Discover Your Spiritual Strength (Part 1) — HG Chaitanya Charan Das | ISKCON Birmingham
Channel: ISKCON Birmingham UK
Welcome to Part 1 of an inspiring Sunday Sanga class recorded live on October 11, 2026, at ISKCON Birmingham. In this session, HG Chaitanya Charan Das Prabhu delivers …
more
No less that twenty brahmacharis and devotees from Bhaktivedana Manor ventured to Mauritius for two weeks of preaching, kirtan and association with the local devotees.
Their main host was Nitya Gopal Prabhu, who very kindly allowed them to stay in his empty house and also helped arrange their transport. Mukund from Pure Veg generously took care of their prasadam, making the whole tour much easier for them.
They began with a huge Harinama in Port Louis, joined by many of the local devotees. The energy of the brahmacharis was infectious, and it was wonderful to see the local devotees responding enthusiastically to the kirtan.
That evening they performed the Boatman and Scholar drama at the Pancha Tattva Temple. The local devotees particularly appreciated the energetic kirtans of the brahmacharis, and the whole evening had a wonderful atmosphere.
At the Radha-Golokananda Temple, they performed a drama about Srila Prabhupada, which was very well received. They then continued their Harinama preaching in Rose Belle, a place especially significant because Srila Prabhupada himself had visited there during his time in Mauritius.
On their final day, they held the Sunday programme at the Krishna-Balaram Temple, built by Sriniketan das, one of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples. Srila Prabhupada had sent him to Mauritius because he could speak French.
There they performed Narada and the Cobbler, followed by a kirtan which brought the tour to a fitting conclusion.
As the devotees began leaving, something very touching happened. They were inundated with heartfelt messages from the local devotees. Many expressed how much they had appreciated the association, the kirtans and dramas.
One expression summed it up beautifully:
“You were like a mobile travelling temple.”
For the brahmacharis, it was certainly a tiring two weeks. The days were long, the travelling demanding and the preaching took plenty of energy. But alongside the exhaustion came something much more valuable — the experience of seeing how Krishna consciousness can bring devotees together across countries and cultures.
Hare Krishna Dear Devotees, Guests and Well-wishers,
All are welcome to offer deep daan (diya/candle) during this auspicious month of Damodar from 27th Oct until 24th Nov, everyday at 7:15am and 7:15pm at ISKCON Auckland's Sri Sri Radha Giridhari Temple. Located at 1229 Coatesville Riverhead Hwy in Kumeu.
Kartik or the festival of offering lamps to Lord Krishna, glorifies Lord Krishna’s pastime of being bound with ropes by Mother Yashoda.
*If you would like to host a home program with Damodarastakam & Diya (lamp) offering, please contact: Govinda Kinkar das or Krishnacandra das. Details are available in the poster.
Dussehra also known as Sri Rama Vijayotsava is the celebration of Lord Rama's triumphant victory over Ravana.
On this day, let us come together to reflect on the essence of this pastime and celebrate with kirtan, bhajan, arati, Sri Rama katha, prasadam stalls, performances and the burning of Ravana at ISKCON Auckland's Sri Sri Radha Giridhari temple.
Don't miss this opportunity to share the spiritual significance of this festival with your children, family and friends. All are welcome! Hare Krishna.
Vaishnavi Forum attendees gather at New Govardhana. Approximately 100 women gathered at New Govardhana Farm in New South Wales, Australia, on Sunday, September 27, 2026, for the Vaishnavi Health and Well-being Forum. Held under the auspices of Australia’s Vaishnavi Ministry, the one-day, in-person program drew attendees from the surrounding region, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and […]
On Saturday 4th October, we came together to honour the volunteers and patrons who make everything possible at ISKCON Birmingham. To every volunteer who gives their time, energy and heart, and to every patron who stands behind this mission, thank you!
We were deeply graced by the presence of our UK GBC, His Grace Praghosa Prabhu, along with His Holiness Keshava Swami, His Grace Braja Vilas Prabhu (TOVP, Mayapur), His Grace Nila Madhava Prabhu (Bhaktivedanta Manor) and His Grace Pradyumna Prabhu (Temple President, ISKCON Leicester), whose team lovingly cooked the prasadam for the evening.
Thank you once again for your wonderful support and your pledges towards our new temple. Together, we are building a home for Sri Sri Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra in Birmingham.
Here are some moments from a truly special evening. Tag yourself and your friends!
Ramacandra Vijayotsava celebrates Lord Ramachandra’s victory over the demon
Ravana on the tenth day of the waxing moon in the month of Asvina. This sacred
festival honors the triumph of dharma, love, and truth over darkness, and is
marked by jubilant celebrations in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu held this festival in the highest esteem, dressing His
devotees as monkey soldiers and displaying the ecstatic moods of Hanuman while
celebrating Lord Ramachandra’s conquest of Lanka. According to the
Caitanya-caritamrita, the Lord manifested transcendental pastimes on this
auspicious day, taking a tree branch and mounting the walls of Lanka in
jubilant devotion.
This observance became central to the Gaudiya tradition, exemplifying how the
divine pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead inspire unalloyed
devotional service. In ISKCON centers worldwide, Ramachandra Vijayotsava is
celebrated with feasts where devotees chant, dance, take prasadam, and rejoice
in the victory of Krishna consciousness.
Gaura Marshall: Hare Krishna dear friends and well wishers.
Please Accept our Humble Obeisances All Glories to Guru and Gauranga, All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Last night at 7.23pm on the 9/10/26 Jaya Dasa (Jaya Tirtha Charan Dasa) (JTCD) aka John Marshall left this material world.
Over the past few months, JTCDs health had deteriorated so much so that his ability to do anything independently had left him.
Rather than putting him in care, we as a family stood together and cared for him at home 24/7.
We had a little help from outside services, but we did most of the heavy lifting ourselves.
We made him comfortable in his house, in front of his dieties so that if anything was going to happen, he will be in the right place.
Over the past few days, local friends and well wishers had all come and paid their respects and finally last night HH Janananda Maharaj video called and chanted to my father for about 1hr…but it seemed as though my father was still waiting for 1 last thing before getting permission to depart… blessings from HH Jayapataka Swami.
Maharaj made contact with my father at approx 6.30pm and gave him his blessings.
Finally at 7.23pm, focusing on the holy names with his dear Radhika Raman, Krishna Balaram, JBS and Shalagram Sila deities as a witness, with Srila Prabhupada chanting, family chanting by his side, JTCD composed himself and blew out his last breath.
There was not a fight to stay in this body or appearance of pain, he was fully absorbed in going back home, back to godhead.
We are so proud to have him set an example and show us “how it is done”.
JTCDs body will be cremated today 10/10/26
***Notice***
After 3 days, on Monday 12/10/26 there be a small intimate get together of his close well wishes & friends.
After 10 days, on Monday the 19/10/26 there will be a memorial for the greater community.
This is all by his request & instructions.
If you would like to support our family during this time through Koha or Donations see that account below.
V.F.MARSHALL
02-0340-0091965-002
Ramacandra Vijayotsava celebrates Lord Ramachandra’s victory over the demon Ravana on the tenth day of the waxing moon in the month of Asvina. This sacred festival honors the triumph of dharma, love, and truth over darkness, and is marked by jubilant celebrations in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu held this festival in the highest esteem, dressing His devotees as monkey soldiers and displaying the ecstatic moods of Hanuman while celebrating Lord Ramachandra’s conquest of Lanka. According to the Caitanya-caritamrita, the Lord manifested transcendental pastimes on this auspicious day, taking a tree branch and mounting the walls of Lanka in jubilant devotion.
