Author Archives: Dandavats.com

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

Mangalore’s Tenth annual Ratha Yatra! (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Today we had the good fortune to attend ISKCON Mangalore’s 10th annual Ratha Yatra parade through the streets of the city. Both the devotees and the public enjoyed it very much. All glories to the Lord of the Universe – Jagannatha Swami!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/5ZVecB

January 3. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
By Satsvarupa dasa Goswami.
A possible danger as time goes by is that Prabhupada’s followers may lose touch with his personal nature. We can see this in the history of world religions. In Christianity some of the followers have developed an impersonal attitude toward Jesus Christ, and some may not even believe in his historic reality. They talk about “The Christ within each one of us.” There is also a danger of doing that with Prabhupada. Although we do say that Prabhupada is inconceivable and beyond what we know of him, yet we also know that his personal nature is very real, important, and lasting. He is the pure devotee of Krishna, and his appearance in our lives is still our greatest solace. When Prabhupada delivers us Krishna conscious knowledge, we accept it in parampara and because the knowledge is formidable and appealing – but also because it comes from him. By the sheer number of times we refer to Prabhupada and then turn to him, a strain is placed upon the freshness of our perception. Our desire for novelty is not satisfied. When that happens we look elsewhere for pleasure. And then an unfortunate thing occurs. Despite our official praise for Prabhupada, we find difficulty in reading his books. This is the dreaded rigor mortis that comes from too much institutionalism and not enough personal care for our personal relationship and memories with Srila Prabhupada.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=4

H.H. Gunagrahi Goswami Cancer Fund.
His Holiness Gunagrahi Goswami has been diagnosed with cancer and has a 5x5x4cm tumor in h…

The passing of a great soul: Madhava Ghosh ACBSP.
“He reasons ill who tells that Vaishnavas die,
When thou art living still in sound!
The Vaishnavas die to live, and living try
To spread the holy name around!”
Madhava Gosh Prabhu has decided to go off dialysis. His dear wife Mother Vidya posted, “Tomorrow is day 9 …..he may not be able to talk to us but I’m sure he knows he is at home with his family and friends….prayers for a quick trip home ..the cows are waiting…”

Book distribution with Sivarama Swami in Liverpool, UK for Srila Prabhupada’s Christmas Marathon. (5 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: In this age human beings only live for sixty or eighty years, and even this small life-span is gradually decreasing. Therefore it is even more imperative for human beings to take to the worship of the lotus feet of the Lord by constantly chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, as recommended by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 4.24.67 Purport)
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/MYpf5t

The Ethics Of Tree Management In Krishna Consciousness: We are well aware that the ‘tree’ is a person, residing at the temple. The tree is matter, the soul makes it grow and strive for life. Nevertheless, we don’t advocate jungle philosophy; humans have a right to clear a living space (viz. Sri Isopanisad verse One). We advocate yukta vairagya, or pragmatism in clear consciousness. Srila Prabhupada told the New Vrndavana devotees to use local trees to build houses. He also pointed out that fruit and flowering trees are in the mode of goodness, whereas others in the lower modes can be used for firewood. Still, our compassion and genuine, conscious humility in encroaching on the lives of other entities, is not compromised. To attract people to come to New Ramana Reti, we ‘manage’ grass, weeds, hedges, shrubs, flowers…and trees. With devotional intent, we maintain our property to local standards to encourage visitors. (We also have to adjust the living conditions of bugs, rodents, pets and wild-life to maintain favorable, sattvic conditions for practicing and preaching Krsna consciousness.) Much of the wood removed from these trees is being used to beautify the temple Memorial Garden and walkways.
Mukhya devi dasi: Tree Trimming at New Raman Reti, Alachua.
The two Sycamore trees near the main entrance to the temple property have just been trimmed and reduced by a devotee professional. We consulted with two certified arborists from Gainesville, as well as several devotees experienced in the field. The length of all branches has been halved, and the Spanish moss removed. This was done for three reasons:
To remove the danger of falling branches. (All traffic to the property passes under these trees, and the Charter School buses load/unload there.) Major limbs have not yet fallen from these trees, but after close inspection and considering the threat to human safety their position poses; the decision to trim was made.
To prolong the life of the trees. (Both are in poor health having numerous hollows and structural flaws.) Spanish moss is attracted to unhealthy trees, and these two had an extreme moss infestation. This has two ill-effects: a) Light and air circulation are blocked, inhibiting both the growth of foliage and photosynthesis; the tree cannot ‘breathe’, and b) When wet, the weight a branch has to support in greatly increased, making it more prone to breakage in wind. The situation of these two trees could be compared to that of a tar-covered bird on a beach; in being cleaned, it may lose some feathers, but it will live and fly again.
For looks. Frankly, the lanky, moss-covered, uneven shape of the trees gave one the impression that he was entering, not Vaikuntha (the spiritual world), but an Orlando Spooky Park. Admittedly, now pruned, they are still not attractive but will soon ‘bush out’. (Sycamores are resilient and well-known for coming back vigorously after trimming.)

