Websites from the ISKCON Universe
Harinama during a festival in Czech Republic (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: In the Age of Kali, there is no religious principle except chanting Krishna’s name. It has been ascertained from all the scriptures that Krishna’s holy name is the essence of all mantras. (Renunciation Through Wisdom, 5.1 Purport)
See them here: https://goo.gl/sRxCrn
Presenting Krishna consciousness in a cultural way in Niechorze, Poland (Album with 100 photos)
Indradyumna Swami: The lighthouse in Niechorze, Poland on the Baltic Sea guided sailors safely to shore for centuries. Now Lord Caitanya’s samkirtan movement, in the form of our transcendental festival, is helping people to cross over the vast ocean of material existence. The two days we spent with our program next to the lighthouse attracted thousands and thousands of people. May they continue their spiritual journey back to Godhead and arrive safely one day in Sri Vrindavan Dhama.
See them here: https://goo.gl/9jQrwD
Hare Krishna! Photos for ISKCON 50th Anniversary Magazine
The magazine is mainly pictorial, and we really need good quality high res photos, urgently now, to be able to complete the layout. * do you have high resolution quality photos of Temples, deiti… Read more ›
Hare Krishna! San Francisco Airport Arrival Lila, 1974
Devotees of all sizes, shapes and colors from all corners of the universe (and perhaps from even beyond) merged together in the bliss of Prabhupada’s famous “airport arrival lila,” completely oblivious to the unbelieving stares and wide-eyed wonders of the unsuspecting passengers. Flowing robes and dangling beads decorated the long corridors like the colored flags and festoons waiting to greet Lord Krishna upon His triumphant arrival in Dvaraka. Sannyasis, grhasthas, brahmacaris, mothers and babies all united together in their love for Srila Prabhupada. It was like a big happy family reunion with everyone present, save and except the kind and well-wishing father whose eagerly anticipated arrival would make everything complete and fully satisfying to everyone.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18335
Tirupati Balaji dressed in diamonds, gold etc done once a year. Read more ›
Srimad Bhagavatam 3-26-32 – The entire material manifestation began from sound, and sound can also end material entanglement .
TRANSLATION
When egoism in ignorance is agitated by the sex energy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the subtle element sound is manifested, and from sound come the ethereal sky and the sense of hearing.
PURPORT
It appears from this verse that all the objects of our sense gratification are the products of egoism in ignorance. It is understood from this verse that by agitation of the element of egoism in ignorance, the first thing produced was sound, which is the subtle form of ether. It is stated also in the Vedānta-sūtra that sound is the origin of all objects of material possession and that by sound one can also dissolve this material existence. Anāvṛttiḥ śabdāt means “liberation by sound.” The entire material manifestation began from sound, and sound can also end material entanglement, if it has a particular potency. The particular sound capable of doing this is the transcendental vibration Hare Kṛṣṇa. Our entanglement in material affairs has begun from material sound. Now we must purify that sound in spiritual understanding. There is sound in the spiritual world also. If we approach that sound, then our spiritual life begins, and the other requirements for spiritual advancement can be supplied. We have to understand very clearly that sound is the beginning of the creation of all material objects for our sense gratification. Similarly, if sound is purified, our spiritual necessities also are produced from sound.
Here it is said that from sound the ether became manifested and that the air became manifested from ether. How the ethereal sky comes from sound, how the air comes from sky and how fire comes from air will be explained later on. Sound is the cause of the sky, and sky is the cause of śrotram, the ear. The ear is the first sense for receiving knowledge. One must give aural reception to any knowledge one wants to receive, either material or spiritual. Therefore śrotram is very important. The Vedic knowledge is called śruti; knowledge has to be received by hearing. By hearing only can we have access to either material or spiritual enjoyment.
