Author Archives: Dandavats.com

UK Cardiff Rathayatra – 6th August 2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Simply by chanting the holy name of Lord Krishna…Read More…

Books and Prasadam Distribution in Thailand (Album with photos)
Siam Devotees help the local people connect to Shyam…
July, 1976-Room Conversation, New Mayapur
Hari-sauri: People in Thailand are quite pious.
Prabhupada: Yes. They are Indian culture. Their original culture is Indian. It is called Siam. (pronounces like Syama) Krsna’s name. And they have got the airplane, Garuda.
Hari-sauri: Yes. Garuda Airlines.
Prabhupada: So they are devotees originally, all Krsna devotees.
Devotee (1): The king is speaking Sanskrit.
Prabhupada: Yes. It was known, it has been changed now. Formerly, it was known as Syam state, Siam. Syam is the name of Krsna. Whole state was named under Krsna. So, and they manufacture very nice idol of Radha-Krsna. They’re accustomed.
Hari-sauri: They have a very strong Buddhist influence there now.
Prabhupada: Huh?
Hari-sauri: Buddhist.
Prabhupada: Later on, they became Buddhist, but originally they were Vaisnava.
Devotee (1): So they will not make some objection if they think we are thinking we have come to preach Hinduism in a Buddhist country?
Prabhupada: It is not… Don’t establish Deity. Talk on philosophy.
Devotee (1): “God is the supreme controller.”
Prabhupada: Yes. We accept Lord Buddha as incarnation of God. Show in our books that we have got all respect for Buddha. We do not disrespect Lord Buddha, neither go against him. Anyway, if we get one house to live and a supporter, a big supporter, then our position will be secure. And if our cause is honest, then nobody can check.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/cMXTm1

Checkerboard Cookies! (Recipe)
Shilpy Malhotra: Krishna prasadam tastes wonderful.
Why should we eat only Krishna Prasadam & nothing else?
As we all know everything belongs to Krishna therefore everything is meant for the service of Krishna, for the pleasure of Krishna, so if we take things for ourselves, for our own pleasure and try to enjoy them without first offering them to Krishna then we become thieves. If we take something that belongs to Krishna and use it for ourselves then we have stolen it from Krishna and we become sinful thieves.
Karma is another aspect that we have to look into. Everything we do in the material world, good or bad, generates a reaction that we will have to enjoy or suffer in the future. So if we are performing these activities that generate good and bad karma that will force us to continue taking birth in the material world perpetually so that we can experience the good and bad karma we have accumulated in this life. So unless we can stop generating karma there is no escape for us from the material world.
But, if we work for Krishna there will be no karmic reaction generated by that work and if we eat foods that have been prepared with love and devotion and offered to Krishna, then eating will not generate any karmic reaction. Rather this service to Krishna and eating Krishna prasadam will stop the karmic reactions that are stored up within our hearts from acting on us.
If we are serious about advancing in spiritual life then we must eat only Krishna prasadam and nothing else. If we eat foodstuffs which are not prepared by devotees and which are not offered to Krishna with love then we will be eating only sin and we will be subject to the karmic reactions involved in that food. It will entangle us more and more in the cycle of birth and death.
So for most of us that means we have to learn how to cook for Krishna, because if we don’t cook for Krishna and offer the food to Krishna then how will we be able to get Krishna prasadam on a regular basis?
Here is my little contribution on preparing & offering food to Krishna with love & devotion. I have developed all these recipes with special care & effort. I believe it will be of great help to everyone to learn & cook for Krishna. It is a collection of recipes, for everyday cooking as well as for the festivals & other special occasions. It will help everyone to be able to get Krishna prasadam regularly.
Recipe: http://goo.gl/zqPFZT

Direct devotional service is divided into five transcendental humors or flavors, and indirect devotional service is divided into seven transcendental humors.
Nectar of Devotion 34: Transcendental pleasure derived from devotional service can be divid…

Radha Kunda Seva: July 2016 Photos and Updates (Album with photos)
It’s raining! ..and raining some more in Govardhan. This is good of course, but also adds challenges to our various services.
July 18th was Guru Purnima, the biggest parikrama day of the year. And sure enough, it was as busy as ever. But it was raining! Non-stop rain. Fortunately, by Radha and Krishna’s mercy we were able to distribute prasad as we usually do on the full moon day each month.
On the 28th, we prepared our monthly feast for the widows of Radha Kunda. But again, it was raining. We couldn’t serve them sitting down in the courtyard of our rented facility as we usually do, but had to give them packets-to-go instead. They were happy to get a feast-to-go. So no worries. 🙂
Thank you, dear friends for so generously stepping up to sponsor daily prasad meals and medical care for our ladies in Radha Kunda. Of the 23 who had lost their funding, 5 are now fully sponsored! Thank you!!! It’s such a relief to know that we will be able to keep caring for them. We are hopeful that more sponsors will come forward for the remaining 18.
As always, in spite of the rain, daily cleaning and prasadam distribution are continuing. And we are excited that construction on the kitchen is scheduled to start after the rains stop!
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/KO1ISY

