Author Archives: Dandavats.com

KIRTAN 50 – ISKCON Dallas ( 3 videos)
Srila Prabhupada: Chanting the holy name is the chief means of attaining love of Godhead. This chanting or devotional service does not depend on any paraphernalia, nor on one’s having taken birth in a good family. By humility and meekness one attracts the attention of Krishna. That is the verdict of all the Vedas. (Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, 4.71 purport).

Brothers Love.
There are many people in this world who can tell you about HH Tamal Krishna Goswami as a Guru or as a Godbrother. Many who can tell you how he served Srila Prabhupada and developed projects throughout the world. But there is only one person who can tell you about him as their older brother. How he pushed their stroller in the parks of New York City, taught them how to catch a ball, how to ice-skate, and held them tight as they were going down the slide.
We had the great honor and pleasure to have His Grace Kalachandji Prabhu visit with our students, sharing what it was like growing up as the younger brother of Tamal Krishna Goswami. It was very relatable, accompanied by rare family photos from the 1950s. He shared the valuable lessons he has taught him earlier on, and the personal example he sat for him at every step of the way. How personal and loving he has always been and how much care and attention he has given him – and later on to his family as “Uncle Tamal”.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/lwzEkH

Devotee Prasadam Business (Album with photos)
Ramai Swami: Nimainanda, his wife Sucitra and his son Kunaal live in Auckland and attend New Varshana regularly. For a time Nimainanda lived on the farm and was the head cook.
Some years ago the family started “Gopal,” a business that supplies yoghurt, ghee, paneer and other products to grocery stores and now to supermarkets all over New Zealand.
By Krishna’s mercy, it has become very successful.
Find them here: http://goo.gl/ti9OP8

ISKCON Kirtan Artists in Top 20 Conscious Albums of the Year.
Four kirtan albums by ISKCON chanters, most of them second-generation devotees, made the Top 20 Conscious Music Albums of 2015 list on Australia’s Soul Traveller Radio this January. The list, voted for by listeners worldwide, included new age, electronica, and reggae artists, as well as renowned artists from the broader kirtan community such as Dave Stringer, Krishna Das, MC Yogi, and Deva Premal.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/ZDH8Y9

ISKCON Auckland New Zealand: Harinam and the flying monk! (Album with photos)
It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss,

January 8. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
By Satsvarupa dasa Goswami.
From Prabhupada’s Point of View: Alone in New York City. Suppose you want to tell of your experience in facing a tiger. You were traveling unarmed through the jungle, when suddenly you came upon a tiger. As a narrator, you build up the suspense, “There I was, face-to-face with a ferocious tiger!” We can empathize with the terror you must have felt, simply by stretching our imaginations a little, we feel your danger. Similarly, we may try to put ourselves in Prabhupada’s position: what was it like for him to come alone to America and to live in New York City? Let us think of those circumstances and appreciate it from Prabhupada’s point of view. In New York, Prabhupada is wrapped up in the preaching mood. He thinks, “My dear Lord Krishna, why have You brought me here? This place of demons is far away from Vrindavana. But You must have some purpose.” Prabhupada’s disciples find themselves in similar situations when they go to preach in countries where there is no ISKCON temple to support them. Fortunately, by Prabhupada’s work, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness is never very far away from us. Yet occasionally, we are on our own. At times like that, we can remember what it was like for Prabhupada alone in New York City.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=4

Taking Govardhana-Sila for a parikrama (Album with photos)
New Vraja-dhama under the snow, Hungary.
Srila Prabhupada: The…

