After receiving a tremendous response for the print edition of Sri Bhaktisiddhanta Vaibhava, we are pleased to present this composition as an electronic book, as requested by many devotees. The eBook includes all the three volumes, replete with all pictures from the print edition. All footnotes, endnotes, index entries and other references are hyperlinked to facilitate better navigation across all the three volumes.
The eBook is available in Kindle format and can be downloaded from the Amazon Kindle Store. The eBook will also be available by early September in ePub format on eBook portals like Apple iBooks, Sony and others that support the ePub format.
Sri Bhaktisiddhanta Vaibhava has been highly appreciated by senior leaders in ISKCON:
"I recently purchased a copy of your three-volume set on Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur. It is pure nectar. There is something new (at least to my limited knowledge) and enlivening on every page. Several times I have started reading "just a little before I go to bed" around 9 p.m.; the next thing I know it is 10:30 p.m. and I don't want to stop. You have done all of us, and future generations, a great service. Thank you very much." — Badrinarayan das (GBC)
"It is going to become an increasingly important document for the history of Gaudiya Vaisnavism." — Hari Sauri das (ACBSP)
"Congratulations on the completion and publication of your book on Saraswati Thakura. I have it, but haven't yet been able to enter into its depths. It really appears to be a work of devotion that has been well done. I've heard quite a few devotees already mention to me how it has changed their perspective on Krsna consciousness." — Bhurijan das (ACBSP)
KulimeLA 2009: The DVD is now available from the Kuli Mela Outlet @ Krishna.com!
Click Here to watch a preview of the video and to check out the growing Kuli Mela video and audio selections…
In the ancient Sanskrit language, Kuli refers to a member of a community. Mela means a festive gathering. Combined, “Kuli Mela” transforms into “A Celebration of Community.
The year 2009 marked the 20th Anniversary of the Los Angeles Gurukuli Reunion, an annual gathering of second-generation Hare Krishnas, known informally as Gurukulis, or Kulis.
Throughout this five-day festival, over one thousand Vaishnavas from around the world came together in an amazing cultural experience – called KulimeLA – to share, reflect, and appreciate what the Gurukulis have accomplished over the past 20 years.
This film offers a look at the events of the entire festival, including the highlights from the performances at the Ford Theater, The Rose of Vidarbha play, Art Show, Fashion Show, Seminars, Workshops, Bhajan Kutir and LA Rathayatra.
The Kuli Mela Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving an international community by supporting and encouraging its members to come together as friends in service, association and empowerment with an emphasis on spirituality.
Summer Retreat by Premabhakti das
Posted August 19, 2010
Join an Electrifying Imperial Summer Retreat
at New Vrindaban!!
Summer spiritual retreat is the best vacation you could ever
have!!!
Retreat includes:
-> Exciting
discourses on God and living entities
-> Karma,
Destiny, Reincarnation, Actions of Time, Origin of Life etc
-> Yoga
for the modern age
-> Exciting
visits to the Appalachian mountain ranges and discussion
-> Visiting
beautiful rose gardens, lakes and discussion
-> Elegant
peacocks, peahens and swans
-> Great
devotional activities
-> Swan
boat festival [special weekends]
-> Fireworks
[special weekends]
-> It
is a stress free program for now and forever
-> Experience
happiness and ecstasy of spiritual life
Dedicated to the ISKCON Founder Acharya His Divine
Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada
3 Days Retreat Schedule
[June thru December]
·The Goal of Yoga is to find
the real self, dwelling within our hearts and realizing it.
·The self realization
includes Origin of life, finding self and Super self, action of time, Karma,
creation of universes, movements of the planets, hellish and heavenly
existence, the causes of all causes, one’s true relationship with
Krishna, God and living entities and Going back home back to the spiritual
world.
·This retreat would guarantee
students a paramount understanding about the pure existence of the soul beyond
this mundane material existence.
·This summer retreat takes
you to a supremely blissful life resting beyond this gigantic cosmic material
universe.
Schedule for the Retreat:
Tuesday
5:30 pm Orientation and a Discussion
on ‘Goal of human life’
At present human society is being misled by leaders who are blind,
for they do not know the aim and objective of human life, which is
self-realization and the reestablishment of our lost relationship with the
Supreme Personality of Godhead. The Krishna consciousness movement is trying to
enlighten human society in this important matter.
7:00 pm Evening Arthik
7:35 pm Dinner
8:15 pm Discussion on Karma, Destiny and Reincarnation
Human suffering is one of religion's most compelling mysteries:
Why do the innocent suffer? Why does God permit evil? Is God helpless to act or
does he choose not to? And if He chooses not to act, does that mean he is
cruel? Or merely indifferent?the seminar takes the
problem out of God's court and places it firmly in our own………
9:30 pm Rest
Wednesday
Rise up 4:30 am
5.00 am Mangalarthik [First Prayers]
5:45 am Discussion on Original Position of
the Soul
The actual
position of the jiva is marginal. The marginal plane, as the origin of the
jivas between the material and spiritual worlds, has been stated in vedanta and
by previous acaryas. There, in that marginal plane, the jivas are in a state of
equilibrium but due to their innate nature they gradually become attracted to
either the spiritual or material energy of the Supreme Person.
7:30 am Second prayers
8:00 am Discussion on Vegetarianism [At
the organic garden]
Vegetarianism is a popular choice for many individuals and
families. But parents may wonder if kids can safely follow a vegetarian diet
and still get all necessary nutrients. Most dietary and medical experts agree
that a vegetarian diet can actually be a very healthy way to eat. This
discussion would guide us to eat Krishna prasadam and take you
to……..
9:15 am Breakfast
10:15 am Discussion on God and demigods [Island]
Many people are offended by the word 'demigod.' But surely, except
Krishna and His expansions, no one can be Supreme. There cannot be 'two'
supreme entities………..
