Echo question; Did Krishna become many? – HH Giriraj Swami
→ Nityananda Chandra Das' Blog, ISKCON Dallas

Hare Krishna Giriraj Swami

Please accept my humble obeisances

All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda

Yesterday I mentioned my doubt about the eko bahu syam verse.  My understanding is that this verse is in relation to the material world. In the following purport to CC Adi 6.14-15 it seems to hint at that, although the verse is not directly quoted. 

"He desired to expand Himself into many living entities, and with such a desire He first created a vast expanse of water within the universal space and then impregnated that water with living entities.”

In addition to that there are the extensive commentaries on the first verse of the catur ślokī, aham evasam evagre. 'It was I in the past, and only I in the future, and I in the present.'

In the commentaries the acharyas present that I in the past means with associates and abode. Then sastra is quoted that the abode and associates exist prior to this creation and are transcendental to it. 

However the way that this verse is sometimes quoted seems to indicate some sort of creation or existential aspect of Krishna existing alone at some point. Which doesn't seem correct to me. Perhaps it is an acintya subject and therefore cannot be understood by plain philosophy.  I do not know if there is any commentary on that verse to give a clear indication as to what it is regards to.

The way that I see it is that the Lord and his abode is a confidential subject and those subjects are not always directly spoken about in the Vedas and are rather more intimately revealed in books like Śrīmad Bhāgavatam.  So in this verse it is speaking just in regards to the material realm, Maha Visnu impregnating the pradhana.  Please let me know how you understand it. Thank you. 

Your humble servant,
Nityānanda Chandra Dās

My dear Nityananda Chandra Prabhu,
Please accept my best wishes. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

When you first approached me with your question, I thought to share with you the following passage, and having read your letter now, I still think the passage is relevant. It is an excerpt from a talk that Srila Prabhupada gave in NYC in 1967, which was later edited and rendered as the Introduction to CC.

"Radha and Krsna are one, and when Krsna desires to enjoy pleasure, He manifests Himself as Radharani. The spiritual exchange of love between Radha and Krsna is the actual display of Krsna's internal pleasure potency. Although we speak of 'when' Krsna desires, just when He did desire we cannot say. We only speak in this way because in conditioned life we take it that everything has a beginning; however, in spiritual life everything is absolute, and so there is neither beginning nor end. Yet in order to understand that Radha and Krsna are one and that They also become divided, the question 'When?' automatically comes to mind. When Krsna desired to enjoy His pleasure potency, He manifested Himself in the separate form of Radharani, and when He wanted to understand Himself through the agency of Radha, He united with Radharani, and that unification is called Lord Caitanya. This is all explained by Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja in the fifth verse of the Caitanya-caritamrta."

What I have understood is that Lord Krishna and His energies exist eternally, simultaneoulsy, but because Krishna is primary and His energies are subordinate, we say that they come from Him. For example, we say that the sunshine comes from the sun, because the sunshine is secondary to the sun, but as long as the sun has existed, the sunshine has also existed.

In his introduction to the Bhagavad-gita, Srila Prabhupada states, "Isvara (the Supreme Lord), jiva (the living entity), prakrti (nature), kala (eternal time), and karma (activity) are all explained in the Bhagavad-gita. Out of these five, the Lord, the living entities, material nature, and time are eternal. . . . This material nature is the separated energy of the Supreme Lord, and similarly the living entities are also the energy of the Supreme Lord, although they are not separated but eternally related. So the Lord, the living entity, material nature, and time are all interrelated and are all eternal. However, the other item, karma, is not eternal."

The same thing seen from different angles will appear different and be described differently, thus to properly understand the Vedic knowledge one must see it from different angles, and then apparent contradictions are reconciled. And, as you mentioned, the subject is acintya - acintya-bhedabheda-tattva.

Anyway, I hope these few thoughts help.

And incidentally, I thought your presentation of the question and your discussion of it were very thoughtful and thought-provoking. Thank you very much.

