Planet ISKCON

The post May 8th, 2015 – Chandan yatra Darshan- Day 18 appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Narsimha Chaturdashi Abhisek on 03 May 2015, ISKCON Mayapur

Maitreya now turned his attention to describing the children of Bhramā’s son, Svāyambhuva Manu, whose children were fragments of Hari’s fragments.

Śatarūpā gave her husband two sons empowered by Vāsudeva’s to protect the existence of the world: Priyavrata, whose promises are dearly kept, and Uttānapāda, who strides far. Uttānapāda had two wives: Sunīti, whose morals were impeccable, and Suruci, whose beauty was impeccable. Suruci was very dear to her husband, not the other one or her child Dhruva.

Once, the king sat Suruci’s son Uttama on his lap and played with him. Dhruva tried to climb up, but the king didn’t welcome him. Seeing her co-wife’s son struggling, Suruci spoke hatefully to Dhruva while the king listened.

“Little boy,” she said, “You don’t deserve to sit on the kings lap. Yes child, you are the king’s son, but you are not mine. I did not hold you in my tummy; some other woman fostered you. Of course, you don’t know about this, and that’s why you are trying to achieve the impossible.

“If you really want to sit with the King, perform austerities to worship the Supreme Person. Only by his mercy will you attain the goal of being born from my womb.”

Rent by the cruel words of his mother’s co-wife, Dhruva hissed like an angry snake struck by a rod. His father simply looked at him, not saying anything at all.

Breaking down in tears, Dhruva went to his mother.

When Sunīti saw her child’s lips trembling in anguish, she embraced him. She became sad to hear what had happened and what that woman had said. The more she thought about it, the more her beautiful lotus face dried up like a vine the the fire of grief. Losing her composure, she also began to weep.

Seeing no way out, she could barely breathe. “Darling boy,” she said, “Don’t wish evil upon others. Those who wish ill to others only suffer themselves. Suruci told you the truth. You were held in my luckless belly, and nourished by the luckless breast of a wife who is not loved by her husband.

“My darling, you should follow your co-mother’s advice without hating her. It is good advice, ‘Worship the lotus feet of the Supreme Beloved if you want to sit beside Uttama.’”

Sunīti employed a play on words, so that “sit beside Uttama” also means “attain the highest goal.” This was a blessing on her son. She did not want him to strive for foolish goals, such as becoming loved by the crooked hearts of vile people like Suruci and Uttānapāda. She wanted him to attain the very highest goal.

Instilling confidence in her boy and in the paramount goal, she explained the importance of worshipping the Supreme Beloved. “Unborn Brahmā worshipped his lotus feet by disciplining his breath,” she said. “As a result he received his supreme position of mastery over all the powers and qualities in the universe. Similarly, your blessed grandfather Manu worshipped him with singular focus, by holding ceremonies and giving away great wealth in charity. By that worship he achieved worldly pleasures that are otherwise impossible to attain even in heaven, and then gained the ultimate emancipation.

“My boy, definitely take shelter of him. He is affectionate to his dependents. Even those who seek liberation carefully seek his lotus feet. Fill yourself with nothing but adoration for the supreme person. Make it the essence of your very being and fix your heart on him!

“My child, only he can destroy your misery. Everyone else, including Brahmā, searches for the Beautiful Goddess of Fortune who holds a lotus in her hand. But she herself searches for him whose eyes are like lotus-leaves!”

Hearing the profound and effective words spoken to him by his mother, he made up his mind and abandoned his father’s house.

Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 4.8.5 ~ 24

Vraja Kishor dās

VrajaKishor.com

As some of you may have noted on occasions their is postings to my blog by other devotees as a contribution, some of which has been directly attributable to myself, this posting is meant to open up a discussion; although some may inevitably view it as an attack (perception is individual and according to viewpoint and position.

I would however like to stress that this survey is a small one given the size of the UK devotee community, and does not define if those taking part are active or inactive member’s as this could have a bearing on responses. However as a discussion point and openness this could be seen as a catalyst for a wider survey or discussion

Is ISKCON UK experiencing a “Mission Drift?”