12:00 am Discussion on Five kinds of liberation
There are 5 kinds of liberation a soul can attain.- What are they?
How is it achieved? Which is the liberation rejected by devotees of the Lord,
one or all?
2:00 pm Lunch and rest
4:00 pm Visit to Palace of Gold and Rose Gardens
5:00 pm Discussion on Krishna, the source of all incarnations
“I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds.
Everything emanates from Me. The wise who know this perfectly engage in My
devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts” Krishna says in Bhagavad-Gita 10-8
7:00 pm Gaura arthik
7:45 pm Dinner and Rest
Thursday
Rise up 4:30 am
5:00 am Mangalarthi [First Prayers]
5:45 am Discussion on Opulence of the Absolute Truth, Krishna
For those unfamiliar with the concept, it may be difficult to
grasp how a single person can contain or "be" all of reality [100%]:
this world is full of relative truths from Lord Brahma to the lowest
insignificant ant, and Krishna is a different kind of person than we're used to
thinking about.
6:30 am Visiting Goshala
7:30 am Sringar Dharshan or second prayers,
8:00 am Discussion on Five kinds of mellows with God, Krishna
There are
five kinds of relationships with Krishna: neutrality, Servitude, Friendship, Parental
and Conjugal. Each mellow includes all the qualities of the preceding one, plus
a distinguishing quality of its own.
9:15 am Breakfast and rest
10:30 am Discussion on Nine types of Devotional
services
How do
perform deity worship-how to perform arthi – how to bath the deities
– How to wake up the deities and put Them to sleep-how to sing- How to
dress Them- How to Feed the deities - how to read scriptures- how to memorize
scriptural verses - how to honor Krishna prasadam.
12:15pm Discussion on Lord Caitanya, the
Golden Incarnation
524 years
ago Lord Caitanya, the Golden incarnation of Lord Krishna with Lord Nityananda
who is Balaram Himself appeared to inaugurate the chanting of the holy name of
Krishna as the real yoga for the modern age………..
2:00 pm Lunch
4:00 pm Visiting Old Vrindavan, Bahulaban,
Discussion on Yoga for the modern
age
Nowadays, we find yoga being taught in numerous courses and touted
in mass-market books as a means to achieve health, lose weight, developmental
powers over others, achieve success in making money, or increase sexual
potency. But real yoga is something entirely different…….
` 7:00 pm Evening Arthik
7:45 pm Dinner
8:30 pm Discussion on Perfection of Life and Conclusion
Public gardens are a national treasure, just like museums, libraries and opera houses. Even amongst public gardens, however, rose gardens hold a special preeminence. Roses have attracted more attention from painters, poets and romantics than any other flower. Is it any wonder that roses are the flower of choice for joyous occasions such as anniversaries, birthdays, graduations and weddings?
The All-America Rose Selections (AARS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the vitality, strength and beauty of garden roses. The AARS runs the world's most challenging horticultural testing program, monitoring plant performance according to twelve different criteria including fragrance, novelty, disease resistance, and color throughout the bloom cycle. The AARS then identifies plants that will grow beyond expectations with little maintenance, ensuring the plants' suitability for home gardens. These exceptional roses then receive the AARS Seal of Approval, and are showcased in AARS-accredited gardens across North America.
"The fact that the Palace of Gold Rose Garden in New Vrindaban has been AARS-accredited since 1987 is one of the best-kept secrets in the Ohio Valley," says Wheeling, West Virginia native Betty Hickey, the Palace of Gold rosarian since 1985. "The standards for AARS accreditation are very high. There is a two-year probationary period before being accepted, and annual surprise inspections after acceptance. There are only around 130 accredited gardens in North America."
The benefits of accreditation are well worth the effort, says Hickey. Each year, the Palace of Gold Rose Garden receives, free of charge, five plants of each winning variety. The Palace receives AARS winners one full year before they are available through catalogues and nurseries. Thus, home gardeners can visit the Palace Rose Garden to see how selected varieties perform at different points during the season, and determine whether the variety will fit into their home garden.
The Palace is showcasing two AARS winners that will be available next spring. "Dick Clark" is a grandiflora with black-red buds. This exquisite beauty spirals open to display vibrant cherry-pink petals tinged with a cream-colored edge. "Walking on Sunshine" is a floribunda, boasting tight clusters of bright yellow buds which burst open with an anise aroma. All the rose varieties in the Palace Rose Garden, including "Dick Clark" and "Walking on Sunshine," are well-marked for easy identification.
Right now is the perfect time to visit the Palace Rose Garden, whether you are a home gardener or simply a lover of roses. The garden will be in its second bloom for approximately one week.
Most rose gardens bloom only once, in June. The Palace Rose Garden is exceptional in that it has three blooms, a testament to both the exceptional quality of the rose varieties and to Hickey's expertise with roses. The third bloom will be during the end of September. "The September bloom is especially nice," confided Hickey. "There are fewer flowers, but each flower is larger. Also, with the cooler weather, the blooms will last longer, and the color will not fade."
The Palace boasts over 100 different varieties of roses. Currently, close to half of the 850 rose plants at the Palace of Gold are AARS winners, ensuring the exceptional overall beauty of the garden.
"The AARS requires that I maintain the overall appearance of the rose garden, so I usually do not pick flowers from the garden," said Hickey. "But I make exceptions for special occasions. I pick flowers for Prabhupada's birthday, and I pick flowers for the day on which Prabhupada departed from this world." On September 2, 2010, Hare Krishna devotees around the world will commemorate the Appearance Day of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. There will be a special celebration at the Palace of Gold.
The Palace of Gold was originally intended to be a home for Prabhupada. Prabhupada, however, left this world in November 1977, just a few months before the completion of the Palace. The Palace was then converted into Prabhupada's mausoleum. The Palace of Gold Rose Garden was created in 1985 by Hare Krishna devotees. Originally, the garden was intended to be a source of flowers for the temple Deities of Lord Krishna. After receiving AARS accreditation in 1987, however, it was turned into a show garden in order to comply with AARS's strict guidelines.
