Author Archives: Dandavats.com

Medical advice for improving bodily health and enjoy many years of devotional service (12 min video)
Radharadhya das: As a medi…Read More…

Hare Krishna Festivals UK: Hundreds of hungry festival revellers came along to taste some delicious Krishna Prasadam on the opening night of this year’s Glastonbury Festival! (Album with photos)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/G6qQCp

Announcing The Vaisnava Journal in PDF.
Padmapani das: Hare Krishna. I wish to announce that The Vaisnava Journal from the 1980s is now available in PDF online:
http://www.prabhupadaconnect.com/the-vaisnava-journal-in-pdf.html
The Vaisnava Journal was created to help devotees work through our differences in a respectful and co-operative manner with the aim of preserving the loving mood in our spiritual family after the physical departure of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. Although only five issues were printed and distributed over the next two-and-a-half years, the magazine was popular and well received by many leaders, members and friends of ISKCON.
Over the years, I’ve been approached by numerous devotees requesting copies of The Vaisnava Journal. Since I have only one set available, I was unable to comply until now. Please have a look at our humble attempt to serve Srila Prabhupada and his great mission during a time of change in our movement’s history.
In particular, I’d like to draw your attention to the Vaisnava Forum (letters section) which was launched to help facilitate a healthy dialogue among all participants. The mood was friendly and hopeful to which the devotees responded in kind. Writers and contributors read like a who’s who list of ISKCON members at the time. If anything, the journal proved that devotees of all persuasions can relate to one another with respect and godbrotherly love. This was Srila Prabhupada’s instruction and desire for us all.
“Perhaps you may know that there are many political parties in a country but when the country’s total responsibility has to be executed, they become combined. To have some little disagreements among yourselves is not very unnatural because we are all individual beings. But as we are working on behalf of Krishna, we should always forget our personal interests and see to the prime cause.”
(Srila Prabhupada letter, January 21, 1969)
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

June 23. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Challenges.
One young man approached the Swami asking, “What book will lecture from next week? Will you be teaching the Tibetan Book of the Dead?” as if Prabhupada would teach spirituality like a college survey course in world religions. “Everything is there in Bhagavad-gita,” Prabhupada replied. “We could study one verse for three months.”
And there were other questions: “What about Camus?”
“What is his philosophy?” Prabhupada would ask.
“He says everything is absurd and the only philosophical question is whether to commit suicide.”
“That means that everything is absurd for him. The material world is absurd, but there is a spiritual world beyond this one. That means he does not know the soul. The soul cannot be killed.”
Adherents of various thinkers approached him: “What about Nietzsche? Kafka? Timothy Leary? Bob Dylan?” Prabhupada would ask what their philosophy was, and the particular follower would have to explain and defend his favorite intellectual hero.
“They are all mental speculators,” Prabhupada would say. “Here in this material world we are all conditioned souls. Your knowledge is imperfect. Your senses are blunt. What good is your opinion? We have to hear from the perfect authority, Krishna.”
“Do you mean to say that none of the great thinkers are God conscious?” a boy asked.
“Their sincerity is their God consciousness. But if we want perfect knowledge of God, then we have to consult sastra.”
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=9

Iskcon Alachua: New atomic clock installed for being punctual in the Deity worship.
Mukhya Devi Dasi: THANK YOU to Jiva Goswami…Read More…

Into The Heartland Of Moldova (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Yesterday we ventured into the heartland of Moldova to the village of Aneni Noi. The surrounding countryside provided a scenic background for our festival which was attended by over 6,000 guests. Aneni Noi now has the proud distinction of being part of Lord’s Caitanya’s prediction that His holy names will be heard in every town and village of the world.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/daf7iq

Interfaith Encounter in Dundas Square, Toronto.
Mangal Aarti Devi Dasi: A few days ago I was distributing books in Dundas Square, Toronto, when I stopped a young man from Germany who was on vacation. I showed him a copy of “Beyond Birth and Death” and said a little something to pique his interest. In the middle my talk an elderly man distributing free copies of the Koran walked over from the corner and tried to hand him some books on Islam. Here’s what ensued:
The Muslim representative encouraged the German to take his books, saying “You should research all religions.” I didn’t get angry at this intrusion but tried to sympathize with the older man, recognizing that he had a genuine desire to share his spiritual and cultural values for the benefit of others. This is purifying for any heart, I thought.
Then came the reply from the German: “No, thanks, I’m fine with this one [Prabhupada’s book].” As for me, rather than becoming proud of having won the bout of the books, I felt compassion for the Muslim and tried to minimize the feelings of rejection and dejection he must have felt. I prayed for a swift end to his negative feelings. After the German boy gave me ten euros and walked away, I turned away from the elderly man, trying not to give him the impression I was reveling in his defeat. I had a few moments to reflect on how often I’d tried to go out on a limb to present Krishna consciousness to someone, only to receive a big blow to my false ego in return.
Just then a boy named Joseph walked up to me. He introduced himself as someone who’d once visited our Toronto temple. He was eager to purchase a few books. I was curious about how fascinating the flow of interactions on book distribution can sometimes be. As he was explaining his interest, he revealed his true intention. He had come as an ambassador from the Muslim man. Joseph told me that the man had asked him to approach me to ask what we were all about. I decided the best thing would be to go over myself and present the Bhagavad-gita to the elderly gentleman personally. I wanted to make him my friend. He took a “Bhagavad-Gita As It Is” on Joseph’s donation, and I walked away with some books on Islam. It was a cultural exchange and a successful real-time interfaith dialogue.
Your Servant,
Mangal Aarti Devi Dasi