Question 1

Iskcon Uk has not strayed from the teachings and management practice’s taught by Srila Prabhupada (No signs of mission drift) Do you agree with the above statement
58 answered 3 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses = Total
Completely. = 0.00%. = 0
Very much = 5.17%. = 3
Somewhat = 27.59%. = 10
Slightly. = 15.25%. = 9
Not at all. = 44.83%. = 26
Don’t know. = 6.90%. = 4

Written response sample:

1) Drift is there in the form of loosing touch with Srila Prabhupada’s mood & mission, as he reveals in his books and teaching’s. For example, genuinely nurturing and careing for the devotee’s who have dedicated their lives for propagating the Holy Names of the Lord, instead of leaving them to rot without real involvement in this sacred mission. Doesn’t that come close to Nam-aparabh?

2) It would be good to outline what those management practice’s are – I do not think that there is stray from teachings as such if you mean philosophy – In the application of the teachings – there the difference’s. I am not sufficiently familiar with the details of all that goes on to give an accurate answer to this although I would suggest opening up and looking for areas of improvement and incorporation of others input for a healthy growth. According to time place and circumstances there is room for discussion.

Question 2

Managerial policies in Iskcon Uk demonstrate an awareness of, and loyalty to, the instructions and guideline’s of Srila Prabhupada? Do you agree with the above statement
57 answered 4 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses. = Total
Completely. = 0.00%. = 0
Very much. = 12.28%. = 7
Somewhat. = 33.33%. = 19
Slightly. = 28.07%. = 16
Not at all. = 15.79%. = 9
Don’t know. = 10.53%. = 6

Written response sample:

1) Without istaghosthis, or temple meetings of the devotee’s, actually we are cut off from the concern’s and input from many an experienced and senior Vaisnavas, and this seems to be a principle throughout the UK. Or if they might happen, then not really a meeting of transcendentally inclined & trained minds, rather an attitude of “we’re telling you what’s going on”. This is seriously immature ” management”. Regarding those UK management policies, how come they are never made available and most devotee’s simply have no idea what they actually are, or even who is the Management Council? Why is No actual effort made to communicate these, and everything effectively kept shrouded in secrecy.

2) Some centre’s demonstrate great enthusiasm for involving the devotee’s as far as possible in the preaching mission, as did Srila Prabhupada. Others, like Bhaktivadanta Manor & elsewhere, demonstrate a policy of secrecy on issues like salaries & management, and don’t appear to communicate what actually goes on beyond the superficial. Much importance is given to academic training courses that will quiet possibly never lead anywhere, including pujari work and maintaining some temples, but what about the practical preaching?

Question 3

I will be heard and my opinion taken seriously if I express any concern’s about the policies or management within Iskcon UK? Do you agree with the above statement
59 answered. 2 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses. = Total
Completely. = 0.00%. = 0
Very much. = 1.69%. = 1
Somewhat. = 13.56%. = 8
Slightly. = 23.73%. = 14
Not at all. = 52.54%. = 31
Don’t know. = 8.47%. = 5

Written response sample:

1) Experience tells us “they shoot the messenger”. Also very little interest taken when issues of concern are raised, eg ” maybe we will discuss it.” We experience the manager’s of Iskcon UK simply deny or try to deflect genuine concern’s raised, pretending they don’t exist or are unimportant, and attempt to disqualify those who disagree with them.

2) Am not completely sure of this statement, but I can tell from general Iskcon policies in the world, that devotees who express opinions outside of the Iskcon’s accepted opinions have of necessity been afraid to express such opinions for fear of backlash of various nature’s, such as being ostracised from attending the temple programs and festivals

Question 4

There is a culture of fear and intimidation that actively discourages me from expressing my views about policies and management within Iskcon UK? Do you agree with the above statement
57 answered. 4 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses. = Total
Completely. = 17.54%. = 10
Very much. = 17.54%. = 10
Somewhat. = 31.58%. = 18
Slightly. = 14.04%. = 8
Not at all. = 7.02%. = 4
Don’t know. = 12.28%. = 7

Written response sample:

1) I know that if I felt strongly about something I could make an appointment to speak to the Temple President and he would give me time. Would translate into anything concrete? I very much doubt it, but I could express my views if I really wanted to. I think there should be regular istaghosthis so that issues could be discussed openly and an atmosphere of unity could be fostered among devotees, rather than this unhealthy “us and them” culture we have now.

2) Generally we have seen so much active and passive discouragement of the devotee’s – where are they all now. However, fortunately some of us don’t get discouraged so easily. What about trying to rescue some of those who have inevitably drifted away, and give them some actual service and association?

