Author Archives: Dandavats.com

Iskcon London Update: Temple Facade Refurbishment. Last year we…
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Iskcon London Update: Temple Facade Refurbishment.
Last year we undertook a major refurbishment of the temple from Govinda’s restaurant right up to the mens ashrama at the top. It took over three and a half months to complete. There has been consistently wonderful feedback from everyone about how the temple has never looked so beautiful and inspiring. But the plan was not to stop there. The outside of the temple was also in dire need of a ‘facelift’ to recover from damage done to it as a result of the construction in adjoining building and the rigors of time. Finally all the elements came into place to undertake this work. So from the week starting 12th June, scaffolding was erected to facilitate this work and the repair work commenced on Monday 19th June. This includes repairing the numerous major structural cracks throughout the facade, installing new windows and lighting and of course a beautiful new coat of paint. And upon further consideration now a complete retiling of a portion of the roof has been added to the works, as previous repairs have failed to stop leaks that are coming into the ladies ashrama. The proposed duration of work is up to four weeks. While the work is going on, there will be absolutely no impact on the restaurant or temple activities and everything is running as usual with no change to opening hours. We thank you for your patience during these essential works and request your support in well-wishes and prayers that everything proceeds nicely in continuing to ‘Beautify Krishna’s Temple’.

Gaura Sharanam – the new album of Badahari prabhu (Audio…
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Gaura Sharanam – the new album of Badahari prabhu (Audio tracks)
Whether you prefer your kirtan music for meditation, yoga, dancing, or singing, your desires will be satisfied with Bada Haridas’ new album, Gaura Sharanam.
Easy to sing-along melodies, original tunes and stunning arrangements, the tasteful fusion of musical accompaniment, and the beautiful voices of guest artists, combine to make Gaura Sharanam a new favorite kirtan album. From beginning to end, it’s uplifting and engaging. Truly, anandambudhi vardanam: an ocean of bliss!
Listen to them here: https://goo.gl/QctVPZ

Iskcon New Delhi, Gundicha Marjan: 23-06-2017 (Album with…
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Iskcon New Delhi, Gundicha Marjan: 23-06-2017 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “As a result of chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, one makes such great advancement in spiritual life that simultaneously his material existence terminates and he receives love of Godhead. The holy name of Krishna is so powerful that by chanting even one name, one very easily achieves these transcendental riches.” (Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.28)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/XrPEzR

What Kirtan means to me (3 min video)His Holiness Kadamba…
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What Kirtan means to me (3 min video)
His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami is a spiritual leader of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, an author of several books such as, “Nothing but the Holy Name” and “Words of a Public Hermit”. He has also recorded over ten albums to fund the various projects that he supports. Being widely recognized for his melodic voice and up-tempo rhythm, Kadamba Kanana Swami is frequently invited to perform at various singing festivals. In this video, he shares what Kirtan means to him.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/miDPB9

NYC Premiere of Hare Krishna! (Album with photos) Srila…
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NYC Premiere of Hare Krishna! (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: We have to work sincerely, and because Krishna is in everyone’s heart, there will be no difficulty to have the necessary facilities. Letter to Satsvarupa, September 14, 1969.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/gbEs7w

Iskcon of Silicon Valley: Vedic Academy Sunday school annual day…
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Iskcon of Silicon Valley: Vedic Academy Sunday school annual day & Graduation (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Our relationship with Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is eternal. Nitya-siddha Krishna-prema. The pure souls are eternally in love with Krishna. Simply by chanting the Hare Krishna mantra one revives his original relationship with God and thus becomes so happy that he does not want anything material. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 7.7.39 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/HMZYCA

“HARE KRISHNA!” A New Documentary Tells the Story of the Swami…
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“HARE KRISHNA!” A New Documentary Tells the Story of the Swami Who Started It All.
What first comes to mind when you hear the word “yoga”? A sun salute? Your favorite flow class? For bhakti-yoga practitioners, it’s so much more than a way to sweat off the day—it’s a way of life. And they have Srila Prabhupada to thank for their practice.
The new documentary HARE KRISHNA!, directed by John Griesser with Jean Griesser and Lauren Ross, is an in-depth look at the man who brought the now worldwide spiritual phenomenon known as the Hare Krishna movement to America. A 70-year-old Indian Swami when he came to the U.S. in the 1960s, Prabhupada offered the world what it needed the most: a revolution of consciousness.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/FNbiCM

