Author Archives: Dandavats.com

Ask a Monk – Harvard University Science Center (3 min video)
His Grace Ter Kadamba Prabhu talks to people in front of the Harva…Read More…

ISKCON NZ: Historical Event For the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada (Album with photos)
Kalasamvara Das: Devotees from New Zealan…Read More…

Govardhana Parikrama during Ekadasi (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: On our way through Vrindavan to pack our gear for our trip to Tibet, we did Govardhana parikrama. It was Ekadasi and the parikrama marg was packed with people. By Giriraja’s grace we discovered a newly opened path near the village of Aniyor, that runs very close to the hill. It was a photographers dream and was perfectly captured by Ananta Vrindavan dasa.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/Wb6Tg0

US Congresswomen and dedicated Vaishnavi Tulsi Gabbard chanting the Maha Mantra in Washington DC’s Hilton during the celebrations of ISKCON’s 50th anniversary!

By Kripamoya Das There are many lessons for Vaishnavas to learn from the narration of His activities, as found in the 8th canto, 18th chapter of the Bhagavat Purana (Srimad Bhagavatam). Amongst the lessons are these: 1. That God comes to this world in …

Ecstatic Harinam and Book Distribution in Detroit Jazz Festival on Labor Day Weekend (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Any…Read More…

Spectacular Pushpa Abhishek (Flower Festival) in Iskcon Detroit (2016) (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: I feel happy that …Read More…

Mahaharinam in Ljubljana (Slovenia’s capital) (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The holy name, chanting of holy name, if we act it properly, without any offense, then we are directly in connection with Krishna. Vrndavana, September 16, 1976.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/vA5L2e

Radhastami Celebration in Iskcon Detroit – The Devasadhan Mandir (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/m6qWr7

He gave the below description of Bhagavan from where Srila Prabhupada translated in English as “The Supreme Personality of Godhead”
Please note, the english word “God” simply does not make justice to the Supreme Entity Who is…

TOVP update:The Divine Weapon of the Supreme Lord (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: The TOVP is a Project intended to cultivate a genuine Vedic Culture. We have designed the TOVP to have traditional Vedic Architectural elements, especially for the top of the Temple. The architecture on the top of the Temple is the symbol of the Divine Weapon and Power of the Supreme Lord. Hence, we had to seek a well qualified company that would be able to manufacture the Chatri Kalashes, Dome Kalashes, and the Chakras for the top of our Vedic Temple.
Resulting from manufacturing difficulties, we were not able to find a local company in India to execute our order. After precise and dedicated research, one of our TOVP Engineers, Ajita Caitanya Prabhu, was able to find the right company in Moscow, Russia. This company makes roofs and domes for Catholic and Orthodox churches. After negations, they agreed to make the elements for all of our Kalashes and Chakras in Russia and then have them shiped to Mayapur. We signed the contract a few months ago, and the whole process will take about 10 months.
The Vedic elements of the TOVP’s Kalsahes and Chakras will be made from stainless steel structures. The Kalashes will be coated by titanium nitrate. All of the Chakras will be coded in real gold.
The Moscow company has purchased all the materials and have started the manufacturing process. In the photos we can see the beginning process and samples of the effulgent titanium nitrate coverings.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/nnzPCD

The secret? A little fraction of mercy of the Supreme.
This is the secret. Yasya deve parā bhaktir yathā deve tathā gurau [ŚU 6.23]. If one has staunch faith in the Supreme Personality of Godhead and as much faith in the guru, yathā deve tathā gurau, then the revealed scriptures become manifest. It is not the education. It is not the scholarship. It is faith in Kṛṣṇa and guru. Therefore Caitanya-caritāmṛta-kar says, guru-kṛṣṇa-kṛpāya pāya bhakti-latā-bīja [Cc. Madhya 19.151]. Not by education; not by scholarship. Never says. Caitanya Mahāprabhu says, guru-kṛṣṇa-kṛpāya, by the mercy of guru, by the mercy of Kṛṣṇa. It is a question of mercy. It is not the question of scholarship or opulence or richness. No. The whole bhakti-mārga depends on the mercy of the Lord. So we have to seek the mercy. Athāpi te deva padāmbuja-dvaya-prasāda-leśānugṛhīta eva hi, jānāti tattvam… [SB 10.14.29]. Prasāda-leśa. Leśa means fraction. One who has received a little fraction of mercy of the Supreme, he can understand. Others, na cānya eko ‘pi ciraṁ vicinvan. Others, they may go on speculating for millions of years, it is not possible to understand.