Preaching in Surfers Paradise, Gold coast, Queensland, Australia.
Sundar Nitai Dasa: This year I have decided to continue a program, pioneered by previous Iskcon devotees, called “Ask a monk any question ”. One sits in a public place with a sign reading [Ask a monk any question ] and awaits any approaches from the public. One can also keep some of Srila Prabhupada’s books in case one wants to inquire further into the Krsna consciousness philosophy. I thought it would be inspiring to some if I posted the events daily as they unfold.
While taking prasadam in Govinda’s restaurant, i decided to put my sign on the table just in case anyone had any questions. After I finished two young ladies, who had been sitting behind me, came to the table and said,“Hello, do you mind if we take advantage of your offer to ask a question?” this was Karen ,a religion and science student from Norway. “Please do”, I said “take a seat”, “we were wondering if you ever feel negative emotions? and if so how do you deal with that ?” [The answer was very long and the conversation was very intricate and we spoke for a long time back and forth so to convey the whole conversation would be difficult .] But what I said basically,was “yes! I do feel negative emotions sometimes!, and I pray to God and it goes away! ”. “ But how do you know it is God ?”,said Karen and not just your imagination or some belief system ? have you seen God ?how can you be sure ?“. she asked frankly. I could see where this was going so I asked her ’‘Do you know how much one mango costs to buy in India right now on the market ?” She looked confused, Mango?,“I can guess!”.she offered. “Why guess?”, I said “when you can know for sure !” “Actually, that information is bouncing off your eardrums right now and right before your eyes right now, isn’t it? , via internet technology. Do you believe in WI-FI ?”,I asked with a smile. “Yes”, she said, interested to see where this was going. “If you want to see and experience the benefits of being connected to the WI-FI there is a process. Let us look at that. 1[ you have to hear about the wi-fi from those who are connected and experiencing the benefits of being connected. 2] then have a desire to be connected also. 3]find an authorized apple/android dealer and say,” I have heard that there is an invisible entity called WI-FI can you help to experience it, please?“. he will say ’’YES, SURE, NO PROBLEM COME WITH ME .’’no doubts. he will not say, maybe! perhaps! in the future, I will be able to help. if he does then you know you need to go else where. He may also say things like, you cannot eat meat in here, nor can you get high or have sex, just sit patiently until I am ready to see you..and you must obey and wait with FAITH to be seen by the” apple/android Guru. 4]then he may give you a handset, a manual and a sim card deal with free WI-FI included [or so he promises ] some basic instructions and say , make sure you follow the guidelines in the manual,if you have any questions don’t hesitate to come back we are always here to serve you ! . you should be able to experience the benefits of WI-FI soon ! Isn’t that usually how it goes?“ i asked . ’’Yeah! and ???” she prompted. “So the same steps /process is there if you want to see God ! 1]You admit you cannot see Him, but others can and are experiencing the benefits of being connected to Him ie; more peaceful, compassionate, understanding ,kind, happy and so on and so forth. 2] your inquisitive and want to know if He is real ?can I see Him? 3]Approach an authorized Guru and inquire. 4]He may give you a practical experiment to take with you, like a prayer or mantra and a book of guidelines to live by and in no time, you will be experiencing the benefits of being connected to God. So there is always a process of disproving /verifying a theory, but we must make the experiment. So I am doing the experiment and experiencing some of the benefits, and this helps me deal with negative emotions. you can also do the same! what is stopping you ?” Karen and Stephanie were impressed, they took Srila Prabhupada’s books and gave a donation. Karen said “This is the most amazing conversation I have had in a long time, thank you for spending time with us”. I was touched deeply by the exchange. All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

“CHASING RHINOS WITH THE SWAMI” – Excerpt.
Shyamasundar Dasa: For the past one month I have been cloistered in Mumbai, editing the huge manuscript of “Chasing Rhinos With The Swami.” The work is going well, and within a couple more weeks, I should have all 20 chapters edited as much as I can do them. By mid-February I am hoping to have everything readied for lay-out and printing. The following is an excerpt from Chapter Two.
(Chapter Two, in SAN FRANCISCO:)
‘The Swami comes in. While everybody’s chanting he starts building the fire, and smoke begins to fill the room. The four of us sit on the floor opposite the fire from Swamiji, and it’s getting hotter by the second; I discard my coat and loosen the tie. Devotees are chanting on every side, edging closer to the flames to catch the Swami’s words. He motions for us to take a few grains of rice and throw them whenever he says, Sva-ha! “Sva-haaa!” and we toss the rice at HIM, four handfuls of rice all over his gleaming head and robes. Unfazed, the Swami shakes his head and points to the fire. Oh, rice goes in the fire. Slow, but we’re catching on.’
His accent was still quite thick in those days-or we just hadn’t
learned to hear him yet-and he’s asking for bananas? Someone hands us bananas and we start to peel them-no, no, the Swami gestures, put them in the fire. Man, then the smoke really starts pouring out: four bananas smoldering, everyone coughing, eyes watering-along with rice, lentils, flowers, grapes, flour and, yes, more butter, which Swami ladles profusely over the flames between rounds of cryptic Sanskrit slokas ending with
Sva-ha! None of this bothers the Swami at all. He chants on our beads, hands them back with our new names, which we don’t understand-(wait, I got that one, Harry-das, that’s Harvey)-and devotees come forward to tie our neck-beads on with a knot.
‘Then the Swami says “Bo dun”, and we’re trying to figure out what he’s saying-Harry-das thinks he has it figured out and he rolls onto his knees, leans forward-so we do the same thing–and he blows on the fire. We all start blowing on the fire, hard as we can–a cloud of smoke flies in the Swami’s face, and his eyes get big as saucers.’

