This week in the Japa Room we had a lively and interesting discussion on Stage 1: Reaffirm our faith in the potency of chanting the Hare Krsna mantra....here is the transcript from the session. Names have been truncated for privacy.

M: Today when I was chanting I was mispronouncing syllables because I was going to fast but I "fought the war" and won over my mind

RasaRasika: Very nice to hear this M....this is the war we need to fight until we go beyond offenses and then at this stage we will automatically be fixed on the Hare Krsna mantra and we will taste the bliss of chanting very easily. Until then we need to keep bringing the mind back to the sound so that we can focus and get the purifying effects of chanting.

L: and if anything else comes to my mind i think about a great fire behind that image that swallows every other obstacle

RasaRasika: This is a great vision to have...the fire of good Japa can burn up the offenses, distractions of the mind and obstacles and will lead us to pure chanting...this is a very good way to think about our good quality Japa.

M: Whan I chanted today continuously I have felt like I have served Krishna the whole day. A day just for Krishna. This is the proof in chanting. I may have been chanting with offenses but stopped, the offenses stopped

RasaRasika: Very nice to hear this M...it's very important to be able to chant as many rounds as possible without stopping...it gives us the best chance of getting into the Japa Zone...a place where you can feel and experience the purifying effects of Japa and this will give you very good consciousness for the whole day as you have said. Very nice to hear this.

L: so is it more beneficial to always chant aloud than chant in mind ?

RasaRasika: It's a common thought...that we can chant in our minds - Srila Prabhupada recommends that we chant out loud so that we can hear ourselves...this doesn't have to be so loud that it disturbs others, but it can be as loud as you like as long as you can hear your own chanting. There is a nice quote in relation to this:

"The first regulative principle is that one must chant the Hare Krsna maha−mantra loudly enough so that he can hear himself, and one must vow to chant a fixed number of rounds."
Sri Caitanya caritamrta Antya−lila 11.24

BP: speaking of pronouncing things, I chant rama as two distinct sounds "ra-ma" but I've heard it chanted as "ram" or "rom" I think rama is correct but Im kinda confused

RasaRasika: It's a good question because there are different opinions...my understanding is the the word Rama is pronounced as it is...Ra-ma but it can also be pronounced as Ram without the a on the end. Srila Prabhupada chanted Rama like this but Ra-ma is also correct.

M: Can I chant Shiksastaka before japa? That's what I do

RasaRasika: Yes M by all means chant these prayers...it gets us in the proper mood for Japa...to be more tolerant than a tree and to feel ourselves more humble than the grass and to offer respects to others but not expect that in return...this is helpful to give us the right mood so we can chant continuously. We can also chant the pranams to our Spiritual Master and Srila Prabhuada and also the Panca Tattva mantra. Another prayer is our own personal prayer that we composed to ask the Lord to help us to improve and reach good quality Japa...that is also important to include.

L: where do i find the shiksastaka prayer and other prayers that we are talking about?

Rasa Rasika: http://www.krishna.com/node/624

L: i have read that we must not go over the head bead. what is the significance of that?

RasaRasika: The head bead is Krsna's bead so we don't chant on that bead...we chant around this bead but not on it. Krsna also likes to chant and meditate on His own Holy names so we reserve this bead for Him.

L: thanks for that. I have been sinning all this time as i was not aware of its significance.. i wud be careful now

BP: thats what I started to do....I would try to chant before bed but I was so tired I didn't always finish so I started waking up two hours early then the time I normally wake up before school and it give me lots of time to chant in the morning

RasaRasika: This is great news BP and you will see the reciprocation of Krsna for your efforts...when we make an effort like this, the Lord is pleased and gives us some reciprocation for our efforts...very nice to hear this, please continue to get up earlier.

M: yes, very nice P prabhu

L: I used to chant regulary and later got distracted in my life .. for a year i did not chant..even then God was so merciful to me always and one day i felt ashamed that i was losing touch not being a good child of God and taking him for granted it made me restless and then i started to chant again..makes me feel at peace with myself

RasaRasika: This nice L...can you see how the Lord arranged your restlessness? It's because deep down inside we have the desire to chant the Holy names, and by the Lord's great mercy He gives us the imputence to chant again...this is a very nice story and give me great faith. You can see how the Lord reciprocates and gives us peace of mind when we chant.

Rasa Rasika: By the way, here is the addresss of Srila Prabhupada's Japa http://ia360904.us.archive.org/2/items/SrilaPrabhupadaJapaByExample/Prabhupada_japa_classReverb.mp3 just right click on this link and "Save as" or "Save link as"

L: also i realise that being in company of like minded devotees affirms your faith. i am glad to have discovered this chat room

Rasa Rasika: Yes L this is a very important aspect of devotional life...good association of like minded devotees interested in making advancement...I am glad you discovered the Japa Room and it's always nice to see you and everyone coming along each week...please keep coming back.

japa room: How can a devotee realise he has got firm faith and determination to chant, is it when he loses attraction to what impeds advancement

RasaRasika: Thanks A (who is appearing as japa room)...when we release ourselves from the impediments in our Japa, for example not doing other things at the same time...then by making this effort to improve this will give us some feeling when we chant...we will feel the purifying effects and then our faith becomes firm "Yes this chanting really does work"...from this firm faith comes determination to continue. So I would say it's a matter of releasing ourselves from impediments and then the faith and determination will be strong.

japa room: thanks

RasaRasika: OK we'll finish up for this week...thanks to everyone for coming along...next week is Stage 2: Admit to ourselves that we need to improve and manage the quality of our Japa...see you all then, Hare Krsna

Have managed to download or upload (???) some photos of devotees in Australia showing some of the service folks are doing there and their lives as lived. Amazing how individual everybody’s offering of service can be…………….and how enlivening to see the many creative ways everyone can engage. I will try to get some help from someone probably about 40 years younger than me to get a grip on how to place or move pics around. HOpe you enjoy seeing them anyway.

Haribol prabhu!

It was a great surprise to hear from you and your message was very welcome! We tried to trace your email but are obviously not very technically adept. I guess we will just hope you check in with us again so we can get your details. Your life sounds sweet like the honey you speak of………….would be good to catch up some time. We will be in U.K. from May 16th this year (tomorrow, in fact! we’re just leaving India) for maybe four to six months. Please let us know if you are likely to be around or how to contact you again.
With love from Bhagavat and Sarva. HOpe we can be in touch.

Diary of a Traveling Sadhaka, Vol. 5, No. 2
By Krishna-kripa das
(January 2009, part two)
Gainesville, Tallahassee
(Uploaded from Langenthal, Switzerland, on 5/15/09)

Highlights:

Insight from Hridayananda Dasa Goswami, Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu, Sesa Prabhu, and More
Chanting at the Martin Luther King Day Parade
Aaron, the Christian Sannyasi
Chanting at Tallahassee's Lake Ella

Where I Am and What I Am Doing

For January through April, I promised Kalakantha Prabhu, the Gainesville
temple president, I would maintain the chanting program at University of Florida during the serving out of Krishna Lunch. I also promised Tamohara Prabhu, the GBC of Tallahassee, I would spend two weekends and one weekday there assisting with the outreach.

Chanting at the Martin Luther King Parade

Devotees from Alachua chanted at the Martin Luther King Day Parade.


People nearby our party clapped along with our music and mantra, . . .

. . . including some smiling young Afro-American ladies from the Baptist
church.

Trey was inspired to bring many gallons of lemonade, which he distributed to participants and onlookers. We chanted at the end of the parade for at least half an hour.

Chanting at Tallahassee's Lake Ella

Tallahassee is blessed with many parks, including the one surrounding Lake Ella, which is very close to the center of the city. Even on a cloudy January day with temperatures in the 50s F [low teens C] there were many people strolling, exercising, walking their dogs, and pushing their children in strollers.

Daru Brahma Prabhu, Sivam, Sivam's daughter, Subhadra, and I chanted and passed out invitations, pamphets, and flyers. We choose to sit on the gravel near the sidewalk instead of the grass to interact with more people. Subhadra, who was only about seven years old, was very enthusiastic to make sure everyone who passed by got an invitation and a pamphlet on chanting Hare Krishna. Because she was a kid, very few of the people refused her, and I think she was more successful than I would have been.

Insight from Lectures

Hridayananda Dasa Goswami: [Click here to hear entire lecture.]

If you do everything properly according to dharma, what happens is to be
considered God's will. Not that you go down the street shooting people and
claiming, “If it wasn't their karma, I could not kill them.”

Srimad-Bhagavatam describes that Draupadi was dragged by the hair into the men's gambling hall. Not that she was gambled away by Yudhisthira. Mahabharata, according to Madhvacarya, is largely corrupted, and this may be one of the corruptions.

Both male chauvinism and feminism are nasty states of being.

From Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu (SB 11.5.1-) [Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu has a class via conference call almost every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Contact Sraddha Devi Dasi at the Philadelphia temple if you want to know how to access it.]:

The demigods place many obstacles on the path of those who worship You to transcend the temporary abodes of the demigods and reach Your supreme abode. Those who offer the demigods their assigned shares in sacrificial performances encounter no such obstacles. But because You are the direct protector of Your devotee, he is able to step over the head of whatever obstacle the demigods place before him. (SB 11.4.10)

Vasista cursed Nimi to die because he started a sacrifice without him because he was delayed, and so Nimi countercursed Vasista to die. They both died. People wanted to resurrect Nimi from his preserved dead body, but the King didn't want a disgusting material body. Thus he got a benediction of a spiritual body to worship the Lord which could be manifest or nonmanifest to others, according to his will.

Varnasrama is especially meant for those not spontaneously attracted to the devotional service of the Lord.

According to Sridhara Svami, the brahmanas are born of the mode of goodness, the ksatriyas of a combination of goodness and passion, the vaisyas of a combination of passion and ignorance and the sudras of the mode of ignorance (SB 11.5.2, purport). Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu likes this as it is more symmetrical than the other description where the ksatriyas are simply in passion.

There are graduations within the varna divisions. For example, among ksatriyas, Yudhisthira is so detached, he is practically a brahmana, while Bhima is completely different.

Imaginary as far as the virat-rupa is concerned does not mean “made up” because the virat is described in the sastra, but rather it means to think the virat-rupa is more substantial than the Lord's spiritual form

The kala-rupa (form of time) aspect of the virat-rupa (universal form) is the side of God nobody likes-Krishna as time, the destroyer of all.

If you are following varnasrama, at least you do not do any sin.

A demon is one who disregards the scripture. This is clear from
Bhagavad-gita Chapter 16, especially verses 18 and 23.

Failure to worship a respectable person is considered disrespectful. It is not that you respect your diksa (initiating) guru, and ignore everyone else. Often offenders start on a lower level and work their way up to disrespecting their guru.

The virat-rupa has metaphorical elements in it, like “vegetation is the hairs on His body,” but is not completely metaphorical. The universe is like an organism in that it is unified, with parts working together, and has a single consciousness pervading it. Brahma is technically the soul of the universe, and Garbodhakasayi Vishnu is its Supersoul.

Arjuna is given divine vision to see the vast expanse of time and space
brought into one time and one space.

As we can move our hand by our own will, because it is part of our body, the Lord can move things in the universe simply by willing, and in that sense, it can be said that the universe is His body. In reality, He is more expert at moving His body, than we are moving our body.

Q: Why do the demigods put obstacles in the path of devotees?
A: Sometimes they are upset they are no longer getting worshiped, like Indra in Vrindavan. It is like in an organization, if the boss favors you, your other superiors become envious of you and may make trouble for you. Not only do we have to overcome the temptations of impiety, but we have to overcome the temptations of piety given by the demigods.

Q: Nowadays people cannot at all relate to the idea of worship of one's
spiritual teacher. What to do?
A: If you look at the scriptural descriptions of the guru-disciple relationship, you can see it is the ideal situation to transmit knowledge. When we do have good teachers that we really benefit from, we feel like worshiping them.

I have to keep learning about the problem of envy in human affairs. I forget about it, and then I am reminded again.

Sesa Prabhu:

Through Krishna consciousness we can give people an experience of a love
that dissolves the divisions between people.

We seek rasas (relationships) in this world because we have an eternal rasa with Krishna.

Krishna, who is the controller, who agitates everything, and who descends into this world, agrees to be controlled by His devotees' love. We love God by surrendering to Him, and He loves us by allowing us to control Him.

In this world, however, if people are attracted to us, we have a tendency to exploit them.

