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800 devotees from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Ukraine, Belarus and Russia got to immerse themselves in Krishna consciousness in one of the most gorgeous natural settings in the world this August. They were attending the 17th annual Vaishnava Summer Festival in Lithuania, which ran from August 4th to 11th.
Our "Paramahamster" comic strip follows an enthusiastic devotee as he navigates a 9 - 5 work day in the corporate world. Please check back weekly for new episodes!
A documentary by Vasudeva Das.
Within the last few days we have begun the preparation work for installing the remaining two Kalashes and Chakras onto both the Main and Nrsimhadeva domes. This consists of mounting the power frames which will hold the Kalashes and Chakras in place.
Nrsimhadeva’s dome is now ready for the Russian engineers to begin working.The stainless steel pipe frame (each has a diameter of 80-140mm/3-6”) has been mounted, along with all 16 GRC (Glass Reinforced Concrete) brackets that will hold the Kalash. The scaffolding has been raised to working level.
For the Main dome, preparation work is underway to mount the same steel pipe frame. All the preparatory work is planned to be completed by mid-October, which will be followed by the mounting of both Kalashes by the Russian engineers.
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Answer Podcast
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Answer Podcast
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Answer Podcast
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[Reflection at Pittsburg, USA]
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Bhagavad-gita verse-by-verse podcast
Gita verse-by-verse podcast
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Bhakti-sastri report from Alachua.
Sukhada devi dasi: His Holiness Guru Prasad Swami launched Krishna Institute’s Bhakti-sastri Course on Labor Day weekend by offering the first 3 Lessons of Nectar of Instruction with separate classes in Spanish and English. Eager devotees filled the Alachua Learning Academy’s cafeteria and heightened their appreciation of Srila Rupa Goswami’s and Srila Prabhupāda teachings. Maharaja made PowerPoint presentations during the first half of each lesson with ample time for lively discussions. He organized interactive exercises during the second half, enabling us to delve deeper into the devotional principles being unpacked and to get to know each other better.
In Lesson 3 devotees paired up to share a time when they felt nourished in spiritual life and a time they felt starved. Some devotees then presented to the whole class what they shared with their partners. (these devotees gave permission to use their names.) For example Jishnu prabhu related his experience of arriving in India 20 years ago as a new devotee with almost no money! In fact, with less than $10! Bhadra Prabhu, who’s also in the course, however, compassionately made arrangements for him in Vrindavana and cared for him when he got sick. This loving support greatly encouraged Jishnu Prabhu in his spiritual life. With these kinds of exchanges we grasped much more than ever the significance of Srila Rupa Goswami‘s 6 loving exchanges.
By the end of the seminar we felt indebted to those who arranged this amazing devotional experience. We walked away feeling more determined than ever to follow the principles Srila Rupa Goswami established and Srila Prabhupada lovingly bestowed upon us.
Black Sea festival #11
The life of a traveling sannyasi. Resting before the show tonight in our limited facilities 
ISKCON Lagos devotees celebrating holy name week (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: It is essential that one constantly associate with pure d... 
More Arabic and Farsi books going out on the streets and in the subways of New York City! (Album with photos)
And it’s remarkably easy to do, because these people really want the books (and there’s a special reason for that)! To find out how you can taste this unprecedented bliss yourselves, in your own city, please contact us today: https://goo.gl/940n3O
Distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books in Lyon, France (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: In the Adi Purana Krishna tells Arjuna: “Anyone who is engaged in chanting My transcendental name must be considered to be always associating with Me. And I may tell you frankly that for such a devotee I become easily purchased.” (Nectar of Devotion, 12)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/tqC7w1
We see Srila Prabhupada would end his letters to disciples with “Your ever well-wisher” at the bottom. Many say that when they read or heard this line from Srila Prabhupada it touched them deeply & changed their life!
Kadamba Kanana Swami returned to Radhadesh from his Slovakia tour after a busy week of preaching. Unfortunately, the news came to us that Manisha devi dasi, one of Maharaj’s disciples, was in a very critical condition and close to leaving her body. Some months ago, Bhagavati Mataji (from Radhadesh) approached Maharaj telling him of this lady, who had been recently diagnosed as terminally ill, who for many years had done a lot of service in Radhadesh – from serving in the Boutique to cleaning – & she was very well known for assisting the Food for Life project in Liege. Her merciful spirit was ever present as she would always bring prasadam or request the devotees to bring it so she could distribute it to the staff members and nurses in the hospital. Amazing to hear her eagerness to preach & share the mercy.
