Author Archives: Dandavats

ISV CHAD Team: We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to all our CHAD members who took up Kartik 2015 CHAD challenge. Now is the time to report your performance.

By Isvara Krishna Dasa The Bhagavad-gita is no doubt a major spiritual treatise and one of the world’s greatest classics. Understanding that a hierarchical concept of reality characterizes the Gita can help us see coherence of the Gita’s message. The …

By Satyaraja Dasa The seventeenth-century mathematician/philosopher Blaise Pascal formulated a pragmatic argument for justifying belief in God. Which is worth the risk of error, Pascal questioned, belief or non-belief? It is wise, he said, to “wager” o…

By Rasa Purusha Dasa At the junction of two ages, amidst two immense armies arrayed on the battlefield at Kurukshetra, Arjuna scans his foes and becomes confused. When Krishna expounds eternal dharma to enlighten him, Arjuna addresses Krishna as pavitr…

By Urmila devi dasi

Throughout most of the world, religious organizations have primary and secondary schools where students can gain knowledge and experience of their tradition in the context of academic learning. Whereas in some countries nearly all schools are religiously based, it is far more the norm in most nations for various religious denominations to have schools side by side with secular educational institutions. Some countries, such as New Zealand and the Netherlands, offer a wide range of support, including financial, to religious schools. In most nations with secular governments, however, a religious school is a private enterprise that exists primarily due to the dedication of staff and parents.

By radhanathswami.com

With the bright lights from the London skyline seeping into the ninth floor room at EY, one of the “big four” international professional services firms, Radhanath Swami gave spoke at their Diwali cultural showcase, “Life Beyond Borders”. As is tradition, he began with the chanting of ancient mantras, which created a mood of serenity. Regardless of background, when the Swami folds his hands, and bursts the pin-drop silence with his elongated “Aum,” you sense that something special is about to happen. Yeohan Kim, an actor with MTV, thought the same: “I heard about the Swami and his incredible story through Russell Brand and he didn’t disappoint. His words were refreshing and were like nuggets of wisdom.”

By Mahatma Das

What follows are the main principles I teach in my marriage workshop entitled Sacred Union, The laws of relationship. Following these principles can help a bad marriage become good, a good marriage become better, and turn around a marriage that seems doomed to fail. I, and many others, have found these principles extremely valuable in creating a good marriage. Please put these principles into practice in your marriage and share them with as many people as possible. These principles are common sense, yet both profound and extremely effective, and they can be successfully used by anyone.

Gunacuda Dasi: We have an immediate vacancy for a suitably qualified teacher for our lovely class of eighteen 9 and 10 year old students.

By Madhava Smullen

“My parents had eight kids, so we didn’t really go out to eat – my mother just cooked constantly to feed us all,” she says. “So being around it all the time, I started cooking myself when I was a little kid. I baked my first brownies at the age of seven.” But with all that good old-fashioned home cooking, Dharmakala never tasted anything quite like the Sunday Feast at the Hare Krishna temple in Ocean City, Maryland, in 1972 – “It was totally out of this world,” she says. And it was this that would lead to her cooking for Lord Krishna, and becoming synonymous with New Vrindaban’s celebrated history of prasadam baking.

By Devaprastha das

Govinda’s is home to a vegetarian cafe, and is the local ISKCON Temple. The presiding Deities are Sri Sri Pancha Tattva. The devotees are well known and liked in the area, and have been in this location for the last 15 years, led by Tarakanath prabhu. The community of devotees is a wonderful, selfless community, and, as well as being generous of heart, also have a great sense of humour and compassion. There are regular well attended programs, Harinamas, prasadam and book distribution going on. It is heartbreaking to think that such a wonderful group of individuals, who give so much, have been prey to such a heartless, selfish and violent act.

By Krishna-kripa das

One day Bhaktimarga Swami and some followers and devotees on the New York City Harinam team chanted from Union Square Park to Tompkins Square Park. There we chanted around the famous Hare Krishna tree. Bhaktimarga Swami and those who walked with him, even part of the way, from Boston to Butler, Pennsylvania, and then finally to Manhattan, shared realizations, and Abhiram Prabhu and I told stories about the supernatural events that take place at the Hare Krishna tree.