“Master our passions instead of letting our passions master us.” -Kalakantha Prabhu

“In any group I was with, I would look to see if there were people
from a variety of backgrounds. If there were, I thought, 'There must be
something to it.' I found that there in the society of Krishna devotees. -Ali Krishna Devi Dasi

“By looking at people you can tell who is having illicit sex and who is isn't. The ones who are celibate have a certain glow. I got this test from Bhakti Vikas Swami.” -Stavapriya Das

Conversations with Others About
Spirituality

I met Aaron, an old man with graying hair but youthful energy, dressed in robes, coming to Krishna lunch. He travels in the north in the summer and the south in the winter, reminding people about God. “God's will has always been simple,” he says. “Love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself.” He says he is a follower of Christ, but not “the Christ of the world.” He said he loved taking prasadam with Hare Krishna devotees in Eugene, Oregon, and helped out with the dishes afterwards.

Here he assisted Trey with the dishes in the Gainesville Krishna House.

Aaron's lifestyle reminds me that end of life is meant for sannyasa, leaving
home, traveling the world, and reminding others of the teachings of God.

I asked Frank, a medical student with a serious interest in Krishna
consciousness, what he thought of a recent conversation about the pros and cons of wearing devotional clothes? He replied, “I am attracted by peoplewearing what they feel comfortable in.”

nāma vinu kali-kāle nāhi āra dharma
sarva-mantra-sāra nāma, ei śāstra-marma

“In this Age of Kali there is no religious principle other than the chanting of the holy name, which is the essence of all Vedic hymns. This is the purport of all scriptures.” (Śrī Caitanya Caritāmṛta Ādi 7.74)

...did I mention my new hair-cut?! :))

Elkészült az Új Vrindabani utunk első videója. Ebben a részben a templom murtijait tekinthetitek meg, illetve a mellette található nagyon szép parkról láthattok képeket.

Bhakta Saurabh has joined the Brahmchari Trainee batch that has just begun in Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Mandir. On his first day of book distribution he had a nice experience:

I was distributing books in the local trains. From 2:15- 3:45 pm I could only distribute 4 small books. Then I remembered the words of Balaji Prabhu, one of the top book distributors from the previous BT batch. "Book distribution is all about prayers," he had told me. "Srila Prabhupada is the one who distributes through us. Just pray to him." Remembering his words I casually prayed to Srila Prabhupada. When I went to the next compartment even before I had made my announcement, a man called for me. "Just a minute sir," I acknowledged him and then made my announcement. Then I went to him. I was carrying a set of eight books. He asked to take a look and I gave the set to him. He looked at each and asked, "How much?"

"This costs 15, this 20, and this" I began telling him the cost of each book. "What the entire set costs?" My jaw dropped. I mumbled out the price. He gave the money and took the set. In the next 10 minutes I distributed 24 books. I realized that Book Distribution is all about prayers.

Bhakta Saurabh has joined the Brahmchari Trainee batch that has just begun in Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Mandir. On his first day of book distribution he had a nice experience:

I was distributing books in the local trains. From 2:15- 3:45 pm I could only distribute 4 small books. Then I remembered the words of Balaji Prabhu, one of the top book distributors from the previous BT batch. "Book distribution is all about prayers," he had told me. "Srila Prabhupada is the one who distributes through us. Just pray to him." Remembering his words I casually prayed to Srila Prabhupada. When I went to the next compartment even before I had made my announcement, a man called for me. "Just a minute sir," I acknowledged him and then made my announcement. Then I went to him. I was carrying a set of eight books. He asked to take a look and I gave the set to him. He looked at each and asked, "How much?"

"This costs 15, this 20, and this" I began telling him the cost of each book. "What the entire set costs?" My jaw dropped. I mumbled out the price. He gave the money and took the set. In the next 10 minutes I distributed 24 books. I realized that Book Distribution is all about prayers.

Here is a lovely and funny resource aimed at children, here are some of the clips. Prasadam Monster Hare Krishna\'s Saradhi cow song Reading to your baby And not forgetting the home page: navadvip street As usual I’ll put an hyper link onto my blog

Applying the word "story" to a Srimad Bhagavatam history or account is tantamount to calling the incident a "myth" or a "tall tale." The word is judgmental and carries a strong connotation of fiction. It should therefore be banned from our vocabulary when referring to real occurrences.

Japa essay

Japa is fun. But it’s hard work, too. You have to keep your mind controlled, and controlling the mind is as hard as controlling the wind. But with the right determination, it can be done. You just streamline. You ride horseback with no saddle, like an American Indian. You don’t think of anything else but the sound of the syllables. It’s really not so hard to do. You just cling to the mantras, ride fast, and let the wind blow through your hair (if you have any hair). Hare Krishna Hare Krishna... that’s good enough. “Just hear.” Prabhupada’s famous signature. Of course, there’s more to it than that—there’s seeing Krishna’s form, qualities, pastimes, etc. But if you can simply “just hear,” you have made a good start. The rest will come gradually. If you can think of Krishna, that’s so much the better. But on the other hand, what is there to think? The name of Krishna is as good as Himself. The name Krishna is more merciful than the form of Krishna. So it’s really complete in the chanting and hearing process—just keep it streamlined, without catching cows on your locomotive’s cowcatcher. Just keep the flocks of birds out of your jet intake, pure and simple, with no obstructions. Cry to Krishna to do this and your meditation is complete: “Please let me chant Your names, Oh Radha, Oh Krishna, please let me serve You!”[...]

the yellow submarine, my bhajana kutir #71→

In this material world we face all kinds of situations. Sometimes things are going great. Sometimes things are disastrous. Krishna consciousness means to be equipoised in all sorts of variegated situations. It means not to be carried away by these dualities. It takes time and training to come to this stage. But it is well worth the endeavor of reaching...

Gaura Purnima bhajan at Budapest (Hungary)

Ekalavya das: Lord Caitanya's 500th anniversary of Sannyasa. We can make this the theme for delivering the Holy Name to the rest of the world. Mahaprabhu's leaving of comforts to give welfare to the entire world, just as Srila Prabhupada did also.

1966 May 15:
"Ekadasi. The whole day I was in Ananda Ashram I came back at 5 P.M. Yolanda brought me back by her car. She has promised to come here on Wednesday next."
Prabhupada Journal :: 1966

1969 May 15: "If we cannot organize these sales, there is no use of printing books and stocking them in our store room. It would be better to hand it over to the MacMillan Company."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

1971 May 15: "Now you say August 1st, but last time you said June 1st, so how long this delaying business shall go on? Our Bhagavad-gita As It Is is too much important to the world."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

1972 May 15: "So far our investing, where is our money to invest? We have no money to invest. Our process is to collect and spend, from left hand to right hand, or from right hand to left hand."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

1972 May 15: "We have taken a very responsible task. At the present moment, to speak the truth, the whole population of the world are demons and animals. It may be a very strong aspersion but this is the fact."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

1972 May 15: "The people are so mad, they are talking so many nonsense things - nonsense philosophy, nonsense science - and our task is to meet all of them and at the same time pacify them in their lunatic condition."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

1974 May 15: "There is a Festival in Rome, and then Geneva for another festival and for meetings with the World Health Council. Then Paris and Amsterdam and on to Koln, and then Heidelberg and Sweden. Rathayatra in Chicago and then San Francisco on July 8th."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

1975 May 15: "Why these books are not being published? This is our first business. Immediately, these pending books must all be published. Why the delay?"
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

1966 May 15:
"Ekadasi. The whole day I was in Ananda Ashram I came back at 5 P.M. Yolanda brought me back by her car. She has promised to come here on Wednesday next."
Prabhupada Journal :: 1966

1969 May 15: "If we cannot organize these sales, there is no use of printing books and stocking them in our store room. It would be better to hand it over to the MacMillan Company."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

1971 May 15: "Now you say August 1st, but last time you said June 1st, so how long this delaying business shall go on? Our Bhagavad-gita As It Is is too much important to the world."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

1972 May 15: "So far our investing, where is our money to invest? We have no money to invest. Our process is to collect and spend, from left hand to right hand, or from right hand to left hand."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

1972 May 15: "We have taken a very responsible task. At the present moment, to speak the truth, the whole population of the world are demons and animals. It may be a very strong aspersion but this is the fact."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

1972 May 15: "The people are so mad, they are talking so many nonsense things - nonsense philosophy, nonsense science - and our task is to meet all of them and at the same time pacify them in their lunatic condition."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

1975 May 15: "Why these books are not being published? This is our first business. Immediately, these pending books must all be published. Why the delay?"
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

1974 May 15: "There is a Festival in Rome, and then Geneva for another festival and for meetings with the World Health Council. Then Paris and Amsterdam and on to Koln, and then Heidelberg and Sweden. Rathayatra in Chicago and then San Francisco on July 8th."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1974

I am now on Facebook as Akrura Dasa. You may find more texts there.

Srimad Bhagavatam 11.8.19-21 - Krsna-prasada sevaya for controlling the tongue ki jai!

Andrew Kang from South Australia wrote:

Kurma, please tell about rennet. What's it for, what does it do?

I replied:

Hello Andrew, Rennet is an essential ingredient in cheese making. It's an enzyme that coagulates milk proteins, thus setting the curd.

more...

The following is a class about Ramananda Raya given by H.H. Bhakti Charu Swami on 14 May 2009 at Hillsborough, USA.

To download the lecture, right click on the download link and choose either “Save link as” or “Save target as”

The following is a class about Ramananda Raya given by H.H. Bhakti Charu Swami on 14 May 2009 at Hillsborough, USA. To download the lecture, right click on the download link and choose either ldquo;Save link asrdquo; or ldquo;Save target asrdquo;

The following is a Evening talk given by H.H. Bhakti Charu Swami on 13 May 2009 at Hillsborough, USA.

To download the lecture, right click on the download link and choose either “Save link as” or “Save target as”

The following is a Evening talk given by H.H. Bhakti Charu Swami on 13 May 2009 at Hillsborough, USA. To download the lecture, right click on the download link and choose either ldquo;Save link asrdquo; or ldquo;Save target asrdquo;

Regarding Swamis and "Swaminies,'' you have been misinformed. Among my disciples there is only one Swami or Sannyasi, but there is no "Swaminie.'' Woman is never offered Sannyasa in the Vedic culture. Up to Vanaprastha stage the woman may remain with her husband as assistant or friend without any sex relation, and when a man takes Sannyasa the woman has no connection with him. I am very sorry to inform you that there are some Indian "Swamis'' in this country who are living with so-called "Swaminies,'' but so far we are concerned we follow strictly the Vedic principles.

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Nevatiaji — Los Angeles 16 July, 1970

Shyam Mahtani: HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj is coming to US and to Atlanta for the first time, out of India, after his recent illness. Also, HG Panakajangari Prabhu is also coming to Atlanta at the same time.

By Basu Ghosh Das

Ex-TP of ISKCON Vrindavan and non-GBC Zonal Secretary for several areas of ISKCON in India, and Temple President of ISKCON Indore, is serious condition in the Bombay hospital at Indore, Madhya Pradesh

Little Buddy Biscuit Company, based in Brooklyn, bakes vegan cookies and cupcakes along with an array of traditional treats.

When it comes to vegan-friendly dining, New Yorkers have it relatively easy, with a host of specialty stores and restaurants offering options for those who don’t eat animal products. As veganism becomes less of a mystery – and talented vegan cooks multiply – even staunch carnivores are starting to see the appeal of embracing a plant-based diet, if only for a meal or two.

But despite all the tasty vegan breakfasts, lunches and dinners out there, there’s another course that’s a little more perplexing: dessert. How is it possible to make crumbly cookies and light, fluffy cakes without butter, eggs, milk or refined sugars — and still have them taste like, well, a treat?

“If it’s done right, something vegan should still taste good,” says Pete Solomita, whose Little Buddy Biscuit Company provides coffee shops around Brooklyn with delicious cookies and cupcakes, including some vegan varieties (he’s opening his own storefront bakery this summer in South Park Slope). “And it should taste good enough for someone who’s not vegan to eat it as well.”

No matter what meal you’re cooking, making a vegan dish that’s both healthy AND mouthwatering involves a dash of culinary science – in the form of thoughtful subsitution of a few key ingredients.

