Author Archives: Dandavats.com

Harinama in Chinatown Yokohama, Japan (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: By chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, we gradually …

Kumbha Mela in Ujjain (Album with photos)
Deena Bandhu Das: Yesterday was the first Sahi (Royal) Snan of the Ujjain Kumbha Mel…

This year, 2016, is the 50th anniversary of ISKCON.
To mark this significant milestone in ISKCON’s history, ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry will be holding the inaugural European Head Pujari Sanga in Zurich with HG Nrsimha Kavaca Prabhu.
The sanga will take place from 16-17 June, 2016.
Some of the goals of this sanga are:
Get to know other head pujaris.
Hone your skills as a pujari and a leader.
Become inspired and more effective in our service.
Associate with representatives of ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry
Participate in formulating IDWM targets and goals… and much more!

Kumari Mayshark Patel Wins Dance Competition.
The Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival
Anapayini Jakupko: On a whim my sister Komala Kumari decided to participate in a dance completion. This competition is part of the most prestigious South Indian performing arts festival in the US- The Cleveland Thyagaraja festival. Her application was accepted even though it was a day late. She performed on Saturday part of the 1st round of her age group. She was one of 5 finalists to move to the 2nd and final round. On Sunday she performed again and charmed all the judges and won the Competition! So proud of this girl and so blessed to have her as my sister.
This from her teacher Indira Kadambi, “I am very happy and proud to share with you all that my american student Komala Kumari Mayshark Patel won this year’s Cleveland Thyagaraja festival -dance competition. Hailing from a family of krishna devotees, she initially learnt from her sister Anapayini Jakupko who was my first student to do arangetram way back in 1998. Later Kumari continued her journey with me and did her arangetram few years back in Chennai. God bless you Kumari and may you keep dancing for ever at the feet of Lord Krishna.”

Harinama and prasadam distribution, Food For Life – 18.04.2016, in Warsaw, Poland (Album with photos)
Cooked: Syamadarshana priya dasi
They assisted: bh. Serge and Sasabindu das
Kirtan: Ananta Nitay Das, Syamadarshana priya dasi, bhk. Vedana, bhk. Julia, Sasabind das, bhk. Katia, bhk. Susan
Distribution of prasadam: bh.Nelavati bh. Maciek,
Leaflets and books: bh. Sururia Kunda Das, bhk. Katarzyna and bh. Vodlodie
Driver: Suria Kunda das
Photos: bhk. Dorota
Donations of action: 9.01zł
Donation of sunday: 299,24zł
Thank you very much for donations on the last Sunday. Thank you all for helping our action.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/o9eBMF

ISKCON Kumbha Mela Ujjain 2016.
The celebration of Kumbh Mela takes place at the four sacred places as per the position of Sun and Jupiter in different zodiac signs. Poorna Kumbh is held at Ujjain once in every 12 years when the zodiac sign Scorpio (Vrishchik Rashi) indicates the presence of Jupiter and Sun. Ujjain is located at the bank of Shipra River in western region of Madhya Pradesh and is seen as one of the most sacred places in India. The city is enriched with several religious shrines such as Bade Ganeshji Ka Mandir, Mahakaleshwar, Vikram Kirti Temple and many others. On the occasion of Kumbh Mela the divinity and spiritual aroma of Ujjain meets its highest peak when millions of pilgrims take dips and worship sacred River Shipra. Sages and devotees from every nook and corner attend the religious ceremony of Kumbh Mela to attain salvation and libration from the vicious cycle of birth-death-rebirth. According The commemoration of Mela at Ujjain is known as ‘Simhastha Kumbh Mela’ in which the unique combination of divinity and purity is experienced when the crowd of ash-dubbed sages, priests, devotees gets fused together with the roaring of elephants and camels. People who witness the spiritual fest feel good fortune by their side and sense positive aroma purifying their souls and thoughts. Major attraction of this festival is ‘Shahi Snan’ (royal bath) which takes place on predetermined dates varying every year. It is believed that those who take royal bath in holy Shipra River on the occasion of Kumbh Mela wash their sins of all previous births. The devotees consider it as an opportunity to get them revived from the never ending birth cycle.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/Rrlzq2

