Nityananda Chandra Das' Blog, ISKCON Dallas

TEXAS FAITH 55: What do you think about Tebowing?

2012-01-25T11:35:00.001-06:00

Dallas Morning News,

Each week we will post a question to a panel of about two dozen clergy, laity and theologians, all of whom are based in Texas or are from Texas. They will chime in with their responses to the question of the week. And you, readers, will be able to respond to their answers through the comment box.

The Denver Broncos may be out of the NFL playoffs, but Denver QB Tim Tebow is not out of the news. In fact, the art of Tebowing , where people record themselves bowing in prayer on one knee like Tebow does, has become a phenomenon. The online world has plenty of examples of Tebowing. And the mainstream media has published article after article about Tebowing and the football player's public display of faith.
Of course, Tebow's explicit display of religion has led to a fair share of criticism. He's seen as too proselytizing or violating the biblical injunction to pray in your room.
Tebow told Fox Sports last fall that he knows about the criticism, but he's more focused on those who draw inspiration from his public prayers. Said Tebow:
"It's not my job to see people's reasons behind it, but I know [of a kid] with cancer that tweeted me, 'Tebowing while I'm chemoing' -- how cool is that?" Tebow said. "That's worth it right now. If that gives him any encouragement or puts a smile on his face, or gives him encouragement to pray, that's completely awesome."
With this phenomenon swirling around us, and the Super Bowl approaching, here is this week's question:

What is your view about his public praying and the Tebowing phenomenon that has built up around it?

NITYANANDA CHANDRA DAS, minister of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), Dallas

I have not heard of Mr. Tebow before, but in regards to my own tradition, kirtan, public prayer is our essential process. You will notice that in Asian cultures spirituality is more integrated with daily life.

"By performing congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra, one can destroy the sinful condition of material existence, purify the unclean heart and awaken all varieties of devotional service. The result of chanting is that one awakens his love for Krishna and tastes transcendental bliss. Ultimately, one attains the association of Krishna and engages in His devotional service, as if immersing himself in a great ocean of love."
Śrī Caitanya-caritāmrta Antya-līlā 20.13-14

"I do not know how much nectar the two syllables 'Krish-na' have produced. When the holy name of Krishna is chanted, it appears to dance within the mouth. We then desire many, many mouths. When that name enters the holes of the ears, we desire many millions of ears. And when the holy name dances in the courtyard of the heart, it conquers the activities of the mind, and therefore all the senses become inert." - Vidagdha-madhava (1.15)

I feel that in the effort to make our society secular we have over emphasized atheistic mentality. Intolerance towards religious culture has become norm in many parts of the world.

To see all responses of the TEXAS Faith panel click here.

What is education, what is brahmacarya?

2012-01-25T07:42:00.001-06:00

This is brahmacari life. So therefore the first training is given, to become austere, tolerate, how to tolerate, how to call other women as "mother." He is learning from the beginning, a small child. He is trained up to call any woman, even of his own age, not "sister," -- "mother." This is the training. Matrvat para-daresu. This is education. Matrvat para-daresu. This is education… Canakya Pandita, the great politician, has given the definition of a learned scholar. Who is learned scholar? He has given the definition. What is this? Matrvat para-daresu. To see every woman except his wife as mother. This is education. This is education, perfection of education, when you can see all women except your wife as mother. This is education. Matrvat para-daresu para-dravyesu lostravat. And others' property? Just like garbage in the street. Nobody is interested in the garbage. You throw. That is education. And atmavat sarva-bhutesu. And thinking all living entities as your own self. If you feel pains and pleasure by something, you could not afflict the pains to others. If your throat is cut, if your head is cut, you feel so much pain, how you can cut the head of another animal? This is education. Samah sarvesu-bhutesu. This is education, three things. This is the test of education.

matrvat para-daresu
para-dravyesu lostravat
atmavat sarva-bhutesu
yah pasyati sa panditah

Where is? Where is that pandita? There is no such thing now.

"Society Friendship and Love"

73/07/21 London, Bhagavad-gita 1.26, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

America’s 10 Most Secret Restaurants - TheDailyMeal.com

2012-01-24T10:36:00.001-06:00

10. Kalachandji’s (Dallas)

Though not deliberately secretive, it’s easy to miss Kalachandji’s vegetarian restaurant because of its location within a temple. Manager Danny Thomas explains, "We are hidden from those who are unaware — new customers often comment that they drove past us for years without knowing we existed." The low-key locale doesn’t seem to affect business. Thomas clarifies, "Although a high-visibility location is usually considered a top priority for a restaurant, word of mouth and the fact that vegetarians seek out vegetarian restaurants keeps us busy, often more so than we can handle."

Here

Kalachandji’s has also won ever year the best vegetarian award for DFW for the past decade in numerous magazines, feel free to vote in the latest election. Vote

First United Methodist Church Confirmation Kirtan - Video

2012-01-22T16:56:00.000-06:00

The folks down at First United Methodist Church in Downtown Dallas came to the temple along with their 6th grader children. This was part of their confirmation program which is basically a coming of age function. They all very kindly participated in the kirtan and at the end one of the kids who was wearing an Indian outfit asked if we could dance some more.

Mentioned by a fellow panelist in Dallas Morning News

2012-01-18T20:04:00.001-06:00

The open mindedness of Swami Nityananda Prabhu of Hare Krishna Hindu Temple,a panelist on this forum, is admirable. People love to talk about his teachings from Bhagvad Gita on my radio show, called Wisdom of Religion. He has indeed opened up minds of non-Hindus to see the wisdom of Hinduism.

- Mike Ghouse President of Foundation for Pluralism

full article here.

Gopi Gita distributing Srila Prabhupada's books

2012-01-17T17:08:00.001-06:00

Gopi Gita distributing Srila Prabhupada's books, originally uploaded by NityanandaChandra.

30 devotees went out to distribute Srila Prabhupada's books last Saturday. It was tons of fun. This was all due to the influence of His Grace Vaisesika Prabhu.

New Year’s Eve 2011 Harinam San-Kirtan in Downtown Dallas

2012-01-03T14:25:00.001-06:00

Last Saturday about 6 car loads of us went Downtown with the Holy Names to join the many souls who were wandering about. This was an especially warm New Year’s Eve so there were literally thousands of people milling around, heading to a big festival. Everyone with great cheer appreciated the kirtan and our group more than doubled for almost the entire time we were down there.

Even as our party was leaving the event many others also followed with us to join in with the sankirtan. Nagar Sankirtan Ki Jaya!

I went to Jail today.

2011-12-30T22:35:00.002-06:00

It was fun. I went there to get fingerprints, as it is one the steps to getting my name legally changed to Nityananda Chandra Granger. They do a background check just to see if you are wanted by the FBI.

As I was invited to walk in the secure office one the officers asked about my dress. I told her that I was priest. She asked what the tilak meant and the śikha as well. She was very happy with the answers. I told her about our temple and restaurant and she immediately took a virtual tour on our website http://Kalachandjis.com

Bought a KRSNA book and loves it

2011-12-28T16:26:00.001-06:00

Bought a KRSNA book and loves it, originally uploaded by NityanandaChandra.

BBT books distributed yesterday

2011-12-27T10:40:00.001-06:00

Dec 26 Sankirtan at the mall, originally uploaded by NityanandaChandra.

At the mall. Tons of fun. Bringing a tray of maple cake today.