“If you’re going to eat a vegan dinner, you might have to look for a protein that replaces meat. If you’re looking at a baked good, most have butter, eggs, and could also have milk and cream,” all of which must be replaced for a dish to be considered vegan, Solomita says. To show us how it’s done, he started with a traditional recipe for apple sauce cake and substituted the butter, eggs and refined sugar for vegan-friendly counterparts. He explains:

“I replace the butter with only 2 ounces of canola oil, and you don’t miss the extra fat. The egg is replaced with xanthan gum, which is a natural stabilizer or thickener. I also add more apple cider to replace the volume lost from the egg.

“When you don’t have eggs and butter in a recipe, you can of course be losing richness or texture. In this recipe that is less apparent because of the strong apple flavor from the apple three ways (cider, dried apple and apple sauce) and the moistness of the recipe.

“I also substitute white sugar with maple sugar, which is more healthful and adds nice flavor to the apples.”

Instructions

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position; heat oven to 325 degrees. Cut 16-inch length parchment paper or aluminum foil and fold lengthwise to 7-inch width. Spray 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and fit parchment into dish, pushing it into corners and up sides; allow excess to overhang edges of dish.

2. Bring dried apples and 1 cup of cider to simmer in small saucepan over medium heat; cook until liquid evaporates and mixture appears dry, about 15 minutes. Cool to room temperature.

3. Whisk flour, baking soda, xanthan gum and salt in a medium bowl to combine; set aside. In a second medium bowl, whisk maple sugar and spices. Set aside 2 tablespoons of sugar and spice mixture in a small bowl to top the cake.

4. In a food processor, process cooled dried-apple mixture and applesauce until smooth, 20-30 seconds, scraping down sides of the bowl as needed.  Add remaining 1/4 cup of cider and process the mixture more until blended.

5. Whisk oil and sugar mixture until combined. Add applesauce mixture and continue to whisk until well combined. Add flour and fold gently with a spatula until you don’t see flour anymore and batter is evenly moist.

6. Turn batter into prepared pan, smoothing top with a rubber or offset spatula. Sprinkle reserved maple sugar and spice mix evenly over the batter. Bake until wooden skewer inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, 35-40 minutes. Cool on rack to room temperature, about 2 hours. Run knife along cake edges without parchment to release. Remove cake from pan by lifting the parchment overhang and transfer to cutting board. Cut cake and serve. Cooled leftovers can be wrapped in plastic and stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Adapted from Cooks Illustrated, September & October 2006

Ingredients

2 ounces of dried apples, cut into small pieces
1-1/4 cups of apple cider
1-1/2 cups of unbleached all-purpose flour (7 ½ ounces)
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum (sold at health food stores)
1/2 teaspoon salt
4-3/4 ounces of maple sugar (ground)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon cloves
1 cup unsweetened applesauce, room temperature
1/4 cup of canola oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tagged: baking, NY, vegan

• What: Speakers, cooking demonstrations, live music, food for sale, free product samples, silent auction, raffle.
• Where: Cafe Bamboo, 435 Esplanade Ave.
• When: Sunday, May 17, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Cost: $5, children under 2 admitted free.
• Proceeds benefit: Humane Society of Louisiana.
• More info: www.nolaveggiefest.com.

Attention, carnivores: You are specifically invited to the New Orleans Veggie Fest on Sunday.

Although lots of vegetarians and vegans will be there, the event is not just for them, said festival spokeswoman Dr. Leslie Brown, a north shore pediatrician and practicing vegan.

“That would be like preaching to the choir. We’re hoping people will come and hear about all the health benefits and the benefits to animals and the environment” of a meatless lifestyle, she said. “Or at least consider eating fewer animal products.”

The festival’s efforts don’t “mean you have to give up meat and become really extreme, but here are some things you can do to add healthy things to your diet, ” echoed Jessica Blanchard, a cooking instructor who will do a demonstration at the event. Blanchard also owns a local yoga studio and specializes in Ayurveda, the sister science to yoga that involves diet, nutrition and herbal therapies. Blanchard studied Ayurveda in India for years.

“Here, people don’t know how to cook vegetarian; the diet is heavy on seafood, fats and meats. They feel like they can’t eat healthy and change their diets, because they don’t know how, ” Blanchard said. “I like giving them the tools for that.”

Jeff Dorson, director of the local Humane Society of Louisiana, said an initial Veggie Fest was held 15 years ago and went well. Its success convinced him and his partner to open Jack Sprat’s Vegetarian Grill on South Carrollton Avenue. The restaurant closed in 1998 after a four-year run.

A year ago, Dorson organized the New Orleans Vegetarian Society.

“There was not much interest until about six months ago, ” Dorson said. “Now it’s growing. There is some more interest in dietary lifestyles and planetary changes. There seems to be enough interest to hold the Veggie Fest, so we’re going forward.”

The theme, he said, will be how to increase the consumption of plant-based foods. In addition to health benefits, the issue addresses global warming and deforestation, he said.

Brown said diet changes also benefit animals that are treated inhumanely in the production of meat, dairy and eggs. She became a vegan about a year ago after reading “Skinny Bitch.”

“I thought it was a diet book, ” Brown said. “It’s clever. It backs a big punch about animals raised in factory farms. I’ve considered myself an animal lover for more than 40 years, and you can’t eat meat and continue to call yourself an animal lover.”

Brown, a Metairie native who ate meat all her life, said it took her four or five months to transition away from dairy, eggs and seafood. The hardest thing to give up was ice cream, she said, but she’s looking forward to tasting the coconut milk ice cream that may be sampled at Veggie Fest.

Meat and cheese substitutes can ease the transition, Brown said.

“There are great chicken nuggets that are meat substitutes that I sneak onto my son’s plate all the time, and he doesn’t have a clue, ” Brown said. Her son is 5 and “eats whatever I put in front of him.” Her 12-year-old daughter “has pledged to eat less meat. She’s not a vegetarian yet.”

Economically, the basics of vegetarian and vegan diets are “all cheap stuff, ” Brown said. “A really good diet for any American is 80 percent whole grains, fruit, vegetables and legumes. A bag of rice, a can of beans and some produce, especially bought locally, is cheap. I think it’s more economical than a diet heavy in meat.”

The event will feature vegetarian dishes from the festival site, Cafe Bamboo, and foods from vegan and vegetarian vendors.

. . . . . . .

This satisfying dish is light, packed with nutrients and great to serve in warm weather, Blanchard said.

Carrot and Beet Salad With Coconut Lime Dressing

½ cup cashews

4 cups grated carrots (about 4 large carrots)

3 cups grated beets (about 3 beets)

¼ cup raisins

1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk

Juice of one lime (about ¼ cup)

Pinch of salt

½ cup chopped cilantro plus ¼ cup for garnish

¼ cup dry roasted coconut flakes (optional)

Dry-roast the cashews in a pan, then chop coarsely. In a large bowl, mix together carrots, beets and raisins. Add the coconut milk, lime and salt. Toss together to mix. Add ½ cup cilantro and cashews. Let stand for 10 minutes so the carrots and beets make lots of their own juices.

Add the coconut flakes (if using) and ¼ cup fresh cilantro and serve.

. . . . . . .

Festival organizer Jehan Strouse makes this recipe regularly using different greens: kale, zucchini, bok choy, chard or collard greens. The seasonings “give the veggies a yummy flavor, ” she said.

Jehan’s Sesame Stir Fry

Makes 2 to 4 servings

3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

2 tablespoons soy sauce, reduced sodium soy sauce or liquid aminos*

hing to taste

1-inch piece ginger, peeled, shaved

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed

1 teaspoon blackstrap molasses

1 bunch kale, chopped in 1-inch pieces

1 tablespoon black sesame seeds

In a saute pan over medium heat, combine oil, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, red pepper and molasses. Slowly stir kale into liquid. Cook, stirring often, until kale is soft and reduced in volume, about 10 minutes. Add black sesame seeds toward the end, while stirring. Serve immediately.

*Bragg Liquid Aminos is a popular low-sodium soy substitute.

. . . . . . .

Brown likes these chocolate chip cookies, from a recipe in “The Joy of Vegan Baking” by Colleen Patrick-Goudreau.

Chocolate chip cookies

Makes 1 dozen large cookies

4 ½ teaspoons egg replacer (equivalent of 3 eggs)

6 tablespoons water

1 cup non-hydrogenated, nondairy butter, softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

¾ cup firmly packed light or dark brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 ¼ cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon salt

1 to 2 cups nondairy semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or use a nonstick cookie/baking sheet.

In a food processor or blender, whip the egg replacer and water together until thick and creamy.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together until creamy the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla. Add the egg replacer mixture to this wet mixture, and thoroughly combine.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt. Gradually beat the flour mixture into the wet mixture until it begins to form a dough. When it is almost thoroughly combined, stir in with a spatula the chips and nuts, if using.

Drop cookies onto the prepared cookie sheet. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until golden brown. Let stand for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

. . . . . . .

The next two recipes are from “The Sublime Restaurant Cookbook” by Nanci Alexander. The tomato sauce makes enough to freeze.

Fusilli Bolognese

Makes 4 to 6 servings

4 cups fusilli pasta

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

hing to taste

¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil

1 quart tomato sauce (see below)

2 cups soy crumbles

1 pound ice

1 gallon water

1 cup fresh or frozen green peas

Cook the pasta in boiling water until al dente. Drain.

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed saucepan on high heat. Add the garlic. Cook and stir 30 to 60 seconds, until it just starts to brown. Add ¼ cup basil; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add tomato sauce and soy crumbles. Simmer for 30 minutes.

While the sauce is simmering, mix the ice and water in a large bowl. Cook the peas in boiling water with a pinch of salt for 1 to 3 minutes. Drain the peas and immediately submerge them in the ice water. Allow the peas to cool completely.

When ready to serve, drain the peas and add them to the sauce. Toss the pasta with the hot sauce and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons fresh basil. Serve immediately.

Basic Tomato Sauce

Makes 1 gallon

1 ½ cups extra-virgin olive oil

hing to taste

2 tablespoons dried basil

2 tablespoons dried oregano

2 tablespoons dried parsley

1 (4-ounce) can tomato paste

1 can (64-ounce) plum tomatoes, undrained

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup chopped fresh basil

Place ½ cup of the oil and hing  in a large pot. Cook and stir over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes. Add the dried basil, oregano and parsley. Stir for 2 minutes, until the herbs are lightly toasted. Add tomato paste, stirring for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture turns a rusty color.

Add tomatoes and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil leaves and the remaining cup of oil. Crush the tomatoes with a potato masher until they are chunky.

Stored in a covered container in the refrigerator, the tomato sauce will keep for up to four days.

. . . . . . .

Taken From:http://www.nola.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2009/05/anything_can_turn_up_at_veggie.html with minor editing

Tagged: festival, food, meat eaters, vegan

His Grace Vaisesika Dasa, a disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, based out Bay Area California will be coming to Toronto, New Remuna Dhama at the end of this month, specifically to conduct a fabulous orientation and educational session on how to do effective Book Distribution & Sankirtan.

Vaisesika Prabhu is a well-known champion book distributor for North America and has very kindly agreed to pass those skills onto all the devotees in GTA .

Session includes Presentation, Orientation and On-field Training.  The seminar will start on Friday May 29th (evening) and continue all day on Sat May 30th.  More details to follow.

Space is limited, so please register asap.  You can register by filling out the form below:

Please join us this Saturday, May 16th for another ISKCON Toronto Food for Life event. There will be devotees visiting from ISKCON Montreal who will be taking part in the distribution of wonderful, hot vegetarian meals (prasadam).

Star Trek, the franchise that never dies, has, like the vampire, returned among us, this time in a clever “prequel” to the original ’60s space opera TV series. In this, the eleventh of the series-spawned feature films, Kirk, Spock, McCoy and the other starship Enterprise voyagers appear as “sexy young cadets,” as David Hajdu describes [...]

BY HG SHYAM GOPAL Allow me to tell a true story that happened some 10 years ago in South-Africa. The father and the daughter who experienced this event told this story to my friend, a sannyasi and devotee of Lord Nrsimhadev. This stories was also found in the newspapers, and several witnesses of this truck-accident after this [...]

Lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam, Canto 8, Chapter 5, Text 25 by Giriraj Swami.

Dallas, TX
2009-03-21

TRANSLATION

There [at Svetadvipa], Lord Brahma offered prayers to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, even though he had never seen the Supreme Lord. Simply because Lord Brahma had heard about the Supreme Personality of Godhead from Vedic literature, with a fixed mind he offered the Lord prayers as written or approved by Vedic literature.

