Planet ISKCON

By Nimai Pandit dasa

Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami
20th Anniversary of his departure
A brief life history

Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami appeared in this world on the 2nd of September 1929 in the village of Jagannatha-puri, in the Indian state of Orissa (Odisha). Both the paternal and maternal sides of his family had been very strict Vaisnavas for many, many centuries.

His father, Isvara Manik, was from a long line of Gaudiya Vaisnavas and his mother, Pata Devi, was from the famous village of Orissa Gadai Giri. The Giri family from Gadai Giri are the most famous Vaisnava kirtaniyas in Orissa. In fact they have a special invitation from the King of Puri to sing in the Puri temple for Lord Jagannatha whenever they can and this invitation dates back to the 17th century. Where ever they go to do kirtana, people do arati to them, they are kirtana -gurus. That invitation still holds to this day and is written in the history book of the temple of Lord Jagannatha – the Madala-panji.

The main occupation of the Giri family is deity worship and hari-kirtana. Having performed auspicious ceremonies (samskaras) according to the Vedic tradition, his parents begot their first son, whom they named Brajabandhu [later to become known as Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Maharaja].

From his birth, Brajabandhu’s home life revolved around the service of the Supreme Lord, with both his parents and all of their relatives constantly engaged in service to the family deities. Brajabandhu’s family deity was the famous Gopal Jui.

Pata Devi was always quiet and absorbed in serving her husband and children and every Saturday she would fast as an offering for their wellbeing. Each morning, she would worship Lord Jagannatha and recite from the Puranas and Bhagavad-gita. Every evening she chanted hare krsna and performed tulasi-parikrama with her husband and her son Brajabandhu. After parikrama, she would recite from the Srimad Bhagavatam. She was so compassionate that any beggar or sadhu who came to her house never went away empty handed

Brajabandhu was trained to chant Hare Krsna from the early age of two years by his exalted Vaisnava grandfather – Bauri Bandhu Giri. Bauri Bandhu Giri was a great Vaisnava and a great kirtaniya, who also had a mystic siddhi: if anyone was sick, in the village, he would touch them and chant the name of the family deity Gopal and that person would be cured.
Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami began study of the Srimad-Bhagavatam with his Vaisnava father at the age of 6 to the age of 11. He began the study of the Sri Caitanya-caritamrta from the age of 12 to 16 years with his uncles the great kirtaniyas from the village of Gadai-Giri.

Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Maharaja said that he could remember from when he was very young that his grandfather, father and all his uncles had a sikha, would put on Vaisnava tilak after bathing and wore kanthi-mala. They were all Vaisnavas and they were always chanting Hare Krsna. The first memory he had as a child was his uncles singing the songs of Srila Narottama dasa Thakura.

In this way, from the very beginning of his life, he was absorbed in chanting Hare Krsna, studying Vaishnava literature and worshipping his beloved Gopal. His natural inclination to the Lord indicated his future devotional life, just as the morning shows the day.

When he finished High School he was already proficient in Sanskrit and he began studying the 4 Vedas, 108 Upanisads and the 18 Puranas. This was all done in his spare time after working as a schoolteacher.

When he finally left married life, at the age of 44, on Rama Navami 1974, he gave himself a new name: Gour Gopalananda dasa. He travelled the length and breadth of India, searching for that sadhu who could give him sannyasa so as he could begin preaching the mission of Mahaprabhu a dream that he had cherished since the age of nine.

Carrying only a Bhagavad-gita, begging bowl and a stick, he wandered around India for many months, visiting many sacred places along the river Ganges. After many philosophical debates with mayavadi sannyasis and yogis in the Himalayas, he proceeded on foot to Vrindavana, the sacred lila-bhumi of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna, thinking that in Krsna’s dear abode his desire would be fulfilled.

Gour Gopalananda finally entered Vrndavana in the last part of 1974; he would visit different asramas, spending a day here, a night there. He would just observe what was going on in the different asramas and then he would move on. Then one day as he was passing through the Raman Reti area, in front of a large compound he saw a large sign that said:

“International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Founder Acarya:
His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada”.

When Gour Gopalananda saw this he thought “What is this? An International society? Let me go and see what it is!”. The temple was not built yet, it was just at the beginning stages, only the foundation was laid, and there were a few thatched cottages in which some devotees lived, and among then were a few westerners. The only pukka house was the one where Srila Prabhupada lived.

Gour Gopalananda dasa and His Divine Grace Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada met in the sacred land of Sri Vrndavana Dhama, at midday, 15 September 1974. Within six months Srila Prabhupada awarded first, second and sannyasa initiation to his new disciple, Gour Govinda Swami. Then he sent him off to spearhead the preaching in Orissa.

The Three Sevas
Srila Prabhupada entrusted Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami with three important sevas (services):

1. To stay in Orissa and build a temple like the famous Temple of Jagannatha in Puri, as Orissa is a very important place in Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s lila.
2. To translate Srila Prabhupada’s books from English into Oriya.
3. To accept disciples and train them in Krsna consciousness.

