Author Archives: Dandavats.com

This article has significance for all Russian preachers, but…
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This article has significance for all Russian preachers, but especially for foreigners preaching in Russia: The first known victims of Russia’s new anti-evangelism laws have been convicted and fined, according to the Forum 18 news service.
Two individuals, one a US citizen and one Ghanaian, have been heavily fined.
On October the 2nd one of them also lost the appeal against his conviction for evangelising.
An earlier case brought against a Hare Krishna devotee resulted in the acquittal of the accused, Vadim Sibiryev.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/DI8pG2

Legendary rapper KRS-One expresses his appreciation for Krsna…
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Legendary rapper KRS-One expresses his appreciation for Krsna prasada (6 min video)
KRS-One, the award winning Hip Hop artist, who rose to international fame in the mid 90’s, made a visit to ISKCON Leicester today (Sunday 2nd October), while he was in the City for a show.
In a completely surprise visit, KRS-One, expressed his appreciation for prasada, telling the devotees that he used to receive prasada as a homeless youth in New York. “You never know who you are feeding…I was one of them,” he said.
After taking darshan of Sri Sri Radha Madhava, and receiving a copy of the Bhagavad-gita, KRS told the devotees about how he came into contact with Krishna consciousness as a youth. Clutching his copy of Bhagavad-gita As It Is, he recalled how the New York devotees would distribute prasada to the homeless, and gave copies of the Gita to those who would help to serve. KRS-One was immediately drawn to the philosophy, and said that it sparked the beginning of his spiritual journey. His affinity to the Hare Krishnas led him to be nicknamed ‘Krsna’, and the name eventually stuck, as he used to graffiti the name Krsna on the NYC subway. His tag became KRS-One, and he eventually rose to international fame.
While in Leicester, KRS, whose acronym is: ‘Knowledge Reigns Supreme’, and is a vocal vegan, said that he wanted to share his philosophy and release a spiritual album. He also did a ‘freestyle’ rap, much to the delight of the devotees present.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/srpx7e

Oneness with God. Oneness is actually based on oneness of…
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Oneness with God.
Oneness is actually based on oneness of interest. A pure devotee has no interest but to act on behalf of the Supreme Lord. When one has even a tinge of personal interest, his devotion is mixed with the three modes of material nature. (SB 3.29.9p)
The devotee therefore endeavors to apply everything in the service of the Lord because he knows that everything is the property of the Lord and that no one can claim anything as one’s own. This perfect conception of oneness helps the worshiper in being engaged in His loving service. (SB 2.6.23p)
Our philosophy of Krishna consciousness is the same, but instead of becoming one with Krishna, we depend on Krishna. That is actual oneness. If we simply agree to abide by the orders of Krishna and have no disagreement with Him, we are situated in actual oneness. (TQK, 10p)
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/fyUA0G

“Tompkins Square Park, New York, Prasadam for the…
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“Tompkins Square Park, New York, Prasadam for the homeless” (Album with photos)
Dharmatma Das Acbsp: I had the opportunity to take part again in this wonderful program started and maintained by Adi Purusha prabhu for over 16 years. One of the hardest working devotees I’ve known. He and his partner Evangel cook delicious and hot meals that are greatly appreciated by all those who receive them. Everyone in the Lower East Side knows Adi. If you’d like to donate to this worthwhile project contact Adi at: 212-473-3558 or when in the City come by and lend a hand.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/jHP7oi

Brisbane Boat Festival (Album with photos) Ramai Swami: One of…
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Brisbane Boat Festival (Album with photos)
Ramai Swami: One of the recent events celebrated for ISKCON’s 50th anniversary by the Brisbane devotees was a boat ride on the Brisbane River.
About 140 devotees ( that’s all the boat could fit ) assembled at a Southbank jetty in central Brisbane to board the “Jaladuta 2”, which was a reenactment of Srila Prabhupada’s arrival into Boston on September 17th 1965.
On board we started with guru puja to Srila Prabhupada and for the next 4 hours there was kirtan, speeches, stories and wonderful prasadam.
Special guests were Srila Prabhupada’s disciples, HH Vedavyasapriya Maharaja, Gunarnava das, Vilasini dd and myself.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/N4eOE8

