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.

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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:

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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]

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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."

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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:

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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:

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Archaeology and Vaishnava Tradition,
Part 4

BY: SUN STAFF

May 25, CANADA (SUN) — From a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

The proselytizing activities of the Brahmans were not confined to alien invaders and immigrants only, but found a wider field in the islands of the Indian archipelago and in the adjoining parts of the Indo-Chinese Peninsula. Two rather puzzling questions which suggest themselves in this connexion are, how was the admission of aliens to the orthodox Brahmanic fold possible then, and why is it not possible now?

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Just Fill Your Lips
with Hari-Nama

BY: VRINDAVAN DAS

May 25, SRIDHAM MAYAPUR (SUN) —

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: The Incarnation of The Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Sri Krishna Who appeared in West Bengal, India during the 15th century to inaugurate the Sri Krishna Sankirtan Movement, the congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra, considered by Vedic Acharyas to be the authorized method of God realization for this present age of Kali Yuga.

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Archaeology and Vaishnava Tradition,
Part 3

BY: SUN STAFF

May 21, CANADA (SUN) — From a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

In the last segment of this series, author Ramaprasad Chanda began arguing against a line of academic conclusion that essentially supplants Lord Krsna's place in early Vaisnava historical antecedent with the personality of Shiva. In this instance, the debate focuses on the source of the Greek Herakles, who Chanda argues is most likely Sri Krsna, not Shiva.

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Apara Ekadasi

BY: SUN STAFF

May 21, CANADA (SUN) — Apara Ekadasi, observed on May 23rd in LA and Mayapur, from the Brahmanda Purana.

Sri Yudhishthira Maharaj said, "Oh Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadasii that occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Jyeshtha (May-June)? I wish to hear from You the glories of this sacred day of Hari. Please narrate everything to me."

Lord Sri Krishna said, "Oh king, your inquiry is wonderful because the answer will benefit the whole human society. This Ekadasii is so sublime and meritorious that even the greatest sins can be erased by its purity.

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Sri Manah-siksa: Instructions to the Mind

BY: SUN STAFF

May 18, CANADA (SUN) — By Srila Raghunath das Goswami, translated by Sriman Kushakratha dasa.

TEXT 1

gurau goshthe goshthalayishu sujane bhusura-gane
sva-mantre shri-namni vraja-nava-yuva-dvandva-sharane
sada dambham hitva kuru ratim apurvam atitaram
aye svantardhatash catubhir abhiyace dhrita-padah

O mind, I grasp your feet and beg you with sweet words: Please cast away all hypocrisy and develop intense, unprecedented love for my spiritual master, Vrajabhumi, the people of Vraja, the Vaishnavas, the brahmanas, the Gayatri mantra, the holy name, and the transcendental shelter that is the fresh young couple of Vraja, Radha and Krishna.

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Archaeology and Vaishnava Tradition,
Part 2

BY: SUN STAFF

May 18, CANADA (SUN) — From a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

The Garuda pillars of Besnagar not only indicate that Vasudeva was already identified with Vishnu as conceived in the Mahabharata, but they also bear witness to the existence of one if not two temples of Vishnu at Vidisa at the time of their erection. In the inscription on the fragment of our second pillar it is distinctly called "the Garudadhvaja of the excellent temple (prasadotama) of the Bhagavat (Vishnu)." A temple of Vishnu must have contained an image or some form of concrete representation of Vishnu within it. The Garuda columns were of course surmounted by images of Garuda. The making of the image of Garuda, the vahana or carrier of Vishnu, presupposes the making of the image of Vishnu.

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Archaeology and Vaishnava Tradition

BY: SUN STAFF

May 16, CANADA (SUN) — Part One of a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

In one sense, the science of archaeology may be said to owe its advancement to a desire to test the authenticity of the sacred traditions. The results of explorations in Bible lands have partially justified expectations, and archaeology has proved a useful mediator between the Holy Writ and the natural sciences. Texts unearthed from the mounds of the Euphrates valley have revealed the fact that even the Biblical stories of the creation and the deluge are not the deliberate inventions of priests, but are based on hoary traditions not without rational basis.

