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.
Kripamaya and Chaitanya Mangala agreed to help develop clearer, more specific descriptions for the board advisory roles.
2. 219 Coffield Lane Land Development
WHEREAS:
The ECO-V Board wishes to make more land available for sale in New Vrindaban.
RESOLVED: The Board authorizes
up to $44.6K for the boundary work, topography, existing conditions,
subdivision plat work and pinning the lots, engineering, site design, storm
water controls, erosion and sediment plans, water line design, and coordination
with the county health department and county commission for the Bahulaban property
development at 219 Coffield Lane.
3. ECO-V President Search
Madhava Smullen wrote an article for ISKCON News about how the search for ECO-V’s new president started Gaura Purnima 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.
There are currently eight cows who are giving a total of 22 gallonsof milk per day: Jaya Radhe, Usa, Surabhi, Subhadra, Lakshmi, Jamuna, Malati, and Anjali.
Jaya Radhe gave birth to a heifer calf on February 5th, the calf has been named Puspavati. Madhu was the sire.
There are currently three calves at the Temple Barn: Gaurangi, Jai Sri, and Puspavati. Gopi has been moved to Nandagram because she was playing too rough with the younger and smaller animals.
Anandavidya has increased his butter production to 30-40 lb per week. The temple devotees are using it for ghee.
Our alpaca, Archie, passed away.
Ray – General Farmhand
Moved hay to Temple Barn as needed.
Barn and equipment maintenance
Constructed and hung a gate at the Temple Barn.
Acquired fencing material to help Caitanya Bhagavat with Nandagram fencing
Spread 23 tons of limestone gravel around the Temple Barn area, and cut a ditch by the state road to divert rainwater from running down the driveway.
Ranaka – General Manager
Finished the 2018 financial audit with Ram Associates.
Worked with a farmer in western Ohio to purchase two pregnant milk cows that will freshen this spring, providing needed milk for the upcoming summer season.
The total herd count stands at 61
2. North American ISKCON Farm Conference
A subcommittee consisting of Chaitanya Mangala and Olivia was formed to help with planning and organizing this conference.
WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to provide assistance to the speakers and organizers attending the conference.
RESOLVED: The Board authorizes a budget up to $7K for travel expenses for presenters.
3. ECO-V Presentation for On-Site Meetings
A subcommittee has formed consisting of Makara, Ranaka, Chaitanya Mangala, and Jamuna Jivani in order to put together a presentation on ECO-V for the on-site meetings in April.
4. Housing for ECO-V Employees
A subcommittee consisting of Olivia, Ranaka, Jamuna Jivani, and Makara has formed for the purpose of researching housing options and locations for ECO-V staff & volunteers.
5. Water Filling Station Grant
WHEREAS: The ECO-V Board wishes to provide more ecologically-friendly options in New Vrindaban.
RESOLVED: In addition to the remainder of an already existing grant, the Board authorizes an additional $1,169.45 for the purchase of a water filling station for ISKCON New Vrindaban.
Breakfast................ on Wed May 1st, 2019 b/w 6:11 am – 10:54 am
Every fortnight, we observe Ekadasi, a day of prayer and meditation. On this day we fast (or simplify our meals and abstain from grains and beans), and spend extra time reading the scriptures and chanting the auspicious Hare Krishna mantra.By constantly ‘exercising’ our minds through regular japa we can train our senses to push the threshold of contentment.
English audio glorification of all Ekadasis is availablehere
ONGOING PROGRAMS
Adult Education At The Temple ISKCON Brampton offers various courses and Seminars for adults. The courses take a personal approach to learning. It encourages the student not only to study thoroughly the contents of Srila Prabhupada’s books but also to clearly understand the philosophy and practically apply it. The course focuses on behaviour and character, nurturing students in appropriate Vaishnava values. Professionally designed and presented, it draws on the principles of Krishna consciousness and the best of progressive education. In this way, it is true to ISKCON’s heritage and at the same time relevant to its mission in contemporary society.
The Sunday School provides fun filled strategies through the medium of music, drama, debates, quizzes and games that present Vedic Culture to children. However the syllabus is also designed to simultaneously teach them to always remember Krishna and never forget Him. The Sunday School follows the curriculum provided by the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture (BCEC).