Question 5

To what degree, if any, is there evidence of discrimination based on race or ethnicity at Bhaktividanta Manor?
57 answered. 4 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses = Total
Completely. = 7.02%. = 4
Very much = 26.32%. = 15
Somewhat = 22.81%. = 13
Slightly. = 10.53%. = 6
Not at all. = 5.26%. = 3
Don’t know. = 28.97%. = 16

Written response sample:

1) I have occasionally encountered racism both ways (sometimes outside the Manor) some devotees (especially those who are older) slag off the society’s ethic Hindu supporters and some ethic Hindus have belittled, say , ‘white’ devotees. Neither seems, to me, to be consistent with Srila Prabhupada’s mood and example.

2) As it happens for some reason the vast majority of discussion makers come from the Asian community, which is fine if they are pure rep. and have a thorough understanding of the teachings and mission of Srila Prabhupada. I see experienced Western bodied devotees not utilised to the optimum, who have such experience… In the mid eighties the Indian community was cultivated in separate Bhagavatam classes from the Western devotees every Sunday AM… And the same went for the Pandava Sena Group… We should have cultivated everyone together otherwise right in early year’s there is unwanted segregation and false differences arise.

Question 6

There is a growing “Celebrity Culture” in Iskcon, wherein excessive importance, fanfare and prominence is afforded to the person and preaching styles of may sannyasis, gurus and their entourage at the expense of fidelity to Srila Prabhupada and the standards he set? Do you agree with the above statement.
56 answered. 5 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses = Total
Completely. = 23.22%. = 13
Very much = 33.93%. = 19
Somewhat = 19.64%. = 11
Slightly. = 10.71%. = 6
Not at all. = 1.79%. = 1
Don’t know. = 10.71%. = 6

Written response sample:

1) I think it is that culture has always been there. Devotees like Vishnujana, Hansaduta, and others were “famous” kirtan leaders in the 70’s and had their “fan’s”. The nature of the soul is to take shelter. Very few people are natural leaders, most are natural followers.

2) It depends… An obviously advanced disciple of Srila Prabhupada in terms of His service, ability to make devotees, advance the 7 purposes of Iskcon and produce literature adding to the glories of the disciplic succession is not a celebrity and may attract a big crowd simply because her/his association is welcome.

Question 7

The current environment at Bhaktivadanta Manor offers me a fulfilling service opportunity? Do you agree with the above statement.
56 answered 5 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses = Total
Completely. = 5.36%. = 3
Very much = 8.93%. = 5
Slightly. = 33.93%. = 19
Not at all. = 37.50%. = 21
Don’t know. = 14.29%. = 8

Written response sample:

1) The nature of a big temple is that a person can get involved as much or as little as he likes. Some devotees like being anonymous and just turning up for prasad on festival day’s, others like to be there every day for Mangala arotik. There is no one stopping anyone from doing either, or doing something in between. I have service opportunities and could definitely do more if I so desired. In a small temple you certainly feel more needed, but that also means more responsibility, which not everyone wants.

2) So many can be encouraged that are not. Again salary is a problem. But we have entered for sometime now into this system of salary. Not that this should be just stopped but some further thought should be put into this. A council of Brahmins. Non paid, who can oversee this and other issue’s.

Question 8

Harinam and outreach programmes are part of Srila Prabhupada’s seven purposes of Iskcon, to what degree has Iskcon UK emphasised, promoted and offered financial assistance to these core activities?
59 answered. 2 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses = Total
Completely. = 3.39%. = 2
Very much = 3.39%. = 2
Somewhat = 23.73%. = 14
Slightly. = 35.59%. = 21
Not at all. = 8.47%. = 5
Don’t know. = 24.42%. = 15

Written response sample:

1) Again I am not fully conversant with the present state of affairs. But just imagine if the vast amount of devotees who are part of the Manor were to form large Harinama party’s

2) Book distribution is probably the most important core activity, more important than harinama, (which has been omitted from the above list). Some temples are very good with outreach. The more congregation orientated the temple, it would seem the less “core” activities they do. I think we have to be careful that we don’t promote vegetarian Sunday clubs for picking up partners.

Question 9

At Bhaktivadanta Manor, to what degree do you see that Srila Prabhupada – along with his legacy, his teachings and the sanctity of his rooms – is being given prominence and emphasis?
59 answered. 2 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses = Total
Completely. = 3.39%. = 2
Very much = 15.25%. = 9
Somewhat = 40.68%. = 24
Slightly. = 27.12%. = 18
Not at all. = 6.78%. = 4
Don’t know. = 6.78%. = 4

Written response sample:

1) The room’s are very sanctified and they appear to be maintained very nicely. They are a sacred space. I would prefer the school programmes are done somewhere else to give Srila Prabhupada his space. Programmes like this are very important but not at the expense of Srila Prabhupada’s privacy and the accessibility of his darshan to other’s. As for the legacy and teaching’s again if we are referring to the philosophical teachings them the thread is as much in place at the Manor as anywhere else practically. As for the legacy make it clear what that is so comparative comments can be made.