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Parishads: Sri Ramananda Raya

BY: SUN STAFF

May 16, CANADA (SUN) — The Disappearance day of Sri Ramananda Raya is observed on May 17th.

There are two Arjunas in Krishna lila: one is a priya-narma-sakha in Vraja, the other is one of the Pandavas. These two combined to become Ramananda Raya, the dear companion of Mahaprabhu. He was very knowledgeable in the teachings of loving devotion to Radha and Krishna, which he described to Gauracandra on a daily basis.

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Deogarh, a
Vaisnava Jewel

BY: SUN STAFF

May 14, CANADA (SUN) — Deogarh is a small farming village near the town of Lalitpur in Lalitpur district, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Located at the border with the former princely state of Gwalior, which is now part of Madhya Pradesh, Deogarh is known for its Gupta monuments, located on or near the Betwa River. The name "Deogarh" derives from the Sanskrit deo, 'god', and garh, 'fort' -- 'fort of the Gods', or 'house of the Gods'.

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Vanquish the Great Enemy of Deceit

BY: SUN STAFF

May 14, CANADA (SUN) — From Sri Manah-siksa by Srila Raghunatha das Goswami.

Verse 6

My dear mind, you have embraced the path of self realization, yet you foolishly think that you are cleansing yourself by bathing in the pretentiously fierce qualities of deceit and fault-finding, which are compared to impure donkey urine. Factually, you are incinerating yourself and dragging an infinitesimal spirit soul like me into the conflagration. Stop this suicidal course! Dive into the immortal ocean of sublime ambrosia that awaits you in loving devotional service at the lotus feet of Sri-Sri Radha and Krsna. Resuscitate my very being and thus give both of us endless happiness.

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Transcendental Flowers, Part 8

BY: SUN STAFF

May 12, CANADA (SUN) — The last in a series on transcendental flowers glorified throughout Vedic literature.

Padma Vesha of Lord Jagannath

The perfection of transcendental embodiment in a flower is most surely the Lotus. Employed in every conceivable facet of spiritual life, the glories of the Lotus are divinely demonstrated in the Padma Vesha ritual of Lord Jagannath at Puri Dham. This Lotus ornamentation of the Lord's is described by Pitambara Pradhani, who explains the iconography of the opulent, lotus-drenched costumery of Lord Jagannath known as Padma Vesha.

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Discourse on the Absolute Truth (Tattva-vicara)

BY: SUN STAFF

May 12, CANADA (SUN) — Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja Prabhupada's conversation with V. Venkanta Subbaya of Angul. Shorthanded by Anil Kanta Ganguli, B.A. This article was originally published in "The Harmonist Magazine" on the 5th August, 1935.

"Krishna-prema-rasa should be our desired end"

We require solution for the various problems of our life. But we are liable to be interrupted and troubled by foreign relations by polemical discussions and also to meet different contending ideas and thoughts from outside. So we require Divine instruction for our purpose. We are assured by the song of the Supreme Lord Sree Krishna, "Sarvadharman parityajya Mamekam sharanam vraja, Aham twam sarva papebhyoh mokshyeeshyamee na suchah, i.e. Depend on Me. You will not have to repent for such submission. Whatever you have acquired up to this time, leave aside and come up to Me, I will dictate to you what course you should adopt".

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Jagannath Worship
in Manipur

BY: SUN STAFF

May 12, CANADA (SUN) — Historical artifacts establish the early presence of Jagannath worship in Manipur state, by Dr. B. Tripathy.

The North-Eastern region of India, consisting of the states of Assam, Manipur, Tripura and a number of tribal pockets before 1947, assumes much importance for the study of diverse culture and traditions that prevailed in the region throughout the ages. Besides the indigenous tribal religion, as practised by various tribes in the plains and the hills, the area has witnessed flourishing Saivism, Vaishnavism, Saktism, Surya cult, Tantricism and Buddhism in the early and medieval period of her history.