Ratha Yatra in Brighton, UK (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: This Krishna consciousness movement is for approaching Radha…Read More…

Miracle in Spain! (Album with photos)
Kishori Devi Dasi: What an inspiration to experience Rupa Goshala in Nueva Vrajamandala, Spain. This is one of the most spiritual goshalas I’ve ever been to with Surabhi cows that give milk without ever having had a calf, and cows that give milk for 13 + years having had ONLY one calf. The last three cows that died natural deaths gave milk until the day before they died. This miracle is all due to Alberto Santi’s love and devotion to Gomata. When cows are loved and respected they reciprocate!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/nKH76Y

Huge ongoing Vaishnava Festival by the Black Sea in Russia.
Bhakti Caitanya Swami: We’re at the Sadhu Sanga festival by the Black Sea in Russia. Several thousand devotees are there. This was the scene during Guru Puja. The presiding Deities are the Panca Tattva and Yoga Nrsinga with Prahlada.
Watch it live online here: http://vedamedia.ru/live/sadhusanga2016/

KK Bindu #383: With first time translations of acaryas comments on Vaishnava poetic ornamentation.
Distorted Bhakti by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur. Excerpt: Many of our friends have forgotten the subjects pertaining to the Supreme Lord. They imagine Krishna to be an angel or a historical personality and thus they speak in a way that is not fit for hearing and they paint pictures that are not fit for seeing. In this way they are ruining themselves and others as well. These people have distorted Jayadev’s and Chandidas’ writings, which Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu relished in the company of his most intimate associates. They have thus transformed these transcendental books into objects of their sense gratification. It is very unfortunate and unjust that subject matters meant for discussion by high class personalities are now talked about among ordinary people that lack the necessary qualifications. By proudly attempting to discuss these topics, such people have brought about their own ruination and also that of others. Nowadays, people are only interested in hearing things that appear pleasing to them. For this reason they like to hear the teachings of impersonalists. It is very difficult to find people who are truly interested in hearing hari-katha. People who are averse to devotional service and yet advertise themselves as devotees, as learned scholars, as great renunciates, as qualified brahmanas, or as mayavadls , simply deceive people. By claiming to be devotees or learned scholars, they bring inauspiciousness upon the ordinary people. Unfortunate people fall into their snare.
———
CONTENTS INCLUDE: * RECIPROCATION OF LOVE AND DUTY – His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada speaks about the exchange between guru and disciple.
* DISTORTED BHAKTI – Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada explains the detrimental effects when persons try to pretend to be on a spiritual platform that they are not.
* RECOLLECTION, CONFUSION AND AMBIGUITY – A first time translation done especially for this issue of Bindu of comments from various acaryas about Vaishnava poetic ornamentation.
* MY GREAT LAMENTATION – Another fresh translation from Srila Prabodhananda Saraswati’s Vrindavan-mahimamrtam. It can be downloaded here: https://archive.org/details/bindu383

TOVP: Metal Casting (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: Last week in our GRC Factory we experimented with metal casting into a sand mold. We made our fresh Copper based alloy with Nickel, Silicone, Bismuth, Zinc and Aluminum. This alloy creates a non- leaded yellow brass. Our experimental melting furnace runs on regular kitchen gas and it has a maximum temperature of 1,600°C / 2,912°F. Volcanic lava is a liquid usually at temperatures from 700 to 1,200 °C, so this is some courageous work we are doing in service of the TOVP!
This fire is strong enough to melt all of non-ferrous and most of ferrous alloys. This is the process as follows. Melting 7 kilograms of brass in a silicon-carbide crucible takes 15-20 minutes. Then we pour the metal into the pre-made sodium-silicate sand mold cured with carbon dioxide gas. The casting solidifies within a couple of minutes. Then the model is washed by a high-pressure water jet, polished, and then fine tuned. The images included show this experimental casting process.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/iOINuD