The first day that Maharaj went to see her she didn’t look so well but still was very grateful to see Maharaj again. Maharaj & Mother Manisha spoke for 20 minutes or so and then Maharaj began to lead a mellow kirtan. After an hour of singing, Maharaj was saying a few final words before leaving her apartment. Suddenly Manisha grabbed the pull up bar above her head & raised herself. She was extremely grateful that Maharaj had come to see her & spend time with her. Although she wasn’t active and was forgetting many things, her desire was to see him before she departed. Maharaj told me he has no doubt that Lord Caitanya will accept & take her back to Godhead!
The following day after lunch, Bhagavati told Maharaj that Manisha was really bad and this looked like it would be her last day. Shocking news, to us it didn’t seem real or likely as the evening before we saw her pull herself up with so much eagerness & enthusiastic energy. We thought she had a week or more to go at the least.
As Maharaj entered the room, we saw many devotees gathered in the room singing the holy names. Manisha clearly was immobile and had much less energy that what we saw the day before. She couldn’t move or speak like the day before. Maharaj began singing a mellow kirtan which penetrated the core of everyone’s heart. You could feel the prayerful mood within the room. Around 4:45 pm as we all sat around Mother Manisha’s bed, suddenly she slightly rose up, her eyes opened very wide, she chanted with Maharaj and all the devotees and then departed…
A difficult sight for anyone to see, especially her daughter, grand-daughter and their husbands who were by her bedside during the departure. However, what a success story also as her dear Guru Maharaj was singing for her as she chanted until her last breath!
Later on Maharaj went up to her body, paid respects & stood in a deep praying stance. We then left the apartment as they had to attend to her body & Maharaj spent some time consoling the family members who all really appreciated him coming and singing for her at this time.
As we walked down, everyone was amazed at the surreal experience and I had some element of curiosity as to what Maharaj may have prayed for, however I thought it was too personal and not proper etiquette to ask so I left it. Then as we entered Maharaj’s room, he was telling me about her & how she really liked Nityananda Prabhu, how for years she had done so many services in Radhadesh and he was happy to accept her as a disciple & this was a wonderful way to leave with so many devotees around her chanting.
Then as we stood Maharaj turned and began telling me his thoughts and prayers as he went up to her body. He later said it in a few classes, so I felt it fit to share. He turned to me and very gravely & humbly said, “So I was praying to Krsna that I am no way qualified to request this but somehow I have masters who are the most qualified and I am trying to represent them so please, please accept her and give her Your association.”
At this point, I had nothing to say – just shocked & taken away by Maharaj’s humility. The only thought I had was that he is our ever well-wisher!
The following days, there were some gatherings and memories shared about Manisha Mataji & Maharaj sang ‘Je Anilo’ for her. Please check out the upcoming recordings for these & stay in tune for the blog entries about Maharaj on the build up to Janmastami! What fantastic classes he gave! Once you hear them your future Janmastamis will never be the same again!
A dancing rendition of HH Jayapataka Swami’s song “Yadi Prabhupada Na Hoito” (9 min video)
If Srila Prabhupada had not come, what would have happened? How could we have passed our lives?
Who else would have distributed the unlimited mercy of Lord Nityananda and Lord Gauranga all over the world?
Which other compassionate person would have endeavored to deliver the miscreants, sinful, impersonalistic and voidistic people in the West?
Who else would have come to distribute Harinama to them? Who else would have come forward to transform them into civilized beings?
For the rest of the lyrics: https://goo.gl/m5wxeq
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/uSQGbk
Florida Devotees Escape Hurricane Irma With Minimal Damage.
Just two weeks after Hurricane Harvey struck Texas, Irma made landfall at the Florida Keys on September 10th as a Category 4 hurricane, bringing 130 mph winds and a storm surge of 10 feet.
Predicted to tear its way through the entire state, the hurricane cast a cloak of fear over many residents in advance of its arrival.
In Alachua, North Central Florida, devotees of New Raman Reti – the largest ISKCON community in the Western World – braced themselves for a Category 1 or 2 hurricane, rarely seen so far inland.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/2n4McZ
The anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s arrival in the USA is very significant. It is celebrated by devotees all over the world because shortly after ISKCON was born.
From the Prabhupada Lilamrta:
“The ocean voyage of 1965 was a calm one for the Jaladuta. The captain said that never in his entire career had he seen such a calm Atlantic crossing. Prabhupada replied that the calmness was Lord Krishna’s mercy, and Mrs. Pandia asked Prabhupada to come back with them so that they might have another such crossing. Srila Prabhupada wrote in his diary, “If the Atlantic would have shown its usual face, perhaps I would have died. But Lord Krishna has taken charge of the ship.”