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Transcendental Flowers, Part 7

BY: SUN STAFF

May 09, CANADA (SUN) — One of the divine flowers mentioned most often in sastra is the Madhavi-lata, a beautiful creeper bearing fragrant flowers. Madhavi-lata (Hiptage benghalensis) has a strong, fruity perfume, narrow leaves that slope downward, and blooms that range from pinkish to white to yellow. The edges of the flowers are fluffy and toothed, reminiscent of a parrot's head, and the climbing shrubs bear abundant clusters. Stories about the pastimes of Sri Sri Radha Krsna in Vrindavana are replete with mention of the Madhavi-lata creeper, which serves as forest arbor, garland and ornament.

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Worship of Lord Narasimha in Maharastra and Goa, Part 6

BY: SUN STAFF

May 05, CANADA (SUN) — The last in a serial presentation of West Indian temples dedicated to the worship of Lord Nrsimhadeva.

Today we visit another abode of Lord Nrsimhadeva in Pune, Maharashtra. The Sri Laxmi Narasimha Temple at Sadashiv Peth was built in 1774 A.D., and is one of the city's oldest temples. It is also Pune's only Nrsimhadeva temple. Situated near the Grahak Peth shopping area, this temple is inconspicuous enough to be missed by those who don't know it exists, and it's therefore less crowded than most of the big Pune temples.

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Transcendental Flowers, Part 6

BY: SUN STAFF

May 05, CANADA (SUN) — Transcendental flowers glorified throughout Vedic literature.

"Although the Lord is by nature very beautiful due to the perfect figure of His transcendental body, still He would dress Himself in yellow colored garments and put on His necklace of Kaustubha jewels. He would wear flower garlands, smear His body with the pulp of sandalwood and decorate Himself with other similar cosmetics and ornaments. It is said that the ornaments themselves became beautiful upon being placed on the transcendental body of the Lord. After decorating Himself in this way, the Lord would then look at marble statues of the cow and calf and visit temples of God or demigods like Lord Siva. There were many brahmanas who would come daily to see the Supreme Lord before taking their breakfast; they were anxious to see Him, and He welcomed them."

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Mohini Ekadasi

BY: SUN STAFF

May 05, CANADA (SUN) — The observance of Mohini Ekadasi is on May 7th in Los Angeles, 8th in Mayapur.

Sri Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "Oh Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadasa that occurs during the light fortnight (sukla paksha) of the month of Vaisakha (April-May)? What is the process for observing it properly? Kindly narrate all of these details to me."

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Parishads: Srimati Jahnava Devi

BY: SUN STAFF

May 05, CANADA (SUN) — The Appearance day of Srimati Jahnava Devi is observed on May 5th.

Balaram's wives Varuni and Revati became Vasudha and Jahnavi, the two wives of Nityananda Prabhu, in Chaitanya-lila. Both of them were the daughters of Surya Das, who was as effulgent as the sun. He was Kakudman, the father of Revati, in his previous birth. According to another opinion, Jahnava was the incarnation of Ananga Mjari. Both these opinions are possible, as we have shown that more than one identity can be joined in associates of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. (Gaura-ganoddesha-dipika 65-6)

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

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Prabhupada Padma-vakya

June 6, 1969, New Vrndavana
Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.5.9-11
"… those who are in the knowledge how transmigration takes place, they can say what kind of body you are going to take next by your activities."

June 6, 1974, Geneva
Morning Walk
"They have churches. That means God conscious persons there. I never criticized church, mosque, never. Because whatever it may be, at least there is God consciousness."

June 6, 1974, Geneva
Lecture at World Health Organization
"The most intellectual class of men, they should be engaged in studying the Vedas and acquire the knowledge and spread it to the human society so that they may be guided and do the needful for peaceful situation of the society."

June 6, 1974, Geneva
Bhagavad-gita 13.35
"Just like father earns money for feeding the children, similarly, the bulls help producing, plowing, producing food grains, and the cow gives milk, mother."

June 6, 1976, Los Angeles
Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.1.40
"If some person, great philosopher of this material world, he thinks, he says "I believe," and he writes something, that is nonsense. That is not Veda. Because he is a created being, and as created being he has got four defects."