Radhastami 2016 at Bhaktivedanta Manor (Album with photos)
David: Please find HR photos from the Radhastami 2016
celebrations at Bhaktivedanta Manor.
Special thanks to Jayadev Prabhu for his Madana Mohan Mohini song, which accompanies the slideshow.(http://goo.gl/990apG)
He had us sing along to it during the festival (see photos 27-29).
Srila Prabhupada: The secret of surrendering to Krishna is that such surrendered devotee sees that everything is part of Krishna’s plan. Whatever is meant to be I am doing. Let me do it with my full attention to every detail. Let me become absorbed in such service, never mind what it is. Let all other considerations be forgotten and only my desire to do the thing best for Krishna’s alone pleasure is my motive. Letter to Jayapataka, December 19, 1972.
Find them here: http://goo.gl/bEaVlZ

Buckingham Fountain Parade Launches Hare Krishna Movement’s 50th Anniversary.
Chicagotribune.com: CHICAGO-A 40-foot high, colorfully decorated and hand pulled cart-surrounded by thousands of chanting and dancing devotees-will roll down the streets of downtown Chicago on Saturday, September 17 to kick off a national celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), better known as the Hare Krishna Movement.
The “Chariot Festival – Ratha Yatra Parade” begins at 2 PM at the Buckingham Fountain (Columbus Drive) in the downtown area and meander its way through Madison Ave., Michigan Ave., and State Streets and joins the “Hare Krishna Festival of India” at Daley Plaza for an afternoon of free vegetarian food; stage performances of classical Indian dance; a dramatic rendition of the ancient history connected with “Jagannath;” and multiple booths about reincarnation, meditation, and yoga.
“ISKCON’s founder, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, first came to New York City from India in September, 1965 to spread the teachings of Lord Krishna to the western world,” said Amrita Hari, spokeswoman for the Krishna society. “It’s very special for us to kick off the 50th Anniversary of ISKCON where he began right here in New York.” ISKCON is part of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition within the broader Hindu culture. It teaches bhakti, or devotional yoga, and advocates that the perfection of life is to awaken love of God, or “Krishna,” in the Sanskrit language.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/wVG334

Celebrating 50 years of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Romea Promodh (indianlink.com.au): It all started back in August 1965, when the 69-year-old Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, popularly known as A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, boarded the cargo vessel Jaladuta from a port in Calcutta. Instructed by his guru to go to the west and preach Vedic knowledge, in his possession were his translations of Srimad Bhagavatam and a heart devoted to Lord Krishna.
His mission was to spread a love of God through the chanting of the ‘Hare Krishna’, also referred to as the maha mantra, and so A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/SAuZQy

Radhastami festival in New Vraja-dhama, Hungary (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “When one becomes Krishna conscious, he loves everyone. If you chant loudly Hare Krishna, even the ants and insect who is hearing, he’ll be delivered, because it is spiritual vibration.” Bombay, January 4, 1973.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/RH7b6o

Radhastami celebration – Iskcon New Zealand (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Krishna is offering, by His descent, that “If you want to enjoy like this in the society of beautiful young boys and girls, come to Me. Here it is, reality.” Los Angeles, January 2, 1974.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/pv8495

Radhastami celebration – Iskcon Silicon Valley (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The business of leader: He must be himself…Read More…

Radhastami – Iskcon New Govardhana community in Australia (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Laksmi, the goddess of fortune, is called cancala. She does not remain at one place. Today one man is very rich; next generation is no longer rich. If you are actually religious, then don’t spoil your money for sense gratification. Use it for service of Krishna. If you have got some money, try to construct a very nice temple for Krishna’s situation. That is proper use. Bombay, December 26, 1972.