Hare Krishna.

May this meet you in good health and enthusiastic spirits.

Yours in service to Srila Prabhupada,
Giriraj Swami

TEXAS FAITH 127: In faith and gender politics, what does submission mean — as in, submissive spouse?
→ Nityananda Chandra Das' Blog, ISKCON Dallas

Dallas Morning News,

Each week we will post a question to a panel of about two dozen clergy, laity and theologians, all of whom are based in Texas or are from Texas. They will chime in with their responses to the question of the week. And you, readers, will be able to respond to their answers through the comment box.

When Sarah Palin ran for vice president, as Hillary Clinton considers a race for president and with Wendy Davis actively engaged in a bid for governor, one aspect of that culture war is what it means in religious terms to be submissive – most notably, a submissive wife. A recent USA Today article notes the subject is popping up these days, preached from the pulpit, pontificated about in a spate of new book releases and prominent on the agenda of next month’s Southern Baptist leadership summit. “All seek to answer the question of whether wives are 100 percent equal partners or whether ‘biblical womanhood’ means a God-given role of supporting their husbands — and, in turn, knowing their husbands are honor-bound to die for them, if necessary.”

Biblical references to husbands leading their households have long invited interpretations that sound to many people a lot like inferiority. Where’s the equality in submission?  And yet Cynthia Rigby of the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and a member of the Texas Faith panel noted in the USA Today story, the Scriptures came out a world where women couldn’t own property and could be divorced by their husbands saying the word three times. In that world, holding wives up as “holy and without blemish” was a radical idea, she said. In her upcoming book, “Shaping Our Faith: A Christian Feminist Theology,” Rigby explores the idea biblical submission and its implications in the wider public debate.

With gender politics is so much part of our public debate, how do we interpret the idea of submission? What does submission in a religious, political and modern cultural sense really mean?

NITYANANDA CHANDRA DAS, minister of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness), Dallas 

In order to have a stable culture stable family life is necessary.  If there is irreligion in the form of divorce it breeds lack of faith and stability in the children along other degrading qualities.  Submission by the wife is a psychological tactic for a peaceful and strong marriage.  Men in general like to feel that they are in charge.  If a woman can give him that illusion, that he is the leader, the relationship can be more strongly supported from the danger of break up.  In a traditional Vedic marriage the wife is the queen at home and the husband in the king in public.  Because of this ancient social science there is hardly any divorce in India and outside of the modernized urban areas it is practically non existent.

Ultimately one is to become submissive to God.  The material world is a place where souls go who have ego problems.  Those of us in the material world have a tendency to lord it over others.  Because a good and peaceful family life is conducive towards dharma and spiritual life, a spiritual aspirant will try to cooperate with their spouse towards that goal.  The idea is that pleasure and happiness comes by serving the whole just as watering the root of the tree supplies water to its leaves.  Similarly a spiritual relationship is free from mentality of getting something out of another but rather to work together to serve the whole.  When a couple truly serves the root with love, they, the leaves, become nourished and satisfied.

To see all responses of the TEXAS Faith panel click here.

New Vrindaban Daily darsan @ April 22, 2014
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

02

Is this the personified form of transcendental pastimes? Is this the personified art of transcendental amorous love? Is this the personified form of transcendental pleasure? Is this the personified science of cupid’s archery? Is this the personified life-potency of Lord Syamasundara? I do not know who this is? This is Sri Radha? eternally enjoying transcendental pastimes with Lord Hari day and night in Vrindavana forest.

[Source : Nectarean Glories of Sri Vrindavana-dhama by Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati Thakura, Sataka-2, Text-20, Translation.]

