26 Jan 2013
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Bhagavad-gita, Book Changes, Spiritual Master, The Hare Krishna Movement
Tags: 1972 Macmillan edition, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, as it is, bhagavad-gita, original 1972, picture of Srila Prabhupada, prabhupada pictures
Images of the Disciplic Succession (taken from Original 1972 Edition of Bhagavad-gita As It Is)
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
the Founder-Acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
and greatest exponent of Krishna Consciousness in the western world.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaja
the spiritual master of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
and foremost scholar and devotee in the recent age.
Srila Gaura Kisora Das Babaji Maharaja
the spiritual master of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami
and intimate student of Srila Thakur Bhaktivinode
Srila Thakur Bhaktivinode
the pioneer of the program to benedict
the entire world with Krishna consciousness
As taken from Original 1972 Edition of Bhagavad-gita As It Is
*Note; These images were deleted from: Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged …or rather, current edition.
09 Jan 2013
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Chanting Hare Krishna, Free Downloads, Free eBooks, The Hare Krishna Movement, What Happened to the Hare Krishna's?
Tags: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, free pdf download, Hare Krishna, Iskcon, Krishna consciousness, On Chanting Hare Krishna, pamphlet on chanting hare krishna, Srila Prabhupada
On Chanting Hare Krishna
Free PDF Download
On Chanting Hare Krishna is a small booklet originally published by ISKCON in 1966 in New York City and was distributed widely at peace marches and other similar gatherings in the 60′s. I have always maintained that Krishna Consciousness is very simple and sublime, and this small pamphlet is an example of that. In the early days of our movement people joined after reading one small book or pamphlet, hearing Hari nama sankirtan, tasting prasadam, or just meeting one of the enthusiastic devotees. Please click on following link for a free PDF Download: On_Chanting_the_Hare_Krsna_Mantra-Original_booklet
Times change and our Movement has changed…but the purity is still present in this original publication.
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16 Dec 2012
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Back to Godhead, Conversation with Srila Prabhupada, The Hare Krishna Movement
Tags: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, Back to Godhead Magazine, BTG Vol.1 No.49, disciple, International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Iskcon, Krishna consciousness movement, krsna consciousness, spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, The Hare Krishna Movement, Vedic formula
The Search for the Divine
By His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Excerpted from Back to Godhead Magazine Vol. 1, No. 49
[On his way from Los Angeles to London to attend the annual Jagannatha Car Festival, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder and spiritual master of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, paused for three days at ISKCON’s East Coast Headquarters in New York City. There he delivered a short series of public lectures, initiated twenty new disciples, gave personal directions to many of his students, and granted audience to selected guests and visitors. The following is a conversation, held in Srila Prabhupada’s personal quarters on the second afternoon of his visit, between His Divine Grace and A Newsman.]
[A newsman, with two assistants and electronic equipment, has been trying to see Srila Prabhupada.]
Newsman (whispering to Syamasundara dasa, Srila Prabhupada’s secretary): Can I ask a couple of questions, and then I’ll leave?
Syamasundara: Please, ask, yes.
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05 Dec 2012
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Krsna Consciousness, Practicing Krishna Consciousness at Home, The Hare Krishna Movement
Tags: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, bhakti yoga, devotees, Hare Krishna Movement, Krishna, Krishna consciousness, philosophy of the Hare Krishna Movement, science of devotional service. God, spiritual master, Srimad Bhagavatam, Srtila Prabhupada, The Hare Krishna Movement
click on above image to buy Srila Prabhupada’s original books
A Short Statement of the Philosophy of the Hare Krishna Movement
The Hare Krishna Movement is a worldwide community of devotees practicing bhakti-yoga, the eternal science of loving service to God. The movement was founded in the western world in 1966 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, a pure devotee of God representing an unbroken chain of spiritual masters originating with Lord Krsna Himself.
Although the Movement has changed in many ways since the physical departure of Srila Prabhupada, still the principles, and practice has remained the same. And Srila Prabhupada is still the Spiritual Master for the Hare Krishna Movement.
“As long as the Spiritual master is physically present , the disciple should serve the physical body of the Spiritual master, and when the spiritual master is no longer physically existing, the disciple should serve the instructions of the spiritual master.” (Srimad Bhagavatam Purport 4.28.47)
The following eight principles are the basis of the Krsna consciousness movement. More
22 Nov 2012
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Book Distribution, Sankirtan, The Hare Krishna Movement, Visnujana Swami, Vyasasan das, What Happened to the Hare Krishna's?
