Is COVID-19 real? How do the vaccines work? Are the vaccines safe and effective? Are there sinister motives behind the vaccination? Can the vaccine change our DNA and cause a genetic disorder? Does the vaccine contain immoral components from fetuses/human cells? Did the rapidly changing virus render the vaccines ineffective and obsolete? As devotees, are they to depend on medical science, or Krishna? - Vraja Vihari Das GBC SPT interviews medical professional devotees Dr. Madhavananda Das and Dr. Shyama Gopi Dasi.
On the brink of the Mahabharata war, Arjuna was overwhelmed by misdirected compassion and was about to abandon his duty. Krishna could simply have corrected him and ordered him to fight. Yet Krishna spoke the entire Bhagavad-gita to help him understand the philosophical and devotional rationale for doing his duty. We can follow Krishna’s example […]
2021 marks the 125th Appearance Anniversary Year of ISKCON Founder/Acharya His Divine A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Ambarisa Das and the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) management in Mayapur, India, have decided to officially begin celebrating this occasion on Nityananda Trayodasi, February 25th (24th in the U.S.), and simultaneously launch major promotion for the PRABHUPADA […]
In the name of education, we have been systematically degraded to the stature of animals. What does it really mean to be human? A video by Sivarama Swami Media.
In the name of education, we have been systematically degraded to the stature of animals. What does it really mean to be human? A video by Sivarama Swami Media.
The Bigelow Institute for Consciousness Studies, founded by American businessman Robert T. Bigelow, is currently running an essay competition on “Best Evidence for Afterlife.” Bigelow is the owner of hotel chain Budget Suites of America and the founder of Bigelow Aerospace. According to http://www.bigelowinstitute.org/, “The goal of the essay contest is to award contestants for writing papers […]
Robert Bigelow founded BICS “to support research into both the survival of human consciousness after physical death and, based on data from such studies, the nature of the afterlife.
This morning I overheard a conversation and in response to the usual question of ‘How are you?’ the person answered, “Well, I’m having a ‘keep the kirtan going all day kind of day’.” In other words, I’m not great and I’m going to need some kirtan shelter. Not only was he able to express that […]
In a recent ISKCON Leadership Sangha (ILS-2020) Lokanath Swami requested ISKCON Nepal regional secretary Patri dasa to organize a padayatra (pilgrimage) in Nepal. Patri took Maharaja’s words to heart and discussed the idea with the Nepali devotees. A friend of Patri, Brahmacari Sahastranam dasa from Ukraine, who has been serving in Nepal for twelve years […]
A two-devotee padayatra in Nepal are currently heading West through the lowlands towards Janakpur dhama, the birthplace of Sita, the consort of Lord Rama.
Initiated ISKCON devotees make life-long vows to abstain from eating meat, gambling, intoxication and illicit sex. In addition they chant 16 ’rounds’ of the Hare Krishna maha mantra every day. One doesn’t have to live as a renunciate, rather, one can get married and take responsibilities for one’s family and society as a whole. This […]
Initiated ISKCON devotees make life-long vows to abstain from eating meat, gambling, intoxication and illicit sex. In addition they chant 16 'rounds' of the Hare Krishna maha mantra every day. One doesn't have to live as a renunciate, rather, one can get married and take responsibilities for one's family and society as a whole. This is the formula for happiness. A video by ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor - Hare Krishna Temple Watford.
On February 9th, a most dear friend and Grihastha Vision Team member, Karnamrita Prabhu, left this world. Karnamrita was someone who cared about others in a deep meaningful way and devoted his life to make the lives of others better; someone who knew the meaning of love and lived it through his words and actions; […]
On February 9th, a most dear friend and Grihastha Vision Team member, Karnamrita Prabhu, left this world. Karnamrita was someone who cared about others in a deep meaningful way and devoted his life to make the lives of others better; someone who knew the meaning of love and lived it through his words and actions; someone who made everyone feel relaxed, valued and accepted.