2) Srila Prabhupada rooms are definitely a place I love to visit and chant?

Question 10

As a result of the 20/20 vision document and consultation, we see that transparency is one of the policies advertised as integral to the new way forward at Bhaktivadanta Manor, Iskcon’s annual accounts, freely available on the Charity Commission’s website, state “no employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 in the year”. As a registered charity with annual income in excess of £6million – to what degree do you think Bhaktivadanta Manor, along with other UK temples, should adopt a policy of financial transparency, especially with regards individual wages and remuneration?
58 answered 3skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses = Total
Completely. = 65.52%. = 38
Very much = 25.86%. = 15
Somewhat = 1.72%. = 1
Slightly. = 3.45%. = 2
Not at all. = 0.00%. = 0
Don’t know. = 3.45%. = 2

Written response sample:

1) I think there should be financial transparency, but not ” especially ” regarding wages. Hartfordshire Country Council have a policy that any expense over £500 is posted for public view. A policy like that would be healthy and help to avoid corruption of allegations of corruption.

2) salary may be required as development of the society at the Manor is restricted in size etc. However publishing salaries could be counter productive. But full accounted financial statements are a must. Having those who are being paid, meeting to discuss their salary increase is problematic. An independent Brahmin Council (unpaid) should oversee this. When money is involved there will be envy, so publishing salaries may be counter productive.

Question 11

It is now acknowledged that there have been between 4,000 and 5,000 changes, large and small, to the 1972 edition of Bhagavad Gita As It Is. These changes to Srila Prabhupada’s original books are necessary and acceptable? Do you agree with the above statement.
56 answered. 5skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses = Total
Completely. = 3.57%. = 2
Very much = 7.14%. = 4
Somewhat = 14.29%. = 8
Slightly. = 21.43%. = 12
Not at all. = 4821%. = 27
Don’t know. = 5.36%. = 4

Written response sample:

1) Obviously errors should be corrected, like the well known “planet of the trees” translation for pitrloka, because it is clearly wrong, but anything that changes the meaning of a translation or purport, even subtly, should not be allowed, in my opinion.

2) Has anyone tried to change the philosophy- that’s point that I’m curious about. I know this is a very hot issue but the fanatical wing – and the devotee world abounds with fanatics – claim the books have been changed as in no longer conveying what Srila Prabhupada intended to say

Question 12

All UK temples should now make the original editions available to whoever wants them? Do you agree with the above statement.
57 answered. 4 skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses = Total
Completely. = 73.68%. = 42
Very much = 7.03%. = 4
Somewhat = 5.26%. = 3
Slightly. = 5.26%. = 3
Not at all. = 5.26%. = 3
Don’t know. = 3.51%. = 2

Written response sample:

1) The original books are easily available online, but in order to foster a mood of honesty and openness in Iskcon I don’t see any reason why the temples shouldn’t stock both the originals and the “updated” versions, so that devotees can make an informed choice, otherwise Iskcon just plays into the hands of rtviks or other splinter groups.

2) No problem with that – should be published by the BBT though as that was Srila Prabhupada’s wish from what I gather. For public distribution it would be good if the few obvious mistakes be corrected and missing purports included. Again this is another topic aside from the Iskcon UK management policy and I suggest you take it out of the survey.

Question 13

According to the managerial guidelines given by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, if signs of a “Mission Drift” become apparent, whose duty is it to address the matter? You can select more than one
57 answered. 4skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses. = Total
The GBC body. = 87.72%. = 50
The local GBC representative. = 84.21%. = 48
The Iskcon initiating gurus. = 49.12%. = 28
The sannyassis. = 57.89%. = 33
The temple president. = 75.44%. = 43
The department heads. = 49.12%. = 28
The temple residents. = 56.14%. = 32
The temple staff. = 49.12%. = 28
The congregation. = 49.12%. = 28
The individual devotee. = 57.89%. = 33
Devotee news websites. = 40.35%. = 23

Written response sample:

1) As far as I understand Srila Prabhupada wanted/expected the GBC to visit the temples regularly and make sure that the devotee’s were following correctly. They were supposed to maintain standards while the local managers took care of day to day matters. But again, in an open society devotees should feel able to discuss any matter, via regular meeting/ishtagostis

2) In short – it is Everyone’s responsibility

Question 14

Which of the following are necessary to promote Srila Prabhupada’s mission and ensure its success throughout Iskcon UK and the world? You can select more than one.
58 answered. 3skipped

Answer Choices. = Responses. = Total
Srila Prabhupada’s teachings. = 91.38%. = 53
Srila Prabhupada’s legecy. = 74.14%. = 43
Srila Prabhupada’s books. = 93.10%. = 54
Srila Prabhupada the person. = 68.97%. = 40
Srila Prabhupada as founder Acharia. = 87.93%. = 51
The Iskcon institution. = 67.24%. = 39
Honest and honourable dealings between Iskcon devotees. = 89.66%. = 52

Written response sample:

1) General and sincere desire of all concerned to please Srila Prabhupada

2) We must not forget that Prabhupada’s teachings are Mahaprabhu’s teachings. It is important to recognise that the message is coming down the line from Krishna himself. When I say Prabhupada I refer to both Srila Bhaktisiddhanta and Srila Bhaktividanta…

End of Survey

Hare Krishna! Pledge Your Support for the TOVP
To establish Sridhama Mayapur, the audharya dhama, as the World Headquarters of the Hare Krishna Movement and bring it to the forefront and attention of the entire world, as well as to show our love and gratitude to Srila Prabhupada for this most rare benediction and gift he has given us in the form of the ISKCON society, we all need to work together to make our acharyas’ vision become manifest. Srila Prabhupada said that the temple was already built, but we must take this opportunity if we want to be the instruments and receive the transcendental credit, or someone else will.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17223

From Raja Pariskhit P
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From Raja Pariskhit P
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Nimbin Mardigrass Harinama - 03 May 2015 from ISKCON New Govardhana - Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari devotees (Album with photos)
See them here: https://goo.gl/ekI1U7

April 2015 Photos and Updates from the Radhakunda Seva Team (Album with photos)
Cleaning is continuing steadily in Radha Kunda and Govardhana. And prasadam distribution is increasing steadily particularly in Govardhana. While our prasadam distribution in Radha Kunda has focused entirely on the many widows there, prasadam distribution at Sakhi Kunda in Govardhana has found a diverse group of recipients, from old babas (sadhu men) to mothers and children.
Negotiations are ongoing to fix the leaky pipe at Sakhi Kunda. And we are still navigating the process of getting the land that was donated for the kitchen transferred to our Trust’s name.
The garden in Sakhi Kunda is now waiting for the acquisition of latex style paint for the walls and flower beds, though we are happy to report that when the plants are placed, they will be safe from marauding monkeys thanks to the recent installation of razor wire.
Please browse our latest photos and join our efforts by visiting www.radharani.com. Your servants, Mayapurcandra dasa, Campakalata Devi dasi, and Padma Gopi Devi dasi.
See them here: https://goo.gl/166OL9

Muslims will grow more than twice as fast as the overall world population between 2010 and 2050 and, in the second half of this century.

CC daily Podcast:
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As a small experiment of women’s uniqueness and the special bond between a mother and child, we met up with 6 wonderful women, and asked them to let us blindfold their most precious loved ones. Their children!

 We should take the spiritual opportunities we have in our life very, very seriously. One of the greatest enemies of a spiritualist is procrastination.

Bhagavatam-daily Podcast:

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Bhagavatam-daily Podcast:

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In 1970, Srila Prabhupada wrote in a letter: "So go on with your organization for distribution of my books through press and other modern media and Krishna will certainly be pleased upon you. We can use everything—television, radio, movies, or whatever there may be—to tell about Krishna…." In this spirit, on April 21^st, a group of dedicated devotees led by Gopal Bhatta das, Pancharatna dasa launched the ISKCONOnline.com project.

Harinama in Prague (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: In the Padma Purana, Krishna says, mad-bhakta yatra gayanti tatra tisthami narada: “O Narada, I am present wherever My devotees are chanting.” (Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Madhya-lila, 17.132 Purport)
See them here: https://goo.gl/1YBf3w

The post Adholsaja Krsna asks questions appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Darshan Of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath, 7th May 2015 (5 min video)
Stunning beauty!
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/G1hCKs

Sivarama Swami’s “Krishna in Vrindavan” book series has been recently released in e-book format and available at every major e-book store. The series consists of four books – the Venu-gita, the Na Paraye ’ham, the Suddha Bhakti Cintamani and the Krishna-sangati. 