Snana Yatra & Panihati with 2.000 Devotees!ISKCON Sri…
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Snana Yatra & Panihati with 2.000 Devotees!
ISKCON Sri Jagannath Mandir Bangalore: This year, The Devotees of ISKCON Seshadripuram celebrated the annual Festival of Sri Jagannath Snana Yatra along with Panihati Cida Dahi Mahotsav Festival at Dodda Gosai Ghat, Srirangapatna. More than two thousand devotees thronged from all over the state to receive the mercy of the Lord.
Volunteers arrived the previous day and arranged a makeshift altar along with a tent and kitchen next to the holy river, Cauvery to facilitate the devotees and the Lord.
The Festival began with a Drama by our Youth forum continued by Abhiseka to the Deities Sri Sri Jagannath, Baladeva, Devi Subhadra and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. Followed by which Sri Sri Gaura Nitai were taken for a dip in Mother Cauvery. There was excitement in the air as the deities were taken for a dip in the Cauvery river. All of us jostled for space to get a glimpse of the Lords while in the waters of the Cauvery and to receive their merciful blessings as they came out. Then came our turn to take a dip in the cool waters of the river touched by the lotus feet of the deities. It was time for some fun and splashing around. However one could see devotees paying obeisances before entering the waters, sprinkling some water on their heads before carefully stepping into the river.
Soon afterward, His Holiness Bhakti Madhurya Govinda Goswami Maharaja (ACBSP) spoke on the most wonderful pastimes of Lord Jagannath and the Festival had concluded with Hathi/ Gaja Vesh Darshan of Lord Jagannath and a delicious Prasadam feast comprising of Cakes, Cida-Dahi, Sweets, Pulao, Sabzi and Roti.
Everyone felt truly blessed. Being in the association of so many devotees is something we all yearn for. Why can’t such festivals just go on and on. Why can’t there be a festival everyday where every word is a song and every step is a dance?
Your Servants
ISKCON Seshadripuram Communications
http://iskconbangalore.co.in/

Please join us in prayers for our dear Godsister Aditya Devi…
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Please join us in prayers for our dear Godsister Aditya Devi Dasi, who left this world here in Vrindavan on Ekadasi evening!
Giriraj Swami: Aditya Dasi was a pure, devoted soul who sincerely served Srila Prabhupada and his Lords for the last forty-five years. She was our secretary in Juhu, and after Prabhupada’s departure she did wonderful service in his quarters, and then she went to Vrindavan to serve him. She was ill these last days and wanted to leave her body on Ekadasi, and Prabhupada fulfilled her desire. We feel her separation, but we take solace in knowing that she has gone to continue her service to him and his Lords in a better situation. Nonetheless, I am praying for her. And I am reminded of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta’s description of Haridasa Thakura’s funeral ceremony: “Thereafter, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu bade farewell to all the devotees, and He Himself, with mixed feelings of happiness and distress, took rest.”

The personal and dear servant of Srila Prabhupada, Srutakirti…
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The personal and dear servant of Srila Prabhupada, Srutakirti Prabhu, recovering after suffering a seizure.
Vishakha Fiorentino: My husband was discharged from the hospital. Cat scans for head and stomach didn’t show anything that could trigger seizures. All of his vitals are normal. He has bad pain in the middle of his back and it’s difficult for him to breathe if he is standing up or sitting straight.
Thank you all for all your love, care and prayers.
—
We were happily celebrating my husband’s birthday with our family and friends on the Big Island. My husband was talking about Srila Prabhupada and his mother. Suddenly he got quiet and started shaking in seizure. Thankfully there were 2 registered nurses. They took control of the situation. I will not tell you all the sad and shocking details. Later on, he regained consciousness. We are in the hospital now. He is going through checkup. Will update when we will hear anything from the doctors. Big thanks to Debra , Radhana Rupini, Mayapur and Campakalata and all the devotees for the help and prayers.
—
Urmila Devi Dasi: He was speaking at his birthday party about Prabhupada, and then said, “I need to go now” and then went into a grand mal seizure for a long time. He seems to be mostly ok now and is recovering at his son’s home. After many tests at the hospital, the doctors were not able to discover the cause. Prayers are welcome.
—
Further updates: https://goo.gl/JSgzKk

