Websites from the ISKCON Universe
Prema-sarovara is a lake formed from the tears of Radha and Krsna when They felt intense separation from each other. A video of Indradyumna Swami's parikrama party visiting Prema Sarovara, accompanied by Jahnavi Harrison's music.
Three amazing sales, by Vijaya Prabhu: “At the wonderful Vyasa-puja celebration for His Grace Vaisesika Prabhu, many of his disciples gave him gifts. Sankirtana Dasa, Kumari Lila Dasi, and Iwere thinking about what we could offer him on his birthday.
It was late by the time we left, and we were intoxicated by the feast of delicious prasada. We wanted to offer him something substantial, so we set out door-to-door. (We were later joined by Haladhara Rupa Dasa.) We were driving in the neighborhood of Silicon Valley to find the best place to start. We saw a door that was open, so we decided to start from there.
We met a nice gentleman who worships mother Gayatri. He was full of devotion to the goddess, and he even mentioned that we were sent by her. He accepted a Srimad-Bhagavatam set, in Telegu, even though he and his family were running late for a movie. While we were talking to that family, the neighbors came and invited us to their home.
They were also a very pious family and accepted a set of Bhagavatams. We did a small installation and a kirtan.
While we were all talking, their neighbors (who happen to be old friends of the devotee Srivas) invited us to their home. They were also curious about Srimad Bhagavatam and accepted a set. Sree and Madhu are both pious and learned in some scriptures. They greeted us kindly and offered us fruits when we left, which is traditional for many South Indian families. They wanted us to install their set with an artik and kirtan, as we did in the previous house.
Kumari Lila said that it was amazing that we had distributed three sets without knocking on any door. It was all the mercy of Lord Caitanya. It was our humble offering to Vaisesika Prabhu.
Glimpses of reality (Winter Marathon 2015) (18 min video)
Dear ISKCON devotees, dear friends!
Please watch this short film! Heart-touching, inspirational and leaving no chance to miss the upcoming transcendental fun!
As you know it’s only a few days left before the long-awaited Srila Prabhupada December Marathon kicks off! If you’re still hesitant whether to go out or not or somehow missing the most uplifting vibe which is already up in the air, then please watch this video made by ISKCON London Sankirtan leader Naam Sankirtan Prabhu with following devotees sharing their realizations:
HH Sacinandana, Kadamba Kanana, Kesava Bharati, Janananda, Dhirashanta Maharajas, HG Kripamoya Prabhu and Guru Carana Padma Mataji, HG Dhananjaya, Jai Nitai, Radha Raman Prabhu and more Srila Prabhupada disciples and leaders of Sankirtan initiatives.
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/kb1twb
Tulasi Shalagram Vivah 2015 (Album with photos)
Deena Bandhu Das: As every year, on Ekadasi night we had all night kirtan. Then on Dwadasi, we celebrated the marriage of Tulasi and Shalagram! Many people celebrate this, but according to tradition, the marriage always takes place at the bride’s house. So this marriage was super auspicious being performed at Vrinda Kunda, Vrindarani’s home! Relish the pics of Vittalrukmini Prabhu!
Find them here: https://goo.gl/CBJ8UT
The first phase of the electrical work has started.
This phase consists in applying the conduits ( a tube for protecting electric wires) in the 8 stair cases. This step must be done before cladding the walls with marble.
[See image gallery at tovp.org]
The post Electrical Work appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
The TOVP Facebook Page recently achieved a landmark 250,000 Likes! All glories to Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and all glories to His devotees.
The post TOVP Facebook Page Reaches 250,000 Likes appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
Global Participation for Radhanath Swami’s Annual Pilgrimage to Vrindavan
This year 5600 people from 30 countries participated in the annual pilgrimage to Vrindavan, India lead by Radhanath Swami. It was held from November 7th to 17th.
Every morning participants went out in groups to visit holy spots of Vrindavan where Sri Krishna had enacted his pastimes 5000 years ago. And every evening they converged at the festival site where Radhanath Swami spoke on the pastimes of Sri Krishna and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. 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.
Founder of Bhakti Fest, Sridhar Silberfien, who has been a special guest during the annual pilgrimage for several years, shared his experience: “Whenever I am here, I am left with tears of joy in my eyes. I yearn to be here in Vrindavan with Radhanath Swami.”