Tags: Book Distribution, George Harrison, Guru das, Gurudasa, Jayananda das, Radha Damodara Traveling Sankirtan Party, RDTSKP, Srila Prabhupada, Tamal Krishna Goswami, Vishnjan Swami
click on image to slightly enlarge
…I loved being a devotee. I would look forward to going to the park or college campus, and putting on a festival. We set up the stage, brought on our musical instruments and chanted, while others arranged the distribution of prasadam and books. After the chanting when we went to mingle with the students or guests gathered there, I would enjoy preaching to new people and answering all sorts of questions like “why do you guys shave your head? And why do you put mud on your foreheads, etc., etc.? But sometimes the preaching was so sweet and people wanted to know who is Krishna? Who is Srila Prabhupada? And my joy knew no bounds. I hardly knew the philosophy myself, but when my desire to preach was unmotivated by false ego, Srila Prabhupada would give me the intelligence. I would be amazed how the words would just flow out of my mouth. By Srila Prabhupada’s great mercy, to one who has taken to this process of sharing with others, he gives the intelligence. I was gaining an understanding of the process of Krishna Consciousness, simply by acting in Krishna Consciousness. It was so sublime. So simple!
Radha Damadara Traveling Sankirtan Party
by Vyasasan das
First let me begin by offering my respectful obesiences to all the vaisnave devotee’s of the Lord, who are so merciful to the fallen conditioned souls that they put themselves in perilous and austere conditions of life voluntarily, in order to help others. And as always, let me offer my most humble obeisances to my beloved spiritual master A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who is very dear to Lord Krishna, haven taken shelter at his Lotus feet.
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26 Sep 2012
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Chanting Hare Krishna, The Hare Krishna Movement
Tags: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, chanting Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna mahamantra, hare krishna tree, Hare Krsna, Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, plaque, sankirtan movement, Srila Prabhupada, The Hare Krishna Movement, Tompkins Square Park
In 1966, Srila Prabhupada began chanting the Hare Krsna mahamantra under a tree in New York’s Tompkins Square Park, thereby inaugurating the western advance of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s glorious Sankirtana movement.
On November 18, 2001, Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Day, a plaque was placed in Tompkins Square Park in honor of His Divine Grace, who brought the Hare Krishna Movement to the west 35 years before.
Inscription on Plaque:
“One of Tompkins Square Park’s most prominent features is its collection of venerable American elm (Ulmus americana) trees. One elm in particular, located next to the semi-circular arrangement of benches in the park’s center, is important to adherents of the Hare Krishna religion. After coming to the United States in September, 1965, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1896-1977), the Indian spiritual leader, founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in New York. He worked from a storefront on nearby Second Avenue that he used as the Society’s American headquarters. Prabhupada and his disciples gathered in Tompkins Square Park in the fall of 1966 to introduce the East Village to the group’s distinctive 16-word mantra:
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
On October 9, 1966, Prabhupada and his followers sat beneath this tree and held the first outdoor chanting session outside of India. Participants chanted for two hours as they danced and played cymbals, tambourines, and other percussive instruments; the event is recognized as the founding of the Hare Krishna religion in the United States. Prabhupada’s diverse group that day included Beat poet Allen Ginsberg (1926-1997). Krishna adherents continue to return to the tree to acknowledge its significance.
American elm trees are known for their towering canopies, which provide abundant shade through spring, summer, and fall. It is rare today to find such a collection of American elms, since many of the mature elms planted across the country have been killed by Dutch Elm Disease. This incurable disease, a fungus carried by bark beetles ( Coleoptera Scolytidae) which colonize on the branches of the elm tree, swept across the United States in the 1930s and remains a threat to the park’s collection of elms. Despite having lost at least 34 of the trees, Tompkins Square Park still hosts a large assemblage of elms, which continue to this day to enchant park patrons. The East Village Parks Conservancy, a volunteer group, raises significant private funds for the ongoing care and maintenance of the American elms and other historic trees in Tompkins Square Park.
City Of New York
Parks and Recreation
Rudolph Giuliani, Mayor
Henry J. Stern, Commissioner
October 2001
pasted from; harekrsna.com
10 Sep 2012
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Back to Godhead, Bhakti Yoga, Conversation with Srila Prabhupada, Kevin Lahart, The Hare Krishna Movement
Tags: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, bhakti yoga, conversation with Srila Prabhupada, Kevin Lahart, Krishna consciousness, Krsna consciousness movement, Newsday, Spiritual Life, Srila Prabhupada
In Any Language
Kevin Lahart of Newsday interviews His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Mr. Lahart: I wonder if you could tell me how you came to found the Krsna consciousness movement here in the United States?