By Tribhanga Gopal Das

A brief but fruitful meeting took place between His Holiness Bhakti Raghava Swami Maharaja and the Indian MP in Maharaja’s quarters. During the meeting, Maharaja highlighted the importance of Go Seva, the IDVM’s ongoing OM Sri Surabhi Campaign, the interdependence of cow protection movement and village life and so on. His Holiness also gave prasadam to the Honorable MP. The Honorable MP said that he would help establish an ISKCON center in Uttar Pradesh (UP). While handing over the IDVM-India pamphlets to Mr. Tripathi I told him how Maharaja in his 5-days spiritual discourse had highlighted the grave situation of migration to cities. His Holiness had shown how thousands of families were leaving villages and going to town and cities. Therefore, India’s traditional or the village culture was disappearing.

Iskcon Youth Forum For Girls-Vrindavan (Album with photos)
A successful festival for the brajbasi girls from 4 schools organis…

Monk Walks To Promote A Simpler Way Of Life.
By DEBRA HAIGHT
BCR Correspondent
BUCHANAN – He’s on a walk across America, and last Friday Bhaktimarga Swami was in downtown Buchanan on his way west toward Lake Michigan. Clothed in his orange robes, Swami made his way through town as well as west along Elm Valley Rd.
Swami is in the middle of a three-year trek across the country. He began his walk last spring and walked through the fall.
Swami has been walking for nearly a month this year, starting out from Pennsylvania in mid-May, and he’s hoping to link up with the historic Lincoln Road so he can end this year’s walk in Nebraska in August. He plans to resume his walk next spring in hopes of reaching San Francisco next summer or fall.
He was in Southwest Michigan last weekend almost by chance as he searched for quieter roads after spending a week or so in northern Indiana with stops in Bristol and South Bend, including travels through Amish country and a stop at the University of Notre Dame.
While he has many reasons for walking, he said his main message is to urge people to get back to the basics.
“I’m walking for America,” he said Saturday. “Let’s get back to basics and more simple ways. People need to slow down and return to the good old values of morality, family and community. We’ve gone off track.”
He sees walking as a good way to reconnect with what’s most important, whether that is one’s inner faith, physical body, other people or the world around us.
“When you’re walking, you can’t help but go back in time,” he said. “The simple act of walking helps people have time to be meditative and take a little downtime for themselves.”
Swami said it’s often the simple things that are most memorable to him from his months and years of walking, things like berries and other wild fruit and seeing farmland like where he grew up in southern Ontario.
There are also other things that he sees along the highways and byways that most people don’t see as they drive by.
“The road kill I see is astronomical,” he said. “When you’re in a car, you can’t help but be insensitive. I’m not a great supporter of automobiles. I love horses and buggies.”
His schedule has him walking around 20 miles every day, starting at around 4:30 a.m. and ending around noon.
“God made our bodies to walk,” he said.
He and his two companions do take time to visit sites of interest along the way, stopping, for example, last week to visit the basilica at the University of Notre Dame.
He’s not one to turn entirely away from all technology. While the purpose of this trek is to walk across America, he and his two companions also drive as they did on Friday evening to Toledo where he had a speaking engagement. They also had plans to go into Chicago for another speech over the weekend.
“We do make use of modern technology. We use it with purpose to promote a simpler lifestyle,” he said. “I tell people to use it but not let it consume their lives … Gandhi spoke of the value of simple living and high thinking.”
When he’s not walking, he’s pursuing his other passion which is writing and producing morality theater plays that retell traditional Indian epic stories to audiences across the globe.
Swami is no stranger to long distance walks. He has completed four cross-country treks across his native Canada since 1996 and has also walked across the countries of Ireland, Israel, Fiji Islands, Trinidad and Guyana.
Born John Peter Vis, he converted to Hinduism and became a Hare Krishna disciple in the early 1970s when he was in college. He is a disciple of Swami Prabhupada, a teacher who brought Hindu teachings to the west including to George Harrison and other members of the Beatles.
His current trek is in honor of the 50th anniversary of Prabhupada’s arrival in the United States in 1965, and he hopes to be in San Francisco next year for the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love.
To follow his travels on his blog and postings, go to his website at www.thewalkingmonk.net.

Lord Jagannath goes to Stonehenge (Album with photos)
Dharmatma das: We began at 5pm with a great crew of cooks and wolfers doing the cut-up. Loaded the vans and began the two and a half hour drive at 10pm. Began serving Prasadam immediately then took Jagannatha on procession pulled by enthusiastic revellers. Wild, ecstatic kirtan led by Harinamananda and Sandipani prabhu’s. After sunrise so many lined up for steaming hot Prasadam. In total over 2000 plates distributed. Everyone loves the Hari’s and were so appreciative of our endeavors. Parasuram prabhu and his wonderful crew have been doing this and many other Festivals for years….
Find them here: https://goo.gl/l3lALg