This observance became central to the Gaudiya tradition, exemplifying how the divine pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead inspire unalloyed devotional service. In ISKCON centers worldwide, Ramachandra Vijayotsava is celebrated with feasts where devotees chant, dance, take prasadam, and rejoice in the victory of Krishna consciousness.
The ILS Executive Committee, in coordination with the GBC Executive Support Office (ESO), has announced that registration is now open for the 2027 ISKCON Leadership Sanga (ILS), to be held February 25–28, 2027, at Sri Dham Mayapur. Hosted by the GBC, ILS brings together ISKCON leaders from around the world to associate, share experiences, and […]
A continuously updated stream of Vaishnava and devotional content, combining original articles from Dandavats.com with daily posts. Covers Krishna consciousness teachings, scripture classes (Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam), devotee news, and community events from across the global ISKCON. Our desire is to promote the development of Krishna bhakti, to nurture well-informed thought, and to support sustainable bonds between devotees engaged in all varieties of services and social relationships.
HG Drutakarma Prabhu—known outside ISKCON as Michael A. Cremo— is an American researcher, author, and lifelong Krishna devotee whose work brings Vedic perspectives on consciousness, human origins, and history into dialogue with modern science. He is best known internationally for *Forbidden Archeology*, co-authored with Richard L. Thompson (Sadaputa Dasa), and for decades of lectures, interviews, and publications presenting an alternative to strictly materialistic accounts of human antiquity.
Early Life and Education
Michael A. Cremo was born on July 15, 1948, in Schenectady, New York. His father served as a United States military intelligence officer, and Cremo spent part of his youth in Germany, attending high school there and traveling with his family across Europe.
In 1966, he entered the School of International Affairs at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. During those years he became involved in the counterculture and developed a strong interest in Eastern philosophy, especially Indian spiritual teachings and the Vedas.
Devotional Life in ISKCON
Drutakarma Prabhu joined the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in 1973. He received initiation from ISKCON founder-acarya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and took the spiritual name Drutakarma Dasa, meaning “servant of swift action.”
He became a teacher of bhakti-yoga and contributed extensively to ISKCON’s literary and communications work. From 1980 to 1986, he worked as a writer and editor for the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, and he also served as a public-affairs consultant for ISKCON Communications.
His service has consistently combined Krishna consciousness with outreach to educated and scientific audiences. Following Srila Prabhupada’s direction to introduce Vedic concepts into the world of science, he has spoken at universities, conferences, and public forums around the world.
Research and Major Works
Cremo identifies himself as a Vedic creationist and alternative-archaeology researcher. His central argument is that evidence for extreme human antiquity has been overlooked, dismissed, or excluded from mainstream scientific narratives, and that Vedic sources offer a coherent framework for understanding consciousness, time, and human origins.
His most influential book, *Forbidden Archeology: The Hidden History of the Human Race* (1993), was written with mathematician and fellow ISKCON devotee Richard L. Thompson. The 914-page work compiles reports of anomalous archaeological discoveries from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and argues that they deserve serious scholarly reconsideration.
Selected Publications
– *Forbidden Archeology: The Hidden History of the Human Race* (1993), with Richard L. Thompson
– *Hidden History of the Human Race* (1994), a shorter presentation of the same research
– *Divine Nature* (1995)
– *Forbidden Archeology’s Impact* (1998)
– *Human Devolution: A Vedic Alternative to Darwin’s Theory* (2000)
– *Coming Back: The Science of Reincarnation* (1982)
– *Chant and Be Happy: The Power of Mantra Meditation* (1982)
– *The Higher Taste: A Guide to Gourmet Vegetarian Cooking and a Karma-Free Diet* (1983)
His books have reportedly sold more than 300,000 copies and have been translated into 26 languages, extending his influence far beyond ISKCON’s immediate community.
Scholarly and Public Engagement
Drutakarma Prabhu has served as a research associate in history and philosophy of science for the Bhaktivedanta Institute and has been associated with the World Archaeological Congress and the European Association of Archaeologists. He has presented research papers at international conferences and delivered hundreds of lectures at universities worldwide.
In interviews and talks, he addresses subjects including archaeology, anthropology, consciousness, reincarnation, cosmology, and the limits of Darwinian evolution. His approach is to argue that human beings are not merely material bodies but conscious spiritual beings, and that this understanding has profound implications for science, ethics, and society.
Legacy and Contribution
Drutakarma Prabhu occupies a distinctive place in contemporary ISKCON: a devoted practitioner who has spent decades making the Vedic worldview intelligible to scientists, academics, journalists, and general readers. Through *Forbidden Archeology*, *Human Devolution*, and his many lectures, he has helped create a lasting bridge between Krishna consciousness and discussions of science, history, and human purpose.
His life exemplifies Srila Prabhupada’s vision of presenting Krishna consciousness confidently in the modern world—not by abandoning intellectual engagement, but by bringing spiritual insight directly into its most challenging conversations.
New York City (Sent from Brooklyn on October 10, 2026)
Where I Went and What I Did
For week 40 of 2026 I was based at ISKCON NYC in Brooklyn, and I chanted Hare Krishna with Rama Raya Prabhu’s NYC Harinama party every day, except Sunday when I chanted with other devotees at the Atlantic Antic street festival for an hour and a quarter and by myself in a Brooklyn subway station for another hour.
I share quotes from Srila Prabhupada’s Srimad-Bhagavatam, two articles by him in Back to Godhead magazine, and a lecture of his as well. Ishare a quote each from the Rg Veda by Srila Vyasadeva and from Sajana Tosani by Bhaktivinoda Thakura. I share quotes from Back to Godhead magazine articles by Visakha, Satyaraja, Ramanatha-sukha, Caitanya Carana, Gauranga Darsana, Yamuna Jivana, Adi Govinda, and Brajanatha Prabhus. I share quotes from Improvisations to Music, Book 2by Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami and notes on classes by Krishna Kshetra Swami, and Pancharatna, Hansarupa, and Rama Raya, and Sri Gopala Prana Prabhus.
Many, many thanks to Siarhei, a regular at 26 Second Avenue, for his very generous donation.
Itinerary
September 23–December 31: NYC Harinam – November 1–???: serve Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami at Stuyvesant Falls
Monday on NYC Harinam we met Walter Yoka, ISKCON’s lawyer in the Robin George brainwashing case decades ago. He remembered how the LA devotees brought him lunch during the trial and the amazing cookies they had. Although a young lawyer, he was interviewed by national TV about the case. He was intrigued about its first amendment aspect. He was happy to work on the case and to meet devotees again. He accepted our NYC cookies and the invitation to our temple and restaurants.
At some point a couple of NYU students studying film came by with an impressive microphone. They asked if they could record the drum and later the maracas.
When Subhadra Prabhu, who runs the Kadamba Kafe, along with his wife, heard that it was my birthday. He offered me a free lunch as a birthday gift. I decided to accept it on the following Sunday. It was all very tasty.
I got the Kadamba Bowl w/ gochujang carrot hummus, pickled cucumber, avocado, pomegranate chutney, teriyaki tofu, broccolini, sweet potato, tapioca cracker, ube sushi rice, and miso almond butter sauce. For a drink I got the Gold Coast Sunset smoothie made with mango, pineapple, coconut milk, blue spirulina, honey, and pitaya swirl. For a dessert I got a mango chia dessert sweetened with maple syrup.