Song: Je Anilo Premo Dhana by Agnideva Das & Badahari Das
HH Lokanath Swami: It gives me great pleasure to present the second Kirtan Ministry Newsletter, Kirtan World. As the newsletter name suggests, many global kirtan events have taken place since the launch of the first publication in January 2021. This edition follows a similar trend in sharing a range of exciting events and developments as we travel through Nepal, Belgium, Hungary and India. The good news is that the Kirtan Ministry celebrated their first Ekadasi Sravana-kirtana Festival on 24 January. Japa-kirtan-talk is the current format of this festival which will be celebrated fortnightly. This program was well received across the world.
For hundreds of years, pilgrims have been doing Vrindavan Parikrama, especially on Ekadashi. Come along on this wonderful Parikrama around the town of Vrindavan with HG Deena Bandhu Das!
A true preacher is a true disciple. I believe all of us can agree that a thorough study of Srila Prabhupada’s books is so badly needed in our society in the age of Kali, the age of quarrel, hypocrisy and misinformation.
Karnamrita, a man who is missed A man who believed morals should persist For him family was at the top of the list A principal which in early days we'd resist Continue reading "KARNAMRITA → Dandavats"
On February 9th, beloved Grihastha Vision Team member and premarital counselor Karnamrita Dasa passed away after a long battle with cancer. Karnamrita Dasa was initiated by Srila Prabhupada in 1970. For fourteen years, he lived in various ISKCON temples around the world. In the beginning of his devotional service, he participated in street sankirtana and book distribution, and […]
Karnamrita was someone who cared about others in a deep meaningful way and devoted his life to make the lives of others better; someone who knew the meaning of love and lived it through his words and actions; someone who made everyone feel relaxed, valued and accepted.
The Hare Krishna Festivals program, started by the late Tribhuvanatha Dasa on the instruction of his guru Srila Prabhupada, has organized festivals in halls all over the UK to share Krishna consciousness, attracting many to spiritual life. Continued by Giridhari Das after Tribhuvanatha’s passing in 2001, the program has put on festivals for 34 consecutive […]
With 2021 unfortunately again looking unlikely to allow festivals in the old model, the Hare Krishna Festivals team has now decided to start a video podcast, “Hare Krishna Festivals UK Tour,” which will “travel” virtually around the UK.
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 12 April 2020, Durban, South Africa, Vyasa Puja lecture)
From doing things for Krsna to looking after people who were doing things for Krsna to looking after people for Krsna, all these things come up in devotional service. The mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu offers us a golden opportunity that if somehow or other, we can take advantage in the service we do for this mission and in our personal behaviour and in our dealings with the vaisnavas, then surely we can go back to Godhead. As I said, in my youth, I was sometime careless in my dealings with others. But now I regret that as I realise now that every vaisnava is very precious. Even one relationship spoilt with one vaisnava is one opportunity to receive mercy blocked. So I am now regretful for my careless dealings and now I am trying to be more careful and more appreciative in my dealings of vaisnavas. I appreciate the mercy that comes from the vasinavas because this is directly the mercy of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
The TOVP currently has reps in several countries in the world who assist with fundraising and promotion. However, we have no one in the Spanish speaking countries. If you speak and write Spanish and English fluently and have some of the other qualifications below, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve Srila Prabhupada’s most important project by assisting with our efforts to communicate with the Spanish speaking devotee community.
Here is what we are looking for:
Speak and write Spanish and English fluently and help with translation work
Know how to use a computer and function on the internet
Have some ability to use Facebook and other social media posting functions
Have a relationship with Spanish country leaders
Be innovative in helping to get the word out, in Spanish of course
This is a voluntary service and the time you spend is based on your availability.
If you have all or most of the requirements above please contact Sunanda das at tovp2016@gmail.com.
Fearing this plague is the mentality of a non-Vaiṣṇava. Look brothers! What can this plague do to you? What real harm can the plague do by ending this useless life? If you desire some benefit, learn a lesson from the plague. If you are caught by the plague, then your life is over. Imagine where your wealth and happiness will go! Therefore, without wasting your time uselessly, constantly and sincerely chant hari-nāma with devotion. Then billions of plagues cannot do anything to you.
