Up And Running (Album of photos)
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Up And Running (Album of photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Our 30th annual summer festival tour along the Baltic Sea in Poland is up and running. We held yesterday’s program in a heatwave that has affected all of Europe. Despite the high temperatures [ 101 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius ] a good crowd attended. ‘Rain or Shine’ the show always goes on! [ All photos by Kartamashi dasa ]

A Legacy Begins: New commemorative photobook launched to mark ISKCON UK’s 50th anniversary
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By Mina Sharma

Titled A Legacy Begins, the beautifully presented photo book features rare, original photos from HG Gurudas Prabhu’s personal archive documenting the years 1968 – 1973, from when the seven pioneers first arrived in London, iconic pictures of the devotees meeting The Beatles, Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in London, the installation of Sri Sri Radha Londonisvara and the first Rathyatras that took place in the city. Continue reading "A Legacy Begins: New commemorative photobook launched to mark ISKCON UK’s 50th anniversary
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Gadai-Gauranga – the Lord Gauranga of Gadadhara Pandita
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By Iskcon Mayapur

In this material world, relationships are short-lived. Growing up many people have said to each other that they will remain together forever, but due to providence such relationships hardly last for years. But such a scenario was unseen in the life of Gadadhara Pandit. He was the most intimate companion of Mahaprabhu and was very dear to Him [Mahaprabhu]. Continue reading "Gadai-Gauranga – the Lord Gauranga of Gadadhara Pandita
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12-Hour Kirtan
→ The Toronto Hare Krishna Temple!


Pre-Rathayatra 12-Hour Kirtan. You heard that right- the biggest indoor kirtan party of the year is just around the corner! Featuring phenomenal kirtan leaders from around the world, this is definitely one of those days not to be missed! This year this will happen on Friday July 12th from 10am - 10pm at the Toronto Hare Krishna Temple at 243 Avenue Road. The rip-roaring yet melodious kirtan is hands down, one of the best free one-day mantra-meditation retreats in town!

So what are you waiting for? Book the day off work or school as this is your opportunity to immerse yourselves in 12 awesome hours of the transcendental vibrations of the maha-mantra accompanied by singing, dancing, a range of instruments and clapping.

World renowned kirtanyas will be descending on Toronto from around the world, including Madhava Prabhu from Switzerland, Amala Kirtan Dasa from Brazil and many more! Though the roster will be made available closer to date, make sure you come early so as to not miss out on your favourite out-of-town kirtanya!

Invite all your family and friends on Friday July 12th, 2019. We look forward to seeing you there!


Sunday Times Celebrates ISKCON UK’s 50th Anniversary
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By Nicholas Hellen

With the release of The White Album, the Beatles were at the peak of their fame, and, as Gurudas puts it, "were being submerged by self-proclaimed Messiahs". When he and six other devotees attempted to make contact, their gifts, including a wind-up toy apple that played the Hare Krishna mantra, were binned by the band's gatekeepers. Their luck changed when the American rock band the Grateful Dead came to meet the Beatles in London and their manager invited one of the devotees, Shyamasundar Das, to accompany them. However, two members of the Hell's Angels motorcycle gang were also part of the Californian rockers' entourage. Gurudas said that as they all waited at the Beatles' headquarters, the Hell's Angels threatened to attack all four members of the band they had come to meet. Continue reading "Sunday Times Celebrates ISKCON UK’s 50th Anniversary
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Thursday, June 27th, 2019
→ The Walking Monk

Toronto, Ontario

People Coming And Sitting

A couple from Saudi Arabia and their baby in a stroller sat down next to us in the park. One of our chanting party members handed them a card promoting the soon-to-arrive "Chariot Fest" which is also called "Festival of India" and this compelled them to join us. They have only been in Canada for nine months and are loving it.  They were curious.

"But you're not from India?"

I looked around and noted all of us pale-faced persons.  Except for Ananda on the djembe, our group was all white, including our visiting swami, Niranjan Maharaja.