Upon receiving these instructions from his spiritual master, Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami immediately returned to Orissa and started working earnestly on plans for what would become the famous Sri Sri Krsna-Balarama Temple in Bhubaneswar. Srila Prabhupada famously predicted, “This temple will be one of the best ISKCON temples in the world. This place will be the heart of the city.” Gour Govinda Swami also embraced the seva of translating Srila Prabhupada’s books into Oriya as a sacred duty, which he continued every day without fail for the rest of his life.
Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami immediately began to execute the first two instructions given by his spiritual master. The third and final instruction he received from Srila Prabhupada was to prove more difficult to carry out. After many years, he very hesitantly took on the role of being a spiritual master himself, as he understood the position of guru was a very heavy responsibility.

Lord Jagannatha Is in Bhubaneswar
Srila Prabhupada had accepted many Western disciples and taught them the glories of Purusottama-ksetra, Jagannatha Puri Dhama, where Mahaprabhu performed many pastimes in the eighteen years He resided there. However, when Srila Prabhupada’s disciples went to visit Jagannatha Puri they were refused entrance to the famous Temple of Lord Jagannatha because they were considered foreigners and not Hindus. Srila Prabhupada said “I will build a temple in Bhubaneswar like the Temple of Jagannatha in Puri, because my western disciples are not allowed there. Lord Jagannatha will come and stay in Bhubaneswar, so all my disciples can go there and have His darsana.” Srila Prabhupada, who had been donated land in Bhubaneswar, instructed Gour Govinda Swami to stay on the land and build that temple. He entrusted to Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami the mission of establishing ISKCON in Orissa, the most important place of Mahaprabhu’s pastimes, telling him, “Gour Govind, you will take me to Orissa.”

Under Extreme Conditions
Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami went to Orissa and stayed on the ISKCON land (near the Nayapalli village) in Bhubaneswar under the most extreme and austere circumstances. There were no facilities at all on the land: no shelter, no building, no running water, no toilet, no electricity, no telephone, nothing! To take bath one would have to go to a far off paddock where there was a pump and take a bath from that pump. The only light available for reading and writing in the early hours of the morning and late in the evening came from a castor oil lamp. Wild bears, tigers and elephants would wander the area, which was also frequented by dacoits (thieves).
On Ekadasi, Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Maharaja would fast and chant the whole Bhagavad-gita and on other days he would recite one chapter of Bhagavad-gita. He would often walk up to twenty kilometres a day to collect donations to build the temple, print literature and to buy foodstuffs to prepare and offer to the Lord.

Seventeen Days
Srila Prabhupada visited Bhubaneswar in 1977 and stayed for seventeen days on the ISKCON property in the mud hut, which had been constructed for him by Gour Govinda Swami. On 2nd February 1977, the auspicious appearance day of Lord Nityananda, Srila Prabhupada laid the foundation stone of the Sri Sri Krsna-Balarama Mandir. This Temple in Bhubaneswar was to be Srila Prabhupada’s last founded project (108th).

Instruction Fulfilled
After sixteen years of determined endeavour, and with practically no outside help, (in one of the poorest regions of India), SríSrimad Gour Govinda Swami fulfilled the instruction of his most beloved spiritual master when the magnificent Sri Sri Krsna-Balarama Mandir was inaugurated in Bhubaneswar in 1991. Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadradevícame of their own accord, as Srila Prabhupada prophesied, and this Temple now attracts tens of thousands of people to Krsna consciousness.

Travelling the World
Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami spent many years travelling the world preaching Krsna consciousness. His travels took him to Europe, U.S.A., South America, Canada, Africa, Mauritius, Australia, Asia – Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Bali; the Caribbean – Guyana, Suriname, Trinidad and he preached vigorously throughout the Indian subcontinent, especially in the state of Orissa, where he most notably constructed the glorious Temples of Sri Sri Krsna-Balarama, Sri Sri Radha-Gopinatha and Sri Sri Radha-Gopal Jiu.

Spellbound
Wherever he went Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami would leave his audience spellbound by his dynamic presentation of the philosophy of Krsna consciousness. He would often speak for up to four hours at a time on topics about Krsna, leaving his audience enchanted and always eager to hear more. On occasions he would speak on a single verse of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, both morning and evening for seven days. There was no question put to him that he could not answer, and hearing from Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami on a regular basis would melt even the hardest heart, convincing one to seriously take to the path of bhakti-yoga.
Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami was an expert in his understanding of the sastras and from the depth of his conviction, he was able to dispel the doubts [sarva-samsaya-samchetta] of those who came to him for spiritual guidance. He would place great importance on chanting: encouraging and inspiring everyone to chant the holy names of Krsna without offence, to chant the pure name and thereby achieve the goal of life; to get Krsna and develop krsna-prema in this very life.

SriKsetra
Jagannatha Puri – Bhubaneswar Dhama
One of the most important aspects of Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja’s preaching was to reveal the innermost secrets of Puri-Bhubaneswar Dhama, of Lord Jagannatha, and to explain the reason why SríCaitanya Mahaprabhu stayed in Jagannatha Puri. He gave the most subtle and clear understanding of the Lord’s pastimes in Jagannatha Puri and why Bhubaneswar is so important to the Gaudiya Vaisnava community.