Srila Prabhupada: I was ordered by my spiritual master to do this work, so on his order I came to the U.S. I came alone, with no help or money. Somehow or other I stayed.
Mr. Lahart: How did you attract followers? You landed in New York and
Srila Prabhupada: My attraction was this chanting of the Hare Krsna mantra. That’s all. I had no magic. Others had some sort of magic. I never showed any magic. At Tompkins Square Park I was chanting, and gradually some boys came. First a picture was published by the New York Times. Then we started a branch in San Francisco, later Montreal, Boston, then Los Angeles.
Mr. Lahart: You just chanted at Tompkins Square Park, and people came.
Srila Prabhupada: Yes, I chanted under a tree. (I think that a picture was also published in the East Village Other in a very big article.) Naturally, some boys came and joined me and began to dance. That was the beginning.
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09 Sep 2012
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Festivals, Temples, The Hare Krishna Movement
Tags: double decker bus tour of toronto, Radha Ksira-chora Gopinatha, Sri Sri Radha Ksira-Chora Gopinatha, Srila Prabhupada, Toronto Hare Krishna
Double Decker Bus Tour of Toronto
The 40th Anniversary Reunion Weekend at Toronto’s Hare Krishna Center “Sri Sri Radha Ksira-Chora Gopinatha Mandir” was held from Aug. 31-Sept. 2. It was great fun, and in addition to the many activities such as the Slideshow, Remembrances, Kirtans, Lunch Banquet and Dinners, Remembering Srila Prabhupada, Celebrating Sri Sri Radha Ksira-Chora Gopinatha, there was the amazing Historic Double Decker Bus Tour of Toronto. The Sankirtan was amplified from speakers on both bus’s, and was enjoyed by all!
16 Aug 2012
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Krsna Consciousness the Matchless Gift, The Hare Krishna Movement, The Matchless Gift
Tags: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, books of Srila Prabhupada, eternal well-wisher, glories of Bhagavad-gita, great philosopher, great scientist, Hare Krishna, illusion, Krishna, Krishna consciousness movement, Krsna Consciousness The Matchless Gift, material world, maya, original consciousness, The Hare Krishna Movement, trancendental knowledge, Vaisnava poet, wisdom
…The best and ultimate authority is Kṛṣṇa, for He is our eternal well-wisher, and He always speaks for our benefit. Since we have to accept some authority, why not accept His? Simply by hearing of His glories from Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam and by chanting His names: Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, we can swiftly perfect our lives.
Kṛṣṇa Consciousness, the Matchless Gift
By His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Chapter One
Spiritual Knowledge Through Kṛṣṇa
The aim of this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is to bring all living entities back to their original consciousness. All living entities within the material world are, to varying degrees, afflicted with a type of madness. This Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement aims at curing man of his material disease and reestablishing his original consciousness. In a Bengali poem a great Vaiṣṇava poet has written, “When a man is haunted by ghosts, he can only speak nonsense. Similarly, anyone who is under the influence of material nature should be considered haunted, and whatever he speaks should be considered nonsense.” One may be considered a great philosopher or great scientist, but if he is haunted by the ghost of māyā, illusion, whatever he theorizes and whatever he speaks is more or less nonsensical. Today we are given the example of a psychiatrist who, when requested to examine a murderer, proclaimed that since all the patients with whom he had come in contact were more or less crazy, the court could excuse the murderer on those grounds if it so desired. The point is that in the material world it is very difficult to find a sane living entity. The prevailing atmosphere of insanity in this world is all caused by the infection of material consciousness.