Tears Of Love. (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: The waters of the famous lake, Prema-sarovara, in Vrindavan are the combined tears of Radha and Krsna. Situated in Prema-van, the Forest of Love, the entire area is saturated with an intense spiritual atmosphere that even neophyte devotees can begin to perceive. Without doubt it was one of the favorite places our parikrama party visited this Kartika.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/RquxDc
Bhakti Caitanya Swami: This is the Deity of Lord Gauranga which Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura chanted in front of when he took his great 9 year vow to chant a billion names of the Lord.
Short-term Sanskrit Course Jan 10 to Mar 31, 2016 (For a clearer understanding of the Sankrit used in scriptural verses and their commentaries) Just in a span of 80 days learn the basics of reading and understanding Sanskrit verses and their commentaries. Learn : 1. Sanskrit Pronunciation and Meter. 2. Sandhi (Euphony). 3. to get a clearer understanding of the structure of Sanskrit verses by rearranging them in prose order ( i.e. doing their anvaya ). 4. some frequently used terms in Sanskrit commentaries. 5. the most common senses in which the different cases of a noun are used. 6. the most important indeclinables (avyayas), pronouns and compounds. 7. some commonly used suffixes. 8. basic usage of verbs in all the tenses.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/qzdiQO
Not only Milk, Cows Give Water.
The occupational duties of the vaiśya are conceived in four divisions: farming, commerce, cow protection and moneylending. Out of these, we as a community are always engaged in cow protection.
Now some recognized researchers like Alan Savory speak on desertification, climate change and environmental degradation are just beginning to recognize what has always existed in our Vedic texts, that cows are required for our own planets survival and as a species. Is this is one of the reasons that Mother Earth (Bhumi Mata) takes the form of a cow? Ultimately this also indicates that we should approach Srimad Bhagavatam and Srimad Bhagavad-GIta and extract it’s vital message as a panacea for all ills.
Read the entire article here: http://goo.gl/9txDbL
By Padmapani das
On November 2nd, 1974, ex-Beatle George Harrison launched his North American tour in Vancouver, Canada. Since George was a follower of Krishna consciousness, the Vancouver devotees were eager to distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books and magazines to local fans attending his concert. George was expected to play a number of hits from his latest record (“Living in the Material World”), which contained many songs of devotion to the Lord:
“I’m living in the material world
Living in the material world
I hope to get out of this place
By the Lord Sri Krishna’s grace
My salvation from the material world.”
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.
However, not all efforts to preach to rock stars were successful. In 1975, the devotees at the Montreal temple learned that Frank Zappa — the avante-garde maestro of rock music — would be appearing at the Montreal Forum along with his band “The Mothers of Invention.” Devotees made plans for a large hari-nama party outside the building. Despite the anticipated security, I was hoping to give Mr. Zappa one of Srila Prabhupada’s books. Thinking that he might find it intriguing, I chose a copy of the Seventh Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam with a picture of Lord Nrsimhadeva on the front cover. Also included was an invitation to the temple, a Hare Krishna mantra card and a copy of Back to Godhead magazine.
On the day of the concert the devotees turned up in full force outside the Montreal Forum. Since the chanting of Hare Krishna is intensified when there are more participants, the kirtan was especially sweet and powerful. Midway through the hari-nama I made a move towards the back of the building. There I discovered a doorway crowded with fans and security guards. I tried to get permission to enter the door, but was refused. After a few attempts I finally decided to return to the hari-nama party out front. Just then a man dressed in a business suit walked by. He seemed important, so I inquired about his identity from one of the security guards. “That’s Zappa’s manager,” he replied. Here was my chance. “Excuse me sir,” I shouted in his direction as he walked briskly towards what I assumed was the rock star’s dressing room. “I’d like to give this book and invitation to Frank Zappa.” He paused for a second and then replied, “Well, I can’t take you in, but I can give him the book.” That was good enough for me. As he left with a copy of Prabhupada’s Bhagavatam in hand, I assumed that the matter was over and done with. So I was quite surprised when a few minutes later the man reappeared and called out, “Frank wants to see you.” The crowd parted and I was ushered backstage like a V.I.P.
