Jun 28, CANADA (SUN) — Article by Louie Renou with Preface by M.W. Meister.

Preface

When Joseph Rykwert and I sat down to discuss "hermits' huts" in India for Res almost a decade ago to accompany the publication of Ananda Coomaraswamy's important manuscript on "Early Indian Architecture: Huts and Related Temple Types," Joseph made a point that evidence from ancient India would have been quite useful to him in writing his book On Adam's House in Paradise: "It would have been invaluable, because there was no material on the pre-Gupta architecture of India then available to me." Basing his work on India's long tradition of ritual literature, however, the great French scholar of Vedic India, Louis Renou (1896-1966), had already published his article on "La maison védique" in the Journal Asiatique in 1939.

FULL STORY

ISKCON'S Holy Rathayatra Festival

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 26, CANADA (SUN) — Back To Godhead, Vol. I, No. 42, July 1, 1971.

In  The Nectar of Devotion it is stated that if anyone just sees the Rathayatra cart passing and stands up to receive the Lord, he can purge all sinful results from his body. And if anyone follows the Rathayatra cart when the Deities pass in front or from behind, even if he is born of a lowly family, he can achieve opulence equal to that of Visnu (God). Although one may think such statements to be exaggerations, expert devotees who know the intricacies of transcendental science do not doubt them.

FULL STORY

Taking Part at Ratha-Yatra a Step Forward for
Our Self-realization

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 26, CANADA (SUN) — Ratha Yatra commences on June 26th.

Ratha-yatra -- London, July 13, 1972:

Srila Prabhupāda: And we shall periodically remind you by such functions as we are holding today, the Ratha-yātrā festival. This Ratha-yātrā festival is very old. At least for 5,000 years. Lord Kṛṣṇa along with His elder brother Balabhadra, or Balarāma, and His sister Subhadrā came in a chariot from Dvārakā to Kurukṣetra. We are commemorating this arrival of Lord Kṛṣṇa with His family on this chariot.

FULL STORY

Parishads: Swarupa Damodar Goswami and Shivananda Sena

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 26, CANADA (SUN) — The Disappearance day of Swarupa Damodar Goswami and Shivananda Sena is observed on June 26th.

Swarupa Damodar Goswami - Mahaprabhu's alter ego

The Lord accepted Shikhi Mahiti's sister as one of Radha's friends. In the entire world, there were only three and a half devotees who were so worthy. They were Svarupa Damodar Goswami, Ramananda Raya and Shikhi Mahiti. His sister was the half person. (Chaitanya Charitamrita 3.2.105-6)

FULL STORY

The Crafting of Idols

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 23, CANADA (SUN) — Instructions for the design and crafting of Deity forms, from Brhat Samhita, Chapter LVIII.

The smallest particle of dust that comes to sight, when the sun passes through the interstice of a window, is to be understood as an atom. For, this is the smallest unit of all measurements. An atom, a dust particle, a tip of the hair, a nit, a louse, a barley corn and a digit are in order eight times bigger than the preceding measure. One digit becomes an integer. The result may be tabulated as follows:

FULL STORY

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta's Eulogy of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 23, CANADA (SUN) — The Disappearance Day of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura is observed on June 24th.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Thakura Prabhupada wrote the following words in Sajjana-tosani after the disappearance of Om Vishnupada Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur Mahasaya:

"The purpose of the Sajjana-tosani remains unchanged. Thakur Mahäsaya has entered the nitya-lilä, but by his blessings this magazine will continue to bring joy to the pious through Hari-kathä, just as before.... Some think, accepting the opinion of the material sensualists, that the cause of bhakti is advanced by eliminating the idea of pure devotion; others tarnish pure devotion's beauty by accepting the facile path of the materialistic devotees as the standard.

FULL STORY

Parishads: Sri Gadadhara Pandit Goswami

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 23, CANADA (SUN) — The Disappearance day of Sri Gadadhara Pandit Goswami is observed on June 24th.

