The volunteers at Bhaktivedanta Manor are an integral part of the community. After all, huge and spectacular festivals such as Janmashtami and Diwali would simply be impossible to have without them! Last Easter Weekend 130 volunteers stayed over at Buckland Hall in Brecon, South Wales where they shared a morning program and participated in a variety of outdoor and indoor fun activities, including a quiz. There were also presentations by, Akhandadhi das, Gaura Gopal das, Navadvip Chandra das, Sahil Agarwal (Chair of the Pandava Sena), Saurabh, and VrajaValasini das spoke on Deity worship. Just weeks later 200 adult and 3 Read more ›
Spiritual Fun Coming Up This Summer in New Vrindaban:
Two Festivals and A Seminar:
1. Lord Jagannatha’s Ratha Yatra/Festival of the Chariots on Sat. July 19, 2014.
New Vrindaban’s Country Style Ratha Yatra
2. Then, the 4th Annual Pushpa Abhishek on Sat. July 26, 2014.
Sri Sri Radha Vrindaban Chandra covered with flowers
3. On Pushpa Abhishek weekend July 26/27, our esteemed guest His Grace Gauranga prabhu from ISKCON Chowpatty, Mumbai, will give seminars Sat. and Sun., speaking on “Lessons on Vaishnava Relationships” from Gaura Lila .
One need only be firmly convinced by the spiritual master that Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. If one decides this, he can make further progress by thinking of Krishna, chanting of Krishna, and glorifying Him. There is then no doubt that such a fully surrendered devotee will receive the blessings of Lord Krishna”
Hare Krishna, It is our great pleasure to announce that Iskcon Perth’s Gita Group would be commencing another series of Bhagavad Gita Introductory Course this month. The course will run over 5 weeks (1.5 hours each Saturday) and will cover BG’s most important and essential topics in brief.
As we can all see the modern day society is groping with problems of all sorts. We do not know where and how to find solutions. And because of these disturbances of mind caused by ethical and social conflicts, indecisions, confusions, material miseries and sufferings etc, the life has become filled with restlessness, dissatisfaction and unhappiness. As we shall see, the Gita helps us make intelligent decisions in every sphere of our life. Bhagavad Gita is also an ultimate guide to step by step spiritual advancement. It contains words of wisdom and practical teachings that contain the answers to the above-mentioned condition of the present-day individual.
Many people in the past have sought help from this book in various aspects and fields of their life and have become successful in understanding themselves, the Supreme and the Supreme Dharma. Hence we encourage you all to please and register for this course and benefit from this timeless wisdom of Gita.
Bhagavad Gita Intro Course 19th July to 16th August
Day and time: Saturdays, 5 to 6.45pm Venue: ISKCON Perth, 155-159 Canning Rd, Kalamunda Course Fee: $25 for 5 sessions including prasadam (payable on or before the start date)
You are welcome to circulate this email to your friends and colleagues who might be interested to join the course.
The Lismore City Council committee in charge of the Festival of Lanterns asked the devotees from the Bhakti Centre to participate in their parade by bringing Lord Jagannatha on His Rathayatra chariot.
Many New Govardhana devotees also came and everyone pulled the Lord through the streets that were lit with hundreds of lanterns. There was a crowd of about 30,000 along the route and all got the mercy in the form of the Lord’s darshana and the holy name.
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 16 April 2014, Durban, South Africa, Srimad Bhagavatam 1.7.34)
Transcribed by Radhadyuti dd
Our strength is not brahman-tejas (brahminical power). Our strength is to carry the mercy of Sri Caintanya Mahaprabhu. That is our strength. Our strength is to, somehow or the other, chant Hare Krsna and induce others to chant Hare Krsna. To become great qualified brahmanas is not so easy. Srila Prabhupada describes in his purports to the first canto of Srimad Bhagavatam that it is an emergency in this age of kali. Therefore for the sake of emergency, we give positions to people although they are not really qualified; we give them positions of brahmanas, we give them positions of sannyasis. Prabhupada said we do this because we need leaders in society. We need leaders! But what is their qualification?
So, this is something to take upon our head: Our acute lack of qualification and the urgency to become more qualified. We have just been given these positions out of emergency and that for once in our life, we should begin to embrace the principles very seriously and not only four regulative principles but also the principles of vaisnava behaviour and so on. Because that is a brahmana; brahmana means principled life and that is a great challenge for us because it means that we have to change. So Krsna consciousness means a great commitment to change and we are given the systems by which we can change.
"We should always be very grateful to Krishna for giving us the Hare Krishna mantra, and we should show our gratitude by chanting it as much as possible. That way, we will bond with Him, which is our heart’s greatest desire."