In Mayapur, at the Gaura-Purnima 1996 Festival, devotees were coming for darsan of Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami in his guest house room every evening. Two devotees requested an appointment to meet with him to ask some questions. They wanted to know why Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu stayed in Sri Jagannatha Puri. Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami explained the confidential significance of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s pastimes in Puri. He described the viraha, the pain of separation Srimati Radharani feels when Krsna is away from Vrindavan, gradually unfolding the pastime to where finally Srimati Radharani and Krsna are united after Their long separation – eye to eye union.
Unable to continue, he folded his hands and in a barely audible voice said, “Please forgive me, I cannot speak more.” Then he gave his final instruction: “Nama koro! Nama Koro!” The devotees began to chant as he lay back on his bed. Upon request a servant placed a picture of Sri Gopaljiu in his hand. Gazing at Sri Gopal he called out, “Gopal!” Then he closed his eyes and departed from this world.
Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami was brought to the Sri Sri Krsna Balaram Mandir in Bhubaneswar where he was placed in samadhi in the small mud hut that had served as his bhajan-kutir for many years.
While astrologers predicted that he would live up to the age of ninety and deliver many conditioned souls, Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami left this world, twenty years ago, by his own volition, while speaking krsna-kathäon February 9th 1996, in SríMayapura Dhama, on the holy appearance day of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada.
Compiled by Nimai Pandit dasa.
www.tvpbooks.com

Jayapataka Swami Official Health Update 26/02/16 (8:50 Mayapur time)
Jayapataka Swami is now out of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the specialist hospital in Delhi. He was transferred to a private room within the same hospital and is responding quite well to the treatment. The doctors are reporting his progress as promising.
Jayapataka Swami has been receiving get-well-soon video messages and he is happy to receive good reports about the developments in Mayapur with the gathering of over ISKCON 1200 leaders before the Gaura Purnima festival.
As we all know he is very keen on being able to recover as soon as possible so he can attend the celebrations in Mayapur. He has requested to participate the GBC meetings via teleconference and arrangements have been made for that to happen.
Although these are all good signs, we still are concerned that there is a relapse, thus, we kindly request all Jayapataka Swami’s disciples and well-wishers to, at this time, please maintain your sincere prayers for Lord Nrisimhadeva and Srila Prabhupada to kindly protect HH Jayapataka Swami so he is able to recover rapidly.
Your servants, Jayapataka Swami’s Health Team

Lost in the crowd.
We arrived at Kolkata airport and while waiting for our luggage meet another pilgrim heading to Mayapur, the sacred center of bhakti yoga in West Bengal. Her name is Krishna Mala, and she is from Istanbul. There in no temple there, but she has a small yoga studio where she teaches yoga, healing arts and Krishna consciousness.
The next morning, I attend mangal arati, the 4.30am kirtan, and worship service at the Temple. I am not alone. There are at least 5,000 other pilgrims in the huge kirtan hall and I am feeling the pinch. Being used to small crowds so early in the morning at DC–5 to 10 people at our kirtan–I have some trouble adjusting. I move to the edge and observe. I’m feeling lost in the crowd and back away.
And then I see her, Krishna Mala from Istanbul, right in the center of the crowd. She is beaming, completely relishing the company of thousands, and the energy of the huge chorus of voices chanting the maha-mantra. She is totally lost in the crowd, lost in the moment, and experiencing great joy. She moves in closer. She rarely is allowed to have loud kirtan in Istanbul, and never is it with 5000 others!
That small vision snaps me out of my petty selfishness and I begin to feel gratitude. How much I take for granted my place in the world, where I can freely and publicly be a devotee of Krishna. In Istanbul and other places one has to be careful. Bhakti-related spiritual practices are more hidden, more guarded. But here in Mayapur, it’s everywhere, it’s open, and it’s exhilarating.
I’m still not a huge crowd person. I still stand at the edge but that doesn’t matter anymore. The crowds are just what Krishna Mala needs. And I need them too.
By Ananda Dasi (Community President of Iskcon Washington)

By HariKirtan Das

There are around six lakhs or more villages in India stretching north, east, west and south. Though certain features like muddy roads, thorny bushes, open drains, narrow roads, etc. are common features in all villages but distinctly the culture, topography, food, lifestyle, occupations, etc. still vary distinctly from place to place all over India.

After preaching in the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh since the last few months, preaching in Khargone District villages of Madhya Pradesh was a very novel experience. The preaching was organized by Shamik Rsi prabhu, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada who held many devotional responsible positions.
in the USA Yatra and who is also a renowned doctor practicing his profession from the last 45 years. Khargon happens to be his native place.