The purpose of this Hare Kṛṣṇa movement is to bring man back to his original consciousness, which is Kṛṣṇa consciousness, clear consciousness. When water falls from the clouds, it is uncontaminated like distilled water, but as soon as it touches the ground it becomes muddy and discolored. Similarly, we are originally pure spirit soul, part and parcel of Kṛṣṇa, and therefore our original constitutional position is as pure as God’s. In Bhagavad-gītā Sri Kṛṣṇa says:
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20 Jun 2012
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Essays & Articles, The Hare Krishna Movement
Tags: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, fulfillment of desire, Lordship's Lotus feet, material nature, maya, pure devotee, pure devotional service, Srila Prabhupada, transcendental releam
…A devotee who has attained perfect success in devotional service returns to Godhead without a doubt. For him there is no question of repeated birth and death. But if a devotee does not attain complete perfection, he is guaranteed birth in a learned and well-to-do family, and even if he is not given birth in a good family, he is blessed by being able to remember the lotus feet of the Lord. Such a benediction is greater than any number of material assets. Constant remembrance of the Lord’s name, fame and qualities automatically counteracts the reactions of all vices and extends the blessings of goodness. Constantly remembering the lotus feet of the Lord is the same as rendering active service to the Lord.
Therefore a pure devotee does not ask the Lord for material wealth, manpower, followers or beautiful women. Rather, he simply prays for unalloyed faith in the Lord’s service. This should be the prayer and life motto of all prospective students in devotional service.
The Desire of A Pure Devotee
An excerpt from “Prayers of King Kulasekhara”
An unpublished manuscript by
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
mukunda murdhna pranipatya yace bhavantam ekantam iyantam artham
avismrtis tvac-caranaravinde bhave bhave me ‘stu bhavat-prasadat
Mukunda-mala-stotra (Verse 4) King Kulasekhara
O my Lord Mukunda! I bow my head down before Your Lordship’s lotus feet and respect fully ask for the fulfillment of my only desire. Throughout my repeated births may I never forget but always remember You by Your Lordship’s mercy.
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04 Jun 2012
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Krishna Consciousness, Teachings of Lord Kapila, The Hare Krishna Movement
Tags: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Bhagavan, God, Krishna consciousness movement, krsna consciousness, krsnas tu bhagavan svayam, Lord Kapila, Son of Devahuti, Sri Krsna, Teachings of Lord Kapila
…The purpose of this Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is to inform everyone that no one is superior to Kṛṣṇa, God. Because many young Americans and Europeans are fortunate and know nothing of any hodgepodge god, they have taken this bona fide Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement seriously. Kṛṣṇas tu bhagavān svayam: Bhagavān, God, means Śrī Kṛṣṇa. We have simply presented this information, saying, “Here is God. Śrī Kṛṣṇa.” Because they have taken this seriously, many young Americans and Europeans are advancing in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Consequently many people are surprised to see how Americans and Europeans have become such great devotees and are dancing in ecstasy. How is it they are so advanced? They have taken the information seriously: kṛṣṇas tu bhagavān svayam. Whether one touches fire blindly or knowingly, fire will burn. It is not that because the fire is touched by a child, fire will not burn. These young Westerners have touched fire, and consequently it is acting as fire.
…If we hear about Kṛṣṇa, we become purified. Hearing about Kṛṣṇa means associating with Kṛṣṇa. In this way we may perfect our lives.
Teachings of Lord Kapila, the Son of Devahūti
By His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Chapter One
The Purpose of Lord Kapila’s Advent
TEXT 1
śaunaka uvāca
kapilas tattva-saṅkhyātā
bhagavān ātma-māyayā
jātaḥ svayam ajaḥ sākṣād
ātma-prajñaptaye nṛṇām
TRANSLATION
Śrī Śaunaka said: Although He is unborn, the Supreme Personality of Godhead took birth as Kapila Muni by His internal potency. He descended to disseminate transcendental knowledge for the benefit of the whole human race.
PURPORT
The word ātma-prajñaptaye indicates that the Lord descends for the benefit of the human race to give transcendental knowledge. Material necessities are quite sufficiently provided for in the knowledge given in the Vedic literatures, which offer a program for good living and gradual elevation to the platform of sattva-guṇa, the mode of goodness. Once one is situated in sattva-guṇa, one’s knowledge expands. On the platform of passion there is no knowledge, for passion is an impetus to enjoy material benefits. On the platform of ignorance there is neither knowledge nor enjoyment but simply animalistic living.
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15 May 2012
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Practicing Krishna Consciousness at Home, Sri Caitanya-Caritamrta, The Hare Krishna Movement
Tags: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, brahmana Kurma, chanting Hare Krishna, devotional service at home, Krsnaa consciousness, materialistic way of life, preach the instructions of Krsna, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu
Not everyone who joins this Krishna Consciousness Movement need move into a temple or ashram, as the following lessons for the householders confirms.