June 22. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Answering Inquiries.
He had a broad mission, broader even than translating Srimad-Bhagavatam, and so he gave much of his time and energy to meeting visitors. Had his only aim been to write, then there would have been no need to have taken the risk and trouble of coming to America. Now many people were coming, and an important part of his mission was to talk to them and convince them of Krishna consciousness. His visitors were usually young men who had recently come to live on the Lower East Side. He had no secretary to screen his visitors, nor did he have scheduled visiting hours. Whenever anyone happened by, at any time, from early morning to ten at night, Prabhupada would stop his typing or translating and speak with them. It was an open neighbourhood, and many visitors would come by right off the street. Some were serious, but many not; some even came intoxicated. Often they came not to inquire submissively but to challenge.
Once a young hippie on an LSD trip found his way upstairs and sat opposite the Swami: “Right now I am higher than you are,” he announced. “I am God.” Prabhupada bowed his head slightly, his palms folded: “Please accept my obeisances,” he said. Then he asked “God” to please leave. Others admitted frankly that they were crazy or haunted by ghosts and sought relief from their mental suffering.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=9

Report from South Africa.
One evening recently, after relishing the nectar of distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books, I was waiting at a gas station for my ride back to the temple. I approached the pump attendants and urged them to chant Hare Krishna. At first they couldn’t understand what I’d said, but after I’d repeated the mantra a few times the normal symptoms of one who hears the Lord’s holy name began to take effect. They all looked at one another, and while smiling and laughing they began to chant in response. Between filling up the cars that pulled in for gas, they joined in with the other gas station workers, and very quickly the whole station was vibrating with the holy name as cars pulled in. After we had chanted for some time, I explained the meaning of the maha-mantra. Then I approached one pump attendant and showed him the Zulu “Beyond Death and Death.” He began reading. I asked him, “Did you understand what you read? Please explain it to me.” He began to explain very nicely yes, he’d understood the first paragraph he read. I asked him, “Please take it with you we just ask for a small contribution.”
He looked at his friend. They both nodded in agreement and gave me a donation.
“Thanks!” I said. “Don’t just read the book; try to study it every day.”
The next day I was dropped off at the same gas station to distribute books at the Pavilion Mall across the road. As I began to walk across the intersection I heard a voice call out to me from behind. “Hare Krsna!” It was the pump attendant who’d received the book from me the previous day. I called back, “Hare Krsna!” He dug his hands into his pocket, pulled out the BBD, and exclaimed, “Look! Here it is. You told me to read and study the book you gave me, and I just wanted to let you know I am and it is very interesting.”
What an inspiration it was for me to see that he’d brought the book to work and was appreciating it. Yes, indeed — he was blessed, and I was also blessed.
Srila Prabhupada ki jaya!
Yours in the service of Lord Sri Krsna and His devotees,
Madhumangala das

Bonds of Love: Girija Devi Dasi.
Girija, a devout Christian, became interested in Krishna consciousness when she learned of Srila Prabhupada’s respect for and openness to all bona fide, sincerely practiced religions.
As I got older I saw my religion declining and felt sorry. I tried Sri Aurobindo’s ashram for a year, then I tried Maharishi, then went to a convent to be a nun, but these weren’t what I was looking for. Then in 1976, when I was 24, I went to the Govardhana-puja festival at the Montreal ISKCON temple. A week later I renounced everything and joined the movement. What first impacted me was the Bhagavad-gita. I found all the answers in that book – answers to who I was, where I would go in my next life, who God is, and how to dedicate myself to Him. It was perfect.
My husband and I wanted to raise our five children in Krishna consciousness, so we moved from farm to farm so they could grow up in a natural environment, in the mode of goodness, and in the association of devotees in a spiritual community. By the mercy of Shri Krishna and Srila Prabhupada it was possible, and our children are beautiful and wonderful devotees. Now I have five devotee grandchildren. It’s rewarding.
I love being a devotee. I stay enthusiastic and inspired by strongly focusing on my goal: to go back home, back to Godhead. I do whatever’s needed to achieve that end. In old age I see myself being blissfully focused on Krishna, and this is all because of Prabhupada and the association of devotees. Anybody who wants God and wants to go back home, back to Godhead, can be inspired and happy by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and his teachings.

Snan Yatra Celebration & Hati Vesa at ISKCON Mira Road (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: We are not afraid of maya because Krishna is there. Krishna says, “My devotee will never be vanquished by maya.” Maya cannot do anything if we become strong. And what is that strength? Chant Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare loudly. (Lecture on Bhagavad-gita, 3.6.10, Los Angeles 1968).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/r1HARv

New Vrindaban – 24 Hour Kirtan (2016) Album (130 Photographs)
Date: 18-19 June, 2016
Photography Courtesy: Arjun Bhattacha…

Harinam in London, UK (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If one somehow or other chants the Hare Krishna mantra, he will imm…

Vaishnava kids comment the verses of The Nectar of Instruction (Upadesamrta by Srila Rupa Gosvami) according to their understanding….

