Author Archives: Dandavats.com

Initiation Ceremony of Sachiko and Nobuko in Osaka, Japan (video)
Srila Prabhupada: SB 2.5.9 purport: It is usual for the devo…Read More…

New Sannyasa Initiation.
On the eve of Sri Ramnavami(5th April), Advaitacharya Das took Sannyasa from H.H.Bhakti Gaurav Naraya…Read More…

Have you seen a cook’s heaven? Iskcon’s most professional kitchen. Melbourne, Australia (Album with photos)
Aniruddha Dasa: A few perspectives of kitchen readiness on Saturday. I took these for presentation at the thankyou dinner. We raised another $100,000 on the night. Thanks to all those who helped us raise $1,400,000 thus far on top of the $500,000 provided by the Victorian Government.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/BF9zo6

A devotee in the South Asian Dance Final.
A mighty congratulation to the BBC South Asian dance winner, Shyam Dattani. Shyam has spent much of his life at Iskcon’s Bhaktivedanta Manor in UK.
The finalists in this category showcase two of the most popular classical Indian dance styles – Kathak and Bhatanatyam. Judging them is a panel of three of the UK’s top dance experts: the choreographer, performer and academic, Chitra Sundaram; performer, teacher and leading exponent of Kathak dance, Kajal Sharma; and general adjudicator – judging across all four BBC Young Dancer categories – the critically acclaimed choreographer and dance producer, Shobana Jeyasingh. For one of the dancers a place in the Grand Final awaits, with the opportunity to dance on the main stage at Sadler’s Wells.
The finalists are: Akshay Prakash, Jaina Modasia, Anaya Bolar, Shyam Dattani and Anjelli Wignakumar.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08l6sm0

Radha Kunda Seva: March 2017 Photos and Updates (Album with photos)
7000 buildings around the parikrama path had been marked for demolition and demolished they were. March was a traumatic month for many Govardhan residents …and for us as well when we saw a giant red X painted on the pillar of our temple freshly built at the front end of our property. So far, by Radha and Krishna’s mercy, the government has spared our temple, instead only knocking down the front gate and some of the wall encircling our land. We will put up a temporary fence to replace the broken wall. And our construction managers are cautiously recommending that we delay the building of the kitchen and residence facilities a few months until after the mayhem has died down. And so we wait. With the help of a lawyer, we have now received official permission from the Radha Kunda district magistrate to reinstate feeding chenna prasada to parikrama pilgrims and to continue cleaning all around Radha Kunda. And so with a new sense of confidence and your steady support, we continue the daily service of cleaning and prasadam distribution in 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, Urmila Devi Dasi, and Mayapurcandra dasa.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/sVoI49

Ecstatic Harinama at Leicester Square, UK (4 min. video)
Srila Prabhupada: That there have been no newly initiated devotees from Japan is all right. It doesn’t matter whether they are initiated or not. If they are coming in large number, that is the success of our mission. We are not after making initiated members very many but our concern is that people understand this philosophy in wider circles. Initiated members are for managing the temples and preaching work, but our program is to invite people to our feasts, let them hear our philosophy and dance and chant. That is the basic principle of our philosophy in preaching work. >>> Ref. VedaBase => Letter to: Sudama – Bombay 11 April, 1971
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/hBGPRg

The passing of Joan Fielder, also known as Yamuna.
Ramai Swami:
Joan Fielder, also known as “Jamuna” by the devotees, had been visiting New Gokula farm on and off for around twenty years.
In the last few years she was a regular at the Bhakti tree in Newcastle where she loved to talk to the devotees, listen to kirtan and have nice prasadam.
At a recent Friday evening program, after listening to the kirtan and sitting to take her meal, she had an attack and was taken to hospital by ambulance.
Unfortunately, Jamuna, who was 87, passed away while in the ambulance. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends and devotees. Her last moments were in the Bhakti Tree after kirtan and prasadam.
May Lord Krishna bless her soul to continue the journey back home, back to Godhead.

ISKCON-London’s Ramanavami 2017 celebrations.
Please find below photos from Lord Rama’s Appearance Day at ISKCON-London. Slideshow (please turn on sound):
http://davidc.zenfolio.com/ramanavami_2017/slideshow
Gallery:
http://davidc.zenfolio.com/ramanavami_2017
With best wishes, Hare Krishna, David

Harinama Ruci Sankirtana around Taipei (Album with photos)
HH Mahavishnu Swami and Harinama Ruci devotees.
In Goloka Vrindavan, all speeches are songs, all steps of walking are dancing, everything is just sweet nectar, and the constant companion in everyone’s heart is the sweet sound of Krishna’s flute.
HH Mahavishnu Swami with Harinama Ruci devotees inspiring the street-artist joining the Harinama by playing his musical instrument
Wherever Maharaji and the devotees go, they always try to enlighten people to take Prabhupada’s books and take part of the chanting and singing Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra in the ways under the circumstances that people are with the available facilities ~
Krishna’s devotee-s are the Artist of all artisits ~ All talents and abilities are because of Krishna’s love to His devotees and the devotees’ love for Krishna ~