The 9 days Yatra was blessed with the presence of HH Bhakti Raghava Swami, ISKCON Guru and Minister for ISKCON Daiva Varnasrama Ministry in India (promoting rural development) and HG Bala Krishna prabhu, a very senior Srila Prabhupada disciple, an active preacher and a farmer in Saranagati Village in Western Canada. Three devotees from Indonesia were part of the Yatra headed by HG Kisora Krishna prabhu a prominent leader in Indonesia preaching yatra. His sweet kirtans attracted the attention of all villagers. Also on hand was Kinkini prabhu and Bhakta Ashok.

One very pleasing thing seen in these villages is that people still keep desi cows and use bulls for agriculture. In comparison, sadly in the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana buffalos have largely replaced the cows and even the poorest farmer resorts to the use of tractors and other machinery
instead of using bulls. Everywhere in the villages we had darshan of the beautiful local cows. We were even blessed to get cow’s milk to drink in almost all villages we visited. Amazingly, there is a bullock cart for almost every house. The design of the cart is unique, made with the combination of wood and metal, seemed like even a child could easily handle the cart. The bullock carts are widely used for all purposes even as schools cart to drop and pick up students from schools.

The villagers are fortunate to have many rivers that are tributaries of the sacred river Narmada. But due to improper planning there is a lot of wastage of water thus there is a shortage of water for agriculture. Cultivating mono crops has become a practice all over India after the “green revolution”
program. There are mainly crops of wheat, corn, cotton and chilies seen in all villages.

The women, especially the married and older ones, still follow the custom of covering their head with a veil. They are shy and humble in demeanor and display natural awe and reverence for sadhus. But these old traditions seem to be watering down as the young girls move around in trousers and t-shirts are becoming common and acceptable. The modern education system is particularly designed to destroy these finer traditions and sentiments. Thus Srila Prabhupada referring to modern educational institutes as slaughterhouses is no exaggeration and it’s an irrefutable fact.

The natural interest to attend spiritual programs is also a remarkable feature in these villages. People in 100s very enthusiastically assembled for the satsanga programs. They attentively heard the discourses and enthusiastically participated in dancing along with kirtans.

Harinam in Bali, Indonesia (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Krishna said “You chant! You Remember Me; at the same time, fight.” He did not say, “Simply fight” or “Simply chant.” Because in the material world that is not possible. Therefore we must chant and at the side time we have to work to continue this movement. The movement requires a lot of energy. (Lecture on Bhagavat-Gita, 16.4 Hawaii)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/krEbpd

February 26. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Mr. A.P. Dharwadkar of the Universal Book House replied:
I cannot give you very happy news on the progress of the sale of Srimad-Bhagavatam, because the subject is religious and only a small section of society may personally be interested in the books … We try to push them through some book sellers in Nagpur Ahmedabad, Pune, etc., but regret to inform you that after some time these booksellers return the books for want of response. As such, we are not only unenthusiastic to agree to your proposal of taking up sales for all India, but we were just thinking of requesting you to nominate some other people in our place to represent your sale program in Maharashtra.
So far, they had sold only six sets of books, for which they were about to transfer Rs 172 to his account. This was hardly encouraging to the author. Again, India was not interested. Even in “the land of religion,” religious subjects were only for “a small section of society.”
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=5

Discouragement In Selling Books in India

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Radha Kunda is one of the places that has retained an ambiance of antiquity despite all the development and construction around Vrindavan.To convey that special mood I used different filters on my camera lens to capture the mood of “old Vrindavan” at Radha Kunda.

Gita verse-by-verse study Podcast

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Almonds are a great healthy addition to any diet. They contain monounsaturated fats, which are great for all kinds of things.

It is, however, essential that you soak almonds for at least 8 hours before eating them. See this chart of soaking times for all kinds of nuts and beans.

Nuts like almonds are naturally coated with enzyme inhibitors, which prevent the almonds sprouting and turning into almond trees until they get really wet. The almond is designed to only sprout when it is in the possible position to grow. Wet ground is such a position and the enzyme inhibitors delay the sprouting until they are washed off by the water in soaking wet ground. Crafty humans can wash off the enzyme inhibitors by simulate soaking wet ground and placing the almonds in a bowl of water.

Enzyme inhibitors also prevent the enzymes in the human digestion system from working. So, eating unsoaked almonds is really bad for digestion. At best you get lots of gas, at worst you get abdominal pains.

Soaking the almonds for 8 hours and throwing out the soaking water removes the enzyme inhibitors and makes the almonds safe to eat.

So, definitely soak your almonds.

After soaking you might wonder whether or not to peel off the almond skin. The answer is: no, don't peel the skin off.

The skin interacts with the vitamins in the almond and reduces bad (LDL) cholesterol, thereby reducing your risk of heart attack. see this journal article on the topic.

The almond skin also acts as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in the gut, and thereby helping digestion.

(picture credit)

 

 

Almonds are a great healthy addition to any diet. They contain monounsaturated fats, which are great for all kinds of things.

It is, however, essential that you soak almonds for at least 8 hours before eating them. See this chart of soaking times for all kinds of nuts and beans.

Nuts like almonds are naturally coated with enzyme inhibitors, which prevent the almonds sprouting and turning into almond trees until they get really wet. The almond is designed to only sprout when it is in the possible position to grow. Wet ground is such a position and the enzyme inhibitors delay the sprouting until they are washed off by the water in soaking wet ground. Crafty humans can wash off the enzyme inhibitors by simulate soaking wet ground and placing the almonds in a bowl of water.