June 21. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Swamiji’s Writing.
Mostly he kept to his room, working. As he had said during a lecture when living on the Bowery, “I am here always working at something, reading or writing – something, reading or writing – twenty-four hours.” His mission of translating Srimad-Bhagavatam, of presenting the complete work in sixty volumes of four hundred pages each, could alone occupy all his days and nights. He worked at it whenever possible, sitting at his portable typewriter or translating the Sanskrit into English.
He especially worked in the very early hours of the morning, when he would not be interrupted. He would comb through the Sanskrit and Bengali commentaries of the great acaryas, following their explanations, selecting passages from them, adding his own knowledge and realization, and then laboriously weaving it all together and typing out his Bhaktivedanta purports. He had no means or immediate plans for financing the publishing of further volumes, but he continued in the faith that somehow they would be published.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=9

Jagannath Snana Yatra 2016 Rajapur (Album with photos)
A small selection of photos from today’s ecstatic festival.
Srila Prabhupada: If one wants success in practical yoga practice, it is advised that he take to the chanting of Hare Krishna and he will actually feel himself making progress. In Bhagavad-gita this practice of Krishna consciousness is prescribed as raja-vidya, or the king of all erudition. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 3.15.45 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/K3ej6i

About one million people connect with Krishna’s devotees! (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: This morning myself and several disciples were on, “Wake Up!” Moldova’s most popular morning talk show. For over an hour we discussed Krishna conscious philosophy, did a cooking demonstration and much to the delight of our hosts, decorated them with flower garlands, henna and gopi-dots. Afterwards I asked one of the cameramen how many people were watching. He replied nonchalantly, “About one million people. And that’s not including Romania, where the show was also aired.”
Find them here: https://goo.gl/ZZiYv2

Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent charge) Tourism and Culture, Government of India recently visited the temple of IS…

To Srila Prabhupada, I give my life. I owe him everything!
MadanMohanMohini dasi: After graduating from high school in 1966, my friend and I went to the Village in New York City to check out the scene. While there, we heard a, ‘ching, ching, chi…

NEW BOOK: Sri Sarasvati Sanlapa: Uncommon Dialogues
Dear Devotees,
It is our great pleasure from Touchstone Media to present to you our newest publication, Sri Sarasvati Sanlapa: Uncommon Dialog
The long awaited book has finally being released. Sri Sarasvati Sanlapa are conversations of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura with the eminent scholars, theologians and religious leaders of his time. “Sri Sarasvati Sanlapa or Uncommon Dialog, the title of this book is so named because the contents are not ordinary conversations of this mundane world. It is uncommon as the sound vibration coming from the mouth of an empowered devotee of Lord Krishna takes us far away from this world of miseries to the land of eternity and bliss.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanata Sarasvati Thakura had written as follows:
“Mundane sounds are generally received by the ears and the other four knowledge acquiring senses. The sounds that the four other knowledge-acquiring senses are unable to receive are called alaukika, or uncommon, transcendental, sounds. The transformations of bodily limbs that manifest while uttering alaukika sounds is unintelligible to ordinary people. In this regard, one should carefully discuss the statement, vaiṣṇavera kriyā mudrā vijñeha nā bujhaya — “Even a very intelligent man cannot understand the activities of a pure Vaiṣṇava.” The language and internal sentiments of a Vaiṣṇava are not accessible to ordinary mundane people.
hari-rasa-madirā-madāti-mattā
bhuvi viluṭhāmo naṭāmo nirviśāmaḥ
“Thoroughly maddened by the ecstasy of the intoxicating beverage of love for Kṛṣṇa, we shall enjoy life running about, rolling on the ground and dancing in ecstasy.” This statement of a Vaiṣṇava is not understandable by ordinary people.”
The rich Gaudiya Vaisnava Heritage beheld its true herald, when Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur appeared on the face of the Earth. He was a path-breaking revolutionary, courageous visionary, perfect hermeneutic, enriched intellect, personified energy of Lord Chaitanya, erudite leader, lion-like Gaudiya Vaisnava preacher with impeccably profound knowledge and complete surrender unto the Lord.
Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur was initially guided by his father, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur and later he took initiation from the Vaisnava stalwart, Srila Gaura Kisora Dasa Babaji Maharaj. With the onset of Gaudiya Mission, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur became the fountainhead of a sublime era of Krishna Consciousness all over. He re-established the foundational axiom of Gaudiya Vaisnava principles through rigorous preaching and his bonafide authoritative dissemination of knowledge permeated swiftly within all. His discourses, conversations and lectures were carefully preserved by his dear disciples.
‘Sarasvati Sanlap’, The Uncommon Dialogues is a nectar trove of intricate Vedic knowledge, sheer spiritual inspiration and guidelines for all to become spiritual warriors. Every person reading this book will definitely be boosted to fight the odds in devotion. Apart from being the living encyclopedia, Srila Sarasvati Thakur was a living embodiment of the teachings of Lord Chaitanya and the six Gosvamis, and a valiant Acarya.
Isvara Dasa, the publisher and compiler of the book proudly flaunted the book by quoting:
“Being very pleased to have heard Śrīla Prabhupāda’s words, Professor Johanns began to say as he took his leave that he had met many Hindus, saints, sannyāsīs, and learned scholars in India, but all of them, more or less encourage anyābhilāṣa, or the desire for material enjoyment, and that their honesty and learning is borrowed – that is, it is only book knowledge used to impress people. But today he was very, very glad to have met with a genuine and practical paṇḍita and saintly person. “Śrīla Prabhupāda spoke from the heart,” he said, “and it was clear that he believed his own words so much that without being a self-realized soul such self-confidence could not arise. I also found in him the unique capacity to make others believe the truth he has realized. This is possible only to a great personality who is empowered by God.”
According to the entire Publication team, this book has the potency to fire up and energize the readers to face and overcome many hindrances in devotion and further impel them to inculcate devotion with unfathomable love and true sincerity. This edition is an exclusive corroboration of essential and uncommon instructions of Srila Sarasvati Thakur which is a truly fructified fruit of devotion. The readers will get a guaranteed dose of spiritual impetus.
The book is now available for purchase. It is 280 Pages. Harbound Print, E-book in PDF, Epub and Kindle Format.
Hence make the best of the opportunity available before you! You can also order the book directly if you are in India by calling us at +91-8336916108 or through our website:
https://touchstonemedia.com
just by writing to us at info@touchstonemedia.com!
Get the real matter for your soul-nourishment today!
Your servant,
Isvara Dasa