Muslim Student Wins First Prize in Gita Contest in Kohalpur, India.
ISKCON have been conducting Gita Talent Search (GTS) exam …

Toronto’s Incredible New Years Eve Harinama! (Album with photos)
As is our annual tradition, devotees from Toronto’s Hare Krishna community braved the cold and joined tens of thousands of revelers who were ushering in 2016 on New Year’s Eve. While the main (massive) festivities were happening at City Hall, the devotees, led by Bhaktimarga Swami, stationed themselves across the street at Old City Hall with drums, cymbals, voices and more!
Over 100 devotees took part in the outdoor chanting (harinama) and the unanimous feedback was that this year’s chanting attracted the biggest crowd ever! Thousands of people heard the chanting and a countless number of people came to exuberantly dance with the devotees!
Find them here: http://goo.gl/1tAyxF

Preaching programs at the Lotus Room (Album with photos)
Ramai Swami: Saturday night kirtans have moved from the Lotus Room in …

ISKCON Auckland New Zealand: New Years Harinam (3 Albums with photos)
Dancing the night away with thousands of kiwi.
Srila…

January 2. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
By Satsvarupa dasa Goswami.
Prabhupada’s “Involuntary” Smiles. By smiling involuntarily I mean the best kind of smiles, when you can’t help yourself but feel your lips parting back from your teeth, and there you are, smiling. Perhaps you even make an effort not to smile, but you have to smile anyway. It was very pleasing to see Prabhupada smile like that, because it was so humanlike. Somehow or other, we all hankered to see those aspects of Prabhupada. He was godlike; he was heavy as guru. If he had not been so heavy, he would not have been able to take us out of maya. But we all sought his smile as a special kind of lift; and also for tenderness’ sake, we very much wanted to see Srila Prabhupada smile.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=4

Harinama and Prasadam distribution: Foremost Iskcon outreach programs. (24 min video)
Interview with Pancharatna prabhu. Lord Chaitanya’s proven method of reaching to the people of this age and inviting them to be part of the Sankirtana movement, the Yuga dharma,
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/1iZBcu

Celebrating the New Year 2016 in ISKCON-Delhi (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Everyone of us is searching after some mel…

Picnic-2015 (Chapahati) in Mayapur.
Dear devotees, once again Mayapur Bhakti Vriksha (MBV) exploring a very enlivening news for you all that by the 20th December, 2015(Sunday) the annual picnic of MBV held with great joy at champahati (Ritudwip) ‘Gour Gadadhara’ Temple. More than 400 fortunate devotees participated in this festival, who had good fortune to see the beautiful lotus eyed deities of their Lordships Sri ‘Goura Gadadhara’ over there. The program starts at 10:30 AM with mangalacaran and Bhajan-Kirtan for one hour. H.G. Sankarsan Pr. sung a heart touching Goudiya Bhajan related with ‘Goura Gadadhara’ that compiled by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur— ‘kabe aaha gouranga balia’ …… very softly, that created a devotional environment into the consciousness of the assembled devotees. Then worldwide Congregational Development Minister (CDM) H.G. Kounteya Pr. spoke on the importance of spiritual life based on ‘Sraddha’ for 30 minutes and Bhakti Vriksha Director H.G. Sankarsan Nitai Pr. delivered the main part of the lecture for 15 munities and followed by H.G. distributed different certificates on Bhakti Vriksha Siksha Level and Sraddha-Kutir etc. After that the stage occupied with enlivening cultural dance program by one of the BV kid for ten minutes and followed by three different games program namely musical ball for the matajis; spiritually ‘symbolic identifying with gesture’ music play for the children and Tug-of-war- tuging with a huge rope of lord Jagannath Ratha for all the Mel members over there and simultaneously for all these events prize also distributed.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/jKN8ek