Enzyme inhibitors also prevent the enzymes in the human digestion system from working. So, eating unsoaked almonds is really bad for digestion. At best you get lots of gas, at worst you get abdominal pains.

Soaking the almonds for 8 hours and throwing out the soaking water removes the enzyme inhibitors and makes the almonds safe to eat.

So, definitely soak your almonds.

After soaking you might wonder whether or not to peel off the almond skin. The answer is: no, don't peel the skin off.

The skin interacts with the vitamins in the almond and reduces bad (LDL) cholesterol, thereby reducing your risk of heart attack. see this journal article on the topic.

The almond skin also acts as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in the gut, and thereby helping digestion.

(picture credit)

 

 

The 3-day sankirtan marathon for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada culminated with a total of 4810 books being distributed.The scores were offered this morning at the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple in Durban by HG Swarup Damodar Prabhu. Srila Prabhupada has been merciful towards us as the latest health update on Kadamba Kanana Swami is very positive.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the devotees around the world who participated. Read the following newsletter for all the details: KKS-Marathon-Newsletter

25^th February 2016, Mayapur, India

By Romapada Das

On the second day of the ISKCON Leadership Sanga, Praghosa Das, the GBC Chairman presented several quotes of how Srila Prabhupada’s appearance was predicted in many scriptures and spiritual masters. Titled, ‘The greatest story ever told’, his presentation pointed out the five steps Srila Prabhupada had taken to make his institution more effective:

1. Founding ISKCON

2. Accepting the honorific title ‘Prabhupada’

3. Establishing his role as the ‘Founder Acharya’

4. Creating the GBC

5. Setting up Mayapur as ISKCON’s world headquarters

Praghosa Das appealed to the delegates to become a part of the ISKCON 50-50 project which is an initiative to ask every ISKCON devotee to distribute 50 books in the year 2016.

“Our central challenge is to cooperate together to spread the Krishna consciousness movement,” he concluded.

Bhakticharu Swami delivered a talk on the importance of ISKCON as an institution that Prabhupada established to secure the movement for future generations. “Srila Prabhupada is not only the Founder Acharya of ISKCON, but also the Acharya for all devotees for all times,” he said. “Everyone in ISKCON has to serve as subservient servants of Prabhupada. That is why the institution he established is so important.”

Gopal Bhatta Das and Pancharatna Das made a presentation on a global exercise they were undertaking on consolidating the ISKCON brand. “We have created a brand with the accumulation of all the actions, words and interactions we have had all these years,” explained Gopal Bhatta Das. “We have had some positive branding and some challenging ones. But there is a lot of the world out there that does not know us.”

Gopala Bhatta Das explained that Prabhupada had been consistently thinking of branding ISKCON in many different ways. “While branding ISKCON, we should not forget the basic seven principles given by Prabhupada. They form our core branding element. For the global branding exercise, we will launch after we seek input from all of you today, we have to go back to our sources: the words of Prabhupada.”

After the plenary sessions, delegates rushed to attend the seminar sessions which were running in parallel in 12 different venues.

THINK 50! Act 50!

ISKCON Leadership Sanga in Mayapur 2016 (Album with photos)
Ramai Swami: This year’s ISKCON Leadership Sanga coincided with the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada incorporating ISKCON in New York.
Over 1200 devotees travelled to Sridham Mayapur to attend 8 days of seminars, kirtan and transcendental association.
On the first day everyone was welcomed by the GBC Chairman, Praghosa das, and Gopal Bhatta das, chair of the GBC Strategic Planning Team outlined the schedule of activities for the week.
Find them here: http://goo.gl/2IYshD

Devotees in Mayapur (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: If one renders even a small amount of sincere devotional service, Krishna becomes obliged to elevate such person; and what to speak of one whose entire life and soul has been dedicated to Krishna’s service. Letter to Harer Nama, November 6, 1969.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/jHYYpL

Hare Krishna chanting around the WORLD (4 min video).
The most auspicious activity happening now on this planet!
The day will come, and the name of Lord Hari will be heard in every corner of the planet! The day will come, and the name of Lord Chaitanya will connect the continents of the earth! The day will come, and foreigners with fair skin will flood Puri, Mayapur and Vrindavan! One day by the grace of the great saint Prabhupada!
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/vDVmgT

Sri Dham Mayapur, West Bengal - Darshan: February 25th, 2016 (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Your description of past incidents may be forgotten. We are not concerned with past misunderstandings; we are concerned only with progressive service to Krsna. Letter to Govinda dasi, November 5, 1970.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/wxdgkR

Handymen are very handy! And Rick Baker is one such man. When we sent a message to the parents, asking for their assistance with keeping the deities’ washing cloths clean, Rick immediately volunteered. But Tarannum Mataji was faster and got that service already. We then suggested that Rick take care of the children’s cloths. Rick decided to take it to the next level. He went and purchased a couple of hygiene (touch-free) paper towel dispensers and installed them in the bathrooms too!