In addition to the rose garden, there are numerous annual gardens on the Palace of Gold terraces and patios. "These annual gardens are exceptional in their own right," says Hickey. "On the back patio alone, there are three different varieties of canna lilies; blue salvia, which is one of the most popular salvias; a reddish-burgundy celosia; and many others. I encourage everyone to visit these annual gardens."
Prabhupada's Palace of Gold is located south of Moundsville at Wheeling, West Virginia, off Route 250. For more information, contact (304) 843-1812 or mail@NewVrindaban.com.
Jeffrey Armstrong is known to many of us older devotees as Jamadagni das, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and the lyricist for many of the songs by Mangalananda dasa. He has been working in his own way for years to spread the teachings of Vedic Dharma and Krishna consciousness. He has been quite innovative and uses many of his ideas to interest others to understand the value and contributions of the Vedic wisdom and to take an interest in it. He has now produced a book that is opening many doors into the commercial market place to reach as many people as possible and draw them into the wisdom that the Vedic teachings have to offer in this topsy-turvy world. The book has already gone into a second printing before it has even reached book stores. It is also being published in Italian, German and Russian, and has presently risen to one of the best sellers on the Amazon.com sales list.
This book is probably the best opportunity in years for the Vedic wisdom to enter into the midst of Western readers of all kinds and pique their curiosity, and also emphasize the importance of Vedic culture to young and older Indians alike. What is this book? It is called The Spiritual Teachings of the Avatar: Ancient Wisdom for a New World.
In Spiritual Teachings of the Avatar, author Jeffrey Armstrong enlightens readers on the meaning of the word Avatar and relevance of the original Avatars of India in today’s world. An Avatar—a Divine Being that descends from the transcendental realm to restore peace and harmony to the earth—is a manifestation of the Ultimate Being that can appear at will in human or animal form. According to Indian tradition, when Mother Nature has been harmed by the actions of humans, Avatars come to Earth to restore the karmic balance while showing humans the way back to the higher realms.
Collected from Vedic spiritual traditions of India that can be traced back more than 5,000 years, Armstrong illuminates how contemporary cultural references to Avatars reveal their deep and enlightening historical roots. At the heart of these teachings is a respect for all life, the concept that we are each part of the same Ultimate Being, and that everyone is able to makes the journey back home to the Divine. With the social, economic, environmental, and political unrest in the world today, these lessons from the Avatar are more important than ever.
Spiritual Teachings of the Avatar speaks to anyone concerned with the sustainability of Mother Earth, the role of elders in our society, the seemingly unconsciousness of science and corporations, and the subtleties of unseen realities, resulting in spiritual growth, a deeper relationship with nature, and a better world for all. In Spiritual Teachings of the Avatar, Vedic expert and teacher Jeffrey Armstrong explains the ancient Indian wisdoms embodied in the word “avatar,” and that behind the notion of avatar is a view that sees the sacredness of all life and the soul of all beings as eternal—meant for freedom and made of divine essence.
The Academy Award-winning film, AVATAR brought into world prominence one of the most important spiritual words of India, prompting audiences to wonder, "What does avatar really mean?" Armstrong explains that though the stories on which the Avatar teachings are based originated more than 5,000 years ago, they have re-emerged in the modern world for good reason.
"Jeffrey Armstrong has shown how the new avatar awareness and the ancient and eternal avatar consciousness can be united for individual and global transformation. And he has done so with poetry, humor, intelligence, wit and grace. A book that will open the doorways to many higher dimensions, new hidden horizons, new worlds of delight and new ways of vision."
~ David Frawley, director, American Institute of Vedic Studies
"The concept of imagining that you are not your thoughts, thus you are not even your "imagination", sets the premise for an exploration of the deepest spiritual questions. Rooted in an awareness of the true nature of consciousness, Jeffrey awakens our intuition to what it has forgotten.
Many namaste's" ~ Terry McBride, founder of YYoga
"I truly enjoyed the unfolding of our ancient Hindu/Vedic culture and philosophy finding a fresh voice. Armstrong gallops through pretty much every social, political, scientific, religious issue currently engaging and outraging the human race, from the Transcendental to the dirt real. I so admire what has been has accomplished here."
~ Paramacharya Palaniswami, Editor-in-Chief Hinduism Today
At a recent event in Ottawa Canada Swami Ramdev publicly endorsed the book and honoured Armstrong for his work on behalf of the international Hindu culture and community. In Spiritual Teachings of the Avatar Armstrong informs the reader about the greatness of India and the real meaning of Avatar. The book speaks to Hindu students and youth in a contemporary way giving them new tools to clearly explain their culture. Swami Ram Dev said: “Everyone should read this book.” Included in the book are two brief summary chapters explaining the great epics and Avatars of India: The Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar also received a copy during his visit to Vancouver Canada this past week.
Armstrong has studied Vedic knowledge for over 40 years and has explored the depths of many of the greatest teachings of India as both a practitioner and scholar. He is a westerner who has been selected by Hindu leaders throughout the world to act as a spokesperson for Hindu Dharma and culture.
The book is published by Atria Books/Beyond Words Publishing, an imprint of Simon & Schuster in all global markets (978-1-58270-281-0; 224 pages, $22.00 US). It features 16 color illustrations by Society of Illustrators Gold Medal-winning cartoonist Farel Dalrymple.
Come list your items for sale at our new online auction site, dedicated to serve devotees worldwide in selling their products or business. Your listings will be renewed until your items are sold. We are promoting our website on several social networking sites, offering many visitors who will see your listings. If you are interested in the networking part of our website, contact me. There are job opportunities for those who like to introduce new members, who will earn a commission for every new affiliate they introduce. If you own a website, please link back to us.