Spiritual life sometimes may seem lonely as it’s extremely challenging for determination to go against the material flow, to go against the social trends of fashion, to endure the heat and cold of material temperatures, for getting out of the external layers and layers of material coverings from millions of repeated birth-and-deaths, which people are so bound up by their personal material desires, which are the causes of sufferings ~

Therefore, one must strive for on-going advancing on the path of pure devotional services to Guru and Krishna, faithfully with patience, starting from the hearing and chanting the Hare-Krishna Maha-Mantra ~

Let the body and mind be 24 hours engaging in hearing, chanting, remembering and serving Krishna in all circumstances ~

Simple-Living + High-Thinking ~ ~ ~
Simple-Living for Krishna + High-Thinking for Krishna ~
Krishna Consciousness life is ever-lasting promising to all souls ~
*
( Singing+ distributing books in the Boulevards around the toppest Tower Taipei-101 area, blissfully bringing up the good fortune to the people, 2017.April-2.)
*

Jaya Nityananda Gauranga ~
Sri Harinama Sankirtana Ki Jaya ~
Find them here: https://goo.gl/c3NzB7

“ Hare Krsna” TV launched!
Hare Krsna TV Channel is an effort to celebrate the diverse cultural elements of our planet, all weaved together with the strong bond of Krishna consciousness.
* 7 hours of fresh content daily
* 3 distinct time bands: Breaking Dawn / Afternoon / Evening
* Content from across 6 continents
* Engaging and Exclusive World-Music content
* Thought provoking discourses on ancient Indian Vedic texts in English
* Popular talks by the most prolific and entertaining speakers
On the occasion of Janmashtami, we feel privileged and grateful to share with you the HARE KRSNA TV app for android devices.
You can download it on your android smartphone from the following link
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.harekrsnatv.app&hl=en
You can also watch the HARE KRSNA TV on your computer screen at http://harekrsnalive.com/
With this streaming app, you can experience the grace of the Hare Krsna movement popularly known as ISKCON flowing into your life
As we evolve, we will feature amazing content from around 600 ISKCON Centres worldwide and showcase the best of Music, Events, Yatras, Kirtans, Bhajans, Lectures, Documentaries, Talks, Entertaining stories, Food shows, Lifestyle content, Children’s shows, Vedic analysis, Geeta Discourses and much more…
Here is the current programming lineup
#1 RECITATION : Bhagavad Gita – ‘As It Is’
The most important text of Indian culture is passionately narrated by the best of the ISKCON speakers, from around the world. The treasure of Srila Prabhupada’s glorious translation is shared through fascinating tales and anecdotes that make for an engaging show
#2 SATVIK : Cook for the Higher Taste
The passion and joy of cooking the most delicious yet nutritious recipes from the world of ISKCON which runs over 100 restaurants around the world. Featuring facts on nutrition and the spiritual significance of ‘Satvik’ or ‘Pure’ food for human life
#3 KIRTAN: When the Soul Sings
The essence of ISKCON is ‘Bhakti Yoga’ and its clearly reflected in the infectious ‘Kirtans’ of the Hare Krsna devotees from around the world. We bring to you the best of the magical Kirtans, throughout the day and each one is going to lift your spirits to deliver eternal joy
#4 KINGDOM OF WISDOM
ISKCON’s core is formed by deep knowledge of the divine and Lord Krishna is revered for his wise ways of living life. We bring to you curated wisdom offerings from the wisest and most influential personalities from the world of ISKCON and brighten your way to this kingdom of wisdom
#5 Q&A SHOWS THE WAY
The seeking spirit is always encouraged at ISKCON. Come and explore the world of Krishna Consciousness and get answers to your every question on life & beyond
#6 THE HIGHER TRUTH: ISKCON Documentaries
Discover the world of ISKCON through the most thought provoking documentaries made by passionate filmmakers from around the world. Each one is is a class apart and has been made by absolute surrender to the divine
#7 PATH OF THE PLAYFUL : Kids Animated Stories
ISKCON has always revered the playfulness of Krishna through the children of its devotees. This show is completely dedicated to our little playful Krishnas who are sure to enjoy amazing stories from the world of ISKCON and Lord Krishna
#8 RHYTHM DIVINE: Vaishnava Bhajans
Singing in praise of the divine and forming an eternal bond with the Lord has been the highlight of the ISKCON movement. We bring to you the best bhajans from around the world, that will take you on a rhythmic joyride to discover the divinity within
#9 GURU’S GRACE : Radhanath Swami Lectures
Much respected and honoured worldwide for being one of the the most influential and prolific spiritual guides of our time, His Holiness Radhanath Swami will mesmerise us with his pearls of wisdom
#10 LIFE AT ISKCON
A life dedicated in the service of the divine and inspiring generations after generations to leave the path of destruction and discover everlasting joy, love, peace and harmony with fellow humans … is what makes the the life of these extraordinary folks so graceful. We feature them all with great reverence
#11 HOW I CAME TO KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS
With millions of devotees and each one speaking the language of love, this show will feature several human stories from around the world and show us how and what makes the ISKCON movement the most inspiring phenomenon of the human race
#12 ISKCON RATH YATRA
Although there are many variety of events conducted by ISKCON, Rath-Yatras are the most interesting, colourful, musical and exciting roadshows that also touch upon the lives of several non-devotees who witness and participate in the joy of celebrating life. We feature the most vivid and assorted Rath-Yatras from around the world
The channel is set to launch soon on Android & IOS also in some MSO & DTH on INDIA. Its currently Broadcasted on Real Tv In Australia , & ZTV4u in Netherlands , Germany , Sweden & neighbouring areas.
A feed is also available through live streaming on www.harekrsnalive.com