Please click here for more photos

Speaking With Iranian Devotees, Via Skype, April 13, Dallas
Giriraj Swami

05.13.14_01.Skype_Iran 05.13.14_02.Skype_Iran———————————————————
“Low self-esteem means that you consider yourself insignificant—that you have no value. Humility means that you consider yourself an insignificant servant of Krishna and that you have no value independent of Him. Generally, people with low self-esteem think about themselves a lot—how bad they are. In the eleventh canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam there is a discussion of false ego in the modes of goodness, passion, and ignorance. To think how bad you are is also false ego; you are absorbed in yourself. Humility means that you realize that you are insignificant but that you have a relationship with Krishna and Krishna’s devotees and that by their mercy you can practice and preach Krishna consciousness; you can do things that have real value to yourself and to the world. Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less.”

Skype call with Iranian devotees

earth day musings
→ everyday gita

Verse 4.34: Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized souls can impart knowledge unto you because they have seen the truth.

Today's verse is one of the most important verses in the Bhagavad-gita.

This morning, I learned that today is Earth Day which I later on realized I had confused with Earth Hour! Deciding I needed to learn more, I found out that Earth Day is an annual event that is dedicated to holding worldwide events to promote support for environmental protection.

It got me thinking. Why do we, as inhabitants of this earth, need to be reminded to care about and encouraged to honour it? Shouldn't every day be Earth Day? My musings led me to recognizing that there is a great tendency to take things for granted. Despite the fact that the earth gives us everything we need to survive, how conscious are we of that in our day to day lives?

It's a theme I've started to recognize in my own life:

Although difficult at times, it’s important to recognize the actions we perform now, no matter how small, ultimately serve to form the foundation for our future reality

In this instance, the "celebration" of Earth Day should actually serve as an impetus to find ways to effect environmental changes on a daily basis since we are being subjected to the effects of our past actions. Those in North America will be able to commiserate since we just finished experiencing the winter that never wanted to end!

This theme is also a cornerstone for living a life of gratitude, or a life of bhakti. In order to help us foresee how our daily actions will paint our future reality, the Gita recommends that one approach and learn from a qualified teacher - specifically one who not only knows the path but lives the path. One of the reasons why is to help us become consciously grateful.

To act for the long term can be challenging since ultimately it doesn’t require just a change of habits but a change in consciousness. In order to change one’s consciousness or attitude, it requires that one becomes conscious or aware of what’s going on. That’s where guidance from one who lives a life of being conscious of their own actions is key. It’s said that to develop any good qualities, one needs to associate with persons who themselves have it. Becoming conscious of one’s actions is definitely a positive quality!

The natural result of appreciating the guidance of such teachers is gratitude. And when that gratitude starts to grow, one can't help but become conscious of it all the time. The end result is one becomes consciously grateful. It is that conscious gratitude that propels one to not just feel gratitude but act upon it.

In many ways, the earth itself acts as our teacher. So take a minute to think about her, appreciate all that she offers and think of how you can do something for her not just today, but everyday.

Escape from the Greatest danger by doing a few God-centered activities
→ The Spiritual Scientist

In the Bhagavad-gita (2.40) Lord Krsna states that God-centered activities are so valuable that just a few of them can save a person from the greatest danger. The greatest danger of life is the danger of gliding down again into the evolutionary cycle of birth and death among the 8,400,000 species.

- Srila Prabhupada, Sri Isopanishad Mantra 2

Harinam down Oxford and Carnaby streets of London, Delicious Prasadam and blissful association! (Album 32 photos)
→ Dandavats.com

Three hour Harinam down Oxford and Carnaby streets and others. Delicious Prasadam, blissful association and a short nap in the fabulous Soho Temple Brahmacary ashram. If I don't make it in this life, that's where I want to come back to. There's definitely something very special about the UK and the devotees here. Your servant, Dharmatma das Read more ›

Spring Fun!!
→ TKG Academy

Spring is here and the sunny weather is encouraging us to engage in more outdoor activities. In addition to ball games and chalk sketching we also planted our plots at the Community Garden. For sound crafts we made Rabbits and Sand letters.
We recently observed Rama Navami along with the Kindergarteners and 1st graders. while reading the story of the Ramayana, Hamsaduta Prabhu kindly transformed students into Sita, Rama, Laksmana and Hanuman.

Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-04-22 16:03:00 →

1967 April 22: "Never expect any good from society, friendship and love. Only Krishna is the genuine friend and it is He only who can give us all benediction. The separation which you are feeling on account of my physical absence is a good sign. The more you feel such separation the more you will be situated in Krishna Consciousness."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1967

Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-04-22 15:58:00 →

1971 April 22: "Our principle should be only to do everything for Krishna under the guidance of the bona fide Spiritual Master. Perfection is to act with unflinching faith in Krishna and Spiritual Master and that will save us from all opposing situations. Just as you are all feeling separation grief for me, similarly I am feeling for you."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1971

Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-04-22 15:51:00 →

1972 April 22: "In every college and university of the world, there are so many different courses to help students become more and more entangled in the material world. So our programs are so important, because we are giving all these young people an opportunity to develop real knowledge. I am so pleased that all of you are very enthusiastic for pushing on this program."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

Prabhupada Letters :: Anthology 2014-04-22 15:31:00 →

1972 April 22: "Let every Temple President work according to his own capacity to improve the Krishna Consciousness of his center. Management is required but not that we should become too much absorbed in fancy organization. Our business is spiritual life, so whatever organization needs to be done, the Temple Presidents may handle and take advice and from their zonal secretary if necessary."
Prabhupada Letters :: 1972

Why is prana-pratistha not performed for the utsava-murtis though they ave their own names?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

Answer Summary:

The very word pratistha means lay in a solid foundation, that is, fix firmly on the ground.
So prana-pratisthita Deities are by definition non-movable except for emergencies - so Deities that are to be moved can't have prana-pratistha done for them.
Prana-pratistha is not the only way to invoke divine presence eg. Naimittika Deity worship with Arohana and Tirobhava as in 10 day Ganesh puja or 9 day Durga puja
The essential thing for invoking the Lord's presence as the Deity is not the prana-pratistha, but the request of the pure devotee - that's done for the utsav murtis

Why is the edited BBT Gita different from Prabhupada’s unedited original Gita?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

This is a very old and unnecessary controversy, all the points of which have been thoroughly dealt with on the site bbtedit.com

Specifically for the Gita changes, these three links painstakingly explain the hundreds of editing changes done and respond to the critic's points.
The basic problem is that the critic assumes the unedited book to be a gospel truth, but that unedited first print was based on the manuscript of Srla Prabhupada and that print had some errors.
So the edited book differs from the unedited book not because it distorts Prabhupada's message but because it returns to that  message as it was originally given in his manuscript.
Pl see the example below.
2.8: Consult Krsna through the bona fide representative
PUBLISHED EDITIONS ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT
[Purport (last line of paragraph 4)]...they can achieve real happiness only if they consult Krsna, or the Bhagavad-gita andSrimad-Bhagavatam—which constitute the science of Krsna—or through the bona fide representative of Krsna, the man in Krsna consciousness. . . . they can achieve real happiness if they prefee to consult Krsna or the Bhaga vat Geeta or Srimad Bhagwatam which are science of Krsna from the bonafide representative of Krsna or the man in Krsna consciousness.
COMMENT
BY A CRITIC:It’s only one word changed, but what a difference! In Srila Prabhupada’s Bhagavad-gita we can understand Krsna by reading the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, after all the books are not different from Krsna!! But Jayadvaita has adjusted everything for us...[The critic ends here.]
COMMENT
BY JAYADVAITA SWAMI:The critic is right: That one word does make a difference.

In Srila Prabhupada’s original manuscript, one is advised to consult Krsna or the scripturesfrom Krsna’s representative—that is, through him, or with his help. As Srila Prabhupada writes in the purport to Chapter One, text 1, “one should read Bhagavad-gita very scrutinizingly with the help of a person who is a devotee of Sri Krsna. . . “

In the First Edition one is advised to consult Krsna and the scriptures or Krsna’s representative—an either/or proposition.