TOVP: The fist column installed! (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: A few days ago we were able to see the GRC column put to pl…

Iskcon Australia: Harinama at Byron Bay. Ekadashi bliss (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Even a faint light from the holy…

Never-say-die Spirit of Yatra Devotees in Kothapeta Village.
Kothapeta was, once upon a time, a very beautiful village with lu…

January 7. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
By Satsvarupa dasa Goswami.
Prabhupada, the Original Book Distributor. All book distribution came from the inspiration of Prabhupada. In fact, all the different kinds of book distribution were originally done by him. The library party distributed books to universities and libraries, but Prabhupada was the first to do that successfully. In New Delhi, he was also the first one to distribute Back to Godhead magazines in the streets and at the tea stalls; he also distributed his own books in the bookstores in Manhattan.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=4

HARE KRISHNA FESTIVALS & Events for 2016 ( Updated: 6/01/2016)
Rathayatras, Carnivals & Harinams, Outdoor Public Festivals,
Indoor Venues / HK Fest, & Devotee Events, TBC = To Be Confirmed
ISKCON festivals UK (HKF) will take part in & support as many events as possible however due to our increasing focus on indoor venues we may not necessarily be available for all events mentioned as this list develops.
MARCH
Wed 2: Brimsham Green School, Yate (Nathan)
Wed 23: Gaura Purnima Rathayatra, London (Parasuram)
APRIL
Sat 23: Bath Spa University, Bath (Nathan)
Wed 27: King’s Day Harinam, Amsterdam (Parasuram)
MAY
Fri 20: Nrsimhadev app day Harinam, London (Parasuram)
JUNE
Mon 20 / Tue 21: Stonehenge Summer Solstice, (Rathayatra) (Parasuram)
Wed 22 – Sun 26: Glastonbury Music Festival, (HKF) Pilton, (Mo)
Wed 29 – Tue 12 July: Scandanavian Rathayatra tour (Parasuram)
JULY
Sat 2: Copenhagen Rathayatra, Denmark (Parasuram)
Sat 9: Stockholm Rathayatra, Sweden (Parasuram)
Sun 17: London Rathayatra (Titiksu)
Sun 24: Birmingham Rathayatra (Nitai Charan)
AUGUST
Sat 6: Reading Ratha Yatra (Amala Manjari) (TBC)
Sun 7: Leicester Rathayatra (Pradyumna)
Thu 25 (& Sun 28): Janmasthmi, (HKF) Festival at Manor (Mo)
Fri 26: Srila Prabhupada App day, Festival at Manor
Mon 29: Pershore Plum Rathayatra (Parasuram)
SEPTEMBER
Sat 3 – Sun 4: Hare Krishna Days at Croome (HKF) Worcestershire (Sripati)
NOVEMBER
Sat 26: Tribhuvanatha prabhu Appearance day Harinam, Soho St, London
Sun 27: Tribhuvanatha prabhu Appearance day Festival, Venue TBC
info@harekrishnafestivals.com
http://www.harekrishnafestivals.com/calendar/

Yatra Reaches the Coastal Villages.
The third phase of the Sri Govind Gau Gram Prachar Yatra had covered the villages falling in the Telangana region and located quite near to the proposed Farm Community project of the Govardhan congregation and other like-minded devotees. After winding up the third phase on December 30, 2015, the bus moved on towards Chirala to continue the next phase.
Akkayapalem is a small village located just 4 kms away from the Bay of Bengal, consisting of about four hundred houses. It has been know for large scale cattle rearing, since population is dominated by “Yadava” caste, who are known for tending animals. Earlier there were hundreds of cows and a few buffalos & goats but now it is vice versa.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/UFBwDU

A collage of blissful street Harinamas from all over the world (4 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: All glories to the chanting of H…

TOVP: Exciting events (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: There has been some very exciting events happening lately for the TOVP….

Hare Krishna Spain Guadalajara Kirtan Festival (Nueva Vrajamandala) (Album with photos)
It was a memorable yatra. During this…

Harinam at the Arabian sea beach by ISKCON Mangalore (Album with photos)
Photos taken during the Harinam festival at the Arabi…

January 6. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
By Satsvarupa dasa Goswami.
The presence of Prabhupada in separation is a mystical topic. He is not there in his physical form, and yet you claim in some way that he is there. What are you saying? Are you communing with spirits? Is it something weird? No, it’s not weird. Prabhupada’s presence is very real and personal, and very tangible. In one sense, it simply means to follow the guru’s instructions. But his presence is also something inconceivable to the material senses and mind. I do not doubt that Prabhupada can be present before me, but I have some fear of coming into his presence. I should remove that fear. My fear is that he will reprimand me and tell me to stop what I am doing; or I fear that he will not understand me. I am putting so much energy into my work and sometimes coming up with some “discoveries.” But what if Prabhupada dismissed all that I do as nonsense? That would be hard to take.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=4

