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ISKCON Connection Newsletter, Issue 28, September 22, 2019
 
Prabhupada Nectar
Ass is called mudha. Mudha, he works very hard, a big load of washerman's cloth is laden on his back, and he works, and the washerman gives little grass. He thinks, "He is giving me grass; therefore I must bear this load"

Lectures

Arrival Addresses and Talks

740129 - Arrival - Tokyo:

Kṛṣṇa says, janma karma me divyaṁ yo jānāti tattvataḥ (BG 4.9): anyone who can understand Kṛṣṇa, the result will be na iti, "No more taking birth in the material world" mām eti, "He comes back to Me."

So this is the solution. The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is teaching people, how to make a solution of this repetition of birth and death and go back to home, back to Godhead. So why people are reluctant to take this movement very seriously? Any question? Hmm. You don't want to make a solution of this problem? Yes, they are . . . have become so dull, just like animals, they do not know what is the solution of the problem . . . (indistinct Sanskrit)

yasyātma-buddhiḥ kuṇape tri-dhātuke
sva-dhīḥ kalatrādiṣu bhauma ijya-dhīḥ
yat-tīrtha-buddhiḥ salile na karhicij
janeṣv abhijñeṣu sa eva go-kharaḥ
(SB 10.84.13)

If a person, human being, does not take very seriously this problems of life, he is just like animal, go-kharaḥ. Go means "cow," and kharaḥ means "ass." So those who are not interested, to make a solution of the problems of life, he is no better than an animal, go-kharaḥ.

So this is a civilization of animal education—whole day working like ass. Ass is called mūḍhā. Mūḍhā, he works very hard, a big load of washerman's cloth is laden on his back, and he works, and the washerman gives little grass. He thinks, "He is giving me grass; therefore I must bear this load." He is such a fool that he does not know the grass is available anywhere, free of charges, but he thinks that, "This washerman is giving me grass," therefore he must have this load. Therefore ass is the most foolish animal. Amongst the animals, the most foolish animal.

So we are trying to enlighten people to get them out from this foolish way of life. But, it is very difficult. Māyā is very strong. But still we have to try, because Kṛṣṇa Himself comes to enlighten people on this point, and we are supposed to be servant of Kṛṣṇa, so it is our duty to try to enlighten people. But people also should know the responsibility of human life; but they want to live like animals. So you want to live like this, or wish to go back to home, back to Godhead? Like animal, ass. (laughs)

 

 

 

ISKCON News

Courtesy of iskconnews.org

“16 Days of Activism for Safe Families” – Valuing Family as the Cornerstone of our Communities
“16 Days of Activism for Safe Families” – Valuing Family as the Cornerstone of our Communities

The ISKCON Vaishnavi Ministry’s “16 Days of Activism for Safer Families” campaign, running from November 25 to December 10, focuses on cultivating healthy family systems and community cohesion by bringing together ISKCON’s top devotee experts to address a wide range of family-related issues. 

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Expansive ISKCON Ecofarm Opens in Picturesque Liguria, Italy
Expansive ISKCON Ecofarm Opens in Picturesque Liguria, Italy

November 18, 2023, marked a momentous occasion in the Italian Yatra with the official opening of the Goloka Ecofarm in the picturesque region of Liguria. Just 30 minutes from the Italian Riviera’s beautiful beaches, this ISKCON community stands as a sanctuary and a beacon of light, fully embracing Srila Prabhupada’s cherished mission of protecting cows and disseminating Krishna consciousness.

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Grateful for the Gifts
Grateful for the Gifts

As I stand where earth, sea, and sky meet, and watch the sun rise before me, it’s easy to feel the emotion of gratitude. Who am I to be so blessed and where does all this life and beauty come from?

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Thoughts on Thanksgiving and Gratitude
Thoughts on Thanksgiving and Gratitude

Millions celebrate the secular holiday of Thanksgiving* this week, which can serve as a helpful reminder to all of the importance of giving thanks and expressing gratitude regularly. Creative devotees also use this annual event to highlight living a non-violent lifestyle that doesn’t involve killing animals and even hosting Thanksgiving day events to share our philosophy, prasadam, and ahimsa recipes. In today’s reflection, Chaitanya Charan Das focuses on expressing gratitude and thanks to Krishna. 

