Author Archives: Dandavats.com

TOVP Marathon update (Album with photos) Sadbhuja Das: We would…
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TOVP Marathon update (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: We would like to give you an update on our marathon to complete certain areas by February the 7th.
You can see by our images we are progressing very rapidly on all of the major works.
The Russian team will complete the Nrshimha Dev Kalash in 10 days time, they are ahead of them self.
Which is good news for us, they will soon begin the titanium nitride panels on the Main Dome Kalash.
The blue tiling and the ribs on the Nrshimha Dev’s dome is also going very fast and very smoothly, without major obstacle.
We are also working on the superstructure of the Kalash on the Main Dome, please see in the images.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/FpDVxF

Agnideva Prabhu’s condition. Dear Devotees, friends and…
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Agnideva Prabhu’s condition.
Dear Devotees, friends and well-wishers,
The following is an update on Agnideva prabhu’s condition. Unfortunately, the news is not good.
A recent CT scan showed that fluid had started to accumulate in his lungs again. Two days ago when he vomited the nurses discovered a large clot of blood. His doctors became concerned and stopped all intake of food and liquids, and put him back on an IV drip.
The next day they did an angiogram and discovered that in addition to the faulty Mitral Valve in his heart, he has a clogged LAD artery [ the main artery serving the heart. ] They also discovered another smaller blocked artery in his heart as well.
Understanding the urgency of his condition, the cardio thoracic surgeons, the respiratory team, the neurologists and the intensive care team met. At the conclusion of the meeting they transferred him back to ICU. They have scheduled open heart surgery for this coming Friday morning. They will replace the Mitral Valve and conduct a double bypass surgery. They will also, if required, take same samples of his lungs and heart for a further biopsy analysis.
Agnideva prabhu’s condition remains very serious. As we had not anticipated the costs of open heart surgery and a prolonged recovery period in our initial fundraising campaign, we are humbly requesting devotees to continue donating. The estimated cost of open heart surgery and recovery expenses is $80,000.
Please keep Agnideva prabhu in your prayers.
Your servant,
Indradyumna Swami

Large gathering of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples in Delhi…
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Large gathering of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples in Delhi (Album with photos)
Deena Bandhu Das: Most amazing experience seeing the premiere showing of the Hare Krishna Film in Delhi at Siri Fort Auditorium. All our Braja Blessings to Vishakha and Yadubara! Just see how many Godsiblings were there!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/ewqTTf

Srila Prabhupada Book Marathon 2017 (6 min promo…
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Srila Prabhupada Book Marathon 2017 (6 min promo video)
It’s My chance, It’s My opportunity.
It’s our offering to Srila Prabhupada by ISKCON PUNE.
After the success of the 159K Effort in 2016, ISKCON PUNE is striving in the words of His Divine Grace to “Double it” and distribute 200,000 books this marathon! Isn’t Srila Prabhupada worth the endeavor? Get in touch & get involved to know how you can contribute to Srila Prabhupada by ISKCON PUNE. Sankirtan Yajna ki Jai!
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/H6Gbji

ISKCON Birmingham, UK, volunteers preparing for the book…

ISKCON Birmingham, UK, volunteers preparing for the book distribution Marathon (Album with photos)
Thank you to all of yesterday’s volunteers who took out their time to assist in packing 2300 of Srila Prabhupada’s books which will be distributed in December as part of the 5000 effort.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/ZsrVEi

“Hare Krishna” movie premiere release in India…

“Hare Krishna” movie premiere release in India (Album with photos)
Sri Fort Auditorium, Delhi.
A heart’s delight… don’t miss it.
All India Release in PVR cinemas on the 10th of December.
The Mantra, the Movement and the Swami who started it all was appreciated by many great souls including the Vice President of India Mr. Venkaiah Naidu and the hall was filled with a maximum number of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada !!!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/upy154

Dealings with peers. Disrespect, disregard, hatred and criticism…

Dealings with peers. Disrespect, disregard, hatred and criticism are forbidden.
A devotee should not ignore any living entity. The devotee must know that in every living entity, however insignificant he may be, even in an ant, God is present, and therefore every living entity should be kindly treated and should not be subjected to any violence. [SB 3.29.22 purport]
In this verse, two phrases, bhutesu baddha-vairasya (“inimical towards others”) and dvisatah para-kaye (“envious of another’s body”), are significant. One who is envious of or inimical towards others never experiences any happiness. A devotee’s vision, therefore, must be perfect. He should ignore bodily distinctions and should see only the presence of the part and parcel of the Supreme Lord, and the Lord Himself in His plenary expansion as Supersoul. That is the vision of a pure devotee. The bodily expression of a particular type of living entity is always ignored by the devotee.
It is expressed herein that the Lord is always eager to deliver the conditioned souls, who have been encaged within material bodies. Devotees are expected to carry the message or desire of the Lord to such conditioned souls and enlighten them with Krsna consciousness. [SB 3.29.23 purport]