I have few sets of gold plated imprint of Lotus Feet from Sri Sri Radha Syamsundara or Sri Sri Gaura Nitai.
There is a small one which can be sticked in the car, in front (as is done in India) and the other bigger one can be hanged on a wall or placed in altar.
One set (inlcuding a small one for the car and the bigger one) either from Sri Sri Radha Shyamsunder or Sri Sri Gaura Nitai costs 19.99 Euros.
If you buy both sets, it costs 37.99 Euros. This does not inclucde the postage cost.
I have a two-room apartment in Vrindavan available for sale or for rent. It is very near to ISKCON, just 5 minutes' walking distance. The apartment has an attached kitchen, toilet and all the facilities. The surroundings and the environment are very nice. Several ISKCON devotees live in this area. Please contact me at: sonuagrawal84 - at - gmail.com or tel. 0091-9927061068.
From September 13 – 22, renowned BBT artists Dhriti devi dasi and Ramadasa Abhirama dasa will conduct an intensive painting seminar in New Vrindaban Community, focusing on Krishna art. The husband and wife team have 35 years of experience painting Krishna art in the US, Europe and India. They will teach the unique style of combining classical western Renaissance techniques and Eastern proportion guidelines from the ancient Vedic scriptures from India. The Vedas are the oldest scriptures known to man, and they include sections on many fine and applied arts, including art, music, dance and architecture.
“This blend of East and West is unprecedented,” said Dhriti. “The impact is beyond our wildest imagination. When we travel to India, we see our work all over the country because the Indians are fascinated with the western techniques. In the west, we are turning Krishna art into a collectors’ item due to its mystical quality.”
The seminar will be from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm daily. Lodging and vegetarian meals will be available. During the morning, students will focus on figure drawing. In the afternoon, students will work on an individual painting of Lord Krishna, including both figure and landscape techniques. Individual paintings will progress from a thumbnail sketch, to development drawing, to tonal drawing, to color sketch, to studies, and to photographing models for references for the paintings. “This is a classic Western technique that produces paintings that have a sense of ‘realism.’ This is what the Indian public loves about our art,” explained Dhriti.
After teaching in New Vrindaban, the couple will travel to Vrindaban, India, where they will conduct a three-week seminar in painting Krishna art for the fourth year in a row. Dhriti noted, “In India, our students will be traveling from all across the world. Therefore, the seminars are very intense. In New Vrindaban, the atmosphere will be lighter.”
Dhriti devi dasi graduated from the School of Art and Design in New York and studied figurative painting and drawing extensively at the Art Students League of New York. For the next eleven years she worked as an illustrator and art teacher with the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust in Los Angeles and Florence, Italy. She furthered her studies at the Academy of Art in Sienna. Originally trained in classical art, Dhriti began exhibiting her work in Paris, Italy and England. Her work has been seen in American Art Review, Southwest Art, Architectural Digest, California Homes, San Diego Magazine, and Aspen Catalogue.
Ramadasa Abhirama dasa graduated with a degree in Fine Art from California State University at Fullerton. He then began illustration work for the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust in Los Angeles for five years and Florence, Italy for six years. Ramadasa studied techniques such as fresco and tempra at the Academy of Art in Sienna and the Florence Academy of Art, and he studied Vedic art in Mahaballipuram, India. Over the next twelve years, Ramadasa painted over three hundred oils. Many of those paintings still hang chateaus and villas in France, Italy, England, South Africa, and India.
New Vrindaban Community is located south of Moundsville – Wheeling, off Route 250. For more information about the “Painting Krishna Art” seminar, contact (304) 845-9591 or mail@newvrindaban.com.
Click here to watch the video of "The Rose of Vidarbha - Krishna Kidnaps Rukmini."
Intrigue, heartache, deception, romance, humor, and triumph mark Krishna's epic quest to marry His beautiful queen Rukmini and become King of Dwarka.
This artfully woven performance, which combines music, theater, and dance, was brought to life by a troupe of talented local Gurukulis on the steps of the ISKCON New Dwarka Temple in Los Angeles, California.
This drama was recorded August 1, 2009, in front of 1,100 enthusiastic audience members and was a crowning jewel of KulimeLA 2009.
Click here
to visit the Kuli Mela Outlet @ Krishna.com and to view the growing selection of Kuli Mela DVDs and CDs.
In the ancient Sanskrit language, Kuli refers to a member of a community. Mela means a festive gathering. Combined "Kuli Mela" transforms into "A Celebration of Community."
The Kuli Mela Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving an international community by supporting and encouraging its members to come together as friends in service, association and empowerment.
Understanding the assorted Divinities or gods and goddesses of the Vedic or Hindu pantheon is not so difficult as some people seem to think when it is presented simply and effectively. And that is what you will find in this book. This will open you to many of the possibilities and potentials of the Vedic tradition, and show how it has been able to cater to and fulfill the spiritual needs and development of so many people since time immemorial. Here you will find there is something for everyone.
This takes you into the heart of the deep, Vedic spiritual knowledge of how to perceive the Absolute Truth, the Supreme and the various powers and agents of the universal creation. This explains the characteristics and nature of the Vedic Divinities and their purposes, powers, and the ways they influence and affect the natural energies of the universe. It also shows how they can assist us and that blessings from them can help our own spiritual and material development and potentialities, depending on what we need.
Some of the Vedic Divinities that are explained include Lord Krishna, Vishnu, Their main avatars and expansions, along with Brahma, Shiva, Ganesh, Murugan, Surya, Hanuman, as well as the goddesses of Sri Radha, Durga, Sarasvati, Lakshmi, and others. This also presents explanations of their names, attributes, dress, weapons, instruments, the meaning of the Shiva lingam, and some of the legends and stories that are connected with them. This will certainly give you a new insight into the expansive nature of the Vedic tradition.