Bengal Milk Sweets.
Kripamoya das: Although such delicious dishes are prepared all over India, nowhere is more famous for milk sweets than Bengal, where sweet making has been raised to a fine art. Bengal was once known as Gor-Desh or ‘the sweet country,’ and it is customary in that region, even today, to celebrate all of life’s major events with the sharing of a plate of delicious milk sweets. From the strained, caramelised yogurt known as Misti-dahi, through the thickened, condensed milks of Khir and Rabri, to the soft, kneaded cheese of Sandesh, the sweetened and spiced fudges of Burfi andPera, and the delicate, sponge-like textured Rasagulla and Cham-cham, the range of sweets and the varieties of flavours is vast. The British in Victorian India were not immune to the allure of Bengali sweets, and the famous confectioners of the day, household names such as K.C.Das were all patronised by the well-to-do members of the Raj. When the wife of the Viceroy, Lady Canning, celebrated her birthday, one sweet maker came up with a novel design for her. By cooking a traditional rasagulla in ghee, the sweet turned golden in colour and the flavour took on a delicate nuance. Still popular today, the celebratory confection is now known by the Bengali version of the aristocrat’s name: the Ledikenni.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/kis42Y

Our Wonderful Gujarat (Album with photos)
Deena Bandhu Das: The day before Ram Naumi, as part of the Ram Naumi Festival in ISKCON Ahmedabad, a local group presented Amari Gunavanti Gujarat, Our Wonderful Gujarat displaying the folk arts of Gujarat. Started with a London NRI Jack Bhai coming to visit the land of his parents for the first time and two villagers take him on a cultural tour! Enjoy Vittalrukmini’s colorful pics!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/sy5vFx

April 23. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Mukti Brahmacari.
One day a curious, unsolicited correspondent wrote to Prabhupada from India. His name was Mukti Brahmacari. Introducing himself as a disciple of one of Prabhupada’s godbrothers, and reminding Prabhupada of their past slight acquaintance, Mukti wrote of his eagerness to join Prabhupada in America. Prabhupada still had hopes for getting assistance from his godbrothers in India – “This mission is not simply one man’s work.” Therefore, he invited Mukti to come to America and asked him to request his guru to cooperate by working personally to secure government sanction for the release of foreign exchange.
Mukti submitted the entire proposal before his spiritual master, who, as Mukti predicted, cancelled the trip. Although Mukti’s guru was Srila Prabhupada’s godbrother, he did not want to be involved and he doubted that Prabhupada would actually get a donation from Padampat Singhania.
And now Mukti Brahmacari also doubted: “If your program is not bona fide, the approach to a big personality will be a ludicrous one no doubt.”
On the same day that Prabhupada received the “ludicrous” letter, he also received the final blow of noncooperation from the Indian government. Second Secretary Prakash Shah of the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. wrote:
Due to existing conditions of foreign exchange stringency, it is not possible for the government of India to accede to your request for release of foreign exchange. You may perhaps like to raise funds from residents in America.
It was confirmed: Prabhupada would have to work without outside help. He would continue alone in New York City. His last letter to Mukti Brahmacari reveals his deep faith and determination.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=7

Northampton Festival, UK – April 2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: People should be given the chance to hear the chant…

Historic Steps Forward (5 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: This video covers the historic opening of ISKCON’s first cultural center in Beijing and the very first harinama at the famous Great Wall of China. May our previous acaryas be pleased that their dedicated service over many centuries is now bearing fruit. All glories to our beloved Srila Prabhupada!
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/a6CghE

Oldest 24-Hour Kirtan Festival in West Celebrates 17 Years.
Over 2,000 people from the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe are expected to attend the 17th annual 24-Hour Kirtan in Birmingham, England from Saturday April 30th to Sunday May 1st. Today, it’s a huge bank holiday weekend draw. But back when the event – the oldest 24-Hour-Kirtan Festival in the Western world – began in 1999, attendance was much smaller. It all started with a group of Pandava Sena teenage youth, fans of the year-around 24-Hour Kirtan program in Vrindavan, India, which had been run by Aindra Das since 1986.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/9qYrIN

Harinama – ISKCON Auckland New Zealand: (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: One is understood to be an eternal servant of the…