When I proofread the November/December 2026 Back to Godhead magazine I was happy to see two Prabhupada disciples who I am friends were featured prominently on the Hare Krishna mantra page.
Insights
Srila Prabhupada:
From Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.21.24, purport:
“There are many subtle laws which are practically unknown to people in general, but the Krishna consciousness movement is very scientifically distributing all this Vedic knowledge for the benefit of the people of the world.”
From Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.25.16, purport:
“The body is also a resting place because when the living entity becomes fatigued he takes rest within the body.”
From Srimad-Bhagavatam 5.3.10:
[The brahmanas said to Lord Vishnu:] “O most worshipable of all, You are the best of all benefactors, and Your appearance at saintly King Nabhi's sacrificial arena is meant for our benediction. Because You have been seen by us, You have bestowed upon us the most valuable benediction.”
From Srimad-Bhagavatam 8.9.28, purport:
“The demons or atheists have faith in their own endeavors, but although they work very hard day and night, they cannot get any more than their destiny. The devotees, however, can surpass the reactions of karma and achieve wonderful results, even without effort.”
From “The Qualifications for Actual Knowledge” in Back to Godhead, Vol. 60, No. 6 (Nov/Dec 2026):
[An edited transcript of a lecture on Bhagavad-gita 13.8–12 in Bombay on October 3, 1973.]
“Jesus Christ was crucified because he was preaching God consciousness. Although Jesus Christ preached, ‘Thou shall not kill,’ unfortunately he was preaching in such a society in which he was killed. These things are there always. The demons are always after the devotees, considering how to harass them and give them trouble. Therefore one has to learn humility; otherwise one cannot make progress in Krishna consciousness.”
“I request everyone to study this philosophy very carefully and take advantage of it.”
From “Srila Prabhupada Speaks Out” in Back to Godhead, Vol. 60, No. 6 (Nov/Dec 2026):
“Modern man does not know, ‘I may feel proud of racing around in a car, but is there any value if I do not understand the meaning of my life?’”
“In a slaughterhouse many animals are brought together expressly to be killed. So this whole material world is a slaughterhouse. And when there is need, many two-legged animals will be brought together into a war and killed. This place is a slaughterhouse. And yet the foolish two-legged animal is thinking, ‘I am now very comfortably situated.’ He forgets, ‘I am going to be slaughtered.’”
From a lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.10.14 in Mayapur on June 27, 1973:
“I may be sent to hell, heaven; it doesn’t matter. What qualification have I got that I want to see back to home, back to Godhead? It is not so easy thing. So why should I be sorry for that? I should be happy even in the hell, simply by thinking of Krishna. That is wanted. That is wanted. That is Krishna consciousness.”
Srila Vyasadeva:
From Rg Veda 1.156.3:
“Om. O Sri Vishnu, by chanting Your name, which is conscious and glorious, we who have little knowledge about the name attain true insight. This name is eternal.”
Bhaktivinoda Thakura:
From Sajjana-tosani (9/9, 1897):
“Exhibiting compassion towards living entities is of three kinds. Display of compassion in regard to the gross body of the living entities is counted among pious activities. Distributing free food to the hungry people, distributing free medicine to the diseased persons, distributing free water to the thirsty people, and distributing clothes to persons who are afflicted with cold are all born from the compassion in regard to the body. Giving free education is borne from the compassion in regard to the mind of the living entities. But the highest kind of compassion is in regard to the soul of the living entities. From such compassionate propensity, the eagerness for delivering the fallen souls from the miseries of material existence by awarding them the devotional service to Krishna is produced.”
Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami:
From Improvisations to Music, Book 2:
“Boss, I’m not feelin’
the love you told me I’d feel
but trying to serve
and serve.”
“I’m your servant but
gee, after thirty-one
years in the business, I want
to shake out my own
love and reach for it and
“make a suitable contribution
to your movement
that moves
“moves past being a society
of rules and big shots
and opposition parties
and powerful
apathy.”
“Not enough have I done. Boss,
push me through just when
I’m begging you to
give me a break, some
peace, space, my own room,
no demands.
I know I’m a sad case,
but your memory and your picture
what you suffered to bring us
to Krishna, helpless
you seemed
as you
endured
His love.”
“Better they pray to Krishna
learn to turn to Him,
and I do it myself whenever
we are afraid.”
“please teach me and accept
my child-like offering, you who
gave me prasadam—
that memory I’ll always
treasure.”
“Serene, you are,
like white clouds or
clear ponds,
your words lyric music
universal, and
Krishna comes through you
from the spiritual dimension.”
“Wise one, dear to Krishna,
you are a lover of God.
Please include me in
your embrace of all
creatures.”
“Ready to rest in your shelter
once again
at death and
after
serene, wise one, let
me be with you
as serving.”
“I can’t prevent suffering, but
can point to Krishna in your life.”
“not so hopeless as to drop the enterprise and to head for the pub. No, a brother reminds, there’s hope in a day like today.”
“Someone said (in my mind)
maybe you lost something because
you offended devotees
or the holy name and no one
will tell you because
you won’t let them.
It’s that simple.
What now? Am I
shut out?”
“They’re all dumb
to KC despite
devotees pushing it in airports
and despite the obvious light
of truth.”
“But I’ll know the truth
that I clung to the lotus feet
of my spiritual master
that I merely
held on.”
“O Krishna, every daywe give You our breath.”
“Swami, I am with you still.”
“I am irresponsible
he says
I say it’s okay to sing
for the Lord
in flowing measure
any moment it can stop
heart attack! Krishna Bang
and our orbit changes
although we appear
to have passed in peace.”
“Someone talks about meditation
on modern hurts—wounds to be healed
old and
new
and it occurs to me that I already
have the best healing process
this Krishna consciousness
and I just have to work
at that open window
with Srila Prabhupada behind me
and no ghosts of
tender moments left.”
“My crisis quiet
of doubt and lack of taste
but trying to find truth
in everything.”
“God touches us and wants
us to dance
for Him
in thanks and to serve
His mission
of rescuing the downtrodden.”
“but when your own master speaks
try to represent him right.”
“We want to accept God’s plan somehow
that He has a plan
and we want to sing His holy name
again and again
with grace and surrender
and the freedom to move
with those thirty-two syllables, walking
more than back and
forth in a room.”
“We are a generation of the unripe
growing toward the eternal.”
“O Krishna, I haven’t forgotten
the lessons I learned so well
now I dance and play my flute
under a cold sliver
of Ekadasi moon to a beat
that’s not as tragic
as it could be
but one which has an elegant bounce.”
“don’t think you can’t have fun
in Krishna consciousness—you can,
but to please Krishna
Himself.”
“There’s me by the Chinese shed,
the river rising, I’m
painting on scrolls and paying my dues
in a more
mellow way these days.”
“I want to find out
how to follow my master and my own heart
together.”
“Krishna, You rain and
Reign
and rein me in back
to Your path and up the hill
despite my complaining, ‘I can’t see!
I can’t taste!’”
“I am only a man of regular proportions
trying to come back to Krishna and Radha.”
Krishna Kshetra Swami:
From a class at 26 Second Avenue on October 3, 2026:
Q: What are the greatest obstacles to surrender to Krishna?
Suggestion by someone in audience: Opening your heart?
A: Yes, you could say that. In this age the fearing or defending propensity is prominent and that makes it hard to open the heart.
Rather than considering the impediments, it may be profitable to consider the opportunity. The Hare Krishna movement is giving an opportunity to open the heart. The method is sankirtana. However, coming together is hard for us.