Kirtan Forever – Bada Hari Das Prabhu (6 min video)Even a…
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Kirtan Forever – Bada Hari Das Prabhu (6 min video)
Even a moment of Kirtan can change your life. What to speak of doing Kirtan day in and day out for the past 48 years. We are so honored to be able to share this interview with Kirtan legend @Bada.Haridas Prabhu. Listen carefully and you’ll save years quality chanting!
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/NxxhRm

Harinama at Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia – 18…
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Harinama at Broadbeach, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia – 18 June 2017 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s transcendental mission is to distribute love of Godhead to everyone. Anyone who accepts God as the Supreme can take to the process of chanting Hare Krishna and become a lover of God. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 4.41 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/Fgz4BX

6th Annual Jagannath Rath Yatra Bloomington IL June 18….
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6th Annual Jagannath Rath Yatra Bloomington IL June 18.
Damodarananda Das: We successfully conducted our 6th annual Jagannath Rath Yatra attended by app 700 people. HH Romapada Maharaj was the Chief Guest along with many few more Prabhupada’s disciples. Afterward, there was a cultural program followed by a free feast and kids’ Mela.

DARSHAN OF LORD JAGANNATH AT RATHA-YATRA –His Divine Grace…
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DARSHAN OF LORD JAGANNATH AT RATHA-YATRA –His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada addresses the question as to whether *everyone* who sees Jagannath at Ratha-yatra gets liberation.
Devotee: Prabhupada, can you explain a little more about Ratha-yatra? Anyone who takes part in Ratha-yātrā, are they liberated?
Prabhupada: Certainly.
Devotee: Does that mean they will not take birth again?
Prabhupada: Yes. Yes, provided they take it seriously. Otherwise, if they keep their mentality differently, then according to mind, one has to get a body. But… Just like so many boys. They come here in the beginning out of curiosity, but gradually, they get the chance of becoming devotee. Similarly, if they take the chance, then they will be liberated. They come out of curiosity, but if they take it seriously, then they will be liberated. Just like hospital is meant for curing disease. So one should take the treatment. If he simply goes and visits the hospital and thinks “Now I am cured,” how it can be done? Hospital is a… Suppose if I advertise that “Anyone who comes to this hospital, he will be cured of his disease,” that’s a fact. But if he thinks that “I have come here. Now I am going,” then how he will be cured? To see Jagannātha on the Ratha-yātrā, his way for liberation is open, but if he comes back again and entangles himself, then? One goes to the doctor. He gives injection. The disease is cured. But again he comes back and does the same thing so that he develops this disease again. So whose fault it is? This is called hasti-snāna. Hasti-snāna. The elephant takes bath very nicely, and as soon as comes on the bank of the river or the lake, he takes dust and throws it over body again. If we do that, then we shall remains always dirty. You go, take bath, cleanse, but don’t take dirt again. That is not going on. They become immediately mukta, liberated, but they come, again becomes entangled. If it is a fact seeing Jagannātha is mukta, that’s all… He becomes mukta. But if he again comes to māyā, then who can check him? Just like you are all on the path of liberation, but if you again come back to māyā, then where is your liberation? Why Jagannātha in the ratha here? If somebody comes here and sees his path for liberation is open… Now he should protect himself. Just like disease, fever is subsided. Now one should be careful not to relapse the fever. That care is in my hand, everyone’s hands. And if you become prone to be relapsed again, then again the same thing. Just like in Christian church they confess. Of course, that is the injunction. That’s all right. After confessing, the sins are excused. That’s a fact. But if he comes back, again commits the same, then where is the effect? But they are happy in that way. They are… “After one week, I shall go to the church and confess my sins. Then everything will be neutralized.” This is all right. Suppose on Sunday you become free from all contamination of your sinful activities. And Monday you again do the same thing. So you become again contaminated. And, say, on Tuesday if you die, then you are dying with sins. Is it not? Then what is your condition? If the God or Christ excused you of your sinful life, that’s all right. But when you come back, you don’t commit again sin. Then you are all right. But we have taken it as a business that we go to Sunday, neutralize our sins, and come back again and do the same thing. So from logical point of view, suppose you do the same sinful activities, and if you die immediately, then you die with sinful activities, go to hell. What benefit you derive by confessing in the church? This business is going on. “Now I have seen Jagannātha. My liberation is guaranteed. Now I can do anything.” That’s all. This mentality. This mentality will not give you liberation. You have seen Jagannātha, your sinful activities are now neutralized, but don’t commit again. Now make progress. Then your liberation is guaranteed. Is it clear?
——
KK Bindu #402: The Mystery of Jagannath’s Return Ratha-yatra part 2