Hare Krishna Mantra Fest In Benesov Gymnasium (Town in the Czech Republic) (Album with photos)
13.4. 2016 Assembly Hall Secondary School in Benesov.
Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna … echoed Wednesday 13. 4. in the evening the auditorium Benesov gymnasium, where devotees of Hare Krishna held for eighty spectators cultural program “Mantra Fest”.
From the stage sounded several traditional Indian mantras and bhajans, screened the footage of pilgrimage sites in India, lacked inických tasting traditional specialties, offering books, gifts …
Big applause harvested dance performances temple dance Bharata Nátjam performed Rásabihárí Devi Dasi. Selected women and girls in the audience could try out how to wear saris and ornaments inické and played even a small theater.
The winner of the raffle ticket won a prize weekend at the chateau with ayurvedic massages.
The program prepared Krishna farm yard in cooperation with the recently-opened veget. Govinda restaurants in Benesov. Hare Krishna Movement in this year celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/enRkvQ

How The Deity Reciprocates With His Devotee.
Raghunandan’s work is to serve Krishna. He has no interest in anything other than serving Krishna. (Chaitanya Charitamrita 2.15.131)
From his early childhood, Raghunandan Thakur would feed the family’s Gopinath Deity laddus.
Uddhava Das has written a song in which this lila is described: Mukunda Das lived in the village of Shrikhanda, where his household Deity was named Gopinath. One day he had to go somewhere for work and he called Raghunandan to do the service. He said, “In this house we worship Krishna, so I want you to be sure to give Him something to eat.” and then he left.
Raghunandan did as his father had ordered and made the offering to the Deity. Raghunandan was just a child and in his simplicity, he said to Gopinath, “Eat! Eat!” Krishna is controlled by love, and so He did as the child told Him and ate everything on the plate without leaving a grain of rice.
When Mukunda Das returned, he asked the boy to bring him the Prasad from the offering he had made. The child answered, “Father, He ate everything and left no remnants.” Mukunda was astonished at his child’s wonderful words that he asked him again on another occasion to make an offering.
This time after he left the house, he returned and hid to watch what his son would do.
Raghunandan joyfully placed a laddu in Krishna’s hand and said in a commanding voice, “Eat! Eat!”. When Krishna had eaten half of the laddu, Raghunandan saw Mukunda Das in the doorway. Mukunda saw that Krishna did not take another bite and that the half-eaten laddu remained in His hand.
This caused him to be filled with love. He embraced his child and, as tears of joy rained from his eyes, spoke to him in a broken voice.
To this day, fortunate people come to Shrikhanda to see the half-eaten laddu in Gopinath’s hand. Raghunandan is not different from Cupid himself, says Uddhava Das with great feeling.
[All the mahantas] felt fascinated to see the Gopinath Deity whom Raghunandan had fed laddus. (Bhakti-ratnakara 9.525)