"I was born in Chatham, Ontario, and most of us here are Canadian, American or European,” I said.

The couple were astounded, first that we had adopted the ancient spiritual ways of India, and second, with our sense of openness.  I do hope we will see them again.  I did explain the meaning of the mantrawe were singing.

"Krishna refers to the Creator. Rama implies ‘enjoyer’.  Hare is a word that calls on our service to the Creator.  And the execution of it is done in a joyful way."

These Arab folks were grateful and expressed it in the most courteous way. And just as they left, a couple of young lads sat by to join in our magical mystery mantras; one had stark yellow hair with dreads.  They sat for a while and then a young woman took part in the chant.

In this way, interest by the public at Christie Pitts Park, was sustained as we sat under the shade of trees and upon the softest of grass.   https://www.instagram.com/p/BzQA-ZuAjjA/?igshid=b3ljyaqsjq00

May the Source be with you!
3 km



Wednesday, June 26th, 2019
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Toronto, Ontario

Last Exit

One member of our local community who comes regularly for priestly tasks drove Jai and I to his residential area at Pape and Danforth.  It was at my request.  "From your place the two of us will walk back to the ashram, a distance of five kilometres, exactly."

It's been hot here and the sun was blazing, "Jai, let's go on the shady side of the street."  The sun was going on its westerly way, casting shadows from buildings and trees on a slightly northern slant.  That was relieving.

On streets of commerce, with more dense pedestrian traffic, it’s difficult to greet everyone.  Once we got to the well treed and home district through Rosedale, it became easy to say simply, "How are you?" and then receive some reciprocation. It must be something about bushes and trees that calms us.  Plus when you have those nice Victorian homes to your right and left, the feeling is very homey and safe.

In going over the Don Valley Parkway via the bridge, you have this expansive view. People used to jump from this bridge until the city made it impossible to leap from there.  Some people are indeed living in despair, having lost hope, looking for opportunities to give up after trying to give life another shot. The bridge is called the Bloor Viaduct. I knew at least two people, over the years, who decided to make this Don Valley their last image.  https://www.instagram.com/p/BzNcmV2A8PM/?igshid=1rxwmja8pdt6u

Each time I cross that bridge, I can't help but remember that the viaduct was the last exit for a number of people.  It's sad but real.

May the Source be with you!
5 km


Tuesday, June 25th, 2019
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Miami / Toronto

Becoming Relevant

I've left Florida and landed in Canada, and done some walking with Jai. Thoughts were flowing through my mind in the course of the walk.  I'll share and let those thoughts flow in as natural a fluidity as possible.   https://www.instagram.com/p/BzKFtffAn0k/?igshid=n1oo069onhre

There is a controversy drifting in the air within the local community.  The subject is whether to go vegan at our festivals with the public, go partly vegan, or not at all, in other words, "stick to the paneer and butter please."

Soon our biggest event of the year is approaching.  Yes, soon 40,000 folks will attend our annual Chariot/India Fest. These days to be more relevant to the public, who are becoming more and more sensitive to animal slaughter issues, we must think twice before we dish out the food.  Cows and bulls, innocent creatures, are being mercilessly tortured and slaughtered.  The dairy industry is intrinsically connected to slaughter.  If you purchase and consume dairy then you support the system of animal killing.  It's that simple.

In the Krishna culture, rooted in ancient India, cows and bulls were always revered for their dharmic contributions to the human population, through the milk surplus and ox power.  Those animals were never slaughtered.  But now, and particularly here, in the west, they are. When we purchase milk in those plastic bags, even if done for deities, we are backing a corrupt system.  Hence, our guru, Prabhupada, asked for self-sustained ahimsa communities. We have a long way to go to get there. We must think deeply about this. I personally opt for non-dairy products—coconut milk and oil and other choices for such events.

If Burger King and McDonald's are bending to the public demand with vegan burgers, then a community like ours should also consider becoming more relevant.