When I reached the dressing room, Frank Zappa was sitting on a chair strumming his guitar. His hair was tied in a ponytail and he wore purple leotards. The room was small and messy with plates of food scattered here and there. “Hare Krishna,” I said with folded palms and smiling face. I assumed that he must have been interested in Prabhupada’s book since he had made the effort to call me backstage only fifteen minutes before his concert was about to begin.
“I just wanted to tell you that I don’t want this book,” he announced. Taken aback, I realized that I’d have to try hard to convince him that it might provide some value or interest for him. “This book was originally compiled in Sanskrit over 5,000 years ago,” I began. “No it wasn’t,” he shot back. “It was actually 4,999 and a half years ago.” I could see that this wasn’t going to be easy. We conversed for over half an hour, but he challenged and refuted everything I said. I tried to be extra polite and not argue with his sharp comebacks, but after some time, it was obvious that he had already made up his mind. He wasn’t interested in Krishna. He wouldn’t even budge when I requested that he please consider the book as a humble gift from me to him. He picked up the invitation and said, “But I’ll keep this.” Although Frank Zappa didn’t accept Srila Prabhupada’s book or visit the temple, the kirtan outside his concert that night was especially ecstatic, despite the cold winter weather. At least the fans really enjoyed the chanting and many joined in.
The next popular musician to visit Montreal was Bob Dylan on December 12th, 1975. He was traveling with a large entourage of musicians, artists and poets (including Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell, Roger McGuinn, Allen Ginsberg and others) in what was billed as the “Rolling Thunder Revue.” Again I somehow managed to get backstage. Many of the performers were already hurrying to climb the stairs for their performance, so I had to act fast. Luckily, I spotted Canadian folk singer, Joni Mitchell. “Joni,” I called. She turned in my direction and I said, “Hare Krishna,” handing her a Back to Godhead magazine and a large bunch of red carnations offered to the Deities. She accepted them graciously and then bounded for the stage. As the curtains opened and the music began, I was delighted to see a number of famous artists holding red carnations in their hands. A roar of approval swept through the front rows of the audience as the performers onstage began throwing Krishna’s flowers to their adoring fans.
The next day, Satyahit Prabhu and I decided to try and meet Bob Dylan in his hotel room downtown. Somehow or other we managed to convince the hotel receptionist that Dylan would like to meet a couple of Hare Krishna devotees. So he rang upstairs and spoke to Dylan’s manager who told him to send us right up. When we arrived at his room, he greeted us warmly. “Bob’s out shooting a movie right now,” he said, “but I’m sure that he’d like to meet you when he returns.” Meanwhile he was interested in Krishna consciousness, so we spoke in length with this friendly and receptive man.
After a few hours it was getting late and Dylan still hadn’t returned. So we finally begged permission to go, but not without leaving behind a basket of fruits and sweets, along with an invitation for Dylan and his friends to attend the Sunday Love Feast, plus a few small books and Back to Godhead magazines. Although they never visited the Montreal temple, Bob Dylan and his friends had contacted Krishna in the form of His transcendental prasadam, flowers and literature. By Prabhupada’s grace, there is no limit as to who can receive — or distribute — the mercy of Krishna consciousness.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
November 24. ISKCON 50 – S.Prabhupada Daily Meditations.
Usually when we think of Prabhupada, we conjure up images of Prabhupada in America, either as a lone preacher struggling alone in New York, or as the grand founder-acarya of ISKCON. But when we read the first volume of the biography, we glimpse Prabhupada’s life in India, before we met him, before he came to preach.
There is a special taste in hearing about the life of a famous person, an artist or writer, when they were still preparing themselves for the greatness that would follow. We can empathize with his or her struggle as they move in the world, unappreciated. The years when Prabhupada was travelling around India in the third-class compartments of trains, maintaining his household, faithfully keeping the Vaisnava principles which his father had taught him, thinking about his spiritual master as “such a nice saintly person” – these are precious meditations for us. Prabhupada was so patient and dutiful. Our spiritual master was such a nice saintly person.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=20490&page=2
The post Daily Darshan – November 24th, 2015 appeared first on Mayapur.com.
