If some other temple has better association, should we leave our temple and go there?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Answer Podcast

The post If some other temple has better association, should we leave our temple and go there? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Vyasa-puja Celebration in Johannesburg and Durban via Skype, August 31, Carpinteria
Giriraj Swami

“Everyone should be friendly for the service of the Lord. Everyone should praise another’s service to the Lord and not be proud of his own service. This is the way of Vaisnava thinking, Vaikuntha thinking. There may be rivalries and apparent competition between servants in performing service, but in the Vaikuntha planets the service of another servant is appreciated, not condemned. This is Vaikuntha competition. There is no question of enmity between servants. Everyone should be allowed to render service to the Lord to the best of his ability, and everyone should appreciate the service of others. Such are the activities of Vaikuntha. Since everyone is a servant, everyone is on the same platform and is allowed to serve the Lord according to his ability.” SB 7.5.12 purport
———————————————————————–
Vyasa-puja Celebration via Skype (Right click to download)

Take advantage of the Bhadra Moon!
→ Dandavats

By Vamsuli Dasa

In ancient times, farmers followed the moon cycles across the year to sow or harvest their crops, knowing well that their investments are protected by taking advantage of such opportune moments. Devotees similarly have the opportunity to take advantage of the Bhadra Purnima day every year to gift the Srimad Bhagavatam and increase their devotional credits, as explained in the verse below: “If on the full moon day of the month of Bhādra one places Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam on a golden throne and gives it as a gift, he will attain the supreme transcendental destination.” – Srimad Bhagavatam 12.13.13 Continue reading "Take advantage of the Bhadra Moon!
→ Dandavats"

Live Your TOVP Pledge Campaign Launch
→ Dandavats

By TOVP team

We launched our newest campaign to encourage donors to complete their pledges, the TOVP Live Your Pledge Campaign. This awareness campaign is simply a reminder to keep your commitment to Srila Prabhupada to fulfill your pledge by 2022 or sooner. Much of our budget and income expectation is based on previous and new pledges, so it is incumbent that this stream of income remains strong and reliable. Continue reading "Live Your TOVP Pledge Campaign Launch
→ Dandavats"

Ukranian leadership discusses supplying the Deities with dairy from protected cows
→ Dandavats

By Ukranian IMCPA

Ukraine held the first ISKCON Farm Organization meeting in New Mayapur, from the 16-18th of August. The event targeted on how to accomplish the recent GBC resolution that by Janmastami 2022, all ISKCON centers should have a plan on how to supply the Deities with Dairy from protected cows. New Mayapur, Ukraine, is located on the territory of an ex-pioneer camp in the protected forest and on the bank of the river Oryl, which is one of the cleanest rivers in Ukraine. The nearest village is 4 km and only 108 km from the Dnipro International Airport. Continue reading "Ukranian leadership discusses supplying the Deities with dairy from protected cows
→ Dandavats"

Decisions, decisions!
→ KKSBlog

(Kadamba Kanana Swami, 3 October 2018, Camp de Masque, Mauritius, Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.1)

People have so many, so many practical questions for me. Someone comes and asks, “Shall I get married?” I have one answer to that question. The answer is, “Yes!” 

And then, if you come to me and say, “Shall I not get married?”I have one answer to that question as well and the answer is, “Yes!”

“Shall I go to university?” Yes!

“Shall I not go to university?” Yes!

“Shall I start a business?” Yes!

“Shall I just, you know, live very simple?” Yes!

It is all good and it does not matter. It is all “yes”, whatever you want. Because these things do not matter. These things are secondary. 

Prabhupada was in New York City in ‘Matchless Gifts’ and there were cars driving by. Prabhupada was then imitating the sound, “Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!” and then he said, “Yes, travelling at neck breaking speed, but not making any progress!”

So, like that, whether you live on this side of the street or on that side of the street, it does not matter. I mean, the grass is always greener on the other side anyway, or so they say. So these things do not matter so much. But there are some things we always need, except these things are for Krsna. Need a temple for Krsna, need a dhoti for Krsna, need an offering for Krsna and a few remnants for Krsna’s devotees.

The article " Decisions, decisions! " was published on KKSBlog.