The Law of Large Numbers.
Vaisesika das: “In probability theory, the law of large numbers (LLN) is a theorem that describes the results of performing the same experiment a large number of times. According to the law, the average of the results …

Rama Navami celebration in Moscow Russa (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The Personality of Godhead Sri Krsna appeared before us just a little prior to the beginning of Kali-yuga, and He returned to His eternal home practically at the commencement of Kali-yuga. While He was present, He exhibited everything by His different activities. He spoke the Bhagavad-gita specifically and eradicated all pretentious principles of religiosity. And prior to His departure from this material world, He empowered Sri Vyasadeva through Narada to compile the messages of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, and thus both the Bhagavad-gita and the Srimad-Bhagavatam are like torchbearers for the blind people of this age. In other words, if men in this age of Kali want to see the real light of life, they must take to these two books only, and their aim of life will be fulfilled. Srila Prabhupada’s purport to SB 1.3.43
Find them here: https://goo.gl/JVshd6

ISKCON Auckland NZ: Ekadasi harinam (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: This Krsna consciousness movement is the greatest boon to humanity because it keeps one always engaged in Krsna’s service. The devotees think of Krsna, act for Krsna, eat for Krsna, sleep for Krsna and work for Krsna. Thus everything is engaged in the service of Krsna. A total life in Krsna consciousness saves one from material contamination. Srila Prabhupada; SB 4.30.19 purport
Find them here: https://goo.gl/96BLYp

HH Navayogendra Swami Maharaj from Iskcon greets Sri Narendra Modi ji, Prime Minister of India, during the recent visit to Jammu and…Read More…

Willing & Able.
Sutapa Das: Various leadership responsibilities, whether manager, mother or mentor, offer us the privileged opportunity in assisting people to excel. Though the most rewarding role in life, they all come with a good dose of frustration and annoyance. How many times has your sincere and informed advice been received with unresponsiveness and neglect? What to do when faced with ingratitude and irrationality? How long should one persevere? What’s the point at which you ’leave them to it’? Sensing the appropriate time to let go is one of the most important elements in any leader’s job description – it should be neither premature, nor delayed.
While making that call, here’s something to consider: for someone to change, they need to be willing and able. Sometimes people are able but not willing. The inertia is essentially a motivation issue since we’ve failed to ‘sell’ the idea to them. Intimidation, criticism and threats are neither effective nor sustainable – we must generate genuine inspiration, willingness and drive. Other times, people are willing but not able. They want to change but they just don’t know how. The best leaders don’t shy away from the hard work that goes into walking through an experience with someone. It’s not just about charismatic speeches and fantastic visions, but systematic empowerment, frontline mentoring, and one-to-one face-time investment.
We must know what we’re dealing with – the key to progression is to understand the block.
Allen Ginsberg, the beat poet who was at the cutting edge of the counter culture, beautifully summarized Swami Prabhupada’s leadership approach; patience, humor and regiment were essential ingredients in cooking up the revolution: “Swami Bhaktivedanta came to the USA and went swiftly to the archetype spiritual neighborhood, the New York Lower East Side, and installed intact an ancient, perfectly preserved piece of street India. He adorned a storefront as his ashram and adored Krishna therein and by patience and good humor, singing, chanting and expounding Sanskrit terminology day by day established Krishna consciousness in the psychedelic (mind manifesting) center of America East. To choose to attend to the Lower East Side, what kindness and humility and intelligence!”

