Author Archives: Dandavats

By Zayani Bhatt

As a part of Incorporation Day celebrations, the Manor hosted esteemed members of various religious organisations for a discussion about devotion (bhakti) in Vaishnavism and Christianity. On Thursday 14th July, individuals from BAPS Swaminarayan, the Interfaith Network UK, the Board of Deputies of British Jews, and various churches from around the region, gathered at Srila Prabhupada theatre to hear guest speakers Rev Kumar Rajagopalan, from the London Baptist Association and Saunaka Rsi Das from the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies. The event was co-chaired by the Bishop of Bedford, Richard Atkinson and Nitin Palan of Hindu Matters in Britain. Reverend Kumar spoke in depth about his journey into Christianity from a devoid Hindu background. He elaborated on the life experiences that led to his identification with the church and Jesus Christ. Reverent Kumar also shared the lessons he had learned from the Bible and the manner in which his devotion to God had progressed from a simple “transactional” relationship, in which he prayed for certain material benedictions and God delivered them, to a desire to abandon himself to God and be “consumed” by God.

By Romapada Das

Major newspapers and TV channels across four continents covered the 50th anniversary of ISKCON’s incorporation on 13th July with positive stories that reached out to millions of people around the world. The BBC UK, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the Chicago Tribune, the Times of India and India’s government-owned DD National TV gave extensive coverage to the history of ISKCON, the achievements of Srila Prabhupada and local events happening in their area. BBC London broadcast a two-minute clip about the 50th anniversary on a prime-time news slot. Titled ‘Hare Krishna celebrates 50 years in London’, the news story covered devotees handing out 5000 cupcakes, showed harinama processions on Oxford Street, and featured interviews with devotees who live professional lives while practicing bhakti-yoga at home. It concluded with positive comments from several passers-by.

By Madhavananda Das Many devotees ask how we are to understand the Ulta, or Bahuda – return Ratha-yatra in Jagannath Puri? If (as Gaudiya Vaishnavas state) we consider the Gundica-yatra, or Ratha-yatra to respresent the ecstatic emotions of the residen…

By Mukunda-anghri das The ISKCON/TAIWAN yatra celebrated the 50years of the establishment of ISKCON by holding a grand retreat at the resort in Daxi which is about 50km from the capital Taipei. Devotees from all over Taiwan and visiting devotees from H…

Brajsunder das: This issue covers the captivating story of King Vena and the birth of Maharaja Prithu. Read More…

By Zayani Bhatt

“Srila Prabhupada’s incorporation of ISKCON was more than just a gesture of creating a non-profit, it was an act of defiance, a stake in the ground against the atheists to say that this is Krishna Consciousness and it is here to change the world.” – Yogeshwara Das On the 13th of July 1966, 50 years ago, Srila Prabhupada received the certificate stating that ISKCON was officially incorporated. After having braved the tumultuous sea for thirty-five days, and two heart attacks aboard the Jaladutta, Prabhupada arrived in America with only $7 in his pocket and nowhere to stay. A year later, he had opened the first temple in a storefront on 2nd avenue New York and ISKCON was established. Devotees around the world gathered on Tuesday 13th July 2016 to mark the occasion and express their gratitude to Srila Prabhupada, for changing their lives.

By Visakha Devi Dasi What if the soul is the body’s source of life and consciousness, as the sun is the universe’s source of heat and light? What if life doesn’t come from a perishable, chance combination of material elements? As a photojournalist expl…

By Nrtya Kisori Dasi

The Phoenix is a cyclically regenerated bird: it obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor; sometimes decomposing leads to rebirth. TKG Academy may be one such example. Srila Prabhupada desired good education and training for ISKCON’s children. He thus established Gurukulas, beginning with the Dallas Gurukula in 1972. He gave instructions for the proper care of the children, their practices and the contents of their studies. Unfortunately, imperfections in the execution of those instructions by some immature followers, to say the least, led to the failure of the program and its closure. Many lives have been negatively affected. However, visionary leaders in our society rose from those “ashes”. Gurukula education isn’t all evil. Past mistakes should be used as learning experiences and ailments should be amended. Taking the essence of Srila Prabhupada’s instructions and applying them according to time, place and circumstances can lead to wonderful outcomes.