PURPORT

It is said that when Brahma and the other demigods go to see the Supreme Personality of Godhead in Svetadvipa, they cannot directly see Him, but their prayers are heard by the Lord, and the needful action is taken. This we have seen in many instances. The word sruta-purvaya is significant. We get experience by directly seeing or by hearing. If it is not possible to see someone directly, we can hear about him from authentic sources. Sometimes people ask whether we can show them God. This is ludicrous. It is not necessary for one to see God before he can accept God. Our sensory perception is always incomplete. Therefore, even if we see God, we may not be able to understand Him. When Krishna was on earth, many, many people saw Him but could not understand that He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Avajananti mam mudha manushim tanum asritam [Bg. 9.11]. Even though the rascals and fools saw Krishna personally, they could not understand that He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Even upon seeing God personally, one who is unfortunate cannot understand Him. Therefore we have to hear about God, Krishna, from the authentic Vedic literature and from persons who understand the Vedic version properly. Even though Brahma had not seen the Supreme Personality of Godhead before, he was confident that the Lord was there in Svetadvipa. Thus he took the opportunity to go there and offer prayers to the Lord.

These prayers were not ordinary concocted prayers. Prayers must be approved by Vedic literature, as indicated in this verse by the words daivibhir girbhih. In our Krishna consciousness movement we do not allow any song that has not been approved or sung by bona fide devotees. We cannot allow cinema songs to be sung in the temple. We generally sing two songs. One is sri-krishna-caitanya prabhu nityananda sri-advaita gadadhara srivasadi-gaura-bhakta-vrinda. This is bona fide. It is always mentioned in the Caitanya-caritamrita, and it is accepted by the acaryas. The other, of course, is the maha-mantra -- Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare. We may also sing the songs of Narottama dasa Thakura, Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Locana dasa Thakura, but these two songs -- "sri-krishna-caitanya" and the Hare Krishna maha-mantra -- are sufficient to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead, although we cannot see Him. Seeing the Lord is not as important as appreciating Him from the authentic literature or the authentic statements of authorized persons.

Download: 2009-03-21 - Giriraj Swami - SB 8.5.25.mp3

Devotees Injured in Traffic Accident, Indore
BY: BASU GHOSH DAS (ACBSP)
May 12, BARODA, INDIA (SUN) — Mahaman Prabhu progress report - May 11, 2009 - Good news
Here is a progress report on the condition of Sriman Mahaman Prabhu that I just wrote [to a godbrother] after speaking on the telephone with Mahaman Prabhu's wife, Paramahamsa Mataji, just a few moments ago:
Home Base: ISKCON-Baroda Dear Prabhu,Namonamaha. Jaya Srila Prabhupada!
Received your message:
How is Mahaman Prabhu's condition? Our prayers are for his speedy recovery. I tried to contact that mobile number of his wife which you gave, but no response. Just now I phoned his wife -- it's 8:00 AM IST on Monday, May 11, 2009 -- on that very same mobile number: 93004-74043, and she answered immediately.
Maybe there was a "glitch" (problem) with the "line" when you phoned? This is a "Reliance" number and it's not unusual for there to be problems connecting to such numbers from other SP's ("service providers"). My phone is BSNL, the Government telecom here and at least today it went through! ;-)
The report is good. Although Mahaman Prabhu's condition is "serious" (she didn't state that, but it was "critical but stable" before, so I conject that the improvement "upgrades" his condition, thus), and he's still in the ICU, they've removed oxygen support (he was NOT intubated, at least) and he's able to breath normally, on his own. There is a constant drain of fluids from his lungs -- or an infection or collection of blood & fluid (I won't know exactly what the doctors are calling that till I go there -- and I'm now planning to do so after he's out of the ICU) in that area.
Mataji said that it will be a few more days before he's shifted out of the ICU. They allow visitors only a few minutes with him in the ICU, so my feeling is that it's best to let the "major healing" take place, and then visit him when I can spend more time with him.
HH Gopal Krishna Maharaj visited him last Tuesday. Ganga Narayan Prabhu, TP of ISKCON Ujjain visited him again yesterday. Otherwise, there haven't been other "out of town" visitors, yet.
ISKCON Juhu will be shortly arranging for a collection of contributions to help cover the hospitalization costs of his care. ISKCON Baroda VP Nityananda Ram Das was there last Sunday & Monday, and we contributed on the spot a cash donation of approximately US $400 (Rs. 20,000/-).
Details will be sent out on the internet shortly (of how to send the contributions to Juhu temple), so that those who wish to help cover the expenses of his hospitalization and treatment, may do so. It's anticipated that the costs may go up to about Rs. 5 lakhs, that's approximately US $ 10,000. Around a lakh of Rupees has already been spent by his wife on his treatment... (US $ 2,000).
Thanks for you kind message and prayers. I'm copying this to Mahaman Prabhu's e-mail address, so that when he gets better, he'll see how many devotees were thinking of him and praying for him!
Hope this meets you well.
das,
Basu Ghosh Das

Itt vagyunk a Pittsburgh-i reptéren. Nemsoká indul a gépünk vissza New Yorkba. Izgalmas volt, élményekkel és tapasztalatokkal gazdagodtunk. Sikerült 5 videóra való anyagot felvenni. Ebből kettőt már össze is vágtam. Sajnos az internet kapcsolat nagyon rossz volt, ezért nem tudtam ott feltölteni. De New Yorkban megpróbálom mihamarabb pótolni ezt

Addig is egy fotó a Prabhupada Palace of Goldról.

Here are links to Bhaktamarga Swami’s blog where he mentions his visit to the Festival of Inspiration:

Devotional Rehearsals

“Stress Is Good”

“Get Out! Get Active!”

The Culture of Wimps

World Drama

By Stephen Knapp
Courtesy of his website http://www.stephen-knapp.com/

Economics According To The Vedic Way by Stephen Knapp (Sri Nandanandana Das)

This is a simple explanation of how we should view economics according
to the principles of Vedic Dharma. First of all, the higher vision of
Vedic understanding is that we see everything as the energy of the
Supreme Being. If we can see the Divine in all of life, meaning in all
beings, we must understand that there is a way of conducting business
between each other that upholds and advances our perception of this.
Conducting business or managing economics in a way that deliberately
cheats or exploits others will harden our hearts and our sensitivity
so that we become unable to perceive the Divine in all living beings
and even in ourselves.

The point is that there must be integrity in all transactions and
business relations. If we use the above mentioned principle, then by
seeing the Divine in all living beings, we must realize we are not
merely doing business with another person, but we are also doing
business with the Divine within that person. This means that the
Supreme is also observing our every act, not only from within us but
from within the person with whom we are dealing. If the relationship
has integrity, then that is fine. We will continue in our spiritual
development even while doing our business.

But if there is dishonesty and cheating in our involvement, then the
quick profits we make will only pave our way downward. This will not
be helpful. So we must conduct ourselves, even in business, with the
foundation of the Dharmic principles.

We have easily seen that companies with power may produce various
foods, drugs, beverages or devices that are said to be of great
benefit or are healthy for us, or help us solve our problems with no
side effects or unexpected problems. Yet time and time again we learn
that different kinds of products have indeed been pushed on the public
and have caused harmful side effects, much to the dismay, suffering
and frustration of the people. In fact, However, the company or even
government may deny any such possibility of injury. However, you must
always bear in mind that a story presented as factual from an entity
or company whose purpose is power, control or profits is often a story
not to be trusted.

For example, in today’s world, the use of paper currency, which only
represents a value rather than being a tangible item like gold or
silver coins, may be convenient to the user. But those in positions to
set the value on such currency can also more easily manipulate it.
This creates abstractions in the link between the paper representation
and the actual gold it is supposed to be representing. At other times
the combined confidence that people and governments place in a
currency may fluctuate greatly, making it especially vulnerable to
times of political upheaval or war. Such currency can then become
completely worthless.

The fluctuating character of this type of currency also helps separate
society from nature. Nature requires balance in the environment to
operate properly, while currency that only represents what is supposed
to be tangible values is more easily manipulated. It is the
adjustments in currency and interest values which often create
stressful fluctuations for the ordinary consumers and for the general
mass of people. People who are most implicated in these fluctuations
are less likely to advance economically, as are those who are in
positions to claim profits from the same adjustments or manipulations
in the markets and economy. This is the difference between those
involved in the global monopoly game, which is artificially propped
up, and those that depend on real value, such as the gold standard or
genuine real estate values.

In this way, the gold-standard currency is based on falsehood because
the currency does not accurately represent the reserved gold. Because
the money value is inflated, prices on commodities rise. The only way
to reduce inflation and have an honest currency is to use that which
has intrinsic value, such as when trading something of equal value as
in bartering or using real currency like gold and silver coins. That
is an honest system.

Real prosperity flourishes on the natural gifts of nature, or God’s
gifts to us. Villages and towns and their local economy will flourish
when there is plenty of grains, vegetables, herbs, trees full of
fruits, rivers flowing with fresh and clean water, and hills full of
minerals. When this is the situation, there will be plenty for
everyone. If society has sufficient natural resources in this way,
then why should it endeavor for huge industrial complexes that require
the labor of numerous men by sending them into dark factories where
they spend their lives in exchange for inflated dollars, and then have
to pay a sizable portion of their earnings for government taxes?

Industry produces so many items that are in demand only because of the
advertising they show use to convince people that they need to
purchase the item in order to be happy. Essentially, the more society
depends on artificial necessities, the more vulnerable it becomes to
artificial crises. Thus, civilization suffers and the economy slows
whenever there is not enough oil, gas, electricity, or when the prices
of such modern commodities become too high. When there is a loss of
oil, gas, and other such necessities, or when there is an electrical
blackout, so many activities are forced to stop. So many machines and
appliances are but recent inventions, but now we have become so
dependent on them that without them we think we can no longer
function. Thus, people become trapped ever more deeply in the struggle
to earn more money to buy more things that they are convinced they
require to live happily and comfortably. In this way, they are tied
and enslaved to a system whose goal is profits rather than really
benefitting to society. In such a system, humanity loses its
sensitivity for their finer intellectual development and has neither
no time nor and no taste for any spiritual pursuits, except possibly
for the most elementary levels of moral standards.

In the natural form of economy, which is the Vedic system, the basic
principle of economic development is land and its produce. Whoever
controls land controls food. Whosoever controls food and fuel controls
the world. This is why land should always be in the hands of local
farmers, so that everything is shared and all people everyone can
prosper. Once large industrial or national complexes take it over,
such large tracts of land are no longer in the hands of a local
economy, but are controlled by large companies who have their own
concerns and plans. Then land becomes another element by which to
manipulate profits, resources, people, and even other communities and
global markets. History has also shown that such companies are often
connected with crooked politicians, or their networks that want more
and more power.

By developing the land properly for vegetable and grain production,
society can solve its eating problems. By producing enough cotton,
wood, minerals, and additional resources from the land, humanity can
work out its economic problems without depending on an artificial
economic or political system.

Those who do become wealthy by honest means can more easily
acknowledge his or her opulence as gifts from God. Thus, one’s
business, if done morally, can be a way of invoking the principle of
Dharma. Such gifts or blessings also come in the form of one’s own
intelligence and ingenuity for devising wholesome ideas and needed
products for the benefit of others, and from which one’s business will
expand. Thus, without the blessings of God in every way, we cannot
progress or be happy. All things, from wealth to , health, good birth,
beauty, good education, etc., are all examples of gifts from God.
Therefore, we all must acknowledge our gratefulness, especially those
who have become more successful. When a family or society offers such
acknowledgment, their success and happiness can increase in a balanced
and moral way.

In conclusion to this line of thinking, we must recognize that one of
the greatest forms of pollution in this world is that of competition--
competition for position, power and money. It is natural to work at
devising better ways of doing business and producing more effective
products. Whoever has what is best will more likely succeed.
Competition based on envy, jealousy, and deviousness, or simply for
more money, makes individuals and companies resort to dishonorable
means to get ahead, to get more market share, more customers, and ways
of making products more cheaply. This also adds to social stress
levels by forcing people to increasingly think increasingly in terms
of growing profits and income, while and lowering expenses. This takes
away from the peace in the world, and often adds to the pollution in
the environment by using resources in less eco-friendly ways.

Because we have forgotten our true spiritual nature, we are stressed
and crying over small and unimportant problems that have little to do
with our real identity as spiritual beings. Because such difficulties
are not connected to who we really are, they actually have little
relevancey to our spiritual nature. But because we are so attached to
our temporary and bodily identity, we are greatly affected so much by
these ephemeral and superficial troubles. This is not how we are meant
to proceed through life. We should not get entangled in such a way
manner to this illusion. It wastes our time and distracts us from the
things that matter most.