We may offer many valuable items to the Deity, but if we have no real sense of devotion and no real sense of the Lord’s presence everywhere, then we are lacking in devotional service; in such a state of ignorance, we cannot offer anything acceptable to the Lord. [SB 3.29.24 purport]

VCT writes in his commentaries on how to deal with devotees and how not to deal:

However, in such bhakti, offence creates restriction. Offence generally stems from disrespect to the great devotees. Though such devotees are difficult to see, many exist. In order to avoid offences to them, one should pay respects to all living entities, thinking that the Lord is present in all of them. Without doing so, even worshiping the deity forms of the Lord will not give any result. Since he is the Supreme Lord, Kapila then speaks in six verses somewhat angrily, out of affection, to benefit his devotee who does not respect all beings. In these verses disrespect, disregard, hatred and criticism are forbidden. This person performs imitation worship of my deity forms (arca-vidambanam). [SB 3.29.21 purport]

Sridhara Svami explains: he does not behave well with the devotees and even with other people. Prakrta means “new or unrefined in nature.” Now, in verse 25, it will be explained that the new, immature devotee gradually becomes the highest devotee.

Bhinna-darsinah means one who does not recognize that his own suffering is also felt the same way in others.

Avamaninah means “of one who criticizes.” One who criticizes others is worse than one who hates others because it is said:

na tatha tapyate viddhah puman banais tu marma-gaih
yatha tudanti marma-stha hy asatam parusesavah

Sharp arrows which pierce one’s chest and reach the heart do not cause as much suffering as the arrows of harsh, insulting words spoken by materialists that become lodged within the heart. SB 11.23.3

Since those practicing pure bhakti by their nature have pure antahkaranas, they generally do not disrespect any living being. However, karma-misra-bhaktas can disrespect other living entities. Until the impurities of the antahkarana no longer remain disrespect is possible. When the antahkarana is pure, disrespect is not possible. At that time he should no longer perform karma with his bhakti. Sva-karma-krt means the person performs karma-misra-bhakti in sattva-guna. With the appearance of the state of seeing the Lord in all beings, the person should no longer perform karma-misra-bhakti, since he is no longer qualified for karma. Performing jnana-misra-bhakti, he should worship my deity form.

They should not abuse those who criticize them and try to beat them because they are hungry. They should respect them with praise, giving them greater respect than themselves. The Lord himself says:

ye brahmanan mayi dhiya ksipato ‘rcayantas
tusyad-dhrdah smita-sudhoksita-padma-vaktrah
vanyanuraga-kalayatmajavad grnantah
sambodhayanty aham ivaham upahrtas taih

Just as I am controlled by you, I am controlled by those who worship the brahmanas who have offended others, who see those brahmanas as non-different from me, who remain pleased in heart in spite of their harsh words, showing lotus faces moistened with sweet smiles, and who pacify them by praising them with words filled with love, just as a son praises an angry father. SB 3.16.11

They should treat them as friends, equal to themselves, without speaking and with sincerity, for the Lord, treating all beings without duplicity, situated within, does not get angry, even though people become angry at him.
Radheshyam Dasa

Harinama in Argentina (Album with photos) Srila Prabhupada:…
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Harinama in Argentina (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Sometimes the members of the Krsna Consciousness Society are afraid of the impending danger of world war and ask what would happen to them if a war should occur. In all kinds of danger, they should be confident of their protection by the Visnudutas or the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as confirmed in Bhagavad-gita (kaunteya pratijanihi na me bhaktah pranasyati). Material danger is not meant for devotees. This is also confirmed in Srimad-Bhagavatam. Padam padam yad vipadam na tesam: in this material world there are dangers at every step, but they are not meant for devotees who have fully surrendered unto the lotus feet of the Lord. The pure devotees of Lord Visnu may rest assured of the Lord’s protection, and as long as they are in this material world they should fully engage in devotional service by preaching the cult of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Krsna, namely the Hare Krsna movement of Krsna consciousness. [Srila Prabhupada; Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.3.18 purport]
Find them here: https://goo.gl/n3oGN9