The incarnation of love who previously was the queen of Vrindavan, Radha, is now the beloved of Gaura named Srila Gadadhara Pandit. Svarupa Damodar himself indicated that he was Vraja's goddess of fortune, the Lakshmi who was previously the beloved of Shyamasundara in Vrindavan. She today has become the goddess of fortune of love for Gaura and is known as Srila Gadadhara Pandit. Lalita, who is also known as Anuradha, is Radha's closest friend and confidante. She has also entered into Gadadhara, as was shown in the play Chaitanya-candrodaya. (Gaura-ganoddesha-dipika 147-150)

FULL STORY

Sri Guru is
Eternally Manifest!

BY: VRINDAVAN DAS

Jun 21, CANADA (SUN) — "Worship of Sri Guru" by Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura Mahasaya from Sri Prema-Bhakti-Candrika.

sri-guru-carana-padma, kevala-bhakati-sadma
vando mui savadhana mate
jahara prasade bhai, e bhava toriya jai
krsna-prapti hoy jaha ha'te

guru-mukha-padma-vakya, cittete koriya aikya,
ar na koriho mane asa
sri-guru-carane rati, ei se uttama-gati,
je prasade pure sarva asa

1. The lotus feet of the Spiritual Master are the abode of pure devotional service. I bow down to those lotus feet with great care and attention. My dear brother (my dear mind)! It is through the grace of the Spiritual Master that we cross over this material existence and obtain Sri Krsna.

2. Make the teachings from the lotus mouth of the Spiritual Master one with your heart, and do not desire anything else. Attachment to the lotus feet of the Spiritual Master is the best means of spiritual advancement. By His mercy all desires for spiritual perfection are fulfilled.

FULL STORY

Yuga Purana Timeline
of Events

BY: PRADIP BHATTACHARYA

Jun 17, CANADA (SUN) — Indications from 'Yuga Purana' help establish timeline of Puranic events, dyanasties.

Despite the casual tossing away of Puranic accounts by Indologists prejudiced by western historicism, the fact remains that these texts provide a remarkably detailed account of dynasties of rulers along with a picture of social conditions that need to be included in any marshalling of facts relating to ancient India.

FULL STORY

The Blessings and Names of Srimati Tulasi-devi

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 17, CANADA (SUN) — From "The Story of Srimati Tulasi-devi" narrated by Lord Narayana.

Blessings Tulasi Devi Will Bestow

Chapter Seventeen of "The Story of Srimati Tulasi-devi" narrated by Lord Narayana

"The sanctifying Tulasi tree will grow in Goloka, on the coast of the Viraja River, on the rasa-dance site, in the forests of Vrndavana, Bhandira, Champaka, Chandana, and in the groves of Madhavi, Ketaki, Kunda, Mallika and Malati. You will live in sacred places and bestow the highest religious merit. All the holy spots will converge and reside at the root of the Tulasi tree, and thus spiritual merits will accrue to all. O fair one, all the demigods and I will wait there to gather the falling Tulasi leaves.

FULL STORY

Archaeology and Vaishnava Tradition,
Part 13

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 17, CANADA (SUN) — The last from a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

The old fortified city of Mahasthan, on the river Karatoya, 7 miles to the north of Bogra in Bengal, is evidently so-called because two spots within it are sacred to the memory of two holy persons: Sila Devi's Ghat, a flight of steps leading to the water of the river wherefrom Sila Devi, the daughter of the last Hindu king of the city, is said to have jumped into the river and drowned herself; and the asthan or tomb of the Muhammadan saint – Mahi-sawar ("the fish-rider"), who is said to have conquered the city. _[1]

FULL STORY

Who is Sadhu?