By the BBC Devotees of Hare Krishna have handed out cupcakes in London to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the International Society of Krishna Consciousness. More celebrations took place at the Radha-Krishna Temple in Soho, where the…

By ISKCON 50 Global Office The ISKCON 50 Global office launched the Inspiration Series videos on July 13th, the exact day that ISKCON was incorporated as a legal entity fifty years ago in 1966. The Inspiration Series is a set of over 16 short videos…

By Damodara Dasa ISKCON turns 50 today. And I would like to acknowledge that significant milestone by expressing my gratitude towards this “framework” established by Srila Prabhupada, without which, I and millions of others would not have had access to…

By Stoyan Zaimov The Russian church is appalled by this new law. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed into law last week a measure punishing any kind of religious evangelization outside of churches, which some observers have called one of the most r…

By Reena Singh

Turning fifty this year, the International Society for Krishna consciousness (Iskcon) started by the then 70-year-old Swami Prabhupada has lost none of its youthful vim and vigour. Swamiji made his way to the US from West Bengal to spread the message of Sri Krishna in the western world. He reached there in 1965 and a year later, established the first temple of Iskcon at New York. Soon after, he sent off three couples to the UK who, like wandering minstrels, would sing the Hare Krishna mantra, in their famous kirtana style.They were walking down Soho when they bumped into Beatles George Harrison and John Lennon. Harrison accosted them: “Hare Krishna, where have you been? I have been waiting to meet you.”

By Romapada Das

Over fifty years ago in September 1965, an elderly Indian monk stepped off the piers of New York harbour wearing orange Indian robes and sporting a dignified vaishnava tilak mark on his forehead. He was carrying just seven dollars, a few sets of clothes and two trunk-loads of books. The aristocratic looking monk was A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who had been sent by his spiritual master from India to preach the message of the Bhagavad-gita to the western world. In just ten short years, Srila Prabhupada, who came to America almost penniless, established a worldwide community of devotees practising India’s ancient science of bhakti-yoga, wrote 75 books, and established over 108 centres across five continents, that made ‘Hare Krishna’ a household name all over the globe.

By Prabhupad Dev Das Georgetown, Guyana: Wait is over. Dreams coming true and the multi storey Grand HARE KRISHNA STUDY CENTRE (HKSC) is finally opening amidst joy and happiness. Located at a prime location next to the University of Guyana, this Temple…

By Sri Krishna I know that Supreme Personality of Godhead who is transcendental to all material conceptions of darkness. Only he who knows Him can transcend the bonds of birth and death. There is no way for liberation other than this knowledge of that …

By Parama Rupa das

Petals of ISKCON’s Lotus was the theme of this year’s Memorial Day weekend retreat. The celebrations commemorated 50 years of ISKCON’s formation, recognizing and honoring some of ISKCON’s contributions to the world today and gearing up for the next 50 years of service, devotion, and joy. Several of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples and senior devotees—including HH Romapada Swami, HG Ravindra Svarupa Prabhu, HG Tamohara Prabhu, HG Krsnanandini Mataji, HG Vraja Lila Mataji, HG Lokadhyaksa Prabhu and HG Vidarbha-suta Mataji (on behalf of HG Vaisesika Prabhu)—shared their profound realizations on various topics, complemented by ecstatic kirtans by kirtan teams from New York and Chicago.

By Hari Narayana das Organizing such great festival was not easy because it needed great effort to make it successful. The committee of the festival had made preparations since six months back. Formerly they were supposed do the festival in one beach i…

By Srila Jiva Gosvami Though conceived of in various ways, ultimately the Absolute Truth is the Supreme Person who shares intimate loving exchanges with the best of His devotees. Here we present an excerpt from the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust edition of S…

By Leanne Davis

She said I was welcome any time, whether next week or in a year. She even encouraged me to bring friends. I’m sure those vehemently against religion (which seems to be increasingly the norm these days) will see this as a cunning ploy to reel me in. But I can quite honestly say that I would happily return and enjoy all that the temple and the devotees have to offer without feeling any pressure to become a devotee myself. In the past, I have heard the derisory term ‘Happy Clappers’ used to describe Hare Krishnas but I now see this as a rather ironic affront. They do clap and they are indeed very happy but not because of any drugs, brainwashing or cult-like behaviour. From what I witnessed, Hare Krishnas simply relish in the unity of being together, believing in something that to me seems inherently pure. Of all faiths, this seems like one of the most joyous. And with the world being the way it is today, who doesn’t need a little more joy in their lives?

