Author Archives: Dandavats.com

The gift of fearlessness.
“I offer my respectful obeisances unto Lord Nrisimhadeva, the source of all power. O my Lord who possesses nails and teeth just like thunderbolts, kindly vanquish our demon-like desires for fruitive activity in this material world. Please appear in our hearts and drive away our ignorance so that by Your mercy we may become fearless in the struggle for existence in this material world.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 5.18.8)

50.000 attend the biggest ever Ratha-yatra in Russia.
Sri Jagannatha, Sri Subhadra and Sri Baladeva were wheeling yesterday in one of the largest and beautiful park of Moscow (Sokolniki).
About 50.000 people could listen to Hare Krishna Maha-mantra spreading all over the park.
The Ratha-yatra was very well organized by Sadhu Priya prabhu, Akinchana Krishna prabhu and a group of sincere devotees.
People could see a beautiful 3D film about Lord Jagannath in a cute inflatable hall with a picture of Lord Jagannath on it. Here and there you could see big statues of Balaji and different Demigods.
The Ratha-yatra was broadcasted to a central TV channel.
HH Gopal Krishna Goswami offered puja to their Lordships, then narrated a story about the Lord Jagannatha in brief, telling the purpose of this festival.
He also distributed prasadam from the chariot….
Find them here: https://goo.gl/NYzbmQ

“First impressions are the most important.” (5 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: The title of this short video is, “First Impressions.” There is a saying that “first impressions are the most important.” A well organized, colorful, musical, devotional and blissful harinam is a great way to introduce people to Krsna consciousness for the first time. It creates a very favorable impact that encourages people to inquire further. It is said that Lord Caitanya’s samkirtan movement will continue to grow for 10,000 years. No doubt, much of that will be due to the original formula of taking the chanting of the holy names to the streets.

The Objects of Krishna’s Enjoyment.
Radhanath Swami: As long as we put Krsna in the center there cannot be envy. Envy only happens when we put our self in the center. Otherwise if we see someone else prospering better than us, we are happy. We are in ecstasy.
Because we are thinking Krsna must very much enjoy seeing this person being empowered in the spiritual setting. This person is doing such wonderful service. Krsna is enjoying seeing this person’s service. Why should I compare myself to that person? Garland maker, someone makes better garland than us. A cook, someone makes better preparation than us. Kirtan, someone sings better. Someone gives better lecture. Someone manages better. Someone builds bigger and better temple. Someone has more people honoring them. Someone has a better son and well behaved. Whatever may be in Krsna Consciousness, if we see somebody is doing well, we think Krsna is getting enjoyment from seeing what this person is doing. That makes me happy. But if I am the center, then we are thinking – why I am not getting that recognition? Why I am not getting that empowerment? Why I am not getting those benefits? Why I am not enjoying the way the person is enjoying? It is because we are seeing in the world – the objects of our enjoyment – instead of the objects of the Krsna’s enjoyment. It is very simple. But the foundation of pure bhakti is – Krsna is the enjoyer, Krsna is the proprietor and the controller. Krsna is the seer and I am the seeing and everything else that exists and everyone else that exists is the seeing by Krsna.

Should I Forgive Him?
Once upon a time Bali Maharaja approached Prahlada Maharaja and asked him, “Which is actually best, forgiveness or the use of strength?” Prahlada Maharaja thought for some time and replied, “Neither forgiveness …

Haryali Teej (Album of photos)
Deena Bandhu Das: Today in Braja we celebrate Hariyali Teej! Hariyali means greenery and Teej r…Read More…

Dharmashala district jail program – India (12th August 2018) (Album of photos and videos)
On the 12th of August 2018, we had a…Read More…

ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 07/08/2018. Mission Statement: ECO-Vrindaban promotes cow protection, local agriculture, and above all, loving Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON New Vrindaban’s Founder-Acharya.. Participating Directors: Anuttama, Chaitanya Mangala (chair), Jamuna Jivani (board secretary), Olivia, Ranaka, and Vraja.