KK Bindu #397: Where is bhakti to be found?
Srila Prabhupada: I beg to submit herewith that by the Grace of Sri Krishna through His mercy personified—my spiritual master, I have realized it most thoroughly that going “Back to Godhead” is the highest privilege of mankind and that is the supreme perfection of human life.
Unfortunately, the present day human civilization is very much attracted with the beauty of Apara Prakrti the illusory material Nature and as such they are overpowered by a demoniac form of propensity in the atheistic set up of civilization manifested in the matter of sense gratification. This tendency is dangerously harmful to the real progress of life.
The aim of life should be to make a sincere effort to go “Back to Godhead” but contrary to this, the tendency is to go back to hell or in the cycle of evolutionary animal life as it is described in the 16th chapter of Bhagavad-gita.
Please therefore save them from the great falldown. Believe me or not, I have got the clue of going “Back to Godhead” just after leaving my present material body and in order to take along with me all my contemporary men and women of the world, I have started my paper “Back to Godhead” as one of the means to the way.
Please do not think of me as an wonderful or a mad man when I say that I shall go “Back to Godhead” after leaving my present material body! It is quite possible for everyone and all of us.
In the Bhagavad-gita it is said very clearly that whosoever may adopt the specific principle of accepting Sri Krishna the Personality of Godhead, he will be able to achieve the highest transcendental goal of life,—never mind what he is either a born untouchable, a fallen woman, a laborer or a man dealing in rupees annas pies. His being so, what is there difficulty for a pious “Brahmin” and devoted king for going “Back to Godhead”? Everyone should therefore adopt this principle of going “Back to Godhead” in order to get released from the world of miseries, with temporary existence.
This fact is corroborated by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu as the practical demonstrator of Bhagavad-gita and as the most magnanimous incarnation of Sri Krishna—the Personality of Sri Krishna Caitanya has made the path of going “Back to Godhead” so easy for every one that even a boy of the world can swim across the ocean of religiosity, although it is injected with so many dangerous animals ready to devour up a fallen person in that great massive water. I have simply adopted the easy method of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu just suitable to the modern people in general. As such I am feeling as sure of going “Back to Godhead” as I feel without any doubt after taking my dinner that I have eaten to my satisfaction. This feeling is a necessary concomitant factor of the great science of devotional service in the approved line of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
I am therefore very eager to broadcast the secret of my success to all men and women of the world as a natural consequence and I am seeking your excellency’s help and co-operation in this great attempt of transcendental service.
I am enclosing herewith 12 (twelve) copies of “Back to Godhead” (I to XII) for your excellency’s reference. If possible kindly go through them all and I am sure that your honour will understand me right about my assertion. If it is not so possible, your excellency can kindly give a glance over the head lines only, and I am sure that will also give your excellency an idea of my definite assertion.
To make a world wide propaganda for this most essential service to humanity, it is necessary that your excellency will stretch the helping hand necessary in this matter, as your exalted honour is personally fit also to do this job. Although the method is very simple for universal adoption, it is not possible for me to express in this letter all the words that I wish to tell your honour. As such, I am seeking an interview with your honour herewith. When your excellency will see personally the papers and programme of work about my bona fides, I am sure your excellency will be interested in co-operating with me. There is immense work to be done so far India’s spiritual asset is concerned and I think the Govt. may take up the matter scientifically for the good of all men. India’s specific culture demands that there should be a ministry of spiritual affairs to save the great culture of “Bharatavarsa”.
I am crying alone in the wilderness at the present moment. So please help me in this noble cause and oblige.
—–
From a Letter of His Divine Grace to: Dr. Rajendra Prasad, President of Indian Union
———–
This issue can be downloaded at the following link:

https://archive.org/details/bindu397

Ecstatic Rama Navami Celebrations in Madan, Bangladesh
Nila Kamal das: Madan is a small village located in North Bangladesh. For the last seven years, devotees from ISKCON Netrakona have been preaching there and have established regular Nama Hatta programs. There are around twenty initiated devotees there and they are conducting regular preaching programs there. ISKCON Netrakona devotees visit every month to inspire and enthuse the local devotees.
On the auspicious day of Lord Rama’s appearance, devotees from Madan arranged a wonderful pandal program in which nearly 2000 locals visited, took part in and honoured prasad.
‘Go on holding as many festivals as possible. Your reports are very convincing, this combination of book distribution and public festivals is very good for bringing the people to an attraction for Krishna Consciousness.’ June 5th 1974
On the day of the festival, devotees arrived in Madan around 11am. To the surprise of the devotees there were heavy wind and rain. Locals said that such extreme weather conditions were not to be seen even in the rainy season! At twelve noon, a yajna was performed under the expert guidance of HG Shyamasundarananda das (Mayapur). This was done in order to invoke auspiciousness for the festival. At the end of the yajna, Indra sent his blessings down again in the form of heavy rain. A small abhishek was then performed to a picture of Sita, Rama, Lakshman and Hanuman for Their pleasure. Devotees then went to break their fast and attend other services.
The evening program started at five with ecstatic kirtan. After the evening arati ceremony, various speakers shared their insights and realisations about the festival. Dr Subhananda das (National Heart Foundation, Dhaka) delivered a wonderful speech on how Lord Rama is ‘Maryada Purusottam’ and how He set the ideal example for all to follow. International guests from Spain and England then spoke to the audience and expressed their’ gratitude and happiness to be in Bangladesh to celebrate this festival.
Last but not least, the chief guest of the program; Shyamasundarananda das addressed the audience. He spoke on the paradox of the modern age. He described how the rich culture of Bangladesh is rapidly changing. ‘Every night in villages there used to be topics discussed on Ramayana and Mahabharata but now that tradition is not to be found. Now in the nights we find the villagers watching television or chatting on their smart phones.’ This statement deeply penetrated into the hearts of the locals. His grace then went on to narrate some wonderful pastimes of Lord Ramacandra which few devotees had ever heard off.
To conclude the speeches, HG Jay Ram das (ISKCON Netrakona President) thanked all the participants and volunteers for the festival and encouraged Madan devotees to again hold this festival next year.
The night ended with a drama performance by devotees enacting some sweet pastimes of Lord Rama. We would like to thank all the devotees who put in hard work and efforts in order for this program to be successful. We would especially like to thank the brahmacaris from ISKCON Netrakona, many who had sleepless in order to make arrangements for the program.
We hope that Srila Prabhupada and Caitanya Mahaprabhu are pleased with our humble efforts.