Pujari-Portrait: Dhira Krsna dasa, disciple of H.H. Bhakti Caru Swami.
In which place are you serving? Since when?
Radhadesh, Belgium. I joined the temple full time in April 1992.
Since when are you serving the Deities and how did you get attracted to that seva?
I received second initiation in October 1994 and since then started doing Deity Worship in Radhadesh. I started dressing the Gaura Nitai Deities which are now in Amsterdam and at that time They were hosted in Radhadesh because there were no devotees in Amsterdam who could take care of Them. That was in the years 1995-1996. Soon I also learned to cook for the Deities and found this to be a very sattvic service, which matches perfectly with my personality.
What inspires you the most in your seva to the Deities?
What inspires me is that through this service we are able to directly serve the Lord, as if we were serving Him in the spiritual world. Deity Worship is the Lord’s Mercy upon his devotee. The contact with the Deity is like seeing Krsna in front of you and attending to His desires. Krsna likes to eat opulent, so we cook delicious dishes for Him, He likes to be dressed in beautiful clothes and wear ornaments, and we can dress Him personally, like His servants in Gokula Vrndavan. As pujaris we often get those dreams where we are in anxiety, we may be late in dressing and the curtains have to open right now! Or everything is a mess on the altar and we have to clean up quickly before the darshan time. Those dreams generally happen in reality as well, only the dreams exaggerate the situation. Pujaris relish every minute they are on the altar serving Krsna.
Did you have personal experiences with the Deities which you would like to share? I have had some very nice dreams where I saw Lord Jagannatha. One dream Lord Jagannatha had His altar very high up in a skyscraper, with a huge kitchen next to it and the altar looked like a big stage as in a theater, with the curtains and all. Another dream I saw Lord Jagannatha sitting in a row of sannyasis (yes, he is Jagannatha Swami!) and He had a knife and fork in His hands and He was looking at me with a mood like: “When is My Prasadam coming?”. I also have been so lucky to take Lord Jagannatha on His Ratha Yatra almost every time we had a Ratha Yatra in the Benelux since 1999 when His pujari at that time went to do other things. I think of all the Deities, Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balarama and Lady Subhadra are my favorite Ones.
What kind of advice would you give to a young devotee to get attracted to Deity Worship?
It’s a natural process. I would say, come and do some service for the Deities, even if you are not second intitiated yet, or still a Bhakta or Bhaktin, you can do some service as a pujari helper washing paraphernalia or doing some maha-prasadam transfers. If it is a service that matches to you, you can’t avoid becoming attracted. In fact, one of my first services during the bhakta program was doing the last transfer in the evening. Obviously hard to avoid the temptation of taking some maha prasadam afterwards, but it is hard to wake up the next morning then for mangala arati! Nevertheless new bhaktas should eat a lot of maha prasadam, it’s a good way to survive the attacks of Maya.

100,000 Wishes from China Offered to Vrindavan Wish Tree.
Over 100,000 wishes gathered on Mandali Mendrilla’s sculpture dress “Mandala of Desires”, were offered to a genuine Wish Tree in Vrindavan, UP, India.
An intimate gathering of enthusiasts met under the tree at Kaliya Ghat in Vrindavan, and offered over 100 000 desires gathered on the interactive sculpture dress called “Mandala of Desires” (Blue Lotus Wish Tree) that was on display at the China Art Museum in Shanghai, from December 2015 to February 21. 2016, as part of the exhibition called “Forms of Devotion”, organized by the Belgian MOSA museum and Teamwork from India, and curated by Sushma K. Bahl and Archana Sapra.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/E9wLXO

April 22. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: In the back of the loft I noticed a little curtain – an Indian madras type of curtain – and so I decided to peer into that area. I looked in and there was Swami Bhaktivedanta sitting there cross-legged in saffron garments, with the markings on his forehead and nose and his hand in the bead bag. Even though he looked like the real thing, he seemed more approachable and I said, “Hello,” and he looked up. I said, “Swami Bhaktivedanta?” and he said, “Yes.” I said, “I am Howard Smith.” I was expecting to sit down, so I said, “Excuse me, I have to take off my shoes,” and he said, “Why do you want to take off your shoes?” I said, “I don’t know – I saw all the shoes out there.” And he said, “I didn’t ask you to take your shoes off.” I said, “What are all those people out there doing?” and he said, “I don’t know. And they don’t know what they’re doing. I am trying to teach them and they seem to be misunderstanding me. They are very confused people.”
Then we sat and talked and I liked him a lot right away. I mean, I’d met a lot of other swamis and I didn’t like them too much. I don’t think it’s fair to lump them all together and say, “Those swamis in India.” He was very, very basic, and that’s what I seemed to like about him. He not only made me feel at ease, but he seemed very open and honest – like he asked my advice on things. He was very new in the country.
I thought his ideas stood a good chance of taking hold because he seemed so practical. His head didn’t seem to be in the clouds. He wasn’t talking mysticism every third word. I guess that is where his soul was at, but that isn’t where his normal, conversational consciousness was at.
Then he told me that several people had told him that the Voice would be a very good place to be written up, and that basically it would reach the kind of people who already perhaps had a leaning or interest in what he was preaching. I said I thought he was correct. He asked me if I had read any books or knew anything about Indian culture. I said no, I didn’t really. We talked a little and he explained to me that he had these books in English that he had already translated in India. He handed those to me and said, “If you want more background, you can read these.”
It was obvious to me that I was not talking to some fellow who had just decided that he had seen God and was going to tell people about it. He seemed to be an educated man, much more so than myself. I liked his humbleness. I just plain liked the guy.
He explained everything I wanted to know – the significance of what he was wearing, the mark on his forehead, the bead bag. I liked all his explanations. Everything was very practical. Then he talked about temples all over the world and he said, “Well, we have a long way to go. But I am very patient.”
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=7