Answer Podcast
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The post What is the spiritual significance of the Gopinath Patnaik story? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
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The post Was rain an adequate reason for Rama to delay his search for Sita? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
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The post When Yashoda’s rasa is vatsalya, how is her bhakti coming from Radharani whose rasa is madhurya? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.
A simple śāstric presentation demystifying this big mystery. The basic notes for the presentation are:
1. “Guru”
“guru” simply means “significant” or “heavy” – its the important person. Its the person with a lot of weight.
Dance-guru, music-guru, archery-guru, cooking-guru, grammar-guru, sanskrit-guru…
2. Bhakti-guru
The person from whom we can learn/get bhakti.
The tattva of guru: Guru is Krishna’s merciful effort to rescue jīvas who want to turn towards him.
[See CC 1.1.45, ŚB 11.29.6, Gītā 10.10]
Guru is Krishna, or more exactly Krishna’s energy, working though channels that can reach us in our conditioned state.
Guru is Krishna’s energy working though other people and other things.
[See CC 1.1.44, Guruvaṣṭaka 7]
The energy is Krishna-bhakti.
The channel it comes throguh is is primarily people who carry some significant quantity of krishna-bhakti.
The bigger the quantity the more powerful the guru can be.
This energy flows to us through many channels, not just one.
[See, “vande-ham…,” CC 1.1.1]
3. Guru-disciple relationship
[See Gita 4.34]
Disciple’s part:
(1) Seva = by “service” – what service? cutting wood giving donations? Yes, but mainly…
(2) pranipat = be willing to sit near guru and learn
(3) pariprasna = by asking thorough questions
[See Bhag 11.3.21]
Describes the disciple’s role in the same way as Gita 4.34..
prapadye = pranipat
jijnasu = pariprasna
Misconception: Guru is top-level management
Misconception: Guru gives and we just receive. Guru is active, we are passive.
Misconception: Don’t ask difficult questions
The disciple’s effort to understand the Guru’s teaching and example is the most important part of the guru-disciple relationship. This is why exalted Gurus can have unsuccessful disciples.
Trying to learn without asking questions is like trying to eat without chewing.
4. Types of Guru
Inspirations (pradarśak)
Lineage (dīkṣa)
Instruction (śikṣa)
As is obvious from the Gita and Bhagavata’s definition of Guru, the instructor is the most important type of Guru.
5. Qualification of Guru
Qualification of Guru is important, because the main activity of the disciple is to ask questions, so the guru has to be qualified to answer the questions, (a) accurately, and (b) in a way that the individual disciple can actually understand and connect with.
Gita: tad-vidhi… tattva-darśana
Bhāg: sabde pare ca nisnatam, brahmany upasamasrayam
“Uttama-adhikari”
BRS 1.2.17~19:
śāstre yuktau ca nipuṇaḥ
sarvathā dṛḍha-niścayaḥ
prauḍha-śraddho ‘dhikārī yaḥ
sa bhaktāv uttamo mataḥ
yaH shAstrAhi Svani puNaH shraddhAvan sa tu madhyamaH
yo bhavet komala shraddhaH sa kaniSTho nigadyate
All three are adhikārī (qualified) but for śikṣa-guru, uttama-adhikārī is the best, obviously.
[Not confused with “Uttama Bhagavata”]
Q: What do you think about extreme human antiquity, anti-evolution campaign, ideas like “we didn’t go to the Moon”, “Sun travels around the Earth”, “humans were ten times taller before Kali-Yuga” etc.? Should people see these ideas as a part of Vaisnavism?
These are ideas of people who are trying to be Vaiṣṇavas and trying to fit the Vaiṣṇava world-concept within the modern world-concept – but I don’t think they have really read the śāstra carefully from all angles.
In my study of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam cantos 2 and 3 it became very clear to me that the Bhāgavatam is quite compatible with most aspects of modern theories. For example, Bhāgavatam describes an enormous period of time when the universe is void of manifest living beings, and the primordial atomic building blocks are simply evolving on their own. Consciousness does not develop tangibly in the universe until all these elements have evolved fully, and even then it manifests in a very abstract form. Bhāgavatam also describes a sequence of design by Brahmā which is similar to evolutionary stages (plants first, then various types of animals, then humans, then superhumans)
As far as history goes, the calculation of the actual duration of yugas is uncertain. The Bhāgavatam describes an astronomical yuga as well as a historical yuga. The astronomical yuga is 360 times longer than the historical yuga. This may be another cause of confusion when trying to bring the Bhagavatam’s version of history into some basic parallel with our modern theories.