This is how the devotees in Mayapur celebrated New Year’s eve (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: This is the solution to all sinful activities. Chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, be freed from all the complexities of life, and realize Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Engage in His devotional service and perfect your life so that you can return home, back to Godhead. (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya-lila, 25.198 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/3f5TPf

TOVP: First sandstone windows with its columns installed (Album with photos)
Sadbhuja Das: Last week we were talking about prep…

The Most Multinational Harinama! (Album with photos)
Mahavishnu Swami led kirtan for 5 hours non-stop!
Srila Prabhupada: …

January 1. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
By Satsvarupa dasa Goswami.
Prabhupada insisted on repeating the point that we are all servants. We may serve our bodies or families or our nation, but it is best to serve the Supreme Lord, and that is our constitutional position. In the Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krishna asks Arjuna, “O son of Prtha, O conqueror of wealth, have you heard this with an attentive mind, and are your ignorance and illusion dispelled?” (Bg 18.72). Arjuna replies, “My dear Krishna, O infallible one, my illusion is now gone. I have regained my memory by Your mercy, and I am now firm and free from doubt and am prepared to act according to Your instructions.” In the purport, Prabhupada emphasizes that we are all in illusion thinking we are someone other than the servant of Krishna. We may even think that we do not have to serve anyone. But we do serve – either the illusory energy or the Lord.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=4

How movies embraced Hinduism (without you even noticing)
From Interstellar to Batman and Star Wars the venerable religion has been the driving philosophy behind many hit movies. Why?
Interstellar’s box office total is $622,932,412 and counting. It is the eighth highest-grossing film of the year and has spawned an endless raft of thinkpieces testing the validity of its science and applauding the innovation of its philosophy. But it is not so new. The idea that propels the plot – there is a universal super-consciousness that transcends time and space, and in which all human life is connected – has been around for about 3,000 years. It is Vedic.
To read the entire article click here: http://goo.gl/TnXQhO

Droova. Prince of Anger & Peace (42 min video)
A play adapted by Bhaktimarga Swami from the ancient epic story of Droova, a young boy who runs to the forest to meet God. Full of anger after being insulted by his stepmother, Droova’s prayer is to petition God for a kingdom greater than that of Brahma. Upon meeting God in person, however, Droova changes his mind and only prays for eternal service at the feet of the Lord.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/uLILCO

Announcing the winners of the marathon and awarding sankirtan devotees in Prabhupada Bhavan Temple (Album with photos)
Srila Pr…

Thousands of Brazilians chanting the Maha Mantra at Namrock Festival (5 min video)
Titiksava Karunika Das and his team perform …

Harinama in Surfers Paradise during New Year’s Eve (Album with photos)
Surfers Paradise is a suburb within the local government area of City of Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.
Srila Prabhupada: May the glorification of the transcendental name, form, qualities and paraphernalia of the Supreme Personality of Godhead protect us from the influence of bad planets, meteors, envious human beings, serpents, scorpions, and animals, like tigers and wolves. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.8.27)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/LSFlDx

TOVP: Marble Work Begins (Album with photos)
There has been a lot of excitement in Mayapur about the different types of marble to be used for the TOVP. Over the last few years we have been purchasing and importing marble from all around the word – Bolivia, Vietnam, France, etc. – and now we finally have some marble work ready to show you!
In the photos you will see we have begun the cladding of the stair cases in white marble. This marble comes from Rajasthan, and will be used over the 10 levels of stairs in all 8 staircases surrounding the temple rooms. Each level will be decorated with artistic relief work illustrating different pastimes of the Lord.
Find them here: http://goo.gl/ReE2uB