Quinn and Conor’s family have been helpful on many levels and often endow us with gifts. Just this past Holiday Season, their mother, Kat, sent boxes filled with paint, poster boards, construction paper and printing paper. She also donated a Chrome Book from her work.

We are very grateful for your help and contributions. Your family is such a blessing! Thank you.

By Mark D. Vickers

My father, perhaps despairing of my dreams of the East and of becoming an artist, urged me to try for officer selection for the British Army, enticing me with stories of travel, adventure, and a decent salary to boot. To my surprise I passed the entrance exams, and before I knew it I was attending a Sixth Form boarding school for potential officers, located in a wonderful old English stately home. My mind kept returning to those initial strong impressions I had when I first read about the Hare Krishna movement. I clearly remember daydreaming many times that one day I would hear devotees chanting and dancing down the long tree-lined driveway to the college, calling me to join them. Part of me really wished it would happen; part of me was frightened that it might oh, the imagination of youth! Continue reading "What Hare Krishna Means to Me
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Glorification of the Lord in different languages and traditions (6 min video)
Praise God - praise God in different traditions. The saints and spiritual teachers of any tradition envisioned something in common that unites all religions. When the Lord reveals Himself to the sincere seeker, then all the apparent contradictions subside as the veil of illusion, claiming the One Truth of love and compassion. Therefore whatever ways you are using to approach God, to pray in your language and tradition - just continue. In this way there is no loss.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/FOqzSk

In Israel naturally we have some interaction with Jewish religious people, or so called followers of their faith. It’s amazing how they are convinced that by killing the cow they elevate their existence. And asks questions.

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On the second day of the ISKCON Leadership Sanga, Praghosha Das, the GBC Chairman presented several quotes of how Srila Prabhupada’s appearance was predicted in many scriptures and by several spiritual masters. Titled, ‘The greatest story ever told’, his presentation pointed out the five steps Srila Prabhupada had taken to make his institution more effective.

By Romapada Das

The grand annual Mayapur festival began today with the inaugural session of the ISKCON Leadership Sangha (ILS 2016) with 1,200 delegates attending 87 seminars spread over 12 venues at ISKCON Mayapur. ILS 2016 features a spectacular 50th Anniversary Expo highlighting the achievements of ISKCON, and stalls from various international projects such as Vanipedia, ISKCON Congregation services, TOVP, Varnashrama Museum of the Sacred Art, Govardhan Eco Village and several others.

Speaking at the plenary session on the inaugural day, GBC Chairman, Praghosh Das said, “This year, ILS has been hosted in partnership with our 50th Anniversary Committee and the TOVP. The 50th anniversary is a very important milestone in the history of ISKCON. At the inaugural event in Kolkata, more than 20,000 people had attended a spectacular show of a kind never witnessed before in our history. Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON is the most important movement in the world. People are suffering in this material world, and ISKCON can remove the root cause of suffering to take all of us back to Goddhead.”

Over 60 presenters will present 87 seminars over the next eight days covering subjects such as devotee care, community outreach, online preaching, marketing, communications, introspection, strategic planning, the position of Srila Prabhupada, sustainable Vaishnava communities, temple development and administration, team building, arts and education.

Gopal Bhatta Das, who oversees the ILS on behalf of the GBC Strategic Planning Committee said, “The mood of the leaders who are assembled here today is ‘simply wonderful’. The vision of the ILS is to allow leaders to share their service with their peers and with the members of the GBC – an opportunity for association, vision, inspiration, and education in the holy dhama of Mayapur.”

“Coming to the ILS was one of the best decisions I made this year,” revealed Visnu Nam Das, Vice President of ISKCON Ahmedabad, a first-time delegate at the ILS. “The amount of learning and association I’ll get over the next eight days is mind-boggling. I feel overwhelmed by the mood of everyone in the holy dham and grateful for the opportunity to be here.”

Delegates heard a presentation by Vaisesika Das on his new book, ‘Our family business’ launched by the BBT. The book discusses the importance of book distribution as the corner-stone for preaching the Krishna consciousness movement.

Later, Pancharatna Das and Gopal Bhatta Das led an interactive session to discuss the vision of ISKCON. Participants broke into smaller groups to discuss where they wanted to see ISKCON in the future, and wrote an individual statement of vision, which they pasted on a wall.

“These statements will be collected and analysed, as a precursor to an ongoing project for drafting the vision statement of ISKCON,’ said Pancharatna Das. “Every organization needs a strong vision statement that will reveal future aspirations at the core of our existence. Even Lord Chaitanya revealed his mission statement when he said that His name would be preached in every town and village on this planet. The ILS has offered an opportune moment for us to seek the views of our leaders that will help in drafting our mission statement during the 50th anniversary.”

Every evening, ILS delegates will have an opportunity to collect for enlivening kirtan sessions in a specially erected tent, which will also see the launch of the ISKCON 50 movie.