Chanting for love and peace in Holland (1 min video)
The devotees in Amsterdam stop the people in the streets and invite them t…Read More…

Does Your Wife Run After Krishna?
Bhakti Charu Swami: “Another way that Krishna attracts is through His dealings with us and these dealings give rise to five principle relationships. Those five principle relationships are: neutrality, servitorship, friendship, parental and conjugal. In this progression one is greater than the other. The subsequent one is greater than the preceding one. First is santa rasa, and then more deep is dasya, dasya is more profound than santa. Then sakhya (friendship) is more profound than servitorship. Parental is even more profound than friendship, and conjugal is the most profound. And in conjugal also there are two considerations: svakiya and parakiya. Conjugal relationship is a relationship between a man and a woman, a young boy and a young girl. Svakiya is the relationship that is socially approved. Socially approved means the relationship between the husband and wife. Society has approved that relationship: okay, this man and woman can have a relationship. But parakiya is without social approval, a clandestine love affair. So that relationship is even more intense and that relationship is there in Vrindavana between the gopis and Krishna. That is considered to be the highest of all relationships. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has revealed that. This is the teaching of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s teaching is ramya kacid upasana vraja-vadhu-vargena ya kalpita. [Chaitanya-matta-manjusa, by Srila Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura] The way the Vraja-vadhus, the cowherd damsels of Vrindavana, worship Krishna, serve Krishna is the highest form of relationship. Why? Because they didn’t have any other consideration. They did not care for social conventions. They didn’t consider what people will think about their relationship. They didn’t consider other relationships that they developed in their day-to-day life, relationship with their husbands, relationships with their superiors, relationships with their own children. All given up. So from the mundane perspective, “Oh, that’s not good”, but from the spiritual perspective that is the highest. When one is prepared to sacrifice everything for Krishna, that is the highest form of relationship. Sometimes some moralists raise that point, “Oh, why did Krishna have this relationship with the gopis like that? They were not married.” Yes, from the moral perspective that is not right, but from the spiritual perspective that is the highest stage, that is the highest consideration. I will give an example. When your wife becomes a devotee of Krishna, do you become jealous? Do you think it is wrong? When your wife runs after Krishna, do you think there is something wrong? So that’s how we have to see it. Rather, it is glorious! How many of you are proud that your wife is a devotee? There you are! [laughter] So the point is, first of all, you have to recognize who Krishna is, then only it becomes more and more clear.”
His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami, Lord Krishna’s Pastimes Outside of Vrindavana, 29th May 2016, European Retreat, Island of Iz (Croatia)
Transcription by HG Ranga Radhika Dasi