NBS#28 The Transcendental Nature of Kardama Muni.
In continuation to the topic of Kardama Muni, this issue covers the activities and nature of a pure devotee of the Lord. A fresh translation of a song of Srila Bhaktivinoda thakura is included in this issue. We pray this issue brings some pleasure to the devotees of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
NBS # 28 Features:- 1) Kardama Muni Rewards Devahuti’s Service – Sri Maitreya Rishi 2) The Transcendental Nature Of Kardama Muni – His Divine Grace A .C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada 3) Kardama Muni And Pundarika Vidyanidhi – Editorial 4) The Glories Of Pundarika Vidyanidhi – Srila Vrindavana Das Thakura 5) The Pure Devotee – Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/w7UhZ6

UK National Sankirtan Celebrations.
Saturday 9th Jan @ Bhaktivedanta Manor
7.00am – Deity Greetings & Extended Guru Puja
7.45am – Class by HH Sivarama Swami
9.00am-2.00pm – Videos, Stories, Scores, Presentations, Gifts and Awards
2.00pm – FEAST!
Please please come along for a wonderful celebration!

Iskcon London Harinama (short videos)
Srila Prabhupada: I can see you, you can see me, similarly, you can go directly, see God …

The kidnapping of Rukmini – theatrical play (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: For a devotee, liberation is no problem at al…

A prophecy being realized! (4 min video)
It has been predicted that the Holy Name of Sri Krishna will be spread all around the world. This prediction really is coming to life.
So is also described in this beautiful song and video, made by devotees from different areas of Russia, dedicated to Maha Harinam for their Lord’s pleasure.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/lhD8o2

KIRTAN 50 – ISKCON Dallas (Album with photos)
In celebration of the auspicious new year which will mark the 50th anniversary y…

January 5. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
By Satsvarupa dasa Goswami.
Just as we maintain our aging bodies by exercise and rest, so the memories have to be exercised. One has to be humble and accept even little memories as worthwhile. We should seek any occasion to talk about Prabhupada in a natural way. We must also be humble to recognize that other devotees are repositories of Prabhupada-katha, and hear from them without envy. Approaching memories of Srila Prabhupada requires humility. There is also an art to it. We should remember in an honest way. For example, when a remembrance first returns to us, it may be disappointing. This is due to our lack of devotion, or our poor memories.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=4

Sydney Opera House Harinam (Album with photos)
Caitanya Mahaprabhu has recommended that everyone chant the Hare Krishna mantra…

Protection (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: One of the beautiful features of India is that there are ancient temples of the Lord everywhere throughout the country. Nearby where we are staying in the south is an old temple where Lord Nrsimhadeva is worshipped. The other day we visited the temple to have the Lord’s darshan and pray to Him. One time Srila Prabhupada said that he introduced the worship of Lord Nrsimhadeva in ISKCON specifically for the protection of the movement and the spiritual master.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/y8HeEb

Cape Town – December 2015 (Album with photos)
Snana Yatra, Ratha Yatra, Beach Harinama, Initiation Ceremony
Srila Prabhupada: The Hare Krishna mantra is specifically mentioned in many Upanisads, such as the Kali-santarana Upanishad, where it is said: “After searching through al the Vedic literature, one cannot find a method of religion more sublime for this age than the chanting of Hare Krishna.” (Sri-Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 3.40 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/ydZESE

“The Eye to See the I” free on kindle for five days!
The Eye to See the I features 121 reflections on the Bhagavad-gita that make its insights appreciable in brief, relishable nuggets of wisdom. The book published in hard copy on Janmashtami last year is already nearing the end of its first print run and will go for the second print soon. Recently released on kindle, it is now available free for five days from 6th Jan to 10th Jan.
Some of the reflections in the book are:
Money talks – and walks away as it is talking
We can’t replace the mind, but we can re-place it
The soul seems far out because it is far in
Free love is a self-contradiction
The heart of knowledge is the knowledge of the heart
Let repetition be a re-petition
The past won’t last if to Krishna we hold fast
With punchy titles that distill each article’s central message, the Eye to See the I addresses a wide variety of issues, all meant to help us realize and relish the innermost core of our being.
The hard copy of the book can be ordered from voicebooks@voicepune.com, and the details to download the kindle version are found here: http://goo.gl/RtTuEO