Preaching program in Iskcon Chile (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Always follow my instructions and my example. This should be your life and soul. Letter to Hansadutta: – Mayapur 1 October, 1974
Find them here: https://goo.gl/IfMT8A

Mirror, mirror on the wall.
Vaisesika Dasa: When I was a child, my parents occasionally took my brother and me to the Fun House, an amusement park located at Ocean Beach in San Francisco. One of the attractions was a hallway full of mirrors specially designed to distort one’s image. One mirror made even obese people look as skinny as a post; another made skinny people appear to be as fat as a Hippopotamus.
At the Fun House, people absorbed in viewing their own grotesque, distorted images sometimes laughed and sometimes grimaced.
All this was in the name of fun. However, one who identifies with one’s material body is constantly affected by misplaced emotions due to an inaccurate view of his or her true self.

As spiritual sparks we have nothing to do with our material bodies, but because of an artificial affinity for and identification with our temporary gross and subtle material bodies, we see ourselves as something we’re not and suffer as a result.

Mahaprabhu compares the mind to a mirror. When the mirror is clean, it reflects one’s true image as a pure spiritual being. When the mirror is dirty or misaligned however, one sees an inaccurate image of one’s real self and labors unnecessarily under this misconception.

Maitreya Muni tells his disciple Vidura: “The living entity is in distress regarding his self-identity. He has no factual background, like a man who dreams that he sees his head cut off.” (SB 3.7.10)

Interestingly, the suffering a man undergoes when he sees his head cut off in a dream is real even though the situation is temporary and is superfluous to the soul’s real position.

Guru, sadhu and sastra all invite one to wake up from the bad dream of material life.

Maitreya says that when a man awakens from a bad dream, his miseries are vanquished. Similarly, he says, a man who awakens to his true identity as an eternal soul – part and parcel of Krishna, the Supreme Soul – he becomes free from all woes and re-enters his life of blissful devotional service to God.

One should take seriously to the process of bhakti yoga to wake up from the bad dream of material life and become thus become truly happy.

Maitreya Muni: “But that misconception of self-identity can be diminished gradually by the mercy of the Personality of Godhead, Vasudeva, through the process of devotional service to the Lord in the mode of detachment.” (SB 3.7.12)

Mahaprabhu says that the best process for cleaning the mirror of the heart and attaining a permanent standing in the blissful life of devotional service is Sankirtana, the congregational chanting the holy names of Krishna.

Sri Rama Navami – Abhiseka ceremony at Iskcon’s Sri Jagannath Mandir, Seshadripuram, Bangalore (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If you simply think of Krsna only, then you get a body where by which you can go to Krsna. You can go to Krsna. By going to Krsna, you can talk with Krsna personally. You can play with Krsna personally. You can dance with Krsna. That is Krsna-loka. Just like we have got a picture, rasa dancing going. Here is picture, Krsna’s. Everyone can get this opportunity. Therefore Krsna comes to show practically how enjoyable life with Krsna in Vrndavana. Krsna is simply jolly, anandamayo ‘bhyasat [Vedanta-sutra 1.1.12]. In Vrndavana life you will see, everyone is jolly. The birds, trees and the water, the land, the cows, the calves, the inhabitants, the cowherd boys – everyone is happy simply by loving Krsna. Simply by loving Krsna. So Krsna therefore manifests His lila, that “Why you are rotting in this material world? Come to Me and enjoy life eternally.” That is Krsna business. He is so kind. Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati bharata [Bg. 4.7]. People, when they become debauch to enjoy life in this material world… What is the enjoyment? The last enjoyment there, sex life. Is that very good enjoyment? But they have accepted. Yan maithunadi-grhamedhi-sukham hi tuccham [SB 7.9.45]. Maithuna means sex intercourse. That is their life and soul. They do not know. They have no information. There is better pleasure, eternal pleasure. That they do not know. Therefore there is need of Krsna consciousness movement to understand that.
From Srila Prabhupada’s lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.15.32 – December 10, 1973, Los Angeles
Find them here: https://goo.gl/AMjjdP

Sri Rama Navami Celebration at ISKCON Salem (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Krsna consciousness, devotional service to Krsna, is the ocean of eternal bliss. In comparison to this eternal bliss, the so-called happiness of society, friendship and love is simply useless and insignificant. One should therefore not be attached to temporary things. One should take to Krsna consciousness and become eternally happy. – Srila Prabhupada’s purport to SB 7.7.46
Find them here: https://goo.gl/photos/QyFMzD6X8RkxPn4N9

