Author Archives: Dandavats

By Braja Prema Dasa This was the fourth annual parikrama (walking event) organized by ISKCON Pandharpur , with 250 participants from all over India and abroad. Many of them came from big cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Gaziabad, Pune, Muscat, Dubai, and …

By the GBC

Srila Prabhupada did not want devotees to only distribute his books; he often stressed the importance for devotees to study his books both regularly and scrutinizingly: “GBC member means they will see that in every temple these books are very thoroughly being read and discussed and understood and applied in practical life.” (Lecture on Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.9.3, Melbourne, April 5, 1972) Srila Prabhupada wrote to a GBC member: “Your first job should be to make sure that every one of the devotees in your zone of management is reading regularly our literatures and discussing the subject matter seriously from different angles of seeing, and that they are somehow or other absorbing the knowledge of Krishna Consciousness philosophy.” (Letter to Satsvarupa, June 16, 1972) To another member of the GBC, Srila Prabhupada wrote: “[Y]ou all leaders, especially the GBC members, must become very much responsible and do the work that I am doing to the same standard. So I want you leaders especially to become very much absorbed in the philosophy of Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and become yourselves completely convinced and free from all doubt. On this platform you shall be able to carry on the work satisfactorily, but if there is lack of knowledge, or if there is forgetfulness, everything will be spoiled in time. So especially you must encourage the students to read our books throughout the day as much as possible, and give them all good advice how to understand the books, and inspire them to study the things from every point of view

Obeisances to Sri Rama, the Giver of happiness, Obeisances to Sri Rama, the Auspicious One, Obeisances to Sri Rama, who is as lustrous as the moonRead More…

By the GBC

Srila Prabhupada also indicated that spiritual knowledge be formally tested as a requirement for serving as diksa-guru and that the GBC establish this and other examination processes in ISKCON: “Another examination will be held sometimes in 1971 . . . One who will pass this examination will be awarded with the title of Bhaktivedanta. I want that all of my spiritual sons and daughters will inherit this title of Bhaktivedanta, so that the family transcendental diploma will continue through the generations. Those possessing the title of Bhaktivedanta will be allowed to initiate disciples.” (Letter to Hamsaduta, January 3, 1969) Years later, Srila Prabhupada wrote about the necessity of having different certifications for other positions as well: “Shortly we shall be introducing the system of examinations for those students who are ready for second initiation as well as sannyasa.” (Letter to Satsvarupa, January 5, 1976) Five days after writing this letter, Srila Prabhupada indicated that it would be the GBC’s duty to fine-tune the examination system: “I have also suggested for the GBC’s consideration, that we introduce a system of examinations for the devotees to 10 take. Sometimes there is criticism that our men are not sufficiently learned, especially the brahmanas. Of course second initiation does not depend upon passing an examination. How one has moulded his life – chanting, attending arati, etc., these are essential. Still, brahmana means pandita. Therefore I am suggesting examinations.” (Letter to Svarupa Damodara, January 10, 1976) And next month he wrote: “As far as the Bhakti-sastri and other examinations are concerned, that we will discuss at the GBC meeting.” (Letter to Nitai, January 24, 1976)

By Bhakti Charu Swami

The original Personality of Godhead is Krsna, and He manifests Himself in different forms. One such manifestation is Lord Ramacandra. When Krsna appeared in His original form He acted as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, whereas when He appeared as Rama He acted as the ideal king. In fact, the pastimes of Lord Rama display ideals in many ways. Lord Rama appeared as the son of King Dasaratha, and Dasaratha acted as the ideal father and king. Rama acted as the ideal son and later, after He was coronated, as the ideal ruler. Rama’s brother Laksmana acted as the ideal brother, and Rama’s wife, Sita, acted as the ideal wife. Because Lord Rama acted as the ideal human, He is called maryadha-purusottama.

By Radhanath Swami

*Always stand by the Right*: Jatayu’s integrity. Real success is to please the Lord. Jatayu lost his life fighting for Lord Ram but achieved the purpose of Life to please the Lord. It is better to lose & win than to win & lose. *Patience, Determination & Enthusiasm*: Example of Shabari. Long time ago, Guru had asked her to wait for Lord Ram while all other disciples and Guru himself went back to Godhead. She showed her enthusiasm by working hard everyday to clean the place, plucking flowers & fruits for the Lord. She had complete faith in the words of Guru and patiently waited with determination.