Monthly sankirtan Festival(MSF)
“One who has life can preach, and one who preaches gets life.”(Previous Acaryas)
Every member of ISKCON should have the opportunity to make advancement in Krishna consciousness by preaching.We encourage everyone to come out and participate and make Srila Prabhupada happy.
Please note that registration in the Mentorship System is now a mandatory requirement for all initiation requests at ISKCON Brampton.It
1.Facilitates and nurtures devotees aspiring for first and second Initiation. 2.One-on-One personal follow up on a regular basis. 3.Systematic training to devotees in matters of Philosophy, Sadhna, Vaishnava behavior, etiquette, Lifestyle and attitudes.
Are you looking for some amazing gift items which are less expensive and more beautiful for your loved ones for festivals or many other occasions?? Our boutique is stocked with an excellent range of products, perfect for gifts or as souvenirs of your visit. It offers textiles, jewelry, incense, devotional articles, musical instruments, books, and CDs inspired by Indian culture.We're open on all Sundays and celebrations marked in our annual calendar.
Kirtan London.
Kirtan London, a volunteer outreach project supported by Bhaktivedanta Manor and ISKCON-London, hosted their first six-hour kirtan of the year. Following the success over New Year’s Eve, the recent event was hosted in collaboration with the yoga studio, Tripspace, in Haggerston and Humble Warrior’s Charlie, a popular Jivamukti yoga teacher. Charlie led yoga for the first hour of the event, infusing it with devotional wisdom and kirtan. 34 guests attended the yoga and a total of 110 guests attended kirtan. They hope to see guests returning for more kirtan at Mantra Lounge, a regular Friday evening event in Covent Garden.
Contact: www.kirtanlondon.com/
Sri Krishna Haveli progress, April 2019 (1 min. video)
Construction of the Shree Krishna Haveli is progressing steadily, and though the project is slightly behind schedule, the construction company, Vascroft, have re-assured us that the handover of the building will take place in August this year, just in time for the Janmashtami
festival.
For the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada this report contains the following North American results of book distribution for the month of March 2019. North American Totals, Monthly Temples, Monthly Weekend Warriors. Monthly Top 100 Individuals, Monthly Top 5, Cumulative Countries, Cumulative Temples, Cumulative Top 100 Individuals, Cumulative Top 5
Continue reading "NASN March 2019 – North American Sankirtan Newsletter → Dandavats"
Waves of Time.
Kadamba Kanana Swami: In the Eleventh Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam there is a chapter entitled the Bhumi Gita – the song of the earth. The earth is explaining, “So many have tried to possess me, to control me, lord it over me. And now what remains of them? Only names.” So we see that influence of time which destroys everything and takes everything away. It is painful to lose one’s influence, to lose one’s power. It is painful to become old, but there also is an advantage, if one is engaged in devotional service. In material life there is not much advantage – one gets some grey hairs, one gets a little experience. One can say a few wise words, before one starts mumbling and goes senile. In India sometimes they say, “He went into samadhi.” Some do go into samadhi but some also lose it over time. That is the nature of time.
Arjun Singh.
In 1989, I had just returned to Canada from a six-year term in New Delhi, serving there as the temple president. I would walk the halls of McGill University and distribute books to students. One Indian student named Arjun Singh was quite intrigued by my activities and eventually got a book from me.
This week as we head to the start of the #Giving TOVP 10 Day Worldwide Matching Fundraiser from May 7th (Akshaya Tritita) until May 17th (Nrsimha Caturdasi), His Grace Braja Vilasa prabhu speaks about the importance of the TOVP and participating in this 10 day window of opportunity to make a donation to the project.
The #Giving TOVP 10 Day Worldwide Matching Fundraiser will be an incredible, never before done online event to raise funds, large or small, from every devotee, whether they have already given to the TOVP or not. Ambarisa prabhu will match all donations up to $125,000, thus doubling the income to the TOVP during this fundraising event to help complete the TOVP by 2022.
For more information, go to the TOVP #Giving TOVP Fundraiser page. You can also become a TOVP Ambassador by downloading the flyer from the website page and posting it on the internet, emailing it to your devotee friends and relatives, and posting at your local temple. We want the participation of every ISKCON devotee and congregation member worldwide.