Rama gives instruction to all political heads of state.
“My dear brother, a righteous kingdom will surely prosper. Are the brahmanas, demigods and elders being properly respected? Are the women within the kingdom being properly honored and protected? Are disputes being impartially judged? I hope that You avoid the fourteen weaknesses- atheism, hypocrisy, anger, procrastination, laziness, slavery to the senses, contempt for good advice, lack of vigilance, fondness for bad council, impractical planning, inability to keep a secret, attachment to foolish friends, negligence of religious observances, and failure to counteract enemies.”
“Bharata, are you aware of the three kinds of prowess- physical strength, power of authority, and intelligence? Do You avoid the following eight kinds of friends- the deceitful, the reckless, the violent, the envious, the gossiper, the foul-mouthed, the usurper of property, and the unjust?”
“Do You avoid making alliances with these twenty kinds of kings? They are- the child-monarch, the senile, the frail and ill, the over-aggressive, the cowardly, the greedy, the sensualist, the frivolous, those who were defeated in battle, who have been overthrown, who frequently travel abroad, who have many enemies, who are poverty-stricken, who are opposed to religious principles, who are despised by their ministers, and who are mentally disturbed?”
“I hope that You prefer to keep the company of one learned man rather than thousands of ignorant fools. A single talented minister can give one immense benefit, whereas in times of necessity, thousands of fools are of no use.”
“Bharata, if a King does not get rid of a physician who is simply adept at aggravating a disease, a servant who in intent upon bringing disgrace upon his master, or a warrior who wants to become the ruler himself, then he will surely be killed by these three.”
“Are the women protected and honored by You, and are they pacified with regards to their material demands? I hope that You do not place too much faith in women or confide Your secrets to them.”
Valmiki Ramayana/Ayodhya kanda

Preaching program in Taichung, Taipei, Taiwan (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Yes, as a Sannyasi and GBC your first duty is to read my books. Otherwise how will you preach? In order to remain steadily fixed in Krishna consciousness there must be a sound philosophical understanding. Otherwise it will become only sentiment. Whenever you find time please read my books. -From Srila Prabhupada’s letter to Satsvarupa – Nellore 5 January, 1976
Find them here: https://goo.gl/pwT8PT

Their Grace Jananivas and Pankajangari prabhus arrive to cut their cake on their 73rd birthday in Sridham Mayapur (3 min video)
Now this is a birthday party!
There’s a whole lotta’ love going down there…
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/jomYk3

Visas to India: Good news!
With a view to stimulating economic growth, increasing earnings from the export of services like tou…Read More…

ISKCON Congregational Development Ministry presents Bhakti Marriages ​ – A ​Premarital Course for Men and Women.
As an initiative to support the healthy development of our communities and individuals, the Congregational Development Ministry (CDM) of ISKCON is promoting Bhakti Marriages; a practical pre-marital course ​based on Srila Prabhupada’s instructions.​
We ​believe that the only way to have ​stable and​ successful marriages is to learn and apply the Vaisnava principles as given to us by Srila Prabhupada. For this purpose, this much-needed course is now offered to all the devotees wanting to have a conducive, Krishna-conscious and satisfying marriage.
The c​ourse consists of over 30 lessons which systematically takes you through the different necessary aspects ​of the Grihastha Asrama.
Srila Prabhupada said: “Both the girls and the boys should be trained up. Then they’ll be responsible husband and wife and live peacefully.” (Room Conversation- Nouvelle Mayapur, France, 3 August 1976)
Register Now @ http://bhaktimarriages.com/
Learn more about the course: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V54OU3utRnY
Ys Manjulali M.S. Devi Dasi

Harinama in Taiwan (Album with photos)
The Krishna consciousness movement is chiefly engaged in chanting the maha-mantra all over the world. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu introduced the congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra to give everyone a chance to hear Krishna’s holy name, for simply by hearing Hare Krishna one becomes purified.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/ry1Vci