I leave it to you decide which advice better matches Srila Prabhupada’s original manuscript and better gets across his intended meaning.

 

Sunday, April 20th, 2014
→ The Walking Monk

Durban, South Africa

Katha Dance

African born Jambulani, affectionately known as Jabs, accepted a new name today through diksa initiation.  His new name is Jambavan.  In the ceremony held in the temple tent to local monks, Bhakti Chaitanya and Kadambha Kanana Swamis and I, initiated several candidates.  It simply means that the spiritual family is growing in South Africa.

On the schedule and in demand was more of the Dance Master stuff at the Bhakti Cloud tent.  With the presentation of “Little Big Ramayan” the night before, the details of avatar, Ram, and His pastimes, are fresh in the mind.  So, the djembe drums triggered some creative juices which lead to my rapping out the story.  This compelled participants to dance it out.  If you didn’t drum the site, you ended up standing and clapping, if not dancing and repeating the rap. 

This approach attracts major attention as on goers outside the marquee stood in delight and awe.  Many of the dancers were relatively new to the story of Ram’s great heroism, of love, of devotion, loyalty and dharma.  This technique, dancing out the story, is a remarkable learning curve and great substitute for mundane dance. 

I’m hoping that this katha dance (story dancing) will really take off and become mainstream one day, because it is wholesome and takes the practitioner to a metaphysical level beyond this world of maya (illusion). 

May the Source be with you!

6 KM

Tag, you’re it!
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

swans

In the time honored traditions of ISKCON days gone by, Malati Prabhu was set on finding a suitable mate for Sriman Hamsaraj. As swans mate for life This new mate’s qualities must be just so; good breeding, young but experienced, attractive, loyal to a fault and above all a good swimmer.

So why, you may ask, is Srila Prabhupada’s dearest daughter, a respected leader with responsibilities that stretch from one side of the globe to the other, trying to hook up a lonely male resident of the Dhama? I’m glad you asked!

Sriman Hamsaraj is a swan. He’s been in New Vrindaban for many years now and was one of a group that graced the ponds below Sri-Sri Gaura Nitai. Unfortunately his friends left a number of years ago and his mate died so poor Hamsaraj has been holding a solitary vigil for the pleasure of Their Lordships and guests. The peacocks are always dancing around and crying to one another but none venture into the water. Occasionally an errant goose or mallard duck will drop in for a short visit but they are too soon on their way and Hamsaraj is once again alone.

It is the gentle heart that is most susceptible to the beautiful strains of Krsna’s flute and such a heart knows when someone needs a friend. This, then, was the motivation that put Malati Prabhu on a mission to find a partner for Hamsaraj.

The exotic animal auction in Ohio was coming up fast and the time was right. Ok, just a few typical New Vrindaban issues to take care of first…

Need a van to transport…got a van…battery’s dead…may need a new battery…get someone to charge the battery…got a charger…can’t find extension cords…got cords…need a key for the cabin to plug in the charger…got the key…outlet doesn’t work…find breaker box…turn on breaker…run cords…hook up charger…and wait…

Well, this is completely out of character for the Dhama! The battery actually took a charge, the van starts and now Malati’s back with a beautiful female swan she names Sri Devi. Sri Devi even has a red mark on her forehead like kum-kum. Ok Krsna, what’s up? I know something’s coming, it’s never THAT easy.

With the assistance of the always kind and helpful Murti, Malati introduces Sri Devi to her new home (and husband). But wait, I’m sure something is amiss, something just doesn’t feel right…buy swan…bring swan back…let swan out of van…swan goes into water and immediately joins her new mate…oh no…

In a move that would make Minnie Pearl proud, (Minnie who? never mind) Sri Devi was launched into her new life with her auction tag still securely attached to her leg. The calls start coming…Raghu tells of a previous swan this happened with that nearly lost her leg after only five days…the toes, however were not so lucky. Jaya Krsna Prabhu looks across the table and smiles, ”I’m SO happy you are taking care of this!” “I am?” “Yes, thank you VERY much!” I am…

The next several days are rainy and cold. The swans are swimming around in matrimonial bliss, oblivious to the machinations happening on shore.