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New Vrindaban Women’s Retreat Created an Enriching and Rejuvenating Space for Attendees
New Vrindaban Women’s Retreat Created an Enriching and Rejuvenating Space for Attendees

ISKCON New Vrindaban hosted a three-day Women’s Retreat on October 12-15 with the theme “Trust Your Intuition.” The event aimed to infuse joy, rejuvenation, and relaxation into the weekend, featuring an array of workshops, guided meditations, daily yoga sessions, self-care activities, and engaging experiences such as a scavenger hunt, dance lessons, and a distinctive food and drink encounter.

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French Devotees Prepare for Prabhupada’s December Marathon
French Devotees Prepare for Prabhupada’s December Marathon

His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada’s marathon in France is considered by many to be in a category of its own. Some devotees say that France is one of the most challenging places to distribute books, and within France, the city of Paris is the most difficult. Yet, it has become a thriving base of operation for the sankirtan devotees under the tutelage of HH Janananda Goswami Maharaj. 

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Bhakti Theatre Takes Center Stage: A Revolutionary Step in Sharing Krishna Consciousness
Bhakti Theatre Takes Center Stage: A Revolutionary Step in Sharing Krishna Consciousness

His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada’s marathon in France is considered by many to be in a category of its own. Some devotees say that France is one of the most challenging places to distribute books, and within France, the city of Paris is the most difficult. Yet, it has become a thriving base of operation for the sankirtan devotees under the tutelage of HH Janananda Goswami Maharaj. 

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Aruddha Devi Dasi: Illuminating the Path of Krishna-Conscious Education
Aruddha Devi Dasi: Illuminating the Path of Krishna-Conscious Education

Aruddha Devi Dasi, a luminary in the realm of Krishna-conscious education, with the help of a team of parents worldwide, has been publishing “Srimad Bhagavatam – A Comprehensive Guide for Young Readers.” Recently, she has released the sixth canto in the series. She has also authored “Homeschooling Krishna’s Children,” a complete guide to Krishna-conscious parenting published by the BBT, and is now traveling the world to share her wisdom and experience with teachers and parents.

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S.B. Keshava Swami Announces a New Free On-Demand Course: In Essence
S.B. Keshava Swami Announces a New Free On-Demand Course: In Essence

HH S.B. Keshava Swami has announced a new free on-demand course called “In Essence: Evolve Your Vision, Change Your World,” which will launch in December 2023. The course will have eight recorded sessions, four live Q&A interviews, and interactive “cheat sheets” that give you the essence of each session.

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1000s Gathered in Vrindavan for 46th Disappearance Day of Srila Prabhupada
1000s Gathered in Vrindavan for 46th Disappearance Day of Srila Prabhupada

Celebrating the 46th Disappearance Day of Srila Prabhupada was a jubilant and spiritually uplifting affair for thousands of devotees gathered at the revered samadhi in remembrance of the remarkable life and teachings of the founder Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).

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Dandavats

Courtesy of dandavats.com

In Defense of the Vedic View
In Defense of the Vedic View

By Badrinarayan Swami

"Both the Vaishnava theists and the materialists each present their own set of amazing stories. The choice is . . . which set of amazing stories to believe." It is the grand conceit of the materialistic worldview that “man is the measure of all things.” When we dig a little deeper, we find that this premise is based on a profoundly arrogant presumption, namely, that all reality can ultimately be subordinated to our sense perception and intellect.

...

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Face to Face with Frustration
Face to Face with Frustration

By Murari Gupta Dasa

"Please cancel my tickets," I said to my friend on the phone. "I won't be able to go." I hung up the phone and sank down onto my bed, my head in my hands. My friend had arranged my tickets for the trip to Jagannatha Puri and Mayapur I had been so eagerly looking forward to, and now I had to cancel. The past few weeks in my life had been very turbulent, so when my friends proposed a spiritual retreat to these two holy places so dear to the followers of Sri Chaitany...

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Encouragement in spiritual life
Encouragement in spiritual life

By Kripamoya Das

Fifty years on and the movement has grown and changed. The philosophy and practises remain the same, but most of the members do not live in small communal clusters. There is still communal living – in around 600 locations internationally – but the majority of ISKCON’s members now live in their own homes, visiting a nearby temple or group if there is one. Preserving Srila Prabhupada’s request for his responsible senior disciples to provide spiritual leadership and to ‘teach by example’ has needed some careful re-designing for a n...