Jaya Sri Rama! “Lord Ramacandra is the ideal king for maintaining and protecting the highest culture of humanity, known as brahma?ya-dharma. The Lord is specifically the protector of the cows and the brahma?as, and hence He enhances the prosperity of …

Giriraj Swami: Blissful, Beautiful, Compassionate Rama . . . “Although the sight of Lord Ramacandra is naturally blissful, when He is with His beloved Janaki, with Laksmana, and with His best servant Hanuman, His beauty increases manyfold, and whoever…

Each festival can be the focus for a five-day week, with a concentration each day on one of the five most potent items of devotional service as related to that festival. This program is flexible and can be used in other ways. For example, it is entirel…

All Glories to all the Srila Prabhupada’s illustrious Disciples, who went through so much hard work to achieve the goal, HG Gurukripa Prabhu, HG Surabhi Prabhu & HG Gunarnava Prabhu in particular. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada, who opened the door of Sri Vrindavan Dham for all of us.

On Srila Prabhupada’s last visit to England, he was very sick and fragile. He went to see the present Radha Krishna Temple in Soho street, before we purchased it (the Laxmi for this temple came from the ladies sankirtan party.) Srila Prabhupada being v…

By Stritama dasi

I had the good fortune to have a trip down under to the Gold Coast and visit the locally renowned restaurant in the heart of the city. The bottom floor is a large meditation and sacred sound room.Second floor is the gorgeous and scrumptious Govinda’s Restaurant with Lord Govinda welcoming you upon entry and the prasadam buffet keeping your gaze as you make your way in. The next floor the movie theater that shows conscious films after people have filled themselves with Krishna prasad, making them even more open to open to a ‘simple living – higher thinking’ lifestyle. The people who come to the restaurant-movie evenings are general public members; not yoga people, new agers, Hindus or other spiritual people. It is a market hard to reach and they doing it in an insightful and effective way.

By Padsevan Bhakta Das The event was attended by 2000 youngsters, including students of following institutes: IIT, IIIT-D, Delhi University, Delhi Technological University and others. The fest included talks by the guests and HH Gopal Krishna Goswam…

By the GBC

Srila Prabhupada wrote: “A GBC member cannot go beyond the jurisdiction of his power. We are in the experimental stage but in the next meeting of the GBC members they should form a constitution how the GBC members manage the whole affair.” (Letter to Giriraja, August 12, 1971) The constitution will enshrine the underlying fundamental principles on which all ISKCON laws should be based. Srila Prabhupada established the GBC as the “ultimate managing authority” for ISKCON. A structure that gives final, ultimate, and supreme authority to the GBC may raise concerns about the possibility of a dictatorial or oppressive governance. But “ultimate” does not mean the GBC has “absolute” authority. In fact, an essential element of Srila Prabhupada’s teachings is that ISKCON leaders, including the GBC and its members, must recognize and respect the dignity and rights of the individuals and communities. Srila Prabhupada wrote: “I have chosen my best men to be GBC and I do not want that the GBC should be disrespectful to the temple presidents.” (Letter to All Governing Board Commissioners, May 19, 1976)

Yashodapura Eco Village (YEV) located at Chub Village, Chup Te Traw Commune, Siem Reap, one of the main projects of our NGO Development ISKCON Cambodia, organized a Go Puja (Cow Worship) on Thursday, 30 March 2017. The devotees attended the Go Puja fro…

By the GBC

Spiritual guidance and nurturing is, of course, meant for all devotees, both temple residents and home-based: “The temple center is started just to present example to the neighboring residents how they can make a small temple in each and every home. It is not necessary that hundreds and thousands of people will live in our temple, but if we can make effective propaganda, then the neighboring residents, householders, will be inclined to be initiated and follow the modes of temple life.” (Letter to Tamal Krishna, June 1, 1969) Srila Prabhupada elaborates on this point in his purport to Sri Caitanya-caritamrita, Madhya-lila 3.190: “Everyone can execute the cult of Krsna consciousness at home, as ordered by the Lord. Everyone can congregationally chant the holy name of Krsna, the Hare Krsna maha-mantra. One can also discuss the subject matter of the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam and install Deities of Radha-Krsna or Gaura-Nitai or both and worship them very carefully in one’s own home. It is not that we have to open different centers all over the world. Whoever cares for the Krsna consciousness movement can install Deities at home and, under superior 7 guidance, worship the Deity regularly, chanting the maha-mantra and discussing the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.”