MISSION 22 MARATHON KI JAYA! THINK 22 -> TOVP NOW!
Essence magazine, a lifestyle monthly for African American women, has featured husband and wife Krsnanandini Devi Dasi, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, and her husband Tariq Saleem Ziyad, an Orthodox Muslim, in their April 2019 issue. The magazine has a circulation of 1.6 million readers.
In a recent TV advertisement by SKODA India, a woman is shown relaxing in the back of a new SKODA Kodiaq SUV, reading Srila Prabhupada's book "The Science of Self Realization." The book's title and Srila Prabhupada's face are clearly shown, and the mood of the ad is one of peace and upliftment. A video by SKODA India.
Sea levels have been rising at a greater rate year after year, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates they could rise by another meter or more by the end of this century. As National Geographic showed in 2013, sea levels would rise by 216 feet if all the land ice on the planet were to melt. This would dramatically reshape the continents and drown many of the world's major cities.
(Kadamba Kanana Swami, Vrindavan India 4 April 2019, SB 8.17.25-27)
In the Eleventh Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam there is a chapter entitled the Bhumi Gita – the song of the earth. The earth is explaining, “So many have tried to possess me, to control me, lord it over me. And now what remains of them? Only names.” So we see that influence of time which destroys everything and takes everything away. It is painful to lose one’s influence, to lose one’s power. It is painful to become old, but there also is an advantage, if one is engaged in devotional service. In material life there is not much advantage – one gets some grey hairs, one gets a little experience. One can say a few wise words, before one starts mumbling and goes senile. In India sometimes they say, “He went into samadhi.” Some do go into samadhi but some also lose it over time. That is the nature of time.
But in spiritual life it is different. In spiritual life we are gaining over time. Time means more devotional service and more benefit from devotional service. That is one thing. Also, this dynamic of time that destroys everything eventually makes us detached. At first we try to hold on, but it does not work and then we let go. At one point we give up and say, “Forget it.” The influence of time is taking away our opportunities to be involved in so many things in this world, and one becomes aloof. This platform of being aloof is very important.
In the Fourth Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam we see the pastime of Dhruva Maharaja. Dhruva wanted to climb onto the lap of his father and it was not only his step-mother who stopped him; it was also her son, Uttama. Uttama was already sitting on his father’s lap and pushed him down. So Dhruva was not only upset with his step-mother; he was angry with both and that anger was burning. He performed his austerities and became self-realised and came back totally aloof. He met his step-mother who could see that Dhruva harboured no ill feelings towards her and she was amazed. He offered obeisances to her and she blessed him. But then we also see by the arrangement of the Lord that his step-mother dies somewhere in a forest fire, and Uttama is killed by the Yaksas. Dhruva’s anger emerges again and this time it may be slightly nourished by guilt feelings, because he was the one who desired that his brother is punished. He feels a little responsible and to sort of wash off the guilt feeling, he punishes all these Yaksas, killing them the celestial weapons. He is about to wipe out all the Yaksas.
Then it is said that the two elders who are normally completely aloof appear. One of them is Svayambhuva Manu and the other is Kuvera. These two elders on exceptional occasions get involved in the material affairs. Normally they do not, since they are detached and aloof and absorbed in the Supreme Personality of Godhead. They give Dhruva good advice and instruct him to stop the killing. It is very potent, because they are very deep and constantly concentrating on the Supreme Lord. So it is very valuable when in one’s old age one becomes detached. And if in one’s old age one has not become detached, then one should, because at that detached stage one can focus and absorb on the Supreme Personality of Godhead. That is not only beneficial for the individual but beneficial for society at large – and not only beneficial, it is essential.
Draupadi’s pot.
The five Pandava princes were heirs to the throne of the world. Duryodhana, their envious cousin, was always scheming how to get rid of them so that he could claim the crown for himself. Killing the Pandavas though, was not so easy, for Lord Krishna was their special friend. And everyone knew that Krishna’s powers were unlimited.
What do Akshaya Tritiya (May 7th) and Nrsimha Caturdasi (May 17th) have in common, aside from occurring in the same month of the year? Akshaya Tritiya is commonly understood in the Vedic calendar to be the most auspicious day for beginning any undertaking and for making a donation, especially for a spiritual cause. Any action begun on this day will have everlasting and increasing effects and any service or charity one performs on this day will be rewarded many times over. And, of course, Nrsimha Caturdasi is the most celebrated appearance of our beloved half-lion/half-man incarnation of the Lord who protected His dearmost devotee, Prahlad.