Bhagavata Ratnamala – a new release by Bhaktivedanta Vidyapitha (@ Govardhan Eco Village)
Bhagavata Ratnamala – a handy pocket sized compilation of nectar verses from Cantos 1-6 of the Srimad Bhagavatam. Compact and complete with all the most vital, power packed and reslihing verses, this book is brought to you by the same makers of Bhagavata Subodhini – the Bhaktivedanta Vidyapitha Team.
Come and get to know the 200 jewel-like verses from Cantos 1-6!
MRP: Rs. 50/- No. of pages: 208, Soft bound.
For ordering information, kindly contact 9167204667/ 9869671478/ 9167780573 or mail us at ratnamala.bvvp@gmail.com or visit vidyapitha.in.
For more information about the book visit http://www.vidyapitha.in/bhagavata-ratnamala/

June 20. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Boarders.
As Prabhupada retired to his apartment and his guests disappeared through the front door, back into the city, Don and Raphael would turn out the lights, lock the front door, and go to sleep on the floor in their blankets. Don and Raphael had needed a place to stay when they heard about the Swami’s place. Prabhupada had a policy that any boy who expressed even a little interest in becoming his student could stay in the storefront and make it his home. Of course, Prabhupada would ask them to contribute toward the rent and meals, but if, like Don and Raphael, they had no money, then it was still all right, provided they helped in other ways. Don and Raphael were the first two boys to take advantage of Prabhupada’s offer. They were attracted to Swamiji and the chanting, but they weren’t serious about his philosophy or the disciplines of devotional life. They had no jobs and no money, their hair was long and unkempt, and they lived and slept in the same clothes day after day. Prabhupada stipulated that at least while they were on the premises they could not break his rules – no intoxication, illicit sex, meat-eating, or gambling. He knew these two boarders weren’t serious students, but he allowed them to stay, in hopes that gradually they would become serious.
Don and Raphael were the Swami’s steady boarders, although during the day they also went out, returning only for meals, sleep, and evening chanting. Occasionally they would bathe, and then they would use the Swami’s bathroom in his apartment. Sometimes they would hang out in the storefront during the day, and if someone stopped by, asking about the Swami’s classes, they would tell the person all they knew (which wasn’t much). They admitted that they weren’t really into the Swami’s philosophy, and they didn’t claim to be his followers. If someone persisted in inquiring about the Swami’s teachings, Don and Raphael would suggest, “Why don’t you go up and talk to him? The Swami lives in the apartment building out back. Why don’t you go up and see him?”
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=9