BY: VRINDAVAN DAS

Jun 15, SRIDHAM MAYAPUR (SUN) — From a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

Room Conversation with Malcolm — July 18, 1973, London

Srila Prabhupada: ... Sādhu means he must be a devotee. Sādhu does not mean having saffron color and long beard and doing all nonsense. No. Sādhu means... First test is that he is unflinching, without any deviation. Api cet sudurā..., bhajate māmananya-bhāk. Ananya-bhāk means he does not know anything except the service of the Lord. That is the qualification of sādhu. So similarly, in other places also, the definition of sādhu is there.

FULL STORY

Archaeology and Vaishnava Tradition,
Part 12

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 15, CANADA (SUN) — From a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

[Continuing discussion of the fragmentary stone inscription from Mahakshatrapa Sodasa referring to Bhagavat Vasudeva at Mathura…]

Prati must be restored at the end of line 8 to form prathishthapito with shthapito in the beginning of line 9. In line 8 the word preceding toranam and ending in lam and the word following toranam and beginning with ve may be restored as chatuhsalam and vedika respectively. Two words are now wanting to complete the fragment:

FULL STORY

Parishads: Sri Vakresvara Pandit

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 15, CANADA (SUN) — The Appearance day of Sri Vakresvara Pandit is observed on June 15th.

Vakresvara Pandit is the fourth member of the catur-vyuha, Aniruddha. He brought happiness to the lord by dancing in the mood of Krishna. He would sweetly say to Mahaprabhu, "O merciful lord! Give me a thousand singers so that I can dance." Radha's dear sakhi Sasirekha also entered into him. (Gaura-ganoddesha-dipika 71)

FULL STORY

Archaeology and Vaishnava Tradition,
Part 11

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 13, CANADA (SUN) — From a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

III.

Our last document throwing light on another phase of the early history of Vaishnavism is a fragmentary stone inscription of the time of the Mahakshatrapa Sodasa that relates to the great place (Mahastana) of Bhagavat Vasudeva, evidently at Mathura. It is incised on the side of a carved door jamb of red sandstone now in the Mathura Museum of Archeology (8' by 8" by 1' 3").

FULL STORY

O Saintly Vaisnava Thakura

BY: VRINDAVAN DAS

Jun 13, CANADA (SUN) — 'Thakura Vaishnava Gana' by Srila Narottama das Thakura Mahasaya.

Thakura Vaishnava Gana

(1)
thakura vaisnaba-gana kari ei nibedana
mo bada adhama duracara
daruna-samsara-nidhi tahe dhubaila bidhi
kese dhari' more kara para

1) O saintly Vaisnavas, although I am very fallen and misbehaved, I nevertheless place this appeal before you: My destiny has immersed me in this fearsome ocean of repeated birth and death. Please grab me by the hair, and pull me to the opposite shore.

FULL STORY

Sri Caitanya in Mangalpur

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 13, CANADA (SUN) — This three century old temple commemorates Lord Caitanya's visit to Mangalpur.

About five hundred years ago, Sri Chaitanya on his pilgrimage to Puri from Nadia Navadweep visited Gopinath Temple at Remuna, situated in the Balasore district of Orissa. During the aforesaid pilgrimage, the Lord stayed for some time in the tiny Gadjat kingdom of Mangalpur, about 30 km away from Remuna. The king of the said tiny kingdom was initiated by Sri Mahaprabhu into the Vaishnava cult. The successors of the king later on took the pioneership in spreading the Vaisnava cult in the region by constructing several temples, of which Sri Chaitanya temple was one of them. Here, the life-sized Deities of Sri Nitai and Sri Gouranga have been kept.

FULL STORY

Krishna Comes Himself
In the Form of Guru

BY: VRINDAVAN DAS

Jun 11, SRIDHAM MAYAPUR (SUN) — Morning Walk with Srila Prabhupada – December 15, 1973, Los Angeles, USA (excerpt).

Guru Knows Everything Perfectly

Candanacarya: ...there must have been very many gurus. Were there many gurus then?