CONTENTS INCLUDE:

* DARSHAN OF LORD JAGANNATH AT RATHA-YATRA –His Divine Grace A. C.
Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada addresses the question as to whether
*everyone* who sees Jagannath at Ratha-yatra gets liberation.

* DUTIES AT KURUKSHETRA DURING A SOLAR ECLIPSE – Srila
Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada describes the deep behaviour of
the Gaudiya Vaishnavas.

* THE FORMS OF JAGANNATH, BALADEV, SUBHADRA –Srila Thakur
Bhaktivinode speaks about an allegorical meaning behind the forms of the
deities in Jagannath Puri.

* LORD JAGANNATH’S RETURN RATHA-YATRA PART 2 – The second and
concluding installment of a two-part series analyzing how we are to
understand Lord Jagannath’s return Ratha-yatra festival, wherein he leaves
the Gundhicha temple and comes back to the Sri Mandir.

This issue can be downloaded at the following link:

https://archive.org/details/bindu402

‘Hare Krishna’ Surpasses Box Office Expectations! Hare Krishna:…
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‘Hare Krishna’ Surpasses Box Office Expectations!
Hare Krishna: The Mantra, The Movement and The Swami Who Started It All, which focuses on the life of Srila Prabhupada, who in the 1960s tapped the counter-culture in America, igniting the Hare Krishna movement in this country, had an impressive start in a single New York location. The feature grossed $21,473 Friday to Sunday.
Abramorama pointed out Sunday that the feature performed despite not receiving a New York Times review. “It exceeded our projections, indicating that it reached beyond the Hare Krishna community,” explained Abramorama’s Richard Abramowitz Sunday. The title will next head to L.A. on June 23 as well as other cities around the country. Moving forward, the feature will have a mix of one-night screenings and traditional runs.

“It is only because of Sri A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami…
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“It is only because of Sri A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada that the bhakti movement started in the Western world and spread like wildfire for good all over the world It appears as if it is a miracle, but it is so true. The greatness of bhakti is such, as is the greatness of Lord Krishna and the spirit of Srila Prabhupada.”
– Tridandi Chinna Sriman Narayana Ramanuja Jeear Swami, renowned saint and scholar in Ramanuja Sampradaya.
Kripamoya das: Recently, on a south India train journey from Tirupati to Chennai, a middle-aged man sat down opposite me. His distinctive tilak markings made it obvious which philosophical school he belonged to: the Tenkalai sect of the Sri Vaishnava sampradaya. It wasn’t long before we started a conversation, mainly consisting of me asking questions about one of my favourite subjects of interest: authority and transmission in Vaishnava history, and he answering from the Sri Vaishnava point of view. As we talked, he revealed that he was associated with a sannyasi known as the Chinna Jeeyar Swami. My travelling companion was surprised when I mentioned that the same sannyasi was scheduled to visit the Bhaktivedanta Manor just after I returned to England.