By Patricia Retuya

On the 6th of March, an audience of over 500 filled the University of Melbourne’s Carrilo Ganter Theatre for a seminar offering a unique insight into the universal topic of happiness. Looking out into the full lecture theatre, the first observation one would make is to notice the variety of people present from different backgrounds, age demographics, and walks of life. Guest speaker, Devamrita Swami aptly and humorously sets the tone of the event with his opening quip, “I didn’t think there were this many people interested in the topic of happiness.”

By the GBC

Srila Prabhupada wrote to a GBC member: “Now I have invested the GBC for maintaining the standard of our Krsna Consciousness Society, so keep the GBC very vigilant. I have already given you full directions in my books.” (Letter to Satsvarupa, 5 September 13, 1970) Later, Srila Prabhupada wrote to another member of the GBC: “I have formed this GBC for that purpose, to keep the devotional standards at the highest level and at the same time to manage a world-wide organization.” (Letter to Rupanuga, November 4, 1970) Srila Prabhupada often stressed that the GBC was meant to ensure that purity was maintained throughout the Society. In a letter to Sudama Maharaja dated February 16, 1973, he wrote: “In your travelling from centre to centre, you must be very careful to see that the leaders are observing the principles of chanting 16 rounds, rising early for Mangala Arati, participating in the morning and evening classes, observing the four regulative principles etc., and if there is any deviation from this standard then it is the responsibility of you and the local GBC representative to rectify it immediately. Within these Vaisnava standards which I have put forward lies the spiritual strength of our movement.”

Maha Mantra devi dasi: Seeking enthusiastic and qualified pujaris to serve Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Govinda.Read More…

By His Divine Grace A.C.B. Swami Prabhupada One who worships Krisha is clever. But one who worships maya is a pauper. Becoming a pauper one engages in temporary pastimes Without knowledge of the true relationships of things he simply becomes bound up i…

By Sri Ubhaya Vedantha Anbil Ramaswamy Sri Ramanujacarya was born in South India. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada took many teachings from him, such as the duties of the sannyasi, the duties of the disciple, and the etiquette of the…

By the GBC

In Los Angeles on June 4, 1976, a reporter asked Srila Prabhupada: “Is there anyone who is designated to succeed you as the primary teacher of the movement?” Srila Prabhupada replied: “I am training some, I mean to say, advanced students so that they may be very easily take up the charge. I have made them GBC. They are under my direct training, and I think they will be able to conduct this movement.” Six days later, on June 10, 1976, also in Los Angeles, another reporter asked about succession of spiritual leadership: once Srila Prabhupada departed “Will there be one spiritual leader”? Srila Prabhupada answered: “No, I am training GBC, eighteen all over the world.”

By Spencer Dew

Last year, for the twentieth anniversary of the festival, 80,000 people were reportedly in attendance, with that crowd estimated to be about 90% Mormon. The festival in Spanish Fork has spawned a series of smaller events in other cities run by a travelling team from the Utah temple and has also given birth to the popular “Color Run” phenomenon, employing the same kind of powdered, cornstarch-based colors, and the same spirit of carnivalesque engagement in “sharing love.” Mormon festival-goers are led in chanting Sanskrit mantras and instructed in the metaphysical ramifications of such chanting. They are lectured on vegetarianism, on the true nature of knowledge and reality and the self, and invited to participate in the burning in effigy of a demonic “witch.” They will throw “colors” made from biodegradable powder that billows out as great plumes, and they will smear and smack and rub such colors on fellow festival-goers, with whom they will dance and whom they will frequently be enjoined to hug—all expressions of love, explicitly interpreted by the organizers as manifestations of the ultimate model of love, Krishna.