Srila Prabhupada: When? Guru or... First of all, try to understand: what is the meaning of guru? Guru means heavy. So one who knows more than you, or one who knows perfectly, that, he is guru. So if you know anything perfectly, then you are guru. But if you do not know anything perfectly, then you are not a guru. You are rascal.So, guru means one who knows perfectly. So if you find out somebody, that he knows everything perfectly, then he is guru.

FULL STORY

Archaeology and Vaishnava Tradition,
Part 10

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 11, CANADA (SUN) — From a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

The background, again, of the picture within the frame, the philosophy of the Bhagavadgita called the epic Samkhya, is held by Deussen _[1] and Hermann Oldenberg _[2] as the precursor of Buddhism. Now let us turn to the chief element of the religion of the Bhagavadgita -- the path.

FULL STORY

Parishads: Sri Shyamananda Pandit

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 11, CANADA (SUN) — The Disappearance day of Sri Shyamananda Pandit is observed on June 11th.

Sri Shyamananda Prabhu was a servant of a servant of Subala in Krishna-lila. He was the disciple of Hridayananda or Hriday Chaitanya, who was a disciple of Gauri Das Pandit. Gauri Das was Subala in Krishna-lila.

FULL STORY

My Guru Maharaja
Is With Me

BY: VRINDAVAN DAS

Jun 08, SRIDHAM MAYAPUR (SUN) —

Srila Prabhupada: So he wanted this, and he is not... It is not that he is dead and gone. That is not spiritual understanding. Even ordinary living being, he does not die. Na hanyate hanyamane sarire [Bg. 2.20]. And what to speak of such exalted, authorized personality like Bhaktisiddhanta. He is seeing. I never feel that I am alone.

Of course, when I came to your country without any friend, without any means... Practically, just like a vagabond I came. But I had full faith that "My Guru Maharaja is with me." I never lost this faith, and that is fact.

FULL STORY

Archaeology and Vaishnava Tradition,
Part 9

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 08, CANADA (SUN) — From a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

According to the Mahabharata the venerable Bhishma, the mightiest and the most chivalrous of the Kurus, was its first champion, and the five sons of Pandu its foremost adherents. The story of the Indian Herakles and his daughter Pandaia told by Megasthenes, as we have [previously discussed] indicates that as early as the fourth century B.C. the connexion of Krishna-Vishnu with the Pandavas was an article of popular faith.

FULL STORY

Archaeology and Vaishnava Tradition,
Part 8

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 06, CANADA (SUN) — From a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

Kautilya in his Arthasastra says:

"Spies disguised as ascetics with shaved head or braided hair and pretending to be the worshippers of god Samkarshana, may mix their sacrificial beverage with the juice of the madana plant (and give to the cowherds) and carry off the cattle." _[1]

FULL STORY

The Glories of
Sri Mathura

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 06, CANADA (SUN) — In the Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 12, the glories of residing in Mathura are described:

"In the Varaha Purana there is a statement praising the residential quarters of Mathura. Lord Varaha tells the men of earth, "Any person who becomes attracted to places other than Mathura will certainly be captivated by the illusory energy." In the Brahmanda Purana it is said that all the results of traveling on all the pilgrimages within the three worlds can be achieved simply by touching the holy land of Mathura. In many sastras (scriptures) it is said that simply by hearing, remembering, glorifying, desiring, seeing or touching the land of Mathura, one can achieve all desires.

FULL STORY

Archaeology and Vaishnava Tradition,
Part 7

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 03, CANADA (SUN) — From a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

PART II

Next to the Garuda pillar of Heliodorus in point of time is the Ghasundi stone slab inscription. The slab was found "on the right hand side of the door or entrance leading down to a tank in the village of Ghasundi about 4 miles N.E. of Nagari" in the Udaypur State, Rajputana. _[1] The inscription is engraved in Brahmi characters of the second century B.C.