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The Glories of Brahmacarya
The Glories of Brahmacarya

By Tamohara dasa

I have seen time and again how devotees who have undergone brahmacari training, and who later take up the reins of householder life, enter the workplace with skills far above those of the average man or woman. It is not that the skills and mentality of the devotional training have no value in the work theatre. On the contrary, the training as given by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada raises the devotee to a level above that of others. The first thing that a brahmacari must do is exercise self-discipline, as according to the Iskco...

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Attaining A “Normal Condition of Life”
Attaining A “Normal Condition of Life”

By Kalakantha Das

“The soldiers in this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement must always possess physical strength, enthusiasm and sensual power. To keep themselves fit, they must therefore place themselves in a normal condition of life. What constitutes a normal condition will not be the same for everyone, and therefore there are divisions of varṇāśrama—brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya, śūdra, brahmacarya, gṛhastha, vānaprastha and sannyāsa.” (SB. 8.2.30, purport)

...

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What Is Mind? A Bhagavatam Conception of Mind
What Is Mind? A Bhagavatam Conception of Mind

By Bhanu Swami

Some Conclusions based on Vedic Descriptions Subtle body has a subtle form with subtle senses to perceive . Subtle body not subject to gross physical laws of space and time Subtle body changes according to present experiences and thoughts Thought forms become more permanent if desires and thoughts are strong. Attachment to the subtle body of another person can lead to attachments in future bodies Sinful, selfish or violent acts create disruption in the subtle body. This determines t...

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"The Map is not the Territory"
"The Map is not the Territory"

HH Krishna Kshetra Swami, November 22, 2023

Mapping hermeneutic approaches to the Bhagavatam's Cosmologies

 

 Watch Now

 

 

 


TOVP News

Courtesy of tovp.org

Bhisma Panchaka and the TOVP
Bhisma Panchaka and the TOVP

The last 5 days of the month of Kartika are traditionally known as the Bhisma Panchaka or the Vishnu Panchaka. Grandfather Bhisma fasted for these five days, as arranged by Lord Sri Krishna, preparing to give up his life. In the Hari Bhakti Vilasa it is said that if one is capable, one should observe fasting from certain foodstuffs on the Bhisma-panchaka for the pleasure of the Lord. “The fast should begin by remembering Bhismadeva on the Ekadasi day and should end on Purnima [the full moon]. The Padma Purana says that one pleases the Lord and makes spiritual advancement by such austerities”.

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TOVP NRSIMHADEVA WING GRAND OPENING
TOVP NRSIMHADEVA WING GRAND OPENING

The Largest Nrsimha Temple in the World!
FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 2, 2024
Miracle in the Making - Home of Our Divine Protector 
Help open the temple:  TOVP.ORG

 Watch Video Now

Temple of the Vedic Planetarium Website Vedic Science Information Page
Temple of the Vedic Planetarium Website Vedic Science Information Page

The Largest Nrsimha Temple in the World!
FEBRUARY 29 - MARCH 2, 2024
Miracle in the Making - Home of Our Divine Protector 
Help open the temple:  TOVP.ORG

 Read More

Time According to the Vedas
Time According to the Vedas

A lecture by Sadaputa Dasa (Dr. Richard L. Thompson

Although the Puranic description of time as "an active potency of the Supreme which manipulates the material energy" may appear incompatible with Einstein's conception of time as a geometric coordinate in the fabric of space, Sadaputa Dasa’s (Dr. Richard L. Thompson) scrutiny reveals surprising sophistication in the Vedic version, including calculation of time based on atomic action, rotation of planets and stars in terms of arc-seconds, and time dilation over cosmic distances.

 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, Bhaktivedanta Theological Seminary, Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education, Bhaktivedanta College Europe

Events: events.iskcon.org,

News: iskconnews.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.)
krishnadays.com, 

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

November 26, 2023 (Sunday)
Last day of the fourth Caturmasya month [PURNIMA SYSTEM]
Sri Bhugarbha Gosvami — Disappearance
Sri Kasisvara Pandita — Disappearance

November 27, 2023 (Monday)
Last day of Bhisma Pancaka
Last day of Kartika (Damodara) Masa
Sri Krsna Rasayatra
Sri Nimbarkacarya — Appearance
Tulasi-Saligrama Vivaha (marriage)

November 28, 2023 (Tuesday)
First day of Margasirsa (Kesava) Masa
Katyayani vrata begins

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

Email: office@iskconconnection.org

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