Travel Adventures of a Krishna Monk. Journal by Krishna-kripa…
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Travel Adventures of a Krishna Monk. Journal by Krishna-kripa Das.
Excerpt: There is a story in the Hassidic tradition about a great doubter named Simon. He attended a festival at which they reserve a seat for Elijah, a great prophet of the past. Simon wondered if Elijah actually could come there. Then he saw a hand reach down from the ceiling. He had doubts about grabbing it, but he decided to. Elijah brought him up to the kingdom of God. He saw how everyone was living in harmony. Then Elijah brought him back. He saw the trivial quarrels and bickering between nations and families due to selfishness.
Srila Prabhupada said to the GBC at their first meeting, “When you all agree, I will be there in the decision.”
The Native Americans have games in which everyone wins or no one wins. Such games teach that you have to work together.
The Quakers make decisions by consensus. If 299 agree, but one doesn’t, the 299 think, “What does he see that we do not see?”
We think democracy is really great, but in reality, it generates power politics where people form alliances to exclude others.
Krishna expertly and mercifully gives us situations where we cannot proceed until we consider everyone in our decision.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/RSdMj1

Meditating On Krishna In Athens
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Meditating On Krishna In Athens.
A stay in the capital city bore numinous insights about Krishna’s creative potency.
Tad Brennan writes in the Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy:
“The idea that the soul is the true locus of personhood, that its welfare is vastly more important than the body’s welfare, that … it survives death, is judged for its actions and may be reincarnated, that the post-mortem fate of the soul provides reasons to embrace a life of earthly virtue—for all of these Socratic commitments there is Presocratic precedent.”

The Gita & Change. The Gita is a book about change. It’s…
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The Gita & Change.
The Gita is a book about change. It’s protagonist, Arjuna, is changing his mind about leading the fight. He is having a ‘reality’ check as he faces his opponents, many of whom he knows. He is also facing the consequences of this war – no matter how important or needed, there will be much loss and disruption.
As Arjuna moves through his crisis, asking questions and seeking guidance, we learn so many things about change – both change that happens to us and change we can make happen. It’s a book to help us navigate life as it presents itself before us. We are not Arjuna, but certainly do have our own battles, and face the challenge of change in many similar ways.
Below are some excerpts from the the translations and purports to Bhagavad-gita As It Is that explore the topic of change. While some of us might be experiencing a boring, soul-killing unchanging life, and others struggling with too much change and complexities, either way the Gita can help us respond to questions or situations we may face, and support us in the decisions and choices we have to make.
May the following excerpts inspire you to dig deeper into this great book of knowledge and access its potential to bring deep and lasting change to your life.
On changing our karma:
“The effects of karma may be very old indeed. We are suffering or enjoying the results of our activities from time immemorial, but we can change the results of our karma, or our activity, and this change depends on the perfection of our knowledge. We are engaged in various activities. Undoubtedly we do not know what sort of activities we should adopt to gain relief from the actions and reactions of all these activities, but this is also explained in the Bhagavad-gita.”
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/xbfCgU

TOVP: The Chatri Peacock Work Continues (Album with photos)…
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TOVP: The Chatri Peacock Work Continues (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: The TOVP has 8 roof top Chatris. Each Chatri will be beautifully ornamented with pillars, cornices, and peacocks. The peacocks have been handcrafted in the Glass fiber Reinforced Concrete (GRC) Factory. Each Chatri will have 12 peacocks installed above the pillars.
The peacock is a symbol of beauty, prosperity, royalty, love, compassion, soul and peace. It is a magnificent bird that displays it’s beautiful plumage for all to see. Its iridescent plumage is remarkable and stunning. Peacocks are pure of heart. They pair with one mate and are loyal and faithful to their partners. To many, they also symbolise eternal love.
Currently, we are decorating our first Chatri with peacocks. This Chatri is located close to Lord Nrsimha’s Dome.
After we finish nicely decorating this Chatri, we will then do the electrical work. All of the pillars will have lights installed, and thus the peacocks will be illuminated to allow their glorious beauty to shine.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/5vjrgc