“We need a net”.
“I have a net.”
“Where is it?”
“I don’t know…try my trailer under the mind numbing pile of clutter that I used to have organized before someone got in there and turned it upside down.”
“I looked, no net.”

A trip to Washington, PA for some flooring material yields the benefit of hitting Dick’s Sporting Goods for a net…of course there’s no one in that department to help. The nets are finally located and the biggest one is pulled off the rack. The holes in the netting are too big. Sri Devi would probably get her head caught in it and that would create a whole new bag off Dhama delights! Gander Mountain? Nope. Cabelas…ok, now we’re on to something. Holes are small enough, hoop is fairly large but the handle is kinda short. It’ll have to do. Seventy dollars?? Really? Plus tax. Oy vea! “You know the label is a little messed up…could you knock some off? “ The joke about needing a net to pick up a date seems to be working. A call to the manager and sixty dollars (plus tax) later and away we go.

So now what? Well let’s see…they’re eating some grain off the rocks by the steps… if I can just slowly sneak up on them, maybe get a little lucky… closer…. closer… almost there… just a few more feet…

“Hey, who’s the strange looking human with the funny thing in his hands?”
“I don’t think so!” “Time for a little swim to less congested waters.”

Ok, new plan…Use the kayak to chase the swans to shore, corral Sri Devi and distract Sriman Hamsaraj. Just so happens that male swans are VERY aggressive, especially when it comes to their mates. Far from running off, they’ll go after you like Gopisa on a gulab jamin.

Kalindi says that the swans like to steal the bread from the fish when she feeds them on Sunday. Ok Krsna, I’m beginning to see Your plan.

Paddles for the kayak? Check.
Half loaf of cheap white bread? Check.
Net? Check.
Scissors? Check.
Wire cutters? Check.

As I head out the door, Kalindi gives me a sympathetic look and says, “Good luck!”

It’s Saturday, 70 degrees, the sky is clear, winds light and everyone is fully engaged with a hundred and twenty something guests.

A stop by the Palace where Tejo and Gopal are fixing up the bathrooms to see how it’s going and solicit some help.

“Hey Tejo, wanna help catch the new swan?”
“Sure! Gopal, shut the door, no need to pack up. Hey, I’ll meet you down there.”
“Hey Gintras, wanna help catch a swan?”
“Sure, why not.”

A couple of Gosh’s workers are fixing up the area around the lodge for planting mint.

“Hey guys, can you help us catch a swan?”
“Yea, sure.” One looks over at the other, “You don’t swim do you?”
“Nope” “And I don’t want to get pecked to death either.”
Tejo: “Don’t worry, they have really small teeth.”

As Krsna would have it, both swans are on shore near the boat house. I throw some bread for them and they make their way farther on shore.

“Ok guys, move in behind them to keep ‘em from getting back into the water.”
“They’re starting to turn back, move fast!”

A well coordinated effort indeed! Hamsaraj took one look at Gopal and headed straight for the water. Sri Devi was corralled, netted and lay there passively while the band was clipped off. The band was not tight and the leg looks fine.

After she joined back up with her paramour, we heard a strange grunting sound. Not sure if that was Sri Devi saying thanks or Hamsaraj expressing his outrage over her treatment and offing a few choice comments of his own in a vain attempt to salvage some of his lost dignity.

