Author Archives: Dandavats

By the GBC Brooklyn Temple Sale Committee

The pending sale of ISKCON’s Radha Govinda Mandir (“Bharati Center”) has been a matter of interest, concern and even controversy among temple board members, congregational members, devotees and interested persons in the New York metropolitan area and elsewhere, especially in light of the GBC Body’s stated opposition to this sale transaction. In order to foster openness, inclusivity and greater awareness of the current state of affairs as well as to dispel confusion and misconceptions, last year’s GBC Executive Committee (now called the “GBC Brooklyn Temple Sale Committee”) will host an ISKCON Informational Town Hall Meeting on Mon., May 15,2017 at 7:00 PM sharp. The evening’s panel will consist of the following GBC members, assisted by legal counsel: • Bhakti Caru Swami (2017 GBC Chairman / GBC Brooklyn Temple Sale Committee, Member) • Sesa Das (GBC Brooklyn Temple Sale Committee, Chairman / 2016 GBC Chairman) • Praghosa Das (GBC Brooklyn Temple Sale Committee, Member / 2015 GBC Chairman) Interested persons in the New York metropokan area are cordially invited to attend. Interested persons from outside the New York metropolitan area may be seated as space permits.

By Radha Sakhi Dasi

8th April 2017 marked the day when over 15000 Youths from across State of Uttar Pradesh, India were blown away by spiritual serenity and positive confidence in a star studded event, ‘Xpressions 2017’ in ISKCON Kanpur. Emphasizing on De-addiction and Value Empowerment within youth, Xpressions 2017 was an effort by a team of ISKCON devotees to bring the Youth closer to their roots, re-introducing them to the rich cultural heritage they have inherited, focusing on the need for a positive approach to life, believing in themselves and working hard. It inspired youths for De-addiction through the ever joyful process of Devotion and showed them how bhakti can be Fun.

By Madhava Smullen

“Tejo made Ekadasi bearable with his fantastic breakfast tapioca,” says Advaita. “And he was well-known for his Gauranga potatoes, bharats, and palak paneer. Like the other pit cooks, he’d be cooking outdoors with nothing but a tin roof overhead in the dead of winter, starting fires from scratch with frozen wood at 3 o’clock in the morning, and dragging forty-gallon soot-covered pots to the pot room to scrub them in cold water. It was tougher than you can imagine!”

By Radha Mohan das

Member of Parliament Bob Blackburn, who has been coming to the Manor for the last 30 years spoke with pride about his pleasure that the “temple’s future is secure” thanks to the Haveli. Much of the Manor’s success in getting this far with the Haveli is thanks to support from significant members of society. In this vein, Kripamoya Das thanked servicemen and members of parliament for their dedication serving society, poignant on the birthday of Lord Ram who dedicated his life to serve the citizens of Ayodhya, as the ‘Maryada Purshottam’, or ideal man. Temple president Srutidharma das thanked the counsellors for their kind words and reminded the assembled devotees that the message for the festival was the importance of helping others.

By Indradyumna Swami

“The funeral ceremony of a sage who has died in the forest, a fight between two goats, a thunder clap in the morning, a quarrel between husband and wife, all begin in grand style but the outcome is insignificant.” [ Canakya Pandit, Niti Sastra ] A devotee’s life is characterized by unshakable faith in the Lord, the spiritual master and the devotees. Because in marriage a husband sees his wife as Krsna’s devotee and a wife sees her husband as Krsna’s property, their faith in each other is strong and no adverse material circumstances can break their relationship. Loving relationships in Krsna consciousness work on a different principle than mundane love. In material affairs the emphasis is on what “I” can get out of a relationship. In spiritual affairs the emphasis is on how to serve and please my beloved. The best example of spiritual love is the residents of Vrindavan—the gopis in particular—who always put Krsna’s needs and desires before their own. Such bhakti, or devotion, filters down in all Krsna conscious relationships: relationships between friend and friend, father and son, master and servant, lover and lover. If we serve without personal motivation, serve only with the desire to please the Lord and His devotees, that is the formula for success in deep long-lasting Krsna conscious relationships.

By Nila Kamal das We would like to thank each and every devotee who helped in organising this program. Special thanks goes to the youth of Kalmakanda who sacrificed their valuable time and energy in order for this program to turn out successful. Last b…

By the GBC

The spiritual qualification to serve as a member of the GBC, therefore, isn’t some extraordinarily elevated inner realization but tangible following. As Srila Prabhupada wrote in his purport to Srimad-Bhagavatam 4.18.15: “This Krsna consciousness movement directly receives instructions from the Supreme Personality of Godhead via persons who are strictly following His instructions. Although a follower may not be a liberated person, if he follows the supreme, liberated Personality of Godhead, his actions are naturally liberated from the contamination of the material nature.”