Bhas with a long straight right-hand vertical line in place of two short lines forming an angle, as in the inscription of Heliodorus, and roundish ga, indicate that the Ghasundi inscription is later in date than the inscription of Heliodorus, while the occurrence of archaic screw-like ras shows that the distance of time is not long. This inscription in corrupt Sanskrit runs:

FULL STORY

Archaeology and Vaishnava Tradition,
Part 6

BY: SUN STAFF

May 29, CANADA (SUN) — From a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

Now to return to ancient Vedisa; besides the two inscribed Garuda columns there are the remains of another Vaishnavite archaeological document at Besnagar. These are the capitol of a column and a makara which originally surmounted the capital now lying by it a few yards off the column of Heliodorus. The makara and the capital are thus described by Professor Bhandarkar: _[1]

FULL STORY

Sri Garga Muni said: A person who with devotion hears Lord Krishna's transcendental pastimes becomes perfect and successful. Of this there is no doubt.

FULL STORY

Prabhupada Padma-vakya

June 28, 1971, San Francisco
Lecture
"So there are two sections of people: those who are civilized, they are ruled by the sastra, by the law codes, and those who are law-breakers, they are ruled by the sastra, weapons. Both things are required, sastra and sastra.

June 28, 1974, Melbourne
Room Conversation with Reverend Gordon Powell, Head of Scots Church
"A person in Krsna consciousness, however, is above even the brahmanas, because a brahmana by quality is supposed to know about Brahman, the Supreme Absolute Truth.

June 28, 1975, Denver
Morning Walk
"Nature, material nature, has been described as the prostitute, and we are trying to become the husband of the prostitute. Has anyone become happy by becoming husband of a prostitute?

Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. HDG A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada.

Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam, Part 16

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 26, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Today we begin the next sloka of Srimad Bhagavatam -- 1.1.2 -- following the same process we did over the last four segments, covering SB 1.1.1. First, we will give the sloka and purport from Srila Prabhupada's original Srimad Bhagwatam, offering side-by-side comparisons of the sloka and translation as it appeared in the Bhagwatam and the later BBT Bhagavatam edition.

FULL STORY

Sri Garga Samhita 13

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 26, CANADA (SUN) — Chapter Thirteen

Putana-moksha
The Liberation of Putana

Texts 1 and 2

sri-narada uvaca

saury-anamaya-pricchartham
karam datum nripasya ca
putrotsavam kathayitum
nande sri-mathuram gate

kamsena preshita dushta
putana ghata-karini
pureshu grama-ghosheshu
caranti gharghara-svana

While, to ask about Vasudeva's welfare, to pay his tax to the king, and to describe his son's birth-festival, Nanda was in Sri Mathura, the murderess Putana, sent by Kamsa, was traveling among cities, towns, and cowherd villages, making a menacing rumbling sound.

FULL STORY

Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam, Part 15

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 23, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

In the last two segments we have offered a summary of many of the points made by Srila Prabhupada over the course of five lectures he gave on Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.1. Today we will make some comparative observations on the content of these lectures, which include:

FULL STORY

Sri Garga Samhita 12

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 23, CANADA (SUN) — Chapter Twelve

Sri Nanda-mahotsava-varnana
Description of Sri Nanda's Festival

Text 1

atha putrotsavam jatam
srutva nanda ushah-kshane
brahmanams ca samahuya
karayam asa mangalam

Hearing the happy news of his son's birth, Nanda called the brahmanas at dawn and had them perform the auspicious ceremonies.