The real purpose of human life is to attain the spiritual platform and return to Godhead. That is the summum bonum of spiritual realization. The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is trying to elevate human society to the perfection of life by pursuing the method described by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu in His advice to the brāhmaṇa Kūrma. That is, one should stay at home, chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra and preach the instructions of Kṛṣṇa as they are given in the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
If a devotee follows the instructions of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, he lives in the company of the Lord. Wherever he lives, he converts that place into Vṛndāvana and Navadvīpa. This means that materialism cannot touch him. This is the secret of success for one advancing in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta
By His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Madhya-līlā, Chapter 7, Text 128-129
“Instruct everyone to follow the orders of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa as they are given in the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. In this way become a spiritual master and try to liberate everyone in this land.”
PURPORT
This is the sublime mission of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Many people come and inquire whether they have to give up family life to join the Society, but that is not our mission. One can remain comfortably in his residence. We simply request everyone to chant the mahā-mantra: Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare. If one is a little literate and can read the Bhagavad-gītā As It Is and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, that is so much the better. These works are now available in an English translation and are done very authoritatively to appeal to all classes of men. Instead of living engrossed in material activities, people throughout the world should take advantage of this movement and chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra at home with their families. One should also refrain from sinful activities-illicit sex, meat-eating, gambling and intoxication. Out of these four items, illicit sex is very sinful. Every person must get married. Every woman especially must get married. One can also produce many nice preparations to offer Kṛṣṇa-grain, fruit, flowers and milk. Why should one indulge in unnecessary meat-eating and maintain horrible slaughterhouses? What is the use of smoking and drinking tea and coffee? People are already intoxicated by material enjoyment, and if they indulge in further intoxication, what chance is there for self-realization? Similarly, one should not partake in gambling and unnecessarily agitate the mind. The real purpose of human life is to attain the spiritual platform and return to Godhead. That is the summum bonum of spiritual realization. The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is trying to elevate human society to the perfection of life by pursuing the method described by Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu in His advice to the brāhmaṇa Kūrma. That is, one should stay at home, chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra and preach the instructions of Kṛṣṇa as they are given in the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
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11 May 2012
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Jahanva devi, Krsna Culture in Music, Sriman George Harrison, The Hare Krishna Movement
Tags: Allen Ginsburg, anti-war peaceniks, Beatnik poetry, Bob Dylan, chanting, cultural fabric, dancing peace and self-realization, East-Village, eastern arts, Grateful Dead, Hair, Hare Krsna theme, hippy rock, krsna consciousness, Krsna mucic, mantra music, Mantra Rock, psychedelia, Srila Prabhupada, Sriman George Harrison, Tompkins Square Park
Krsna Culture in Music
By: Jahanva devi
May 10, 2012 — CANADA (SUN)
Reprising a 2006 Sun series on the cultural impact of Krsna Consciousness on the western music scene.
Shortly after Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in the West a most astonishing phenomenon took place in the world of music. In the United States, Europe, South America and elsewhere on the planet, the Holy Name of Krsna manifested in musical offerings by devotees and non-devotees alike.
Without question, the Beatles’ interest in Krsna Consciousness helped to spark this revolution. But it was also the presence of the devotees, who brought Lord Caitanya’s Sankirtana mission to towns and villages on every continent, that caused this Krsna Conscious musical proliferation to occur.
By the early 1970’s, many records had been released that included song titles or lyrics featuring Sri Krsna or the Maha-mantra. These records manifested in all genres of music, from classical to jazz, blues, folk, pop, rock, and psychedelia. There were even releases of Beatnik poetry and comedy that played on the Hare Krsna theme.
Many of those who became followers of Srila Prabhupada in the 1960’s had connections to the counterculture movement. The counterculture comprised not only the hippies, but also the beatniks who preceded them, the yippies, and the anti-war peaceniks. The Krsna Consciousness movement was comprised of elements that were a common denominator amongst all these groups: sharing love and food, chanting, dancing, advocating peace and self-realization, and delving into the mysteries of the ancient eastern arts.
Personalities like Allen Ginsberg and George Harrison kept popping up in the popular media, and their association with Srila Prabhupada’s movement created important visibility for the Hare Krsna explosion. The devotees also gained attention by showing up at counterculture events, peace gatherings, be-in’s, and musical events that showcased personalities who are now famously associated with that era. Even Muhammad Ali shared the spotlight with Srila Prabhupada, at an anti-war peace concert Ali organized.
