Author Archives: Dandavats

By Hari Narayana Das

People are all originally situated on the platform of Krsna consciousness in their eternal personal relationship of love of Krsna. But due to forgetfulness people become familiar with the material world or maya. To enhance the spirit of devotional service, Srila Prabhupada traveled around the world distributing nectar and spreading the glories of the Lord. He also introduced the ways of performing devotional service to the Lord. Rendering devotional service to Sri Krishna can be done in many ways. One of the activities is by celebrating festivals to remember the Lord’s pastimes. Desiring to serve the Lord in multifarious and special ways devotees in Medan organized the 3^rd third ratha yatra festival and also opening of the new Jaganntha Mandir. “All activities, words, everything should be offered as service to the Deities, and this offering with remembering will gradually increase as you practice it.” (SPL to Prajapati dasa, 16th May, 1976)

By Saroj Kumar Panda Sri Jagannath is the Lord of the Universe. His Kitchen is considered as the largest and the biggest Kitchen in the world. It is situated south-east direction of the outer compound of Srimandir. The length of the Kitchen is 150 feet…

By Kesava Krsna Dasa We love to picnic, barbecue, celebrate birthdays and entertain guests. We may hesitate on what fast-foods are on offer. Here is some “Party-pooping” information, which should enhance our parties even more. So “let’s party,” as t…

By Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami THE Srimad-Bhagavatam (3.29.11-12) states, “The manifestation of unadulterated devotional service is exhibited when one’s mind is at once attracted to hearing the transcendental name and qualities of the Supreme Personality o…

By Jatayu dasa ISKCON was formed by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada who is a perfect student of such literatures. So where is the fault? The fault lies in me, in my heart. Not in ISKCON. Look at it closely, whatever faults are found in ISKCON some …

By Mukunda Goswami

It was a hot, muggy day in lower Manhattan during the month of May 1966. I pedalled to 26 Second Avenue where I met the Swami, a friend named Carl and the rental agent, Paul Gardiner, a short, chunky man who was wearing blue denim trousers and a white, short-sleeved t-shirt. We hired the storefront at 26 Second Avenue for $100 per month and a first-storey flat in the same building for $85 per month. The storefront soon became a temple, and the Swami lectured there every day. By October he was hosting philosophical discussions in his small flat. On 13 July 1966 I signed a paper that became the Swami’s first corporation. It was called The International Society for Krishna Consciousness or ISKCON. I didn’t really think it very important at the time and really didn’t care. I thought that whatever the Swami wanted was okay.

By Syama Sakhi devi dasi Situated in the idyllic mountain scenery of the ISKCON Hare Krishna community in Eungella, NSW, the Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula School is the only Hare Krishna school in Australia. It is a small but enthusiastic school with a …

Gadidas: Apathy flourishes in an environment of faultfinding and offences.Read More…

By Madhavananda Das

We have two choices as to which court we want to work in. The first court is that of the empowered demigod and mahājana devotee Sri Yamaraja. The second court is the court of Lord Nityananda. Working in Yamaraja’s court means assisting his chief lieutenant Citragupta, whose job it is to note down all of the mistakes and sinful acts of conditioned souls.

By Hayagriva Das On the 10th of June around 70 devotees coming from Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto assembled in the Buddhist Retreat Center Pho Da Son in Val-des-Monts, Canada – a perfect setting to go into seclusion for three days and dive deeply into a…

By Nrsimha Krsna das

We had a small summer marathon last week with International Yoga Day Celebrations and HH Sivarama Swami’s visit to Istanbul. In Turkey we attended 2nd IYD Celebrations which was held in public in a campus of one of the most prestigious Universities of Turkey. Event was very well organized and Indian Consulate in Turkey also supported it as they do all over the world. You might know that Istanbul is a huge city. From one side to another city is 270 km long. So, there was many IYD events in different parts of Istanbul simultaneously. We participated in most organized one as Goranga Yoga and at the end of all yoga programs we introduced kirtan yoga to Turkish audience. Before kirtan we had a stand with books and devotional items and devotees were in devotional clothes blissfully preaching Krishna Consciousness, distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books & prasadam all day. Finally when we were at the stage for chanting Maha Mantra devotees got so excited. I made a small talk about consciousness, self-realization and the nature of soul.