From Japa Transformations by Satsvarupa dasa Goswami
Every wedding guest gets a book. A new initiative to distribute books at the Manor weddings is under way. The wedding guests at Bhaktivedanta Manor often includes many people that might not normally visit a temple. They enjoy their visit and often request tours and have many inquiries. Thus the temple wanted to make sure everyone gets a small book to take away with them. Over last two months they have already distributed 2000 books. Read more ›
Vaisnava means one who is able to sit down anywhere, under any conditions, and be happy. He wants only a place to lay down, a little prasadam, and if there's a little service he can do, gladly let me do it for Krishna, that's all. As long as we are thinking I want this, that is not to my liking, or if I adjust things a certain way everything will be better, these thoughts are material. Devotional service is not conditional.
So stop this dreaming state. Try to understand things with the light of your intelligence, and if your are sincere in this way, without a doubt Krishna will give you full facility to understand Him and become freed of the bondage of ignorance. Nowadays it seems many of the older disciples like yourself are having difficulty. If you do not set the example for the younger students and take the responsibility for instructing them in the right line, how will things go on?
Try to always study our books and see our philosophy from different lights of directions, become convinced yourself of this knowledge and without a doubt all of your difficulties of mind will disappear forever and you will see Krishna face-to-face.
It is very important that devotees who are travelling must have a travel insurance which will cover any accidents or flight delays or unable to catch your flight due to accident or other issues. This you can buy from your airline company which you are flying or outside insurance companies and this is valid for few days the insurance company will cover you for any accidents, train delays ,baggage lost ,accidents,hospitalization etc.
You must have a comprehensive medical insurance (atleast for Rs 3 Lakhs) which will cover you for accidents ,hospitalization etc etc this is non-negotiable .You can do this from india or your home country where you are resident.
Do not disregard this as you are important to everyone of us and your life is also precious for us and we always pray for your safety and safety of your family. Read more ›
1966 July 8: "Sasthi. Society's balance $28.00. Electric light fitted today and there was about twenty men attending. It is encouraging. The collection was $15.00. One boy Gerald was very much interested." Prabhupada Letters :: 1966
1967 July 8: "I am old man. There is no certainty of my life, and at any moment I can collapse and it will not be surprising. But I wish to leave some of my spiritual children who have so kindly joined me in faith and respect so that they may work, and this philosophy of Krishna Consciousness may be broadcast all over the world." Prabhupada Letters :: 1967
1969 July 8: "Hare Krishna means 'Oh Hare, Oh Radharani! Oh Krishna! Please engage me in Your service so that I can get relief from the service of Maya.' Service we have to render, and the whole process is to accept the superior quality of service in Krishna Consciousness." Prabhupada Letters :: 1969
1971 July 8: "When I see young American boys becoming qualified Brahmins, I am pleased and my Guru Maharaja becomes pleased. So you must live up to the standard. First and foremost is cleanliness." Prabhupada Letters :: 1971
1972 July 8: "Regarding your question of dancing-show; whatever it may be, it may not deviate from the real Krishna Consciousness program. We are Hari Kirtana men, that's all. We can attract people by some gorgeous show, but inside there must be strict purity and seriousness, otherwise, they shall be attracted by a gorgeous show only." Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
1972 July 8: "Vaisnava means one who is able to sit down anywhere, under any condition, and be happy. He wants only a place to lay down, a little prasadam, and if there's a little service he can do, gladly let me do it for Krishna, that's all." Prabhupada Letters :: 1972
On the 28th June Sri Jagannatha Mandir , Kuala Lumpur Harinama Team organized a festival of Harinama Sankirtana ,Palanquin Procession , Book distribution, prasadam distribution in Bandar Kinrara , Puchong ,Selangor . This is the second year at Bandar Kinrara introducing the Holy Name and 35 devotees participated in this Harinama . Devotees , children and residents followed Sri Gaura Nitai and Srila Prabhupada in the palanquin ,singing along in harmony and dancing joyously on the streets with kirtan lead by HG Siva Caitanya Das .Every other house made an offering to Sri Gaura Nitai .It ended at a residence home with an ecstatic kirtan ,bhoga offerring and arati to their Lordships . The harinama was very well received in Bandar Kinrara and it proved to be a potential area for devotees to continue preaching . Read more ›
Earlier this year I gave a talk about my book Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest, a ‘fast-paced, cinematic’ rendition of India’s ancient epic. You can watch the first part at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SzeWfpdU454
Andy Fraenkel's talk at the Ohio County Public Library in Wheeling, WV about his book Mahabharata: The Eternal Quest. The book received a Finalist Award from...
YOUTUBE.COM
It’s in three parts - on Youtube search for Andy Fraenkel to access the other two.
The book just received two Finalist Medals from the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. The term ‘Indie” refers to Independent artists. The book awards are mainly selected from small presses, independent publishers, books published by universities and self published authors. It’s said, “If its cool, creative and different, it’s Indie.”