COVER PHOTO: A print of Lord Narayana (Vishnu) and Goddess Lakshmi (the Goddess of Fortune). Lord Vishnu, in His bluish complexion, holds His mace, disc or Sudarshan chakra, a conch shell, and a lotus. Lakshmi holds two lotus flowers and blessings. The Om is in the center. (This print is from the author’s personal collection.)
Numerous color prints and photographs of the various Vedic Divinities can be seen, downloaded or printed for your perusal, meditation or use from the author’s website at: www.stephen-knapp.com.
Contents
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER ONE
WHY SO MANY GODS?
Two Ways to View the Vedic Divinities
CHAPTER TWO
SRI KRISHNA
Differences in Realization and Perception of the Supreme * Who is Sri Krishna * What Sri Krishna Says About Himself * The Mistake of Accepting Krishna As a Representation of Something Higher * Krishna is the Source of all Creation * Krishna is the Source of all Avatars of God * Why Lord Krishna Descends into this World * How Lord Krishna Took Birth in the Material World * Janmastami–Krishna’s Birth Festival * Misunderstanding the Activities of Lord Krishna * The Beauty of Krishna * How to Understand God * The Result of Failing to Know Krishna * Krishna’s Eternal Spiritual Abode
CHAPTER THREE
THE AVATARS OF LORD KRISHNA
The Lord Appears in Each Universe * The Main Avatars of the Supreme Being * The Manu Avatars * The Yugavatars * The Shaktyavesha-Avatars * Conclusion
CHAPTER FOUR
LORD VISHNU
Lord Vishnu is an Expansion of Lord Krishna * The Functions of Lord Vishnu
CHAPTER FIVE
LORD BRAHMA
Brahma’s Main Function * How Brahma is Manifested From Lord Vishnu * Brahma and the Dawn of Creation
CHAPTER SIX
THE IDENTITY OF LORD SHIVA AND GODDESS DURGA
Krishna Devotees are Dear to Shiva and Shiva is Dear to Them * Lord Shiva’s Position * How Lord Shiva Appeared in this World * Shaivism * The Shivaratri Festival * The Shiva-Lingam * The Goddess Durga * The Identity of Durga and Difference Between Mahamaya and Yogamaya * The Two Energies of Material and Spiritual * The Shaktas and Tantrism * The Tantras * How Shiva and Durga are Considered the Mother and Father of the Universe * How Lord Shiva Assists in the Universal Destruction * Lord Shiva’s Ultimate Spiritual Advice
CHAPTER SEVEN
THE GODDESSES
Lakshmi * Sarasvati * Meaning of Navaratri * Gayatri * Srimati Radharani
CHAPTER EIGHT
GANESH AND MURUGAN
Ganesh * Murugan * Ayyappan
APPENDIX ONE
SRI CAITANYA MAHAPRABHU: THE MOST RECENT AVATAR
APPENDIX TWO
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DEITIES AND DEITY WORSHIP
APPENDIX THREE
DEITY WORSHIP FROM THOUSANDS OF YEARS AGO
REFERENCES
GLOSSARY
INDEX
ORDERING INFORMATION
To Order Your Copy: This is $17.95 retail, 6" x 9" trim size, 230 pages, 11 black & white photos, ISBN: 1453613765, EAN: 9781453613764. This is available at your bookstore through special orders, or you can easily order it as follows:
STORES AND CATALOGS who want to purchase copies for resale at discounted rates can contact the publisher, Createspace.com, to start an account with them at: https://www.createspace.com/pub/l/createspacedirect.do?rewrite=true.
A very nice apartment, located in the well-reputed Ananda Krishna Van building near ISKCON and near the Krishna Balaram tree, is available for rent. It is fully furnished in all respects with an air conditioner, TV, microwave, double bed, side table, center table, chairs, alimrah, dressing table, etc. It is approx. 28m2 (300 square feet). It has the best location, a garden view, lobby, etc. I am renting it at Rs. 8,000 plus the cost of electricity. Please contact me at radhacharandass at gmail.com
Click Here
to watch the much anticipated video, “KulimeLA 2009: A Mosaic of Our Generations – A Gala Evening at the Ford Theater in Hollywood.”
In the ancient Sanskrit language, Kuli refers to a member of a community. Mela means a festive gathering. Combined "Kuli Mela" transforms into "A Celebration of Community."
KulimeLA 2009: The theme for this year's gathering was "Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, and Envision the Future."
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Los Angeles International Gurukuli Reunion, an annual gathering of second-generation Hare Krishnas, over one thousand Vaishnavas from around the world came together to share in an amazing cultural experience.
The John Anson Ford Amphitheater, nestled in the Hollywood Hills, was chosen as an ideal location to come together to acknowledge their collective history and appreciate the many accomplishments of the pioneer Gurukulis throughout the past two decades.
Click Here to visit the Kuli Mela Outlet @ Krishna.com and to view the growing selection of Kuli Mela DVDs and CDs.
The Kuli Mela Association is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving an international community by supporting and encouraging its members to come together as friends in service, association and empowerment
Gita Nagari's special country Ratha Yatra is being held on Saturday, July 31, 2010. If you are thinking about vending again this year, outlined below is some information, which will help facilitate you.
Registration and Set-up
The temple is asking for a $20.00 set-up fee to vend at the Ratha Yatra and 15% of your gross sales for Sri Sri Radha Damodara. Please mail your payment by July 15th at the latest. Payments have to be made in advance. If you have your own table, please let us know so that we do not have to hire one for you, also do bring your own pop-up tent. By the same token if you need a table let us know in a timely manner so that we can provide one for you.
This year all activities will be held around the garden/barn area. Spaces will be occupied on a first come basis. Set-up begins at 8:30 am and breakdown should begin by 6:30 pm at the latest. You are responsible for cleaning your area. We will provide trash bags for your convenience. Since the designated vendor area is not particularly shady, it is imperative that you have either a tent or a large umbrella to shade you from the weather. Please note: Since our food court pays for the festival expenses, no other prasadam vendors will be allowed.