The “we didn’t go to the moon” campaign is based on something Śrīla Prabhupāda said – and he said a few different things at different times on the topic. It’s not a topic I would waste my time with. It easily and quickly becomes “prajalpa.” For me it boils down to this: we went to “the moon” but we obviously didn’t go to candra-loka (the abode of the Moon god) – so my conclusion is that “the moon” is not identical in every way to candra-loka. In other words the lokas are not literally “planets” in our 3-dimensional universe. They are locations and exist on various planes of reality, not at various spatial coordinates in this 3-dimensional reality.
The idea that “the sun travels around the earth” is perfectly true, because such statements are made in the context of how to calculate time, and are made from the viewpoint of an observer on earth. Because motion is always relative, it can be described differently depending on the viewpoint of the observer. We stand on the earth. From that viewpoint everything appears to move around us. If we abstract our viewpoint to the Sun, everything appears to travel around it. If we abstract our viewpoint to the center of the galaxy, everything appears to travel around it. Etc. etc.
“Human’s were ten times taller previous to kali-yuga” – Maybe so. They were supposed to be much taller, healthier, live much longer, etc. The entire environment was different. We are currently in an unusual kali-yuga, however, 1 out of 1,000 – because of the advent of Śrī Caitanya Mahaprabhu – so not all the effects of a normal kali yuga are already felt. Also, if we take the astronomical length of the yuga, we have not even really begun the yuga itself, but are still transitioning into it (it has a 43,200 year intro and outro transition).
All these ideas are not exactly part of Vaiṣṇavism, but they are part of the Vedic Culture that supports Vaiṣṇavism.
Q: What is the real Vedic view on the Earth? Everybody is saying different things about it. Is it flat or round?
As above, movement and everything observational is always relative. If you stand on the ground, the Earth, it appears flat. But if you abstract yourself from the ground and go up some distance into the sky (or look very far off at a distant horizon) you can see that it has curvature and is round. Every observation is relative, subjective – and the truth of the observation is only relative to the observers point of view.
Q: In Srimad Bhagavatam, Vyasadeva says that he wrote Mahabharata for women and sudras, because they were unable to understand the Vedas. What does that mean? I remember, you had said that there’s no sexism in the Vedic scriptures themselves, and because of it, even it looks like sexism to me, I thought maybe there’s another reason for Vyasadeva to talk like this which I can’t see. Maybe the women of that era were not so good at academic (or “high”, I don’t know) Sanskrit or something like that. I want to know the exact reason of this.
In this age, a high level of Vedic scholarship is practically impossible. So Vyāsa wanted to write books that would help people who were not scholars – like housewives, businessmen, and laborers… people who have little practical time for extended studies.
It is not demeaning of women as a group (nor towards businessmen or laborers). It is simply that modern people have no time to devotee to the kind of study required to be a Vedic scholar.
There were, and perhaps are, some exceptional men and women who could accomplish a Vedic level of scholarship but by and large in the current epoch, it’s impossible – so Vyāsa wanted to write some books specifically designed for us.
Q: Again, in Srimad Bhagavatam, there are some verses about animal sacrifice (especially horse). In Caitanya Caritamrita, Lord Caitanya says that before Kali-Yuga, Vedic animal sacrifices were not for killing animals, but for giving new bodies to the souls of sick and old ones. If that’s the case, then why in Srimad Bhagavatam Yuddhistira Maharaja becomes so sad after horse sacrifice? He says “We killed these animals for nothing.” or something like that and feels very sorry.
It’s not exactly as you depict it. You are saying (a) the sacrifice doesn’t harm the animal, and (b) Yudhiṣṭhira felt sorry for doing them. But the truth is closer to this (a) the sacrifice brings the animal back to life after killing it, and (b) Yudhiṣṭhira didn’t want to do more such sacrifices. Yuddhiṣṭhira feels sorry for killing so many people in the Kurukṣetra War – and says, “Don’t tell me to do another horse-sacrifice, how can more killing atone for the killing I’ve already done?”