Jahnava Devi Dasi: Of all Srila Prabhupada’s qualities, the one that overwhelmed me was his inconceivable humility.
His humility disarmed my illusion to the point that I could sincerely ask him a question.
At first, when I raised my hand he ignored me. He waited until somebody else in the room raised their hand, and he answered their question.
This happened three or four times and in my mind I was rephrasing my question. Then I asked my question. I closed my eyes and said, “Sri Bhaktivedanta Swami?”
I said his name and for a moment I became disoriented. I couldn’t even go on with the question.
Srila Prabhupada very patiently waited for me. It was an intense moment because his glance and his mercy were upon me.
I said, “How is it that the Absolute, which is at this point, for me, beyond human comprehension, how can it take this form of Krishna-Radha?”
Prabhupada said, “It is His mercy.” Then he said something astounding, a mystical thing that broke through my hippie misconceptions.
Srila Prabhupada said, “The Bhagavatam says that if you want to understand God, His name, His quality, His paraphernalia, His form, it is not possible by your present senses. Your senses are so contaminated that it is not possible for you to understand God by speculation. Then?”
“How it is possible? God reveals Himself to you by your service attitude. And that service attitude begins from your tongue. How? You chant Hare Krishna and taste Krishna prasadam. Two things.”
“You cannot understand what is God, but God will reveal to you, ‘Here I am.’ Just as you cannot ask the sun, ‘Please rise up I want to see you.’ Oh, the sun is not your servant. But when the sun reveals himself to you, you see yourself, you see the sun, and you see the whole world nicely. You have to wait for that revelation.”
Six months before this, after I’d fasted for days, I had climbed a mountain all night long and was sitting on the edge of a cliff meditating on om.
My plan was that when the sun rose, I would merge with it and become one with the One. But the day was cloudy and when the sun rose I couldn’t see it.
The night before I had come to Krishna consciousness, I had prayed to a deity of Lord Shiva to please help me know the answer for everything, and then the next day I met Srila Prabhupada. How everything happened was wonderful.
After Srila Prabhupada’s lecture, he went back to his apartment and we all got ready for bed.
Thirty minutes later word got out that Srila Prabhupada had come back. We scrambled together, came into the temple room and sat there expectantly.
Srila Prabhupada was grave. At first he didn’t say anything. He played a tape of Vande ‘ham with himself on the harmonium and said, “I have just received a telegram from India saying that His Holiness Keshava Maharaj, my sannyas guru, is no more. He has entered Krishna’s abode.”
Srila Prabhupada said that Keshava Maharaj (in te photo) was a Vaishnava, an ocean of mercy, and he said, “I am offering my respectful obeisances to him along with my disciples.”
As he talked, he remembered Keshava Maharaj, and a tear slowly came and hovered a little while.
That tear was like the shining diamond of his separation from his sannyas guru, it was such a beautiful tear. And at last it fell.
Srila Prabhupada had written a resolution of bereavement and asked everyone to sign it. One girl, Madhavi-lata, took it around.
She wasn’t going to let another guest and me sign but Srila Prabhupada said, “No, no, everyone here, they are all witnesses.”
Then I knew that Srila Prabhupada was accepting me as a part of something that was happening. It was a wonderful experience.
Excerpt from “Memories-Anecdotes of a Modern-Day Saint”
by Siddhanta das
www.prabhupadamemories.com

Of Straw and Humility.
Ananda Vrindavana Devi Dasi: One of the 8 teachings left behind by Sri Caitanya speaks of humility. It says that one must be in a humble state of mind in order to meditate properly. We should feel lower than a piece of straw in the street actually. What does that mean and what are the implications for our practice?
Humility is a huge topic and true humility can’t be faked. It is grounded in the deep realization that we are not these bodies and not the owner of our things nor the controller of our lives. It’s coming to the point of dependence on Krishna, of knowing we need help to figure out who we are and where we are going. To ‘solve this mystery before we’re history’ as the song goes.
To be happy being as insignificant as a piece of straw in the street happens when we are in relationship with someone who loves us. Not ordinary love, but spiritual love, Godly love. When we know we are truly loved to the deepest core of our sacred soul, that nothing material can change that love, that we also have a capacity to receive and give endless love, then humility is a natural by product.
Getting to humility can be painful, but if we want to free ourselves from the false sense of self, then that pain is welcome. When we feel the pinch of envy or the slap of pride, the fear of failure or the anger of offense, we know there is work to be done. As we progress in spiritual consciousness we face the challenge of more subtle layers of attachment and false ego. Genuine humility isn’t cheap but it is available if we really want it, and are ready to practice it. And what is that practice? With the help of the Gita and daily attentive personal chanting we can turn our pain into gratitude, and see it as a message to remind us that we are not the body and anything connected to it is temporary.
Pick up a blade of grass or a piece of straw. Keep it on your desk and let it remind you of Sri Caitanya’s lesson on humility. As with most things spiritual, it’s an inside job. Watch your reactions. See if you are willing to let go, let love, let Krishna. Let the straw be not the one that breaks the camel’s back, but the one that you lean on to grow strong and free from this material world.
Here’s the full humility verse with Sanskrit:
trinad api sunicena
taror api sahisnuna
amanina manadena
kirtaniyah sada harih
One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige, and should be ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.