In the material world, we manufacture many things for our material comfort simply by hearing. They are already there, but just by hearing, one can transform them. If we want to build a very high skyscraper, this does not mean that we have to create it. The materials for the skyscraper—wood, metal, earth, etc.—are already there, but we make our intimate relationship with those already created material elements by hearing how to utilize them. Modern economic advancement for creation is also a product of hearing,and similarly one can create a favorable field of spiritual activities by hearing from the right source. Arjuna was a gross materialist in the bodily conception of life and was suffering from the bodily concept very acutely. But simply by hearing, Arjuna became a spiritualized, Kṛṣṇa conscious person. Hearing is very important, and that hearing is produced from the sky. By hearing only can we make proper use of that which already exists. The principle of hearing to properly utilize preconceived materials is applicable to spiritual paraphernalia as well. We must hear from the proper spiritual source.
Modi govt says to push for cow slaughter ban in India
India will use all its “might” to ban cow slaughter across the country, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said in a speech to spiritual leaders, as the government moves to fulfil a poll promise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A renewed thrust by Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to protect cows, worshipped by majority Hindus, has led to a clamp down on beef trade run mostly by Muslims. India is the world’s second largest beef exporter and fifth biggest consumer.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/GgGSdU
Hare Krishna! Bhaktivedanta Players 30th Anniversary (1985- 2015)
This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the Bhaktivedanta Manor’s main drama group. It has been led chiefly by Jaya Krishna Das and Dwarka Puri das but over the years a great many other devotees of all ages and backgrounds have participated and given much of their time. Disciples of Srila Prabhupada pioneered the first dramas at Bhaktivedanta Manor during the early 1970’s. By 1985 the baton had gradually passed onto the next generation and The Bhaktivedanta Players in its present structure was born. Since then the Players have entertained and educated audiences consistently during all of the Manor’s major functions. Not only at festivals, but also on Sundays, community functions, Hare Krishna Festivals UK, universities and outreach events. Between 1995 and 2004 the Players performed The Ramayan at more than an hundred schools across the UK, in conjunction with ISKCON Educational Services.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18328
Hare Krishna! First Jagannatha Ratha Yatra in Malang, Indonesia
How would you describe the moment where devotees from all the different locations in a country come in a spirit so enthusiastic just to celebrate Ratha Yatra of Lord Jagannatha, a moment w… Read more ›
Transcendental Vrindavana (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The letters of the holy name have so much spiritual potency that they act even when uttered improperly. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, 3.59)
See them here: https://goo.gl/ZKPqeq Read more ›
11 more Temporary Shelters Built by Food For Life Nepal (Album with photos)
After Constructing 5 temporary shelters in Bhaktapur, Food for Life Nepal then constructed 11 more temporary shelters to the earthquake victims in Bhaktapur, Nepal by the Support of LUMANTI- Support for Shelter.
List of People for whom the shelters are being made:
1. Sabitri Rajbhandari (Byasi)
2. Chandra Shova Shilpakar (Tekhapukhu)
3. Krishna Pyari Suwal (Bekhal)
4. Durga Prajapati (Suryamadhi)
5. Ritu Jyakho (Suryamadhi)
6. Narayan Devi Prajapati (Suryamadhi)
7. Krishna Laxmi Awal (Pandu Bazar)
8. Sandhya Basukala (Byasi)
9. Shova Hyanmikha (Mahalaxmi Bholachenn)
10. Raju Prajapati (Talako)
11. Anu Duwal (Itachenn)
FFL Nepal is extremely grateful to LUMANTI- Support for Shelter and to all our donors, large and small. Every contribution helps us continue our vital program.