FULL STORY

Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam, Part 14

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 21, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Following our last summary of the contents of Srila Prabhupada's lectures on Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.1 in London, August 6th and 7th, 1971, today we'll offer a similar breakdown of some of the main points he addressed (paraphrased) in three subsequent classes on this sloka:

FULL STORY

Sri Garga Samhita 11, Part 2

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 21, CANADA (SUN) — Chapter Eleven, Part 2

Sri-Balabhadra-janma-varnana
Description of the Birth of Lord Balarama

Text 40

na mat-samah ko 'pi suto jagaty alam
vicarya tad vam abhavam paresvarah
sri-prisnigarbho bhuvi visrutah punar
dvitiya-kale 'ham upendra-vamanah

Thinking, "No one is like Me," I, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, became your son, famous in the world as Sri Prisnigarbha. Then a second time I again became your son as Indra's younger brother Vamana.

FULL STORY

Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam, Part 13

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 17, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

In our last segment, we presented Text 1 of the First Chapter, First Canto from the original Srimad Bhagwatam, offering a few comments about the differences between the various editions. Today we will begin to explore Srila Prabhupada's preaching on SB 1.1.1, in his lectures and references to the sloka.

FULL STORY

Sri Garga Samhita 11

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 17, CANADA (SUN) — Chapter Eleven

Sri-Balabhadra-janma-varnana
Description of the Birth of Lord Balarama

Text 1

paripurnatamah sakshac
chri-krishno bhagavan svayam
vivesa vasudevasya
manah purvam parat parah

Sri Krishna, the original Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is greater than the greatest, personally entered Vasudeva's heart.

FULL STORY

Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam, Part 12

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 15, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Today we begin with Text 1 of the First Chapter of the First Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. Throughout this First Canto, we will continue to offer a comparative view of the text as it appears in Srila Prabhupada's original Bhagwatams and in his first BBT edition. But beginning with this first sloka, we will now add a few layers to our study.

FULL STORY

Sri Garga Samhita 10

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 15, CANADA (SUN) — Chapter Ten

Balabhadra-janma-varnana
Description of the Birth of Lord Balarama

Text 1

sri-narada uvaca

bhitah palayate nayam
yoddharah kamsa-noditah
ayutam sastra-samyukta
rurudhuh sauri-mandiram

Frightened Vasudeva could not flee, for ten thousand armed soldiers sent by Kamsa surrounded Vasudeva's palace.

FULL STORY

Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam, Part 11

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 13, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Today we complete our comparative review of 'A short life sketch and teachings of Lord Chaitanya, the Preacher of Srimad Bhagwatam' as presented in the Introduction to Srila Prabhupada's original Srimad Bhagwatam, and in his first BBT edition of Srimad Bhagavatam. Today's excerpt begins with the Lord's travels to Vrindavan, His instructions to the Goswamis, converting the Mayavadi sannyasis and the Pathans, a description of the five stages of devotional service, and the Sri Siksastakam.

FULL STORY

Sri Garga Samhita 9

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 13, CANADA (SUN) — Chapter Nine

Vasudeva-vivaha-varnana
Description of Vasudeva's Wedding

Text 1

sri-narada uvaca

tatraikada sri-mathura-pure vare
purohitah sarva-yaduttamaih kritah
surecchaya garga iti pramanikah
samayayau sundara-raja-mandiram

Sri Narada said: One day the great scholar Garga Muni, whom all the Yadus had made their chief priest, by his own wish went in Mathura City to the king's handsome palace . . .

FULL STORY

Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam, Part 10

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 11, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Today we continue with our presentation of the Introduction to Srila Prabhupada's original Srimad Bhagwatam. Over the last several segments of this series we have been exploring the main portion of the Introduction -- 'A short life sketch and teachings of Lord Chaitanya, the Preacher of Srimad Bhagwatam'. Today's excerpt begins with Lord Caitanya's tirtha-yatra preaching tour of South India, describes his discourse with Ramananda Roy on the bank of the Godavari River, and His return to Jagannath Puri.