In Vedic history these prominent historical events occurred on Akshaya Tritiya:
Lord Parasurama appeared
Mother Ganga descended
Candana-yatra begins
Vyasa began writing Mahabharata
Sudama was blessed by Lord Krishna
Draupadi received an unlimited sari
However, this year the common line up of these two extremely favorable and popular days present a 10 day window of opportunity to support the #Giving TOVP Worldwide Matching Fundraiser from May 7 – 17. This unique and historic online fundraising event is an opportunity for all ISKCON devotees to unify during these auspicious dates and double their donations, large or small, to the TOVP to help insure that it is completed by 2022, and our world Deities Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Sri Pancha Tattva and Sri Nrsimha are finally moved into Their long-awaited new home on the 50th Anniversary of ISKCON Mayapur. Ambarisa prabhu, TOVP Chairman, will match all donations capping at $125,000 and we have set our sites on raising a total of $250,000+ during this marathon.
We encourage every devotee in ISKCON to participate in this strategically timed fundraiser, and to also inform all their devotee friends and relatives about it also. Help spread the word to give everyone the opportunity for this once-in-many-lifetimes opportunity.
“If the devotee offers something to the Lord, it acts for his own interest because whatever a devotee offers the Lord comes back in a quantity a million times greater than what was offered. One does not become a loser by giving to the Lord; one becomes a gainer by millions of times.”
Srila Prabhupada, Krsna Book Ch. 81, The Brahmana Sudama Blessed by Lord Krishna
“He who has built a temple for Vishnu reaps the great fruit which one gains by celebrating sacrifices every day. By building a temple for the Lord he takes his family, a hundred generations past and a hundred to come, to the region of Acyuta.”
50th Anniversary of UK’s first Hare Krishna Temple.
The Hare Krishna movement was built on a pioneering spirit. Srila Prabhupada was the original pioneer who then empowered three couples - Mukunda and Janaki, Shyamasundara and Malati (with their baby Sarasvati), and Gurudasa and Yamuna - with a dream to start a center in London and meet the biggest band in the world, the Beatles, to help spread Krishna Consciousness.
Appointments Process Reception at Windsor Castle, UK.
A large delegation from Bhaktivedanta Manor attended the Faith and Public Appointments Process Reception, at Vicar’s Hall in Windsor Castle. It was organized by Krish Raval of the Faith in Leadership Team, and Oliver Dowden MP, the Cabinet Office minister with responsibility for public appointment policy. The purpose of the event was to encourage leading faith members to put themselves forward to become Public Appointees.
Public Appointees sit on the boards that steer and govern vital public bodies including the NHS, OFSTED, Kew Gardens and key museums.
“The government want to make policies with consultation from leading faith group Members,” explained Krish. “The Prime Minister made it clear that she wants to ensure these bodies accurately reflect 21st Century Britain. She felt that faith groups are presently underrepresented in these roles but can bring an important perspective on ethical issues”
The Chariot Festival wasn't a totaldisaster despite ongoing rain.Sufficient tents for shelter offered a space for bhakti.In fact in the Bhakti Cloud tent, it was like a live wire as usual.Billed as Dance Master, at 3:30 p.m. people were curious for my session of a half hour.I engaged people in using a part of the body so underused when it comes to dance.We started with a clapping session over the djembe, then introduced the maha-mantra.I then encouraged rhythmic walking.
Can you walk as if you were a model going down the catwalk?How would you walk to the beat as a corporate going to the office?How may a homeless person walk?With a slow stride?People volunteered to try "the different strokes for different folks."
I was also asked to give a talk on "The Secret to Spiritual Advancement."Now this may come across, subject wise, as a secret in itself.Is the answer to this puzzle private, personal, or confidential?Is eating holy food, prasadam, the key to success in devotion?Some people believe so.What about the philosophy?Is reading sastra, and its application, what binds us to devotion?We've also heard that chanting resolves all.But really, there is something more to consider.I'll be silent about it and resort to the Gita's chapter on the opulence of the Absolute: "Of secret things I am silence."If there is one single item that breaks this silence and helps us to advance in spirituality, then I would say it is sangha, good devotional company, because if you have that then you will have the Name, the wisdom and the prasadam.