Vraja Kishor
Krishna Katha by HH Indradyumna Swami at Kurukshetra
November 15th celebrated the one year anniversary of the Sadaputa Digital Channel on Youtube featuring over 100 lectures and videos about Vedic perspectives on modern science by Sadaputa Dasa, Dr. Richard L. Thompson, one of Srila Prabhupadas original founding members of the Bhaktivedanta Institute. He is responsible for much of the design of the planetarium in the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) in Mayapur and for other exhibits planned for the project. He passed away in 2008, leaving behind a valuable legacy of lectures, videos, books and other writings which are now in the process of being made available for serious study and research.
During this first year online, the Youtube Channel has reached almost 1,000 subscribers, over 82,000 views, and almost 2 million minutes of watching time. We hope to double this by the same time next year.
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. There is also a FundRazr Tab to contribute to the cause of promoting his works.
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.
Those interested in assisting in some way can contact Sunanda das at: *protected email*
The Sadaputa Digital Channel Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/sadaputadigitalchannel
The Sadaputa Digital Channel Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/SadaputaChannel
The post Sadaputa Digital Channel Facebook Page Launched appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
HG Jai Nitai Das and the ISKCON London team welcomed the Padukas, Sitari and International team in true Vaishnava style with a thundering kirtan outside the temple. Flower petals showered Lord Nityananda and Lord Nrsingadev in their form of Padukas and Sitari respectively from the temple rooftop. This gave great excitement to the onlooking devotees and visitors. This also opened up the book distribution service along the road with curious visitors.
HG Jananivas Prabhu placed the Padukas and Sitari on Srila Prabhupada’s head. The devotees generously donated £140,000 and still collecting. When HG Jai Nitai Prabhu was asked by a devotee as to why they were collecting donations for TOVP when the London temple is finding it challenging to collect donations for themselves. HG Jai Nitai Das, a humble supporter of the TOVP project and understand the philosophies so well replied: This was Srila Prabhupada’s dream project. We will first build TOVP then we will build ISKCON London. All the devotees reciprocated with a loud clap. HG Jai Nitai Prabhu said he always dreamed of HG Ambarish Prabhu visiting ISKCON London and today that wish was fulfilled. Such is the mercy of Lord Nityananda. Today we were joined by Ambarish Prabhu and his wife Swaha mataji who spoke wonderful glories and inspired all to donate.
HG Praghosa Das gave a detailed explanation of the actual building and its meaning and essence of the TOVP project which captured the curiosity of those interested in the actual structure and its contents. As usual everyone batedly waited for HG Jananivas Prabhu to speak. HG Radha Jivan Prabhu dug deep into the devotees hearts with his inspiring talks and inspired so many devotees to donate. Many devotees received gifts in return for their pledges and donations. If you still wish to donate please contact HG Jai Nitai Das and make your pledge! Or contact the Tovp team on: 0744860 6646
The post TOVP UK Tour – Day 3 – ISKCON50 – TOVP Fundraising at ISKCON London appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
The TOVP International team were warmly welcomed to ISKCON Leicester by HG Pradyumna Das and were accommodated at the home of HG Visnoomurthy Das who co – incidentally studied the pujari course under the guidance of HG Jananivas Das.
The devotees of ISKCON Birmingham and ISKCON Manchester were united by the TOVP service and in unity raised £70, 000 despite both temples face challenges in building their own temple. Such is the love of these pure devotees for Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON and deep respect for his instruction. HG Radha Jivan Prabhu reminded us on how by supporting TOVP that their own temple will be helped by Lord Nityananda Prabhu.
HG Jananivas Prabhu conducted a beautiful grain ceremony to 2 children. Devotees were then given an opportunity to offer a ghee lamp being it the month of Kartik. The next day we were invited to visit Avanti School where HG Jananivas Prabhu gave class and enlightened us about the glories of Sri Dham Mayapur.
[See image gallery at tovp.org]
The post TOVP UK Tour – Day 2 – ISKCON Leicester appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
A Lifetime in Preparation
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Answer Podcast
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The post What is the significance of the different names used for Arjuna in the Gita as in 14.11 & 12? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.