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam, Part 4

BY: SUN STAFF

May 25, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Today we continue our series on Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam, focusing first on his original Delhi Bhagwatams. Before coming to preach in the West, Srila Prabhupada chose to translate, purport and publish the first canto of Srimad Bhagwatam, in three volumes. While we can only speculate as to why he chose these volumes first and foremost, Srila Prabhupada's translations and purports on Srimad Bhagavatam will go down in history as one of his primary writing efforts.

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Sri Garga Samhita 2

BY: SUN STAFF

May 25, CANADA (SUN) — Chapter Two

Sri-Goloka-dhama-nivarnanam
Description of the Abode of Sri Goloka

Text 1

jihvam labdhvapi yah krishnam
kirtaniyam na kirtayet
labdhvapi moksha-nisrenim
sa narohati durmatih

A person who has a tongue but does not glorify glorious Sri Krishna is a fool. Even if he somehow approaches the staircase to liberation, he cannot climb it.

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Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam, Part 3

BY: SUN STAFF

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

Srila Prabhupada's Original Srimad Bhagwatams

In early December 2003, after years of searching for them, we discovered a set of Srila Prabhupada's original Srimad Bhagwatams on Ebay. The Bhagwatams were listed for auction by a woman in Bronx, New York, who had purchased them from another New York bookseller. She was kind enough to research and share the details of how these books had come available.

FULL STORY

Sri Garga Samhita

BY: SUN STAFF

May 21, CANADA (SUN) — Chapter One

Sri-Krishna-mahatmya-varnana - Description of Sri-Krishna's Glories

Text 1

om narayanam namaskritya
naram caiva narottamam
devim sarasvatim vyasam
tato jayam udirayet

Before reciting this Garga-samhita, which is the very means of conquest, one should offer respectful obeisances unto the Personality of Godhead, Narayana, unto Nara-Narayana Rishi, the supermost human being, unto mother Sarasvati, the goddess of learning, and unto Srila Vyasadeva.*

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Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam, Part 2

BY: SUN STAFF

May 18, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Srila Prabhupada's Original Srimad Bhagwatams

In early December 2003, after years of searching for them, we discovered a set of Srila Prabhupada's original Srimad Bhagwatams on Ebay. The Bhagwatams were listed for auction by a woman in Bronx, New York, who had purchased them from another New York bookseller. She was kind enough to research and share the details of how these books had come available.

FULL STORY

The Ramayana of Valmiki, Part 514

BY: SUN STAFF

May 20, CANADA (SUN) —

FULL STORY

Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam

BY: SUN STAFF

May 16, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Today we begin this series at the beginning, with the Preface of Srila Prabhupada's original 1962 publication of Srimad Bhagwatam, 1st Canto, Volume I. This edition was printed in Delhi for The League of Devotees (Regd.), Vrindaban:Delhi. The book's dedication follows:

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The Ramayana of Valmiki, Part 513

BY: SUN STAFF

May 16, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of 'The Epic Journey of Rama'.

APPENDIX - Uttarakánda, Continued

Sítá is honourably received by the saint Válmíki himself, and the holy women of the hermitage are charged to entertain and serve her. In this calm retreat she gives birth to two boys who receive the names of Kuśa and Lava. They are carefully brought up and are taught by Válmíki himself to recite the Rámáyaṇ.

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The Biography of HDG Srila Gaurakisora Dasa Babaji Maharaja,
Part 15

BY: SUN STAFF

May 14, CANADA (SUN) — The last in a serial presentation of the life and pastimes of our illustrious Sampradaya Acaraya.

Srila Gaurakisora's Blessing

Once, Sripad Bhakti Pradipa Tirtha Maharaja in accord with the direction of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura went to visit Srila Bhaktivinoda in Godrumadvipa. Honoring the permission of Srila Bhaktivinoda, Sripada Tirtha Maharaja periodically approached Srila Gaurakisora on the opposite side of the Ganges. During this period Sripad Tirtha Maharaja was living in household life and uninitiated by Srila Bhaktivinoda.

FULL STORY

The Ramayana of Valmiki, Part 512

BY: SUN STAFF

May 14, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of 'The Epic Journey of Rama'.