Harinama and book distribution in Sydney (Album with photos)
Sri Harinam Sankirtan Nectar 21-04-16
This evening was filled…

Padayatra Newsletter 2016.
Reports from different countries
50 padayatras for ISKCON’s 50th birthday
History of Padayatra
Inspiration from Srila Prabhupada
Various quotes and letters
Padayatra Hall of Fame
Padayatra manual
Photo gallery
Videos and films
Audio
Schedules and Contacts
To download the pdf document click here: http://www.padayatra.com/padayatra-newsletter-2016/

The Conch – Newsletter of New Govardhana Hare Krishna Community – April Issue.
EDITORIAL ADVISOR – H.H. Mukunda Goswami
GRAPHIC DESIGN & LAYOUT – Urvasi devi dasi
PHOTOGRAPHY – Urvasi devi dasi and Trevor Gore
EDITORIAL BOARD
Damodara Pandit dasa
Govardhana Seva dasa
Krishna Rupa devi dasi (ACBSP)
Mandakini devi dasi
To download the pdf document click here: http://goo.gl/q9zt0O

Govindas in Hungary: Hungry in Hungary. (Album with photos)
This place is ever-busy!
Kurma das: Maha prasadam sweets from Hungary’s New Vraja farm community are available at the downtown Govindas.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/ZOkCft

All India Padayatra Returns After Month Long Break.
By Acarya Dasa. The All India padayatra had spent almost a month in Navadipa Mandal. All the padayatris are so fully engaged in walking from one city to another during the year, that they do not have a chance to hear lectures or kathas from senior devotees. The padayatris therefore attended the sravan utsava[1] or festival of hearing in Mayapur which Acarya Dasa said was a “feast for our ears – we eagerly awaited this occasion throughout the year.” The padayatris also attended the Navadvipa Mandal Parikrama and took darsana of the various lilasthalis of Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
On March 28th after spending almost a month in Navadvipa Mandal sheltered by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu we were back on India’s streets. The padayatris are full of energy and enthusiasm to continue with our mission of preaching and book distribution all over India. We now have 30 devotees in our party after having begun this leg of the padayatra in ISKCON Chennai. After our month long break we experienced a malfunction with our tractor. When the tractor is not in use, the wheels are removed. Now that we were ready to continue on our journey we had attached the wheels onto the tractor again. After traveling about 10 kilometers the wheels of the tractor came loose and a few of the book cartons that were loaded onto the tractor fell – but by the mercy of the Lord no one was injured and the books were not damaged. We managed to repair the wheels and continued with the journey.
This year the Tamil Nadu branch of the ‘Back to God Magazine (BTG)’ printed 40 000 special issues in the Tamil language in honor of the All India Padayatra. After reading this issue many people became aware of this wonderful padayatra that travels all over India, and our achievements. The magazine interviewed the padayatris, and I being the padayatra leader gave them further details. The magazine featured articles about padayatra, the realizations of the padayatris and the various preaching activities of our party- and on the front cover of the magazine was a picture of our Lordships, Sri Sri Nitai Gaurasundar with the padayatris. There are about 30 000 BTG members in Tamil Nadu, all of whom received a copy of this special issue and our party also distributed 10 000 more issues on our travels. We were very encouraged and happy by the articles featured in the BTG magazine.
Summer has begun and our journey is filled with more hardships. People often wonder who these people are walking in the heat and scorching sun. We walk more than 15 kilometers every day. Sometimes we don’t get good accommodation and we are forced to sleep in the shade of tin roves where it’s very hot. The bulls who carry the ratha sometimes do not get cold water to drink and the padayatris contract ‘prickly heat rash’, an itchy rash of small, raised spots that causes stinging or prickly sensation on the skin. The chances of sun stoke are also high. When we walk the hot wind blows but we are under the full shelter of Guru and Gauranga. We do not care about this body and we leave everything to the Lord – to please the Lord and our spiritual master we carry on with this mission without any hindrance. When Nitai Gaurasundar and Srila Prabhupada are on the ratha, how can we stop? They are our only shelter and They will take care of us, we are fully confident about this. As our Gurudev, Lokanatha Swami says, “A devotee should always be full of enthusiasm, he should be uttsahi (one should always be excited)” So we walk with these words in our hearts and everything becomes easy with his mercy.
Sri Sri Nitai Gaursundar ki…jai!
All India padayatris ki………jai!