May the Source be with you!
6 km


Monday, June 24th, 2019
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Miami, Florida

The Day of the Iguana

Iguanas by the dozens were taking in the rays in the sun, just being very stoic until P. Krpa and I started walking in their territory.  They went scurrying about here and there until they came to that lagoon, taking shelter of its waters or the trees nearby.  Their speed disallowed candid pics.  We were at Virginia Beach.

Instead of attempting to get some time in walking, we opted for the swim. Unfortunately the water is shallow. I was content to get some mobilization in.  Can't complain.  P.K.'s massage on the legs helped.  At Rasalila's home some friends and family came.  When in Miami almost anywhere in the city there is a strong Hispanic presence, origins from just about any place in South America, Central America and the Caribbean.  My presentation was in English.  Using the same formula as the previous night's sangha, we have food—great lasagna—reading, discussion and kirtan.  It's just the perfect fix for a summer evening.  Bhakti-yogisdo know how to party in the absence of drugs, liquor, sex and hopefully gossip, thank God.

A storm did rip through the city in the late afternoon.  Builders across the street, from the loft I'm staying in, responded to nature.  The lightning, thunder and hail shooed them away.  Mangoes came crashing down.  It is that season, and it makes one thankful despite the heat which becomes unbearable. There is always some consolation.

If there is one topic that surged forth as significant at Rasalila's place, it was gratitude.  Expressions of gratitude will always be an obligation.

May the Source be with you!
0 km


Sunday, June 23rd, 2019
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Miami, Florida

Living With the High King


No walking today.  Being a passenger in a car—yes.  From Tampa area, a group of us drove south to Miami.  Temperatures are in the high 90s and it's humid.  Upon arriving at a rented space on a floor in Coconut Grove, every AC unit and every fan was on, full-blast, to address this northern swami's needs.

The apartment filled up with guests, very quickly, for an evening sangha.  My choice excerpt of reading was a passage from Shyamasundar's book, Chasing Rhinos with the Swami.  Here is a quote from scholar, Plotinus, which our guru, Prabhupada, really approved.

"If the (individual) souls remain in the intelligible realm with the Soul, they are beyond harm, and share in the Soul's governance.  They are like kings who live with the High King.  But there comes a point at which they come down from this state, to one of individuality.  They wish to become independent.  When a soul remains for long in this withdrawal in estrangement from the whole, it becomes a thing fragmented, isolated, and weak."

This passage stirred up some interest, especially for one thoughtful eighteen year old.  We discussed it in greater detail.  Other questions came forward from the other youths, not challenging.  Just clarity is what they were going for.

The meal was scrumptious, the chanting—so lively.  I'm grateful to the organizers and also for my Gainesville hosts, Ananta Sesa and Vaishnavi.

May the Source be with you!
0 km

Pioneer Preacher Pusta Krishna Das Passes Away
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Born Paul Dossick, he joined ISKCON in October 1970 in Gainesville, Florida. Leaving college as a premed student in his last quarter, he immediately set off with Gargamuni Swami to assist the preaching in Dhaka, East Pakistan, in March 1971. In April, when the Bangladesh Liberation War broke out, they escaped to Bombay just in time. 

Blissful Harinama in Turin, Italy (1 min. video)
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Blissful Harinama in Turin, Italy (1 min. video)
Srila Prabhupada: “As a result of chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, one makes such great advancement in spiritual life that simultaneously his material existence terminates and he receives love of Godhead. The holy name of Krishna is so powerful that by chanting even one name, one very easily achieves these transcendental riches.” (Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, 8.28)

Ganga Puja Video!
→ Mayapur.com

  This is the video of the Ganga Puja festival held recently at  Sri Sri Gaura-Ganga Jagat-pavani Mandir, Devotees came together to hear the glories of Ganga mata & pastimes of Lord Caitanya on the banks of Ganges, offer abhishek & arti and honor prasada. “The waters of the Ganges are always carrying the flavor […]

The post Ganga Puja Video! appeared first on Mayapur.com.