FULL STORY

Sri Garga Samhita 8

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 11, CANADA (SUN) — Chapter Eight

Sri Radhika-janma-varnana
Description of Sri Radhika's Birth

Text 1

sri-garga uvaca

srutva tada saunaka bhakti-yuktah
sri-maithilo jnana-bhritam varishthah
natva punah praha munim mahantam
devarshi-varyam hari-bhakti-nishthah

Sri Garga Muni said: O Saunaka, when Bahulasva, the king of Mithila, who was filled with faith and devotion to Lord Hari and who was the best of the wise, heard this, he again bowed down and spoke to the great sage Narada, the best of the devarshis.

FULL STORY

Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam, Part 9

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 08, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Today we continue exploring the Introduction to Srimad Bhagwatam -- 'A short life sketch and teachings of Lord Chaitanya, the Preacher of Srimad Bhagwatam'. In this section, Srila Prabhupada continues to describe Caitanya Mahaprabhu's pastimes with Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya, exchanging views of the Vedanta-sutras and understandings of the atmarama sloka from the Bhagavatam.

FULL STORY

Sri Garga Samhita 7

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 08, CANADA (SUN) — Chapter Seven

Dig-vijaya-varnana
Description of the Conquest of All Directions

Text 1

atha kamsah pralambadyair
anyaih purva-jitais ca taih
sambarasya puram pragat
svabhiprayam nivedayan

Then, accompanied by Pralamba and the other demons he had defeated before, Kamsa went to the city of Sambara and made his offer.

FULL STORY

Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam, Part 8

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 06, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Continuing on with the Introduction to Srimad Bhagwatam -- 'A short life sketch and teachings of Lord Chaitanya, the Preacher of Srimad Bhagwatam', in this section Srila Prabhupada describes Mahaprabhu's pastimes of growing the mango tree in Srinivas Thakur's yard, the circumstances leading up to His taking sannyasa, His fainting episode in Jagannatha Puri temple and convalescence at Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya's home, and the audience He gave the Bhattacarya, listening to his interpretation of the Vedanta-sutras.

FULL STORY

Sri Garga Samhita 6

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 06, CANADA (SUN) — Chapter Six

Kamsa-bala-varnana
Description of Kamsa's Strength

Text 1

sri-bahulasva uvaca

kah kamso 'yam pura daityo
maha-bala-parakramah
tasya janmani karmani
bruhi devarshi-sattama

Sri Bahulasva said: Who was this very powerful demon Kamsa? O great sage, please describe his births and deeds.

FULL STORY

Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam, Part 7

BY: SUN STAFF

JUn 03, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Today we continue with the Introduction to Srimad Bhagwatam -- 'A short life sketch and teachings of Lord Chaitanya, the Preacher of Srimad Bhagwatam.' In this section, Srila Prabhupada is describing Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's pastime with the brothers Jagai and Madhai. While this section of the 'short life sketch' is relatively brief, it contains a number of interesting examples of Srila Prabhupada's 'Vrindavan voice', as it is.

FULL STORY

Sri Garga Samhita 5

BY: SUN STAFF

Jun 03, CANADA (SUN) — Chapter Five

Bhagavad-agamanodyoga-purana
The Lord's Appearance

Texts 1 and 2

sri-bhagavan uvaca

rama-vaikuntha-vasinyah
svetadvipa-sakhi-janah
urdhva-vaikuntha-vasinyas
tathajita-padasrayah

sri-lokacala-vasinyah
sri-sakhyo 'pi samudra-jah
ta gopyo 'pi bhavishyanti
lakshmi-pati-varad vraje

The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: The women of Rama- Vaikuntha, the women of Svetadvipa, the women of Urdhva- Vaikuntha, the women who have taken shelter of Lord Ajita's feet, the women of Lokacala, and the daughters of Varuna will become gopis in Vraja because of a benediction offered by Lord Narayana, the husband of Lakshmi.