The Deities in Mayapur As you’ve never seen them before!…
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The Deities in Mayapur As you’ve never seen them before! (8 min video)
A meditation on the exquisite forms of Sri Pancha Tattva and Sri Sri Radha Madhava.
Amazing new video by Prananatha prabhu done with his drone. Such wonderful darshan of Radha Madhava and Pancha Tattva!
The Radha-Madhava Deities in Mayapur: what are they made of?
“Jananivasa told me about a conversation he had had in the temple with a middle-aged Bengali guest who had asked him, “Are Radha-Madhava made of brass or gold?”
“Well, what are you made of?” Jananivasa replied.
After a pause, the gentleman answered, “Flesh and blood.”
Jananivasa told him, “As long as you think you’re made of flesh and blood, then you’ll think the Deity is made of one metal or another. But if you can understand that you’re not the body, that you’re spirit soul, and also that the soul is part and parcel of God, then you’ll understand that you’re of the same nature as Krishna.”
The man wasn’t sure that he had understood, so Jananivasa continued, “Do you accept that God is in your heart?”
“Yes.”
“So what’s He made of there, brass or gold?”
The man didn’t know.
“On the basis of the revealed scriptures,” Jananivasa said, “we can understand that God’s form is eternal and full of bliss and knowledge. That form, which is present in the heart of every living entity, is made of pure spirit, and that is what the Deity in the temple is also made of. You can’t see the Deity in your heart,” he explained as the gentleman nodded in agreement, “you don’t know who He is. So the Lord comes in a form you can see. Radha-Madhava appear to be material, but They are purely spiritual, and to the extent that you realize your nature is spiritual, to that extent you will understand that Krishna Himself is personally on the altar.”
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/gUWGV4

“Ask a Hare Krsna” (27 min video)Speaker Intro:…
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“Ask a Hare Krsna” (27 min video)
Speaker Intro: Hari Parshad Prabhu holds a degree of Masters in Computer Engineering and is working as a professor teaching computer science.
He came in contact with Krsna consciousness in the year 2001 and he is a initiated disciple of HH Radha Govind Goswami Maharaj who is a senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of the International Society for Krsna consciousness.
He served in ISKCON youth forum the IYF for 7 years later due to his excellent hold in the Sanskrit language, he was appointed as a member of ISKCON’s Shastric advisory board & currently he is serving there.
Hari Parshad Prabhu is also serving as an assistant editor for Gopal Jiu Publications, which is very famous across the globe for publishing various Spiritual books & magazines.

Questions answered in this episode:

1. The Bhagavad Gita clearly states that the soul retains its individuality. When the soul merges into Brahman seems to forget his individuality. What cause that forgetfulness? And what determines when they become bored and come back down to the material platform?
(Asked by Ranjan from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India at 01:31 min)

2. How did Parshurama exist at the same time as another avatar Lord Rama? Why did he oppose Rama?
(Asked by Neha from Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, India at 06:08 min)

3. In Srimad Bhagavatam Lord Shiva is considered as the topmost Vaishnava – vaiṣṇavānāṁ yathā śambhuḥ but why do our acharyas state that Srimati Radharani is the greatest Devotee of the lord?
(Asked by Rahul from Pune, Maharashtra, India at 11:48 min)

4. Srila Prabhupada condemns the Mayavadis as muddhas because they want to become God. The Brahmavadis accept Krishna’s form but consider the impersonal aspect superior. They also want to become one with God, yet their position is not condemned in Bg. Is the reason that Mayavadis consider Krishna’s form to be material the main reason of their being condemned (Bg 9.11)? I cannot visualize the Brahmavadis. Have they not read the Bhagavad Gita? Have they not heard about Krishna? Since the Mayavadis are considered offenders because they misinterpret the BG, why are the Brahmavadis not condemned? They accept Krishna’s form to be transcendental, yet they reject devotional service. Why? Is that not some form of envy?
(Asked by Mukesh from Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, India at 14:47 min)

5. If all four bonafide Vaishnava sampradayas lead to the perfection of life then why their philosophy or Tattvas varies from one another?
(Asked by Vijay Patel from Surat, Gujarat, India at 22:58 min)
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/MvB8nx

Hare Krishna Story Chaser: Interview – Sumati Devi – joined in…
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Hare Krishna Story Chaser: Interview – Sumati Devi – joined in 1970 DC (audio)
Mitra Dasa: Hey it’s your lucky day! You get the chance to hear what it was like for Hare Krishna people in 1970.
I interviewed Sumati Dasi a couple weeks ago.
She found the temple in Washington DC, then moved on to the Boston temple.Hey it’s your lucky day! You get the chance to hear what it was like for Hare Krishna people in 1970.

