Bhisma Panchaka - A Week of Spiritual Nourishment at ISV!

WEEKLY UPDATES: NOV 7 - NOV 13 , 2016 Dear Friends, Hope this meets you well. The auspicious Kartika month is coming to an end but is leaving us with the all glorious Bhisma Panchaka, a five day worship period prescribed for the last 5 days of Kartika. Grandfather Bhisma fasted for these 5 days, preparing to give up his life. The fast begins by remembering Bhismadeva on the Ekadasi day and should end on Purnima [the full moon]. The Padma Purana say that one pleases the Lord and makes spiritual advancement by such austerities. Celebrate the Bhisma Panchaka at ISV! We extend a warm welcome to you and your family to join us for the classes and events this week.  This week we have: Wednesday: "How to deal with the ups and downs in our Spiritual Journey?" - Bhagavad Gita Talk by H.G Balimardana Das Saturday : "Nectar of Devotion Seminar - Part 2" - Presentation by H.G Srivas Pandit Das followed by SASS (Speak As Sastra Says) Talk by Vedic Academy student, Unnati Chandani on 5th chapter of 'A Second Chance' book.              Sunday:   "Entering Your Sacred Space Series - Part 3: Hearing Srimad Bhagavatam" - Sunday Feast Talk by H.G Akruranatha Das  Watch us Live! In case you are unable to make it, you can also join us through audio conference or watch live broadcast. The details are available at www.IskconSiliconValley.com.   NOVEMBER 9, WEDNESDAY : GITA WISDOM  Most of us go through emotional ups and downs in our spiritual journey which may cause obstacles and test our faith. Join us to hear from our veteran speak as to how to deal with these roller coaster rides positively and make advancement in our spiritual path We extend a warm welcome to you and your family to join us for our Wednesday Gita class! 6:00pm: "How to deal with Ups and Downs in our Spiritual Journey" by H.G Balimardana  Das 7:30pm: Damodarastakam, Sandhya Arati followed by Prasadam NOVEMBER 12, SATURDAY: NECTAR OF DEVOTION SEMINAR We cannot be happy without satisfying our fundamental desire to love. Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu (also known as Nectar of Devotion) is a Vaishnava classic written by Srila Rupa Goswami that analyzes the various stages of bhakti (devotion) as a methodical practice resulting in love of God. Rupa Goswami uses a metaphor comparing an ocean (sindhu) to a devotional relationship with God. The title of the book conveys that loving relationships are enjoyable like sweet nectar and deep like an ocean. However, devotion is truly only meant for the supreme beloved, Krishna. This is a special seminar series which will help us deep dive into understanding the divine intricacies of spiritual love and develop an intimate relationship with Sri Krsna.  7.30am: "Nectar of Devotion Seminar Series : Part 2" -  Presentation by H.G Srivas Pandit Das 10:00am: Guru puja followed by Prasadam   NOVEMBER 13, SUNDAY : SUNDAY FEAST   In The Nectar of Devotion (chapter 13) Srila Prabhupäda promises that there are five kinds of devotional service which are so potent that a small attachment for any one of these five items can arouse devotional ecstasy even in a beginner.” These five practices are the topic of our "Entering The Sacred Space" series training letter series. The goal of this series is to help you on your way to the sacred space inside. Last week we discussed the second potent form of chanting the holy names of God. This week, we will hear about one of the essential component of our spiritual lives, that is, hearing from Srimad Bhagavatam 4:00pm - 5:30pm: "Entering the Sacred Space Series - Part 3: HEARING SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM" - Sunday feast talk by H.G Akruranatha Das 6.00pm: Sandhya Aartik, Damodarastakam followed by Announcements and Prasadam If you would like to sponsor a Sunday Feast, to commemorate a special occasion (like birthday or wedding anniversary) or just in general, please write to us at isvconnect@gmail.com. We will offer the bhoga to the Deities and serve prasadam to all the devotees in your name. Donation amount for the Sunday Feast is $301 only     BHAGAVAD GITA AS IT IS - Chapter A Day (CHAD) Bhagavad-Gita Chapter-A-Day (CHAD) program , is a worldwide alliance of devotees who chant at least one chapter of Bhagavad-Gita As It Is. This program, officially inaugurated by His Grace Vaisesika Prabhu, has been enthusiastically executed by many souls around the globe. All the CHAD members and aspirants are requested to recite the 17th chapter of Bhagavad Gita every day during this most auspicious month of Kartik from 16th Oct 2016 to 23rd Nov 2016. We humbly request everyone to join this global initiative to please Lord Krishna. Steps to join CHAD Step 1:  Make a vow to recite Bhagavad-Gita Chapter 17 every day from 16th Oct 2016 to 23rd Nov 2016. Chant all the Sanskrit slokas; or all the English translations; or both the Sanskrit and English. Step 2: Register yourself at  http://www.readchad.com/join-chad (if you not done so earlier) .Please provide as much details as possible so we can send you a beautiful CHAD membership card and the gift for your enthusiastic participation and recitation of Gita during this Kartik. Step 3: Access 17th chapter in CHAD format from http://www.readchad.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/BG-Chapter-17-The-Divisions-of-Faith.doc  print it and carry it with you or access the link  from your mobile device wherever you go. Step 4: Introduce CHAD to at least one other soul Email: recite.chad@gmail.com   KIRTAN MELLOWS AT YOUR HOME We often have melodious hari kirtan and bhajans at devotees' homes in the bay area. Below are a couple of sample videos of the blissful program: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcCgwx4P-sw  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6isiWMLFGc If you would like to experience the sweet taste of holy names, please indicate your interest via this form http://goo.gl/forms/i01lk6drf3. A volunteer will send you an evite when a Kirtan Mellows event would be scheduled near you.  VEDIC EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN Vedic Academy offers Sunday School for kids from age group 3 - 15 yrs every Sunday from 4 - 6pm where kids learn about Vedic Culture, Slokas, Stories & Lessons from Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam etc., Bhajans and participate in Arts & Crafts, Dramas and much more. For more information, please visit www.vedic-academy.org  or send an email to vedicacademy108@gmail.com or call 408 718 1588 SUBCRIBE TO VEDIC WISDOM -  NECTAR DROPS In this world of fast paced technology and racing schedules, the elite and comman man alike need droplets of refreshing wisdom to protect their peace, spirituality, and happiness. Vedic Nectar Drops, an initiative of ISV, aims to meet this goal by sending weekly droplets out to all subscribers to keep their weeks inspired and refreshed. If you are interested in receiving every week, please send an email to vedicstudygroup@gmail.com   ISKCON of Silicon Valley 1965 Latham Street  Mountain View CA 94040 Email: isvconnect@gmail.com Ph: 650 336 7993 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iskconsv/  You are receiving this email because you have subscribed to ISV Connect! Like Forward Preferences  |  Unsubscribe