We can become steady by making a vow to do some practice that is actually possible for us to do. Think of what we can do every day, every week, or every month.
One could ask if Krishna left taking dharma, jnana (knowledge), etc., with Him, what is the point for His coming.
The answer is that He appears in the Srimad-Bhagavatam.
That this world is no place for a gentleman indicates those with refined tastes do not consider this world a fit place to live.
Pancharatna Prabhu:
Srila Prabhupada spoke of four movements:
1. harinama sankirtana
2. temple worship
3. social divisions not based on birth
4. classless society
Both in a letter to someone organizing a Gandhi memorial in 1947 and his “Gita Nagari” essay in 1956 Srila Prabhupada spoke about these four movements.
Although there is an equality of opportunity there are differences in terms of responsibilities.
The first of the seven purposes stresses that ISKCON is an educational movement.
There is a version of the League of Devotees Constitution of Association from 1953 that Srila Prabhupada has marked up to produce one for ISKCON.
It is good if we use English descriptions of the Vedic social classes because the idea of social classes based on birth is so attached to their traditional names brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya, and sudra.
What does varnasrama give that another social system doesn’t? It gives one self-satisfaction in one’s work.
Some studies say 80% of workers are not happy in their jobs.
How to balance work and my spiritual life? See how your work contributes to your spiritual life.
Impersonal meditational practices can lead to psychosis.
Varnasrama brings people together because they all have a role to play.
Comments by me:
Now instead of the leaders receiving advice from the brahmanas they are lobbied by the businessman.
Vaninatha Vasu Prabhu is trying to create a school for training ksatriyas and in this way move toward implementing varnasrama.
Visakha Dasi:
From “On Inspiration” in Back to Godhead, Vol. 60, No. 6 (Nov/Dec 2026):
“Inspiration is a blessing, and the word itself reveals that. Originally from Middle English, ‘inspiration’ refers to ‘guidance,’ which is one reason why we often can’t ‘fix’ another person’s lack of inspiration, for it’s a gift. What we can do is share with others the sources of our own inspiration, as well as what we did to become inspired during our ‘barren desert’ times.”
“For me and others, dry, bleak periods are a time to go inside, to pray, and to try to awaken to the grace that’s all around us.”
Ramanatha-sukha Prabhu:
From “Sri Radha-ramana: The Living Heart of Vrindavan” in Back to Godhead, Vol. 60, No. 6 (Nov/Dec 2026):
“No human craftsmanship was involved in producing Radha-ramana’s delicate and graceful form. Rather, the Lord revealed Himself in response to the pure devotional longing of His devotee. This distinction is theologically significant. It demonstrates that the deity is not merely a symbolic representation or an aid to meditation, but a fully conscious and independent personality who chooses to appear for the sake of loving exchange.”
“Radha-ramana is the only original Gosvami-established deity continuously worshiped in Vrindavan. The other deities are original and authentic but worshiped in other locations. Radha-ramana’s presence in Vrindavan serves as a link to the original Gosvami era.”
“Krishna is understood not in isolation, but in relationship with Radharani. His quintessential identity is that of one who perfectly reciprocates Her pure devotion.”
“The service tradition at the Radha-ramana temple is distinctive in its practice of offering Him a fresh outfit every day rather than following a rotating schedule of previously used dresses.”
Satyaraja Prabhu:
From “The Ocean of Mercy Spills Over: How Bhakti Embraces Compassion for Body, Mind, and Soul” in Back to Godhead, Vol. 60, No. 6 (Nov/Dec 2026):
“Spiritual goodness does not compete with material goodness; it surpasses it, belonging to a different order of value altogether – one rooted not in the refinement of the temporary, but in the awakening of the eternal.”
“To separate devotion to God from kindness to others is to misunderstand both.”
Hansarupa Prabhu:
Even after years of a Western education, one still does not have the qualities of a civilized human being.
People realize they are caught in a cycle, and thus they have T-shirts with slogans like “EAT, SLEEP, PARTY, REPEAT.”
Some devotees had no better facility than a garage for Srila Prabhupada to speak, but he was happy to take advantage of any opportunity he was given to share his message. He didn’t think, “It is beneath me to speak in such a place.”
We wake up one moment and understand, “Krishna is the actual realization and everything else is illusion.” But then we have to stay awake.
Since time immemorial, every philosopher has asked, “Who am I?”
The Hare Krishna mantra is our “Get Out of Jail Free” card for the material world.
Even in so-called civilized countries like Canada, people are advertising enthanasia as an alternative for people who are depressed and whose lives are not turning out nicely.
Rama Raya Prabhu:
One military officer saw Srila Prabhupada in his saffron robes when he arrived by the Jaladuta in Boston. He gave him a military salute. Later that man became Cyavana Swami, who along with Brahmananda Swami, was instrumental to the preaching in Africa.
Mithuna Prabhu:
The verse “sri caitanya mano-bhistam” comes from the time that Rupa Goswami wrote a verse that perfectly represented the inner thoughts of Lord Caitanya and thus pleased Him.
Caitanya Carana Prabhu:
From “Q&A” in Back to Godhead, Vol. 60, No. 6 (Nov/Dec 2026):
“The illusion is not about the presence of pleasure in this world; the illusion is about the quantity of pleasure. We think there is a lot of pleasure in the material world. Most of the time, we dream about sense pleasure, but after experiencing the fulfillment of our dream, we find it to be just an anticlimax. In the end, we conclude, ‘I dreamed so much about it but got so little.’”
From “How Gita Wisdom Helped Me Transcend Polio” in Back to Godhead, Vol. 60, No. 6 (Nov/Dec 2026):
“Life is unfair, but in the big picture it is fairly unfair. Sometimes we get worse than we think we deserve, but at other times we receive better than we deserve.”
“Intense pain shot through me, racking my body with unbearable burning sensations. I had never experienced such agony. In desperation, I tried to chant the Hare Krishna mantra, but did not feel any relief. While others crowded around me to help, I shifted to reciting verses from the Bhagavad-gita – and immediately I found relief. I kept reciting as I was taken to a nearby clinic for an X-ray and then rushed to the Bhaktivedanta Hospital, a devotee-run hospital about an hour and a half away. Throughout the journey, I continued reciting the verses – most of the 700 Gita verses I had memorized.”
Adi Govinda Prabhu:
From “Gratitude and Krishna Consciouness” in Back to Godhead, Vol. 60, No. 6 (Nov/Dec 2026):
“Gratitude is considered a universal virtue across all major world religions. The Bible says, ‘Give thanks in all circumstances,’ the Quran promises divine favor to the grateful, and religious Jews begin each day with a gratitude prayer.”
“By regularly offering food to Krishna before eating, chanting His holy names, and hearing His glories in the company of devotees, we revive dormant feelings of devotion. These practices gradually dissolve unwanted entanglements and align our material engagements with service to the Lord.”
“Practical Ways to Cultivate Gratitude:
1. Maintain a gratitude journal. Each day write at least one heartfelt acknowledgment of something you are grateful for having received, whether from Krishna, spiritual teachers, family, or others.
2. Dedicate service. Consciously dedicate some act of service to those who warrant your gratitude.
3. Express directly. From time to time, express sincere gratitude directly to them.
4. Serve quietly. Without seeking attention, go out of your way to favor those you are grateful to.”
“Spiritual teachers affirm that one must be grateful in order to be truly joyful. When practiced regularly, gratitude permeates all spheres of life and becomes infectious.”