KK Bindu #366, “The Devotees are Your Life”, a prayer to Jagannath by the Muslim born Salabega, plus more … The latest issue of Sri Krishna-kathamrita Bindu e-magazine was just released. This issue includes: * QUALIFICATION TO PRAY – Instructions from His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. * MOOD OF THE VAISHNAVAS – Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja explains why a vaishnava never demands respect. * THE DEVOTEES ARE YOUR LIFE – A first time translation done especially for this issue of Bindu. In Odisha this song by the Muslim born Salabega is one of the most famous and beloved prayers to Jagannath. * JEWELS FOR BUTTERMILK – A fresh translation of a pastime of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu done for this issue from Srila Lochan Das Thakur’s, Sri Caitanya-mangala. It can be downloaded here: https://archive.org/details/bindu366

Ecstatic Book Distribution Outreach Programs By Iskcon Vrindavan (Album with photos)
ISKCON Vrindavan Namahatta Department organised the most ecstatic book distribution programmes outside of Vrindavan. Book distributors covered Mathura, Agra, Bharatpur, Aligarh, Raya, Jaipur, Palwal and many towns in Rajastan, dispite the cold weather. Under the expert guidance of His Grace Radhashyam Sundar Prabhu, devotees have distributed thousands of Bhagavad Gita’s and Krishna Books. The marathon is still continuing for another 10 days, after which the total book scores will be published.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/yHhgX9

January 4. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
By Satsvarupa dasa Goswami.
Prabhupada did not write as a mechanical routine; it was real for him, and so it can be real for us if we tune in to his wave length. Prabhupada refers to this as “submissive aural reception.”
When we can read in this way, it becomes enjoyable. When we read only as duty, we become guilt-ridden. We think, “I know I am supposed to worship this book, so why can’t I? What is wrong with me?” Then we start forcing ourselves and kicking ourselves, “Read Prabhupada! You are supposed to do it!” But if you push and nag a little child, he will not like it and he will rebel. While reading and walking with the Isopanisad, I found myself spontaneously appreciating Prabhupada’s purport, “Hey, this is good!” (I also got renewed appreciation for the fact that the verses were translated by Prabhupada. They had his flavor, “The self-sufficient philosopher who is awarding everyone’s desires since time immemorial …”)
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=4

First Harinama of 2016 in Kiev, Ukraine (Album with photos)
Khreshchatyk is the main street of Kiev, Ukraine. The street has a …

Mayapur: New Years Evening Kirtan Festival 2016 (Album with HR 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: http://goo.gl/09PAXa

Marriage Anniversary!
Aniruddha Dasa married to Acintya Rupa Dasi for 35 Years!
Shrila Bhaktisiddhata Sarasvati Thakur: “If we simply engage in discussing topics of the Lord while living anywhere by the Lord’s mercy we can realize the glories of devotional service, the Lord’s mercy, and come to remember the Lord in our day-to-day life. A devotee should live wherever the Lord is pleased to keep him and should forget his own material miseries. When the propensity to serve the Lord is awakened in the heart while discussing hari-katha in the association of devotees, then we will automatically remember Hari under all circumstances.

South Korean Textbooks Reject Evolution.
In South Korea, a growing antievolution movement has successfully laid claim to young students’ minds — or, at least, their textbooks. The country’s Ministry of Education, Science and Technology announced last month that many South Korean textbook publishers will begin producing revised editions that will for the first time exclude discussions and examples of evolution. Biologists in Seoul are alarmed by the move, noting that scientists were not consulted by the ministry in this decision, reports the journal Nature.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/6DCLB

ISKCON Auckland New Zealand: Todays Rathyatra around the farm. (Album with photos) Kumeu, New Zealand.
A great way to start the…

Radha Kunda Seva: December 2015 Photos and Updates (Album with photos)
A Blessed and Happy New Year to you all!
It is cold in Vraja now which makes that hot, fresh and wholesome meal all the more valuable to our Radha Kunda ladies. With your support, we are slowly and steadily feeding more and more widows. They enjoyed their usual monthly feast on the 23rd of December, and then were treated by special sponsorship to a Christmas Day feast of puri, sabji, hot pakoras, and vegetable pulau! Our rented facility is a cramped and tight place to serve them, but by splitting them into two shifts, we’ve been making it work. We are excited and hopeful about the up and coming kitchen-building project and we will keep you posted on the progress of that.
Cleaning continues, and as always we feel so fortunate to have a service that keeps our hearts, hopes, and dreams firmly planted in the most sacred place in the universe, Sri Radha Kunda.
Please browse our latest photos and join our efforts by visiting www.radharani.com.
Your servants, Mayapurcandra dasa, Campakalata Devi dasi, Padma Gopi Devi dasi, and Urmila Devi Dasi.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/s5r6pU