Sridhar Swami Memorial Video!
→ Dandavats



When I was a new devotee, maybe less than two years in the movement, I approached Srila Prabhupada one day while he was getting his massage on the veranda of the Calcutta temple. “Srila Prabhupada,” I said, “I have been thinking about what pleases you most.” Srila Prabhupada took every word into his heart. He replied, “Yes.” I said, “The two things that seem to please you the most are distributing your books and building the big temple in Mayapur.” Srila Prabhupada smiled with great appreciation and said, “Thank you very much.”


Read More...

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s Predictions
- TOVP.org

As one of the recent acharyas in the Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya from Lord Caitanya, His Divine Grace Srila Saccidananda Bhaktivinoda Thakur made many predictions about the spread of the sankirtana movement throughout the world. He was undoubtedly an empowered Gaudiya Vaishnava visionary authorized by Mahaprabhu to preach and distribute the Holy Names, and was able to see the spread of the Yuga dharma as predicted by the Lord Himself. The prolific writer that he was, he penned these predictions into his writings as tangible historic facts, and they have become inspirations for generations of Vaishnavas since.

Below is a compilation of his most notable visions and predictions that show the depth of his capacity to see the future of the sankirtana movement.

“When our Lord [Caitanya] disappears, by His desire the Ganges will swell. The water will almost cover Mayapur for a hundred years and then recede. For some time, only the land will remain, devoid of houses. Then by the Lord’s desire, Mayapur will again become prominent, and people will live here as before. All the ghats on the bank of the Ganges will again be visible and the devotees will build temples . . . In this way, the devotees will reveal the lost places. Know this for certain: at the end of four hundred years, the task of recovering the lost holy places will begin.”

Jaiva Dharma

“Of the seven holy places giving salvation – Ayodhya, Mathura, Gaya, Kashi, Kanchi, Avanti and Dwaravati – Sri Mayapur is the most important place of pilgrimage. Sriman Mahaprabhu with His advent made His own Svetadvipa descend here, and after four centuries after the disappearance of Sriman Mahaprabhu this place of pilgrimage Svetadvipa will be superior to all other places of pilgrimage of the world. Living in this place removes all sin and offenses and helps pure devotion to grow.”

Jaiva Dharma

“The religion preached by [Chaitanya] Mahaprabhu is universal and not exclusive… The principle of kirtan as the future church of the world invites all classes of men, without distinction of caste or clan, to the highest cultivation of the spirit. This church, it appears, will extend all over the world and take the place of all sectarian churches, which exclude outsiders from the precincts of the mosque, church, or temple. Lord Chaitanya did not advent Himself to liberate only a few men of India. Rather, His main objective was to emancipate all living entities of all countries throughout the entire universe and preach the Eternal Religion. Lord Chaitanya says in the Chaitanya Bhagwat: “In every town, country, and village, My name will be sung.” There is no doubt that this unquestionable order will come to pass… Although there is still no pure society of Vaishnavas to be had, yet Lord Chaitanya’s prophetic words will in a few days come true, I am sure. Why not? Nothing is absolutely pure in the beginning. From imperfection, purity will come about. O, for that day when the fortunate English, French, Russian, German, and American people will take up banners, mridangas, and kartals and raise kirtan through their streets and towns. When will that day come?”

Sajjana-tosani

“Very soon the chanting of ‘Harinama sankirtana will be spread all over the world. Oh, when will that day come when people from America, England, France, Germany, Russia will take up karatals and mrdangas and chant Hare Krishna in their towns? When will that day come when the fair-skinned foreigners will come to Sri Mayapur-dhama and join with the Bengali Vaisnavas to chant, Jaya Sacinandana, Jaya Sacinandana. When will that day be?”

Sajjana-tosani

“Alas! When will that day come when all greatly fortunate souls in countries such as England, France, Russia, Prussia and America will take up banners, kettle drums, mrdangas and karatalas and thus cause the ecstatic waves of Hari Nama Kirtan and the singing of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s holy name to rise in the streets of their towns and cities? O when will that day come, when pure and transcendental Krishna prema (love of God) will be the only religion of all souls and all tiny sectarian religions will meet in the unlimited and universal religion of devotional service to Krishna, as rivers merge into the great ocean? O when will that day come?”