Krishna Balaram Mandir Darshan (Album with photos)
Now the rainy season has begun and everything is very green. On the 3rd day …Read More…

ISKCON Auckland, New Zealand, Harinama (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: One has to continue chanting the Hare Krishna mant…Read More…

ISKCON Rohini Delhi: Mahamilan Program on 31st July (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: The only sacrifice recommended in thi…Read More…

Vedic Village (Album with photos)
Ramai Swami: One of the main attractions of the Ananda Mela in Seattle was the “Vedic Village” section.
A ten metre long diorama was erected showing the descent of the Ganga from the toe of the Lord, through the Himalayas, through various holy places like Hrsikesa, and finally going out into the ocean at Ganga Sagara.
Other parts of the village included a pen for two of our cows, roti making using traditional clay and cow dung oven, produce from our farm etc.
Find them here: http://goo.gl/EjX3vI

Making our Outreach Relevant.
Srimad Bhagavatam class by Chaitanya Charan Prabhu at ISKCON Chowpatty. (2016-08-03)
Srimad Bhagavatam 10.84.34-37: The sages then spoke again, O King, addressing Vasudeva while all the kings, along with Lord Acyuta and Lord Rama, listened. It has been definitely concluded that work is counteracted by further work when one executes Vedic sacrifices as a means of worshiping Visnu, the Lord of all sacrifices, with sincere faith. Learned authorities who see through the eye of scripture have demonstrated that this is the easiest method of subduing the agitated mind and attaining liberation, and that it is a sacred duty which brings joy to the heart.
Purport:
Both Sridhara Svami and Sri Jiva Gosvami here agree that the ritual karma of Vedic sacrifices is particularly meant for attached householders. Those who are already renounced in Krsna consciousness, like Vasudeva himself, need only cultivate their faith in the Lord’s devotees, His Deity form, His name, the remnants of His food and His teachings, as given in Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/H6c06c

TOVP: Chatri Peacocks (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: We have finished the white marble cladding on the outside of some of t…Read More…

12hr Kirtan in Sydney, Australia (4 min video)
Here is the Official video from the 12hr Kirtan! On behalf of the rest of the or…Read More…

‘Walking Monk’ heads across Iowa.
Bhaktimarga Swami, known as “The Walking Monk,” says “the walk before” encourages him to keep walking, which got him started on his most recent walk, a walk across America.
Bhaktimarga Swami (formerly John Peter Vis) is a Hare Krishna monk who is walking across America to promote a healthier global lifestyle, a strong spiritual foundation and a simple meditative life.
“I’m also out here to integrate with people,” the 63-year-old Canadian said. “It’s kind of like a workout and a workin … to take time to process life.”
He is also walking to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the incorporation of the Hare Krisna movement.
On this particular day (Wednesday, July 20) he started just outside of Brooklyn on Highway 6 and was stopped just east of Grinnell.
Born in 1952 in Chatham, Ontario, Canada, Bhaktimarga Swami adopted the monastic lifestyle of the Hare Krisna order in 1973.
Traveling on foot is a common practice in various traditions, he said, and it’s an effective way to reach out and communicate the importance of morality and ethical priorities.
“You learn to take it all in,” Bhaktimarga Swami said. “The heat, the wind, the rain, the traffic, the cold, the black flies, the mosquitos, the public attention or none. With all of that you learn detachment from the externals and how to go within to be happy.”
Bhaktimarga Swami said that during his travels he has had a number of different experiences. He usually starts a walk very early each day – recently to beat the heat in Iowa he has started around 4 a.m. And with wearing an orange robe he has been mistaken for a number of different things in the dark, including an escaped convict.
That normally brings the police, but after a brief discussion, he continues on his way.
In Iowa, Bhaktimarga Swami had only good to say for the law enforcement community.
“The police have been terrific,” he said. “The cops are nice here in Iowa.”
This tour is made of three parts – he started last fall in Boston, went to Bulter, Penn., then into New York. The second leg started in Butler and brought him to Grinnell. He plans on stopping near Grand Island, Neb., before continuing on the third leg next summer.
This isn’t new to him, he has trekked across Canada four times, Ireland, Israel, Guyana, Trinidad, the Fiji Islands, Mauritius and other countries. He was featured in a National Film Board of Canda’s documentary titled “The Longest Road.”
He averages about 20 miles a day, he said.
“While I walk I also meditate,” Bhaktimarga said. “As a monk you have that obligation to yourself – take to the elements and toughen up inside.”
Source: http://goo.gl/AXuNMJ

Selfless, Unending Service (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Three days after Woodstock we continued with our festival pr…Read More…