You’ve Got to be Out of Your Mind to Chant!
Mahatma Das: When someone does or says something crazy, we might say, “He must be out of his mind.” To chant well we shouldn’t be crazy but we should be out of our mind. Why? Prabhupada said we don’t need the mind to chant.
Feeling is a function of the heart, not the mind. Feeling is what keeps us in the present; mind keeps us everywhere but the present. The mind doesn’t experience. The mind analyses experience. Therefore, when chanting, rather than controlling the mind just let the mind go. And it will automatically go when you enter the world of experience. Then you will be totally present with the name.
Fully present means there is only you and the holy name. This means just you and Krsna. No thoughts of what you have to do later, what you didn’t do yesterday, etc. It is in this plane that you taste the name. It is in this plane that you do not tire of chanting.
Have you ever eaten a meal while absorbed in conversation and when you finish you are surprised to see there is nothing left on your plate? “How did I eat all that?” The same thing happens when we chant and are not present to the experience of chanting. We don’t taste the meal of the holy name.
Be with your experience of chanting. Don’t try to create an experience, just experience what is actually happening when you chant. Don’t try to be an achiever. Be a dis-achiever.
Don’t try to analyze your experience with the name. Don’t ask if you are having the right experience, wonder when the experience will come, or when the taste will come. Just allow yourself to experience the holy names. Feel the holy names and just experience what you are experiencing. Isn’t it strange that we are waiting for the experience, struggling to get the experience, when all we have to do is allow ourselves to have the experience of our chanting.
Experience is not a function of the mind. Indeed, you can’t experience the holy name with your mind. You can understand what the name does, how the name does it, why the name does it, what you will experience when the name does it, etc, but this is not an experience of the name. This is an experience of the mind.
Your mind only gets in the way of your experience of the name. Therefore, you must be out of your mind to chant.
Have you ever observed that how absorbed you are in your conversation and when you finish your food, you are surprised to see there is nothing left on your plate? “How did I eat all that?” The same thing happens when we chant and are not present to the experience of chanting. We don’t taste the meal of the holy name.
Be with you experience of chanting. Don’t try to create an experience, just experience what is actually happening when you chant. Don’t try to be an achiever. Be a dis-achiever.
Don’t try to analyze your experience with the name. Don’t ask if you are having the right experience, wonder when the experience will come, or when the taste will come. Just allow yourself to experience the holy names. Feel the holy names and just experience what you are experiencing. Isn’t it strange that we are waiting for the experience, struggling to get the experience, when all we have to do is allow ourselves to have the experience of our chanting.
Experience is not a function of the mind. Indeed, you can’t experience the holy name with your mind. You can understand what the name does, how the name does it, why the name does it, what you will experience when the name does it, etc, but this is not an experience of the name. This is an experience of the mind.
Your mind only gets in the way of your experience of the name. Therefore, you must be out of your mind to chant.

Vaisesika Das: I can’t stop thinking about the big kirtans we had at ISV (our temple in San Jose, Ca) on Lord Rama’s appearance day. My mind keeps going back to those kirtans, wanting to relive them.
On that day, the devotees danced and …

Minding Our Mantras – 45 min. talk by Romapada Swami.
Why do we need to chant the Maha Mantra daily? What are some of the ways to help us improve the quality of our chanting? What does it mean to “chant from the heart”?
Listen to it here: https://goo.gl/zRFet4

The Real Treasure of India (15 min video)
A short lecture given by Sri Nandanandana dasa (Stephen Knapp) at the World Ramayana …Read More…

The April issue of “The Conch” the monthly Newsletter
of the Iskcon New Govardhana Community is online.
In this issue: LORD RAMACHANDRA APPEARS, Perfect king, perfect example. WHERE THERE’S A WILL THERE’S A WAY, Why you should make a Will. SACRED SOUND RETREAT. Fun activities for the kids. PERMACULTURE. New course at Krishna Village. SANNYASA MINISTRY, An inside look.
You can download the pdf document here: https://goo.gl/FQSJGW

Seeking the blessing of the Lord (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Today I took a number of devotees to the village of Dauji in Gokul, Vrindavan. Tomorrow I leave Vrindavan to return to my preaching duties in western countries and I wanted to seek the blessings of Dauji, or Lord Balarama, who resides in His deity form in a beautiful temple in the center of the village. Lord Balarama gives spiritual strength to His devotees to advance in Krsna consciousness, as well as to convince others of the process of devotional service. I prayed to the deity of Lord Balarama to give me strength to fulfill the order of my spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, to help spread our Krsna conscious movement far and wide.

“One cannot attain the supreme platform of self-realization without being sufficiently favored by Balarama. Bala does not mean physical strength. No one can attain spiritual perfection by physical strength. One must have the spiritual strength which is infused by Balarama. Balarama is the source of spiritual power, or the original spiritual master. “

[ Krsna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Prayers by the Demigods for Lord Krsna in the Womb.”]
Find them here: https://goo.gl/NRwJR0

Free Emergency Prasadam for the Murwillumbah Flood Victims (Album with photos)
The devotees from Iskcon New Govardhana quickl…Read More…

This Tamal tree, within the Iskcon Temple in Vrindavan, is a place of pilgrimage for Gaudiya Vaisnava’s. Long before when the Krishna Balaram Mandir was constructed in Vrindavan, in the early 1970’s there were reported to be very few Tamal trees in Vrindavan. One at Rasasthali and one at the Samadhi of Rupa Goswami in Radha Damodar. So, Srila Prabhupada noted that the land had a Tamal tree and he was very very pleased. There is an interesting pastime about this tree. Long before Srila Prabhupada sat under this tree, he envisioned himself sitting under this tree and looking at the deities of Krishna-Balarama. He said, we will have Kirtan under this tree and he said, this tree should be worshipped and the soil under the tree, a tea spoon of it should be taken, mixed with sand and water from the Yamuna river and then with the coconut husk you should clean the arati paraphernalia in our temple with this holiest substance. So, it is a very sacred place for us and let us pray that not only now but in the future Srila Prabhupada’s wish will be fulfilled and Gaudiya Vaisnava’s will be able to worship the sacred tree in the sacred occasion for many many more years to come. …….(Memories from Srimati Yamuna Devi)