APPENDIX - Uttarakánda, Continued

In the twenty-seventh section Rávaṇ goes "under the earth into Pátála the treasure-house of the waters inhabited by swarms of serpents and Daityas, and well defended by Varuṇ." He subdues Bhogavatí the city ruled by Vásuki and reduces the Nágas or serpents to subjection. He penetrates even to the imperial seat of Varuṇ. The God himself is absent, but his sons come forth and do battle with the invader. The giant is victorious and departs triumphant.

FULL STORY

The Biography of HDG Srila Gaurakisora Dasa Babaji Maharaja,
Part 14

BY: SUN STAFF

May 12, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of the life and pastimes of our illustrious Sampradaya Acaraya.

Imitating The Pure Devotee

One celibate student, brahmacari who was born in a brahmana family came to see Srila Gaurakisora pretending to be interested in bhajana. Shortly following this many persons came to offer respect to the celibate student. The brahamacari, after some time, decided he would also begin to live in the same way as Srila Gaurakisora. He secretly collected money which he used to build a small grass hut for his bhajana like Srila Gaurakisora's on the bank of the Ganges river.

FULL STORY

The Ramayana of Valmiki, Part 511

BY: SUN STAFF

May 12, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of 'The Epic Journey of Rama'.

APPENDIX - Uttarakánda, Continued

Rávaṇa marries (Sect. 12) Mandodarí the beautiful daughter of the Asur Maya whose name has several times occurred in the Rámáyan as that of an artist of wonderful skill. She bears a son Meghanáda or the Roaring Cloud who was afterwards named Indrajít from his victory over the sovereign of the skies. The conquest of Kuvera, and the acquisition of the magic self-moving chariot which has done much service in the Rámáyan, form the subject of sections XIII., XIV. and XV.

FULL STORY

The Biography of HDG Srila Gaurakisora Dasa Babaji Maharaja,
Part 13

BY: SUN STAFF

May 09, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of the life and pastimes of our illustrious Sampradaya Acaraya.

Household Duties

A newly-wedded man, who was a wealthy and famous disciple of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, came to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura to understand how to correctly follow the process of devotional service in married life. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura made it very evident to the visitor that persons who are married face many different kinds of impediments in the execution of their devotional service. After hearing this explanation the married guest became unhappy.

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The Ramayana of Valmiki, Part 510

BY: SUN STAFF

May 09, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of 'The Epic Journey of Rama'.

APPENDIX - Uttarakánda, Continued

The first Rákshasas kings were Heti and Praheti. Heti married a sister of Kála (Time). She bore him a son Vidyutkeśa, who in his turn took for his wife Lankatanka[t.]á, the daughter of Sandhyá (V. 21). She bore him a son Sukeśa, whom she abandoned, but he was seen by Śiva as he was passing by with his wife Párvatí, who made the child as old as his mother, and immortal, and gave him a celestial city.

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The Biography of HDG Srila Gaurakisora Dasa Babaji Maharaja,
Part 12

BY: SUN STAFF

May 05, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of the life and pastimes of our illustrious Sampradaya Acaraya.

Resolute Worship Of The Holy Name

There was an old Vaisnava in the vicinity of Srila Gaurakisora in Kuliya who began to engage himself in full-hearted Deity worship in place of harinama-bhajana. Srila Gaurakisora commented on this one day in the presence of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati. "That old Vaisnava is spending his last days in worshipping the Deity!" Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati then said, "What? Are you trying to deceive me? It is impossible for this Vaisnava who lives in Kuliya to deviate in any way whatsoever?"

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The Ramayana of Valmiki, Part 509

BY: SUN STAFF

May 05, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of 'The Epic Journey of Rama'.

APPENDIX - Uttarakánda

The Rámáyan ends, epically complete, with the triumphant return of Ráma and his rescued queen to Ayodhyá and his consecration and coronation in the capital of his forefathers. Even if the story were not complete, the conclusion of the last Canto of the sixth Book, evidently the work of a later hand than Válmíki's, which speaks of Ráma's glorious and happy reign and promises blessings to those who read and hear the Rámáyan, would be sufficient to show that, when these verses were added, the poem was considered to be finished.

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