Sajjana-tosani

“A personality will soon appear and he will travel all over the world to spread the teachings of Lord Caitanya.”

Because of Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s being the pioneer of the Krishna consciousness movement and the force behind its progression into the modern world, Srila Prabhupada took it as his great service to him to build the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium in Sridhama Mayapur as the fulfillment of the Thakura’s vision of a golden city in the Holy Dhama. So important was this to Srila Prabhupada that he said to Giriraja Swami, “If you all build this temple, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura will personally come and take you all back to Godhead.”

On this most auspicious occasion we request devotees to consider intensifying their dedication and desire to see the completion of the TOVP by 2022, and make yet another financial commitment according to their ability to help. Please go to Seva Opportunities page to make an offering today.

 

TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH

Visit us at: www.tovp.org
Follow us at: www.facebook.com/tovp.mayapur
Watch us at: www.youtube.com/user/tovpinfo
View us 360° at: www.tovp360.org
News & Texts at: http://bit.ly/2ZB0xiONewsTexts
RSS News Feed at: https://tovp.org/rss2/
Buy from us at: https://tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/
Support us at: https://tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities/

The post Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s Predictions appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Live Your TOVP Pledge Campaign Launch
- TOVP.org

“Sources (of funds) means we get contributions from all over the world. All of our branches will gladly contribute. Practically this institution is the real United Nations. We have the cooperation from all Nations, all religions, all communities, etc. It will be an international institute. To see the planetarium and how things are universally situated has nothing to do with sectarian ideas. It is a scientific presentation of spiritual life.”

Srila Prabhupada

The vision of our acharya, Srila Prabhupada, extends into the future far beyond our capacity to imagine. He could see that the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium at the World Headquarters of ISKCON in the sacred land of Sridhama Mayapur would have a paramount effect on the entire human civilization for generations to come. He predicted that, “All over India they will come to see. From all over the world they will come.” He was fulfilling the words and vision of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur that people from all over the world would come to Mayapur to chant together, “Jai Sacinandana, Jai Sacinandana!”

In lieu of the Grand Opening of the TOVP in 2022 we would like to humbly remind devotees who have made pledges as yet unfinished to complete them as soon as possible. And devotees who have stopped their pledge payments for whatever reason to try and restart and complete them also. All this is to ensure we have the funds necessary for the completion of Sri Sri Radha Madhava’s, Sri Pancha Tattva’s and Sri Nrsimha’s new home and Srila Prabhupada’s historic preaching project. It would be a great embarrassment to Srila Prabhupada and ISKCON if we were unable to fulfill this plan on schedule.

With that idea in mind, during Janmastami and Vyasa Puja 2019 we launched our newest campaign to encourage donors to complete their pledges, the TOVP Live Your Pledge Campaign. This awareness campaign is simply a reminder to keep your commitment to Srila Prabhupada to fulfill your pledge by 2022 or sooner. Much of our budget and income expectation is based on previous and new pledges, so it is incumbent that this stream of income remains strong and reliable.

We hope every TOVP donor with an outstanding balance on their pledge will seriously consider this appeal and do the needful. This is the temple being built by the hands of every devotee and we need your help to succeed and combinedly offer this temple to Srila Prabhupada and our acharyas. Thank you for your support and consideration.

 

TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH

Visit us at: www.tovp.org
Follow us at: www.facebook.com/tovp.mayapur
Watch us at: www.youtube.com/user/tovpinfo
View us 360° at: www.tovp360.org
News & Texts at: http://bit.ly/2ZB0xiONewsTexts
RSS News Feed at: https://tovp.org/rss2/
Buy from us at: https://tovp.org/tovp-gift-store/
Support us at: https://tovp.org/donate/seva-opportunities/

The post Live Your TOVP Pledge Campaign Launch appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

From the Astrologer’s Diary: The Night Dacoits Stole Srimati Radharani
→ Dandavats

By Shyamasundara Dasa

This is a revised and expanded edition of an article that I originally wrote in 1995. It weaves together, through the lens of Vedic Astrology, the history of how the ISKCON Mayapura temple was first victimized by thieves who stole Srila Prabhupada’s childhood Deities. And, the subsequent more serious attack by a gang of dacoits who stole Srimati Radharani thinking she was made of gold resulting in many wounded and at least one death. And, how following a simple instruction from Srila Prabhupada could have prevented it all. Continue reading "From the Astrologer’s Diary: The Night Dacoits Stole Srimati Radharani
→ Dandavats"

Seattle Rathayatra
→ Ramai Swami

The Jagannatha Rathayatra parade took place on the second day of the festival and devotees came from as far away as Portland and Vancouver to participate. It was a wonderful procession and Their Lordships rode majestically through the streets of the suburb of Bellevue, which is like a second city in Seattle.