Summer marathon of book distribution in Birmingham, UK, with 60 devotees
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Summer marathon of book distribution in Birmingham, UK, with 60 devotees (Album of photos)
Geeta Bhandari: Day 2 of the Summer Marathon. Our Monthly Sankirtan Festival in Birmingham was pretty far out to say the least with approximately 60 devotees participating. We initially had a one and a half hour seminar presented by His Grace Vaisesika Prabhu at Birmingham temple. We then all split into groups and went out Door to Door as well as Street distribution in Birmingham City Centre.

Sri Jaganmohini Keshava Swamy Temple at Ryali
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"Ryali" in local Telugu language means falling. According to the Srimad-Bhagavatam when the Demigods and Rakshas were quarreling over sharing of holy divine nectar, seeing this, Lord Krishna came in the guise of Mohini-Murti avatar to the rescue of demigods and convinced both the rivalry groups promising to distribute the divine nectar in equal share to Demigods and Rakshas.

To what extent is metaphorical understanding of scripture acceptable or unacceptable?
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Podcast

The post To what extent is metaphorical understanding of scripture acceptable or unacceptable? appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 05/05/2019
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ECO-Vrindaban New Vrindaban ISKCON cows gardens Prabhupada ISKCON

ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 05/05/2019

Mission Statement: ECO-Vrindaban promotes cow protection, local agriculture, and above all, loving Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON New Vrindaban’s Founder-Acharya.

Participating Directors: Anuttama, Chaitanya Mangala, Jamuna Jivani (board secretary), Makara (chair), Olivia, Ranaka, and Vraja.

Participating Advisors: Jaya Krsna and Kripamaya

1. Ranaka’s Monthly Report

  • Lalita Gopi (Temple Barn)
    • Currently seven cows being milked at the barn. Anjali, Usa, Jaya Radhe, Lakshmi, Cintamani, Surabhi, Subhadra. They are providing 25 gal of milk daily.
    • Cintamani gave birth to a heifer on April 22.  They are both doing very well. The calf has been named Satyabhama. 
    • There are three calves residing at the barn: Satyabhama, Jai Sri, and Puspavati.
    • Anandavidya is currently making  30-40 lb of butter and 20 gal of yogurt weekly.
    • The Temple Barn has been painted by Lalita Gopi with help from Gopakumar, Jamuna, Moses, Nolan, Manuel, Will, and John. 
    • The Cow Festival was held April 27 and 28. We had visitors from local areas. There was an incense making booth, butter making booth, and local products for sale. The guests brushed and decorated the cows. 
    • The vet came to treat an infected wound on Parijata
    • Parijata is due to calf soon. 
  • Ray (General Farmhand)
    • Moved hay to Temple Barn and Nandagram
    • Barn and equipment maintenance 
    • Continuing with the cleanup of the Brick Yard area in preparation for the installation of the two high tunnel greenhouses this summer 
    • Moved 26 cows from the Valley Barn and two cows from the Temple Barn to Bahulaban for summer pasture.
    • Planted 1,400 lb of potato seed with the assistance of Caitanya Bhagavat. Half of the seed was planted in the Community Garden and half  was planted below Valley Barn in bottom by Wheeling Creek.
    • Rearranged the remaining hay in the Valley Barn in preparation for this summer’s hay making and storage.
    • Prepared the hay making equipment for the upcoming season 
    • Replaced wind-damaged skylight on the Temple Barn with the assistance from Caitanya Bhagavat.
    • Moved manure from Temple Barn feed area to Community Garden for composting and storage.
  • Caitanya Bhagavat (Nandagram & Bahulaban)
    • Daily cow care for Nandagram and Bahulaban cows, including monitoring the herd numbers and veterinarian checks.
    • Walked and maintained all fence lines 
    • Mowed and weed whacked at Nandagram and Valley Barn.
    • Completed Bahulaban fencing for summer pasturing of 28 cows. Repaired fences and made new fence lines and brace posts.
    • We had the great fortune to serve Tulsi, one of our Brown Swiss cows, in her passing. She was one of Sri Sri Radha Vrindaban Chandra’s retired milk cows. She was 16 years old and had given birth to Kesava and Manjari, and had a grandson, Balarama. She left this world  in our geriatric barn at Nandagram in the presence of Salagram silas, and surrounded by her half sister Ganga, her friend and herd mate Punya Koti, our youngest oxen Bhadra and Asesa, and our burro Bodhi. She was listening to Srila Prabhupada’s kirtan, drinking Radha Kunda water with Govardhana dust, and eating maha prasada and tulasi leaves. 
  • Suchandra (Community & Teaching Gardens)
    • Tilled dahlia beds for planting.
    • Planted dahlias.
    • Started pepper seeds and roma tomato seeds. 
    • Organized and cleaned out the front area of the storage building at the Teaching Garden.
    • Teaching Garden and Community Garden seasonal planning.
    • Vidya’s Garden
      • Picked 10 lb of asparagus
      • Planted 40 bitter melon plants
      • Seeded a 50-foot row of green beans 
      • Started and transplanted 300 tomato plants
      • Started and transplanted 2,000 flowers 
      • Picked lilacs and other flowers
  • Ranaka (General Manager)
    • Ordered two 30’ x 96’ high tunnels from Yoder’s, secured by a $5,000 down payment. These will be installed by them this summer.
    • Purchased new Honda ATV for $6,401 to be used by Caitanya Bhagavat for fencing and herd care.
    • With the birth of Satyabhama and death of Tulasi, the total herd count remains at 63.