The Minister of Home Affairs for South Africa, spent two hours with us at the Festival of Chariots.Honourable Siyabonga Cwele and I bonded in a certain kind of way, as he was the person who saw to it I could enter South Africa.The day I landed at the airport, I was rejected for a relatively full passport, about which Cwele told a handful of us, "I travel a lot and have a full book where officials manage to stamp somewhere."
In any event I was three feet away from the plane departing with boarding pass in hand, luggage in the plane, when a call came to the officials with me.It was Cwele on the other line saying that my passport was valid and that I was not a criminal.The result of that call meant cancellation of that flight.Thank him.Thank God.
While His Honour spoke to us, he also expressed that he and his department were "here to serve and not to be served."He's a real gentleman.
After the time spent with him and Durban's deputy-mayor, Fawzia Peer, I led another one of those sweat-bound Bhakti Cloud dances.Finally, our performance of, "Grandsire," was staged for the pleasure of all.The sky had begun to spit water on the festival goers, and this rain encouraged our tent to fill up quickly.Usually it is not a problem.Organizers say the dramas are the biggest draw to the event.That is so gratifying to hear.https://www.instagram.com/p/BwfZwMylu_g/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1k1yhh1f2vix8
There was this incredible nature's light show last evening, the likes of which none of us had ever seen before.I'm talking about extraordinary cloud formations in the night, lit up by constant flashes of light, thunder bolts, all in the presence of the moon.We were enroute to the festival site, the old Durban Drive-In Theatre, and it became astounding to see, and was the talk of the town.Upon reaching our destination, the extravaganza continued.It looked like the gods at war, executed in silent mode.
Rain had penetrated the skies during the day leaving our huge tent full of water.It was like a swimming pool, and our rehearsal on the stage was cancelled.There could have been electrocution issues.Precaution was necessary.
Coming back to the tent today—it was a different world.Water was drained and pumped out.All was functioning.The sun's appearance was strong.I came into the site to take the lead as dance master in the tent labeled "The Bhakti Cloud."That was exhilarating for all of us there.https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwb658sgZMW/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=s6f0bxbqcbd2
There was also the showing of Michael Oesch's film, "The Walking Monk," just before our drama, "Grandsire."The film promotes the walking culture, and also features philosophical contemplations along the way, on one of Canada’s beautiful road arteries. https://filmfreeway.com/MichaelOeschI was worried whether people would appreciate the film because it was the first time there that this has been done.After the showing and before the drama, Radhika, the master of ceremonies, aroused a standing ovation to honour the milestone of my walking ventures, and the twenty years of my contributions to South Africa's Festival of Chariots.
My day started with zestful walking in the temple of Radha Radhanath.I did circle motions within the room while other chanters paced back and forth, and others still just sat while fingering their beads and simultaneously moving lips to chant.Occasionally, I would stop to talk to a maharaja, a senior monk, or to acknowledge someone I've known, and who had just arrived in town for the festival.I noticed two new fellows.They were from Cape Town.I stopped to talk.
"How are you guys?How do you like the atmosphere here?I'm Bhaktimarga Swami.And you?"My usual opening liners are such.
Both fellows have been involved in devotional circles.One of them wanted to learn Part Two of the verses to the guru, Prabhupada, starting with, "Namaste."
"Come to my room; I'll write it down for you," I said in a mood of hospitality."Here, have some coconut water."Then I taught him what it means."Our guru came to challenge impersonalism and voidism, which is so prevalent in people's mindsets today."
"What does impersonalism really mean," asked the chap, who sported a handsome head of dreadlocks, and who reads Allan Watts.
At the Johannesburg Airport yesterday, a young black Uber man, accustomed to securing passengers at arrivals, saw me and was about to make his pitch.Before he could complete a sentence, I said, "I already have a ride!"
"That's okay.So you're a monk?" he asked.I would say he was quite ‘lit’, as they say."It's amazing to meet you.You must be so enlightened."