By the GBC

This document describes the collective service of the Governing Body Commission of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The listed functions derive primarily from Srila Prabhupada’s direct instructions. Some details have been shaped, however, by insights gained over decades of observation and experience. The GBC members collaborate to fulfill their various global responsibilities and individually contribute according to their capacity, area of expertise, personal inclination, and specific requirements. It is not expected that every member will display excellence in every aspect; at the same time, absorption in and loyalty to the core elements of Srila Prabhupada’s mood and mission are expected from every GBC member. In fulfilling its mandate, the Body shall involve as many qualified assistants as necessary to accomplish its duties, organizing them in as many offices, ministries, and departments as required.

By Hemanga Gopal Dasa

18 April 2016 ISKCON50 Presentation at the Interreligious Forum (IFH) ISKCON Hamburg Bhakti Yoga Zentrum 2 17-22 May 2016 Narasimha Caturdasi Festival ISKCON Jandelsbrunn Simhachalam 3 25 June 2016 Participation at Parade of Cultures Downtown Frankfurt 4 01 July 2016 Prabhupada Tirtha Schloss Rettershof – Memories and Activities Romantikhotel Schloss Rettershof 5 17 July 2016 Srila Prabhupada’s Tirthas in Hamburg ISKCON Hamburg Bhakti Yoga Zentrum 6 17 July 2016 Special ISKCON50 Celebration ISKCON Vienna 7 30 July 2016 Ratha Yatra Berlin ISKCON Berlin Jagannatha Tempel 8 20 +21 August 2016 Ratha Yatra Cologne ISKCON Köln Gauradesh 9 29 October 2016 Interreligious Conference ISKCON Wiesbaden Hari

By Vijaya Das Good news in Vrindavan: Rohininandana Balarama Prabhu distributes books in Srila Prabhupada’s Samadhi almost daily, and he recently told me that in the past two years he’s collected the contact information of about three hundred people in…

By Madhava Smullen

One of the first of the retreat-style festivals currently so popular in ISKCON, Festival of Inspiration, launched in New Vrindaban in 2000, has always offered something a little unique. Now, in its 17th year, with the tagline “Rethink. Refresh. Renew,” FOI is again taking a fresh approach, offering an exciting new inspirational experience based on feedback from devotees about what they like. “Whereas previous Festival of Inspirations were a high-speed puzzle of eighteen different short presentations you could choose from, we now plan to offer people an immersive experience that they can dive into and experience together,” says ISKCON New Vrindaban temple president Jaya Krsna Das. “We also want to provide them with practical tips they can implement in their day-to-day lives.”

By the GBC

Global Observance of Sri Ramanuja Sahasrabdi: Whereas Sri Ramanujacarya, the great Vaisnava saint who lived between 1017 and 1137, requires no introduction to the saintly, especially the Vaisnavas; Whereas Sri Ramanujacarya’s 1000th anniversary is being celebrated around the world this year, 2017. According to the Sri Vaishnava calendar, his 1000th appearance day is on May 1, 2017; Whereas although 1000 years have passed since the appearance of Sri Ramanujacarya, the years have not dulled the level of adherence to his teachings and attraction to his exemplary life. Millions of people now base their spiritual practices and religious conceptions on his words in both southern India, and due to emigration, in the western world also. In many parts of the world, ISKCON is associated very strongly with the Sri Vaisnavas; Whereas our Gaudiya Acaryas including Srila Jiva Goswami, Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura have all referenced and commented on the teachings and life of Sri Ramanuja; Whereas Srila Prabhupada used Sri Ramanuja`s works, amongst others, to give us the “Bhagavad-Gita As It Is”; Whereas ISKCON Sriperumbudur and Kanchipuram are organizing grand celebrations this March in which international devotees, sannyasis, and leaders are participating in the 10 day festival at Sriperumbudur, the birth place of Acarya Sri Ramanuja; Whereas following in the tradition of our acaryas, it would be a great opportunity for ISKCON to get the mercy of Sri Ramanujacarya, and to enhance our already good relationships with the Sri Vaishnava community globally, by having a “Global Observance” throughout the year, or particularly leading up to May 1, 2017; RESOLVED: That ISKCON centers worldwide have a “Global Observance of Sri Ramanuja Sahasrabdi”, leading up to May 1, 2017, or anytime through the year 2017, with suitable events and glorification befitting the venerable and worshipable Vaisnava Acarya.