Villa Vrindavana Experience (4 min video)
Villa Vrindavana lies on the rolling Tuscan hills of Chianti, in the district of San Casciano Val di Pesa, not far from Florence. The central building was built during the Renaissance and it is surrounded by a large Italian garden and by a park of mostly wooded land spreading out over about 90 acres. The villa was built in the sixteenth century as a residence for noble people. It was designed by the famous architects of that time. Some important personalities lived and stayed here, including Niccolò Machiavelli. After being passed from owner to owner several times, at the beginning of the nineteenth century the historic building became part of the heritage of the Fenzi family, who were important Florentine magnates. They renovated the building and enriched the garden with rare and exotic plants from around the world. During the World War II, the villa was the headquarters of the troops who were fighting in the area and it was also a scene for some clashes. After a long period of decline and neglect, in 1979 Villa Fenzi was taken over by ISKCON, which renamed it after the eternal abode of Krishna. Since then it has been called Villa Vrindavana. Villa Vrindavan Firenze Garden At the beginning Villa Vrindavana hosted a community structure with a mostly monastic vocation, but then the spread in society of the Hare Krishna movement made it open its doors to the public and its social activities. Today Villa Vrindavana is a spiritual place, a point of reference and a seat of worship for a growing number of people. Besides its magnificent Temple Room, Villa Vrindavana also offers large multipurpose rooms where conferences, seminars, courses, and workshops are run. Recently, a large part of the premises has been completely refurbished and today there are a dozen of rooms for guests attending courses and activities, or participating in spiritual retreats organised in the villa.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/9jrrxi

April 21. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Prabhupada Liked to Take Walks.
Prabhupada liked to take walks. From his doorstep at 94 Bowery he would see directly across the street the Fulton Hotel, a five-storey flophouse. Surrounding him were other lower Manhattan lodging houses whose tenants wandered the sidewalks from early morning until dark. An occasional flock of pigeons would stir and fly from one rooftop to the next, or descend to the street. Traffic was heavy. The Bowery was part of a truck route to and from Brooklyn by way of the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges.
The Bowery sloped gently downhill toward the north. Prabhupada could see signboards, a few scraggly Manhattan trees, and streetlights and traffic signals as far up as Fourth Street. He could see Con Edison with its prominent clock tower, and (if there were no clouds) the top of the Empire State Building on Thirty-fourth Street.
He would walk alone in the morning through the Bowery neighborhood. The month of May that year saw more frequent rains than was normal, and Prabhupada carried an umbrella. Sometimes he walked in the rain. He was not always alone; sometimes he walked with one of his new friends and talked. Sometimes he shopped. Bitter melon, dal, hing, chickpea flour and other specialty foods common in Indian vegetarian cuisine were available in Chinatown’s nearby markets. On leaving the loft, he would walk south a few steps to the corner of Bowery and Hester Street. Turning right on Hester, he would immediately be in Chinatown where the shops, markets, and even the Manhattan Savings Bank were identified by signs lettered in Chinese. Sometimes he would walk one block further south to Canal Street with its Central Asian Food Market and many other streetside fruit and vegetable markets. In the early morning the sidewalks were almost deserted, but as the shops began to open for business the streets became crowded with local workers, shopkeepers, tourists and aimless derelicts. The winding streets of Chinatown were lined with hundreds of small stores. Parked cars lined both sides of the street.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=7

Harinam in the Land of rising Sun, Osaka, Japan (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: O Hari-nama! The tips of the toes of Your…

A Visit To Qufu – The Hometown Of Confucius (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: The other day we took a 3-hour ‘Bullet Train’ to Qufu, the hometown of Confucius, the famous Chinese philosopher and teacher. We stayed at the Confucius Institute, a small university where students study and practice the teachings of Confucius. During two days we gave a seminar comparing Vedic teachings with those of Confucius. At the end of each class we held a rousing kirtan with the students in which they would dance in great ecstasy. Our team also did kirtan in a nearby village where the local people spontaneously joined us in chanting and dancing.The holy names are all attractive and continue to flood the Land of the Great Red Dragon!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/2qZRdy