I did the puja to Jagannatha, Balarama and Subhadra and led the kirtana in the beginning. The devotees were very enthusiastic chanting and dancing the whole way for about one and half hours. When we got back to park, Their Lordships were taken from the cart to an alter and everyone settled in for the afternoon and evening activities.

Radhastami Celebrations – Friday, September 6th
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

The Hare Krishna Temple warmly invites you and your family to join us on Friday, September 6th for Radhastami celebrations - celebrating the appearance of Srimati Radharani! Festivities will
commence at 6:00pm, and will feature a special flower outfit darshan!

Radhastami is a special festival for New Remuna Dhama (ISKCON Toronto) as it marks the 47th installation anniversary of our beloved Sri Sri Radha Ksira-Chora Gopinatha deities. Their Lordships were installed in 1972 in a small Temple on Gerrard Street and have been the center of our community ever since.

As an annual tradition, the highlight of the evening will be when we open gifts for Srimati Radharani that have been brought by the assembled devotees. If you and your family feel inclined, you are welcome to bring a gift for Their Lordships. Some humble suggestions from the pujari and kitchen departments include:

Items for the Deities (additional items will be added):

  •  handkerchiefs
  •  jewelry
  •  medium size storage containers
  •  bindis

Altar Cleaning Items:

  • silver polish (cream/liquid)
  • brass/copper polish (cream/liquid)
  • wood polish
  • laundry soap
  • soft cleaning cloths
  • towels
  • eco-friendly cleaning products
Kitchen Items:
  • Juciers
  • Food processors
  • Blenders
  • Potato peelers 
  • Strainers
  • Knifes 
  • Cutting boards
  • Peelers, 
  • Kitchen Cloths 
  • Oven gloves

A limited supply of gift baskets will be available to purchase at the Temple on September 6th; Gift certificates will also be available.



Radhastami celebrations on Sunday – 8th Sep 2019
→ ISKCON Scarborough

Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

At ISKCON Scarborough, we will be celebrating Radhastami (appearance day of Srimati Radharani) on Sunday - 8th Sep 2019 at 10.30 am.

We warmly welcome you and your family to take part in the celebrations. Devotees will fast until noon and after the arati, there will be a grand feast.

Who is Srimati Radharani?

Lord Krsna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is stated in the Svetasvatara Upanishad (6.8) "The Supreme Lord has multipotencies, which act so perfectly that all consciousness, strength, and activity are being directed solely by His will". The material world, where we are now living, is called bahir-anga-sakti, the external energy of Krsna. Lord Krsna explains in the Bhagavad-Gita (9.10): "Under My superintendence, the material energy is working". Apart from the material, external energy, there is another energy - internal energy. By the internal energy, the spiritual world is being manifested. As the material world is manipulated under the external energy, the spiritual world is conducted by the internal potency. That internal potency, called the Hladini Sakti, is Srimati Radharani.

In CC Adi 1.5 it is said "The loving affairs of Sri Radha and Krishna are transcendental manifestations of the Lord's internal pleasure-giving potency. Although Radha and Krsna are one in Their identity, They separated Themselves eternally". Srimati Radharani, as the highest devotee of Lord Krsna, derives the greatest pleasure in serving Him. She is the origin of all the Gopis and of all the Goddesses of Fortune (Lakshmi Devi) who are engaged in the service of the Lord. She is the mainstay, the ideal and the ultimate refuge of all devotees embarking on the path of devotional service. Without first getting the mercy of Srimati Radharani it is impossible to even approach Lord Krsna.