2. External Funding Request: $500K for Palace Roof Restoration

WHEREAS: ECO-V wishes to help preserve Srila Prabhupada’a preeminent samadhi in North America. 

RESOLVED: The ECO-Vrindaban board authorizes up to $500K toward Prabhupada’s Palace roof and dome restoration effort, as presented by members of the INV board and the Palace Restoration Committee.

ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 4/4/2019
→ New Vrindaban Brijabasi Spirit

ECO-Vrindaban New Vrindaban ISKCON cows gardens Prabhupada ISKCON


ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 4/4/2019

Mission Statement: ECO-Vrindaban promotes cow protection, local agriculture, and above all, loving Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON New Vrindaban’s Founder-Acharya.

Participating Directors: Chaitanya Mangala, Makara (chair), Olivia, Anuttama, Ranaka, and Vraja.

  1. Ranaka’s Monthly Report
  • Lalita Gopi (Temple Barn)
  • There are currently six cows who are giving 18 gal of milk daily: Jaya Radha, Usha, Surabhi, Subhadra, Lakshmi, and Anjali. (Jamuna is dry and preparing for retirement).
  • Parijata and Cintamani are due to calf in April.
  • There are three calves residing in the barn (Gaurangi, Jai Sri, and Puspavati).
  • There are also nine adult cows living in the barn
  • Anandavidya is making 30 lb of butter and 20 gal of yogurt weekly
  • He has also been emptying the temple compost bins into the manure pile with the tractor.
  • The Temple Barn is currently being painted
  • Temple devotees have begun holding go-puja outside the barn, near the calf pen
  • Ray (Farm Hand)
  • Moved hay to Temple Barn and Nandagram as needed.
  • Barn and equipment maintenance.
  • Removed leftover paver bricks and brush next to brick yard to clear area for proposed high tunnel site.
  • Continuing to pick up fencing material to help Caitanya Bhagavat with Nandagram fencing, as well as work on Valley Barn fencing with help from Ryan.
  • Cleaned up winter manure pile at Temple Barn and spread it on the Community Garden.
  • Disked Community Garden and Creek Bottom by Valley Barn
  • Picked up potato seed from co-op and cut to seeding size, and prepared potato planter for planting.
  • Finished upgrade on seed starting/transplant prep greenhouse.
  • Caitanya Bhagavat (Nandagram)
  • Major spring fencing for whole of Nandagram and now working on Bahulaban pastures
  • Assisted veterinarian with pregnancy checks
  • General cow care and geriatric care for Tulasi
  • Suchandra (Community & Teaching Gardens)
  • Groundcover laid at Vidya’s
  • Vidya started marigold seeds, cherry tomatoes, and some other plants
  • Vidya has a new helper, Angie, who recently moved to the community
  • Hand-tilled five beds at teaching garden. The rest will be done with the tiller.
  • Brought the remainder of the bulb plants for the year (hyacinth and amarilla) to temple
  • Made tomato cages and started planning where they will be placed in the Teaching Garden.
  • Made a list of supplies that need replacing and organized hoses for set up.
  • Started planning for planting at the Community and Teaching Gardens
  • Suchandra, Vidya, Ranaka, and Ray met with Kacey to go over high tunnel order and placement.
  • Ranaka (General Manager)
  • Working with Yoder’s on the high tunnel proposal
  • Two pregnant brown Swiss milk cows (Parijata and Cintamani) were purchased by the INV fundraising department
  • Total herd count stands at 63.