ISKCON Vraj Mandal Parikrama 2016
2015 was the 500th anniversary year of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s visit to Vraj Mandal and 2016 being ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary Celebration. Come for Vraj Mandal Parikrama on this special occasion and immerse yourself in Krishna katha and kirtan by devotees from around the world.
There will be special facilities for international group. Visit www.vrajmandalparikrama.com for details on booking and facilities available. For more information contact us
VRAJ84@Pamho.net, Brajbhoomi.lok@pamho.net, shyamrupdas.lok@gmail.com.
Brajbhoomi Das :-+91- 9415113744
Istadev Das:- +91-9593648074
Shyamrupa Das:- +91-8087115554
Paramdham Das:-+1(301)906- 3598
Fees
A) Rs. 5000/- Bramhachari, Fulltime Devotees,Namhatt Devotees ( with recommendation letter )
B) Rs. 7000/- Regular Indian devotees
C) Rs.11000/- International Group
D) Rs.12000/- shuttle Group
E) Rs. 21000/- Special Group
Below is the schedule.
October 2016
16th:- Vrindavan Parikrama – Ishtagoshti
17th:- Vrindavan To Mathura
18th:- Mathura Parikrama
19th:- Mathura to Madhuban
20th:- Madhuban To Shantanu Kund
21st:- Shatanukund to Radhakund
22nd:- Radhakund – Goverdhan Parikrama
23rd:- Radhakund – Bahulaashtmi Radhakund
24th:- Radhakund to Deeg
25th:- Deeg to Badrinath
26th:- Badrinath Parikrama – Indira Ekadashi
27th:- Badrinath to Kamavan
28th:- Kamavan Interior Parikrama
29th:- Kamavan External Parikrama
30th:- Kamavan to Barsana – Deepavali
31st:- Barsana – Goverdhan Puja
November 2016
01st:- Barsana
02nd:- Barsana to Nandgaon
03rd:- Nandgaon to Kokilavan
04th:- Kokilavan – Prabhupada Disapp Day
05th:- Kokilvan to Sheshashyai
06th:- Sheshashyai to Shergarh
07th:- Shergarh to chirghat
08th:- Chirghat to Bhandirvan – Gopastami
09th:- Bhandirvan to Mansarovar
10th:- Mansarovar to Lohavan
11th:- Lohavan to Dauji – Utthan Ekadashi
12th:- Dauji to Brahmand Ghat
13th:- Bramhand Ghat to Raval
14th:- Raval to Mathura – Kartik Purnima

TARANG Festival (Album with photos)
IYF C2C organised its first ever only Boys festival ‘TARANG’.
In an anticipation to have deep association of each other, IYF C2C organised its only boys festival Tarang. This festival saw a confluence of large number of new enthusiasts along with the experienced devotees. Not only was it a different experience for these new boys who were eagerly looking forward for some spiritual healing but also gave a new taste to the existent devotees.
IYF C2C was honored with the presence of HG Patri Prabhu from ISKCON Nepal, who is an ardent preacher and inspirer of Krishna consciousness. He shared with everyone the ‘Password of Happiness’ through interactive seminars and served everyone with some food for thought. The festival was ornamented with an exceptional mime play which gave way to yet another series of take away questions for all. The festival finished with extremely stunning performance by our Rock band and some delicious prasadam.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/y4rQE3

Disha Festival 16 (Album with photos)
It was a festival in the true sense! Very many beautiful colours, dance performances, dramas, music, food and absolutely unlimited bliss. IYF C2C’s first only girls Festival- Disha’16 was a complete success because of the beautiful smiling faces its welcomed. Girls independent from the rest of the world but lovingly dependent on each other, put across a beautiful show. There were ecstatic kirtans, classical dance performances, a hilarious drama on the topic ‘Why do Bad things happen to good people’. A presentation on ‘The password to happiness’ made many Young minds think. It was followed by a flash mob and a pantomime show called ‘Me and my mind’. Lastly, the festival impressioned the audience with its rock show and a beautiful Vedic Fashion show where Young vaishnavis showcased beautiful traditional outfits.
The festival wrapped up with a huge gathering of girls at their favourite counter of ‘Gol gappa’s’ along with other delicious items of prasadam.
All glories to the young Vaishnavis!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/5Bbs20

