Planet ISKCON

Last year he suffered a heart attack, he was in no illusion about his days being numbered. He left his body this evening at our Temple/HQ in Brent Cross, North London, from a heart attack.

Srimad Bhagavatam class given by HG Hansarupa Prabhu at Iskcon NYC

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The following is a sample from the many letters I am receiving, this one from a devotee who has been listening every day to the FaceBook page “Daily Readings of Srila Prabhupada’s Books” (which is now available on the YouTube channel of the same name): Maharaja, I’d like to share a little update with you on my reading groups in Sydney because I know that you are enthused by sharing and reading Srila Prabhupada’s books and you are encouraging devotees to also do this - and that’s what’s given me the enthusiasm to try and do this service. Here in Sydney we’re quickly moving towards lockdown like other countries. I’m mostly at home however my reading groups are getting bigger even though they are all online now and this is really very blissful. This pandemic has meant people have more anxiety and uncertainty in their lives but also more time to search for spiritual solace. Continue reading "Daily Readings of Srila Prabhupada’s Books
→ Dandavats"

Is comparing capitalism or communism with varnashrama like comparing apples and oranges because the first two are deemed failures materially whereas the third is deemed successful spiritually?

If varna classification is natural (engaging one according to their propensity), then what is the benefit of varna system in todays society? Somehow, felt like capitalism, communism (oranges) vs spirituality (apple) comparison. Because two are judged on material scale and then varnasrama on spirituality. Is nt the question, can varnasrama be better at both material and spiritual scales? Its like saying to the poor and needy, I don’t have food for you, but if you seek I could show you God. We might lose societal relevance here. If varnasrama fails on material scale itself, then people wont bother to consider it for spiritual.

 
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[Bhakti Sanga Conference call Aug 11,2020]

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As many of you know he has been battling with Covid-19 pneumonia this past 2 weeks in ICU. We pray that Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Radhanath, Sri Jagannath Baladev Subhadra, Sri Sri Nitai Gaurahari bless him on his spiritual journey.

We never tire of hearing the transcendental pastimes of the Personality of Godhead, who is glorified by hymns and prayers. Those who have developed a taste for transcendental relationships with Him relish hearing of His pastimes at every moment.( SB 1.1.19)

With the increasing interest arising in the devotee communities worldwide for alternative children education programs that not only nurture the children in well rounded academics but also deep spiritual values, some of us at Sri Sri Radha Giridhari Mandira, ISKCON Mira Road, Mumbai felt an urgent need to bring up a very balanced model for the children connected to our community.

When Lord Brahma ordered Drona, the best of the Vasus, and his wife Dhara to increase progeny, they said unto him, “Dear father, we seek your benediction. Please let us be born on earth so that after our appearance the Supreme Lord will appear as our son and spread devotional service.

Srimad Bhagavatam class given by HH Mukunda Goswami at ISKCON New Govardhana Temple

Prasad went out to the devotees, the isolated and vulnerable, NHS workers, the homeless and anyone needing some special mercy.

As Kṛṣṇa told his friends that beggars sometimes are rebuffed, you knew the Lord would send you help, and help came soon enough. It came from low-class people who were fallen, blind and rough, and not from high-class smārta-types whose egos were too puffed. As brāhmaṇa wives and not their husbands brought Lord Kṛṣṇa food, it was these fallen souls who caught your missionary mood. While paṇḍits criticized your flock as muchis, foul and crude, you knew the Pañca-tattva did not favor or exclude. Continue reading "Our dear Srila Prabhupada (video)
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This year, ISKCON Harinam Sankirtan Ministry aspires to expand the festival beyond the borders of ISKCON into the greater society.  With the support of devotees worldwide the festival can reach out and bring the holy names to new people.  

The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough for parents and kids, as they try to find engagement while staying at home. Here are eleven tried-and-true Krishna conscious activities, as shared by devotee parents themselves! 1. Holding a Backyard Ratha Yatra for Lord Jagannatha “Mata, what does Jagannatha like to eat the most?” asked my 7-year old […]

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The COVID-19 pandemic has been tough for parents and kids, as they try to find engagement while staying at home. Here are eleven tried-and-true Krishna conscious activities, as shared by devotee parents themselves!

Expedition Unknown host, Josh Gates, interviews Hare Krishna devotee, Parijata Devi Dasi, at ISKCON temple in Juhu Beach, Mumbai, India.

Because of the global pandemic, traditional ways to share Harinam, on the streets and in kirtan events, is severely restricted. Thus we plan to offer many ways to participate online and in smaller safe settings

We learned early on that new cars and New York City did not go well together. Dents appeared almost daily and our sleep-deprived drivers did not help either

On the Children @Home Show with Gopi Gita Schomaker this week, we welcomed her father, His Grace Vishvambhar Prabhu as he shares best practices on developing his children's inner confidence in Krishna as their best friend.

Giriraj Swami spoke via Zoom during the Sunday program in Houston, on Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.3.17.

Sankirtana das: When Srila Prabhupada talked about establishing Varnasharma colleges, he specifically mentioned using Mahabharata as one of the textbooks.

Srimad Bhagavatam class by HH Badrinarayan Swami

This evening, Sunday, August 16, 2020, His Grace Vidyananda Prabhu departed from this world after being diagnosed with brain tumors (glioblastomas). He also suffered a stroke when the physicians had attempted to biopsy the tumors.

We request ardent prayers for two wonderful devotees, Trikalajna Das and Tungavidya Devi, who are both currently fighting Covid-19, in a hospital in Vrindavan, India.

Today we sent the book I’ll Build You a Temple: The Juhu Story to the BBT for printing. And coincidentally, a devotee shared with me a beautiful three-minute video of His Holiness Radhanath Swami speaking about Srila Prabhupada’s struggle in Juhu and my book about it. He said, “One of the most important books about Srila Prabhupada. It’s about Srila Prabhupada and his lila of years of heartbreak and struggle in Juhu, Bombay. No one could write this book like His Holiness Giriraj Swami Maharaja . . . he was there from the beginning to the culmination.”

You can hear His Holiness Radhanath Swami Maharaja’s inspiring talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmHpahWsn3Y&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR2kuA0WEjbLy00xFsSfZFCqrBzIkFn0N8miVqn4IFbfErjCFAH1B_dtkjI

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Giriraj Swami spoke via Zoom during the Sunday program in Houston, on Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.3.17.