By Rasananda das Proper sankirtan – a phrase used by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati in his Sri Sanmodana Bhasyam and by Lord Caitanya Himself – means certain tunes, certain instruments, a certain musical style, certain dress and certain kinds of danci…

By Yudhistir Govinda Das You may be glad to learn that a week ago the Government of India appointed Rasaraja Prabhu (Dr. Ravi Gomatam) to serve as a Visiting Professor for the Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR) for the academic year of 201…

By Madhavipriya Devi Dasi

At last, the ethics of compassion and non-violence, even at dinner, have made their way to the Italian Parliament! It happened on Friday, June 24, thanks to the intervention of Shriman Matsyavatara Prabhu (Marco Ferrini), invited by the deputees, who spoke about the theme of “Prevention and Education on Nourishment.” Many highly qualified speakers specialized in scientific disciplines participated at the conference and discussed the themes in terms of health and the environment. The intervention of Matsyavatar Prabhu introduced the fundamental, ethical aspects of Bhakti yoga’s spiritual vision. Within this tradition, Shriman Matsyavatar Prabhu explained, the person doesn’t doesn’t just absorb the nutrients of the food ingested, rather receives the psychic imprint in it contained, which affects his or her physical characteristics and spiritual awareness.

By Braja Vilasa Das

In order to further the above purposes, and with Ambarisa prabhu’s full approval and inspiration, we have formed a TOVP communications team at our Mayapur office, staffed by several initiated and dedicated devotees. In order to reach devotees in different countries throughout the world, they will be actively making calls around the clock. In the years to come they will serve many functions in improving our service both to you and to the TOVP, such as: 1. Inspiring devotees around the world about this project 2. Providing you with construction updates 3. Helping you arrange your donations 4. Informing you of special events related to the TOVP 5. Maintaining and updating our donor database 6. Raising awareness and answering general questions about the TOVP

By Kesava Krsna dasa

There exists an enormous market in the genre of gossip and rumour, which explains the great popularity of TV soap operas the world over. Repetitive themes of spiritual scandal, heresy, and deviation make for indulgent absorption, especially for one experiencing a dreary devotional continuation. Such curious excitement about the who’s who in spiritual circles issuing from suspect forums can be the stuff that kills the cat of the devotional creeper without even knowing it. Exercising the right for free speech and discrimination and disguising all manner of invectives and negativity with polished philosophy and zealous concern, these expressions are intended to destroy tender faith, and help harden the heart to repeat the abusive cycle of fault-finding in others. Faultfinders are fond of using various tactics to impose their superiority in argument, but when pitted against proper adherence to vaisnava culture these same tactics become their downfall. The use of certain types of logic though appealing to many, in fact lay bare the inner workings of a distressed condition, much like seeing an ugly tortoise without it’s shell.

By Akincana Krishna das HH RP Bhakti Raghava Maharaja arrived at Damodardesh on 21st June after a brief stop at Balaramdesh. During his 4 days visit, Maharaja spoke at various house programs introducing the congregation to the Om Sri Surabhi Campaign a…

By Amala Prema devi dasi

The Bhakti Tree has been serving prasadam and taking every opportunity to promote kirtan and prasadam through catering at Newcastle University, at public events and through its Friday kirtan evenings at the restaurant. This time, The Bhakti Tree hosted His Holiness Vedavyasapriya Swami on June 24th at its weekly Friday Fest evening. This was His Holiness Vedavyasapriya Swami’s second visit after a year. Maharaj led kirtan and gave a talk on the divinity of Supreme, the self and the Maha-mantra. Maharaj encouraged the congregational chanting of Hare Krishna to create a fast and powerful impact on our spiritual understanding. He also inspired everyone to personally practice chanting of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. He made relevant points on the power and divinity of the maha-mantra, which is not subject to interpretation, but which can be experienced by personally taking the step to try and practice it. He gave the audience tips on how to practice mantra meditation and to practically balance daily routines and spiritual life by focusing on time management and developing the quality of being selfish for our own sadhana, especially japa.

By Radhapad Das The annual Panihati Chida Dahi Mahotsav (yogurt and chipped rice festival) or the famous Dandamahotsav is celebrated on the 13th day of bright moon in the month of Jyestha (May-June). This festival was first celebrated by Srila Raghunat…

By Mahatma das Our false ego prevents us from looking at our own faults. It makes it difficult for us to acknowledge our faults and therefore, instead of being introspective, we see those faults in others. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur said, “…

By Vijaya Dasa Texas is known for being big in everything. Well, now, Dallas is doing big in book distribution: No. 3 in the USA for May. The temple had a great month with 3,695 book points: an increase of 824%. The temple president, Nityananda Prabhu,…