Kadamba Kanana Swami: I have a cartoon. The first picture shows a child, you know, baby just born and the caption says, “Too young.” Next picture shows a couple in love, hand-in-hand, full moon behind them, “Too much in love.” Next picture shows a family, a few kids, you know, bags with groceries. He has got a phone, a computer, a drill and a screwdriver. I mean, they have six arms; they are, “Too busy.” Next picture, an old man; death, “Too old.” Last picture has cross on the grave, “Too late.”
So at every stage of life, we have an excuse. We always have an excuse. So, now you can say, “I always thought chanting Hare Krsna was very difficult and now I have the perfect excuse – children! So happy that I have children because I don’t have to chant Hare Krsna anymore. It is a relief, right, because now I have very good arguments not to chant.”
No, chanting must be done under any condition of life and no material difficulty can ever be accepted as a valid excuse for not chanting.
Yeah, you know, “Why didn’t you chant your rounds today?”
“I broke my leg.”
“That is not a valid excuse. You could have chanted in the hospital.”
“Yes, but I was unconscious.”
“Well, then you should have started chanting when you regained consciousness.”
So we do not accept any excuse when it comes to chanting. Sorry! That is the first point and that is how we have to deal with ourselves. You have to take charge of yourself with intelligence as if you are another person, looking at yourself then you see yourself coming with excuses.
RedAlarmClock“I’m too busy.”
“Sorry, that’s not an excuse.”
Make time. You manage to make time when you really like something… like for your favourite TV program. So yes, with our intelligence, we must take charge and make arrangements – make time to chant. And chant with a plan. Don’t just let chanting happen.
“I have to chant sixteen rounds. I’m really trying, I’m trying. But I’m so busy, I’m so busy. You can’t believe how busy I am, I just cannot do it. I just don’t have the time. I try and try, every day I try. Don’t have the time.”
Uh, uh. Get time management! You have a time management problem. Yes, you are chanting without a plan. How do you think you will get it done without a plan? You have to have a plan. You have to build chanting into your day. Say, “I’ll chant here, I’ll chant there, and I need so much time for sixteen rounds. So many rounds here, so many rounds there.” That is how it is done!
You know, I also have a plan to chant today because I just arrived in Australia. I am sort of still dizzy and disoriented and looking at like, “Where am I?” Seems to be Sydney and there are three programs today. Three programs. So, I have to chant some rounds on the drive back… I have to make sure that I don’t fall asleep and that the driver is not going to try to reveal his heart to me while driving. (laughter) So, make a plan for spiritual life and it will go well.

London Boat Festival (2016) (Album with photos)
In honor of Iskcon’s 50th Year Anniversary and World Holy Name Week Iskcon London organized Harinaam on a boat on the Thames. By chance HH Govinda Swami was there and the name of the boat was Dixie Queen.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/GdDZgt

Jayapataka Swami remembers precious times with Srila Prabhupad.!
Srila Prabhupada spoke to me for the first time- then he asked, “What is your plan?” “Well I thought that I would go to India to find a master but I already found you here.” I said.

Interesting improvements for Iskcon Alachua.
The Temple President: Even during one of the hottest summers we’ve seen here, a lot of work got done at the Temple this summer, and almost all of it was by volunteer labor.
Pavilion: You must have noticed by now that the ceiling of the pavilion has been painted white. Not only does it brighten the place up, but it is protection against deterioration of the roof subsurface. This is painstaking work, not only is it very, very high, requiring intense neck bending, but there’s a lot of stop and start for all the cutting in that has to be done. But Kirtan Scott (son of Rucira devi dasi and Adikarta das) has handled the entire job single handedly, and expertly. We will be grateful to him for this huge labor of love for years to come !
Cabanas: The old deteriorating cabanas at the back of the property got some desperately needed rehab, and are now nice living spaces for the WWOOFERS (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) who stay with us throughout the year providing valuable labor on the farm.
Patio Remodel: The first phase of the brick patio remodel was completed. A Tulasi greenhouse once stood here but for the past several years only the old walls remained. Now the area has been cleared and the roof has been installed over the existing columns. In fact, a couple of columns were added to make the whole structure more secure. It’s a beautiful shaded spot for vendor tables, and no more pop up tents required. The design was the brainchild and hard work of Jambu das, who just came by New Raman Reti for a little visit. Or that’s what he thought anyway. Before he knew it, he had agreed to “put a little roof over the columns,” and we have a super engineered structure that will serve the community for generations to come. Stay tuned for new brickwork and comfortable tables and chairs.
New Landscaping: The old landscaping at our front entrance gates had done its duty. It was plumb tuckered out. Maitreya das got his jeep and a rope and yanked the juniper bushes out, a serious task as they are very strongly rooted. Jitari das designed new plantings, and got busy laying the ground work, prepping the soil, fertilizing, laying down cardboard to keep the weeds down, then the plastic layer, and putting in the new plants and fresh mulch. The irrigation system got an upgrade at the same time. He was ably assisted by Bhakta Dave, and by Parasurama das and the three WWOOFERS visiting us now. Special thanks to Advaita Acharya das and Sarad Bihari devi dasi for making a generous contribution towards all the materials.
Workers
Sakshigopal das and family live in one of the oldest mobile homes on the property. And it is Grand Central Station over there; every Sunday he opens the doors for all and any of our Indian congregation to come over, have bhajan, see their beautiful Panca Tattva and Gaura Nitai altar, and take Prasadam. The house needed some TLC, and we gave it some. Fresh paint throughout thanks to Manusrestha das, some new flooring and some basic repairs are a start and feel like a breath of fresh air for everyone who visits now.
Kitchen Floor, Temple Floor and Veranda: Our Big Kitchen floors take a tremendous amount of wear and tear and hadn’t been touched up in six years. Manusrestha das, assisted by Mahabuddhi das, Prabhupada Pran das and Jivanath das, moved everything out, rolled out new paint mixed with a non-slip material and it’s made a world of difference in there. The veranda all around the Temple building was freshly painted once again by Ras Prakash das. Taking on this service is his pride and joy, and it really shows. He polished the Temple room marble floors while he was at it! Hours and hours of work. A real labor of love.
Ongoing Maintenance: I don’t want to forget the maintenance that goes on every week of the year including the hot summer months: the beautiful flower gardens around the property thanks to Madhuryalilananda devi dasi, our prolific organic vegetable gardens thanks to Janmeyjaya das and Shanka das, the ever expanding and productive Eco Teaching Farm led by Akuti devi dasi, Srimati Tulsi Devi’s garden always impeccable and in the best of health thanks to the constant nurturing and attention of Madhuri Gopi devi dasi, and our Serenity Gardens created and maintained and continuously made more perfect by Maitreya das. Thanks to the devotees who take on the constant summertime mowing, Mahananda das and Maitreya das, and to all our farm devotees especially who carry on so many services for our community.