Applying Principles of Forgiveness in our practical life as…

Applying Principles of Forgiveness in our practical life as Sadhaka.
I am paraphrasing the following principles taught in this Chapter “Brahma satisfies Lord Siva” with respect to forgiving someone :
1) Observe Paramātmā in each and every being and do not differentiate between one living being and another.
When someone praises me, I may feel, “He is my friend.” When someone finds fault with me, I may feel, “He is my enemy.” These conclusions arise due to false ego and identification with superficial observations. If I see the reality that every living entity has a Supersoul in his heart and are offered Remembrance, Knowledge, Forgetfulness as per their surrender, then I can easily ignore the `mistakes’ of others, which they commit with the sanction of Supersoul; I can avoid giving too much feedback to others, after all I should allow some feedback for his Supersoul to give, instead of posting myself as a second Supersoul in others’ lives. Also I will respect all devotees and even non-devotees, because they are accompanied by their Supreme father, the Supreme Lord as Supersoul in their hearts. I will try to see all souls to be of one quality, but only with different degrees of material coverings, that makes me see them as friend or enemy wrongly.

2) Never become overwhelmed by anger like animals, who can see nothing without differentiation.

I’ll try to remember the good qualities, great services rendered, the spiritual stature of devotees with whom I had an unpleasant encounter. By gratefully remembering these, I can avoid holding a negative opinion about them. I will try to see the reality that I have 8.4 million brothers and sisters, only wrapped up in different types of dresses. One brother wears a squirrel dress, another wears a plant dress, a third one wears a cow dress etc. This vision will help me see everyone as a child of God. Remembering the pure qualities of great Vaisnavas can help me to emulate their model of peaceful disposition, calmness, kindness, courtesy, benevolence even to enemies.

Although I theoretically understand that we should forgive those who act enviously towards us due to their minds infected by illusory energy and their attachment to fruitive activities, it will take me many years of practice to learn unconditional love, especially towards those who behave inimically. It is possible for me to have working relationship with even such people, but to have a open heart and sweet relationship, as if nothing has gone wrong is difficult. Probably I have to dissolve my false ego by sincere and pure chanting to be able to see everybody as a lover of Krishna and thus lovable.

3) When unexpected situations come our way, we should not find fault with Lord for sending adversities.

4) Mean-minded people cannot tolerate flourishing condition of others and thus they utter harsh and piercing words to cause pain to them; such people are already killed by providence (due to the anxiety and envy in their hearts); there is no need to take revenge.

5) A Vaiṣṇava is described as para-duḥkha-duḥkhī because although he is never distressed in any condition of life, he is distressed to see others in a distressed condition. Vaiṣṇavas, therefore, should not try to kill by any action of the body or mind, but should try to revive the Kṛṣṇa consciousness of others out of compassion for them. The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement has been started to deliver the envious persons of the world from the clutches of māyā, and even though devotees are sometimes put into trouble, they push on the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement in all tolerance. “trinad api sunicena” [Cc. Ādi 17.31]

6) Knowing that the materialists are overpowered by illusory energy due to which they commit offenses, a devotee of the Lord should feel sorry for them and not show his prowess to counteract them.

7) The un-bewildered devotee should be merciful and forgiving towards those who are under the clutches of illusory potency and also attached to fruitive activities. A Vaiṣṇava should take care of those who are bewildered by this māyā instead of becoming angry with them, because without a Vaiṣṇava’s mercy they have no way to get out of the clutches of māyā.

8) Beauty of a tapasvī, or saintly person, is forgiveness. Even if a saintly person is unnecessarily harassed by someone, a saintly person tolerates. Parīkṣit Mahārāja was the emperor and was full in power both spiritually and materially, but out of compassion and out of respect for the brāhmaṇa community, he did not counteract the action of the brāhmaṇa boy but agreed to die within seven days. Because it was desired by Kṛṣṇa that Parīkṣit Mahārāja agree to the punishment so that the instruction of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam would thus be revealed to the world, Parīkṣit Mahārāja was advised not to take action. A Vaiṣṇava is personally tolerant for the benefit of others. When he does not show his prowess, this does not mean that he is lacking in strength; rather, it indicates that he is tolerant for the welfare of the entire human society.
Radheshyam Dasa