2. Internal Funding Request: $40K for High Tunnels

WHEREAS: ECO-V wishes to extend the growing season for its gardening efforts.

RESOLVED: The ECO-V board authorizes up to $40K for the purchase and installation of two high tunnels.

3. Internal Funding Request: $7K for ATV

WHEREAS: ECO-V wishes to maintain adequate vehicles for its farm related activities.

RESOLVED: The ECO-V board authorizes up to $7K for the purchase of a Honda Rancher ATV.

WSN May 2019 – World Sankirtan Newsletter
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By Vijaya das

Allons enfants de la Patrie, Le jour de gloire est arrivé! Last week we went to a festival in Tours. It was encouraging to see one of our senior devotees, Janananda Goswami, running around distributing books like a twenty-year old (he’s seventy). He stayed out till 12:30 a.m. distributing books — ecstasy! Before he went to France, it was pretty much off the map of book distribution, but in May, Paris did 1,225 book points and New Mayapura did 662 book points. Not many farm communities distribute books, but New Mayapura does. Continue reading "WSN May 2019 – World Sankirtan Newsletter
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Chariots festival Ratha Yatra in Wroclaw, Poland, 22 June 2019 …
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Chariots festival Ratha Yatra in Wroclaw, Poland, 22 June 2019 (6 min. video)
Srila Prabhupada: “Although Kali-yuga is full of faults, there is still one good quality about this age. It is that simply by chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, one can become free from material bondage and be promoted to the transcendental kingdom.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 12.3.51 Purport)

The Times of India Promotes Sridhama Mayapur
- TOVP.org

A few days ago we reported on a video documentary produced by the West Bengal Department of Tourism about the 2019 Gaur Purnima Festival in Sridhama Mayapur in their beginning efforts to help promote ISKCON Mayapur and the TOVP. You can read the article and view the video here.

Below is a follow up article printed in the Times of India. This combined effort of the West Bengal Department of Tourism and India media will help to put Sridhama Mayapur and the TOVP on the world map and achieve our long-term goal to bring millions of visitors to the holy place of Lord Caitanya’s birth for the spiritual upliftment of humanity.

“My idea is to attract people of the whole world to Mayapur”

Srila Prabhupada

MISSION 22 MARATHON KI JAYA! THINK 22! TOVP NOW!
 

TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH

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The post The Times of India Promotes Sridhama Mayapur appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

10 day marathon of book distribution in UK (Album of…
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10 day marathon of book distribution in UK (Album of photos)
Geeta Bhandari: The first day of the 10 day marathon was a roaring success. We were all blessed to go out door to door in Stanmore with His Grace Vaisesika das. He is so empowered and inspired us as he invariably does. The people were so receptive and we had so much fun. Seeing how fulfilled and content people are when they receive the books is truly one of life’s most special gifts. Thank you Vaisesika das for giving us so much of your time, wisdom & blessings which allowed us to give Srila Prabhupada to those lovely conditioned souls!