My hope is that MahaTEQ will eventually replace William Buck’s ambiguous rendition of Mahabharata that so many professors are accustomed to using. To bring this goal one step closer, I am asking for your help.
If you googled Mahabharata, my site comes up on pg 3. Buck’s book is on page ONE. Please help MahaTEQ get more visibility. I humbly request that you visit my site - http://mahabharata-project.com - to help bring it up to page one next to Buck's. You might also do a search on Google for it.
Bhaktapur, also Bhadgaon or Khwopa, is an ancient Newar town in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, about eight miles from the capital city, Kathmandu. Bhakta Naresh: Jagannath Ratha Yatra at Bhaktapur 5th July 2014, Saturday. Organized by Iskcon Bhaktapur. Huge number of Participation. About 3500 devotees attended this Ratha Yatra. After Ratha Yatra there was a Stage Program with Dances, Drama, Glories of Lord Jagannath by His Grace Patri Prabhuji, Fire Dance Performance, Small Concert and Video Presentation of the Jagannath Temple located in Bhaktapur that had been taken in care of ISKCON BHAKTAPUR..
Jaya Jagannatha Swami. Read more ›
The Tulasi department has grown to encompass congregational members from grihastas, teachers and students, to dedicated ladies and Gurukulis, who in between their busy lives and studies serve Tulasi Devi, giving their time and devotion. Read more ›
The volunteers at Bhaktivedanta Manor are an integral part of the community. After all, huge and spectacular festivals such as Janmashtami and Diwali would simply be impossible to have without them! Last Easter Weekend 130 volunteers stayed over at Buckland Hall in Brecon, South Wales where they shared a morning program and participated in a variety of outdoor and indoor fun activities, including a quiz. There were also presentations by, Akhandadhi das, Gaura Gopal das, Navadvip Chandra das, Sahil Agarwal (Chair of the Pandava Sena), Saurabh, and VrajaValasini das spoke on Deity worship. Just weeks later 200 adult and 3 Read more › 
Bhakti Caitanya Swami visits and preaches in Chita. Chita is a city and the administrative center of Zabaykalsky Krai, Russia 
Every wedding guest gets a book. A new initiative to distribute books at the Manor weddings is under way. The wedding guests at Bhaktivedanta Manor often includes many people that might not normally visit a temple. They enjoy their visit and often request tours and have many inquiries. Thus the temple wanted to make sure everyone gets a small book to take away with them. Over last two months they have already distributed 2000 books. 
It is very important that devotees who are travelling must have a travel insurance which will cover any accidents or flight delays or unable to catch your flight due to accident or other issues. This you can buy from your airline company which you are flying or outside insurance companies and this is valid for few days the insurance company will cover you for any accidents, train delays ,baggage lost ,accidents,hospitalization etc.
You must have a comprehensive medical insurance (atleast for Rs 3 Lakhs) which will cover you for accidents ,hospitalization etc etc this is non-negotiable .You can do this from india or your home country where you are resident.
Do not disregard this as you are important to everyone of us and your life is also precious for us and we always pray for your safety and safety of your family. 
On the 28th June Sri Jagannatha Mandir , Kuala Lumpur Harinama Team organized a festival of Harinama Sankirtana ,Palanquin Procession , Book distribution, prasadam distribution in Bandar Kinrara , Puchong ,Selangor . This is the second year at Bandar Kinrara introducing the Holy Name and 35 devotees participated in this Harinama . Devotees , children and residents followed Sri Gaura Nitai and Srila Prabhupada in the palanquin ,singing along in harmony and dancing joyously on the streets with kirtan lead by HG Siva Caitanya Das .Every other house made an offering to Sri Gaura Nitai .It ended at a residence home with an ecstatic kirtan ,bhoga offerring and arati to their Lordships . The harinama was very well received in Bandar Kinrara and it proved to be a potential area for devotees to continue preaching . 
With Vaiyasaki prabhu and the Hare Krishna band. 
Bhaktapur, also Bhadgaon or Khwopa, is an ancient Newar town in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, about eight miles from the capital city, Kathmandu. Bhakta Naresh: Jagannath Ratha Yatra at Bhaktapur 5th July 2014, Saturday. Organized by Iskcon Bhaktapur. Huge number of Participation. About 3500 devotees attended this Ratha Yatra. After Ratha Yatra there was a Stage Program with Dances, Drama, Glories of Lord Jagannath by His Grace Patri Prabhuji, Fire Dance Performance, Small Concert and Video Presentation of the Jagannath Temple located in Bhaktapur that had been taken in care of ISKCON BHAKTAPUR..
Jaya Jagannatha Swami. 
The Tulasi department has grown to encompass congregational members from grihastas, teachers and students, to dedicated ladies and Gurukulis, who in between their busy lives and studies serve Tulasi Devi, giving their time and devotion.