He went out on Sankirtan book distribution, selling, giving away, Srila Prabhupada’s books for many years. In each book he sold he had a very personal encouraging letter printed out offering to correspond and answer any question, he would sign each letter and he had a substantial list of people he regularly diligently kept in correspondence with from each of these interactions. His personal touch inspired the people he met to share their life stories with him. Continue reading "In Memoriam – Karnamrita das (video) → Dandavats"
Shri Mukunda Dasa, Shri Madhava Dasa and Shri Narahari Sarakara Thakura were three brothers who lived in Shri Khanda. Shri Mukunda Dasa Thakura’s son was Shri Raghunandan Thakura. Mukunda Dasa Thakura was the doctor in the court of the muslim king. He was always absorbed in Krishna, whatever work he did.
Every year Mukunda Dasa, Madhava Dasa and Narahari Sarakara would go to Jagannatha Puri to take darshan of the holy feet of Shri Chaitanya and to dance and chant in Rathayatra kirtan. One day, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu affectionately asked Mukunda Dasa, “Mukunda! Between you and Raghunandan, who is the father and who is the son?”
Mukunda said, “Raghunandana is my father. Through him I have found Krishna consciousness, so he is really my father.” The Lord said, “Your judgement is correct. Whoever gives us Krishna-bhakti is our guru and our father.” The Lord ordered Raghunandana to serve the deity, without thinking of anything else.
In his home he became acquainted with the worship of Shri Gopinatha from an early age. One day his father, Mukunda Dasa, who was a doctor, had to go away on medical business. He called Raghunandana to his side. He told Raghunandana to see to it that their deity was served with great care and attention.
He told him to be sure and feed the deity. At the appointed hour, taking the order of his father on his head, Raghunandan went to peform the service. He took the offering of food into the deity. Raghunandan was just a little boy. He told the deity: “Eat! Eat!” When he saw that the offering appeared untouched, he began to cry. Not being able to resist the child’s intense devotion, Krishna ate everything on the plate, leaving no remnants.
When Mukunda Dasa returned, he asked the boy, “Bring me the prasada remnants of the offering you made earlier.” The boy said, “Father, listen. I made the deity eat as you told me to. He left no remnants. He ate everything on his plate.” Mukunda was amazed at what the child was saying.
Ordering the boy to offer food as before, Mukunda hid himself outside the house and watched through the window. Raghunandana, then, with great delight, offered Gopinatha a laddu. “Eat! Eat!” he said. The Lord ate half the laddu.
Meanwhile, Mukunda, who was watching from outside, beheld all this in great amazement. He could understand that since the deity had already eaten once, and had not left any remnants, his hunger was satisfied. As a result, he could only finish half the laddu.
He embraced his son and held him on his lap. His voice was choked with divine emotion. Tears poured from his eyes like rain from a thundercloud. It is said that even today that half a laddu may be seen in Shri Khanda, where it is kept in one of the temples there.
Nrsimhananda das: Here is an ecstatic opportunity for those who love to write to win 500,000 dollars to fund the TOVP or any ISKCON project (including the SABHA!). Devotees could take all three prizes.
“Lord Nrsimha is the sacred absolute truth. He is the Supreme Brahman. He has a lion-human form with a dark-reddish-brown countenance. He is a perfect brahmacari in His behavior. His eyes are terrifying to look at, yet He bestows auspiciousness on all. His throat is bluish and His face is like a burning red iron. Therefore He is known as Nila-Lohitam [ bluish with a glowing reddish effulgence ].
[ Nrsimha-tapani-upanisat, Purva, Upanisat 1. End of fifth paragraph ]
Sri Mayapur Community hospital needs your help to start Operation Theatre services: Dear Devotees, Please accept the blessings of Sri Sri Radha Madhava and our humble obeisances at your lotus feet. We are very grateful for your magnanimous support us during the COVID crisis. Through your encouragement help and support […]
2021 marks the 125th Appearance Anniversary Year of ISKCON Founder/Acharya His Divine A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Ambarisa prabhu and the TOVP management have decided to officially begin celebrating this most auspicious and blessed occasion on Nityananda Trayodasi, February 25th (24th in the U.S.), and simultaneously launch major promotion for the PRABHUPADA IS COMING! Campaign announcing the installation of the new Prabhupada murti in the TOVP in October this year.