“The real purpose at the ILS is to facilitate devotees in experiencing and imbibing the creative and profound wisdom that devotional practitioners bring from their different fields. Each of the seminars will leave our delegates energised with introspective realisations that our presenters bring to the Sanga,” concluded Gopal Bhatta Das.

Invitation for Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama 2016.
Dear Gaura bhaktas,
With great pleasure we invite all of you to participate in Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama 2016.
ISKCON’s Golden Jubilee year promises to be very special for the pleasure of our Founder Acharya His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He wanted all of us to follow in the footsteps of the previous acharyas, and make Mayapur, Sri Navadvipa Dhama very famous around the world.
Last year, Parikrama was an ecstatic experience for so many devotees from many different countries:
“I don’t think I can describe fully about this program. I’m too happy and excited that I had participated. I felt very much changed up..” Bala Bhadra Krsna das (Malaysya)
“Gets more ecstatic each year… I really appreciated the Caitanya Caritamrta Katha. Only one problem with Parikrama- it’s too short!” Prabhupada Priya dd (USA)
Divided into 6 different groups, 8500 devotees performed Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama for a chance to be close to Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the ocean of mercy.
In 2016, fulfilling the devotee’s desire we increased Parikrama’s duration in one day. Instead of 6 nights and 7 days, we will have 7 nights and 8 full days of bliss! Hari bol!
Ecstatic kirtan, enlivening Katha and delicious prasada, is surely an inspiration to any sincere soul desiring to continue further on the path of devotion!
HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj said, “This not like you do Parikrama once or twice, you should do Parikrama every year!”
By the association of great souls like HH Jayapataka Swami , HH Lokanatha Swami, HH Bhakti Caitanya Swami, HH Gopal Krsna Goswami, HH Kavicandra Swami, HH Sacinandana Swami, HH BVV Narasimha Swami, HH Bhakti Dhira Damodara Swami and HH Bhakti Purusottama Swami, and HG Rajendranandana prabhu who join Parikrama every year, all our desires will be fulfilled.
As written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur in the Navadvipa Mahatmya, performing Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama is the way to get free from material bondage. And with every step in the dhama, a person gets the same benefit as if he would have performed an Aswamedha Yajna.
So, please let us serve you with our best. And note the Parikrama dates in your diary!
Highlights 2016
ISKCON 50th anniversary
Sri Mayapur dhama is waiting for 50 thousand devotees from more than 60 countries. The association of so many devotees gives us a unique experience in devotional life!
Sadhu Sanga
Great opportunity to have close and personal association with many ISKCON gurus, sannyasis and senior devotees.
Kirtan
The most ecstatic Kirtan lead by different devotees from all over the world!
Evening Cultural programs
Beautiful and insightful drama, recitation, dance presentation and much more!
Navadvipa Dhama’s divine nature
Seeing and touching the most beautiful place in the whole creation with sacred rivers, lakes, birds, trees and village life, give us a glimpse into the eternity of Sri Navadvipa Dhama
Gauranga lila
An opportunity to learn the confidential meaning of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s pastimes, from the most learned devotees.
Prasada
HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj said, that even the vegetables of Sri Navadvipa Dhama are surcharged with Krsna Prema, what more can be said!
Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama dates:
Adivas day (Opening ceremony at Yoga Pita): 10th of March
Registration: from 8th to 10th of March
Parikrama starts: 11th of March
Parikrama finishes: 18th of March
For on line registration and information: www.navadvipaparikrama.com
For Contact: register.parikrama@gmail.com
Parikrama Chairman
HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj
HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj
Parikrama Coordinator
HH Bhakti Purusottama Swami Maharaj
bps@pamho.net
Parikrama Manager
HG Sankarshan Nitai das
snd@pamho.net
Parikrama Secretary
HG Sundar Govinda das
sgd108@pamho.net
International Group Leader
HG Krsna Vijay das
kvd@pamho.net
Marketing Coordinator
Nitya Kishora dasi
nityakishora@gmail.com
Please find us here:
http://www.navadvipaparikrama.com/
https://www.facebook.com/NavadvipaMandalaParikrama/
https://twitter.com/NavadvipaP
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrpi5XEZKW05aCaMNo8aqWQ
Sri Navadvipa Mandala Parikrama 2016 promotioal video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKJmmCV7v1U

You might have heard it or already seen messages on various Facebook groups or even on Dandavats. Kadamba Kanana Swami was diagnosed with rectal cancer and is currently treated for this in Durban, South Africa. The latest update (Health Update #4) was just published.

“Wednesday 25th of Feb there was a second operation. The results came in today on thursday and the conclusion was that the surrounding tissues is tumor free. The doctors are advising oral chemotherapy. Maharaja is feeling nausiated and has low blood pressure. If his situation improves he might be dismissed on friday.”

More news will follow in the next few days.