Hindu: The Most Misinterpreted Term.
It’s possible that the colonial British people would have, either mistakenly or with some intention, grossly brought the vast majority of the non-Christian and non-Muslim natives under one umbrella – the Hindus – thus, converting a national unifying enthno-geographic identity of the Indians to a communal one.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/fCCS2D

Prabhupada Ghat To Accommodate Millions Of Pilgrims In Pandharpur Dhama.
An offering to Srila Prabhupada for ISKCON Jubilee.
ISKCON Pandharpur, under the leadership of Lokanath Swami, took the initiative of constructing a ghat on the eastern bank of the Chandrabhaga, right down the temple property.
Srila Prabhupada Ghat is situated on the Eastern bank of river Chandrabhaga. The ghat under development is 270 mtrs long & 90 mtrs wide. The different salient features of the Ghat are as follows Chandrabhaga Mandir Interaction Space for Bhajan & Kirtan Deepmal Toran (Arch ways) Tree Plantation & Landscaping Stage Pavilion Utility Rooms
Read more: http://www.pandharpurdham.org/index.php

Advaita – The Partial Truth.
Rsiraja Das: Many people who look at Vedic philosophy in current times, understand it as Advaita, which is an interpretation of Vedanta, that claims that the ultimately reality is a singular, unified existence called Brahman, from which the world is produced, and the world is māyā or illusion. The Brahman is equated with consciousness, although how consciousness comes under illusion is a contentious issue since the time of Śaṅkarācārya who first propounded Advaita but did not provide a clear explanation of the fall into illusion. Subsequent interpretations of Vedanta have tried to address these problems, but the Advaita philosophers blithely ignore them. This post discusses the problems in Advaita, how they have been addressed by subsequent interpretations of Vedanta and what these interpretations mean for the understanding of Vedanta itself. Finally, the post discusses how a proper understanding of Vedanta changes the nature of science.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/q7D9Nn

The power of Prasadam!
Kishori devi dasi: Prasadam means Krishna’s mercy, and is the remnants of something that has been prepared for the pleasure of Krishna with love and offered to Him for His enjoyment.
Because Krishna has tasted it or enjoyed it, prasadam is not a material thing – it becomes transcendental. Krishna and Krishna prasadam are non-different.
That means one can get the same benefits by honoring Krishna prasadam as one could get by being personally present with Krishna face- to-face.
Prasadam is so powerful and so wonderful. Srila Prabhupada called prasadam ‘the secret weapon’ and ISKCON is renowned for being a ‘kitchen religion’ because prasadam is one of the main ways of linking with devotional service.
There is something wonderful about prasadam which is illustrated by this experience of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, related in the CC, Antya 16.108:115 Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said,
“These ingredients, such as sugar, camphor, black pepper, cardamom, cloves, butter, spices and licorice, are all material. Everyone has tasted these material substances before. However, in these ingredients there are extraordinary tastes and uncommon fragrances. Just taste them and see the difference in the experience. Apart from the taste, even the fragrance pleases the mind and makes one forget any other sweetness besides its own. “Therefore, it is to be understood that the spiritual nectar of Krishna’s lips has touched these ordinary ingredients and transferred to them all their spiritual qualities. A fragrance and taste that are uncommon and greatly enchanting and that make one forget all other experiences are attributes of Krishna’s lips. This prasadam has been made available only as a result of many pious activities. Now taste it with great faith and devotion.”
Loudly chanting the holy name of Hari, all of them tasted the prasadam. As they tasted it, their minds became mad in the ecstasy of love.“

Kamada Ekadashi, 17th April 2016, big gathering of devotees in Mayapur. (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Caitanya Mahaprabhu says: “I have brought medicine to awaken every living being from perpetual sleep. Please receive the holy name of the Lord, the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, and awaken. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 5.13.9 Purport)
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TOVP update (Album with photos)
Dear Prabhus,
Dandavat pranams. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
We are happy to shar…