TOVP: Lord Nrshimha Dev’s Dome progresses towards…

TOVP: Lord Nrshimha Dev’s Dome progresses towards completion (Album of photos)
Sadbhuja Das: Nrshimha Dev Dome’s middle Tier Arch and Columns are being installed.
Beautifully designed and made in-house, they will consist of the GRC Cornices (top and bottom) and Timber Wooden windows with concealed lighting which will wash the Dome.
Marble cladding will be executed on the back walls.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/X4PpeZ

Krishna conscious presentation in Mumbai’s Institute of…

Krishna conscious presentation in Mumbai’s Institute of Engineers (Album with photos)
On 11th Oct 2017, Gaur Gopal das gave a keynote speech at awards function of ‘The Institute of Engineers (IEI),’ Local Nasik Centre.
IEI celebrated Engineers Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of the eminent engineer and statesman, Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya. On this occasion, they arranged a grand celebration by a gathering of prominent engineers, businessmen and other eminent personalities from diversified Engineering fields.
As a part of this event, selected engineers were awarded under different categories such as “Outstanding Engineer”, “Engineering Achievement”, “Lady Engineering Achievement”, “Promising Engineer” and “Lady Engineer”.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/dQG4XT

Dear Devotees, friends and well-wishers, here is the most recent…
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Dear Devotees, friends and well-wishers,
Here is the most recent update on Agnideva Prabhu:
By Krsna’s mercy he is doing much better. Wednesday was the first day he ate several times. They were tiny portions, but more than previous days. He is very conscious, aware and cognizant and speaks a lot about Lord Nityananda’s mercy. Yesterday, using a walker bar as support, he stood up and moved his feet forward and backward 10 times. This is significant progress because only last week he was on a ventilator with a collapsed lung and fluid in both lungs. He has a long slow road to recovery but doctors feel he will make progress. Now he gets a nutritional drip only at night and during the day has a protein shake prescribed by a nutritionist in addition to light prasadam.
Now that his respiratory system is stabilized and his digestive, urinary and neurological functions are working doctors performed an ultrasound to check on the faulty Mitral Valve in the heart. The results confirmed that the irregularity of the regulating valve flaps makes Agnideva prabhu very prone to heart failure. His Cardio-Thoracic surgeon recommended surgery to replace this valve and commented that such surgery is urgent. Australia has world class facilities and are leaders in minimal invasive surgery. Agnideva prabhu understands what needs to be done and he and his family have decided to proceed with the doctor’s recommendations.
An angiogram was done today to eliminate any possible complications in the surgery. Unfortunately, a chest CT scan showed Agnideva prabhu has pneumonia in the lower lungs. The doctors are giving him strong antibiotics. Tonight he did not eat as he was nauseous.
Close to bedtime, as a devotee chanted Nrsimhadeva prayers, Agnideva prabhu’s eyes widened and he chanted along with gusto.
Please keep him in your prayers as the doctors perform the medical procedures mentioned above.
Thank you everyone for your donations and prayers!
Your Servant,
Indradyumna Swami

The principle of gratitude – the most exquisite form of…
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The principle of gratitude – the most exquisite form of courtesy.
Radheshyam Das: Gratitude is like gunpowder in a gun or fuel in a Car, without which there is no further action. All great souls have felt deep gratitude to Lord and His devotees who have contributed to their KC.
(Eg) Kunti maharani submitted a long list of protection offered by Lord Krishna for the Pandava children
(Eg) Prahlad remembered his Guru, Narada and aspired only service to him, when Lord Nrsimha appeared
(Eg) Draupadi reminding Arjuna of Dronacarya’s training him and asking Arjuna not to kill Ashwattama.
(Eg) Yudhishthira Maharaja considering Dhrtarastra to be the protector when Pandavas were fatherless children
(Eg) Prabhupada remembering Beatles George Harisson’s help and sending him a ring from his own finger
We could add innumerable examples of gratitude from scriptures.

In the context of Dhruva, Suniti was the one who guided him to go to Jungle to search for Lord Visnu. Similarly in our lives many devotees have contributed to drawing us into association of vaishnavas; some have saved us when we were again trying to return to maya; some others have provided us warmth, guidance and support when we were bewildered about some aspect of philosophy or incidents within ISKCON society; some have shed sweat and toil in purifying our anarthas painstakingly tolerating all the hue and cry we made, as they elevated us!