Ratha Yatra in the Sokolniki Park, Moscow (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Others, who are not devotees, may think, “How can people devote so much time simply to talks of God?” The chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra is simply the repetition of three words, Hare, Krishna, Rama, but still devotees can go on chanting this Hare Krishna mantra twenty-four hours a day without feeling fatigued. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 4.13.1Purport)

Photos from a soggy Saturday Night Harinama Sankirtan in London.
Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t rain ALL the time in the UK. After enduring weeks and weeks of scorching sun, the demigods kindly showered refreshing rain upon us prior to this weekend’s London Saturday Night Harinama Sankirtan. Please find the photos below.
Slideshow (please turn on sound): http://davidc.zenfolio.com/saturday_night_harinama_sankirtan_11082018/slideshow
Gallery: http://davidc.zenfolio.com/saturday_night_harinama_sankirtan_11082018 Your servant, David

Relationship advice you need to hear (4 min video)
By Sivarama Swami.
Read More…

Sri Harinam Sankirtan Nectar – Sydney CBD – 10/08/18 (Album of photos)
The effect of chanting the names of Radha and Krishna is beyond material conception. We cannot describe it satisfactorily.
Krishna is so compassionate that if anyone calls His name even once, He destroys innumerable sinful reactions in their heart.
So kind is He that even if someone speaks his name accidentally, or even unwillingly, Krishna purifies them from millions of years of conditioning.
Tonight, as our Harinam Party passed a nightclub in the city, a number of the patrons came out and began to dance and chant with us. They put so much effort into it, they were chanting to the best of their ability.
Millions of years of conditioning were being purified as they were calling the names of Radha and Krishna.
30 books were distributed tonight including a number of books in Arabic and Chinese.
Please accept our invitation to come and share the Yuga Dharma, the spiritual practice for his age, with the people of Sydney.
Come along even once, just once, to help with the distribution process. Meet us this Friday outside Woolworths atTown Hall, in Sydney, at 6.30pm. We will finish at 8.00pm. we have a spot reserved just for you.
Sri Harinam Sankirtan ki Jaya.
Chant
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare
And Be Happy …
Find them here: https://goo.gl/vNfh4X

Lord Jagannatha is spreading mercy in Zagreb (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If one wants success in practical yoga practi…Read More…

We know the value of associating with advanced devotees and are keen for their darsana, guidance and blessings. Unfortunately, we quite often deprive ourselves of the full benefit of spending time with them. We tend to speak rather than hear and we try…

How Can I Serve You?
HH Candramauli Swami: This topic is fundamental to everything we do in devotional service. Understanding this principle requires each of us to know clearly that as living beings our nature and our happiness in achieving that natur…

Super Harinam in Miedzyzoroje, Poland (23 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: When one is free from offenses in chanting Hare Krishna, he develops the ecstatic bodily features called pulakasru. Pulaka means “symptoms of happiness,” and asru means “tears in the eyes.” The symptoms of happiness and tears in the eyes must appear in a person who has chanted the holy name offenselessly. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 3.15.25 Purport)

Krsna’s Village Of Peace (17 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: Krsna’s Village of Peace at this year’s Woodstock festival – renamed Pol’and’Rock – exceeded all our expectations. Tens of thousands of youth came through, 150,000 plates of prasadam were distributed, Ratha Yatra went on four days in a row and kirtan was roaring 11 hours a day in the Mantra Yoga tent. We couldn’t ask for more. Our only request is that we may continue to serve Srila Prabhupada in the same way for many years to come.

Most of the people try to derive pleasure by indulging in gossiping about other people, but let’s see what Socrates says about this:
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How one of Srila Prabhupada’s books changed the life of a young Moroccan Muslim (5 min video)

There are no material formulas if we sincerely want to distribute books!
Maha Buddhi Dasa: Bhakti Tirtha Swami, who was Ghanasyam before taking sannyasa was on book distribution with me in the 1970’s distributing full sets to the colleges.

By Karma-jna Das We were already sitting behind our coffee-table… but this KGB fellow was just speaking about ISKCON and was becoming more and more agitated. And I couldn’t figure out why. This man bit his teeth together and shook his finger in disgust…

As aspiring devotees, many a times, we feel alone, sometimes even helpless. We, however, forget that Krishna as Supersoul is always with us. Due to our ignorance and dull consciousness we may not be able to see Krishna’s hand in our journey tow…

Earthquake in Bali (1 min video)
Devotees in the Iskcon temple of Bali hold the deities steady in their place while the earthq…Read More…

Celestial bodies as depicted in scriptures.
Sadbhuja Das: A column writer from the Telegraph (Indian Newspaper) came to interview me, did a colorful article on the ToVP.
Newspapers here in India love to do articles on the ToVP.
The Telegraph is an English newspaper that is in all the major cities in India, this article was in all of them!
—-
By Sudeshna Banerjee.
Mayapur: A gigantic blue dome is all that visitors to Nadia’s Mayapur have been seeing of the temple under construction for the past seven years. Last February, a gold-plated chakra, weighing two tonnes, was installed on it with fanfare.