Hence, we look forward for your support & generosity to help us build shelter for them. Donors can get assurance by looking our work by following us on below links:
See them here: https://goo.gl/MCFBkV
Preaching program with Radhanath Swami at the Yogalution ashram (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Even a faint light from the holy name of the Lord can eradicate all the reactions of sinful life. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, 3.63)
See them… Read more ›
Hare Krishna! Becoming Free from the Three Modes of Nature
Niranjana Swami: Anisthita-bhakti is symptomized by six characteristics which are all explained by Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura. The first is utsaha-mayi, false enthusiasm. A person with this symptom thinks that because he has developed an ability to do something in bhakti, he is therefore qualified. He is enthusiastic, because people recognize his expertise. “I can play karatalas, really expertly!” Somebody sees, “Oh, you play very good karatalas.” “Yes, I am a very advanced devotee.” And as soon as somebody does not recognize his expert karatala playing, immediately he loses his enthusiasm. So this is called utsaha-mayi, false enthusiasm.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18322
We must care for one another
Kadamba Kanana Swami: The material world is the world where you have a facade. The material world is the place where you have a hidden agenda. The material world is the place where you want something from someone without re… Read more ›
Harinama in a hot Tel Aviv (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Regardless of time or place, one who chants the holy name, even while eating or sleeping, attains all perfection. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, 20.18)
See them here: https://goo.g… Read more ›
Radhakunda Seva: June 2015 Photos and Updates (Album with photos)
The most auspicious month of Purusottama arrived in the Dhama on June 16th. And the inflow of pilgrims in spite of the oppressive heat has been relentless. In fact, we are seeing record-… Read more ›
Hare Krishna! Camp organized by Mayapur Local Preaching
For the pleasure of their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Pancatattva, Nrisimha Dev and His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, Mayapur Local Preaching (MLP) held a ‘Summer camp’ on 13-14th June. More than 200 Bhakti Vriksha devotees participated in this program. On 13th morning, devotees arrived from different places like Krishnanagar, Dhubulia, Bhaluka, Srirampur etc. at ‘Gita Bhavan’. They stayed for 13th & 14th and on 15th morning they returned home after having breakfast Prasadam.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18319
Hare Krishna! Srila Prabhupada’s Success Story – ISKCON Malaysia Celebrates 50th Anniversary of HDG’s Arrival in America
When Srila Prabhupada arrived at the Commenwealth Pier in Boston fifty years ago in 1965, he did not know if he should turn left or right. With only forty Rupees and a trunk containing Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagvatam,Srila Prabhupada carried the instructions of his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur close to his heart. In a poem that he penned upon his arrival in America he said,”O Lord, I am just like a puppet in Your hands. So if You have brought me here to dance, then make me dance, make me dance, O Lord, make me dance as You like.” That, ladies and gentlemen,was only the beginning…
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18316
MEET THE PUJARI – Bhusaya dasa
Bhusaya dasa was 19 years of age when he joined ISKCON in 1982 at Colo River. He has served as a pujari for more than three decades. Beginning in Sydney’s Darlinghurst temple, he was occupied seven days a week performing arati, dressing small Gaura Nitai and cooking offerings. Bhusaya remembers being so busy that he would sometimes be chanting his rounds at 11.00 pm.
Read the entire article here: https://goo.gl/OAZWHV
Harinama in Moscow, Russia (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: This Krishna consciousness movement insists that everyone take to this path by adopting the chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. The preachers of Krishna consciousness go from door t… Read more ›
Harinama at the Phoenix Community Center and other parts of the UK. (Album with 232 photos)
One devotee lady delighted in swinging onlookers around. She was so bold, she even swung one police lady 🙂
See them here: https://goo.gl/girrIA Read more ›
Hare Krishna! How do we balance the spiritual and material aspects of education in the gurukula?
In a lecture by His Grace Nityananda Prabhu, the following question was posed: “How do we balance the spiritual and material aspects of education in the gurukula?” His response was insightful and thought-provoking. It is not a question of balance, he replied, but a question of integration. Krsna consciousness can be integrated into any subject being learned, because Krsna is everywhere. In other words, the two aspects of education are not mutually exclusive.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18310
Diary of an international Hare Krishna chanter.
Krishna-kripa prabhu has decided to introduce every citizen of this planet to the chanting of Hare Krishna mantra and Srila Prabhupada’s books.
Recently has been travelling in different cities of England where he has worked wonders!