Flowers festival Surabaya, Indonesia, meets Jagannath in Ratha Yatra!
21 May, 2016, the annual Carnival of Surabaya city, also famous as the annual Flower Festival, was one special offering to Lord Jagannath. This year marked the third ratha yatra festival in Surabaya and as all the other ratha yatra festivals being celebrated in all the major cities of Indonesia, this too was no less special.
“Make the Ratha-yatra festival very great success. This will be a great introduction in your city and people will appreciate it.“ (SPL to Syamasundara, 4th May, 1967).
Following the instructions of our previous acaryas under the directions of Srila Prabhupada is the foundation of our lives and therefore organizing ratha yatra festivals in a country like Indonesia is a humble means to please Srila Prabhupada. It is challenging and at times appears to be an almost impossible uphill task that devotees come almost to the point of giving up the whole idea. Who would travel hundreds of miles by flight, by car, train or even ship to attend ratha yatra in a place so far away from the cozy comforts of home? The results of such a challenging task is so much rewarding that devotees become so much blissful and ecstatic. And they are able to percieve that Jagannath is always upto doing something wonderful….just to inspire His wonderful devotees.
Various departments of Surabaya Government authority along with many other art communities participated in the carnival and somehow, amazingly, Lord Jagannath also decided to follow the carnival with third Ratha Yatra in Surabaya city. Surabaya, being a multi-ethnic community, is home to people of Indian Origin, Chinese, Buddhists and many other people of different faiths. Attractive arrangements of different flowers was the main feature of the carnival but the real attractive feature here were the people coming from so many different communities yet working together peacefully. More attractive than all others was the presence of Lord Jagannath in the carnival. And more attractive was the reciprocation of Lord Jagannath with His devotees. Devotees try whatever little they are able to do for the pleasure of Jagannath and in return, the Lord Himself would give His devotees overflowing bliss.
The organizers of the Carnival this year passed a resolution that each float could be accompanied by a maximum of 75 persons only. Hearing this many devotees changed their mind to come to Surabaya ratha yatra. Still around a hundred devotees joined the parade with Jagannath with no complaints from the authorities. HH Kavicandra Swami joined the devotees sometimes leading kirtan inspiring them all the way throughout the parade.
“For the present you endeavor to make Ratha-yatra festival grand and successful. You should arrange the procession and procedure so nicely that all the neighborhood people may be attracted to join the procession.” SPL to Upendra, 1st June, 1968
Lord Jagannnath, along with His brother Balarama, and His sister Subadra devi took a long journey from Jember to Surabaya to join the parade. The chariot also came along from Jember. Many devotees from other parts of Indonesia also came to join the Ratha yatra, doing whatever seva they could do for the pleasure of the Lord.
The Ratha-yatra started at 7.00 am. The chariot was pulled to the place where all participants were to gather. The route of the festival started from Tugu Pahlawan (Hero Monument) – Kramat Gantung – Gemblongan – Tunjungan – Gubernur Suryo – Yos Sudarso- Walikota Street Mustajab – Jaksa Agung Suprapto Street – Taman Surya.
After arriving at Tugu Pahlawan, the devotees did kirtan while waiting for the parade to commence. When the devotees started pulling the chariot the kirtan lead by Sesa das Prabhu and the singing Mahamantra started filling the air. The visitors at the parade were happy to hear the Maha Mantra and joined with devotees’ chanting and dancing even though they belonged to other faiths. And Jagannath again did something wonderful to inspire the devotees. Some of the onlookers expressed their amazement upon seeing a chariot so wonderful, fully decorated with ample amount of flowers and whose dome could be raised up and down. On another occasion, a girl from another faith came up to our devotees and said, “Oh! Who are there seated on the chariot? I can see one beautiful girl there and beside her I can see a very handsome young boy. They are looking so beautiful.” The devotees were left utterly amazed and at a loss of words.
At the finish line of the parade, Agastya Muni prabhu, on behalf of the devotees had a chance to present a flower garland from Lord Jagannath to the Mayor of Surabaya. The devotees also distributed the prasadam and Srila Prabhupada’s books along the parade.
His Holiness Kavichandra Swami took part in two of the ratha yatras just to inspire the devotees. Maharaj along with His Holiness Ramai Swami, both GBCs of Indonesia, are immensely instrumental in developing the sankirtan strategies in Indonesia. We are extremely grateful to both Maharaj for their continued guidance and inspiration. Our humble obeisances to H.H. Subhag Swami for inspiring us with the life and dedication of Sriman Jayananda Prabhu, for helping us realize the importance of Srila Prabhupada in our lives and keeping us united in family of ISKCON. Subhag Maharaj always encouraged the devotees saying it is Jagannath who is doing everything. We are simply instruments in His hands. All the credit goes to Jagannath. All credit goes to Srila Prabhupada. We also offer our humble gratitude to all our wonderful devotees who worked tirelessly to make this festival successful. Jai Jagannath. Jai Srila Prabhupada.
To see the gallery with more photos: https://goo.gl/XFDJ63

Distributing books in Parramatta, Sydney.
Me and my godbrother Yasodeva prabhu, the perfection of Vaishnava dealings, were distributing in Parramatta, Sydney (Srila Prabhupada called this place pramada, because its full of crazies :-)).
I was off like a rocket. There was a lot of charity workers on the street so I was walking from one end of the Church street to the other trying so hard to be the doer. Even with all my expertise nothing was happening. On my own I could hardly distribute even one book.
So I thought, “I’m just going to stand here in this spot under the rail bridge near Yasodeva and if Krishna wants he will send someone to take a book.”
People were rushing by. I tried to stop a small Italian lady. She caught a glimpse of the book as she brushed me off. She must have got about ten meters away and turned around saying, ” Is that Bhagavata Gita!?”…….. I said yes and she came running back. “Oh I’ve been looking for this book.” She said that back in Italy her father had the Bhagavat Gita and when she was eight years old she was reading it and her father told her not to. I get the impression that it was because she was too young. She said “I’ve been looking for it ever since, on the Internet, everywhere.” She must have been about thirty years old now. She gave a nice donation and happily walked away reunited with her long lost friend Krsna.
I was impressed and wondered what else Krsna had planned for the day.
Next there was a group of disabled persons driving by in their motorised wheel chairs with their caretakers walking with them. I decided not to try to stop the caretakers as I have done in the past and they have always politely said no because they were too busy taking care of their dependents. So I was careful not to be noticed as I was glancing at one of the disabled persons trying to absorb the danger of taking birth again. As they walked and rolled past I was holding the Bhagavat Gita at ease with the back showing, in a way almost impossible to recognise. I looked back at them and one of the female caretakers turned around….
I thought she was going to get angry at me for looking at them. She came walking back to me looking at the book in my hand with the back showing not the cover. I was stunned when she said timidly “Is that Bhagavat Gita?” I said yes we are monks, while quickly revealing the cover. She said she had heard about it & had been searching for it while her dependents were rolling of in the distance. It was like Krsna was right there in her heart telling her to take the book. BG 15.15. She Thanked me and run back to her group.
Then while I was talking to some people an Indian man entered the circle and was eager to receive the mercy. The others left and I handed him a hard cover SSR. I had a polite conversation with him about practicing Krsna Consciousness in society today. He said he was a financier and his company had lost nine million dollars of investors money. Still he was so happy to meet a devotee he gave me fifty dollars and said “We need people like you to become politicians.” He also gave me his business card but something tells me not to invest with him.
Now nearing the end of the day I was getting more books from my box under the tree and two favourable youths come over to express their appreciation of the books they had received a few weeks ago. So I was encouraging them when a Council Ranger appeared on the scene. “Whats going on?” he said. Thinking he was there to bust me, as they usually do, I just tried to make out that we were all friends talking and there was definitely no book selling going on. He politely waited as I invited the young bhaktas to our loft program. The Ranger got in on the conversation and said that he had got a call about some people flooding the street with flyer’s. Relieved I realised he wasn’t after us he was after the six back packers in bright orange shirts with their city parking vouchers. All day they had been right next to us. With great vigilance I told him “yes they just moved down there. See you can’t miss them.” The ranger walked off on his business. After five minutes he came back happily asking ” So what are you guys doing anyway? Are you the Hare Krsnas?” I said yes. He was in ecstasy reminiscing all his encounters with devotees over the years. He said he has become good friends with Shantiparayana prabhu. “Yeah tell Shanti you met Ranger Sam. He will remember me. I’ve been to the temple for a feast. Yeah you guys are great!” This was a bit unusual for me but I just asked him why don’t you take a book then. He claimed he wasn’t a big reader. I said “then take a little one.” He said he was a Muslim but he grew up in Australia, being taught that life was about making money not bowing down five times a day. I just smiled and asked for a donation and he gave what he had and insisted I say hello to Shanti prabhu from him. He said he is known as the Parra Ranger Sam so I called him the Power Ranger and we all laughed.
So the moral to this story is we can try so hard to be the doer but if we just stand back and let Krishna do His thing amazing things will happen.
Thank you for your Patience. Your servant,
Uddhava Das