Premvilas das: Her Grace Locanananda devi dasi joined ISKCON in Mexico city in 1975 when she went with her son to a Sunday feast.Read More…

By Giriraj dasa

People generally pray for material benefits: “O God, give us our daily bread. Give me nice position. Give me nice wife, nice following or this or victory,” so on, so on, so on, simply for material enjoyment. My Guru Mahäräja used to say that if we pray to God for all these nonsense things, it is just like a man goes to a king and the king says, “Whatever you want you can ask from me,” and if the man says, “Kindly give me a pinch of ashes.” It is like that. If we ask from God for some material benefit, it means that I am asking from a king a pinch of ashes. When king says that “You ask whatever you want,” he can say, “So give me half the kingdom.” That should be the prayer. And why a pinch of ash? Similarly, it is our foolishness. When we ask for bread, “O God, give us our daily bread,” that means I am asking. The bread is already there. Why for you? For everyone, for all living entities, the bread is already there given by God. Eko yo bahünäà vidadhäti kämän. The elephant is not going to the church for praying, “Give me food.” He is supplied in the jungle food. A tiger is supplied food. Even ant is supplied food within the hole. Who is going to supply food there? How they are eating? How they are living? How they are begetting children? The same thing is there. Ähära-nidrä-bhaya-maithuna—everything is there in the ant, in the elephant. Who is supplying their necessities?

By Ratna Devi Dasi

Chatris are elevated dome-shaped pavilions used as an element in Indian architecture. They are commonly used to depict the elements of dignity and honor in architecture. The word chatri means “canopy” or “umbrella.” The word chatri is also used to refer to the small pavilions that mark the corners and roof of entrance of a major building. They are widely used in palaces or in forts. They originated in Rajasthani architecture and were used as memorials for kings and royalty. These pavilions are purely decorative and announce the caliber and wealth of the owner. The TOVP is a physical expression of the Perfection of our Gaudiya Vaishnava Philosophy. Thus, chatris are the ideal structural symbols of spiritual opulence to decorate our rooftop. ISKCON is an international society with the focused intention of uniting all Peoples under one umbrella with one common cause. Hence, this creative fusion of various spiritual cultural elements is easily perceived in the architecture of our chatris.

By Hari Narayana Das

For distribution to the general public 1 tons of oranges arrived, sponsored by Dina Dharini mataji, which was offered to the Lord. Balinese and bharata natyam dances were performed by the devotee girls to open the ceremony. Speech was given by the leader of Malang Hindu Parisad, that he really appreciated the festival. Short class about the origin of ratha yatra was given by HH Kavicandra Swami Maharaj. A recorded lecture from HH Subhag Swami Maharaj covering Jagannatha’s pastimes, Prabhupada’s instructions and personal sadhana to remain fixed up in Krsna Consciousness was translated by Sachi Putra prabhu.

By Satyaraja Dasa Prabhupada often compared it to being cured of amnesia. In the conventional treatment of the disease, one is given a daily regimen of gradual exposure to his or her former life. Hopefully, through a sustained effort, the patient gradu…

By Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami LORD KRSNA HAS TWO ENERGIES, material and spiritual, but they can be used interchangeably if one knows how. Just as the same electricity can be used to heat or cool a building, so Krsna’s energies can be used for different pu…

By Romapada Swami The Supreme Personality of Godhead, the Absolute Truth is fully independent, svarat and the living entities being parts and parcels of the Lord, have minute independence/free will. Minute free will is an inherent quality of the soul a…

By Vrndavanlila Devi Dasi

Despite this fast changing world where promiscuity encouraged by the hedonist approach to life is overtaking almost everywhere, India still preserves its age old veneration towards celibacy. The vast majority of girls and boys still remain celebate till their marriage and even post-marriage lead a regulated life. Of course in cities, this ‘conservative’ species are on the brink of extinction, and even when preserved, generally make the person a butt of ridicule and curiosity. However, fortunately in villages it is still a norm. What is it which still allows the virtue of celibacy still thrive in India? It would be interesting to know this as this would help us build a similar structure elsewhere. A country’s spiritual culture can be felt in its social structure. A broad system is supported by number of social systems that in turn help realizing the primary objective. The primary Indian philosophy rests on the principles of karma, punar janma (rebirth) and departure for param dhama when one is successfully able to break the cycle of birth-death-rebirth.