The Universal Gospel Choir – Hare Krishna Eshgh Allah (9 min video)
“Hare Krishna Hare Rama” is the ‘Mahamantra’ (‘great mantra’) of the Hindu faith. Here it is joined with the Islamic (& Sufi) sacred phrase of “Eshgh Allah Mabood Allah” (‘God is Love, God is the Beloved’). Add in a chorus from an 80’s anthem song and the result is a song dedicated to love, harmony & respect between religions.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/6127BG

Fire in Radha Raman’s kitchen hasn’t gone out in 450 years (Album with photos)
Sri Vrindavan Dham has a lot of traditions related to Radha and Krishna, the temples and ashrams, through which they bless their devotees.
One of these amazing…

Kirtan London: Our SoundCloud download this month comes from our most recent 5th anniversary Mantra Lounge. We thought the roof was going to lift off! Apologies that the recording is not the best quality, but we hope you will appreciate the amazing moo…

Kids Hare Krishna camp Simhachalam 2016, Germany (Album with photos)
15th edition. Attended by a total of about 35 children with their parents or grandparents from across Europe (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Hungary, Austria).
Urmila Devi Dasi: This festival this week is for children…. the temple, guest house, and grounds (in tents) are filled with families. I am so happy–beyond happy, thrilled really–to be at a Hare Krishna festival that is all about children and families. Children at mangala arotik, children in scripture classes (making some noise of course, but no one complains!), children getting a tour of the pujari room! This is *society.* The families that are here are friendly, helpful, and really feel like one large extended family having a reunion. It’s super…
And…. this temple complex is unique in the Hare Krishna Movement, as the Lord is worshiped here only in His Nrsimhadeva form. The atmosphere is more South Indian than Gaudiya (in my opinion) and a very mysterious and mystical and ancient kind of ambience. I frankly prefer Krishna as Krishna and at the same time Krishna in His Nrsimhadeva form is fun, scary, awesome, awe-inspiring, surprising, and scary (did I already say that?).
Find them here: https://goo.gl/3l194L

Krishna Ksetra Swami (Kenneth Valpey): Prof. (retired) Tom Buford, who founded the Personalist Seminar 25+ years ago, graced us with his presence at yesterday morning’s session of the “Eleventh Biennial Personalist Seminar: Hindu Personalism and Schopenhauer,” here at Western Carolina University. My two presentations at this event went well: the first was a 45-minute introductory talk in preparation for my 1.5-hour talk the next morning, which I titled “The Bhakti Logos: Exploring Personalism in Hindu Theistic Devotionalism” (sorry, no written paper for this). This is a fine, small group of scholars (15 of us altogether, both professors and doctoral candidates in philosophy), discussing topics related to the two themes ‘from all angles of vision’ all day for four days.