But what they, or even those walking into the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) headquarters complex, would be unaware of is the activity going on inside, under the dome. For it is there that the “cosmic chandelier” will be installed.

The chandelier, hanging at a height of 145ft from the floor, will be the centrepiece of the Temple of Vedic Planetarium, as the main temple is called. It will be radically different from other planetariums on three counts.

It will not follow modern cosmology, but the cosmic manifestation described in the fifth canto of Srimad Bhagavata, showing the movements of the heavenly bodies as well as the higher philosophical realms leading up to Sivaloka, Vaikuntha and Goloka Vrindavana.

The idea for the planetarium was derived from a letter by Iskcon founder Prabhupada, where he writes: “The model… will be engineered to suspend from the structure of the dome and rotate according to the real movement of the planets….”

Explained Sadbhuja Das, director of the planetarium and an electrical engineer from Australia who had helped build the first nuclear electrical plant in Melbourne: “Unlike in other planetariums, it will not be projections but solid structures that you will get to see. Each structure will move at speeds corresponding to their real-time movement. This will require intricate engineering and precision computer programming.”

The planets will be represented as deities, seated on chariots pulled by horses, the details of which are drawn from the Puranas. So expect Rahu to hover near Moon during a lunar eclipse. Each planet will be a light-weight construction, about 60cm in height, and will be illuminated from inside through electrical fittings.

At the lowest rung will be the giant serpent Ananta Nag supporting the seven subterranean planets, shown as discs vertically stacked on each other. Each ring will display scenes of activities associated with that realm. Above this will be earth or Bhumandala, shown as a central three-dimensional island amid oceans and smaller islands.

All the display elements will be attached to a central support pole suspended from the inner apex of the dome. Since parts of the planetary display will rotate, the structure will be further stabilised with cables attached at various heights and fixed to the inner walls.

“No one before has tried to represent Vedic cosmology so accurately,” Sadbhuja Das said, adding that the chandelier will be almost 200ft, or 19 storeys, in height.

There will be two viewing galleries to allow viewers to take a closer look at the higher levels of the chandelier.

“There will also be exhibits in each gallery pertaining to its closest level. Sanatan Goswami’s fable Brihat Bhagabat Amrita, on a living entity who visited all realms, will be narrated through diorama,” said Sridama Das, project manager for the TOVP exhibits and planetarium department. A New Zealand citizen, he has double masters in mass communication and digital video production methodology.

The temple’s west wing will be a Vedic cosmology museum with four levels of exhibits which will look at all forms of cosmography – Siddhantic (which the almanacs follow), Puranic and modern.

“In the exhibition space, we will utilise all media platforms including projection mapping technology, virtual and augmented reality and holographic effects other than traditional diorama, mechanical models and light and sound,” Sridama Das adds.

A 300-seat 23m domed planetarium theatre will provide immersive experiences through shows. A seven-member executive committee, including cosmology scholars, are developing content, creating scripts based on their research and identifying the talent and technology that will be needed for it.

“As test run, we have built a 12m dome planetarium theatre for which two films have been created – on churning of the ocean and on the nine islands of Nabadweep – which are being told on a 360º immersive platform where you are not just the viewer but also part of the experience,” Sridama Das explains.

“Mayapur now has six million visitors a year. Once the temple opens, the figure will go up to 12 to 16 million. We have to carefully decide the show timings,” he said.

The project cost was revealed to be $75 million when the temple was announced in 2013. The authorities are hoping for an opening in 2021.
Source: https://goo.gl/dHxZs8

Calf born to prize-winning pedigree at New Gokul farm!
The latest addition at the New Gokul farm is a female calf born to Hemala, a donated cow. The mother is a prize-winning pedigree and her attributes and caliber are very clearly present in her generational offspring. “Hemala is a very warm, friendly and exceptionally well-natured cow,” explained Farm Manager Jaya Krishna. “Manor Temple President Srutidharma das named the calf Janaki!”

Local Council in UK laud community charity achievements.
The charity ‘Gratitude’ recently celebrated its 5th anniversary with a special event attracting senior devotees, members of Hertsmere Council, representatives of contributing local supermarkets, charity representatives and other well-wishers. Gratitude saves food from waste and uses it to benefit people in need in the local community via social gatherings that are educational in terms of healthy lifestyle and waste awareness. Their main outlet is St. Theresa parish hall in Borehamwood, where they run weekly community cooking and sharing.