Radhastami 2016 – Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Simply propagate this chanting, dancing…Read More…

Ter Kadamba Prabhu is preaching in front of Harvard University Science Center. We can do this anywhere!Read More…

A masterpiece that can be read again and again!
Indradyumna Swami: Dear Devotees: There are certain priceless treasures that I keep close to my heart as I travel and preach around the world. Things that give me great inspiration; like the holy names, my beloved deities, instructions that Srila Prabhupada gave me and certain special items like a bead from Srila Jiva Goswami’s japa-mala and a small piece of cloth from Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. I also carry the following 1994 Vyasa Puja offering of Sivarama Swami everywhere I go. I must have read it hundreds of times… and each time I read it I cry. For me, it reveals the essence of Lord Caitanya’s samkirtan movement and the heart of my spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada. Some of you may have read it and others not. In either case, it’s a masterpiece and can be read again and again.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/OZdXWD

ISKCON Holds Farm Conferences in Brazil and USA.
In the hopes of launching a support network for ISKCON farms around the world, the GBC Ministry for Cow Protection and Agriculture is holding conferences on simple living in four continents this year.
The first two, in South America and North America, were held last month with encouraging results.
The South American conference, running from August 5th to 7th, took place at the Goura-Vrindavan farm in Paraty, Brazil, three-and-a-half hours’ drive from Rio de Janeiro. Covering 1,600 acres, it is located in the middle of the Atlantic Rainforest, a large forest reserve that is richer in plant life than the Amazon.
Around 60 people attended the conference, including leaders and residents from ISKCON farm communities, as well as sympathetic professionals in relevant fields such as ecologists and agroforestry lawyers.
“The first day was an internal meeting for representatives from different ISKCON projects to identify our needs, and to discuss the benefits of networking and what we could achieve together,” says conference coordinator Kalakantha Das, a Brazilian agriculturist.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/tNlQAT

Harinama in Spain (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Chanting is the medicine, and prasada is the diet. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, …Read More…

Indian Ambassador Visits ISKCON Temple in Sweden.
On August 25th, 2016, ISKCON Korsnäs Gård in Stockholm, Sweden, not only celebrated a wonderful Janmastami festival and the 50th anniversary of ISKCON but also presented the results of a European Union Erasmus+ project named ‘Simple Living – High Thinking’. Present were ISKCON members, guests and several VIPs including the Ambassador of India and two politicians from the local municipality.
‘Simple Living – High Thinking’ is a strategic partnership project with the goal of exchanging experiences and researching new possibilities in two fields: Ecological Sustainability and Youth Development. Five organizations from five countries participated in the project: Belgium (Radhadesh), Hungary (Eco Valley Foundation), Slovenia (Spiritual Society for the Soul), Czech Republic (Sanga) and Sweden (ISKCON Korsnäs Gård). The project started one and a half years ago and included three conferences were knowledge was exchanged, new possibilities were explored, and several workshops were organized.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/rwnyAn

Radhastami celebration at Radha Kalachandji Temple in Dallas (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: In this age, no one is expe…Read More…

Book distribution and Harinama during the Festival of India in Poland (Album with 251 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “Aryan” refers to those who are civilized, whose manners are regulated according to the Vedic rituals. Any devotee who is chanting the holy name of the Lord is the best kind of Aryan. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 3.33.7 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/nZagca

Harinama with the devotees of ISKCON Auckland, New Zealand (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Regardless of time or place, o…Read More…

TKG Academy, Dallas: Students recite Srimati Radharani’s holy names (6 min video)
Gopi Gita: This was just the highlight of my morning Sadhana Class today. The kids researched such beautiful names of Srimati Radharani.. it was so powerful as we were speaking about them in the classroom.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/EP04s8