By Samantha Turnbull

Fifty years ago, a 70-year-old monk travelled from India to the United States in the hope of starting a spiritual revolution. His name was Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and on July 13, 1966 he incorporated the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), formalising what is widely known as the Hare Krishna movement. ISKCON now runs 602 temples, 54 schools and 65 farming communities across the globe. This month, the New Govardhana Hare Krishna community at Eungella, near Murwillumbah in northern New South Wales, hosted about 1,000 visitors to mark the 50th anniversary of ISKCON. New Govardhana president Ajita Dasa said the milestone proved the Hare Krishnas belonged to a serious religious institution. “It means the establishment has gone through what most religious organisations have gone through,” he said. “We’ve had teething problems, we’ve dealt with it, and the fact ISKCON is still around helping people means it’s here to stay.” ISKCON belongs to the Vedic or Hindu culture with its philosophies based on the Sanskrit texts the Bhagavad-gita, Bhagavat Purana and Srimad Bhagavatam. Devotees practice bhakti yoga and worship Lord Krishna.

By ISKCON-London Communications Secretary

July is a very special month in our ISKCON 50th Anniversary Year. On 13th July, 50 years ago the International Society of Krishna Consciousness was established. ISKCON-London launched its 50th Anniversary celebrations in August last year, with a festival celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s departure from India to the West. Now, in this special month, ISKCON’s incorporation month, a number of wonderful events have been planned. What better way to kick-off the celebrations than with the chanting of the holy names? The events commenced with London Mellows kirtan weekend on 9th and 10th July. Kirtaneers from across the UK community came together to make a special offering of 24 hours of kirtan for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada. It was recorded live by Radha Krishna Records, ISKCON-London’s record label, and we will be producing a 50th Anniversary album which will be released later this year. On the actual incorporation day, 13th July, there will be an all-day festival at the Temple. This will be a glorious day of celebration and Their Lordships will be offered new outfits in honour of the occasion, there will be special themed classes, kirtan, maha harinama, and prasadam feast. ISKCON-London will join Bhaktivedanta Manor on a joint initiative themed “Day of Gratitude” to distribute 5000 cupcakes to commuters at key locations in central London.

By the Sastric Advisory Council

Members participating in the authorship of this paper: Drutakarma Dasa, Gopiparanadhana Dasa, Purnacandra Goswami, and Urmila Devi Dasi “The rules and regulation are that nobody should accept blindly any guru, and nobody should blindly accept any disciple. They must behave, one another, at least for one year so that the prospective disciple can also understand, ‘Whether I can accept this person as my guru.’ And the prospective guru also can understand, ‘Whether this person can become my disciple.’ This is the instruction by Sanatana Gosvami in his Hari-bhakti-vilasa.”

By Chandan Yatra Das Srila Sanatana Gosvami and Nawab Hussein Shah. Sanatana Gosvami was unable to leave at that time. But he lost all interest in serving the government. He sent a letter to Nawab saying that he was very sick. He stayed home studying …

By Vanamali Dasa Being a devotee of Krsna and a follower of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada brings with it certain responsibilities: rising early, bathing regularly, maintaining regulative principles (including abstinence from meat…

By Dvarakadhisa Devi Dasi Picturing King Rantideva transplanted in modern society, we can imagine that his family would surely be labeled “dysfunctional,” and that the king himself would be seen as seriously co-dependent. What sort of pleasure can one …

By Krishna Govinda Das

Recently Bhakti Charu Swami and Sri Radha Raman Das prabhu had a discussion on ‘Synergy between Spirituality & Finance and Commerce’ on 24th May 2016 at London, UK. The event was organised by Artha Forum and was kindly hosted at Mr. Anil Agarwal’s house, London.