We may have made so much technological progress and have numerous
facilities added to our comforts of life, yet we can still see so many
people suffering in this world. This is primarily because money, and
people who are greedy for money, rule the world. Not everyone is
cruel, but who cannot see how the misery of many people in this world
is caused by the greediness of others? The perverted politicians and
rulers in various countries have created so much trouble that almost
all of the torment of people who are poor, starving, or even being
slaughtered or enslaved into prostitution to do the wicked bidding of
others, has been due to the unending selfishness and greed for money
and power. Do you think this is the way of a truly progressive world?
We can plainly see that it is increasingly becoming more godless and
thus more hellish. If this trend continues, society will lose its
moral values and respect for life. People will become progressively
more desperate and the world ever more lost.

A new influence must rise to purify this world from the rulership
kingdom of money, dirty politics, and a false and misguided economic
system. We must feel the influence of spiritual knowledge, for only
then can society know what is real peace and happiness, and live
together cooperatively. It is knowledge and awareness of our spiritual
identity and our connection with the Supreme Spirit that will fill our
hearts with the deep inner peace and contentment that we are looking
for. If we can progress in this way, our own happiness and peace can
spread to others. That i’s how we can become the peacemakers and help
fill society with the tranquility of such self-sufficient happiness
and contentment. Then our only concern will be how to relieve the
suffering of others. The more people reach this state of
consciousness, the more beautiful society will become beautiful and
the world will be wonderful. Then Tthe tendency for war and the
manipulation over others because of greed for money and power will
cease, and the world will live in peace. We have to be strong enough
to make such a change.

The first thing I ever learned how to cook was scrambled eggs. From that, I would always make egg sammiches. I took two pieces of extremely white bread, slathered them with ketsup and then ate ‘em up.

Well, I’m older and wiser now. I don’t eat white bread and I don’t eat eggs. So my option was one: make scrambled tofu and put it on wheat bread.

Here’s what you’ll need:
-1 package of extra firm tofu, 14oz.
-1 T “butter” (I use Earth Balance) - for fryin’
-1/2 t hing
-1/2 t black pepper
-1/2 t coriander
-1/2 t salt
-1/4 t black salt
-2 t nutritional yeast
-1 t tamari
-1/2 t turmeric

And here’s what you do:
1) Mash up tofu with a fork while you put the dab of “butter” in a skillet or wok and get it ready to fry. Med heat is fine. Here, I throw in the hing and the black pepper and fry them for a spell. Not long though.

2) Put the mashed up tofu into the skillet and stir it around a bit. There shouldn’t be any danger of it sticking just yet. Here, I put the coriander, salt, black salt and nutritional yeast into the mix.

3) Let it fry for a few minutes, stirring it (after all, it’s scrambled tofu). After those few minutes, it’s time for the tamari and turmeric. This will turn it an eggy color.

4) Let it fry until it starts to stick a bit. Parts of it will get a little crispy and start to brown. That’s when you know you’re finished. Toast up some bread, get some ketchup and do it up!

A couple of stray thoughts…
*Thanks to Kurma dasa for the black salt idea! Black salt in very sulfuric and makes it taste a bit eggy. I may even start adding 1/2 teaspoon rather than just 1/4.

*Ok, let me grippe a bit about vegan bread. WHY does vegan break have to automatically equal small? The slices are thin and the loaves are too small and too short. What gives, vegan bread-makers? Let’s have normal-sized vegan bread. Oh, and please, no nuts in the bread, ok? Just normal bread.

Enjoy!

Srimad Bhagavatam 11.8.18 - Get tuned to transcendental sound only @ “Hare Krishna piano”

If you would like to contribute to our year-long "celebration" of Darwin's 200th birthday, please send your articles, editorials, or any other creative and informative pieces to nvclub108@gmail.com

Hobbits don't just belong to all you Lord of the Rings buffs. The discovery of dwarf-like hominid skeletons in the Indonesian islands has thrown yet another wrench into the ever-increasing complex puzzle that is the "accepted" theory of the origin of human species.

Click here to head on over to our hometown New York Times website and read all about it

Srila Prabhupada glorifies Vasudeva Datta as more compassionate than Jesus Christ. Here is the verse and purport from Caitanya Caritamrita (Madhya 15.163)

TRANSLATION
"My dear Lord, let me suffer perpetually in a hellish condition, accepting all the sinful reactions of all living entities. Please finish their diseased material life."

PURPORT

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HH Jayapataka Swami is presently in Coimbatore. As a tireless preacher circling around the globe, Maharaja has proved that his physical ailment is not a stumbling block for his ongoing preaching activities. Maharaja said during his visit to Mayapur dham that ‘I could not speak properly but I cannot stop talking as I am addicted to preaching’. Maharaja is giving a question and answer session through the medium of internet for past one month and this will continue for another 10 days until he is in coimbatore. We request all the viewers to take this opportunity and listen to Maharaja LIVE everyday from 7.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. here.

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1970 May 14: "My hearty thanks are to George Harrison because now he is chanting Hare Krsna so enthusiastically. I am marking that George has the serving spirit, and that is making him advance gradually."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

1972 May 14: "Too much business or paperwork, vouchers, plans, these things become too much cumbersome for our spiritual growth, they take us away from our real emphasis of work, namely, to go back to Home, back to Godhead."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

1973 May 14: "Then it is to be understood that all the sevaits have combined together to evict us. Then we'll have to take the matter to the rent controller. In India we have got experience, there are so many cheaters. So be very careful of them."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973

1975 May 14: "I wanted to see you very urgently to know about your family affairs. When I was grhastha, I had visited your home two or three times. Now, I am a sannyasi. So, it will be very kind of you to write me how I can see you."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

1975 May 14: "This policy is not good. Why this change has been made? I never said they should not use their beads. That is the trouble with you Westerners, always changing."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

1966 May 14:
"Dasami. Paul was paid for Expenditure $1.00. There was meeting at noon. Sanskrit class contribution $4.00. I went to Ananda Ashram there was Keertan in the evening."
Prabhupada Journal :: 1966

1968 may 14: "Our only business is to spread Krishna Consciousness to the best of our possibility, and Krishna has given us discrimination and judgment. So, Krishna is within you, you chant and ask Him, Krishna and He will give you proper instruction."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968

1969 May 14: "You should always have Sankirtana going on. All other things are subsidiary. This chanting is our life and soul, so we must arrange there will be as much chanting on the streets and at college engagements as possible."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

Mc prabhu vezette esti bhajan a Budapesti Hare Krisna Templom és Kulturális Központban. http://kezdokrisnas.freeblo…

1966 May 14:
"Dasami. Paul was paid for Expenditure $1.00. There was meeting at noon. Sanskrit class contribution $4.00. I went to Ananda Ashram there was Keertan in the evening."
Prabhupada Journal :: 1966

1968 may 14: "Our only business is to spread Krishna Consciousness to the best of our possibility, and Krishna has given us discrimination and judgment. So, Krishna is within you, you chant and ask Him, Krishna and He will give you proper instruction."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1968

1969 May 14: "You should always have Sankirtana going on. All other things are subsidiary. This chanting is our life and soul, so we must arrange there will be as much chanting on the streets and at college engagements as possible."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1969

1970 May 14: "My hearty thanks are to George Harrison because now he is chanting Hare Krsna so enthusiastically. I am marking that George has the serving spirit, and that is making him advance gradually."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1970

1972 May 14: "Too much business or paperwork, vouchers, plans, these things become too much cumbersome for our spiritual growth, they take us away from our real emphasis of work, namely, to go back to Home, back to Godhead."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

1973 May 14: "Then it is to be understood that all the sevaits have combined together to evict us. Then we'll have to take the matter to the rent controller. In India we have got experience, there are so many cheaters. So be very careful of them."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1973

1975 May 14: "This policy is not good. Why this change has been made? I never said they should not use their beads. That is the trouble with you Westerners, always changing."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

1975 May 14: "I wanted to see you very urgently to know about your family affairs. When I was grhastha, I had visited your home two or three times. Now, I am a sannyasi. So, it will be very kind of you to write me how I can see you."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1975

Parasurama dasa: The Harinama made quite an impression on the London pedestrians who really appreciated the colourful event. Paul McCartney came from his office and expressed his appreciation. Jai Narasimhadev!

A DAY IN THE SIOUX

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 Sioux Valley, Manitoba

Before I became a monk, I had a keen interest to involve myself in social work with indigenous people. Well today came up and through a Winnipeg follower, Caroline, an opportunity manifested itself. From the airport at Winnipeg, I was whisked away in an SUV by Daruka, another follower, and Caroline.
We hit the Trans Canada Highway westbound to a First Nation Reserve called Sioux Valley, population 1,500.

Our objective was to meet the chief and elders of the community with our proposal which was to establish drama performance with their youth. On many reserves the indigenous youth encounter difficulties with substance abuse. Here would be an alternative or an approach towards hope. Through theatrically telling a story of wisdom which incorporates narration, traditional Dakota or Sioux dance, song and drumming, we could engage such youth in something positive.

The meeting went well and the Valley council saw this project as a favourable endeavour. I relayed to them the Vedic story of the warrior boy, Druva, and how this tale could be applied to a regional local experience. In any event, so far so good. A date for this undertaking is yet to be nailed down. The family that hosted us, Lee and Helen, residents of Sioux Valley, were most charming. As a token of love, they presented to Caroline four Saskatoon berry bushes.

So, guess what? Our day ended planting those bushes at 10PM hoping the great moon would offer its nourishment to the new transplants. Caroline’s backyard became graced with those indigenous plants of pride.

5kms.

Our cow is not giving milk. We attempted to get her pregnant in October 2007, but she tricked us, showing all the signs of pregnancy except for giving birth to a calf. She apparently hasn’t gone into heat since, but I think it may happen again soon. She’s now five years old, which may be too old to have a first calf except that I think her body adjusted during this false pregnancy. So we’re protecting a cow, not getting any milk from her, and buying milk from the store. Actually she has a little udder with some very thick milk due to estrogens in the pasture, and we’re interested to find out if we can get her milk flowing even though she’s never had a calf.

A few weeks ago a discussion ensued on a popular animal rights blog wherein it was said that “There is no such thing as an ethical vegetarian.” I argued that offering milk to Krishna and honoring the remnants is ethically superior to avoiding milk, but the vegans there would not accept it, putting their faith only in the material conception of life. Talking about Krishna there was to them as if talking about the “Tooth Fairy.” Although there was another devotee present and in agreement with me, we were heavily outnumbered. It was rather upsetting because I’ve been active in the animal rights movement for about fifteen years, since a few years before I found Srila Prabhupada’s books. I was a vegan animal rights activist before trying to become a devotee of Krishna, but due to this issue I had to distance myself from that identification. It was not easy.

Whether devotees in New Zealand are avoiding milk isn’t a big issue for me. They’re on the opposite side of the world, I don’t know any of them personally, and I’m not here to tell them what I think they should do. It was probably a mistake for me to mention New Zealand in my recent blog entry. My concern is that there is an idea among some devotees that it is ethically better to abstain from milk from unprotected cows rather than offering such milk to Krishna, honoring the remnants, and doing whatever we can do to give cows protection. Devotees avoiding milk is a new idea, something that as far as I know was not taught by Srila Prabhupada, and it weakens us to have another disagreement among the Hare Krishna devotees.

The fact that I’ve been relentlessly fighting to stop meat-eating, occasionally donating to cow protection programs, and even maintaining a cow comfortably at my home, keeps me free from guilt about honoring milk offered to Krishna. Not only that, but as I understand the science of devotional service, offering Krishna the milk from unprotected cows does more for the cows than boycotting dairies does. I know I’m severely lacking in Krishna consciousness, but it’s not very difficult for me to offer heartfelt prayers on behalf of suffering cows and ask Krishna to please accept her milk. I’m pretty sure I was a suffering cow once, and it’s only due to Krishna’s mercy that I may avoid that fate again. I hope that doesn’t sound too weird.

Of course the standard of worship is that we should offer Krishna the best that can be obtained, and this means milk from protected cows if possible, but offering commercial milk is better than none at all. It also means that our offering of service to cows should be the best we can do. We must not neglect that responsibility. Hare Krishna.

ALL HAVE NEEDS

Monday, May 11, 2009 Toronto, Ontario

Eric took a shot at living in the ashram thirty-six years ago for a six month period. He found it very austere lying on the floor as his bed and the early rising at 3AM. Eric had left his beads behind, went on to get married and secured a maintenance job at a major hospital.