Twin Festival at Madurai (Album with photos)
ISKCON 50 & Sri Ramanujar 1000 Celebration on March 26, 2017
On March 26th, 2017 ISKCON 50th celebration and 1000th appearance year celebration of Sri Ramanujacharya were celebrated at Madurai, a temple city of South India. (At the most prominent Gandhi Museum, Madurai, Tamilnadu, India)
This festival was celebrated to glorify Srila Prabhupada and the achievement of ISKCON for the past 50 years as well as to glorify Sri Ramanujacharya.
More than 5000 people joined this glorious celebration. His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Maharaj spoke about the glories of Srila Prabhupada & Sri Ramanujacharya followed by the Jeeyar of famous Alwar Thirunagari Temple, His Holiness Sri Renga Ramanuja Jeeyar Swami. Special issue of Tamil magazine “Krishna Amutham” glorifying Sri Ramanujacharya & Srila Prabhupada, and a book on “Sri Ramanujacharya” was released. Also a Tamil version of “Vaishnava Ke” released.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/9C09CA

Mantra Party festival Iskcon in Lithuania 25-26th March 2017 (All the 17 video recordings)
Srila Prabhupada: One time, during the annual Gaura-Purnima festival in Mayapura, Prabhupada called his GBC men to his room to tell them that he was hearing and take pleasure in the kirtana. With his leaders gathered before him in the room, Prabhupada stated that all the devotees in the world should come to Mayapura and constantly have kirtana. He was very blissful as he told them of Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s statement that he had searched the fourteen worlds but found nothing of value except the chanting of the holy names. Prabhupada said that this was Mayapura’s purpose, to come and chant. We may have problems in different parts of the world, but they will go away if we simply come together and chant. Lord Caitanya always chanted and we could do it also.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/3pPIFu

Question: I have heard that Bhakti Yoga helps us to give up bad habits. But how exactly does it work?
Radhanath Swami: My dear godbrother, Shyamsundar, he is an example of how bhakti can transform a heart, to help us give up very difficult habits.Re…

Today is the 1,000th anniversary of the appearance of Sripada Ramanujacarya, the principal acarya in the Sri, or Lakshmi, sampradaya.
Giriraj Swami: Srila Prabhupada wrote that “We find great shelter at the lotus feet of Sri Ramanujacarya because his lotus feet are the strongest fort to combat the Mayavadi philosophy.” (letter 22.11.1974) And in the early days of ISKCON in India, before we had Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad-gita As It Is translated into Hindi, he would refer people to read the Hindi edition of the Gita with Sri Ramanujacarya’s commentary.
Prabhupada often told a story about Sri Ramanujacarya’s merciful, compassionate nature. As he related it in Ahmedabad in 1972, “The servants of Krishna take all risk for Krishna’s sake. Just like Ramanujacarya. Sri Ramanujacarya’s spiritual master said, ‘My dear son, the mantra which I am giving, you chant silently and you will be delivered. It is so powerful. Don’t chant this mantra loudly so others can hear.’
“Ramanujacarya thought, ‘If this mantra is so powerful that if others hear it they’ll also be delivered, then why not?’ He immediately went to the market and began to chant the mantra. So his spiritual master became very angry, that ‘I told you not to chant loudly, so others may not hear.’ And Ramanujacarya replied, ‘My Lordship, I have done offense unto you. That’s all right. For this I am prepared to go to hell. But if this mantra is so powerful, I must speak it to everyone.’ ”
In this mood, following in the footsteps of Sripada Ramanujacarya, Srila Prabhupada broadcast the Hare Krishna maha-mantra and the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita everywhere, to everyone.
We pray and aspire to follow in their footsteps.
Hare Krishna.

Her Grace Krishna Vilasini Devi Dasi, a disciple of His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada left her body yesterday in Vrindavana.
Locana Das (her husband): I am sure that her lifelong dedication to the service of Krishna will reap many transcendental benefits as she passes on her way toward the Object of her devotion.
We started a temple together in Portland in 1971 and then moved to San Francisco where we had our first child. Krishna Vilasini walked during the Rathayatra festival in Golden Gate Park and gave birth to our baby girl at 2:00 am the next morning. Srila Prabhupada called it “natural childbirth” and named her Ratha.
Krishna Vilasini was a very special devotee. She joined the movement in Berkeley in 1969 and served under Hansadutta Prabhu who was the TP there at that time. She was immediately attracted to Harinam and there are pictures from that period showing her blissful absorption in the Holy Name. There is a video here www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs3axWCHquo that shows the early days in Berkeley which shows a young Hrdayananda Mj. preaching at the university along with brief passages showing Krishna Vilasini chanting (scroll video to 2:33) and serving prasadam in the temple (3:10) on Durant St. She was a sold out enthusiastic bhaktin whose only ambition was Harinam and preaching. We got married in the spring of 1970, but her heart was in the chanting and I was the attached grihastha.