By Romapada Das

Bhaktivedanta Manor, London has planned a packed week of events from 13th to 17th July to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ISKCON’s incorporation. The events start on the actual day of incorporation on 13th July with a ‘Day of Gratitude’ that will see 5000 cupcakes being distributed to commuters at key locations in central London to say ‘thank you’. This will be followed by a special ceremony of offerings to Srila Prabhupada in the form of poems and prayers, and an exquisite lunch for disciples of Srila Prabhupada. Ajay Kumar from Bhaktivedanta Manor, who was the brainchild for the 5000 cup-cake distribution programme says, “This is a simple act of Love through distribution of prasdam, and something that we have been doing right from the beginning of our movement. What more of a thank you can we say to London than giving them our birthday cake?” On 14th, January, a select interfaith programme will witness Christian representatives coming together with Vaishnava devotees to discuss the importance and relevance of devotion for the spiritual seeker. Later, Srila Prabhupada Gardens, a specially themed and landscaped section of Bhaktivedanta Manor will inaugurated on 16th July with an abhisheka ceremony of Srila Prabhupada.

By Iskcon staff Almost 49 years ago in 1967, the first Ratha yatra outside India was celebrated in the city of San Francisco by Srila Prabhupada’s Iskcon devotees. This Ratha Yatra survey, just published, of all the Ratha yatra celebrations held across…

By Mahatma das

Many times Srila Prabhupada said “Love and trust.” I think we need a lot more of this. Vengeance, envy, anger,and discord are often higher within religious groups than elsewhere (“We have enough religion to hate, but not enough to love”). We need to be careful about this in Iskcon. Recently I came across this quote. “Religious people often become self righteous, judgmental, resentful, condemning, etc. as they see more faults in man than other’s see. Psychologists have noted that piety can easily become an unhealthy form of neurosis rather than a healthy form of religion.” As devotees we are given standards to follow, standards which can backfire by becoming a criteria upon which we judge others. This will make us more judgmental , critical and sarcastic than before we joined Iskcon. Of course, if we are advancing properly we will become more introspective about our own need to improve. But the judgment of others often happens before the introspection kicks in.

By Kesava Krsna Dasa If a devotee were to ask, “Please bless me so that I’ll never take birth again in this horrible material world,” would this be asking for some kind of liberation? Hundreds of times, Srila Prabhupada encouraged us to “Go Back home,…

By Kasya das Krishna selected banyan tree, the example of nature, to make easier our understanding how material entanglement is intricate. Banyan has one unique feature – from its branches grow secondary roots, which in time grow down to the ground to …

By Bhurijana Dasa With the help of Krsna. who lives within everyone’s heart, all impediments to this pure consciousness will be overcome. If we are eager to hear about Krsna, well learn from the scriptures how to recognize His existence everywhere. Whi…

By Drutakarma Dasa King Prthu and Queen Arci ascended to the spiritual world, Vaikuntha, in spiritual airplanes. They ascended in spiritual bodies, their material bodies having been consumed by the fire of the funeral pyre. The sage Maitreya, narrating…

By Dvarakadhisa Devi Dasi PRAYER, OR vandanam, is the sixth of the nine processes of devotional service. An intensely personal process, it may also be the most universal, for prayers fill the traditions of religions and cultures of the world, creating …

By Pratik Mohapatra Ratha Jatra of Lord Jagannath being one of the largest religious festivals of India, is not just limited to its borders but also hugely celebrated outside India. Iconic cities like San Francisco, London, Los Angeles, Tokyo and even …

By Abhishek Joshi The process took 3-4 months including script writing and reviewing, soundtrack making, casting, promoting, rehearsing, organising, and many of the team members had sleepless nights just so that they could deliver an offering of real v…

By ISKCON 50 Global Office

ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary Committee has released an important resource for the year long celebrations of temples around the world: colourful and informative exhibition panels that showcase ISKCON’s achievements in the last 50 years and can be printed and displayed by temples locally. The ISKCON 50 Expo consists of 16 panels which measure 2.5 feet by 4 feet, and can be downloaded in print quality from the ISKCON 50 website. The panels describe the legacy of the Hare Krishna movement, Srila Prabhupada’s journey to America, the expansion and explosion of the Hare Krishna movement worldwide, and the multifarious achievements of ISKCON in areas such as book distribution, temples, prasadam distribution, festivals, farm communities, academia and community work.

By Dwaipayan De The lotus feet of Lord Nityananda are a shelter where one will get the soothing moonlight not only of one,but of millions of moons. If the world wants to have real peace, it should take shelter of Lord Nityananda.Unless one takes shelte…