By Chandan Yatra Das

The Srimad-Bhagavatam mentions that Lord Balarama visited Kanyakumari in the course of His pilgrimage. Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu also visited Kanyakumari during His South India tour. In the year 1510, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu came to Kanyakumari. In Vrindavana, in the forest of Bhandiravan, there is a murti of Sridama. When Krishna and Balarama were leaving Vrindavana, Krishna told Sridama that He will be back in few days and Sridama said that he will wait. Under a banyan tree, in the forest of Bhandiravan, Sridama waited for Sri Krishna and for 4500 years he waited. During His visit to Vrindavana Lord Caitanya came to Bhandiravan and He cried out with tears of separation, “Sridama, Sridama… I have come. You have been waiting for so long, I have come, I have come.” Lord Caitanya in the mood of Krishna embraced the deity of Sridama.

By Giriraj Swami If we are at all aware of how dependent we are on God—for the food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breathe, and our very ability to eat and drink and breathe, to think and feel and do everything else we do—we will feel grateful …

By Kumari Kunti Dasi

November 2015 will be a month remembered in worry and fear for Muslims all over Europe, after the Paris attacks, yet again marked the tensions their religious community faces in Europe and the rest of the world. Just a week before the attacks, from Oct. 26 – Nov 2nd, youth from all over Europe were building a network of peace and connection at the Religions for Peace Interfaith Youth Conference, in San Gandolfo Italy. The outcome of the event was simple and hopeful – friendships and knowledge can break any barriers. ISKCON-London was one of six other religious partners, sending five youth and one facilitator to the training conference entitled “Empowering Youth in Interfaith and Multicultural Peace Action” at the Focolare’s Mariopolis Centre in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.

By Dwaipayan De Hence, although the situation seems to be very gloomy in this dark age of quarrel and hypocrisy, and people in general are ignorant and averse to spirituality, still there is a ray of hope in the form of chanting of the holy names of th…

By Jay Cheshes

Alfred Ford might have been any old corporate road warrior, in his pressed khakis and soft traveling shoes. He had come up from Calcutta, a three-hour drive along dusty roads clogged with mule-drawn carts, arriving in Mayapur, West Bengal, to look in on a big building project rising near a bend in the Ganges River. In his VIP suite, across from the site, he slipped into a loose-fitting kurta and wraparound dhoti, a strand of beads creeping out from under his Indian shirt. A murmur of song began to rise in the distance. He caught the tune, barely moving his lips. “Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare.” For 40 years Ford has been repeating the mantra just as his guru instructed, 1,728 times daily, counting off under his breath while fingering beads tucked in a cloth bag around his neck.

By Nimai Lila das

Over the past few years, Govardhan Eco Village(GEV) has been making steady attempts to generate positive change waves on the social and environmental front through its multifarious programs and projects. GEV is frequently visited to witness a working model of spiritual ecology demonstrated with its efforts in areas like Organic Farming, Cow Care, Green building, Community living, Integrated waste management, Alternative Energy generation, Education, Rain water conservation, Floriculture and biodiversity projects. Today GEV is an acclaimed ecovillage showcasing a Symbiotic Development Model, wherein it utilizes natures intelligent design where in every system works in harmony with another.

Alicia: Available positions include server and line cook. Server duties include register, light food prep, stocking goods, and maintaining cleanliness.

Prabhupada Prana Das: ISKCON SCOTLAND @ KARUNA BHAVAN are currently looking for volunteers to reside and be trained as brahmacaris (celibate monks).

By Sri Nandanandana dasa These days fewer people are interested in taking up anything that they cannot immediately apply to their lives. The common question is: “What is this going to do for me?” Or “What am I going to get out of this?” So if we canno…

By Vijaya Dasa

Two countries increased the most in October: Sri Lanka and Kazakhstan. Sri Lanka increased by 999%, with 4,111 book points. We haven’t seen a lot of book distribution there, but from now on we’ll probably see more. Just as in Sri Lanka, Ravana was defeated by Lord Ramacandra, similarly, maya will be overcome by Krsna in the form of books whenever people receive and read them. Kazakhstan also increased by 999%, with 3,964 book points. Despite all the difficulties these devotees have faced, they continued distributing books, and Krsna has rewarded them. All glories to their determination! Srila Prabhupada said, “If our books are distributed nationwide, that is the success of our movement.” (Letter dated 14 September 1974)

By radhanathswami.com

This year being the 500th anniversary of Sri Chaitanya’s visit to Vrindavan, Radhanath Swami extensively spoke on the life and teachings of Sri Chaitanya from His biographies, Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita and Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat. The talk was translated into eight languages. Following in the tradition of Sri Chaitanya, who emphasized sankirtan – the congregational chanting of the holy names of Sri Krishna, every evening after the talk devotees from many nations held hands and danced in kirtan. Devotees from United States and China, from Russia and Ukraine, from Iran and Saudia Arabia called out the holy names in one voice, for the wellbeing of the entire world. The devotional celebrations ended every night with each devotee offering a lamp to Sri Krishna, with heart-felt devotion.