By Nanda Priya Nivedita Devi Dasi

The ancient city of Madurai visited by pilgrims year-round witnessed a rather unique event on the 26th March, 2017. More than 5,000 people from different walks of life gathered together in one of Madurai’s biggest outdoor auditoriums, Gandhi Mandapam, eager to celebrate the 1,000th Anniversary of a Stalwart Saint, Acharya and Guru, Srimad Ramanuja Acharya. ISKCON Madurai, under the inspiration of HH Jayapataka Swami and leadership of HG Balaram Govinda Das and HG Shanka Dari Das, Temple President of ISKCON Madurai, organized the grand event.HH Ranga Ramanuja Jeeyar along with many other senior Sri Vaishnava Priests were the guests of honor. Seen along with the guests of honor on the dais was a Murti of Srila Prabhupada, HH Jayapataka Swami , HH Bhakti Purusottama Swami, HH Bhakti Nityananda Swami, HH Bhakti Vinoda Swami and HH Bhakti Mukunda Swami. The event began with an Abhishek to the deity of Ramanuja Acharya. The Jeeyar spoke about the glories of Sri Ramanuja Acharya and his eminent role in spreading Vaishnavism all over the Indian subcontinent and now practically all over the world. He thanked ISKCON for organizing such an extravagant event and was very pleased that the followers of Vaishnavism celebrated the 1000th Anniversary in unison.

Malati Dasi: Radhadesh is a vibrant devotee community situated in the beautiful Belgian Ardennes areaRead More…

By Kumudaksa Dasa For the last four years a Cambodian youth has been inspired to organize an elaborate yearly Hindu worship within the monastery of a major Buddhist temple (Pagoda) in Phnom Penh with the approval and consent of the local head monk. Not…

By Vrsabhanu das At the recent GBC Meetings in Sridham Mayapur, the GBC College was pleased to present 32 graduates from the GBC College to the assembly of GBC members. As HG Rupanuga Prabhu (President of the GBC College) called out the names of the g…

By Vijaya Dasa About a hundred people were in the room for our presentation. We started with a kirtan. Then I spoke about the glories of the Bhagavatam. I said, “There is so much news about the world. It’s not good news. But the Bhagavatam is good…

By Prahladanda Swami “In Alabama the police asked why I was wearing a dress. I didn’t know it, but devotees had already been arrested there for “wearing a dress.” That’s what it was like in the South in 1971″ He hitchhiked from Miami to Houston wearing…

By Iskcon Nepal ISKCON Founder Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada says, “Bhagavad Gita is the essence of Vedic knowledge and one of the most important Upanisads in the Vedic literature whose purpose is to deliver mankin…

Srila Prabhupada’s mission was to write and distribute transcendental books far and wide so that it can change people’s lives. He has quoted that even 1% become devotees, it will change the entire world. As we are continuing to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of ISKCON, here is an opportunity to learn the art of distributing his books through a dynamic and hands on seminar. After a successful and inspiring seminar last year, on the request of devotees, we present the Sankirtan Orientation Seminar 101 (SOS 101) once again for your pleasure. We are also adding a new location in the east coast (Toronto) this time.

By Chaitanya Charana Dasa “It’s an astonishing story. If someone told you a story like this, you wouldn’t believe it. Here’s this person, he’s seventy years old, he’s going to a country where he’s never been before, he doesn’t know anybody there, he ha…

This symbol they created for Food For Life Global instills a devotion to spiritual equality, respectively drawing inspiration from the famous ‘Tilak’ symbol that shows a sacred commitment to the teachings of Krishna. This is a mark the Food For Life community already identifies with and the way in which the Tilak has been structured, it can be interpreted as a person with their arms reaching out – suggesting openness, joy, and acceptance.