When we honestly consider the contribution of various vaishnavas in our life, our heart would soften and cry. Imagine what we would be now without such support. I would be headlong be marching into material civilization of West like a moth entering fire. More worse is that I would have become proud of my material accomplishments or flying here and there and filling pocket with dollar notes! I would have become an example of what Bhakti Vinod Thakura rightly says, “Vidyara gaurave bhrami deshe deshe, dhana upaarjana kari”. We can look back and see how devotees have saved us, sheltered us and empowered us to be what we are today! Now by honest examination I can say, “I am here still in ISKCON as a practicing devotee because so many devotees have mercifully carried me along and prayed for my spiritual wellbeing.”

Vrindavan Braj Parikrama – Prema Sarovara and Barsana (Album…
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Vrindavan Braj Parikrama – Prema Sarovara and Barsana (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: As stated in the Padma Purana: “One cannot understand the transcendental nature of the name, form, quality and pastimes of Sri Krishna through one’s materially contaminated senses. Only when one becomes spiritually saturated by transcendental service to the Lord are the transcendental name, form, quality and pastimes of the Lord revealed to him.”
Find them here: https://goo.gl/4HGMfK

Opening Ceremony of the Vaishnava Academy in Vrindavan (Album…
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Opening Ceremony of the Vaishnava Academy in Vrindavan (Album with photos)
Grand opening of the Vaishnava Academy courses in Krishna Balarama mandir.
On 8 November the grand opening of the Vaishnava courses was held in mandir. At The Prabhupada Hall of the Russian house, students of all three courses were gathered: Bhakti programs, BHAKTI-SASTRI AND BHAKTI-Vaibhava, as well as guests and residents of Vrindavan.
The opening ceremony was attended by dignitaries such as the disciples of Srila Prabhupada – HG Dina Bandhu prabhu and HG Vayasaki prabhu, also the president of the krishna consciousness society in Russia (CRO COSKR), leader of the community of the city. St. Petersburg HG Acutatma prabhu, member of the governing council cro coskr HH. Bhagavatamrita Keshava Maharaj.

HG Dina Bandhu prabhu noted in his statement that he was very pleased to see an initiative such as the opening of the vajšnavskih courses, which would include an in-depth study of chastre: “ it is very important for each loyal to listen to the Lord from the mouths of pure So we get good ”.

HG Ваясаки Prabhu has repeatedly stressed in his statement that we are capable of something only by mercy of a spiritual teacher, we must not accept honor and glory, as the true credit belongs to our guru. He also said that the concept of “BHAKTI-Sastry” does not mean that we should be able to learn, receive information and recount it. “BHAKTI-Sastry” means we have to live according to šastrami every moment of our lives.

Е.С.Бхагаватамрита Keshava Maharaj focused attention on the importance of the education course in the holy dhame – in mandir. Vrindavan is the center of krishna consciousness around the world.

In conclusion, е.м.ачьютатма prabhu shared his observation that the consciousness of krishna remains only those who have a deep faith in species: “it is important that the ship does not fall off course, and for that we have guru, sadhu and species”. and Recommended that students find a specific purpose for which they came to study species, only in this case the training will be successful.

After welcoming words and blessings of senior loyal, е.м.дина bandhu prabhu held guru-Šrile Prabhupade, and every student offered rose petals in the footsteps of Ačarʹe-FOUNDER ISKCON.
After that, the solemn part ended with a holiday. And after a little rest, the students gathered in the classroom to continue with their curators.
In 18.00, a festive concert was held in the Russian house.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/UDa1uK