Yamuna Jivana Prabhu:
From “Aparajita” in Back to Godhead, Vol. 60, No. 6 (Nov/Dec 2026):
“Yet beneath Bhisma’s fierce declaration lay not hostility but devotion, for his deepest longing was to witness the Lord abandon His own promise for the sake of His devotee.”
“His invincibility lies precisely in this unbreakable promise of protection.”
“Even when He appears to yield, even when He seems to break His own vow, even when He allows Himself to be challenged, He remains eternally victorious, for His true victory lies in protecting devotion and upholding righteousness.”
Gauranga Darsana Prabhu:
From “Six Keys to Sweeter Japa” in Back to Godhead, Vol. 60, No. 6 (Nov/Dec 2026):
“To refine our chanting, Srila Sanatana Gosvami, in his Hari-bhakti-vilasa (17.129), has given a precious verse describing six timeless principles – simple yet transformative – that lead to effective japa:
manah samharanam saucam
maunam mantrartha-cintanam
avyagratvam anirvedo
japa-sampatti-hetavah
“Withdrawal of the mind, cleanliness, silence, meditation on the mantra’s meaning, steadiness without restlessness, and freedom from despair – these are the six causes of success in japa.”
“When plans, worries, or memories arise during japa, we can gently tell the mind, “After my rounds.” This polite postponement respects both the thought and the mantra while teaching the mind that Krishna is first priority.”
“Manah-samharana means to notice distraction and calmly, patiently return to the holy name. Even if this must be done a hundred times in one sitting, it is still success, for each return strengthens concentration.”
“The goal of japa is not merely to finish the count, but to connect with Krishna through each mantra. Therefore, as far as possible, one should chant patiently – giving oneself the time needed to complete each round at a steady, natural pace – rather than rushing restlessly to meet the clock.”
“Our role is to chant sincerely; the rest belongs to Krishna. Taste, tears, and transformation are His gifts, not our achievements. They come in His time, often imperceptibly, like the gentle light of dawn.”
“To cultivate hope, we can reflect on how far we’ve already come – on the gradual transformation in our habits and thoughts, the growing awareness of Krishna in daily life.”
“A sincere sadhaka continues to chant – even without taste – out of duty and desire to deepen one’s devotion. That commitment itself attracts the Lord’s grace, and eventually, He rewards it with genuine taste.”
Sri Gopala Prana Prabhu:
The king gets impious reactions if any of his citizens performs impious activities.
Brahmanas can tolerate insults but not physical pain whereas ksatriyas can tolerate great physical pain.
Some leaders coerce their subordinates to do their services. Others bribe their subordinates with material gain. The best leaders inspire subordinates by their qualities and examples.
Prabhupada quote about leadership. Ask him.
Any donations we get should be given to the temple, and then if we need things, we should go to the temple manager.
Comments by me:
“According to Vedic injunctions, when a brahmana eats it is to be understood that the Personality of Godhead is eating through him. It is not, however, that the brahmana should simply eat on behalf of the Lord and not preach the message of Bhagavad-gita to the world. Actually, one who preaches the message of the Gita is very dear to Krishna, as is confirmed in the Gita itself. Such a preacher is factually a brahmana, and thus by feeding him one feeds the Supreme Lord directly.” (The Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 2)
Brajanatha Prabhu:
From “How and Why Krishna Reciprocates” in Back to Godhead, Vol. 60, No. 6 (Nov/Dec 2026):
“Lord Caitanya glorified the sincere devotion of King Prataparudra and disclosed that He Himself is easy to obtain provided we are devoid of our social and material designations and focus on our inherent nature as a servant of the Lord.”
“In his commentary on this verse [Bhagavatam 10.32.22], Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Ṭhakura characterizes the Lord’s response to the gopis in this way: ‘Even though I have promised to reciprocate equally with those who surrender unto Me – ye yatha mam prapadyante, Gita 4.11 – I failed to carry out that promise in regard to you. I did not respond as you did by giving up My father, mother, brother, and friends. It is impossible for Me to repay you for what you have done. Therefore, let your own pure character be the reward.’”
“Sudama and his wife were so poor that they had to borrow chipped rice from neighbors just so Sudama would have something to offer Krishna. Because Sudama gave more than he had, the Lord was unable to reciprocate in kind. Krishna gave Sudama immense wealth, but Sudama discovered this only upon returning home. Krishna considered His gift of wealth to Sudama inadequate reciprocation, and therefore did not give it openly during Sudama’s visit.”
“Lord Vamanadeva, Krishna’s incarnation as a dwarf brahmana, spanned the entire universe with just two steps. Thus we cannot fathom the magnitude of Krishna’s ten steps towards us.”
“Krishna’s reciprocation may not always be immediate, but it is certain.”
-----
How powerful pure devotional service is! According to Srimad-Bhagavatam, even the most degraded persons who take pleasure in giving trouble to others, can be immediately purified if they simply hear about pure devotional service. This verse is a favorite of Niranjana Swami:
sruto ’nupathito dhyata
adrito vanumoditah sadyah punati sad-dharmo deva-visva-druho ’pi hi
“Pure devotional service rendered to the Supreme Lord is spiritually so potent that simply by hearing about such transcendental service, by chanting its glories in response, by meditating on it, by respectfully and faithfully accepting it, or by praising the devotional service of others, even persons who hate the demigods and all other living beings can be immediately purified.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 11.2.12)
One of the basic principles of Krsna consciousness is that one may utilize
whatever talent he has in the service of the Supreme Lord. And it is a symptom
of a bona fide spiritual master that he is expert in engaging everyone in
practical transcendental devotional service. His Divine Grace A.C.
Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has thus engaged a number of very talented
artists in the service of the Lord by asking them to use their natural
artistic inclination in painting pictures of the Supreme Godhead. According to
all the revealed Vedic scriptures, God is not formless or void, but on the
contrary He has the most attractive personal form. In fact He has many
transcendental forms. Krsna appears and expands Himself in multi expansions
and incarnations, and these are described in Vedic literatures such as
Bhagavad-gita
and
Srimad-Bhagavatam
.
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has written many books
and continues to translate authoritative books about Krsna for the benefit of
all mankind, and he has requested that this transcendental literature be
profusely decorated with illustrations. His Divine Grace has also founded many
temples of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, and these are
transcendental centers where men and women may come and engage in spiritual
life by seeing the form of the Lord. Therefore paintings are needed in all the
temples, as well as for illustrations in books. For these two reasons an art
department has been set up in ISKCON for production of
Krsna-katha
art (art based on the pastimes of Krsna).
If a painting is done according to authoritative descriptions, it has the same
potency as the Deity. According to the
Srimad-Bhagavatam
such paintings, when painted under authorized direction, in devotional
service, are also considered incarnations of the Lord. In other words, Krsna
is personally present in a picture of Krsna.
His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada first came to this country in 1965, and he
began at once to engage young artists in painting pictures to be hung in Krsna
conscious temples. Many of the artists began painting only in Krsna
consciousness, with no previous formal training. Srila Prabhupada wrote a
letter in April, 1968, to one such artist, Jadurani Devi, who was feeling
misgivings because she was not a highly developed artist. Srila Prabhupada
wrote as follows: “I know that pictures in this country are sold not on the
merit of the pictures but on the reputation of the artists. That system is
also current in India. But to come to the point of being a reputed artist will
require a long duration of time, and our time is very short. We have to finish
our Krsna consciousness during our lifetime, and we should not waste a single
moment for anything else. According to
Caitanya-caritamrta
a man is famous who is known as a great devotee of Krsna.