Chinna Jeeyar Swami is becoming well known for his travelling and teaching. He took to the sannyasa order at the tender age of 23 and is continuing the mission of his guru to preach the siddhanta, or philosophical conclusions, of Sri Vaishnavism. Of course, many are doing that in India, but he has taken the unconventional step to travel beyond India.

For us in the Hare Krishna movement the fact that a sannyasi came out of India to preach and start a world movement is the stuff of legend. Srila Prabhupada did it, and thereby set the pattern for all future members of the senior renunciate order in the line of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. So we might naturally assume that all sannyasis would also be world travellers. Yet the centuries-old rules for the sannyasa order forbid the crossing of bodies of water, and the majority of orthodox sannyasis still follow this rule. For this reason, many traditionalists in India consider that the spiritual purity of the two or three Vaishnava sannyasis from the Madhva or Ramanuja lineages that have visited America or Europe has been compromised.

But these teachers have responded to the stark facts of modern life: that many young people from Vaishnava families have left India for education or careers in the West yet have not completely abandoned their culture. Who will help them to learn and practise more if not the travelling preachers of Vaishnava siddhanta? Everyone needs help and guidance in order to fully reap the benefits of spiritual life; book knowledge alone is insufficient. But even such book knowledge as this generation has is sometimes inaccessible to them because they cannot read the Tamil or Telugu language, even though they may speak it with their parents. So there are moves within the orthodox Sri Vaishnava community to render the classical texts in the English language for the next generation. With that comes the challenges of making the traditional Vaishnava lifestyle practicable in western cultural settings.

There’s less problem keeping to Vaishnava practises in your own home, before breakfast, especially with a supportive family. You may need advice, ongoing guidance, and a certain amount of willpower but nobody will prevent you from your own religious choices. Outside the home, at university, in the workplace, within your diverse social circle, at the restaurant or at parties – all these situations present a range of extraneous influences and often perplexing choices. Sri Vaishnava teachers now have to concern themselves with helping this generation in situations that never arose in India in more classical times. In this respect the orthodox Vaishnava teachers who now come west have a lot in common with Vaishnava teachers in ISKCON.

Chinna Jeeyar Swami arrived at Bhaktivedanta Manor on a very cold, blustery, wet afternoon. He walked bare-shouldered with two disciples chanting verses behind him. I received him with a small Vedic ceremony involving a kumbha (coconut-pot) and lamp, and invited him to take up his seat in the Manor theatre. The word had got around and the theatre filled up quickly. He spoke on Krishna and the blessings of the great Vaishnavas. Afterwards the Swami said that he would like to return to the Manor on a future date, when he next comes to England. We all wish him well in his western preaching.

Kalindi and her Boyfriends (5 min video)Chayadevi: Kalindi was…
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Kalindi and her Boyfriends (5 min video)
Chayadevi: Kalindi was only 3 years old and had produced
23.096 pounds of milk but she couldn’t get pregnant again and her milk production had fallen below 60 pounds a day when the dairy farmer who owned her was about to sell her for meat. ISCOWP members purchased her and saved her from becoming meat on someone’s dinner plate. This video is about her life and the life of 2 of her friends (also saved from slaughter) 2 years later.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/BBxv3w

The Art of Teaching – A Guide for Training Our Children in…
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The Art of Teaching – A Guide for Training Our Children in Krishna Consciousness by His Grace Bhurijana prabhu, is now available as an eBook on Amazon Kindle.
eBook link: http://a.co/acbiOzv
A valuable resource for parents, teachers, preachers, and anyone else who wants to teach. Bhurijana Dasa began his teaching career in 1976, working with students and developing curriculum. This book contains the essence of his years of teaching experience and his study of Srila Prabhupada’s instructions on education. Included are such topics as the importance of the mode of goodness in teachers and students, how to become self-disciplined, principles of organization and management, ideas for setting and achieving objectives, how to lead discussions, ask effective questions, listen, and counsel. Also, contains Srila Prabhupada’s quotes on gurukula and a section on child protection.

Devotees may also avail of the hardback from the same above link.

For bulk orders of the hardback book, please write to info@vihepublications.com

Website: http://www.vihepublications.com