Book distribution is sometimes like meeting old friends!! The…
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Book distribution is sometimes like meeting old friends!!
The other day I had time between services to go out. Managing to scramble out the door I was Inspired by how Lord Krishna would sometimes dress as a commoner and walk amongst His citizens in cities like Mathura or Dvaraka. Taking note of the people’s opinion and curious of their concerns, the Lord surveyed the scene. I too like to watch people, walk and talk, stroll and drop. When conversations call my attention I swoop in ready to turn something mundane into a transcendental opportunity with Srila Prabhupada’s books. But on this particular day, it struck me to speak to everyone in my path instead, meeting them like old friends.
“Hey there, where are you off to today?” I ask while sweeping past an interesting hippy. I tell him that our yoga and meditation center is calling his name, and ask if he’s ever been to Bhakti Lounge. He says, “No.” But looks interested. Turns out he does kung fu and has interest in meditation. I invite him and show him a few books, but he’s got nothing to spare. Still, he has a friendly invitation to our center and an Enough Magazine. Maybe he will come:)
Keep going, there’s a sweet young woman quickly walking through the bustling corner of Vivian and Cuba. Luckily, I’m on foot and keeping pace, “HEY! Have you ever been to Bhakti Lounge?” I ask, placing a flyer in her hand. She says, “No!” And we start talking. Her name is Ruby. I tell her that I was JUST reading a book about how out of all jewels the Divine manifests in the form of the ruby in this world. (11.16.30) And then said, “so you have a special name; you must be a jewel.” She bashfully looks at a few books but is in a bit of a rush. “It’s okay, Ruby- I’ll see you at Bhakti Lounge.” She makes plans to attend a meditation event, and is hopefully going to come to Gurudeva’s talk when he comes Nov 15th.
Scanning the terrain I see a man at an open bar taking down a beer while enjoying the warm sun seeping in through the open store front. He’s on his computer, sternly looking at the screen as if masterminding some great scheme! “Excuse me sir, you look like someone who works too hard, he’s a card, come join us for a yoga or meditation class sometime.” He extends his hand smiling and I introduce myself. thinking of how responsive he is. He says he will see us there.
Crossing the street, there is a guy with a backpack just settling into a picnic table with a tray of french fries. I sit down next to him and ask where he’s from.. He is from Texas. “Texas! Wow, my friend Erica just left Wellington to go back home to Texas today.” He’s from Dallas, so I ask if he’s ever been to their world famous Govinda’s restaurant. After a bit of small talk, I show him Hiding in Unnatural Happiness, and ask what he thinks about the selfish way we think about happiness and how to obtain it. He said, “Our bias (based on what we desire or are attached to) steers us, even in ways that can lead to pain rather than pleasure.” He asks if I’d like a fry, and I ask him if he’d like the book. He takes the book. I politely decline the french fry..
These experiences of meeting and connecting with people over transcendental literature are addictive. It was hard to restrain myself and go to my next service engagement— the streets are like home to me now. It feels like the only constant in my life lately. Circumstances are always changing, relationships, services, etc. but this book distribution is like a thread and everyone in the world a pearl, or a ruby 🙂
Your grateful servant,
Kathamrita Devi Dasi

Hare Krishna Auckland: Many people saw our Hare Krishna school…
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Hare Krishna Auckland: Many people saw our Hare Krishna school kids’ beautiful dance performance at our local Northwest mall today. Our school took part in a West Auckland School’s cultural event. What an awesome preaching opportunity! Jai Srila Prabhupada. (Album with photos)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/iKrZgK

Radha Kunda Seva: October 2017 Photos and Updates (Album with…
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Radha Kunda Seva: October 2017 Photos and Updates (Album with photos)
October bustled and brimmed with the eager devotion of thousands of pilgrims pouring in from all over the world. The Holy Dhama is always magical, but especially during Kartika the buzz of bhakti pulses palpably from every pilgrim on the parikrama paths all over Vraja. Our cleaners were able to keep up with the extra trash, though some festivals, like Bahulastami and Govardhan Puja took some days to recover from. Our widows completed their Kartika vrata (spiritual vows of austerity) and are back to their normal daily fare with occasional feasts. The growing popularity of the Dhama and the lack of adequate sanitation systems is putting a heavy strain on the ecosystem. We are trying to serve the immediate and obvious need to clean waste off the streets and out of the kundas, but the problems are deeper than the surface trash. Last year, it was discovered after a cholera outbreak that the disease was coming from the waters of Radha Kunda. And now, a septic smell coming from the Kunda is clearly conveying the reality that cess pool waste is seeping to the ground water and into Radha Kunda. The sewage system needs an overhaul. But for the present, we are researching and discussing ways to treat and filter the water. By Srimati Radharani’s grace, we hope to soon be part of a carefully planned and organized waste management system to protect the Dham. With your blessings, prayers, and support, we are trying to make some difference in this most holy of holy places, Sri Radha Kunda. Please browse our latest photos and join our efforts by visiting www.radharani.com . Your servants, Campakalata Devi dasi, Padma Gopi Devi dasi, Sri Arjuna dasa, Urmila Devi Dasi, and Mayapurcandra dasa.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/umncF1