Lord Nityananda Prabhu is the original spiritual master, being Lord Balaram Himself. In Gaudiya Vaishnavism, the spiritual master is the representative of Lord Nityananda, and thus it follows that to glorify our Founder/Acharya Srila Prabhupada and commence the observance of his 125th Appearance Anniversary Year on Nityananda Rama’s appearance day is most appropriate for the occasion.
The celebration will begin with the raising of a Victory Flag onto the TOVP and glorification of Srila Prabhupada by His Holiness Jayapataka Swami, followed by other speeches and Prabhupada katha and ecstatic kirtan. Other festivities will continue throughout the day on the ISKCON Mayapur campus.
In conjunction with this event is the official launch of the PRABHUPADA IS COMING! Campaign promoting the grand installation of the new Prabhupada murti in October, and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sponsor one of five abhishekas. His Holiness Lokanath Maharaja personally named this campaign and is arranging to collect water from 125 sacred rivers for the abhisheka to honor the 125th Appearance Anniversary Year.
Every devotee in ISKCON is requested to participate in this most historic occasion and TOVP milestone by sponsoring at least one abhisheka according to their means. Even children can participate in this seva opportunity. Our worldwide goal is to raise a combined Guru Dakshina of $1 million for Srila Prabhupada. Every devotee who participates will also have their name read to Srila Prabhupada.
Additionally, the magnificent gold-leafed, 500 page TOVP Book of Devotion, from the makers of the largest Bhagavad Gita in the world and inscribed with the names of over 6,000 TOVP donors, will be offered to Srila Prabhupada on this occasion. To have your name included in this book you must complete your pledge by the new deadline of Gaur Purnima, March 28.
The birth of ISKCON Founder/Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is perhaps the most important event in the history of modern civilization. This year celebrates his 125th Appearance Anniversary and celebrations will commence in Mayapur on Nityananda Trayodasi, February 25th (24th in the U.S.).
But history is being made once again in October this year with the grand installation of a one-of-a-kind, worship-pose murti of Srila Prabhupada in the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, specially made by ISKCON’s best Prabhupada murti maker, Locan das. This installation heralds the Grand Opening of the temple in 2023 and the relocation of our beloved world Deities Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Sri Pancha Tattva and Sri Nrsimha into Their long-awaited new home. Srila Prabhupada will now be present to personally oversee the remainder of the construction and preparations for this momentous occasion.
Whether you have already donated to the TOVP or not, this installation represents a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to combinedly welcome our Founder/Acharya to his new home by sponsoring one or more of five kinds of abhishekas in your or your family’s name. And simultaneously this will help with fundraising for ongoing construction needs. We have therefore set our sights on a $1 million Guru Dakshina offering to Srila Prabhupada for this auspicious occasion.
The water used in the Jal Abhisheka sponsorship will be gathered from 125 sacred rivers by the arrangement of His Holiness Lokanath Swami, who also personally named this campaign the PRABHUPADA IS COMING! INSTALLATION ABHISHEKA CAMPAIGN. The coins used in the bronze, silver, gold and platinum abhisheka sponsorships will be 100% pure, and donors will receive the coin used in the abhisheka. Sponsors of the Samstapak Acharya option will receive a 5” replica Prabhupada worship-pose murti, and this will also include a Jal Abhisheka sponsorship. Even a child can sponsor the Sacred Water abhisheka.
Every man, woman and child in ISKCON should, without any doubt or hesitation, participate in this celebration with heartfelt love, devotion and gratitude and sponsor an abhisheka according to their means. Help install Srila Prabhupada in his true glory as the Jagat Guru in his Jagat Temple.
By Bhaktimarg Swami
By Siddhanta Das