The TOVP’s New Hoist (Album with photos) Sadbhuja Das: Recently…
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The TOVP’s New Hoist (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: Recently we have integrated another new Jaypee Hoist into our construction work. This new hoist can very sufficiently lift workers and an abundance of materials together.
It is assisting us and making our construction quicker and easier. It is creating an easy flow for us to lift up an abundance of materials at anytime constantly, without any stoppages. This new hoist has upgraded our construction logistics, and thus has made TOVP high tech.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/vS0nZ8

Find and learn about any ISKCON Center in the world in this new…
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Find and learn about any ISKCON Center in the world in this new interactive website, the new official directory of ISKCON centers.
To find the center you’re looking for on the website, there are many different options. You can simply type, say, “Spain” into the “What are you looking for?” box on the homepage, and find a list of all the centers in that country accessible through attractive thumbnail photos. Or, you can be more specific, and select “Spain” from the “regions” drop-down menu and “farm” from the “categories menu, and find the New Vrajamandala farm. Other search options include the “Browse categories” menu, where you can go straight to, say, all the Namahatta groups or all the restaurants in ISKCON worldwide. Then there’s “Centers by Region,” where you can go straight to all the centers in a major region of the world, like “Latin America” or “Asia-Pacific.” There’s also “Centers of Interest,” which currently has only “farms” in its drop-down menu, and leads you directly to the GBC Ministry of Agriculture and Cow Protection’s official global directory of all ISKCON farms. Future “Centers of Interest” to be added will include a one-click pathway to all major ISKCON schools.
To learn more about the website: https://goo.gl/F26ukn
To visit the website: https://goo.gl/Jhdzva

Notes of a pilgrim. Mukhya Devi Dasi (President of…
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Notes of a pilgrim.
Mukhya Devi Dasi (President of Iskcon’s Raman Reti community in Alachua): We’ve spent the past week in the rarefied atmosphere of Sri Vrindavan Dhama, by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and Krishna. ISKCON’s Krishna Balaram Mandir is chock full of life: kirtan, seva and bhakti vibrating from end to end. Just watching the pilgrims stream through during sundara arati and hearing the 24 hour kirtan in full swing begin dancing as they have darshan of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sri Krishna Balaram and Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar, is an evening activity for us. There is nothing like it in the three worlds. We are charmed and humbled by their natural devotional feelings. Many classes going on from morning to night, in many languages, with many devotees in attendance. There’s even a class for guests that happens right after mangal arati, in an office within the Temple itself.
The holiest of holy tirthas, for me, is here too, Srila Prabhupada’s Samadhi, his resting place. His huge murti form emanates a unique expression of compassion, certainly Krishna was guiding the hands of the artist who created this most extraordinary murti. In one form the pure devotee remains within his Samadhi to give mercy to faithful and sincere devotees, and here one can receive inspiration and enthusiasm in his devotional service. Each day after the morning program we leave for parikrama, visiting one or two temples where we can sit and read and chant, before getting into the market for shopping. Some of where we’ve been:
Gopiswara Mahadeva Temple (this linga was installed 5,000 years ago by Lord Krishna’s grandson Vajaranabha) Here we take permission to enter the holy dhama Vamsi Vata (where Krishna called the gopis to dance with Him)
Govindaji Mandir Even after desecration and deterioration, this huge mandir which was originally seven stories high made of huge red sandstone block, intricately carved domes and lattice work screens, seems like an architectural marvel. Somehow they take us right up onto the altar here, then down a secret stairwell to have darshan of an ancient deity of Yogamaya (Krishna’s sister).
Braja Mohan Temple. The deity of Narottam das Thakura, this lovely well maintained, quiet (and monkey proof) spot is one of our favorites. We sit here a while and chant the songs of Narottam das and feel our good fortune. His Holiness Indradyumna Swami gave a donation here to fix up the temple, and they are very nice and personal with us.
Radha Vinode, Radha Gokulanada, deities of Lokanatha Goswami and Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakur. We also visits the Samadhi garden here, chant and circumambulate.
Radha Kunda
We did a half day parikrama of Radha Kund with Dina Bandhu prabhu. The only way to go! We really understood why they say only mad dogs go out in the noon day sun, it was painfully hot for us, but Dina Bandhu was cheerfully carrying on, being respectfully and happily greeted by every baba we met.
64 Samadhis, all the major goswamis and preachers of Vrindavan have either a full or a pushpa, nama, or smrita Samadhi here.
Purnamasi Temple. The mother of Sandipani Muni, everyone considered her on all matters, and she made arrangements with Vrinda devi for Radha Krishna’s pastimes. Situated at a corner of Seva Kunj.
Bath in Yamuna, she was very shallow this week, but cool and refreshing nonetheless.
Radha Damodar Temple. “the center of the spiritual world.” The bhajan place of Rupa Goswami, where he would daily hold discourse on Srimad Bhagavatam with the other goswamis and their close associates. Also here is the Govardhan sila of Srila Sanatana Goswami which has the footprint of Lord Krishna impressed upon it. Srila Prabhupada’s rooms are here, beautifully maintained ‘as they were’. We spend extra time here reading aloud Bhagavad Gita, and chanting bhajan.
We were happy for the chance to visit with His Holiness Gunagrahi Swami, who is absorbing himself in kirtan, nice association, hearing-chanting-remembering. We had a nice chat, sharing realizations and memories. Two more days and we leave for the airport on a very very long trek home. Be it ever so humble…I will be very happy to get there.
Everywhere I go I am praying for all the residents of New Raman Reti, may we always stay engaged in service at Srila Prabhupada’s lotus feet.