The​​ ​​Dress​​ ​​Shop’s​​ ​​new website.The​ ​ISKCON​ ​Deity​…
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The​​ ​​Dress​​ ​​Shop’s​​ ​​new website.
The​ ​ISKCON​ ​Deity​ ​Worship​ ​Ministry​ ​would​ ​like​ ​to​ ​share​ ​with​ ​you​ ​its​ ​new​ ​website​ ​for The​ ​Dress​ ​Shop​ ​in​ ​Mayapur!
The​ ​Dress​ ​Shop,​ ​Mayapur​ ​is​ ​a​ ​project​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ISKCON​ ​Deity​ ​Worship​ ​Ministry​ ​to support​ ​devotees​ ​needs​ ​for​ ​offering​ ​beautiful​ ​and​ ​custom​ ​made​ ​dresses​ ​for​ ​temple and​ ​home​ ​deities.
The​ ​shop​ ​is​ ​managed​ ​and​ ​operated​ ​by​ ​ISKCON​ ​devotees​ ​and​ ​ensures​ ​the​ ​finest quality​ ​of​ ​deity​ ​dresses​ ​on​ ​time!​ ​The​ ​Dress​ ​Shop​ ​Mayapur​ ​understands​ ​how essential​ ​these​ ​two​ ​components​ ​of​ ​timeliness​ ​and​ ​quality​ ​are​ ​when​ ​preparing anything​ ​to​ ​offer​ ​to​ ​the​ ​Lord.
This​ ​special​ ​project​ ​of​ ​the​ ​ISKCON​ ​Deity​ ​Worship​ ​Ministry​ ​allows​ ​devotees​ ​the opportunity​ ​to​ ​receive​ ​a​ ​beautiful​ ​product​ ​while​ ​feeling​ ​confident​ ​that​ ​they​ ​are spending​ ​Srila​ ​Prabhupada’s​ ​money​ ​within​ ​ISKCON​ ​and​ ​supporting​ ​the​ ​various ISKCON​ ​Deity​ ​Worship​ ​Ministry​ ​projects​ ​around​ ​the​ ​world. We​ ​hope​ ​that​ ​you​ ​will​ ​allow​ ​us​ ​the​ ​great​ ​opportunity​ ​to​ ​serve​ ​you​ ​and​ ​your​ ​temple​ ​in providing​ ​a​ ​gorgeous​ ​offering​ ​to​ ​your​ ​beloved​ ​deities. Please​ ​visit​ ​our​ ​new​ ​website​ ​at​ ​https://www.thedressshopmayapur.com,​ ​and​ ​allow​ ​us​ ​to serve​ ​you.
Hare​ ​Krishna!

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Feed 1,000 Kids for a Year Through Iskcon
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Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Feed 1,000 Kids for a Year Through ISKCON’s Meal Scheme.
On the occasion of her 44th birthday, Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, on Monday donated free meals to 1000 children for a year under the Mid-day meal scheme of Annamrita Foundation set up by International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
An official statement issued by ISKCON said that Radhanath Swami Maharaj, ISKCON spiritual leader said the Annamrita Scheme, which started in 2004 from a small room with meals being prepared for just 900 children, today serve meals to 12 lakh children across seven states in India.
Through 20 hi-tech ISO 22000-2005 certified kitchens, Annamrita reaches out to nearly 500 municipal schools in and around Mumbai along with over 2000 schools in Maharashtra with heavy nutritious meals.
Swamiji added, ‘My Guru Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada had once seen a dog and a child trying to pick up the food packet in the street garbage bin, he was taken aback by
this incident and had instructed the devotees of ISKCON that no child in 10 miles radius of ISKCON temple should sleep hungry.

‘Following the instruction of our Gurudev, we have been distributing Krishna’s Prasad in the form of Khichdi to all the poor around our temple and from 13 years we are reaching out to feed more and more children through our Annamrita project.’

TOVP Australasia Tour, Day 1 – Perth, Australia (Album with…
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TOVP Australasia Tour, Day 1 – Perth, Australia (Album with photos)
The Perth temple is a mid-size community of devotees numbering about 200-250, many of them new practitioners of Krishna consciousness. Their Graces Jananivas and Vraja Vilas prabhus arrived on Monday, November 6th in preparation for the first program of the Australasia tour on Tuesday, November 7th.
Being a weekday only 150 devotees were able to attend, but the excitement of those devotees soon became apparent during the abhisheka of the Chakras and Sitari and the ecstatic kirtan. They were further enthused by the talks of Jananivas and Vraja Vilas prabhus and the special video presentation. When the fundraising program commenced devotees went wild and a total of $270,000 was pledged.
We wish to thank Sitaram prabhu, the temple president, for his support and dedication, and for organizing such a wonderful program for the service of the TOVP and the arrival of Lord Nityananda’s Padukas and Lord Nrsimha’s Sitari in Australia.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/8L1vrT