Victory! (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Our first festival of the summer season in Chisinau, Moldova, was a grand success. Over 5,000 people attended. Our new theater entitled “Vrindavan” was greatly appreciated. The stunning costumes, the soundtrack and the professional acting had the entire audience mesmerized. Seeing so many people enjoying and appreciating Krsna conscious for the first time gave great satisfaction to all the devotees. Srila Prabhupada, we are pleased to offer you yet another victory in the sankirtan movement of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/5HjCyp

Bhagavad Gita Class, Ch. 2 . v.13 given by 7 years old Radha Padma Devi dasi (8 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: Always remember Kr…

Iskcon of Silicon Valley: Harinaam, June 2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: In this age, hearing is more important than thinking, because one’s thinking may be disturbed by mental agitation, but if one concentrates on hearing, he will be forced to associate with the sound vibration of Krishna. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 3.24.35)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/KGR3RQ

Harinama in Haifa, Israel, 18.06.2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Those who are advanced and highly qualified and are interested in the essence of life know the good qualities of Kali-yuga. Such people worship the age of Kali because in this age, simply by chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, one can advance in spiritual knowledge and thus attain life’s goal. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 11.5.36)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/ilb4xk

June 19. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Become Preachers.
Prabhupada is asking his hearers, who are only beginners in spiritual life, to become totally dedicated preachers of Krishna consciousness: “In the Bhagavad-gita, you will find that anyone who preaches the gospel of Bhagavad-gita to the people of the world is the most dear, the dearest person to Krishna. Therefore it is our duty to preach the principles of this Bhagavad-gita to make people Krishna conscious.” Prabhupada can’t wait to tell them – even if they aren’t ready. It’s too urgent. The world needs Krishna conscious preachers.
People are suffering for want of Krishna consciousness. Therefore, each and every one of us should be engaged in the preaching work of Krishna consciousness for the benefit of the whole world. Lord Caitanya, whose picture is in the front of our store, has very nicely preached the philosophy of Krishna consciousness. The Lord says, “Just take my orders, all of you, and become a spiritual master.” Lord Caitanya gives the order that in every country you go and preach Krishna consciousness. So if we take up this missionary work to preach Bhagavad-gita as it is, without interpretation, and without any material motives behind it – as it is – then Krishna says it shall be done. We should not have any attraction for worldly activities, otherwise we can’t have Krishna. But it doesn’t mean that we should be inimical to the people of the world. No, it is our duty to give them the highest instruction, that you become Krishna conscious.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=9

Glasgow Students Chant and Dance with Harinama Ruci (6 min video)
Krishna-Kripa das: A group of students from Glasgow delighted…

Kavicandra Swami: Welcome to Okinawa, Japan (2 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: The demigods are pleased when sacrifices are perfor…

Unity in Diversity.
Suresvara Prabhu: When another GBC man wrote to inform Prabhupada of more dissension in the ranks, Prabhupada was philosophical: Material nature means dissension and disagreement… . But, for this Krishna consciousness movement its success will depend on agreement, even though there are varieties of engagements. In the material world there are varieties, but there is no agreement. In the spiritual world there are varieties, but there is agreement.
Different individuals have different ways of engaging material nature in devotional service. The agreement that harmonizes the “varieties of engagements” is their shared purpose, to please Kṛṣṇa.
The materialist … cannot come into agreement with varieties, but if we keep Krishna in the center, then there will be agreement in varieties. This is called unity in diversity.
To illustrate, Prabhupada sometimes gave the example of concentric circles.
No matter how many circles we draw, if they all share the same center, they never clash. In the same way, if pleasing Krishna is at the center of our intentions, we’ll be able to “agree to disagree” and continue working cooperatively to serve the Lord even when differences arise.
Prabhupada knew this would be an ongoing challenge:
I am therefore suggesting that all our men meet in Mayapur every year during the birth anniversary of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. With all GBC and senior men present we should discuss how to make unity in diversity. But, if we fight on account of diversity, then it is simply the material platform. Please try to maintain the philosophy of unity in diversity. That will make our movement successful. (Letter, October 18, 1973)
On March 16, 1976, in the holy land of Sridham Mayapur, along the Ganges’s green expanse, dozens of young Americans have crowded into Prabhupāda’s room at ISKCON’s international headquarters. He thanks them for cooperating to profusely distribute his books for the benefit of suffering humanity.
Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu – He is God Himself, Krishna Himself – He felt, alone, unable to do this task. He felt. So this is the position. You are cooperating; therefore I am getting the credit. Otherwise, alone what could I do? Caitanya Mahaprabhu Himself wanted our cooperation. He is God, Krishna. And therefore cooperation is a very important thing … Nobody should think that, “I have got so great ability. I can do.” No. It is simply by cooperation we can do a very big thing. “United we stand, divided we fall.” Sankirtana. Sankirtana means many men combined together, chanting. That is sankirtana. Otherwise kirtana. Sankirtana means many, many combined together. That is Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission.

Distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books during the Woodford Festival (Australia)
Vijaya das: This festival attracts 60,000 people every year. It lasts six days, and people mostly just camp out the whole time, as we did. Ajita Prabhu (the president of New Govardhana) and his team of seventeen devotees were there to feed prasadam to the masses. They distributed thousands of plates of prasadam, and the people loved it.
Ajita arranged for a book booth right next to Govinda’s, our prasadam tent. I distributed from a table in this booth. The people were really receptive. The first day I spoke to a family consisting of a husband, his wife, and their ten-year-old son. The man was interested, and then I heard from the son: “I know the Bhagavad-gita. I’ve read all the translations to the verses, and now I’m going back to read the purports.” I was of course surprised and happy to hear of this young lad’s attraction to Krsna, so I gave him my e-mail address in case he had any questions. Then his father, seeing his son so impressed by the Gita, got one for himself, .
An hour later I again spoke to a father and son. I could see that the father was not into the book (he just wanted to go) but that the son was showing interest. So I gave my attention to him, and when I asked for a donation he said to his father: “I would like to read this. Can you get it for me?” The father then very reluctantly gave a donation, and the fortunate boy got the mercy.
Later I spoke to a man who was interested, but suddenly a lady came and grabbed his arm. As he was being dragged away he asked me to tell him more. I said, “How are you going to listen if she keeps dragging you away?” At that he yanked his arm away from her, and I told him some more about the book. Then he said, “But it’s so big, and I would have to carry the book around all day.” Then a man inside the booth said to him, “The benefit you will derive from reading the /Bhagavad-gita/ is much, much greater than the little inconvenience you’ll experience from carrying around such a storehouse of wisdom.” Upon hearing that, he decided to take it. I then thanked the man who provided the encouraging words. I learned that he’s a long-time friend of the movement.
Later a man came to the table and, before I could say a word, gave a nice donation for the /Bhagavad-gita/. He then went on to tell me that he’s a Christian minister and that he quite often uses the teachings of the /Gita/ in his sermons.
An hour later another Christian came by, one I’d spoken to earlier. He said he had some doubts about Christianity, such as how a merciful God could cast sinners into hell to burn forever. I said to him, “God is the most kind person and would never force anyone to suffer eternally, even if he’d committed the greatest sin. He may arrange for punishment, but He’ll always give the sinner another chance.” Then I explained about reincarnation and that this is how He gives us another chance. He said this made sense and took a /Bhagavad-gita/.
It was sooo nice to be out on book distribution again. What a breath of fresh air!
Your Servant,
Vijaya das

Preaching programs in Michigan (Album with photos)
3 days program for The Journey Within Book Launch by HH Radhanath Swami in C…

Preaching In Moldova (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Moldova is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Romania and Ukraine. With a population of only 3.5 million people it is one of the smallest countries in Europe. Yesterday, after a 24 hour bus ride, a team of 50 devotees from our upcoming summer festival tour in Poland arrived in Chisinau, the capitol of Moldova, for a week of festivals throughout the country. Our large 40 ton semi-trailer, which folds out into a large 12-meter stage, took three days to arrive in Moldova through Hungary and Romania. The Moldavian devotees have been active for months preparing the festivals, which begin tonight in a beautiful park in the center of Chisinau. We’ll be busy with practices and preparations up to the very last moment!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/D8Wpjp

June 18. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: “Take More”
Prabhupada’s open decree that everyone should eat as much prasadam as possible created a humorous mood and a family feeling. No one was allowed to simply sit, picking at his food, nibbling politely. They ate with a gusto Swamiji almost insisted upon. If he saw someone not eating heartily, he would call the person’s name and protest, “Why are you not eating? Take prasadam.” And he would laugh. “When I was coming to your country on the boat,” he said, “I thought, ‘How will the Americans ever eat this food?’ ” And as the boys pushed their plates forward for more, Keith would serve seconds – more rice, dal, capātīs and sabji.
After all, it was spiritual. You were supposed to eat a lot. It would purify you. It would free you from maya. Besides, it was good, delicious, spicy. This was better than American food. It was like chanting. It was far out. You got high from eating this food.
They ate with the right hand, Indian style. Keith and Howard had already learned this and had even tasted similar dishes, but as they told the Swami and a room full of believers, the food in India had never been this good.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=9