This morning he came back for the first time now that he is retired. He came back to purchase japa beads for chanting and to revisit his home of thirty plus years ago. He exclaimed that the interior of the building has changed. (It looks better). And I explained that now we use beds.

Eric is entering into that period of life when one wants “to get spiritual again.” He was here prior with darker hair. Now it’s white. He just wants Krishna again.

It is heart warming to see this type of thing transpiring.

For the baby boomers of Krishna Consciousness (that is the persons who were drawn in the late sixties and seventies) life is narrowing down and we have time to think about our spirituality over almost anything else. Eric is going through a metamorphosis- a healthy change. When you hit 60, by then you are naturally introspective.

Eric is from the city of Oshawa which is a good forty-five minutes (by car or a good walking marathon day and a half) away. I connected him to a god-brother, Drupada, who lives there. I felt Eric was on his way to being looked after.

It’s the young and also retired sectors of society and the people in the middle that have spiritual needs. No one should be left out.

8 kms.

#0: where an individual stops supporting the dairy industry (which is based on cow slaughter) by taking only milk from protected cows (Madhava Ghosh has calculated that the cost of a gallon of milk from a protected cow is $17 [from memory], taking into account the cost of maintaining the cow over its natural life span)

#1: where an individual actively supports both the dairy industry and cow protection, for example through something like Madhava Ghosh’s GEETA program:

In this modern world, it isn’t practical for everyone to personally keep cows, but by donating to GEETA, you will in fact be caring for cows by proxy. Even if you use milk products from a store, it will be offset by contributing to protecting cows

#2 where an individual chooses to stop actively supporting the dairy industry and actively works to create a cow protection situation to produce milk.

#3: where an individual supports the dairy industry and does nothing to actively support cow protection (active = putting your money where your mouth is)

Please also see:

• Milk - to drink or not to drink?
• Time to Live in the Here and Now, Milk Drinkers

WORLD DRAMA

Sunday, May 10, 2009 Toronto, Ontario

Today was a return journey back to Canada by automobile from West Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York State. Before departing with the monks of Halifax, I received a flood of compliments from spectators of the “Eighth Bay.” Our crew had worked hard. We were a tight group and the play about Krishna flowed well from scene to scene. The hours put in paid off. I sat in the passenger’s seat content with the outcome of the previous night while enjoying the company of four monks with me who contributed to the success of the drama.

Jaya Keshava, an African American, played comic roles and dances. Monks Dustin and Dean danced to hip hop music as cowherd boys. And level-headed Jeff was our man on sound cues. We treated ourselves to a divergent trip to Niagara Falls. The Falls truly are a great wonder of the world.

Speaking of drama, the Queen Elizabeth Way, a major artery into Toronto, became blockaded by Tamil protestors. Emotions have been triggered within the community whose motherland, Sri Lanka is torn by civil war. My heart pours out to the Tamil community who are basically hard working people of a pious type. It is puzzling that such ethnic cleansing motives still exist in the modern age with the Tamils as the target.

When is the world not a drama?

When the blockade persisted, I insisted on walking back to the temple the rest of the way, to explore streets I never ventured to and time to think of the world of drama.

10 kms.

The Culture of Wimps

Sat. May 9, 2009 Moundsville, W. Virginia

With a mud slide as obstacle course at my favorite walking route, I am restricted to walk the perimeter of the pond. It’s okay. However, the life of a monk is not always so simple. One can be very much in demand. It can be hard to have some time to yourself. Passersby seek attention, a glance, a blessing, words of advice. One is then obliged to reciprocate which takes time.

Sometimes individuals wish to share opinions. One very respectable gentleman at the “Festival of Inspiration” offered to say that the world is producing a culture of wimps. Apparently in the states some schools are looking to cancel physical education. Certain psychologists say it is too competitive and harmful to young people. The matter is being seriously considered. “Competition helps individuals learn to lose from time to time and that defeat establishes humility,” said the supporter of athletics.

I’m most inclined to agree. It is necessary to prepare our youth for the tough world. It is a sure sign of the times that any slight provocation can cause a weak person to cower and be unable to stand up to press forward. What to speak of resisting the sex drive and all kinds of drives originating from the other senses. We wonder if the words training and discipline will become obsolete. It doesn’t seem right that humans should turn into mush. Powder is the next stage.

Srila Prabhupada, our guru, encouraged competition and saw it as an asset for young men and women. He encouraged competition to engender the co-operative spirit among team players.

One highlight of the day was a presentation made by Ramesvara, a staunch member in the seventies, who made an exit for a time but has recently returned to the circle of devotees. He detailed an amazing historical event of when seventeen hard bound books were mandated to be published or printed as hard bound masterpieces including new plates or pictures for each volume. All this was to be completed in an unprecedented eight weeks. This was to be executed at the request of our guru. He was training our people at the publishing house to be strong and vigilant and to know what it is to be under pressure.

Pressure is inevitable and it comes to us uninvited. When first hearing of our guru’s request to speed up the publishing of the book Caitanya Caritamrta on the life and teachings of Chaitanya, the publisher remarked that it was impossible.

Prabhupada remarked, “Impossible is a word in a fool’s dictionary.”

4 kms

================================================================== Thought for the Day--Thursday 14 May 2009 ================================================================== Our purpose is 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,...

My two huge basil plants have passed their prime and are fast approaching the herbal version of their 'twilight years'. I couldn't think of a better way to preserve their leaves than making pesto.

The original recipe from my first cookbook is simple and delicious, so I used that.

Genoa, Northern Italy, is the home of the famous Pasta Pesto alla Genovese - pasta with a pungent sauce called pesto, made primarily of fresh basil leaves, parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts.

Pine nuts are quite expensive at the moment, and the glut of cheaper Chinese pine nuts I find to have a turpentine flavour. So I decided to use half-and-half toasted unblanched almonds and toasted brazil nuts - about a scant cup in total (not all the nuts in the photo above!) - which I ground to a rough crumbly powder.

I grated 250g Grana Padano without any calf rennet (from the local kosher deli).

Three ever-so-tightly-packed cups of basil leaves (that whole bowl full above) and 2 teaspoons Himalayan salt along with a cup of extra-virgin olive oil and a scant teaspoon yellow asafetida heated in a little olive oil rounded out the recipe.

I macerated it all in my food processor, and spooned it into 3 jars. It's great on toast, stirred into hearty minestrones, or folded through pasta trenette or linguine. Oh, by the way, it freezes well.

The day after I finished making the pesto, I received a gift of first-class organic olive oil in the post. So I picked more leaves and made another batch this morning. I've got quite a stock now. Pesto ahoy!

Battlefield Bhajans Vol. 39
Dedicated to HDG A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and all the sankritan devotees

My flight to Santiago, Chile was for the most part uneventful. When I changed flights in Capetown, South Africa; I was met with a nice young man. He kept looking over at me, and then finally came and sat next to me. He asked me why I was dressed in robes; Are you a monk? He asked.  Yes, I am. What kind of monk are you? I replied I was a Hare Krsna monk. He was amazed, and stated how he just returned from China and was going to Buenos Aires, Argentina. We sat and talked for a while. He was very interested in coming and visiting the temple and maybe spending the weekend. I had one small book and a Bhagavad-Gita with me. We exchanged email addresses and I asked him if he would like a book and he said yes and asked if he could give a donation. Of course you can; and thank you very much for donating for these books. He made one comment before he went back to his seat. He said, I went to China and became attracted to monk life, but thought how could I become one and now on my flight; I see a monk and he answers my questions about God. I told him, Krsna arranges everything for us and when we come in contact with Him, He captivates our heart.
“Yet when the same jéva misuses his innate free choice and thus becomes engrossed in material activities, the merciful Çré Kåñëa is stricken by compassion and concerned about the bad fortune of the jéva. Lamenting, the Lord shadows the movement of the jéva, planning means to save him. Çré Kåñëa knows that His nectarean and immortal léläs are not available to the conditioned jéva and thus out of deep compassion, He manifests His acintya-lélä, inconceivable and wonderful pastimes, from within the material nature for the edification of the conditioned jéva. However, realizing that the jéva in his conditioned state is unable to properly comprehend His transcendental activities, Çré Kåñëa has descended to earth at Navadvépa, appearing as the most munificent incarnation, Çré Kåñëa Caitanya Mahäprabhu.” (Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura; Jaiva-Dharma)
Santiago, Chile
I arrive and went through customs with ease. I was a little worried because I heard from some devotees they are very strict. As I walked through most of the officials bowed there head a little and very respectful. The ride back to the airport was nice and I was surprised when I arrived. The temple is in the university area of Santiago. I lead bhajans for an hour and then settled in to get some rest.
This visit was very pleasant. The temple is filled with young devotees. Most are tattooed, with big holes in their ears from wearing big earrings. The first big program was on Friday. Every Friday they have Prabhupada night. The theme of the night is Srila Prabhupada. I was very pleased and gave a class about the qualities of Srila Prabhupada.  We observed Guru Puja to Srila Prabhupada and this was my first taste of Chile Yatra kirtan. I lead the chanting and what can I say. Before I knew it, the whole temple was shaking. The floor felt like it was going to cave in. As the tempo and pace of the kirtan picked up, the devotees went more and more wild. There was break dancing, bodies flying all over the temple room.  The drummers were playing so fast I could barely keep up. I looked up see the devotees crowd surfing and being passed around.
The next morning was the Sabado Sanga, or the Saturday Sanga.  This is a nice program; a lot of youth spend the night in the temple and participate in the morning program. The morning program was again fast paced and again the devotees were losing themselves in the kirtan.  At one pint there must have been over thirty devotees in the small temple room. They were dancing, smiling, laughing, clanging kartels and banging mardangas.
I was up in my room performing puja to Sri Ugra Narasimha and Sri Sri Radha Giridhari when my room started to shake. I thought of man another kirtan; but was wrong. It was an earthquake. Very surprised I just sat where I was and chanted. When it ended I was surprised, and found out it was small one. I went down to the temple room and gave class. Later in the day we went on harinam.
Harinama is perfect for the devotees in this yatra. One the mrdangs started, the devotees got right into it. They were singing so loudly, and dancing and smiling. The ladies went ahead of the harinam part to dance. We came to a populated part of town and the harinam really picked up. I was singing and noticing how many people stopped and watched and clapped. Some danced, some sang along. Devotees were giving out prasadam and talking to devotees. After one hour, I stopped the harinam and gave a short talk through a translator.
I gave a basic talk about the happiness that is experienced when one chant the Holy Name of Krsna. How when we chant Gods name, we have direct association and this life is meant for becoming the servant of God. I noticed many people nodding in agreement and some smile bright smile. It was obvious that this city is very pious. I walked back to the temple with one devotee and we discussed the day’s events.
Next day was the Sunday Feast. That meant another wild kirtan and class. I lead a bhajan and then using the same melody chanted Jaya Radha Madhava. The devotees were singing at the top of their lungs. You can tell they relish the Holy Name.  The talk was of the necessity to take seriously Krishna Consciences now. How Srila Prabhupada wanted us to take this message seriously at this very moment. The devotees asked many question.
The rest of the week was met with me giving both morning and evening class. I also talked with many devotees. The traveling brahmacaris came back on Thursday night. On Friday morning I gave Srimad Bhagavatam class. We talked about King Prithu in the fourth Canto. I was describing how King Prithu gave us the perfect example of how to rule a kingdom. I then spoke how as devotees we show the world how we have the perfect answers to the problems of the world through our actions. We should become serious and become pure devotees in this. During breakfast a nice boy approached me. He asked some very nice questions. I answered all his questions and told him, so what do you want from life. He said how he had sat in my class, and the verse from the Srimad Bhagavatam made complete sense. He expressed his desire to live in the temple and take this process serious. As a joke I said ok, lets go shave your head. He smiled and said YES! YES Lets go and do that. I told the brahmacaris, and they started banging on the floor and yelling shave in Spanish. We all ran up stairs and told him to get into a towel. The bathroom is small and everyone was crowding in to see the shaving.
He asked me to be the first one to cut his hair. As I cut the hair off his head, all the devotees started yelling haribol and banging on the walls, the doors the floors. Some were hitting their plates. It was a site. Some devotees took pictures. When this boy was finished, another boy sat in the chair and said ok, shave me up also! Wow, this was nectar for the devotees. The devotees where fired up and later that day he went out on sankritan and did six books. I was so happy to hear he had a taste for book distribution. Another boy came and talked to me later that day about his desire to experience temple life. His name is Bhakta Sarathi. The devotees named him this cause, well; we look like brothers. He also decided to spend sometime in the ashram and go out on book distribution.
On Sunday I was asked to give an interview for a magazine. It was a nice interview with basic questions about the Hare Krsna movement. The person interviewing me is a devotee and a professional journalist. He asked straightforward questions from the perspective of a non-devotee of Krsna.  He said the goal was to distribute five thousand of these magazines. I pray it is successful.
On my last day in Chile I was asked to give an interview to a group of university students. They asked many intelligent questions. Why do I have a ponytail with a shaved head? What is the significance of my name? What is the goal of life?  I took my time and really spoke to them from the heart. The girl conducting the interview finished her questions, but her and the boy with her kept asking more questions. They wanted to know about my life and if they could also be a devotee of Krsna while going to school.
Before the interview was finished, they asked if they could come back and film me giving class at the temple and if a few devotees can come to their class on the following Friday for a program. We agreed and arranged everything. They each left with a book form Srila Prabhupada and accepted our invitation to the Sunday Feast
“So there is very good potential for spreading our movement amongst the college students, and if we simply present them with the opportunity of chanting with us, and then we lecture on Bhagavad-gita As It Is, then surely many intelligent people will become attracted. So Sankirtana Party in the streets and Sankirtana Party in school engagements should be our chief business. This will assure success in our propaganda activities.” (SP LTR 14May 1969)
“So you have to take up the sword of Kåñëa consciousness and cut the knot of material entanglement. The Kåñëa consciousness movement is spreading by teaching people how to take up this sword. I started this movement in New York in 1966. I had no actual sword, like those wielded by some religious preachers. They take their scriptures in one hand and a sword in the other and say, “Accept this scripture or I’ll cut off your head!” No, this is not the way of spreading Kåñëa consciousness. Still, I did have a sword—the sword of remembrance of Kåñëa—which I taught people to use by giving them a chance to hear about the Lord. The effect of hearing about the Lord is described in the next verse.” (SP excerpt from Dharma- Way of Transcendence)
Sadhana Report
Chanting: I have been chanting my rounds while sitting in front of Deities. Their sweet faces are a nice to see while I am trying to listen to the mantra and pronounce each word clearly. I still see some major improvement in my japa needed.
Reading: At the moment I am still reading the Srimad Bhagavad-Gita. I wanted to re-establish my relationship with the Bhagavad Gita. This time I am reading very slow and making notes of each verse. Also I am reading the conversation with Srila Prabhupada. I think it is important for my spiritual life to develop a relationship with Srila Prabhupada. If I am successful at this, then I will understand his books more deeply.
Sloka Memorization: Currently we are memorizing slokas from the Bhagavam Gita. Still the same program memorize through out the week offer on Sunday to Their Lordships.
Seva: I have been trying to develop a deep attachment to my worship. The standard is simple. Which is good for my schedule. I am always trying to improve Their worship, and will pray to always have this mood.
Book Distribution: Due to illness, I could not go out so much (plus the fact I speak no Spanish)
BG- 1
Small -3
Travel Schedule: We are making some adjustments due to some commitments.
We are blessed to have this service. There is nothing like traveling and preaching this message of Lord Caitanya. Please bless us that we can keep going till we leave this body. We are dependent on the blessings of the devotees to succeed.