Padayatra in Russia – 50 000 Holy Name’s friends (3 min video)
50 000 Russian people will hear the Holy Name in 50 towns and villages.
Read how you can help.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/mjNH96

April 20. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Michael Grant.
Michael Grant: I went up to him after his lecture in the loft. I had the same feeling I’d had on other occasions when I’d been to hear famous people in concerts. I was always interested in going by after concerts to see musicians and singers, just to meet them and see what they were like. I had a similar feeling after Swamiji spoke, so I went up and started talking. But the experience was different from the others in that he wasn’t in a hurry. He could talk to me, whereas with others all you could do was get in a few words. They were always more interested in something else. But he was a person who was actually showing some interest in me as a person, and I was so overwhelmed that I quickly ran out of things to say. I was surprised. Our meeting broke off on the basis of my not having anything further to say. It was just the opposite of so many other experiences where some performer would be hurrying off to do something else. This time, I was the one who couldn’t continue.
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Indian PM Sri Narendra Modi ji receives with reverence the Munificent Deity of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Srila Prabhupada: Our only request is that if you want happiness, if you want to prosper, make your life successful, you must read Bhagavad-gita thoroughly, as it is, as Krishna says. Don’t try to misinterpret. Bombay, April 2, 1974.

Crimean Hare Krishna Festival 2016 at Simferopol, Ukraine (Album with 130 photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Intelligent men decide to solve all problems by adopting the devotional service of chanting the holy name of the Lord, who is situated in everyone’s heart and who is a mine of all auspicious qualities. Such persons are not within Yamaraj’s jurisdiction for punishment. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.3.26 Purport)
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Iskcon Pakistan: Hare Krishna
All Glories to Guru and Gauranga.
I am Lakshmi Bai student of BBA.
I am in Krishna Bhakti since 2 years. Before joining Krishna Bhakti I was very confused person because there were no one who can guide me But after joining Krishna Bhakti my life has been changed, I started getting knowledge of Sanatana Dharam according to Shastras Most importantly I know myself that who I am and what are my duties,what are the four principles. Within 2years of Krsna Bhakti I get enough authentic knowledge, I read Bhagvat Geeta daily and go for Bhagvatm puran classes on every Sunday. On early stage of Krishna Bhakti I was alone but now watching me my siblings have started to do Japaa and go with me for kirtan and Bhagvat Geeta classes. At start it was very difficult for me because Iwas only one from my family on this path,My relatives ask for everything what are you doing you are doing wrong but Krishna give me strength and my Bhakti so that today I’m on this stage and managing my study + home + spritual life.I also would like to thanks my father who never restrict me for Krishna bhakti and he always encourged me. Although at our home we never offer Prashadam but now with Krishna’s mercy we offer Prashadam daily. I do Japaa strictly and get afraid that if I don’t do I’ll be punished. I have no words to express my feelings that how much happy and satisfied I’m after joining Krishna Bhakti.
Thank you

Govinda Valley Retreat at New South Wales, Australia.
Ambika devi dasi: With a beautiful, tranquil setting, fantastic prasadam and great programs, twenty one local senior women felt blessed to spend time reconnecting and relaxing at Govinda Valley Retreat Centre. This retreat reunited Vaisnavis who served in ISKCON in the 70’s. Locals who attended included Mandakini, Rasarani, Krsna Premi, Surabhi, Ambika, Jaleyu and Visalini.
An ice-breaking session by Mandakini on arrival was great fun. Daily yoga sessions with Radha Kund kept us well stretched, a delicious picnic at nearby waterfalls was enjoyed by all and healing sessions were found to be very powerful. Mandakini outdid herself in a Saturday night skit, causing side-splitting laughter. Rasarani became Queen of the Whiteboard, amusing all with the daily schedules peppered with stick figure drawings. All kirtans and classes were led and relished by the women. The highlight for many was Lord Nityananda’s Appearance Day, when we had each woman remembering Srila Prabhupada. There will be a wider retreat for women who have served in ISKCON on Radhastami weekend. Atmarama dasa is the generous sponsor of the retreats.

Transcendental Journey: 50 Years of the Hare Krishna Movement.
Many devotees have been asking about the special ISKCON 50th Ann…