In retrospect, we find one very important common denominator, seen throughout this unique historical collection of artifacts. That is, that no matter when or where Srila Prabhupada and his Krsna devotees appeared, the mood and message was always the same — it was kirtan, bhajan, harinama sankirtana in the mood of Prabhupada and the Sampradaya Acaryas. No matter what sort of music was going on all around them, the devotees steadfastly preserved Srila Prabhupada’s mood in sharing our Krsna Conscious culture. Srila Prabhupada delivered the transcendental sound vibration of the Hare Krsna Maha-mantra purely and sweetly, and his disciples followed suit.
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13 Apr 2012
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Krishna, Krishna Consciousness, The Hare Krishna Movement, The Reservoir of Pleasure
Tags: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, bhagavad-gita, devotional service, His Divine Grace, Krishna consciousness, Krsna The Reservoir of Pleasure, pure consciousness, real life, real pleasure, Sri Krsna
Kṛṣṇa, the Reservoir of Pleasure
by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Kṛṣṇa—this sound is transcendental. Kṛṣṇa means the highest pleasure. All of us, every living being, seeks pleasure. But we do not know how to seek pleasure perfectly. With a materialistic concept of life, we are frustrated at every step in satisfying our pleasure because we have no information regarding the real level on which to have real pleasure. For the last few weeks we have been learning that we are not this body; we are consciousness. Not exactly consciousness, for consciousness is actually the symptom of our real identity: we are pure soul, now merged within this material body. Modern material science lays no stress on this; therefore the scientists are sometimes misled in their understanding of spirit soul. But spirit soul is a fact, which anyone can understand by the presence of consciousness. Any child can understand that consciousness is the symptom of the spirit soul.
Now the whole process we are trying to learn from the Bhagavad-gītā (The Song of God) is how to bring ourselves to this level of consciousness. And if we act from the level of consciousness, then we may not be pushed again into the level of this bodily conception; and, if we can continue on that level, if we can continue to act in pure consciousness, then, at the end of this body we shall be free from material contamination, our spiritual life will be revived, and the ultimate result will be that in our next life, after leaving this body, we shall have our full, eternal spiritual life. Spirit, as we have already discussed, is described as eternal.
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10 Apr 2012
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Guru & Disciple, Remembering Srila Prabhupada, The Hare Krishna Movement
Tags: conditioned soul, devotees, disciple, Iskcon, Krishna, Prabhupada's ISKCON, Prahlada-Nrsibha das, spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, Supreme Personality of Godhead
click on image to enlarge
Prabhupada’s ISKCON is Beautiful and Perfect!
By Prahlada-Nrsimha das
Apr 09, 2012 — USA (SUN)
I often write to simply sort out my own thoughts and get them off my chest, so to speak. Recently I came across the following letter I wrote a long time ago. Although it is just my own thoughts, maybe others will be inspired by it, so I am presenting it here:
“As it is said by Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, saksad-dharitvena samasta-sastraih: a spiritual master, or the parampara-acarya, should be respected exactly like the Supreme Personality of Godhead.” (SB 4.22.4)
Here we see the difference between a conditioned soul (or even an advanced devotee) and Srila Prabhupada. We must respect all devotees even though they are conditioned souls, to one degree or another, but it says here that “the spiritual master, or the parampara-acarya should be respected exactly like the Supreme Personality of Godhead”. It is not proper to put a conditioned soul in this position and thus artificially give him (or her) the respect or worship equal to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This will simply cause a disturbance.
Artificial or blind following can and will create havoc in the world.
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09 Apr 2012
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Back to Godhead, The Hare Krishna Movement, Varnasrama Dharma
Tags: back to Godhead, bhagavad-gita, Hindu, Krsna Balarama Mandir, Lord Caitanya, Ramananda Raya, Srila Prabhupada, The Hare Krishna Movement, varnasrama dharma, varnasrama-dharma
…When Lord Caitanya talked with the great devotee Ramananda Raya, the Lord asked him, “What is the basic principle of human life?” Ramananda Raya answered that human civilization begins when varnasrama-dharma is accepted. Before coming to the standard of varnasrama-dharma there is no question of human civilization. Therefore, the Krsna consciousness movement is trying to establish this right system of human civilization, which is known as Krsna consciousness, or daiva-varnasrama—divine culture.