FULL STORY

Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam, Part 6

BY: SUN STAFF

May 29, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Today we continue with the Introduction to Srimad Bhagwatam -- 'A short life sketch and teachings of Lord Chaitanya, the Preacher of Srimad Bhagwatam.' In this section, Srila Prabhupada is introducing Sri Krsna Chaitanya, and describing various lila pastimes in which the Lord demonstrated His identity as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

FULL STORY

Sri Garga Samhita 4

BY: SUN STAFF

May 29, CANADA (SUN) — Chapter Four

Udyoga-prasna-varnana
Description of Questions About the Lord's Appearance

Text 1

sri-bhagavan uvaca

nandopananda-bhavane
sridama subalah sakha
stoka-krishno 'rjuno 'msus ca
nava-nanda-grihe vidhe

The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: My friends Sridama and Subala will take birth in the homes of Nanda and Upananda. Stoka-krishna, Arjuna, and Amsu will take birth in the nine homes of Nanda's relatives.

FULL STORY

Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam, Part 5

BY: SUN STAFF

May 27, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Today we will begin a presentation of the remaining portion of Srila Prabhupada's Introduction to Srimad Bhagwatam, Volume I, First Part, which is comprised of 'A short life sketch and teachings of Lord Chaitanya, the Preacher of Srimad Bhagwatam.' The Introduction began with a few pages of brief commentary on the importance of Srimad Bhagavatam.

FULL STORY

Sri Garga Samhita 3

BY: SUN STAFF

May 27, CANADA (SUN) — Chapter Three

Agamanodyoga-varnanam
Description of the Lord's Appearance

Text 1

sri-bahulasva uvaca

mune deva mahatmanam
krishnam drishtva parat param
agre kim cakrire tatra
tan me bruhi kripam kuru

Sri Bahulasva said; O sage, O lord, what did they do when they saw the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna, who is greater than the greatest? Please be kind and tell me.

FULL STORY

Archaeology and Vaishnava Tradition,
Part 5

BY: SUN STAFF

May 27, CANADA (SUN) — From a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

Varahamihara died in 589 A.D. The door of the Hindu society of those days was open to foreigners. Huns, Gujars, and Ye-tas _[1] (Yets or Gats) who poured into the north-western parts of India in the fifth century A.D. were absorbed by the Hindus. So Alberuni's statement that the aversion of the Hindus for westerners dates from the time of the Zoroastrian revival in Persia is not quite correct. But Alberuni himself offers the best explanation of this great change in the Hindu attitude towards foreigners in what he says after his reference to the expulsion of the Buddhists from the Persian kingdom. He writes:

FULL STORY

In Service to
Srila Gurudeva

BY: VRINDAVAN DAS

May 29, SRIDHAM MAYAPUR (SUN) — Excerpts from a lecture delivered by Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada in the Sarasvata Assembly Hall, Sri Caitanya Matha, Mayapura Saturday, 9.00 pm, on the 28th day of the month of Magha (January) 1931.

Everyone is Advancing Except Me

Once I went to Mangala-giri in South India to establish the sacred impressions of Sriman Mahaprabhu's footprints. A devotee among us raised this doubt: "When I first came to the matha, I noted the character of the matha residents and their attachment to serving Bhagavan. This impressed and inspired me and I cherished a high aspiration to be like them. But now, the standard I once envisioned attaining has lessened considerably. I am engrossed in various mundane thoughts such as thinking about the many brahmacaris who have turned to their homes and entered household life."

FULL STORY

Guru-Disciple Relationship

BY: VRINDAVAN DAS

May 27, SRIDHAM MAYAPUR (SUN) —

Science of Self-Realization, Chapter 13
The Guru - Guide to the Spiritual World

"On hearing the word guru, we tend to envision a caricature like image: a bizarre-looking old fellow with a long, stringy beard and flowing robes, meditating on distant, esoteric truths. Or we think of a cosmic con man cashing in on young seekers' spiritual gullibility. But what really is a guru? What does he know that we don't? How does he enlighten us? In a talk given in England in 1973, Srila Prabhupada provides some enlightening answers:

FULL STORY