The Hare Krsna maha-mantra is, in fact, a prayer to Srimati Radharani. The word 'Hare' is derived from 'Hara' which denotes the internal energy or Hladini Sakti of Krishna. This is none other than Srimati Radharani. When one is chanting the maha-mantra, one is saying: "O Krsna ! O Radha !! Please engage me in your devotional service". Krsna is difficult to approach directly, but He is bhakta-vatsala, always eager to please His devotees. Thus the mood of a devotee is to invoke the compassion of Srimati Radharani Who then recommends the devotee to Lord Krsna. Since Krsna is easily pleased by Srimati Radharani, He then readily accepts the devotee in His service.


We welcome you and your family to take part in the festivities coming Sunday at ISKCON Scarborough.

ISKCON Scarborough
3500 McNicoll Avenue, Unit #3,
Scarborough, Ontario,
Canada, M1V4C7

Email Address:
iskconscarborough@hotmail.com
scarboroughiskcon@gmail.com

website:

www.iskconscarborough.org

Bhagavad-gita chapter 2 overview – How to decide the right thing to do and stay undisturbed while doing it
→ The Spiritual Scientist

[Talk at Connecticut, USA]

Podcast


 

Podcast Summary


 

Video:

The post Bhagavad-gita chapter 2 overview – How to decide the right thing to do and stay undisturbed while doing it appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

ISKCON Disciples Course – September 27-29
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!

A few years ago, the leadership of our international Hare Krishna movement instituted the "ISKCON Disciples Course", which is a great overview about several important aspects in one's spiritual life within our Hare Krishna family. This foundational course covers important topics like:
  • The importance of accepting initiation in a disciplic succession
  • Srila Prabhupada's special position
  • How to select a spiritual master
  • Relationships in a multi-guru environment
  • Parallel lines of authority and more
Uttama devi dasi and Partha das are visiting Toronto for a few weeks this summer and they will be facilitating the ISKCON Disciples Course from September 27-29, 2019.

Course Schedule:
Friday September 27:  6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Saturday September 28: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday September 29: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm

To register and to find out more information about this important course, please click here.

An Appeal To Help Ramdas Abhirama Das Who Is In Critical Condition
→ Dandavats

Indradyumna Swami: We are again making an appeal for financial support, this time for a very dear and loved devotee who has made significant contributions to the cultural expansion of our Krishna consciousness in the world. Ramdas Abhirama Das, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, suffered a serious cerebral intraparenchymal hemorrhage while visiting Italy with his wife Dhrti Dasi last week. Cerebral intraparenchymal hemorrhage is when a blood vessel bursts in the brain depriving the brain of oxygen and proper blood supply. It can result in death or impaired mobility throughout life.

Complaints Of Love
→ Dandavats

By Gauranga Darshan Das

Krishna’s pastimes are most enchanting, but when His pure devotees like the gopīs or Sukadeva Gosvami in the Bhagavatam narrate them, they taste even more nectarean, being mixed with the love of these devotees. Thus, Mother Yasoda experienced a greater pleasure upon hearing about Krishna’s stealing pastimes from the gopīs than the gopis did by witnessing them firsthand. The gopis’ apparent angry complaints were nothing but expressions of their loving affection for Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme butter thief (makhana-cora) who steals everyone’s pure heart. Continue reading "Complaints Of Love
→ Dandavats"

Seattle Rathayatra Festival
→ Ramai Swami

Things got off to a great start at the Seattle Rathayatra festival. The celebration was over two days and on the first many people attended. The devotees set up stages and stalls very nicely in a local park and everyone enjoyed the spiritual atmosphere.

Mother cow and her calf were brought over from our farm and even the local police came and had a look at how beautiful they were. There were, of course, dance and drama, book and paraphernalia stalls, but the most popular were the free prasadam stalls that served succulent preparations well into the evening.

Sripada Sridhar Swami’s Vyasa-puja
Giriraj Swami

My dear Sridhar Swami Maharaja,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

One of the most important lessons in Krishna consciousness is service in separation, and I have learned much about that from you since your departure. Three days after you left, while on my daily walk, I suddenly began to feel blissful, and I felt your presence. Then I felt that you gave me two instructions. The first was, “I am still here. Be happy.” And the second was, “Just be yourself. Each one of us has his own contribution to make, so just be yourself and make your contribution.” And then you left.