Divine Culture
By His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Excerpted from ‘Back To Godhead 1974, Vol 1, No. 68
There is a misconception that the Krsna consciousness movement represents the Hindu religion. In act, however, Krsna consciousness is in no way a faith or religion that seeks to defeat other faiths or religions. Rather, it is an essential cultural movement for the entire human society and does not consider any particular sectarian faith. This cultural movement is especially meant to educate people in how they can love God.
Sometimes Indians both inside and outside of India think that we are preaching the Hindu religion, but actually we are not. One will not find the word “Hindu” in Bhagavad-gita. Indeed, there is no such word as “Hindu” in the entire Vedic literature. This word has been introduced by the Muslims from provinces next to India, such as Afghanistan, Baluchisthan and Persia. There is a river called “Sindhu” bordering the northwestern provinces of India, and since the Muslims there could not pronounce “Sindhu” properly, instead they called the river “Hindu,” and the inhabitants of this tract of land they called “Hindus.” In India, according to the Vedic language, the Europeans are called mlecchas or yavanas. Similarly, “Hindu” is a name given by the Muslims.
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21 Mar 2012
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Iskcon Bangalore, The Hare Krishna Movement, The Struggle for Truth
Tags: code of conduct, ISKCON Bangalore, Iskcon bangalore society, peace proposal, Supreme Court of India
PEACE PROPOSAL BY ISKCON-BANGALORE
PLACED BEFORE THE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
DATED MARCH 14TH, 2012
(THIS PEACE PROPOSAL IS OFFERED WITHOUT PREJUDICE TO THE RIGHTS AND CONTENTIONS OF ISKCON-BANGALORE SOCIETY MADE BEFORE VARIOUS COURTS AND IN THE SLP BEFORE THE HONOURABLE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA)
The dispute between ISKCON-Bangalore and ISKCON-Mumbai concerns:
I Theological issue: Who is the Acharya of ISKCON who will give diksha (initiation) to all the devotees of ISKCON?
ISKCON-Bangalore’s Position: Srila Prabhupada shall remain the Acharya of ISKCON and continue to give diksha and guide all devotees in ISKCON to the abode of Lord Sri Krishna.
ISKCON-Mumbai’s Position: Since Srila Prabhupada is no more physically present, one should take diksha from one of the present ISKCON gurus.
II Who owns the Sri Radha Krishna Temple property on Hare Krishna Hill in Bangalore? Is it ISKCON-Bangalore society or ISKCON-Mumbai society?
III Who shall manage Sri Radha Krishna Temple property on Hare Krishna Hill in Bangalore? Is it ISKCON-Bangalore society or ISKCON-Mumbai society?
The suit schedule property, Sri Radha Krishna Temple on Hare Krishna Hill, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, being a public temple and a immovable property which cannot be sold or mortgaged or encumbered in any manner in the process of managing the same, the real issue is to determine the permanent structure of management of this Sri Radha Krishna Temple property, on Hare Krishna Hill, Rajajinagar, Bangalore, hereinafter referred to as the Temple.
ISKCON-Bangalore wishes to propose the following:
1. System of initiation (diksha): the irrevocable and only system of initiation practiced and preached in the Temple shall be as per July 9th 1977 directive of Srila Prabhupada. According to this, Srila Prabhupada is the Acharya and all devotees of ISKCON shall be disciples of Srila Prabhupada.
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12 Mar 2012
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Cow Protection, Devotee's, Kapindra Swami, Prabhupada Focused Farm Community, The Hare Krishna Movement
Tags: big island, divine knowledge, goloka cow sanctuary, Kapindra Swami, organic food, original books, Prabhupada farm Hawaii, Premanandi devi dasi, self sufficient farm community, Srila Prabhupada, Srila Prabhupada's recorded classes, vegetarian cooking
The Energy is Flowing for the new Prabhupada Focused Self Sufficient Farm Community & Goloka Cow Sanctuary. Big Island, Hawaii. All are Welcome
“Simple Living, High Thinking”
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada wanted to establish self-sufficient farm communities and cow sanctuaries all over the world. But where is that farm which is focused purely on Prabhupada?
Prabhupada left this world in 1977, but his compassionate divine vibration is eternally alive.
He knew living conditions would become harsh, the food, land, air & water would become polluted, we would suffer with so many diseases, we can’t trust the government, oil would become scarce, it’s very hard to continue a materialistic way of life without having to pay for it with so much suffering and hardship for ourselves, other species and mother earth and that many people would lose their jobs due do economic collapse.