As they walked together under a steel bridge, Prabhupada pointed…
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As they walked together under a steel bridge, Prabhupada pointed upward with his walking cane, “Look”-a sign under the bridge read UNALLOYED STEEL-“they have unalloyed steel, and we have unalloyed devotional service.
“What if people don’t want to hear our message?” Pradyumna asked.
“The people might not understand our message, but Krsna will be pleased,” Prabhupada replied. “And that is our mission. They thought Jesus Christ’s mission was stopped. They killed him. But his mission was attained. He preached three years only, but so many followers. He pleased Krsna. We must not be disappointed that no one is hearing Krsna consciousness. We will say it to the moon and stars and all directions. We will cry in the wilderness, because Krsna is everywhere. We want to get a certificate from Krsna that “This man has done something for Me.” Not popularity. If a pack of asses says you are good, what is that? We have to please Krsna’s senses with purified senses.”

Krsnanandini Dasi: On Saturday, September 24, the Cleveland Nama…
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Krsnanandini Dasi: On Saturday, September 24, the Cleveland Nama Hatta Program, an affiliate of ISKCON, sponsored a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s coming to the west. Our hearts are brimming with gratitude for the devotees and well-wishers who contributed to the the success of this special event.
Mother Malati joined us with her unique brand of wit, work and wisdom; she shined on our Interfaith Panel and Prayer for Peace section, which was a hit of the celebration. Vrajalila Devi & Ekavira Prabhus just emanated cooperation, intelligence and devotion in their roles of Panel participant and Kirtan leader; Alicia Ambika Dasi Pascal devi, with so much love, along with her beautiful niece Shani, came all the way from New York to dazzle the audience with her BharatNatyam dance.
Sankirtana Prabhu, (Master storyteller, Andy Fraenkel, from New Vrndavan), patiently endured the technical difficulties to present a wonderful audio/visual offering of the Mahabharata and the history of Prabhupada’s contributions and the establishment of ISKCON.
The awesome teamship of the Nama Hatters like Sri Isopanisad, Agni-hotra & Avadhuta, Paurnamasi & Bhakta Mike, Tulasi & Sirrhan, Prashanti, Parvati Dasi, Lilasmaranam, Tariq Prabhu, Akhilananda & Jean, Ganga Sarasvati, Krsna-Jivani, Lola, Turiya, Sowmya and Hari, Mohan Dasabey, Visnu Ziyad, Kat Rasta, Dayal-Nitai, Ganga & Vrajendrananda, Jahanavi and Prasadat Iluvme Devi, Vani & Brahma bhuta, (Radica & Khrishna and Nishant Soni Prabhus were absent but very much present by their support and love) and others like Laksmi (LaToya Kent) who set the tone so effectively with her Yoga demonstration—left the audience marveling at how well everyone cooperated together, with courtesy and eagerness to serve.
The Christian ministers: Pastors C. Jay Matthews (Mt. Sinai Ministries) and James Roberson (Cory United Methodist Church) and the two Imams Akmed Saeed (Masjid Bilal) and Imam Abbas (First Cleveland Mosque) gave some thought-provoking and heart touching responses to our questions about why and how servants of the One God should work together on the Interfaith Panel.
Master Mayo from Northern Wind Martial Arts School had the attentive audience applauding as he and his young son demonstrated some martial arts techniques.
Finally, the extensive, delicious, vegetarian feast and bake sale, prepared and offered with love by AgniHotra Dasi, Kamagiri dasi, Krsnanandini dasi, Lilasmaranam Prabhu, Avadhuta Dasa Kibble Prabhu, Paurnamasi Turkal, Krsna-Jivani Ziyad, Lola Reeder, Indrani Bhattacharya, Sowmya Thirumoorthy and Dayal Nitai (Don Foose)– was relished by all.
“The only thing wrong with the program was that it was not long enough!” Mother Kamagiri
“Everyone left the celebration feeling inspired and happy.” a guest, giving feedback.