I did not sense an ounce of sarcasm in him.He was very genuine.Without knowing me personally, he went on about how someone like me, a monk, is helping the world to be a better place.I told him I was working toward enlightenment and that it's a long journey.
"You must be 90% there, whereas I am 5%."
We parted then, happily.I left him a mantra card, something I consider the best gift to offer anyone.My experience at the Canadian High Commission was also welcoming.Gary Bloom was just phenomenally helpful and kind in moving things along in processing my passport.Thanks to him.
Meanwhile, back in Durban, I'm pushing myself with our drama practices.There are some really dedicated people, and then there are those who are chronically late birds.What can you do?This type of dynamic happens around the world.We try to instil some discipline which is necessary to get things done.Some word of caution made my way from Rasastali, the best disciplinarian amongst the group."For Govinda, use a soft hand, otherwise he'll shut down."https://www.instagram.com/p/BwWsyxrA7CL/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=9h1x6a5ntvkp
Okay, good advice.You are at an advantage when you know the people.
People are noticing a slight limp in my walk.It's been there for a little while now.I would attribute this imperfection in my movement to the long distances of walking on roads where the shoulders slant.At least one Oriental chiropractic therapist in Toronto told me to make a deliberate straight thrust forward with both the right and the left legs.I know that he is correct, that I must simply de-program myself from the very conditioning my body has gone through to create this tilt in my step.It will take will to correct the wrong.Some prayers would help.
Now, my day was crazy, with twelve hours of a combination of car rides, plane flights and office sitting.My destiny today took me to Pretoria, the nation's capital, for paperwork and sorting out a new passport.I often joke with my bhakti-yoga colleagues in life—a passport and a purport.
The trip was exasperating, but when I returned to Durban and the temple to dive into our rehearsals, I felt all anxiety, all tightness, get lifted.It is such a pleasure to work with the youth on the production, "Grandsire."I don't have a lot of professionalism amongst the group, but they are sincere, and they really want to learn, and that is very comforting to me.https://www.instagram.com/p/BwQXcT6F4s5/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=1wyg8xq1vhklg
After a time, twice at the High Commission for Canada, a passport photo place, a trip to the police station for an affidavit, two airports, and many air rides before, in between and after, I feel calm, calm, calm.
The Minister of tourism of Western Bengal, Mr. Gautam Deb, visited Mayapur (Album of photos)
He and his friends visited the temple of Sri Sri Radha Madhava, goshala, gurukula, Ganga gate, the Pushpa Samadhi of Srila Prabhupada and bhajan kutir, as well as on the excursions in the Temple of Vedic Planetarium.
He got acquainted with the projects on the development of Mayapura and noted in the guest book: “ I stayed here for two days with my friends. This is the achievement of a lifetime. The upcoming project is amazing and I wish thousands and tens of thousands of fortunate devotees to visit the holy place in the near future. Hospitality, gurukula and the system of maintenance of Mayapur are unique ”.
The Minister appreciated the achievements of ISKCON and promised to expand the support of the Ministry in the development of ISKCON.
Mother Ishvari recently peacefully passed away at the age of 77. Born in Uganda, she and her husband moved to England during the 1972 expulsion of Asians from Uganda. These were difficult times for the Gujarati community because the then Uganda President Idi Amin had adopted a vigorous nationalist policy. Ishvari’s family moved to London and her parents and siblings moved to Leicester. Devotees used to visit her parents’ house, where they were affectionately fed to the brim! It was at that time that she was first attracted to ISKCON.
“She had a quality of cooking wonderful prasadam and feeding everybody,” explained Volunteer Co-ordinator Krishna Purna dasi.
“She was always thinking about what new preparations to make for Lord Krishna and would then serve them to the devotees. She used to cook for the deities on Sundays and at festivals as well. “Her invaluable service in the main kitchen will be missed, as she helped them all the time. Everyone loved her friendly attitude.”
The Denver Radha Krishna Temple: Some images from out kirtan festival this last 420rally in Denver
Kirtan was intended to be shared in every town and village. It’s amazing the type of reception the holy name receives where ever it’s chanted!
UK Community Food Charity wins Hertsmere Award.
Hertsmere’s unsung heroes have been recognized for their efforts and longstanding service at the council’s annual Civic Awards in March.