Yours in the service of Srila Prabhupada,
Partha-sarathi Dasa

"Get Out! Get Active!"

Moundsville, West Virginia

Devamrita Swami delivered an excellent message at the annual "Festival of Inspiration" to attendees about action. His words sounded familiar like the echo of a God. In the Bhagavad-gita Krishna pulls his friend, Arjuna, out of a state of despondency and depression and encourages him into the mode of action. Krishna accomplished this through convincing words.

Our charismatic monk, Devamrita, used the same technique of sweet persuasion by identifying the problem of apprehension some of our people have to exposing bhakti. There is great truth in what he was saying. There has been a situation of low self-esteem amongst some of the members of the Krishna Consciousness society. With people living in such excess for some decades a complacency has somehow affected us all and for lack of a better word "contaminated" all sectors of society - even communities of faith and spirituality. You might call it an all-pervasive "evil" or a "product of darkness".

The encouraging words from Devamrita's mouth rang real for so many of us listeners. "People are eager to know." "The time is right" "Everything is favourable". These were the types of statements that expressed a sense of "strike while the iron is hot". There is a sensation of urgency arising from economic failure, disease, lethargy. Some change is wanting. That new wanting is bhakti, devotion.

In 1995 I felt a great sense of urgency - of what Devamrita was talking about. So I decided to get on the road with robes and meet people to tell them of this bhakti.

I circled around the pond in New Vrndavana in West Virginia reflecting on the need to get out and get active. Devamrita Swami hit it right-on.

"Stress Is Good"

Moundsville, West Virginia

Some people call this place "Mudsville". Near this very ordinary village is a popular retreat for spiritualists. Certain seasons, all except for summer, attract excess water which moves the soil. On day one of our stay here, japa walking enthusiasts joined me in a chant-and-walk experience in a valley road gradually making our way to a river at the base of McCreary Ridge.

Spring air and sunshine put an all-attractive spin on this impromptu event. Like all roads that we roam there are obstacles. In this case a serious mud-slide made it impenetrable. Oh! Some of our walkers gave it a try but if you had any interest to come out clean you would turn right around. Topsoil that shifted from rain exposed the dominant clay of the area.

We then did make that 180º turn to eventually find the perfect nook softened below by fallen oak and maple leaves laden from the fall. Instead of the walk we settled for a sit-down. Next to us was a cemetery, ancient by North American standards. A local told us that buried here are the first European settlers intolerant of indigenous folks.

On this special day devotees of Krishna honour the avatar known as the lion/man incarnation. A renowned monk in the community, Radhanatha Swami, spoke about the particular qualities of saint Prahlad who became the exemplar of tolerance and calmness. Despite being a victim of severe domestic violence he pulled out of such turmoil unscathed and sought shelter of this incredible Lion God.

In these days of stress evasion those who are fortunate to read of the pastimes of this young boy can derive inspiration from hearing about stress tolerance. A Canadian author wrote a best-seller book "Stress is Good". Pressure pushes people to higher levels. This doesn't mean to say that abuse is encouraged but something called tapasya is. Tapasya is a self-imposed voluntary inconvenience. Austerity is the favoured life-line of the ascetics.

Prahlad went on to be a family man and a monarch. All the while that he ruled he never forsake the principle of tapasya, austerity. It made him a firm individual.

3 km

A few weeks ago, while we were in Hudson NY a CBS New film team came and hung out with us for about 8 hours. The unit was/is working on an interfaith religion special, called Faith, Music and Culture which will be broadcast Sunday, June 7, on the CBS Television Network nationwide.

CBS just put out a press release which can be read here.

Do we understand the importance of listening to people and then selecting a book that’s appropriate to them rather than what we have in our had. I was pondering this the other day, as I remember an event several years ago. Nursing is a funny profession as we focus on the needs of the body but neglect [...]

May 13, 3:30 A.M.

I slept better last night and woke at 3:30 A.M., but it’s a late start and I won’t get so many rounds done. I was a little drowsy while chanting, but I kept a good speed. I chanted mostly in my mind but paid attention to the syllables of the holy name without being distracted by other things. How important it is to get a good start on the chanting, and how disappointing when you get a late start.

Japa essay

Japa wisdom. Of all the processes of devotional service, chanting the holy names is the best. It is taken up by the wisest persons. They may not be learned in Sanskrit or in the philosophical speculation of the Upanisads. They may not possess great yogic powers or be capable of yogic gymnastics, and they may certainly not be materially opulent or militarily powerful. But these things, which are all hard to accomplish, are of little importance in obtaining the utmost goal of human life. That goal is known as prema pumarto mahan—love of God. It is also referred to in Sanskrit as prayojana, the highest goal. Love of Krishna is the highest goal.

In different yugas, different methods of achieving it are prescribed. In Satya Yuga, when people lived for thousands of years, the prescribed method is meditation on the Lord. People lived long enough to achieve it. In Treta Yuga, the method was performance of sacrifices by learned brahmanas. In Dvapara Yuga, the method was Deity worship. For various reasons, peoples’ powers have been diminished. Their life duration has decreased, they have little money, and there are no qualified brahmanas for performing yajnas.

In the present millennium, which lasts 430,000 years, only one method of achieving God consciousness is possible. That is the chanting of the holy names of God, specifically, the mahamantra: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. It is very easy to perform. It can be done by singing (even without musical instruments) or by chanting silently on beads, at least sixteen rounds a day while avoiding offenses, such as inattention to chanting and blaspheming devotees. By chanting Hare Krishna, all of one’s previous sinful activities, and you can become liberated from birth and death. Who is such a fool that he will not take up this process of chanting Hare Krishna? The devotees of the Lord take up the mission of inducing people to chant. This makes them very dear to Krishna. But before inducing others to chant, one must chant himself under the instructions of the spiritual master. Srila Prabhupada has said that of all the instructions of the spiritual master, the instruction to chant sixteen rounds a day is essential. How about you, dear reader? Do you chant sixteen rounds? As a servant of my spiritual master and as your humble well-wisher, I beg you to do so.

Little Jack Horner

sat in the corner

chanting his daily japa.

He put in his thumb and pulled out a plumb

and said, “What a good boy am I!”

5:30 A.M.

As we walked out of the townhouse, we could hear various spring birds chirpint. They are very pleasant. Much more pleasant than what we expect to find down at the beach with the seagulls. It was a sunny day at the beach. We were waiting for the first sighting of the porpoises, which shouldn’t be long. According to Sumati’s books, you might also sight a unicorn down at the beach, although they’re very rare. There were two people down by the water. A big fishing boat is making its way toward Lewes. The upper part of the beach is filled with many white benches, but they’re all empty. People have left litter in the form of half-empty cups and lunch bags. I tried to take a walk but couldn’t do more than one lap. Baladeva says it’s because I’m “shlumping,” walking with poor posture, but I think it’s my bad ankles and a weakness in my legs. I’ll try to walk with better posture. A woman is strolling with a tiny dog on a leash down by the seaside. Every once in a while she stops and picks up a seashell or stone. There are not many seagulls out this morning. They have strange habits when they are out in large numbers and when they are sparse.

I’m slow on my rounds today. I will have to make them up later. I was chanting without counting properly. It is something Baladeva says he does also. But if you don’t count them, you can’t give yourself the benefit of the doubt and say, “Oh, fifteen minutes have past. I must have chanted two rounds.” It’s frustrating, and you have to keep doing them. Nowadays, this happens partly because I have to chant in my left hand with a clicker.

It’s warming up, and it could turn into a nice day for beachcombers. The ocean is flat and calm and inviting for swimming. I’ll stay at the yellow submarine and get my japa and writing duties done. I bought some used jazz CDs yesterday, and I’m looking forward to inspiration to turn them into prose poems. I can’t do it with my writing hand, so it will be up to Krishna to give me lively ideas to speak.

8:18 A.M.

“What Is This Thing Called Love?” Is it the love of a child for its mother? Is it the love of a mother for its child? Is it the love of sweethearts? Is it crazy? Is it steady? Is it sober? Is it everlasting? Charlie Mingus Group plays it lively and strong, with optimism. There’s a brash trumpet. Love is brash. Mingus thumps his famous bass beneath it all. He’s the steady heart of love. But what is this thing called love? It’s the thing that Krishna pours upon all the living entities. It’s the thing He wants back from them. It’s affection, dearmost feelings. It’s loyalty. It’s fearlessness. It’s the sweetest thing in the world. They ask what it is because it’s such a puzzle. Love in the material world is flickering, cancala. Sometimes it’s there, and sometimes it’s not. The girl gets peeved at some affront she thinks the man has committed. The man gets jealous when he sees her talking to another guy. So they really don’t know what it is. They know it’s a most wonderful thing, but they can’t figure it out because it’s so up and down, so come and go. But with Krishna’s love, you can understand it a little bit more. It’s steady and everlasting, and it grows, like an ocean that expands. Love and lust are two different things. the thing we call love in the material world is actually selfish sense gratification. In the spiritual world, it’s actually feeling for the other person, wanting the other person to be happy, wanting to please them, and that’s the big difference. It’s like the difference between iron and goal. But even in the material world, it’s enchanting. It’s like black magic. It makes people very happy for the time being. It’s like spring birds and spring flowers. It brings joy. It’s the greatest illusion, but at least it’s great.