Skeptical Origins
→ Servant of the Servant


Not sure what to make of this but surely science is less convincing in answering the fundamental aspects of life such as origin of life on earth, creation of planetary systems, evolution etc. In Vedic scriptures such as Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam, there is in-depth explanation of life and its origins. Granted, we cannot prove those theories via modern science or by collecting physical evidence. So in one sense, even theories from the Gita and Bhagavatam are highly skeptical from a modern scientific perspective. However, the reason Gita and Bhagavatam will score higher than science for me at least is because it was presented by great saints such as Mahamuni Vysa, Sukadev Goswami and Bhagavan Sri Krishna Himself. Our validation of the subject is based on the speaker and not so much based on return of evidence. Modern science gives no credence to the character of the scientists per se, it is all about the ability to collect, and interpret data. 

Unless we transcend sensual science, it is very difficult to understand the concept of life, creation and the value of saintly speakers such as Sukadev Goswami.

Hare Krishna

ISKCON appreciations
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Appreciation of ISKCON

The Hare Krishna movement arose out of next to nothing in less than twenty years and has become known all over the West. This is an important fact in the history of the Western world ... for the first time since the days of the Roman Empire, an Asian religion is being openly practiced by people of western origin in the streets of western cities.
- Dr. A.L. Basham; Eminent scholar of Hinduism, Author of A Cultural History of India

The ISKCON movement has few parallels in the world in terms of its rapid global spread, its trans-national, trans-ethnic, and trans-professional appeal, its outward simplicity, and the devotional energy of its followers. In the less than three and a half decades since its inception it has established temples in practically all parts of the world, and many of them are marvels of beauty, such as the one that is being opened in New Delhi today.
The maha-mantra of Hare Krishna Hare Rama reverberates to the dancing feet of ISKCON devotees each morning and evening in temples from Stockholm to Sao Paulo and from Miami to Mäyäpur. What ISKCON has achieved is indeed globalization of the Gita appeal.

-  Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Former Prime Minister of India

Guess again if you think Bollywood, or Indian writing in English, is the country's biggest cultural export. You may not come across any of these if you visit Cochabamba in Bolivia or Gaborone in Botswana, what you will find instead is a centre of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) ...  It is easy to see where the Krishna movement's global appeal lies. In the midst of today's impersonal institutions and vast bureaucratic collectivities, it promises an intimate relationship with a personal god.

- Times of India editorial, Jan 6, 2006

Appreciation of Srila Prabhupada:

He was a genuine holy person with enormous integrity and compassion, and he had a powerful impact on those who met him. He never claimed authority and respect for himself; what he said and did was always in the name of Krishna... It (Srila Prabhupada's life-story) is an astonishing story. If someone told you a story like this, you wouldn’t believe it. Here’s this person, he’s seventy years old, he’s going to a country where he’s never been before, he doesn’t know anybody there, he has no money, has no contacts. He has none of the things, you would say, that make for success. He’s going to recruit people not on any systematic basis, but just picking up whomever he comes across and he’s going to give them responsibility for organizing a worldwide movement. You’d say, ‘What kind of program is that?’ There are precedents perhaps. Jesus of Nazareth went around saying, ‘Come follow me. Drop your nets, or leave your tax collecting, and come with me and be my disciple.’ But in his case, he wasn’t an old man in a strange society dealing with people whose backgrounds were totally different from his own. He was dealing with his own community. Bhaktivedanta Swami’s achievement, then, must be seen as unique”

 - Dr. Thomas J. Hopkins,  Chairman, Department of Religious Studies at Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Appreciation of ISKCON's global Food for Life program:

Here they [the Hare Krishnas] have a reputation like the one Mother Teresa has in Calcutta: it’s not hard finding someone to swear they are saints...

 

- The New York Times, “Grozny Journal”

Appreciation of ISKCON Food Relief Foundation: 

Your program has became the single largest feeding program in the world. Your example of using advanced technologies in the central kitchen to reach such a huge number of school or children is an imaginative approach that has the potential to serve as a model for other nations.

— Barack Obama, President of the United States[4]

This is a very important and great mission.

— A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, Former President of India, at ISKCON Bengaluru[4]