By Kesava Krsna Dasa

With many cases of religious extremism tormenting or instilling fear into people we can hardly blame certain bright thinkers for their agnosticism: “Religion is a fashionable substitute for belief.” (Oscar Wilde) With all these quotes we can better understand the frustration of thinking people. If given a credible, intelligible presentation of genuine spirituality they may happily apply themselves. They want the truth just as much as spiritual seekers want it: “There’s something in every atheist itching to believe, and something in every believer itching to doubt.” (Mignan McClauglin) These itchy sentiments can manifest as almost religious feelings: “The most valuable things in life are not measured in monetary terms. The really important things are not houses or lands, stocks and bonds, automobiles and real estate, but friendship, trust, confidence, empathy, mercy, love and faith.” (Bertrand Russell) While attempting to relieve their itch for truth the usual temptations for being a controller can impede the flow. Just as the atheist was made a ‘God’ by a Hindu, Mr Russell had a bigger chance at Godhood: “I was told that the Chinese said they would bury me by the Western Lake and build a memorial to my memory. I have some slight regret that this did not happen, as I might have become a God, which would have been very chic for an atheist.”

A long-awaited appearance on the devotional goods market has finally premiered in the form of Silver Tulasi Mala! Original and unique high-standard Tulasi-mala in a stylish and broad range of designs with first-class mala and silver, the creative off…

Tamohara das: The North American Executive Committee (NAEC) of the North American GBC and Temple Presidents Association is looking for a new Director of the Child Protection Office.Read More…

Param Dayal Nityananda das: Members of ISKCON understand that truth can be found in other teachings, but falsity is also found in many of them.Read More…

By Brajahari das In this article, I compare the origin of universe as described in the Srimad Bhagavatam (SB) and the Big Bang (BB) theory . 1. The initial state According to SB, the initial state of matter immediately previous to its manifestation i…

By Laxmimoni dasi If Srila Prabhupada visited you, Maybe just for a day or two, And came by unexpectedly, I wonder what you’d do. Oh, I know you’d give your nicest room, To such an honored guest, And all the food you’d offer, Would be the very best. …

By Chaitanya Charan das

Death can seem cruel when it takes away a dear one. The Bhagavad-gita may seem to add to the bewilderment when it asserts (10.34) that the death which steals away everything is a manifestation of Krishna. Why would Krishna, who is the well wisher of everyone, want to steal anything from anyone? The Gita prepares us for this discomforting assertion by first broadening our philosophical perspective of life. Many people see life as having only one dimension: the material. Within this unidimensional materialist perspective of life, death seems to be the ultimate disaster: the total irrevocable termination of our identity and destiny. Gita wisdom expands our horizons by informing us that our existence is two-dimensional: material and spiritual. We are spiritual souls residing temporarily in material bodies. In fact, Gita wisdom goes further to inform us that our real life is only spiritual: a life of eternal love and joy in relationship with Krishna. We actually have nothing to do with the material sphere where we presently reside. When contrasted with our ecstatic eternal life in the spiritual realm, the material sphere is seen as a mere distraction – and a miserable distraction at that. Gita wisdom exhorts us to enthrone the ambition of returning back to Krishna in the spiritual realm as the supreme goal of our life.

Mayapuresvari: A long-awaited appearance on the devotional goods market has finally premiered in the form of Silver Tulasi Mala!Read More…

By Mukunda Goswami The swami arrived in Los Angeles the day before the show and spent the afternoon recuperating from the flight in his apartment on Saturn Street. The following night, we headed down to the studios for our first television appearance. …

By Seva Devi Dasi Devotees are not ordinary booksellers; their bookselling is transcendental. It is sankirtana, the glorification of Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Sankirtana can be executed very easily, without great endeavor or expense. O…

By Mike Mallory

Bhaktimarga Swami sat calmly Monday morning as he rested in the grass of Joliet’s West Park with a water bottle at his side. Known as the “Walking Monk,” Swami covers about 20 miles a day with only a pair of sandals separating his feet from the ground. He’s in the middle of the second leg of his journey from New York City to San Francisco. “I started walking in Joliet today,” Swami said. “I found out the Illinois & Michigan Canal State Trail is here. That’s a piece of paradise. You see a heron every few minutes.” Swami hopes to promote a “greener,” healthier lifestyle in America – one that emphasizes strong morals and ethics. Through outreach efforts along his path, he spreads his message. “My purpose is to make the statement that we need to simplify life,” Swami said. “In many ways this walk reaffirms what we should be doing. Our bodies were made for walking. The question is, are we doing enough of it?” He began this portion of the trip in May in Pennsylvania and plans to finish in early August in Nebraska. Next year, he will make his way to California.