“Continue trying your best to make your pictures as nice looking as possible,
but not to satisfy the senses of the rascal public. Yesterday I was in a
Unitarian Church, and I saw there two pictures of logs and bamboos, and then
it was explained to me by our artist Govinda dasi that these are modern art
abstract paintings. Anyway I couldn’t see in them anything but a combination
of logs and bamboos. There was nothing to impel my Krsna consciousness. If you
want to be a great artist in that way, I will pray to Krsna to save you. If
the public doesn’t buy, we don’t mind. Why are you anxious to sell? We shall
distribute them to devotees without any price.
“In the beginning I was seriously corresponding with some Indian friends to
get some good
mrdanga
players for our
sankirtana
street chanting, but when I found it too difficult to get a man from India,
some of my students were given the rudimentary lessons in playing, and simply
by practice they are now pulling on with
sankirtana
parties everywhere. My Guru Maharaja used to say that in a foreign land where
one cannot speak the language with the natives very nicely, what does he do to
get help when there is a fire in his house? In such an emergency one must
express himself somehow or other to his foreign friends and get their help to
extinguish the fire. But if he wants to learn the language first and then talk
with the foreign friends to get help, then everything in the meantime will be
finished. Similarly, if we have to learn and then paint, it will be a
long-term affair. But we want so many pictures immediately for all of our
books. So all the artists may always engage in painting works, and that
painting itself will gradually teach them how to make things nice. Regarding
organization of the artists, there is no need to waste time learning art from
studying texts. We should always remember that our time is very short. I think
that our artists should be satisfied with whatever they have learned
already—that is sufficient. They should simply engage in painting pictures
always, and that will sufficiently teach them the art.
“In this connection I may remark that you have sent one picture of Narada Muni
which I understand was copied from a so-called great artist, but Narada Muni’s
body appears to be very sensuous. But he was a first-class
brahmacari.
He cannot have such a sensuous body. So you will do well not to work from the
so-called well-known artists, but you should follow exactly the descriptions
in the scriptures. The picture of Narada Muni which you painted in my presence
was very nice and good-looking, but this picture here doesn’t appeal to me.
Better not to worry about this sort of technique and style now.”
Srila Prabhupada has guided his artists
to the transcendental level in art. It is only by the blessings of the
spiritual master that one achieves any success in spiritual life. It is said
in
Bhagavad-gita
that the perfection of any prescribed duty is to please Krsna, and one can
please Krsna by pleasing the spiritual master or the pure devotee of Krsna.
Therefore the artists who are pleasing the spiritual master are using their
talent for liberation. Moreover, the paintings shown on these pages, which can
be seen in the various publications of ISKCON Press and in the temples of
ISKCON, not only liberate the artists, but they also attract other people to
the transcendental form of Krsna. Up to date the most notable effort of the
art department has been the production of the fifty-five illustrations of
Srila Prabhupada’s book,
Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead
. Srila Prabhupada wrote that people are attracted to the book simply on the
basis of the pictures, which very nicely explain the scriptural narrations.
Krsna consciousness is a personal philosophy, and the spiritual master is
always personally thinking of his artists. Someone recently complimented Srila
Prabhupada on the fine artwork in his book
Krsna
, and he said, “But the persons who painted these are even more beautiful
shall the pictures.” In another letter to one of his art students, Srila
Prabhupada wrote, “You may inform the artists that I am always satisfied by
their work. I am satisfied only to see that everyone is always engaged in his
respective duties. The teacher wants to see that the students are engaged in
their handwriting work. As to who is writing with a nice hand, that is the
secondary question. The teacher’s first duty is to see that everyone is
engaged in handwriting. So if all the artists are always engaged in painting,
that will satisfy me, and that will gradually make them experienced in making
good paintings.”
While Krsna was being painted, Srila Prabhupada was sent samples of paintings,
and he commented in a letter to one of his artists: “The art department is
doing very nicely, and surely the production will improve even more by the
grace of Krsna. You are all being inspired by Krsna how to portray the Lord
and His associates for the devotees’ eyes, so everyone who sees these
transcendental pictures will turn to become a devotee, and that is our aim.”
Srila Prabhupada has seen from the beginning that Krsna conscious art is a
strong and convincing means to engage people in Krsna consciousness. He has
described the paintings as shutters which open the spiritual world for view,
and he has requested the artists to flood the world with their paintings.
The authenticity of the paintings depends on the devotees’ scrupulously
following the scriptures. Descriptions of the Supreme Lord are given
throughout the Vedic literature, where His beautiful form is described in
detail. For instance, in a purport of the
Bhagavad-gita As It Is
His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, offering information from the
Brahma-samhita,
says, “The ideal
yogi
concentrates his attention on Krsna, who is called Syamasundara. He is as
beautifully colored as a cloud, and His lotus face is as effulgent as the sun.
His dress is brilliant, He is decorated with earrings, and His body is
flower-garlanded. Illuminating all sides is His gorgeous luster, which is
called the
brahmajyoti.
He incarnates in different forms like Rama, Nrsimha, Varaha and Krsna, the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, and He descends like a human being as the son
of mother Yasoda. He is known as Krsna, Govinda and Vasudeva. He is the
perfect child, husband, friend and master, and He is full with all opulences
and transcendental qualities. If one remains fully conscious of these features
of the Lord, he is called the highest
yogi
.”
Srila Prabhupada has encouraged the artists to work nicely together. He has
said that by painting together and discussing the subject matter of their work
they will remain in
samadhi,
or absorption in constant thought of the Personality of Godhead. One cannot
imagine how fortunate one must be to meet a bona fide spiritual master, for it
is only with the guidance of such a spiritual master that one can perfect
one’s life. The Krsna conscious art students always scrupulously follow the
descriptions in the scriptures. Also, the spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada,
has often given them additional descriptions. A team of four artists—Devahuti
Devi, Jadurani Devi, Muralidhara Das, and Bharadraja Das—painted the
illustrations for Krsna, and they received many specific instructions. For
example in the second volume of Krsna there is a description in the text of
prayers offered unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead by the personified
Vedas,
but there is not much reference to their appearance. So the artists asked
Srila Prabhupada, and in a letter of May, 1970, he replied: “The personified
Vedas
are just like great sages in appearance. Some of them may look like Vvasadeva,
Valmiki, Narada, etc. Some of them are older, some of them are younger, some
of them have full hair like Vyasa because they are householders, and others
are
brahmacaris,
with shaved heads, but they are all great souls,
paramahamsas,
highly elevated in the transcendental science. As you suggest, these pictures
will be needed for illustrating a long portion of text describing the prayers
It is a very important chapter, and it should be appropriately illustrated.
You are very able to choose suitable subject matter for the pictures, so
please execute them carefully for Krsna’s satisfaction. If you need any other
information, please write your inquiry to me, and I shall be glad to give you
the proper direction.” On occasion the spiritual master has corrected the
artists, as in a letter of 20 August 1970 regarding a picture showing the
great sage Sukadeva reciting
Srimad-Bhagavatam
to the renowned King Maharaja Pariksit: “This picture is not to the point.
Sukadeva Gosvami should be offered a nice raised throne, and King Pariksit
should be sitting along with the sages on the floor on the bank of the Ganges.