If you missed related news items then look below for a list:

• Health newsletter (join here: kkscontacts.com/register-contact/)
• KKSBlog facebook page

By Srila Jiva Gosvami

Krishna steals the minds of everyone, yet Radha steals even His mind by Her divine expertise. Thus She is known as Haraa. When the residents of Gokula were crying due to fear of the forest fire, Krishna immediately swallowed it and gave His devotees great joy. In this way, He is known as Rama. In order to please Sri Radha, Krishna manifested the most wonderful lake (Syama-kunda) in Vrndavana. He then called all the holy rivers to fill it. He is thus known as Krishna. While engaged in nama-sankirtana one should chant with deep feeling, full faith, firm determination, and the realization that Radha-Syamasundara are personally present in the maha-manlra with all of their transcendental beauty, qualities, and pastimes. Such performance of nama-sankirtana will surely bring the desired result of Krishna-prema Continue reading "Meaning of the Mahamantra
→ Dandavats"

It was July 1972. For one of the first events in his Hare Krishna Festivals UK program, organizer Tribhuvanath Das – then in his early twenties – had Srila Prabhupada himself as the VIP guest. Speaking to 500 people packed into Glasgow’s Woodside Hall in Scotland, Prabhupada delivered an incisive non-sectarian lecture. All bonafide religions, he said, teach us how to love and serve God, no matter what name they call Him by.

In the urban jungle, survival of the fittest is the name of the game. Our happiness is often founded upon the exploitation, mistreatment and detriment of others. If we are winning, it usually means someone else is losing.

Adivas day (Opening ceremony at Yoga Pita):  10^th of March. Registration: from 8^th to 10^th of March, Parikrama starts: 11^th of March, finishes: 18^th of March. For online registration and information: www.navadvipaparikrama.com. For Contact:  register.parikrama@gmail.com 

February 25. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Satsvarupa dasa Goswami: Prabhupada’s Compassion.
Prabhupada felt great compassion, the compassion of Lord Caitanya. He was saturated in it. We sometimes say Lord Caitanya manifested audarya (compassion) in Mayapur, and in Vrindavana we see the madhurya, or the relish of sweetness between Krishna and His associates. Prabhupada definitely revealed both. He was particularly strong in his desire to spread the glories of the Lord. As we read the descriptions of people who experience internal meditation on Krishna’s pastimes and the different qualities they have, we see that Prabhupada is never lacking in devotion to Krishna in any of those ways.
Prabhupada followed his spiritual master, who followed Gaurakisora dasa Babaji. These teachers worked to eradicate all pretention. They were extremely humble and completely devoted to Radha-Krishna. Their intense meditation should always be appreciated. Prabhupada manifested such internal-deep states in his activities. He was so selfless to come to America and engage in the kind of preaching he did. And the extraordinary thing about Prabhupada’s apparent outwardness, is that it all came from the inside, from his devotion. He didn’t do anything for his personal sense gratification, but only pushed on with his preaching. Prabhupada’s thoughts (as expressed through his writing) often reflect his intolerance for the ignorance that existed in the world. He wanted to save people.
To read the entire article click here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=5

2016-02-22 Srimad Bhagavatam Canto 07.01.47-48 by HG Kripamoya Prabhu at ISKCON Mayapur

The ambitious project will include a 800-capacity temple hall for Radha-Golokananda, a guest house and accommodation for devotees, a prasadam hall, a conference hall, exhibition areas, an auditorium and a five-star restaurant. It will blend traditional domes with modern western features. Arriving sooner is the Bhakti Preschool, for which the building has already been constructed at ISKCON Phoenix.

Prabhupada’s Compassion

QUESTION: When we read something, we intellectually process it, and we understand it – but still we can’t act on it. Why not?

It takes time. First you get the food on a plate. Then you chew it. Then swallow. Then it digests. And eventually you get the nourishment and energy.

Similarly, first you hear knowledge – this is the “food” on the “plate.” Then you intellectually process it – this is the “chewing.” Once it is processed you can practice trying to apply it to life – this is the “digestion.” The more you digest it by trying to apply it in the real world, the more the theoretical knowledge your intellect chewed can become an actual part of the “energy and nutrition” that motivates and informs your actions.

Don’t expect that simply by hearing something your life will change. Don’t expect that simply by understanding something intellectually, it changes your life. These things – hearing and understanding – are important steps on the way to changing your life. Yet they have to be applied by sādhana, which is the practice of trying to apply them in the real world. Then, by that practice of application what you heard and comprehended becomes fully a part of who you are, and you can live it as a tangible reality.

Vraja Kishor das

www.vrajakishor.com

Tagged: intellect, Intelligence, Knowledge, Realization

I have come back Home, to Vrindavan, after a 3-month break in South India.To absorb the mood of this sacred dhama I went to Surya Kunda yesterday. Surya Kunda is where Srimati Radharani goes each day to worship the Sun God and meet Her beloved, Sri Krsna Candra. I took special interest in the samadhi [...]

This year’s ISKCON Leadership Sanga coincided with the 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada incorporating ISKCON in New York.

Over 1200 devotees travelled to Sridham Mayapur to attend 8 days of seminars, kirtan and transcendental association.

On the first day everyone was welcomed by the GBC Chairman, Praghosa das, and Gopal Bhatta das, chair of the GBC Strategic Planning Team outlined the schedule of activities for the week.