Ratha Yatra at Saranagati, Canada (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Lord Krishna stresses the importance of remembering Him. One‘s memory of Krishna is revived by chanting the maha-mantra, Hare Krishna. By this practice of chanting and hearing the sound vibration of the Supreme Lord, one’s ear, tongue and mind are engaged. This mystic meditation is very easy to practice, and it helps one attain the Supreme Lord. (Bhagavad-Gita 8.8 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/tNdxav

Mantra Therapy Retreat to Scenic Hungary.
Mantra Therapy, the dynamic, contemporary Sanga Group for professionals, celebrated its 8th Anniversary with a special Spiritual Retreat at the beautiful New Vraja Dham in Hungary. 28 attendees, many on their first ever retreat, embraced Bhakti Yoga, immersing themselves in Temple programmes, Motivational Workshops, Meditation, Martial Arts, Hiking, and signature Mantra Therapy style Kirtans. The group were also blessed with a special seminar by Sivarama Swami, and got to experience the “simple living, higher thinking” way of life at Krishna Valley first-hand. The relaxing excursions to different places, including the majestic Lake Balaton, resulted in a noticeable transformation in the hearts, habits and thinking of the attendees. It was certainly a magnificent miracle to witness! Mantra Therapy continues to serve the UK professional community by making spirituality relevant, accessible and applicable, through its regular workshops and retreats.

True Devotion
Dhirasanta Das Goswami: Once upon a time, the residents of a small village were affected by a famine; the villagers were already poor and had a tough and hard life. Thanks to the famine, they now had to battle with starvation and various diseases.
The village priest was a 70-year-old man who was a great devotee of Krishna; he was moved by the condition of the villagers. As each day passed by, their condition worsened.
Since the famine started, the villagers would visit his
temple thrice a day and pray to Krishna to fulfill their wishes or at least reduce the problems caused by the famine. They would hold a massive prayer service every Sunday in the hope that God would listen to their prayers. As their condition grew worse, they turned even more towards God.
One day, the priest could no longer bear to see the pain of the villagers; he wondered why God was not answering their prayers even when they were so devoted to Him. So he intensely prayed to God, saying:
“Dear Krishna, why are You not answering the prayers of these poor villagers who are so devoted to You? Until now I have never asked You for anything, but today I ask that You help them. Please make all the villagers happy, fulfill all their desires.”
That night he had a dream where Krishna spoke to him and said, “These villagers are not my true devotees and therefore I did not answer their prayers. They can fool you through their show of devotion, but they cannot fool me. However, you are a true devotee and I will fulfill your wish by making them all happy.”
The next day the whole village itself changed into a happy village. Although the priest did not understand why God was not happy with the devotion of the villagers, he was extremely happy to see his wish fulfilled and thanked God for it.
Soon after, the priest noticed that the number of villagers visiting the temple slowly started reducing; finally no one wanted to visit the temple. The priest implored the people to come and visit the temple that they had frequented in their troubled times, but everybody had some excuse or another for not visiting. The priest was very sad to see this. He then understood what God meant by true devotion. He realized that most people come to God only to have their wishes fulfilled and forget Him once their wishes are fulfilled.
Most people stop doing spiritual practice when their desires are fulfilled, but the real seeker is the one who continues his spiritual practice through good as well as bad times.

Rocking in Dublin with Huntertones Band from New York (5 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: If the surface of the globe is overflood…Read More…

Overstimulated But Existentially Bored!
Visakha Dasi: “Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard wrote over 170 years ago: ‘Boredom is the root of all evil.’”
“To Kierkegaard, boredom is not just feeling weary because on…

Will Artificial Intelligence take over the world?
What are the long-term threats to society posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Will they come to dominate us? But, even before that, can we allow them to make life-and-death decisions? What does it mean to augment humans beyond natural physical and mental limits? These were the questions posed by a multi-faith consultancy event: Faith and AI organised at the St George’s Centre at Windsor Castle. Faith representatives, including Akhandadhi das, met with Gila Sacks, the government’s Director for Digital and Tech Policy along with other top academics in the field of AI. The aim was to consider the implications of the growing use of AI in many decisionmaking aspects of our lives. Some of these seemed alarming, and the group suggested that we may not be developing our policies of ethics quickly enough to keep pace therewith. Many of the participants had fascinating insights, and it is hoped that in follow-up sessions a broad understanding of the unique nature of what we call human consciousness can be formulated.