By the Witherspoon Institute The family environment provided by marriage allows children to grow, mature, and flourish. It is a seedbed of sociability and virtue for the young, who learn from both their parents and their siblings. Specifically, the mar…

By Praneshwar das

We are very happy to announce that the first ever Lord Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra Rathyatra held in Gwalior City, Madhya Pradesh, India on March 26th 2017 was a raging success by the mercy of the Vaisnavas, Srila Prabhupada and their Lordships. With the blessings of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj & HG Mahaman Prabhuji, there was an overwhelming response from the pious residents of Gwalior city, most of whom often visit Vrindavan regularly and perform Govardhan Parikrama. All credit goes to the ISKCON Gwalior Rathyatra Committee comprising Praneshwar Das, Madhumangal Prabhu, Rohini Mataji, Akhilesh Prabhu, Nikhil Prabhu, Sangita Mataji, Anandswarupa Prabhu & several other devotees from Gwalior who helped make the event a grand success.

By the GBC

In the document establishing the GBC, Srila Prabhupada wrote: “So far my books are concerned, I am setting up a different body of management known as the BHAKTIVEDANTA BOOK TRUST. The trustees of this body are also members of the GBC, but their function is not dependent on the GBC.” (Direction of Management, July 28, 1970) The next day, in the BBT founding document, Srila Prabhupada described that the BBT and ISKCON were indissolubly connected but legally separated: “PURPOSE OF TRUST – This trust is created and shall be operated exclusively for the benefit of the INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY FOR KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS . . . This trust shall exist independently of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and the Trustees’ functions and duties stated herein shall be separate and not dependent on the Governing Body Commission of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness . . . TERM OF TRUST – This trust shall be irrevocable. In the event of . . . dissolution of the trust, the entire Trust Fund shall, in that event, be distributed to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.”

By The GBC

Three months after establishing the GBC, Srila Prabhupada wrote: “Formerly I issued one circular letter requesting all GBC members who are zonal secretaries also, to give me a fortnightly report of the activities in his jurisdiction, but I am not receiving. I’ve received no letter since a very long time from Karandhara, and I’m very interested to know how things are going in L.A. We have a great responsibility to pay $2,000. monthly to the church trustees.” (Letter to Rupanuga, October 28, 1970) Srila Prabhupada acted as overseer of the (then) twelve GBC members and was expecting regular reports of their zonal work. In his physical absence, the GBC should ensure that its commissioners and Zonal Secretaries fulfill their obligations and appropriately supervise and develop their zones, that its Ministers fulfill their mandates, etc.

By GBC College Staff The first residential session of the 2017-2018 academic year of the GBC College was held at Govardhan Ecovillage (GEV), a farm community and retreat center located in Wada, two hours north of Mumbai at the foothills of the Sahyadri…

By the GBC

Srila Prabhupada expressed in the pages of Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.3.23, purport) his own protective feelings about ISKCON: “Devaki and her husband, Vasudeva, were assured that their child was the Supreme Personality of Godhead and could not be killed by Kamsa, but because of affection, as they thought of Kamsa’s previous atrocities, they were simultaneously afraid that Krsna would be killed. This is why the word suvismita has been used. Similarly, we are also astounded upon thinking of whether this movement will be killed by the asuras or will continue to advance without fear.”

By the GBC Srila Prabhupada wrote: “Now this displeasing of godbrothers has already begun and gives me too much agitation in my mind. Our Gaudiya Math people fought with one another after the demise of Guru Maharaja but my disciples have already begun …

By Parasuram dasa Camden Town is London’s hippest part of London, attracting thousands of tourists daily. We have been preaching here since 17 years and now we managed to open a nice centre. A four story building just off the high street. We have daily…

By the GBC

Srila Prabhupada wrote: “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 14 organization.” (Letter to Rupanuga, November 4, 1970) Although most management takes place locally, a number of global functions for which the GBC is responsible need funding and staffing for effective operation. As Srila Prabhupada explains in the Bhagavad-gita (12.10, purport): “Every endeavor requires land, capital, organization, and labor. Just as in business one requires a place to stay, some capital to use, some labor, and some organization to expand, so the same is required in the service of Krishna.”

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.”