I considered what had just happened. Clearly, your two instructions were meant not only for me; they were meant for everyone. And your instructions covered all points. Especially your last statement said it all: “Just be yourself and make your contribution.” It was so powerful and true to you that our godbrother Jananivasa Prabhu quoted it in a talk.

Today, on this occasion, I feel simultaneously happy and sad. As Srila Prabhupada said, when a Vaishnava departs we feel both: happy that the Vaishnava has gone to serve Krishna and sad because we will miss his association.

I do feel sad in your separation—we had so many good times and deep experiences together in service to our eternal spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada—but I take solace in serving you in separation. The Mayapur project is so dear to you, I feel that I am serving you when I contribute to it. Your disciples are dear to you, and by supporting and encouraging them in devotional service, I feel that I am serving you. In fact, you wanted everyone to become Krishna conscious—the gentle and the ruffians—and often when I preach, especially to ruffians, I think of you. And you encouraged me to write, telling me, “The pen is mightier than the sword,” and so I write as a service to you.

Maharaja, you were known as the Jolly Swami, and indeed you were jolly, even to the end. This is testimony to your advancement in Krishna consciousness, to your surrender to Krishna. Srila Prabhupada said, “If you become Krishna’s devotee, rest assured you will never be vanquished. Krishna will always protect you. We are loitering in this material world without any protection. Kadaham aikantika-nitya-kinkarah praharsayisyami sanatha-jivitam [Stotra-ratna 43]. There is a verse by Yamunacarya. He’s praying, ‘My dear Lord, I am loitering in this material world without any guardian. So, when will the time come that I shall be jolly always, that “There is my guardian, Krishna”?’ ”

By Srila Prabhupada’s grace, you were always under Krishna’s protection—and jolly. And anyone who comes to your shelter will also be safe and happy, by your—and their—divine grace.

Thank you, Maharaja.

We love you.

Hare Krishna.

Your eternal servant,
Giriraj Swami

A visit to ISKCON Rupanuga Vedic College – Kansas City (Album of…
→ Dandavats



A visit to ISKCON Rupanuga Vedic College - Kansas City (Album of photos)
Srila Prabhupada: “Whatever state of being one remembers when he quits his body, that state he will attain without fail.” If one practices chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, he is naturally expected to chant Hare Krishna when he meets with some accident. Even without such practice, however, if one somehow or other chants the holy name of the Lord (Hare Krishna) when he meets with an accident and dies, he will be saved from hellish life after death. (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 6.2.15 Purport)
Find them here: https://is.gd/N4tmPv

A Green Janmastami celebration – Zero Waste drive – ISKCON…
→ Dandavats



A Green Janmastami celebration - Zero Waste drive – ISKCON Auckland, NZ

Janmastami 2019 was extra special in ISKCON, Auckland NZ!

The temple, under the leadership of its President, HG Kalasamvara Prabhu, decided to undertake a zero-waste drive for Sri Janmastami and Prabhupada Jayanti 2019. A laudable initiative in service of Mother Earth – beloved of Krsna.

The festivals, this year, fell on a weekend, which meant there would be literally several thousands of visitors and guests. Being reputed in Auckland for its hospitality and receiving and serving guests, plans were made for tons of prasadam to be cooked inhouse and served out to our visitors on these auspicious days. Tons of prasadam meant heaps of green and other waste that would go towards the landfill.

When food waste and compostable items are sent to landfill, they generate methane, a noxious gas which contributes to global warming, destruction of the environment and the perishing of many plant and animal species. Moreover, items that can be recycled and reused are wasted as they end up in landfill.

For the first time, the temple’s leadership decided to take the difficult path of sorting the waste so not everything would go to landfill. We had advisors from the local city council visiting the premises and advising on what could be done and also engaged the services of a local event waste management company.

All the devotees that were engaged in purchasing, cooking and serving also enthusiastically took up the cause and did their best to sort the rubbish generated at source. Everybody took up the responsibility of playing their part in cutting down waste. Only compostable plates and cutlery were used to serve the guests.

In fact, this very first attempt was so successful, that a massive 86% of the waste was saved from ending up in landfill. More than half (56%) of the rubbish generated went to make compost, thus enriching this earth to generate more food grains and vegetables which can be offered to Krishna. A significant, 29% of rubbish, was sent to be recycled to make other useful products.