The Conch – Newsletter of the New Govardhana Community, August 2016.
Janmastami. By Carsani devi dasi. With Janmastami just around the corner, now is the perfect time for each of us to reflect upon the meaning of this holy day, celebrating the transcendental appearance of Lord Krishna 5000 years ago in Sri Vrindavan Dham/Mathura. Of course, Krishna does not take birth, as we do, in this material world. In the same way that His body is purely spiritual, so too is His appearance. It is out of the Lord’s deep compassion for the living entities entangled in material existence that He chooses to appear in His beautiful threefold bending form – the enchanting son of Mother Yasoda and beloved friend of the cowherd boys and girls of Vraja.
View it here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/publications/6cca6980-2f1d-42a6-986f-e8dc6d375583/1/publication-web-resources/pdf/August_2016_Page_by_Page.pdf

Scandinavian Bhakti Sangam Festival (2016) (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: A devotee always thinks of the Lord continuously. While chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, the words Krishna and Hare immediately remind him of all the Lord’s activities. Since his entire life is engaged in the service of the Lord, a devotee cannot forget the Lord at any time. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 5.1.6 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/uAYpqt

The Gift of You
Ananda Vrindavana Devi Dasi: As we approach Janmastami, Krishna’s birthday, we’ll be thinking of what to give. It’s a birthday celebration after all and everyone’s invited. The guest list is unlimited and when it’s a birthday we think of expressing our love with a gift.

With an amazing lady, Sally Agarwal! She sponsored Srila Prabhupada’s visit to the United States!
More photos here: https://goo.gl/hJnLf3

Harinama at Nimbin – 31 July 2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: In old age, at the time of death, the throat sometimes…Read More…

Berlin’s Historic Ratha Yatra (4 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: Devotees in Berlin held their annual Ratha Yatra on July 30th near to Brandenburg Gate, Germany’s most famous landmark. It was an historic occasion which brought tears to the eyes of many devotees, including Sacinandana Swami who has served in the German yatra for over 40 years. Maharaja’s kirtan during the parade said it all.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/qCH39I

The Story Behind The Picture.
Patita Pavana dasa: It was 1971 or 1972, I had been out on the streets of New York City all day preaching, selling books, collecting and generally spreading the blessing of serving the Supreme Lord through the mercy of His representative Shrila Prabhupada. That day the Guru of the Universe was leaving New York to spread Lord Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s divine message of Krishna consciousness all over the world.
On the street of Manhattan I had spotted a sidewalk vendor selling novelty newspapers. You tell him the headline and he would print it up for a small amount. I asked him if he would make one as service, a donation, for the pure devotee. He smiled and readily agreed. So I told him, “KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS TAKES OVER THE WORLD.” H gave it to m with a broad grin.
Later at the airport, I presented the newspaper to Shrila Prabhupada. His Divine Grace glowed golden, beaming from ear to ear. “Who has printed?” he kept asking me. “Who has printed?” I went dumb, and was too shy—or something—to explain though I should have simply confessed, “I printed it.”
Aravinda, who was his servant at the time, blurted out, “It’s a joke, it’s a joke, Prabhupada.” Shrila Prabhupada folded the paper and put it away smiling slightly in his always endearing and philosophical way. Actually as I look back, I realize that His Divine Grace would have been just as pleased had I told him that this headline represented his future vision, and all of us members of his New York sankirtan party agreed because of our faith in whatever he said.
And indeed it is true that Krishna consciousness is destined to take over the world. It is just a matter of time …
– Patita Pavana dasa
Picture: Sachisuta (in blue) smiles broadly as Romapada dasa Brahmachary (with glasses) looking on. Aravinda is in the saffron kurta on Sachisuta’s right.

TOVP Kalashes (Album with photos)
Ambarisa Das: The TOVP Kalash is the only one of a kind in the world owing to its sheer size…Read More…

ISKCON Ratha Yatra in Zurich 2016, Switzerland (10 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: Krishna is the root of everything. If He is ple…Read More…

Initiations at Iskcon of San Diego, CA, United States (Album with photos)
Photos taken at this evening’s Initiation ceremony. His Holiness Bhakti Sundar Goswami awarded diksha initiation to the devotees formerly known as Bhaktin Renee and Bhaktin Carolina,. These expert photos were shot by Sri Sri Radha Giridhari’s personal photographer, His Grace Purusa prabhu.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/aY1s3Z