Prabhupada knew we would need to create safe, self-sufficient peaceful places to live with nature, depending less on industry, materialism and instant gratifying city life…
Prabhupada teaches us how to create that peaceful place where ever we are.
Prabhupada teaches us the way to sustain a peaceful, clean & pure lifestyle, within & without. Consciousness! Where are you? Prabhupada shows us the way, if we will simply come together and hear him. Focused on Prabhupada, he will guide us and together we will help each other gently towards a more simple and self-sustainable way of living. Krishna consciousness community.
One is starting one on the Big Island, Hawaii!!!
A dream come true, and it’s happeninig!!!
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21 Feb 2012
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Lectures, The Hare Krishna Movement
Tags: actual religion, bhagavad-gita, devotional service, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, krsna consciousness, love for God, Song of God, Srila Prabhupada lecture
…so far our movement is concerned, you know, more or less, about our movement. But you should know that this is the most scientific, authorized movement in the human society, because the movement is based on the authority of Bhagavad-gita. Bhagavad-gita is spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead for the benefit of the whole human society.
“Actual Religion means to understand God and to develop your Love for God”
Lecture by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
New York, April 5, 1973
Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you very much for kindly receiving me in this honorable way. According to our Vaisnava philosophy, whatever honor is offered to the spiritual master, that is transferred to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Yasya prasadad bhagavat-prasado yasyaprasadan na gatih kuto ’pi. Our this philosophy, Vaisnava philosophy, it teaches that if you please your spiritual master, then God is also pleased. Because the spiritual master is the most confidential servant of God, therefore by honoring the spiritual master, the Supreme Personality of Godhead is honored. Just like in English language there is the word, “If you love me, love my dog.” So the spiritual master is the “dog” of God; therefore if the spiritual master is patted, God is very much pleased.
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01 Feb 2012
by The Hare Krishna Movement
in Books by Srila Prabhupada, Srimad Bhagavatam, The Hare Krishna Movement
Tags: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, books by Srila Prabhupada, Kali, Kali-yuga, literary incarnation, Lord Sri Krsna, Srimad Bhagavatam
…Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the literary incarnation of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa and is therefore nondifferent from Him. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam should be worshiped as respectfully as we worship the Lord. Thereby we can derive the ultimate blessings of the Lord through its careful and patient study…
The Srimad Bhagavatam
By His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Canto 1, Chapter 3, Text 40
idaṁ bhāgavataṁ nāma
purāṇaṁ brahma-sammitam
uttama-śloka-caritaṁ
cakāra bhagavān ṛṣiḥ
niḥśreyasāya lokasya
dhanyaṁ svasty-ayanaṁ mahat
idam—this; bhāgavatam—book containing the narration of the Personality of Godhead and His pure devotees; nāma—of the name; purāṇam—supplementary to the Vedas; brahma-sammitam—incarnation of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa; uttama-śloka—of the Personality of Godhead; caritam—activities; cakāra—compiled; bhagavān—incarnation of the Personality of Godhead; ṛṣiḥ—Śrī Vyāsadeva; niḥśreyasāya—for the ultimate good; lokasya—of all people; dhanyam—fully successful; svasti-ayanam—all-blissful; mahat—all-perfect.
This Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the literary incarnation of God, and it is compiled by Śrīla Vyāsadeva, the incarnation of God. It is meant for the ultimate good of all people, and it is all-successful, all-blissful and all-perfect.
Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu declared that Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the spotless sound representation of all Vedic knowledge and history. There are selected histories of great devotees who are in direct contact with the Personality of Godhead. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the literary incarnation of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa and is therefore nondifferent from Him. Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam should be worshiped as respectfully as we worship the Lord. Thereby we can derive the ultimate blessings of the Lord through its careful and patient study. As God is all light, all bliss and all perfection, so also is Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. We can have all the transcendental light of the Supreme Brahman, Śrī Kṛṣṇa, from the recitation of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, provided it is received through the medium of the transparent spiritual master. Lord Caitanya’s private secretary Śrīla Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī advised all intending visitors who came to see the Lord at Purī to make a study of the Bhāgavatam from the person Bhāgavatam Person Bhāgavatam is the self-realized bona fide spiritual master, and through him only can one understand the lessons of Bhāgavatam in order to receive the desired result. One can derive from the study of the Bhāgavatam all benefits that are possible to be derived from the personal presence of the Lord. It carries with it all the transcendental blessings of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa that we can expect from His personal contact.
To purchase a complete set of original 1977 edition Srimad Bhagavatam’s go to;
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