Read about his adventures with photos and videos here: http://goo.gl/K5JHVh
Radhanath Swami at the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai (Album with photos)
Radhanath Swami speaks to leading industrialists on Simple Living
See them here: https://goo.gl/6DHgi3 Read more ›
Hare Krishna! An Eternal Relationship: Prabhupada’s Fourth Visit to New Vrindaban
June 21st, 1976 was a normal day at the Pittsburgh International airport until a group of Krishna devotees from New Vrindaban, dressed in an odd combination of dhotis or saris with large rubber farm boots, appeared. Commuters stared open-mouthed as the fifty-strong crew exploded into a cacophonous burst of chanting, mridanga drums, and gongs in front of the arrival gate. They were there, of course, to greet their beloved guru Srila Prabhupada, who appeared presently, effulgent and regal with his silver-topped cane and bright orange sweater. Diving to the floor to offer their respects, the devotees piled flower garlands about his neck and fanned him vigorously with peacock feathers.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18307
Hare Krishna! VaniTalks – an Interview
Visnu Murti: Vanipedia is a humble but bold attempt to offer an unparalleled platform for Srila Prabhupada to continuously inspire and train devotees, strengthening their faith to take up the process of devotional service through his teachings. It is meant to be a long-term project. We have done this work in the last 35 years since Prabhupada’s demise, but still there is a lot of work to be done. Why? When Srila Prabhupada left the planet, he left us possibility to serve him by bringing his teachings to pristine condition. So what do we mean by this “bringing in pristine condition”? We understand this as a work in progress, because still there are books, his lectures, conversations and letters, which have to be translated in different languages, Prabhupada’s audio tapes have to be made available and studied, the same applies to all his teachings, that is, we have to have educational courses into those messages. Why should we make such an effort? Prabhupada said, “If you want to love somebody you have to know who they are.”
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18300
Hare Krishna! All you ever wanted to know about the Bhaktivedanta Research Centre
In 2008, an Indian devotee named Sharma Suka donated a run-down six unit apartment block in Calcutta and this was the beginning of the Bhaktivedanta Research Centre (BRC). Shortly afterwards Hari Sauri met Pranava Prabhu, who had a PhD, spoke seven languages and could read ten. He told Hari Sauri that he had 4000 books and handwritten documents, written in Bengali, which he was going to export to Oxford University Museum and Library, because he didn’t know of anywhere in Calcutta where he could safely store them. Hari Sauri persuaded him to use the books and documents to start the library in the BRC. Hari Sauri immediately began to refurbish one of the apartment units to act as a library. He completed this in six months and installed the 4000 books and other publications.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18297
Ratha Yatra Budapest 2015 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “In Dvapara-yuga one could satisfy Krishna or Visnu only by worshiping Him gorgeously according to the pancaratriki system, but in the Age of Kali one can satisfy and worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead Hari simply by chanting the holy name.” (Narayana-samhita)
See them here: https://goo.gl/ArSxbH
Hare Krishna! Prelude to Gau-Gram Yatra
What appeared to be a small village preaching program in a sleepy village near Bodhan, small place in the state of Telengana and the border of Maharashtra turned to be a day full of activities, immersed in kirtan… Read more ›
Namahatta Festival in Czech Republic (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare—these sixteen names composed of thirty-two syllables are the only means to counteract the evil effects of Kali-yuga. In all the Vedas it is seen that to cross the ocean of nescience there is no alternative to the chanting of the holy name.” (Kali-santarana Upanisad)
See them here: https://goo.gl/LCjL7i
Adya Samastam Radha’s Marriage (9 min video)
Today everything is fruitful. Today is the marriage of Sri Radha and Sri Krsna. 1) Her mother’s and father’s family are here. The families of all the people are here. Here are good fortune, wealth, transcendental pastimes, and Her peerless gopi friends. 2) Here are love, meeting, separation, auspicious reunion, and endless happiness. 3) How can I describe in song all the happiness Radha’s marriage has brought to the king and queen of Vraja, who are now Her father-in-law and mother in-law? This marriage is a glorious tilaka mark for the family.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/aUmhlw
Hare Krishna! Iskcon’s 50th Fast Approaching!