By Padmapani das

As we entered the Pacific Coliseum, Mahesh Prabhu and I headed for the floor, our saffron bags filled with books, magazines and incense. The crowd was obviously excited as we gradually walked to the front of the stage distributing our spiritual goods along the way. “Hare Krishna” people shouted. Many of George’s fans knew that he had an affinity towards our movement, so they were very friendly and supportive. When the concert began, George appeared on stage wearing a number of badges with spiritual pictures and “om” signs. His neck was adorned with tulasi beads. Mahesh Prabhu pulled out a large hardbound edition of Srila Prabhupada’s Krishna Book, which had been published with the help of a kind donation by George Harrison himself. When Mahesh got to the front row, he held the Krishna Book high in the air so that George could possibly see it from the stage. As he made his way towards Mahesh, George in fact noticed Srila Prabhupada’s book. His eyes lit up and a large smile beamed across his face as he bowed his head in respect. Since Mahesh was a big fan of the Beatles before joining ISKCON, he was thrilled to have this simple transcendental exchange with one of his old heroes. What an auspicious start to George Harrison’s 1974 tour.

By Purushottam Nitai Dasa After the Mahabharat war ended, Krishna asked Arjuna to get down from the chariot first. But Arjuna requested Krishna to get down first. Krishna advised Arjuna to do what he is being asked to do. So Arjuna got down first and …

By the GBC

Attendees: Ramai Swami (RS) Gauranga Simha Dasa (GSD) Hari Lila Dasa (HLD) Kaunteya Dasa Romapada Swami (RPS) Ramanipati Dasa (RD) Ganga Dasa (GD) Pancaratna Dasa Japataka Swami (JPS) Krsna Nam Dasa (KND) Sankarshan Nitai Dasa (SND) Tapan Misra dasa Bhakti Purusottama Swami (BPS) Vaikuntha Nitai Dasa (VND) Bhakti Caru Swami (BCS) Gopijana Vallabha dasa (GVD) Gopal Krsna Goswami (GKG) Brajavilas dasa (BVD) Praghosa Dasa (PD) Sri Madhava Gauranga Dasa (MGD) Hrday Caitanya Dasa (HCD) Bhadra Caru Dasa (BCD) Kadamba Kanana Swami (KKS)

By Bhayahari das

ISKCON of DC: This week we discuss a number of essential practices of bhakti yoga, including the care of the sacred plant, Tulsi devi. Srila Prabhupada: I am very glad to learn that Srimati Tulasi-devi has favored you so much. If you actually grow this Tulasi plant, and I am sure you will do it, then you must know it for certain that your devotion for Krsna is testified. I was very much anxious to introduce this worship of Tulasi plant amongst our Society members, but it has not become successful till now, therefore, when I hear that you have got this opportunity, my pleasure does not have any bounds. Tulasi leaf is very, very dear to Visnu. All Visnu-tattva Deities require profusely Tulasi leaves. Lord Visnu likes garland of Tulasi leaves. Tulasi leaves mixed with sandalwood pulp and placed on the lotus feet of the Lord is the topmost worship.

By Sukanti Radha Dasi

Visit to Avanti School in Leicester, ISKCON London, ISKCON Leicester, Bhaktivedanta Manor and more! HG Jai Nitai Das and the devotees of ISKCON London gave the TOVP team a grand Vaishnava welcome! Huge fund raising event in the Manor. HG Praghosa Das and the TOVP UK team would like to congratulate TOVP facebook page for achieving a quarter of a million likes today! At every event HG Jananivas Prabhu makes an effort to talk to the devotees and enquire about their spiritual life and encourage them. He loves telling them about the glories of Mayapur. Many devotees made an effort to attend the fundraising events to receive the blessings in the holy month of Kartik. By just taking darshan of the Sitari and Paduka one can have their minds, heart and eyes purified.