King Pariksit has no beard. His face should be very nice looking. He is a
young king, between thirty and forty years of age.” Srila Prabhupada, however,
has also told the artists to work on their own: “The best thing will be that
you paint pictures to your best discretion. The controversial points you can
send to me, and I will send instructions. All of you are expert painters, so
your mutual decision for painting a picture is more valuable than my
suggestion. The descriptions are already given in the books, so it should not
be difficult to take out the points and prepare a sketch.” Such instructions
from the spiritual master, although seemingly dealing with artistic
techniques, reveal something of the extent of his philosophical realization.
One can acquire transcendental knowledge after thousands of years of yogic
meditation, or one can receive it in a minute by submissively accepting the
word of the self-realized spiritual master. For example a letter of June 22,
1970, describes how to paint Lord Visnu, the form of the Absolute Truth who is
seen by a
yogi
at the very culmination of his meditation. “Regarding the cover for
The Lord in the Heart,
Lord Visnu should be distinguished by Srivatsa on His chest. The Kaustubha
jewel should be painted to look like a very precious jewel. Lord Visnu should
be surrounded by an effulgence emanating from His person. The first
concentration should be on the lotus feet of the Lord. They should be very
distinct and very nicely decorated with jewels, sandalwood and
tulasi
.”
Transcendental art as shown on these pages easily attracts one to the form of
the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and this is the perfection of human life.
This is confirmed in
Bhagavad-gita,
Chapter Twelve, verses 1-2: “Arjuna inquired: ‘Of those who are properly
engaged in Your devotional service, and those who are engaged by the
impersonal Brahman, the unmanifested—which is considered to be the more
perfect?’ The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: ‘He whose mind is fixed on
My personal form, always engaged in worshiping Me with great and
transcendental faith, is considered by Me to be most perfect.’ ” Out of His
infinite mercy, the Supreme Lord descends to this material world for the
pleasure of His devotees and to rescue all living entities who are dragging on
in this temporary world of miseries.
There is no one as successful as a disciple who uses his talent to serve Krsna
under the expert guidance of his bona fide spiritual master. A sincere seeker
of God consciousness will never minimize the importance of the spiritual
master. But someone may ask, “If God is everywhere, then what is the need of
the spiritual master?” The answer is contained in a comparison of the
spiritual master to an electrician. Electricity is everywhere, but it is
necessary for an electrician to come and make a connection before one can tap
the electric flow for one’s telephone or radio. In the same way, God is
present in His multi energies, but the pure devotee of God knows just how to
use these energies of the Lord in His service. Particularly, the pure devotee
spiritual master can show transcendental artists how to paint the personal
form of the Personality of Godhead. Because he is completely conversant with
the scriptures and is realized in love of Krsna, the spiritual master knows
all the intricacies of the appearance of Krsna. He can authorize an artist’s
work so that it becomes transcendentally worshipable as an
arca
incarnation, or incarnation of the Lord in material elements, such as in the
form of statuary or oil on canvas. As for the artists who accept such eternal
employment, their world becomes transformed from aimless vanity or from a
simple labor of love into the perfection of human existence—glorification of
God through one’s occupation. Therefore we offer our respectful obeisances
unto the spiritual master who is coming in disciplic succession from Lord
Caitanya.
Divine LIVE Mangal Āratī Darshan from Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir, ISKCON Vrindavan 
Facebook: / iskconvrindavann
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada has written many books
and continues to translate authoritative books about Krsna for the benefit of
all mankind, and he has requested that this transcendental literature be
profusely decorated with illustrations. His Divine Grace has also founded many
temples of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, and these are
transcendental centers where men and women may come and engage in spiritual
life by seeing the form of the Lord. Therefore paintings are needed in all the
temples, as well as for illustrations in books. For these two reasons an art
department has been set up in ISKCON for production of
Krsna-katha
art (art based on the pastimes of Krsna).
His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada first came to this country in 1965, and he
began at once to engage young artists in painting pictures to be hung in Krsna
conscious temples. Many of the artists began painting only in Krsna
consciousness, with no previous formal training. Srila Prabhupada wrote a
letter in April, 1968, to one such artist, Jadurani Devi, who was feeling
misgivings because she was not a highly developed artist. Srila Prabhupada
wrote as follows: “I know that pictures in this country are sold not on the
merit of the pictures but on the reputation of the artists. That system is
also current in India. But to come to the point of being a reputed artist will
require a long duration of time, and our time is very short. We have to finish
our Krsna consciousness during our lifetime, and we should not waste a single
moment for anything else. According to
Caitanya-caritamrta
a man is famous who is known as a great devotee of Krsna.
“Continue trying your best to make your pictures as nice looking as possible,
but not to satisfy the senses of the rascal public. Yesterday I was in a
Unitarian Church, and I saw there two pictures of logs and bamboos, and then
it was explained to me by our artist Govinda dasi that these are modern art
abstract paintings. Anyway I couldn’t see in them anything but a combination
of logs and bamboos. There was nothing to impel my Krsna consciousness. If you
want to be a great artist in that way, I will pray to Krsna to save you. If
the public doesn’t buy, we don’t mind. Why are you anxious to sell? We shall
distribute them to devotees without any price.
“In the beginning I was seriously corresponding with some Indian friends to
get some good
mrdanga
players for our
sankirtana
street chanting, but when I found it too difficult to get a man from India,
some of my students were given the rudimentary lessons in playing, and simply
by practice they are now pulling on with
sankirtana
parties everywhere. My Guru Maharaja used to say that in a foreign land where
one cannot speak the language with the natives very nicely, what does he do to
get help when there is a fire in his house? In such an emergency one must
express himself somehow or other to his foreign friends and get their help to
extinguish the fire. But if he wants to learn the language first and then talk
with the foreign friends to get help, then everything in the meantime will be
finished. Similarly, if we have to learn and then paint, it will be a
long-term affair. But we want so many pictures immediately for all of our
books. So all the artists may always engage in painting works, and that
painting itself will gradually teach them how to make things nice. Regarding
organization of the artists, there is no need to waste time learning art from
studying texts. We should always remember that our time is very short. I think
that our artists should be satisfied with whatever they have learned
already—that is sufficient. They should simply engage in painting pictures
always, and that will sufficiently teach them the art.
“In this connection I may remark that you have sent one picture of Narada Muni
which I understand was copied from a so-called great artist, but Narada Muni’s
body appears to be very sensuous. But he was a first-class
brahmacari.
He cannot have such a sensuous body. So you will do well not to work from the
so-called well-known artists, but you should follow exactly the descriptions
in the scriptures. The picture of Narada Muni which you painted in my presence
was very nice and good-looking, but this picture here doesn’t appeal to me.
Better not to worry about this sort of technique and style now.”
Srila Prabhupada has guided his artists
to the transcendental level in art. It is only by the blessings of the
spiritual master that one achieves any success in spiritual life. It is said
in
Bhagavad-gita
that the perfection of any prescribed duty is to please Krsna, and one can
please Krsna by pleasing the spiritual master or the pure devotee of Krsna.
Therefore the artists who are pleasing the spiritual master are using their
talent for liberation. Moreover, the paintings shown on these pages, which can
be seen in the various publications of ISKCON Press and in the temples of
ISKCON, not only liberate the artists, but they also attract other people to
the transcendental form of Krsna. Up to date the most notable effort of the
art department has been the production of the fifty-five illustrations of
Srila Prabhupada’s book,
Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead
. Srila Prabhupada wrote that people are attracted to the book simply on the
basis of the pictures, which very nicely explain the scriptural narrations.