All cars will be directed to the parking area. Vendors are requested to unload as quickly as possible and park their vehicle in the designated area. Handicapped parking will be provided.
Please let us know how we can serve you as we all come together to celebrate this wonderful pastime of Lord Jagannatha.
We have a small, beautiful apartment to sell in a recently new building with all residential Devotees of Srila Prabhupada (the ground floor of the building has commercial shops). Its just 100 meters from Srila Prabhupada’s Samadhi at Sri Sri Krsna Balaram Temple, Behind the police station chowki at parikrama road crossing. We had bought it 4 years back, did all the renovation & wished to settle in Vrindavan in near future, but still we realised, we need to do bit financial reworking to settle down permanently in Sridham Vrindavan right away. We had bought the apartment due to its extreme close proximity to KB Temple and on inspiring parikrama road, so that we could serve Srila Prabhupada & Sri Sri Krsna Balaram in all weather, at any time time & even in old age retired life.
The Vrindavan civic facilities landscape is set to change dramatically, the Govt. is in process of massive redevelopment of all road, drains and other civic facilities in Sridham Vrindavan, they have earmarked a warchest of 800 crore rupees budget for this all round renovation.
Building: Built in 2006, its gound+basement for commercial shops and 1st, 2nd floors Devotee Apartments (total 14 apartments), nicely built with large common corridors, clean, well maintained and secured by watchman & sealed compound gates. The whole building is marble floored, inside & outside apartments. 24 hour abundant salty ground water supply.
Apartment: The apartment has a balcony, which is monkey proofed, beautiful veiw of Ram Temple in next door compound. Furnished with altar/books/showcase cabinet, beds, wardrobe, toilet, bath, pantry. The apartment is aprox 350-400 sq.ft studio apartment, it has been divided by wooden partition to make two small bedrooms & a sitting/altar room. It has independent electricity board approved 2kw power connection, all the electrical wire work is concealed and new equipment like lighting, fans, water heater, air conditioner, refrigirator, microwave oven. Apartment used for few days per year.
Maintainance- minimum electricity charges are Rs. 350/- monthly & building maintainance is Rs. 400/- per month, no other tax or any other expenses other than this. Some devotees in bldg. hire bottled drinking water service or there is option of buying a water purifier appliance for personal use.
Ownership: We bought the apartment in 2006, since the building was under construction and unoccupied then, we got many renovation done in our apartment, the toilet/bath/pantry and other internal changes done as per out requirement. Documents are properly registered & available for veiwing.
Sell Price- 13 Lacs Ruppees (aprox 28,000 US$).
Contact- amolwa@hotmail.com or call/sms +91 8979 186 296. More Photos at www.flickr.com/photos/amolwa . The apartment is unoccupied & locked, anyone wishing see it can fix an appointment 1 day prior by email or mobile, we are in Vrindavan.
Marvelous mountain home in Puerto Rico. Located on the enchanted tropical island of Puerto Rico, a US territory. 35 minutes from San Juan and airport and turquoise Caribean beaches. Shopping is Costco, Sams etc just 15 minutes away. Our PR temple with Krishna Balaram, Radha Syamasundar & Sri Gaura Nitai is heavenly and 6 minutes from home. This home has 3 bed 3 bath, and can comfortabley accommodate 3 – 4 couples or families to share. Wonderful picture windows throughout with awesome mountain and ocean views and natural wood beamed cathedral ceilings Fully furnished with washer/dryer.. Landscaped with lush tropical flowers. For more info email Nandini @ nandini108@gmail.com or call cell: 939.642-0709. Link to view some photos: Click Here Our enchanted island at a glimpse www.elyunque.com/
On Saturday, August 21, New Vrindaban Community will host Devananda Pandit, formerly Denis Moreau, live in concert at Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold. The concert will begin at 7:45 pm. Devananda will be playing his own original contemporary folk songs, with which many of his fans are already familiar. He will also be including a new element to his repertoire – kirtan – a genre of music with a call and response format that is becoming trendy in the US and Europe.
Born in Quebec, Canada, in 1955, Devananda is a bi-lingual singer, songwriter, and recording artist. “I started playing the guitar and writing lyrics when I was 16. I started playing music full-time in 1994 while I was living in New York City,” said Devananda. In 2000, he released his first CD, Pearl Without a Price, which has sold 10,000 copies. His second CD, Borrowed Goods, was released in 2003. He is working on a third CD, Windows to the Other World.
“Playing at Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold is like playing at the Taj Mahal,” said Devananda with excitement. “The Palace is gorgeous at sunset. It will be lit up for the concert, and the fountains in the rose garden will stay on.” The Palace will stay open during the concert, and guided tours will be available throughout the show. Guests are also invited to visit the award-winning rose garden, and other attractions in New Vrindaban.
Concessions will be available during the concert, including World’s Best Cookies and veggie burgers produced by local businesswoman Dharma Dasi of New Vrindaban. Guests are also invited to bring their own vegetarian snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as lawn chairs and cushions for outdoor sitting.
Devananda is a folk rock singer with a style reminiscent of Bob Dylan. His lyrics, which have a definite spiritual message, are broad enough to appeal to Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and agnostics alike. He plays at inter-faith events, pubs, and coffee houses. One fan said about Devananda’s first CD Pearl Without a Price (2000), “There's a couple tracks on here with a Native American theme, but most are thoughtful examinations of his own inner-life. He doesn't shy away from tackling the ‘big questions.’ But he's not preachy, preferring instead to view these subjects through a more personal prism.”
The Sunset Concert marks a turning point in Devananda’s career, who up until now, has been known professionally as Denis Moreau. From the Sunset Concert onward, he will be performing exclusively under the name Devananda Pandit, the name he received when he took spiritual initiation into the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1981 in New Vrindaban. “I was living in Ottawa at the time, and I traveled to New Vrindaban to receive initiation,” says Devananda.