A big Thank You to all the devotees and guests that made this first attempt a huge success!

Sri Sri Radha Giridhari Ji ki Jai. Sri Bhoomidevi ki Jai.

Cow love for everyone! Our farm hosts many tours for different…
→ Dandavats



Cow love for everyone!
Our farm hosts many tours for different guests. A big highlight of the tour is always meeting the cows. People are always surprised at how approachable and friendly our beautiful cows are. Our favorite thing to do is take guests to our girls and call out RADHIKA and see everyone’s excitement as all the cows come running out of nowhere to say hello. (Radhika is the leader of the herd so if she’s coming they’re all coming). We love seeing people’s love for cows grow.
We Love Cows, is a community project based on a farm in Northern NSW, Australia. Our farm gives a home to 84 cows and bulls, young and old under a special cow protection program. Every cow born on our farm gets to live their entire life cared for every day to whatever extent they need. These animals are seen as apart of our family and are treated accordingly.
We offer the opportunity to support our project and gain personal relationships with these beautiful animals through our Cow Sponsorship program. Contact us to know more or arrange a visit : ngcows@outlook.com

TOVP Texts Right to Your Phone
- TOVP.org

In our endless efforts to keep ISKCON devotees informed with news and updates about the progress of the TOVP construction leading to the Grand Opening in 2022, we are now offering the opportunity to receive texts to your phone.

These texts will provide short highlights of news along with the link to the website to read the entire article. This will be an exciting and effective way of staying in touch and informed about this most historic project that will change the course of history and bring Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s sankirtan movement to the forefront of the world stage.

Simply go to the link below and sign up to receive the TOVP Newsletter and texts and keep your eyes open for the next TOVP text update right to your phone:

News & Texts at: http://bit.ly/2HD5tthNewsTexts

 

TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH

Visit us at: www.tovp.org
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H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Stresses the TOVP During His 75th Anniversary Vyasa Puja Celebration
- TOVP.org

On August 27th at ISKCON Delhi the most auspicious occasion of the 75th Anniversary Vyasa Puja of His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami was celebrated. In attendance were about 8,000 disciples, well-wishers and friends for a one-day observance of the festival to honor his service to Srila Prabhupada and his being Srila Prabhupada’s and Srila Vyasadeva’s representative for so many Vaishnavas.

But Maharaja took advantage of the occasion to especially help the TOVP, putting the TOVP fundraising front and center of the event. Both Maharaja’s disciple and lead TOVP donor, Veda Vyas prabhu and Braja Vilasa spoke about the TOVP project for over 45 minutes giving updates and encouraging devotees to continue to support the project with their financial help, as this was a direct order from Prabhupada to Gopal Krishna Goswami:

“When you go to India, as you have asked me for something to do, and also you have an inclination to construct a temple somewhere in India, I would request you to consider if you can construct a temple at the birthplace of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.”

July 11, 1969

On this auspicious event Braja Vilasa arranged for a specially minted 75th Anniversary Vyasa Puja coin to be given to donors, along with a brick inscribed with Maharaja’s and the donor’s name to be placed under the Guru Parampara altar. Over 200 devotees gladly donated for these, as well as for three Kirtanam Pillars of Devotion selected personally by Ambarisa prabhu for the occasion. In total over $350,000 in pledges was raised.

Also significant during the event was the official launch of the new updated and improved TOVP App created by Aniruddha Chandra prabhu and his tech team. He personally has overseen the App’s production and wanted to launch it on the day of his Guru Maharaja’s Vyasa Puja as an offering to him. Details on the App and how to download it will be made available soon.

Ambarisa and Braja Vilasa prabhus are eternally grateful to Gopal Krishna Goswami and all his disciples who have enthusiastically supported the TOVP over the years. We have already attended other Vyasa Puja events for Maharaja and the same devotees continue to support the project again and again.

We are especially thankful to the Delhi temple management and the following devotees for their help in organizing our participation and facilitating our success:

Veda Vyasa das
Raghav Pundit das
Mohana Rupa das
Sadhu Hrday das
Rsi Kumar das
Adwaita Krishna das
Vrajendranandana das

All glories to His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja!

[See image gallery at tovp.org]

 

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