Mukunda Goswami: There is a Chinese proverb that says, “Little drops of water, little grains of sand, make the mighty ocean and the pleasant land.” If the longest journeys begin with the first step, then at minimum that first step should be taken. Doing what I know I can do in my limited sphere of influence is extremely important. Every member of ISKCON can take the first step. Thinking “big” should also be encouraged. Srila Prabhupada is known for saying that his only flaw was that he could not think small. Doing something magnificent globally is indeed a “consummation devoutly to be wished”, in the words of Hamlet.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18286
50th Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s Arrival in America – (Album with photos)
Sri Jagannatha Mandir, ISKCON Malaysia
See them here: https://goo.gl/kfoP6g
Hare Krishna! The Holy Name
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura: My heart is like a desert, hot with the rays of the sun. This is my internal mental condition. The desire for temporary, material things cannot satisfy me because by nature they are death producin… Read more ›
Srila Prabhupada uvaca
Yamuna Devi: “After settling in Oregon with my Godsister Dinatarine, Srila Prabhupada, while pronouncing us ‘independent’ to a concerned Godbrother, at the same time twice rebuked us when we approached him to leave. ‘You westerners are so restless,’ he admonished. ‘Why can’t you remain in the same place? Stay where you are.’ We questioned, ‘But Srila Prabhupada, they are saying that if we aren’t in ISKCON, we lose your blessings and cannot make advancement.’ Prabhupada replied, ‘ISKCON is where you are chanting the holy name – that is ISKCON.’ We rejoined: ‘They are saying we don’t have any association here and are therefore in maya.’ He replied: ‘Association can be two or two hundred. If you are two and compatible, you can become perfect in Krsna consciousness. If you are 200 and are not, then no one will make advancement.’
Harinama under the rain in Moscow (Album with 155 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “The essence of all Vedic knowledge—comprehending the three kinds of Vedic activity, the Vedic hymns, and the processes for satisfying the demigods—is included in the eight syllables Hare Krishna Hare Krishna. This is the reality of all Vedanta. The chanting of the holy name is the only means to cross the ocean of nescience.” (Narada-pancharatra)
See them here: https://goo.gl/2pbwNX
Bhaktivedanta Players Mahabharata performance (Album with 260 HR photos)
To commemorate their 30th Anniversary, Bhaktivedanta Manor’s
Bhaktivedanta Players drama group put on an extravagant two-hour Mahabharata play.
Touring three external venues around London they put on four shows,performing to nearly 2,000 people. Tickets were sold out and they received a standing ovation on the opening night.
See them here: http://goo.gl/KHsgux
Hare Krishna! Program on mind control based on Bhagavad Gita by ISKCON Ahmedabad
Srimad Bhagavad Gita is not just a sacred book for all but a book giving lessons on various topics like : – How to control your mind – How to control your senses – How to connect to God – How to know “whom am I “ and many more such questions. Srimad Bhagavat Gita is not only popular in people generally but is now catching up in corporate organizations too. Manager are interested to know what lessons Bhagavad Gita has to solve their managerial problems.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=18277
Rightly Said (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: A great flood of mercy inundated the town of Rewal, Poland yesterday as our samkirtan party descended in all its glory upon the town’s beaches. Chanting and dancing in great ecstasy we distributed thousands of invitations to our festival that evening. Upon receiving an invitation one gentleman smiled and rightly said, “By the appearance of it all, it seems the festival has already begun!”
See them here: https://goo.gl/4xnWXG
Harinama at Byron Bay – 05 July 2015 (Album with 65 photos)
ISKCON New Govardhana – Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari
See them here: https://goo.gl/V9CGLD Read more ›