This sincere soul, wearing her traditional hijab, stopped…
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This sincere soul, wearing her traditional hijab, stopped everything to read her new Arabic “Perfection of Yoga” in the middle of the popular 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California. The gentlemen to her right, witnessing her excitement in obtaining the book and how fully absorbed she seemed to be in reading it, soon purchased from Nila Madhava Prabhu some of the Arabic and English books for himself. He explained that he had just undergone a major operation and was feeling very morose. But upon seeing the blissful Harinama party and the special effect this little Arabic book was having on this woman, he said he felt an immediate sense of relief and happiness. He knew then and there that he had to find out what was happening here, what was behind all of this…
The FAR EAST • MIDDLE EAST division of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust publishes Srila Prabhupada’s books and other BBT titles in fourteen languages of the Pacific Rim and Middle East for distribution in those regions of the world.
As a new Western outreach initiative, BBT FEME is also developing titles specifically for distribution in the Western world to foreign language speakers living within large foreign residential communities, as well as to the many foreign students studying in Western colleges and universities.
Read more: https://goo.gl/Rho3ON

ISKCON Imphal, Deities, Temple interior and exterior,…
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ISKCON Imphal, Deities, Temple interior and exterior, “function” kitchen – where they cook daily on wood (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: How can we think mundane thoughts and at the same time chant? Two things are happening, and one will conquer. As maya is working to drag you from Krishna consciousness, you can challenge maya by chanting Hare Krishna. (Lecture on Bhagavad-gita, 3.6.10, Los Angeles 1968).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/9rv144

Plastering on the TOVP (Album with photos) Sadbhuja Das: The…
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Plastering on the TOVP (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: The beautification of the TOVP is set into full motion now. We are currently plastering all of the TOVP’s outer walls, including the walls under the Domes. Once this is completed we will then install the white marble.
The workers are using our wonderful new hoist to keep their work simple and safe. Using this hoist is a remarkable alternative for scaffolding and is making our construction smarter, more cost efficient, and is saving us time.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/oo3dcM

TOVP: Demigod Sculptors (Album with photos) Sadbhuja Das: After…
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TOVP: Demigod Sculptors (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: After a year of dedicated work and co -creativity, we are reaching a great milestone in our Art department. The artists have been creating 8 sculptors of chosen demigods and associates of the Lord.
The demigods that we have sculpted are Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, Lord Indra, Sri Lakshmii Devi, Manu, and Garuda. Currently we are finishing the last two Vaikuntha associates, Nanda and Sunanda.
Once completed, the sculptors will be placed in Lord Nrsimha’s Dome. The 8 Demigods and the Lord’s associates will fill the circumference on the second gallery level of Lord Nrsimha’s Dome.
They are all in the mood of fear and submission because they have never seen Lord Nrsimha this ferocious. They will be facing Lord Nrsimha because they have come to witness His pastimes and offer their humble obeisances.
After this project is completed, the artists will then begin sculpting the Guru parampara that will go on the leftmost altar in the Main Dome.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/F5wqfl

Harinamas in London “shake” the city! (6 min…
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Harinamas in London “shake” the city! (6 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: If we simply place ourselves at the lotus feet of Krishna by taking to Krishna consciousness and keeping always in touch with Him by chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, we need not take much trouble in arranging to return to the spiritual world. By the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, this is very easy. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 7.15.53 Purport)
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/xucdEL