By Niranjana Swami In the Fourth Canto of Srimad Bhagavatam Narada Muni states: “My dear King, in the place where pure devotees live, following the rules and regulations and thus purely conscious and engaged with great eagerness in hearing and chantin…

By Urmila Devi Dasi

It’s easy to imagine being blind. A simple close of the eyelids in a somewhat dark place or a walk through an unlit room at night, and we can empathize with those who cannot see. Making oneself temporarily deaf, however, is almost impossible. First of all, it’s hard to completely seal the entrance to the ears. Putting our hands over our ears or using earplugs blocks only a portion of the sound. Secondly, much sound is transmitted through the bones of our skull, bypassing the ear. A hearing person’s empathy with the deaf is, therefore, limited. My interest in the deaf world was perhaps different from that of most hearing people. The basis of bhaktiyoga as taught in the Hare Krishna movement is to hear and chant the Lord’s name and glories.

By Giriraj Swami Today is the disappearance day of Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maharaja, a great devotee–maha-bhagavata. He was a disciple of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and was very renounced. Earlier, he had lived for many years in Vrndavana, roami…

Dr.T.Sarada: This paper focuses on the contribution of Antal to the Tamil bhakti Literature.

By Rsiraja Das

In recent times, many attempts to bring science and religion together have been motivated from the impersonalist and voidist philosophical stances. Buddhism is a philosophy of voidism while Advaita Vedanta is a philosophy of impersonalism. On the face of it, there is tremendous synergy between science and these ideologies of formlessness because science too tries to describe the ultimate reality as a formless vacuum. In both cases, forms are emergent rather than fundamental properties of nature. However, once you acknowledge that ultimate reality is formless, it hardly matters whether you call it space-time, nothingness or oneness. These are more or less equivalent formulations of the same basic idea.

By Mahatma Das Imagine this scene. After millions of lifetimes you finally make it back to the spiritual world. As you approach the gates of Goloka you are asked to wait because Krsna wants to come and personally greet you. You are getting more excited…

By Tamohara dasa I have seen time and again how devotees who have undergone brahmacari training, and who later take up the reins of householder life, enter the workplace with skills far above those of the average man or woman. It is not that the skills…

By Bhurijana dasa The monkeys of Raman Reti can undoubtedly be cute. But are they wise? Mostly they use their amazing climbing skills to wander from tree to roof to balcony for the purpose of foraging for soft leaves, berries, or other eatables. When t…

By Sunanda das

The Sadaputa Digital Channel Facebook Page is an extension of the Youtube Channel to help further promote his work to the Vaishnava community and serious spiritual seekers. It features a weekly lecture post, videos and many of Sadaputa’s written articles, Monograms and other writings. The lectures of Sadaputa Dasa are currently being transcribed by a team of eight devotees with the aim of publishing these in several volumes along with matching CDs. A website is also underway which will give further opportunity to serious researchers to examine and learn from his works.

By Mayapur Sasi dasa

For the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada this report contains the following results of book distribution for the month of October 2015 from the whole planet. World Totals, Monthly Congregation and Weekend Warriors, Monthly Continents, Monthly Top Ten Temples by Size, Monthly Top Ten Temples by Continent, Monthly Top Teams and Individuals, Monthly All Countries, Monthly All Temples, Monthly All Prabhupada Disciples, Cumulative Top Ten Countries, Cumulative Top Ten Temples, Cumulative Top 50 Individuals Worldwide

By Manor staff

BTGs are now available for purchase. And each BTG has a welcome letter, a subscription form, and a envelope for the customer inside it. Additional subscriptions forms are also available without a purchase at the Reception desk to encourage the congregation and visitors to get all six issues a year sent to their homes. Along with the latest BTG, there is a special edition on display in the photo: The cover features Bhaktivendanta Manor’s 40th anniversary, and its Janmastami festival is featured in eighteen pages of photos. Previous issues will soon be on display. The display in the Reception area of the Manor appeared just in time for the January/February issue of BTG, which will contain a cover story, by Jaya Krishna Prabhu, about his thirty years of heading the Bhaktivedanta Players, along with Dvaraka-puri Prabhu.

By Sukanti Radha Dasi

Lord Nityananda’s Paduka and Lord Nrsingadev Sitari were warmly welcomed with their first Abishek in UK by the Bhakti Vriksha UK Group. The fundraising had a great start with Bhakti Vriksha pledging £150,000. It was so heartening to see Bhakti Vriksha devotees dedicate such high degree of service to exalted devotees from Mayapur and render their service with so much love in their hearts. It’s a sure sign on how gracefully Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON is growing. Devotees had the opportunity to offer flower petals to the Padukas and receive a blessing with Lord Nrsingadev helmet. The evening ended with an enlivening kirtan and sumptuous prasadam.