Why is he making a name change mid-career? “I want to enter the kirtan venue, both locally and internationally,” explained Devananda. “My personal experience is that West Virginians love kirtan – and it’s not just the young people. When I play at retirement homes, I chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. Those folks get up, and they sing and dance with me. The holy name is universal,” said Devananda, referring to the names Hare, Krishna, and Rama in the now-famous Hare Krishna maha-mantra: Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare.
“The Sunset Concert at Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold will be very special,” confided Devananda. “I have fond memories of the Palace when it first opened.” Devananda is one of the many Hare Krishna devotees who helped build the Palace. “I did a lot of sanding – I sanded the columns in the former restaurant, among other things.”
The Sunset Concert on August 21 will begin at 7:45pm. Admission is $5 for ages 16 and over, and free for 15 and under. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs and cushions for this outdoor event.
Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold is located south of Moundsville – Wheeling, off Route 250. For more information, contact (304) 843-1812 or www.PalaceOfGold.com.
It is with pleasure that we announce that the “Memories of Srila Prabhupada” series has now made it to 50! This two hour DVD has incredible stories never before heard that give us insight into how to live our lives according to the example set by Srila Prabhupada and gives us glimpses into the glories of His Divine Grace. We hope you get some inspiration from the YouTube clip provided to purchase this DVD for your collection. Part 50 includes anecdotes from Ramesvara, Patita Pavana, Manmohini,
Soma, Omkara, Kiba Jaya and Garindra Mohini Prabhus.
Nice room to rent in a comfortable house in Houston, Located in a convenient central location, 5 miles from the ISKCON Temple. The house has central air conditioning and heating, and many other convenient amenities. The room measures 11’ X 11’, has two windows (both currently have curtains) and has a closet with doors. Bathroom, kitchen and living room to be shared. There is a small yard. Ladies only please. I would prefer to share with a devotee who is a vegetarian according to Vaishnava principles. $300 per month, plus half of the utilities. If interested please send e-mail to
roomshare2010 (at) hotmail (dot) com to learn more.
Due to financial need, we have to offer the following for sale: a complete original BBT pre-1978 Srimad Bhagavatam set, complete original BBT pre-1978 Caitanya-Caritamrta set, one two-volume original hardbound BBT Krsna Book set, a complete original Singapore Srimad Bhagavatam set, a complete five-volume Srila Prabhupada Letters set and complete softbound Srila Prabhupada conversations book set, as well as Back to Godhead volumes 1974 to 1990.
Also, interestingly, we have a lot of blank ILMT unissued life membership passports, a giant painting of Srila Prabhupada by Pushkar das, and a pewter 2-ft high Krishna statue from India.
We have no idea what these items are worth, so we would like to receive offers, and we will negotiate. Items can be shipped UPS ground or US Post Office Flat Pack from Alachua at cost price. We can accept credit and debit through a third party.
Times are hard. We are also selling furniture on Craigslist. Please e-mail: Jalakara (at) yahoo.com
For sale a new set of four ratha yatra cart wheels and brake system for sale. These are wooden Amish wagon wheels made to special order. These wheels are 66 inches in diameter and comes with matching hub brakes and stub axles with bearings. The weight capacity for these wheels are 800 pounds each or 3200 pounds total. I also installed a 6 inch wide removable steel with rubber band on each wheel to use on soft sand or on the beach.
After I ordered and installed these wheels on our new 5000 lbs cart, I got a call from the agent that the manufacturers miscalculated and build these for only 3200 lbs. So I had to replace these. I spent over $4000.00 for these wheels and parts. Please make me an offer and take them for a smaller cart. I'll try to post photos later. I'm trying to raise funds to purchase an enclosed trailer for our new collapsible cart.
"God Is One - The Bhagavad-Gita Explained with 114 Questions & Answers"
This new book includes 114 Practical Questions & Answers Based On The Bhagavad-Gita.
Here are some of the questions:
Who exactly is God?
Is 2012 the end of the world?
Why do good people suffer?
Why bad people don't suffer?
When is the Day of Judgment?
Are we all brothers and sisters?
Who are we? Is there life after death?
How do we move up or down in life?
Should we be kind and tolerant like a tree?
How brilliant does God look?
How does God witness all our actions?
What qualities does God have?
Does everything we have come from God?
How great is God?
Is freedom of religion the will of God?
How many species of living beings are there?
Are the dead waiting in their graves or gone?
Will I see my relatives again after this life?
Is life on all planets miserable?
Are women lower than men?
What is Yoga?
The answers are based on the teachings of his divine grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
The book can be bought from the following site for $10:
Almost thirty years since the publication of his first book on japa, Japa Reform Notebook,
SDG has produced yet another volume solely dedicated to the subject of the improving chanting of the holy names
and is drawing from his experiences on the retreats in his bhajana-kutir in Delaware, when chanting extra number
of rounds and rising early.
In his Foreword to the new book, Krishna Ksetra prabhu of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies recalls
the impact of the Japa Reform Notebook: “The book was seen as quite radical or even inappropriate. How
could a senior devotee, revered as a renunciant and as an adept spiritual teacher, so openly communicate his own
personal challenges in the practice of chanting Hare Krishna? Yet others were enlivened to see that a frank discussion
of the challenges to pure chanting was being aired... As in the previous book, Goswami locates himself as both a
student and a teacher, as one who continues to learn from his own guru and who aims to help others benefit from what
he learns. In this book he asks readers to spend time with him as he questions the extent and depth of his own
successes and the meaning of occasional apparent setbacks in practice as he takes one through a sustained personal
meditation on the eight verses of the Siksastakam, Sri Caitanya’s verses that encapsulate his teachings.”