Radha Kunda Seva: August 2016 Photos and Updates (Album with photos)
The rains were relentless this month. And while our gardens and the foliage carpeting the Holy Dhama soaked it up with relish, our crew and the ladies we care for suffered from monsoon related ailments like dengue fever, typhoid, and malaria. And yet, our workers soldiered on, covering for each other when needed, and showing up for their services as soon as they were able. And our ladies’ medical needs were covered thanks to your generous contributions! So far so good. Everyone has survived a challenging rainy season. Like last month, we had to serve the feast to our Radha Kunda ladies in packets-to-go since the rain wouldn’t let up long enough for them to sit comfortably (albeit a little cramped) in our small rented facility as they usually do. But again, they were happy to collect a feast-to-go. 🙂 Thank you, dear friends, for coming forward so enthusiastically to support feeding these worthy Radha Kunda ladies. We began this month with 62 widows sponsored out of the 80 we are presently feeding, and with your help we are now at 70 sponsored! http://radharani.com/daily-meals/ A major donor who was sponsoring 23 widows has retired and is now living much more simply, but because of you, 13 more are again sponsored! Thank you!!! We are excited to announce that construction on the kitchen is supposed to begin this month! We will keep you updated with the developments as they happen. Everything was on pause due to the very heavy monsoon season. Tomorrow is Radhastami, the appearance of Srimati Radharani. Her holy lake, Radha Kunda is non-different from Her, and as such any service we do here is service directly to our Swamini, Sri Radha. Thank you for joining our humble efforts to serve our Lord’s beloved Lady. 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/xH6ESM

Devotional artist Sriman Jayadeva prabhu has created this new 5 min. musical video about Srimati Radharani.Read More…

Washington to Host Two Major ISKCON 50 Events.
Washington, DC—The capital city of the United States will host two major events over the next month celebrating in style and en masse the 50th Anniversary of ISKCON and the power of chanting God’s names to change the world.
Featured speakers include U.S. Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Vaishnava Philanthropist Alfred Ford, Religion Professor Graham Schweig, Islamic Scholar Sanaullah Kirmani, U.S. Commission on Religious Liberty Member Kristina Arriaga, Indian Embassy Minister NK Mishra, Maryland State Delegate Kumar Barve, Catholic scholar Father Leo Lefebure, and ISKCON Governing Body Commissioner Chairman Sesa Das.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/azOzzW

Prayers to the Queen of Goddesses, Shrimati Radharani.
In his Sri Prarthana-paddhati [Stavamala], Srila Rupa Goswami prays: “O Queen of Vrndavana, O Radharani, Your complexion is like molten gold, Your doe-like eyes are captivatingly restless, a million full and brilliant moons wane before Your lustrous countenance, and a blue sari, having stolen the hue of a fresh rain-laden cloud, has enwrapped Your exquisite form. O Radha, You are the crest-jewel of all the dallying damsels of Vrndavana, fragrant and pristine like a budding jasmine flower. Your sublime form is adorned with priceless jewelry, and you are the best of all the charming and intelligent gopis. You are decorated with all wonderful excellences and surrounded by eight dedicated and beloved cowherd girls known as the asta-sakhis. “The ambrosia of Your beautiful lips, red as the bimba fruit, is life-giving syrup to Krsna. O Radha, I am rolling on the banks of the Yamuna, my poor heart filled with anticipation, praying to You with all humility. I am guilty of being an offender, a rascal, a useless wretch–yet I beg You to kindly engage me in even the smallest service to Your lotus feet. O most merciful Lady, it will not become You to ignore this most distressed soul, for Your heart is always overflowing with compassion and love.”
Many more beautiful prayers here: http://goo.gl/NQZunm

Heaven On Earth! (7 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: New Vraja Dhama, ISKCON’s 300 acre farm in Hungary, is the largest eco village in Europe. It is situated in a small village in the southernmost part of the country, 2 hours drive from Budapest. It was established in 1993 with the purpose of educating people about the values of self sufficiency, cow protection and a natural, God centered lifestyle. It’s aim is to put Srila Prabhupada’s motto, “Simple living and high thinking” into practice. The entire project has manifest from the heart of Sivarama Swami as an offering of love to Srila Prabhupada and the presiding deities of Sri Sri Radha Syamasundara.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/uhI6r1

Why We Hear.
Sacinandana Swami: “There is no death” wrote Herman Hesse, “only fear of death. But that can be cured.”
In the Srimad-Bhagavatam, King Pariksit who was cursed to die within seven days asked his exalted spiritual master Sukadeva Goswami about overcoming the fear of death. Sukadeva gave a very practical answer in which he explained how one can transcend material consciousness and become fixed in god consciousness.