic Granny vs. Krsna: Plot Twist of the Century! From Foxholes to Hare Krishna: Grandpa's Final Voyage. Day or night, London dances to the Hare Krishna beat. Sri NItyananda Trayodashi Maha Abhishek - Vrindavan. Live Darshan & Kirtan Sri Dham Mayapur. Sri Nityananda Trayodashi Celebration Sri Dham Mayapur (photos) Class by HH RADHANATH SWAMI. Funny story: Lord Nityananda and a Thief . A meeting wth Narendra Modi!

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Lord Nityananda Trayodasi
Lord Nityananda Trayodasi

By Gour Govinda Swami

The two brothers went to the village called Mayuresvara, which was the village of Their maternal grand-father. Close to the village there was a jungle. Once, when these two brothers were about to enter that jungle, two villagers debarred Them, “Hey, don’t go to that jungle. There is a very big poisonous snake that devours everyone who goes there. No one returns. Please don’t go.” Nityananda Prabhu did not listen to them and They both entered that jungle. That big poisonous snake was staying under a tamala tree, and as soon as these two brothers entered the ju...

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Family Fortune
Family Fortune

By Sukhada Devi Dasi

One day Charles suffered a great deal and was afraid. Visnupriya gave him a Back to Godhead magazine, and he was pleased to recognize the picture of Nagaraja Dasa, whom he had met. "Oh, I know him!" Charles said, "I think I'll read this magazine." Reading Back to Godhead helped calm him down. Godruma and Visnupriya read to him as much as they could from the Bhagvad-gita and Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Charles listened to the reading intensely. "I d...

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When a Boar Saves the World—Literally! February 9
When a Boar Saves the World—Literally! February 9

By Dandavats Staff Writer

For those with equal vision. The Lord is all-powerful! The supreme enjoyer of all sacrifices accepted the incarnation of a boar. Surrender Now! (Terms and Conditions Apply). Desires? Let Krishna Handle Your Wish List! Varaha Bhudevi Sridevi Niladevi from 13th Century Orissa. HH Bhaktimarga Swami: Divine Boar Alert: Lord Varāha Saves the Day! G. Daivishakti Mataji: Stay High for Ever! Monk on the Move: Walking, Laughing, Chanting! Looking for love! Ranchor Prime

...

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It All Starts With Giving Attention
It All Starts With Giving Attention

By Sacinandana Swami

The degree to which you are able to turn to Krsna while chanting reveals the depth of your relationship with Him and how healthy you are spiritually. If you are unhealthy, you simply cannot turn to Krsna. Your mind will dislike the idea of chanting. It will be very rebellious and everything but Krsna will appear in your mind at that time. Every relationship starts with giving attention, and your relationship with Krsna is no exception. Therefore, you must learn how to chant with attention. It is said in the scriptures that inattention to Krsna is the root cause of all other offences an...

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Blessed Granny
Blessed Granny

By Sivarama Swami

About a week later I overheard a conversation between my mother and grandmother. Granny was saying that this was not some ordinary book. She said that what Prabhupada was saying is what Jesus Christ said and that Krsna is God. I was very surprised. She said we should listen to what Prabhupada said and chant Hare Krsna because that was the religion for this age. There was a lot of talk about how Christianity was no more and no one was following the Bible but what Prabh...

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Bali Maharaja
Bali Maharaja

SB 8.22.23 -- HG Bhakta Prabhu
ISKCON Melbourne, 15 February 2025

Watch Now

 

 

 

 

TOVP News

Courtesy of tovp.org

TOVP A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Legacy Museum Opening February, 18 – Braja Vilasa Shows Us What’s Inside
TOVP A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Legacy Museum Opening February, 18 – Braja Vilasa Shows Us What’s Inside

The first phase of the TOVP A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Legacy Museum is opening on February 18, 2025, showcasing rare personal paraphernalia, artifacts, books, letters, and other historical material for the glorification and perpetuation of the spiritual legacy of ISKCON Founder-Acharya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

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Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura Manobhista to Sri Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura Manobhista to Sri Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati

For the most auspicious occasion of the appearance of His Divine Grace Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, we present the final instructions to him from his glorious father and spiritual mentor, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, which include the importance of Sridhama Mayapur, and establishing and serving the holy dhama.

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TOVP Announces the Gopal Krishna Goswami Bhakti Ratna Seva Campaign
TOVP Announces the Gopal Krishna Goswami Bhakti Ratna Seva Campaign

His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami departed this world to join his beloved spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, on May 4, 2024. ISKCON has lost a great warrior servant and ‘Prabhupada Man’, but he has left behind a legacy of devotion to the mission of His Divine Grace and Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Thus, we have dubbed him the ‘Jewel of Devotion’ (Bhakti Ratna).

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TOVP & Vedic Science Channel Present
TOVP & Vedic Science Channel Present

Evolutionary Theory - A Seminar by Dr. Richard L. Thompson from May, 1989

Thompson’s introduction to this seminar examines both the contrasts and comparisons between Gaudiya Vaisnava perspectives of the natural world and neo-Darwinian analyses. Since the Bhagavat Purana presents a life-centered worldview in contrast to scientific perspectives that consider life as a by-product of matter, that could suggest an essential conflict. In this presentation, Thompson offers a brief history highlighting misconceptions associated with the scholarly discredited science and religion warfare thesis, followed by an overview of knowledge identified with both traditions that invites further analysis.

Listen Now

 

 

 

 

Srila Prabhupada: 
founderacharya.com, vanipedia.org

The official ISKCON website: iskcon.org,

Find your nearest temple: centres.iskcon.org

ISKCON leadership: gbc.iskcon.org

Education such ar Bhakti-shastri, Bhaktivaibhava etc: Mayapur Institute, Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education, Bhaktivedanta College Europe

News: news.iskcon.org, dandavats.com,

BBT books: bbt.org, krishna.com, vanisource.org, vedabase.com, bbtmedia.com

World Sankirtan Newsletter: wsnl.net/wsnhome.htm

Temple of Vedic Planetarium: tovp.org

Deity Worship and courses: deityworship.com, Mayapur Academy 

Inspiration & Sadhana: 
mayapur.tv, iskcondesiretree.com

Vaishnava Calendars: 
ISKCON GBC Vaishnava Calendar Comitee, GCAL (Gaurabda Calendar, a program for calculation of the calendar for vaisnavas, according Gaudiya-Vaisnava tradition.)

These dates and timings are for Sri Mayapur Dhama. Find timings for your location at the Vaishnava Calendar links.

February 17, 2025 (Monday)
Sri Purusottama Das Thakura — Disappearance
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura — Appearance (Fast till noon)

February 24, 2025 (Monday)
Ekadasi (suitable for fasting) Fasting for Vijaya Ekadasi

Febraury 25, 2025 (Tuesday)
Dvadasi Break fast 06:01 (sunrise) – 09:53 (1/3 of daylight) LT
Sri Isvara Puri — Disappearance

Address: ISKCON GBC Office
P.O. Sri Mayapur, Nadia, WB 741313, India

Email: office@iskconconnection.org

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