Krsna consciousness is a personal philosophy, and the spiritual master is
always personally thinking of his artists. Someone recently complimented Srila
Prabhupada on the fine artwork in his book
Krsna
, and he said, “But the persons who painted these are even more beautiful
shall the pictures.” In another letter to one of his art students, Srila
Prabhupada wrote, “You may inform the artists that I am always satisfied by
their work. I am satisfied only to see that everyone is always engaged in his
respective duties. The teacher wants to see that the students are engaged in
their handwriting work. As to who is writing with a nice hand, that is the
secondary question. The teacher’s first duty is to see that everyone is
engaged in handwriting. So if all the artists are always engaged in painting,
that will satisfy me, and that will gradually make them experienced in making
good paintings.”
While Krsna was being painted, Srila Prabhupada was sent samples of paintings,
and he commented in a letter to one of his artists: “The art department is
doing very nicely, and surely the production will improve even more by the
grace of Krsna. You are all being inspired by Krsna how to portray the Lord
and His associates for the devotees’ eyes, so everyone who sees these
transcendental pictures will turn to become a devotee, and that is our aim.”
Srila Prabhupada has seen from the beginning that Krsna conscious art is a
strong and convincing means to engage people in Krsna consciousness. He has
described the paintings as shutters which open the spiritual world for view,
and he has requested the artists to flood the world with their paintings.
The authenticity of the paintings depends on the devotees’ scrupulously
following the scriptures. Descriptions of the Supreme Lord are given
throughout the Vedic literature, where His beautiful form is described in
detail. For instance, in a purport of the
Bhagavad-gita As It Is
His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, offering information from the
Brahma-samhita,
says, “The ideal
yogi
concentrates his attention on Krsna, who is called Syamasundara. He is as
beautifully colored as a cloud, and His lotus face is as effulgent as the sun.
His dress is brilliant, He is decorated with earrings, and His body is
flower-garlanded. Illuminating all sides is His gorgeous luster, which is
called the
brahmajyoti.
He incarnates in different forms like Rama, Nrsimha, Varaha and Krsna, the
Supreme Personality of Godhead, and He descends like a human being as the son
of mother Yasoda. He is known as Krsna, Govinda and Vasudeva. He is the
perfect child, husband, friend and master, and He is full with all opulences
and transcendental qualities. If one remains fully conscious of these features
of the Lord, he is called the highest
yogi
.”
Srila Prabhupada has encouraged the artists to work nicely together. He has
said that by painting together and discussing the subject matter of their work
they will remain in
samadhi,
or absorption in constant thought of the Personality of Godhead. One cannot
imagine how fortunate one must be to meet a bona fide spiritual master, for it
is only with the guidance of such a spiritual master that one can perfect
one’s life. The Krsna conscious art students always scrupulously follow the
descriptions in the scriptures. Also, the spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada,
has often given them additional descriptions. A team of four artists—Devahuti
Devi, Jadurani Devi, Muralidhara Das, and Bharadraja Das—painted the
illustrations for Krsna, and they received many specific instructions. For
example in the second volume of Krsna there is a description in the text of
prayers offered unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead by the personified
Vedas,
but there is not much reference to their appearance. So the artists asked
Srila Prabhupada, and in a letter of May, 1970, he replied: “The personified
Vedas
are just like great sages in appearance. Some of them may look like Vvasadeva,
Valmiki, Narada, etc. Some of them are older, some of them are younger, some
of them have full hair like Vyasa because they are householders, and others
are
brahmacaris,
with shaved heads, but they are all great souls,
paramahamsas,
highly elevated in the transcendental science. As you suggest, these pictures
will be needed for illustrating a long portion of text describing the prayers
It is a very important chapter, and it should be appropriately illustrated.
You are very able to choose suitable subject matter for the pictures, so
please execute them carefully for Krsna’s satisfaction. If you need any other
information, please write your inquiry to me, and I shall be glad to give you
the proper direction.” On occasion the spiritual master has corrected the
artists, as in a letter of 20 August 1970 regarding a picture showing the
great sage Sukadeva reciting
Srimad-Bhagavatam
to the renowned King Maharaja Pariksit: “This picture is not to the point.
Sukadeva Gosvami should be offered a nice raised throne, and King Pariksit
should be sitting along with the sages on the floor on the bank of the Ganges.
King Pariksit has no beard. His face should be very nice looking. He is a
young king, between thirty and forty years of age.” Srila Prabhupada, however,
has also told the artists to work on their own: “The best thing will be that
you paint pictures to your best discretion. The controversial points you can
send to me, and I will send instructions. All of you are expert painters, so
your mutual decision for painting a picture is more valuable than my
suggestion. The descriptions are already given in the books, so it should not
be difficult to take out the points and prepare a sketch.” Such instructions
from the spiritual master, although seemingly dealing with artistic
techniques, reveal something of the extent of his philosophical realization.
One can acquire transcendental knowledge after thousands of years of yogic
meditation, or one can receive it in a minute by submissively accepting the
word of the self-realized spiritual master. For example a letter of June 22,
1970, describes how to paint Lord Visnu, the form of the Absolute Truth who is
seen by a
yogi
at the very culmination of his meditation. “Regarding the cover for
The Lord in the Heart,
Lord Visnu should be distinguished by Srivatsa on His chest. The Kaustubha
jewel should be painted to look like a very precious jewel. Lord Visnu should
be surrounded by an effulgence emanating from His person. The first
concentration should be on the lotus feet of the Lord. They should be very
distinct and very nicely decorated with jewels, sandalwood and
tulasi
.”
Transcendental art as shown on these pages easily attracts one to the form of
the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and this is the perfection of human life.
This is confirmed in
Bhagavad-gita,
Chapter Twelve, verses 1-2: “Arjuna inquired: ‘Of those who are properly
engaged in Your devotional service, and those who are engaged by the
impersonal Brahman, the unmanifested—which is considered to be the more
perfect?’ The Supreme Personality of Godhead said: ‘He whose mind is fixed on
My personal form, always engaged in worshiping Me with great and
transcendental faith, is considered by Me to be most perfect.’ ” Out of His
infinite mercy, the Supreme Lord descends to this material world for the
pleasure of His devotees and to rescue all living entities who are dragging on
in this temporary world of miseries.
There is no one as successful as a disciple who uses his talent to serve Krsna
under the expert guidance of his bona fide spiritual master. A sincere seeker
of God consciousness will never minimize the importance of the spiritual
master. But someone may ask, “If God is everywhere, then what is the need of
the spiritual master?” The answer is contained in a comparison of the
spiritual master to an electrician. Electricity is everywhere, but it is
necessary for an electrician to come and make a connection before one can tap
the electric flow for one’s telephone or radio. In the same way, God is
present in His multi energies, but the pure devotee of God knows just how to
use these energies of the Lord in His service. Particularly, the pure devotee
spiritual master can show transcendental artists how to paint the personal
form of the Personality of Godhead. Because he is completely conversant with
the scriptures and is realized in love of Krsna, the spiritual master knows
all the intricacies of the appearance of Krsna. He can authorize an artist’s
work so that it becomes transcendentally worshipable as an
arca
incarnation, or incarnation of the Lord in material elements, such as in the
form of statuary or oil on canvas. As for the artists who accept such eternal
employment, their world becomes transformed from aimless vanity or from a
simple labor of love into the perfection of human existence—glorification of
God through one’s occupation. Therefore we offer our respectful obeisances
unto the spiritual master who is coming in disciplic succession from Lord
Caitanya.