“From his First Transformations early on to his Reality ruminations later, it is SDG’s determination
to surrender to the sweet sacrifice of chanting Hare Krishna, and living its deep meaning, that invokes the Names’
blessings on both writer and reader...” writes Suresvara prabhu (ACBSP) of Hawaii, who concludes about this new
book: “Like a japa retreat that comes home with us, Japa Transformations is a valuable companion to help
us surrender our life’s breath to praising Radha and Krsna’s divine names, and to enter Their eternal loving
service at last.”
Matsya Avatara Prabhu of Centro Studi Bhaktivedanta, Italy, forwarded a copy of a review to be published later, with
one section particularly appropriate: “The author describes a path that is not without moments of great challenge
and discouragement, and this makes it clear that the spiritual path cannot be taken for granted, nor should a reader
embarking upon such a path assume that he/she will automatically attain the final goal simply by being initiated upon
a spiritual path.
“In other words, the epic journey to full experiential realization of our ontological identity is a goal not easily
attained but irresistibly fascinating, and even if only partly achieved, the satisfaction that a person experiences
as a result of sincere endeavors on a spiritual path is inexpressible.” In response to this, the author replies:
“This accurately describes my experience with japa: the struggle, but the satisfaction in trying and
achieving whatever I can.”
Contents
Foreword
Author’s Preface
Introduction
Invocation
Blessed Routine
First Transformations
Ready to Offer All Respect
The Taste
A Plea for Conection
Eager Hope Against Hope
In Separation
Appreciation in Love
Cited Bengali and Sanskrit Sources
Bibliography
Verses Index
To order your copy: This is $10.83 retail, 6" x 9" trim size, 290 pages, col. cover, ISBN-10: 0-9822-6004-3
(hbk), ISBN-10: 0-9822-6003-2 (pbk). Available at your bookstore through special orders, or you can order it
from Amazon,
Books-a-Million,
Krishna Culture (in North America),
or Bhaktivedanta Library Services (Europe).
Stores and Catalogues that want to purchase copies for resale at discounted rates can contact the
publisher through sales - at - gnpress.org or check the author’s
site: www.sdgonline.org.
Hit Harivamsa, a 16th century devotee, disciple of Gopal Bhatta Goswami, describes in a sweet poetic and divine voice the intimate pastimes of the Divine Couple. We become witnesses to a divine and spiritual relationship. According to Hit Harivamsa ›Bhaav‹, feeling and emotion, is the main ingredient for devotion to Sri Sri Radha-Krishna.
The Hit Chaurasi is one of the famous scriptures of the Bhakti-tradition, yet this edition is the first translation into a Western language by an authentic spiritual practitioner. The translation and the commentaries of Pratibha Goswami are soaked with the divine ecstatic love to Godhead.
She is a descendent of the famous Krishna-poet Jayadeva Goswami who wrote his Gita Govinda in the 13th century. Pratibha lived in the holy town of Vrindavan since her birth.
»These eyes are so greedy, even in a nano second of difference when blinking, Sri Shyam sundar feels that he has not seen Sri Radha for millions of years.« (vers 60, 4)
Hare Krsna. My name is Gaurasundar das and I am looking for an apartment to rent in Vrindavan, India from July 11th, 2010 to January 1, 2011. I would like to pay 200.00 per month plus utilities for a furnished apartment with kitchen; a/c. Please contact me at clancaster@aol.com if you have an availability. Thank you. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and His followers.
Invitation to Pisa by Hariballabha (dd) (Berlin - D)
Posted June 30, 2010
I would like to invite you to a spiritual gathering near Pisa in
Italy. Our guest of honor will be Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja.
Srila Maharaja (90), who has been giving discourses about the benefit of Bhakti
Yoga for over 60 years.
Please don't miss out on this rare opportunity. The festival will take place
in Marina di Massa, Italy. This little Tuscan town is located on the west-coast of Italy, just in front of the Tirreno Sea. We have had many wonderful guests in
the past and hope to welcome you and your friends to this gathering from
July 1st to July 7th. For more information, please visit
www.europeanfestival.net/
Our special country Ratha Yatra is being held on Saturday, July 31, 2010. If you are thinking about vending again this year, outlined below is some information, which will help facilitate you.
Registration and Set-up
The temple is asking for a $20.00 set-up fee to vend at the Ratha Yatra and 15% of your gross sales for Sri Sri Radha Damodara. Please fill in the form below and use the envelope provided for the form and your laxmi. Please mail your payment by July 15th at the latest. Payments have to be made in advance. If you have your own table, please let us know so that we do not have to hire one for you, also please bring your own pop-up tent.
This year all activities will be held around the garden/barn area. Spaces will be occupied on a first come basis. Set-up begins at 8:30 am and breakdown should begin by 6:30 pm at the latest. You are responsible for cleaning your area. One table will be provided. We will also provide trash bags for your convenience. Since the designated vendor area is not particularly shady, it is imperative that you have either a tent or a large umbrella to shade you from the weather. Please note: Since our food court pays for the festival expenses, no other prasadam vendors will be allowed.
Unloading and Parking, Parking for physically Impaired
All cars will be directed to the parking area. Vendors are requested to unload as quickly as possible and park their vehicle in the designated area. Handicapped parking will be provided.
Please let us know how we can serve you as we all come together to celebrate this wonderful pastime of Lord Jagannatha.
New apartment available in Sri Mayapur to rent or for sale.
Opposite Mahaprabhu's birthplace Yogapith, near government hospital, furnished apartment with two bedrooms, kitchen (refrigerator, etc.), bathroom (washing machine, hot water heater). Rooms nicely decorated, curtains in each room, fully stocked kitchen and bedrooms. 24-hour electricity, water and security available.
Location: from ISKCON, 10 minutes. To Mother Ganga, 8 minutes. Monthly rent: 8,000 rupees plus cost of electricity and water. For more details please contact by email Dhriti Gauranga das, dip.khanra at gmail dot com