Hare Krishna! The Oldest Existing Copy of Sri Caitanya Caritamrta
Indradyumna Swami: In an old temple tucked away in a street near Loi Bazar in Vrindavan is the oldest existing copy of Srila Krsna das Kaviraja Goswami’s epic Caitanya Caritamrta. Over 350 years old, it sits in a cabinet in a room near the alter. In 1982, Sri Harishan-kara dasa, the head priest, donated 475 precious manuscripts that had been with the temple for 400 years to the Vrindavan Research Institute. But he kept the Madhya-lila portion of the Caitanya Caritamrta. His son, Govinda Sankar Sharma kindly invited us to take darshan of the presiding deities, Sri Radha Nanda-kumara, as well as the old copy of Caitanya caritamrta. Visiting the ancient temple, seeing the old deities and touching the historic book made for yet another amazing day in Vrindavan. But mercy is meant to be shared – so here are our photos of the visit.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17219

Hare Krishna! The Oldest Existing Copy of Sri Caitanya Caritamrta
Indradyumna Swami: In an old temple tucked away in a street near Loi Bazar in Vrindavan is the oldest existing copy of Srila Krsna das Kaviraja Goswami’s epic Caitanya Caritamrta. Over 350 years old, it sits in a cabinet in a room near the alter. In 1982, Sri Harishan-kara dasa, the head priest, donated 475 precious manuscripts that had been with the temple for 400 years to the Vrindavan Research Institute. But he kept the Madhya-lila portion of the Caitanya Caritamrta. His son, Govinda Sankar Sharma kindly invited us to take darshan of the presiding deities, Sri Radha Nanda-kumara, as well as the old copy of Caitanya caritamrta. Visiting the ancient temple, seeing the old deities and touching the historic book made for yet another amazing day in Vrindavan. But mercy is meant to be shared – so here are our photos of the visit.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17219

The Bhakti-sastri and the Bhakti-vaibhava courses are a systematic study of Srila Prabhupada's books. Srila Prabhupada wanted ISKCON devotees to deeply study his books, so that they could become better preachers and teachers, and, very importantly, achieve a clear understanding and application of the beautiful science of devotional service.

Hare Krishna! The 400th Anniversary of Sri Caitanya-caritamrta
In the Caitanya-caritamrta Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami has quoted more than 90 different sources (among them he quoted Srimad-Bhagavatam the most – 404 times). The book consists of 62 chapters (“paricchedas”) divided into three parts (“lilas”) and 11.555 verses, out of which 97 Sanskrit slokas were composed by the author himself, 933 Sanskrit verses were quoted by him from many different sources and the remaining 10.525 bengali verses (“payaras”) were, of course, composed by Srila Kaviraja Gosvami.
Read the entire article here: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=17215

We’ve all been told that we should recycle plastic bottles and containers. But what actually happens to the plastic if we just throw it away? Emma Bryce traces the life cycles of three different plastic bottles, shedding light on the dangers these disposables present to our world. (A TedEx video.)

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Live Stream: Brisbane Festival of the Chariots
Watch the Brisbane, Australia Ratha Yatra (Festival of the Chariots) live online on Saturday 9 May from 10:15 AEST (Saturday, 9 May 12:15:00 AM UTC) via Mayapur.tv in the “Kirtan Australia” channel.
The festival website: http://festivalofchariots.com.au

Harinama in a European city (Album with photos)
For the next 3 months our Transcontinental crew will tour 15 countries in Europe..Trying to spread the Holyname and Srila Prabhupadas transcendental literatures in the major cities of Europe. Please bless us to become proper instruments in this Nectarian Mission.
See them here: https://goo.gl/L6pqhy

The post Vyasa-puja book 2015 appeared first on SivaramaSwami.com.

Colorful and blissful Harinama in Yekaterinburg, Russia (5 min video)
Indradyumna Swami: Harinam samkirtan in the city of Catherine I, wife of Peter the Great. Three hundred devotees descended on Yekaterinburg with loud voices, musical instruments and synchronized dancing. The effect of such mercy is difficult to explain in words. Hopefully this short video can begin to explain the joy and happiness felt by both devotees and onlookers alike. All glories to the chanting of Sri Krsna’s holy names!
Watch it here (Choose HD): https://goo.gl/h5IKW6