Ladies’ Away Day!
Once a month, the ladies’ residence (ashram) at the Manor, organizes teambuilding activities for the residents. In spirit of the theme “Keeping it Spiritual”, the ashram split into groups and each chose one of the three different aspects of Sadhana (spiritual practice), Sanga (association) and Samraksha (cow protection): Sadhana – we read, discussed and reflected on some of the prayers of Queen Kunti and sang kirtan on a specially organised ashram away day. Sanga – Siddhi-lalasa dasi facilitated a Q&A to address and advise us on challenges faced along one’s spiritual journey. Samraksha – The wonderful New Gokul farm team facilitated a visit from the residents; they fed, groomed, massaged, sang to and gave time, attention and love to the beautiful cows. Other initiatives included: • ‘Quote of the Week’ on the ashram noticeboard, sharing meditative gems to inspire introspective reading; • Recycling to actively reduce waste. and • Once a month coming together to watch a movie with a spiritual theme.

Radha Kunda Seva: July 2018 Photos and Updates (Album of photos)
We are happy to report that this month was the culmination of years of persistent endeavor, ending in excitingly huge success. We have been working for several years to gain non-profit status in India so as to freely promote this service here. Up until now, we’ve only had non-profit status in the West. It has been a difficult, complicated and long process, but it’s finally come through! We are relieved and exuberant at this big accomplishment. As always the cleaning work and prasadam distribution continue daily thanks to your support, good wishes and Srimati Radharani’s mercy. On that note, thank you so much to our new patrons! We now have 3 more widows sponsored totaling us to 85 out of 150 sponsored! Right now we primarily need help with expanding our cleaning services around Govardhana, specifically on Parikrama Marg. Please browse our latest photos and join our efforts by visiting www.radharani.com. Your servants, Campakalata Devi dasi, Padma Gopi Devi dasi, Sri Arjuna dasa, Urmila Devi Dasi, and Mayapurcandra dasa.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/A5EWqi

Preaching program in Szombathely, Hungary (Album of photos)
Last night Sivarama Swami gave a presentation on Compassionate Liv…Read More…

Avanti House explores Faith Ethos.
Teachers and staff from the Avanti House Secondary School in Stanmore came to the Manor for a special presentation by Navin Krishna das (Nitesh Gor). Nitesh who is the Founder and Chief Executive, Avanti Schools Trust, explained “The purpose was to explore the faith ethos of Avanti schools.” All the attendees then received first class hospitality provided by the Visitors and Tours team and kitchen crew. ISKCON is the faith affiliate for the Avanti Schools.

Transcendental Art in ISKCON.
With the help of Bhaktivedanta Manor, in a new academic documentary Professor Gwilym Beckerlegge explores the importance of sacred books and ‘transcendental art’ in the life of ISKCON. The film is now part of the teaching materials of ‘Exploring Religion’ – the Open University’s latest introductory course in the study of religions. The film and the associated book are linked to the part of the course that examines religious texts, including oral traditions and art as well as sacred books. Professor Gwilym Beckerlegge is a member of the Department of Religious Studies at The Open University whose work centres on the study of contemporary Hindu movements.

Pol’and’Rock – 2nd Day (Album of photos)
Indradyumna Swami: As hundreds of thousands of people flooded the Pol’and’Rock Festival, Krsna’s Village of Peace went into action. From Ratha Yatra down the main avenue, to prasadam distribution and continuous kirtan in our Mantra Yoga tent, the sincere efforts of over 700 devotees caused a tidal wave of mercy.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/qJ3yG6

Rathayatra in Vladivostok (Album of photos)
Vladivostok is a major Pacific port city in Russia overlooking Golden Horn Bay, ne…Read More…

Welcome to the Conch Aug 2018 Issue.
The monthly newsletter for the community of ISKCON New Govardhana (Krishna Farm)
Table of Contents: Srila Prabhupada Uvaca
Lord Balarama Appears
Historic Building Breathes New Life
52 Years and Counting!
Krishna Pad News
Northern Adventures
Maha Jewellery by Manjula
In Focus: Krpalu Krsna Balarama Dasa
Magic in Krishna’s Gardens
The Lord’s Plan
Ratha-Yatra Snapshot
Read it online here: https://conch.org.au/conch_2018_08_aug/