From community champions and volunteers to youth leaders, the great and the good in the borough were rewarded in this year’s awards ceremony, held at Elstree Studios.
Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Brenda Batten, said: “I’d like to say thank you and well done to all of this year’s award winners. In their individual ways, each one has made a difference to the lives of others. I hope their example will inspire other volunteers to come forward and help make the borough an even safer, happier place to live and work.” Civic Award Winners included Shantasya dasi and Japa Yajna das for their work with Gratitude, a charity which takes unsold supermarket food and cooks vegetarian meals for the needy in Borehamwood.
Extinction Rebellion activist Tristram Stuart speaks out about Prasad Distribution
For the last 11 days and nights a massive eco demonstration has taken place around the planet, here in London 5 main traffic arteries have been blocked by concerned activists , over a thousand people arrested. Hitting the headlines of every newspaper, constantly covered by every form of media, and now supported by many politicians, school children and community leaders.
So what has that got to do with Krishna Consciousness? We are not environmentalists or eco warriors!But how to deliver Lord Caitanya’s message ? , one of our 3 main activities is Prasad distribution and if we use Polystyrene plates we have almost no chance of being heard. So environmental policies need to be in place.
“For one who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me, I am never lost, nor is he ever lost to Me.”BG 6.30As Vasinava devotees, followers of Srila Prabhupada, understanding the “ first step in God realisation “ SB , and the Universal Form , Visva Rupa , we are duty bound to respect the environment.Simple things like recycling, composting , biodegradable plates are a must or no intelligent person will take us seriously.
How will people believe that the Yamuna river is the most sacred river in the universe, if she is the most polluted river in the world.Photo of our team taken at Noida, Delhi, on our journey to Ganga Sagar. When only 30 years ago the Yamuna river was blue and even drinkable.
What will India look like in another 20 years , will there be anyplace to live and any water to drink?
The Extinction Rebellion, has a policy of no drugs or alcohol at their events and camp sites, non violence action is the policy and many of my friends were involved in the decision making , so when I was approached for support , well count us in . Each day we send out five rickshaws full of delicious Prasad to each of the five locations, plus Kirtan party , and sometimes cooking on site. The Extinction Rebellion is a party with a purpose, and attracts intelligent considerate young people who are prepared to make a sacrifice for a higher cause, we just have to deliver Srila Prabhupada’s Peace Formula and walk the talk. It is easy to say , we are not an environmental organisation and continue shopping at the supermarket. Srila Prabhupada is a revolutionary and his “simple living , high thinking” philosophy is in urgent need of implementing on a massive scale.
For one who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me, I am never lost, nor is he ever lost to Me.BG 6.30 Purport:
A person in Kṛṣṇa consciousness certainly sees Lord Kṛṣṇa everywhere, and he sees everything in Kṛṣṇa. Such a person may appear to see all separate manifestations of the material nature, but in each and every instance he is conscious of Kṛṣṇa, knowing that everything is a manifestation of Kṛṣṇa’s energy. Nothing can exist without Kṛṣṇa, and Kṛṣṇa is the Lord of everything—this is the basic principle of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the development of love of Kṛṣṇa—a position transcendental even to material liberation.
Strictly RE (Religious Education)
ISKCON Educations Services were a vital ingredient at the Strictly RE Conference 2019, organized by the National Association of Teachers of Religious Education (NATRE). There were just over 300 delegates in attendance at the Park Inn Hotel, Heathrow, UK. The conference was specifically for Teachers of RE and RE specialists, who had come from as far afield as the Channel Islands. Keli Chanchala dasi performed an Odissi dance within a pop-up temple and many teachers also sampled some prasad sweets.
“We had a good opportunity to network with teachers, exam boards and other RE-related organizations,” explained IES Manager Tulsi Seva dasi.
Recently, Mayapur Bhakti Vriksha organised the festival of glorifying Holy Name, 2019 -Krishna Naam Sudha, in the city of Krishnanagar, Nadia, West Bengal India. To glorify & preach the yuga dharma- chanting of holy name, Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra was made the prime focus and the crowd of Krishnangar area participated whole heartedly in this great […]
Adult Education At The Temple
By Mayapur Sasi dasa
Dhruva Maharaja dasa's Podcasts. Readings from Gaudiya Vaisnava acaryas