“Spur of the Moment.” You can’t wait. It has to start right away, like a rodeo horse let out of the pen. That’s jazz. No time to compose. Exchanges in life are like that, too. Sometimes you have to speak without thinking. You have to act without preparation. Do you I love you? Show it. Don’t rehearse it. The curtain is always up. There’s no time for preparation. It’s happening now, and you’re on. Your talent (or lack of talent) will show. It may not be the smoothest thing, but it’s who you are. It’s exciting to act this way. You just spring into action. No stuffed-shirt reading from a manuscript. Tell us what you really think. Act it out with sincerity. Walking down a street in a happy mood. Something suddenly happens—a car comes from the side street, a mugger springs on you. Or something pleasant. You suddenly see the girl who is the apple of your eye.

“Yesterdays.” This is a ballad, Charlie Mingus bows deeply on his bass, thinking of yesterdays. The reminiscence of what it was like. You think it was very sad, and you were very poor, and there was no happiness. But maybe it wasn’t like that. You can’t exactly recall yesterdays. They’re gone. But they’re there in somehow tender memories, bittersweet. All that water under the bridge. You used to take walks in Ireland, gingerly stepping along the paths, stopping by the bridge and looking down into the waterfalls and the rapid rivers. It was so wonderful. It’s all over now. And your close friendships with friends there. They encouraged you in your free writing, said it was the best thing. You liked to give lectures on Sundays, and prepared for it and gave good ones. I don’t remember now what it was like exactly, but I know it’s not here now. It was yesterday. Yesterdays. The yesterdays are kept steady on the beat of Charlie Mingus’ double bass. Thump thump thump thump. It’s like seeing the movie again, but it’s new. It’s kept alive by his beat. Oh yes, now I remember that part. I recall that scene. It was all yesterday. Please help me remember more of it, because I think it’s important to be who you used to be. It can never come back. It’s lost in time. You were younger. You really can’t remember. All that time in the past. Little flashes come to you still. Sometimes in dreams, it comes mixed up with other pasts. All the yesterdays accumulated. You used to love me. You used to. I think you still do, and I still love you. There’s that bowing of the bass again. So mournful because it’s gone now. And yet the feeling is still alive. The love is still present, except everything is changed. Yesterdays are gone for good. You play a mournful horn to recollect something like it. Not exactly a memory, but a feeling of how you’d like it to be and how you wish it was. It’s melancholic because it’s gone, but it’s sweet, too, because you actually lived it, and you can taste it still. Some of those yesterdays were very hard, very hard times. But some of them were happy, the happiest days of your life. And where are you now? You’re in the present, so put the yesterdays aside.

“The Sound of Love.” Did you ever think that love had a sound? It’s in the sound of sweet music. Best tunes are sounds of love. They can be played in the present, and they exist now. The sound of love is embracing and feeling love right now. The sound of love is music. The sound of love is you talking to me and me talking to you in affection, laughing together, having a good time. The sound of love is Hare Krishna when it’s chanted with emotion and devotion. The sound of love is Krishna’s words when He says, “Bow down to Me, offer homage to Me, and you will come to Me.” Those promises of Krishna are sounds of love. The sound of love is sweet and tender. It’s not fighting, raucous voices. The sound of love is tender. It’s confidential words, and sometimes just whispers. Words that don’t really mean so much but are just spoken in the ear, the way the cowherd boys sometimes talk to Krishna with not much meaning but lots of bliss. The sound of love is blissful, although not always coherent. The sound of love is full of emotion and loveliness. It’s a beautiful band, the Charlie Mingus Group.

“It Might As Well Be Spring.” This is a well-known tune beloved by music lovers. It means that the season might not actually be spring, but we’re so much in love that it might as well be the best season. I don’t hear a nightingale, I don’t see the flowers growing, but I’m feeling so good with you that it might as well be spring. Such a nice sentiment. When it’s winter, we feel bad. It’s so cold and bitter. But if you’re in love at that time, it might as well be spring. When you’re having a good time, it might as well be the best time of the year, because I feel so gay in a melancholic way that it might as well be spring. Yes, it might as well be spring. And this is not only a melody but an improvisation. Feeling good comes spontaneously, not just as a written script. You play together in the park. You walk and hold hands. You may not have much money and you may not be a great devotee, but you’re feeling some love for Krishna, so it might as well be spring. It might as well be bhakti. You’re feeling something good for Him. It may not count as prema-bhakti, but it might as well be love for the Lord, because you’ve got the insight, you’ve got the spark, you’ve got the beginning feeling, and all it takes now is ripening, like an unripe mango that becomes ripe. Don’t count it as nothing. Give it credit. It’s a starting place. It might as well be bhakti because you’re feeling it. So what if you’re a beginner? It’s the same thing as when you become mature. It’s a delightful feeling, even when you’re at the beginning. Because I feel so gay in a melancholic way that it might as well be spring. Yes, it might as well be spring. It might as well be love.

11:30 A.M.

My Dear Lord Krishna...

I want to pray to You today just like that little boy is praying in the picture on my desk. There are his folded palms, and he’s kneeling down, looking up to You in the sky. He’s in a dark room. He has long, curly hair. Some people see the picture and think that the person is a girl, but I think it is a boy. He’s looking up to You for protection. He’s a very sweet devotee, but very young. And I suppose very innocent. He is very pious and faithful. He looks a bit fearful. That is why I say he is praying to you for protection. Little children are sometimes afraid that they are surrounded by ghosts and monsters. He is praying for the protection of his parents and his loved ones and for his own self. I am praying to You like him today. I’m looking upward to You with awe and reverence.

I know awe and reverence are not the topmost form of worship of Your Lordship. You like friendliness and affection. But this boy has plenty of affection for You also. It is just that he is so young, he is overwhelmed with Your beauty and with Your nearness to him. I believe he sees You. He reminds me of Dhruva Maharaja, who was meditating on You in his strict austerities, and then suddenly his meditation broke and he received the saksad darsana, or direct vision of You, before him in Your beautiful form as Visnu. This boy is praying to You and seeing You and is deeply impressed.

I am an old man. I do not pray on my knees in my nightshirt with soft hands clasped together. I do not have long, wavy hair. I don’t have that look in my eye of full faith and surrender. But I do pray to You in a similar mood. I give You my all in these times when I speak to You. I write with a pencil, and I feel very close to You as I draw the lines of handwriting across the page. Now I have to dictate. The results are nice, speaking directly to You. What is it I want to say?

I know the ideal prayer I should make. I should pray, “Please let me serve You, Radha and Krishna.” I want to worship You in Vraja. I want to be immersed in Your pastimes as Radha and Krishna, the Beloved Couple. I want to enter those pastimes ultimately. I want to assist You in Your pastimes. I don’t want to ask You for protection, as perhaps this boy is asking. I don’t want to be distant in awe and reverence. I want to do my duties as an assistant to You and very intimately perform my service, even as You perform Your loving pastimes. I want to say I would like to be a gopi manjari, but I cannot say that from the heart. It is just a theoretical ideal. I just have to pray to You like this boy does, with full faith and devotion and seeking protection. So this is the first step. I want to go on to further steps until I am intimate with You and not embarrassed to come into Your company as You are engaged in Your pastimes. First, however, I have to remove the bad things in my heart, the self-serving, the self-motivation, the false ego, even the materialistic desires that are in my unconsciousness.

I see the spark of this Vrajavasi in this slightly chubby boy who is praying to a God we cannot see because He is not visible in this picture. All we see is the upper darkness of the room in which the boy is praying. But I have faith that he is seeing You, Syamasundara. He is praying to become Your devotee in a future time, as soon as possible.

I believe he is not looking to You in a very distant way. You are almost with him in the room. He is overwhelmed with Your beauty. He is just in a moment in his life or a stage in his life when he needs Your full mercy. After all, he is very young.

I do not compare myself to this boy, but I like him very much. I would like to be able to kneel beside him and pray in a similar mood, looking up to You as You hold Govardhana Hill, hoping everything will turn out all right. He does not doubt You. He is a little fearful.

And so I model my prayer over the picture of the boy making his prayers in my portrait. But I am not that boy. I am Prabhupada’s boy, now sixty-nine years old, but with a boyish spirit, praying to him innocently. I have many scars, and I have weathered many difficulties in my many years practicing Krishna consciousness. But I maintain the youthful innocence when I pray to You. I can claim that. Please let your “boy” stay close to You, please give him protection, and more than anything else, stay with him always and grant him Your intimacy. He wishes to serve You, but he is at such a young age that he does not exactly know what he can do except to pray to You. As for me, I am more beat up and haggard. If there were a picture of me, it would look more like the picture of the blind person who looks very old but is praying to You in a similar way. Toothless and bent over and shaking with old age the way Krsnadasa Kaviraja says he shakes, I make my prayer before You with the heart of a young child. Is this true? Is this possible? In this somewhat allegorical, imaginary prayer, I wish it to be so. I wish to stay at Your lotus feet without ever leaving.

the yellow submarine, my bhajana kutir #70→

That is my business, to punish all these rascals. You see? I become very much angry, anyone says before me, "I am God, he is God, everyone..." I cannot control myself. (laughter) Yes. I am so obstinate enemy of these rascals. I want to kick them on their face, but it is incivility. It becomes... But I want to kick them. It will be my pleasure. Never mind I go to hell.

SB 2.9.10 lecture -- Tokyo, April 26, 1972

The following is a Evening talk given by H.H. Bhakti Charu Swami on 12 May 2009 at Hillsborough, USA.

To download the lecture, right click on the download link and choose either “Save link as” or “Save target as”

The following is a Evening talk given by H.H. Bhakti Charu Swami on 12 May 2009 at Hillsborough, USA. To download the lecture, right click on the download link and choose either ldquo;Save link asrdquo; or ldquo;Save target asrdquo;

Sometimes taking someone up on an offer to ride along with them to get some groceries can be the best thing that you do.

After a wonderful Festival of Inspiration 2009, I am now back in the comfort of my parent's home here in Ottawa. The past few days I've been talking with several friends about what were the highlights of this year's FOI. There were so many...in fact I think I will dedicate the next couple of posts to reflecting about many of them. But I found it funny that it wasn't until yesterday that I remember truly appreciating and reflecting about how one conversation with a good friend of mine really made this year's FOI very special for me.

It was the day of Nrsimha Caturdasi. Already the anticipation and excitement of a festival day was upon everyone in New Vrndavana. However, that being said, since most of the celebrations were taking place in the evening, I found myself meandering around the New Vrndavana grounds that afternoon. As I was chanting and wondering what I should do, I ran into my friend (and little brother) Jettu.

Immediately upon seeing me he asked, "Hey, do you want to come along with me to the grocery store? My mom wants me to buy some bhoga to offer to Nrsimhadeva." I asked how long it would probably take to go and come and Jettu said about an hour or so. I didn't even have to think, saying sure, we got into the car and off we were to the grocery store.

Jettu is one of the wonderful "younger devotees" in ISKCON Toronto. A kirtan enthusiast, quick witted and extremely funny individual, he is also one of my friends who I just never get a chance to spend a lot of time with. But here was an opportunity and I grabbed it.

There was never a dull moment in the car with us alternating between laughing and making fun to talking about serious and thought provoking realizations. It made me appreciate how special and unique every devotee is. Although in age Jettu may be younger than me, there is still so much that I can learn from him and so much to appreciate about him. Of course, I'll always take the opportunity to lecture him or make fun of him in a sisterly way, but its so nice to have someone like that.

Although I am an only child I have rarely ever felt it. I've always had plenty of younger/older brothers and sisters. Such is the gift that Srila Prabhupada has given all of us. It's up to us to take every opportunity we can to get to actually spend time with one another and get to know each other.

So thanks Jettu for asking me to come along for the grocery ride. I don't think I've ever had so much fun picking out fruit. :D

Since Srila Gurudeva and Mataji arrived back in Austin we have resumed our study of the 11th canto of Srimad Bhagavatam starting a new chapter entitled, “Jnana Yoga”. Srila Gurudeva was explaining that all these other yoga systems are described so that people can understand how that bhakti is the topmost yoga system. Yesterday’s class [...]

Finally the semester is coming to an end. One more final to go, two weeks break then summer semester starts. Most recently I acquired a proper version of Vedabase via Aprakrita Prabhu’s offer of discounted full versions of Vedabase which has inspired me to write once again as I can check references prior to throwing [...]