After a thirty-five-day journey from Calcutta, the Jaladuta reached Boston’s Commonwealth Pier at 5:30 A.M. on September 17, 1965. The ship was to stop briefly in Boston before proceeding to New York City.”
In Alachua, North Central Florida, devotees of New Raman Reti – the largest ISKCON community in the Western World – braced themselves for a Category 1 or 2 hurricane, rarely seen so far inland.
[Bhagavatam at Bhakti Center, New York, USA]
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Gita verse-by-verse podcast
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Radhanath Swami Speaks at Climate Change Workshop, Govardhan Eco-Village.
A Nexus International Workshop entitled “Climate Change Adaptations for Sustainable Development- A Vedic Perspective” was held on August 27 and 28th, 2017. The workshop was jointly organized by Govardhan Ecovillage (GEV) & Shree Halari Visa Oswal College of Commerce (SHVOCC), and sponsored by The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI).
The conference was inaugurated by Radhanath Swami, the Visionary behind Govardhan Ecovillage, who highlighted the Vedic perspective that the restoration of the ecology has to be done in conjunction with the restoration of the ecology of the heart. He explained, “The Vedic perspective teaches us that the solutions of climate change lie in the understanding that we are entrusted the sacred care Mother Earth, and that through this care we can become the followers of true dharma.”
Guest of Honor Shri Rajendra Singh ji spoke of how the Vedic approach toward environmental crises were involved traditional localized adaptation techniques which were not only decentralized but also cost-effective, unlike the modern techniques which are complicated and cost prohibitive. He also emphasized the urgent need for climate change literacy and water literacy to the present generation.
The impact of climate change is continuing to grow as are the challenges we are facing in adapting. The workshop provided a platform to share experience and knowledge, of opportunities, tools, resources, local initiatives, and expertise.
Among the themes featured in the technical sessions were: Ground water resources, Governance: a role to be played for sustainability, Inca Civilization and its sustainability, Jal Vayu parivarthan at Rajasthan, Water Conservation and River rejuvenation with special reference to Karnataka, Bioremediation :A tool to combat Aquatic Pollution, Exploration in search of Incessant Ganga River Rejuvenation at Harmu River, Steps to save Mahanadi the lifeline of Orissa, Eco-tourism a Vedic perspective, Agro ecological systems for future economic growth. Most sessions were followed by lively interactions.
The conference was conceptualized by Jalapurush Dr Rajendra Singh, Gauranga Das and Sanat Kumar Das from Govardhan Ecovillage, and Dr Sneha Dhonde from SHVOCC, and was attended by more than 120 global participants.
Consolidating the input of all the speakers and participants, which included academicians, researchers, NGOs, community developers, government official’s and students, a four-page declaration was released at the workshop which was signed by key panelists.
You can read the declaration here: https://goo.gl/KG1GWD
Black Sea festival #9
Black Sea festival #8
Bhagavatam Class. Black Sea festival #10
Sadhu Sanga Festival (Album with photos)
Bhakti Caitanya Swami: We are now at the Sadhu Sanga Festival by the Black Sea in Russia. There are sev... 
FLOW OF MERCY IN LAWRENCE!
Danakeli Dasi: Another wonderful day distributing copies of Bhagavad-gītā, this time at Kansas University in Lawrence. So many nice students! A few highlights…
When I told one student that this book is about Arjuna’s existential crisis, he said, “Wow! I went dry [stopped drinking alcohol] two years ago & have found clarity enough to start asking existential questions myself. You mean you’re giving me this book?”
A girl who I told that the book addresses existential questions became wide-eyed & said, “That’s what I’m all about!”
A smiling student walked up to us carrying BG in his hand, saying, “I saw you both busy talking to others, so I took this from your box. I’ve been wanting to read this book! May I take it?” He disclosed he already knew the Hare Krishna mantra, having heard it sung on a comedian’s show. Since then he’s been “singing that song” & “feeling high.”
A girl from Bangalore had never seen Śrīla Prabhupāda’s BG before & was so happy to see us propagating it at KU that she gave a $50 donation to help us print more.
Several students took a serious interest in our invitation to attend a BG discussion on campus this Wed. evening organized by Hannah & Kishori Gopi through their Bhakti Club.
Guru Gauranga Dasa: Dear Niranjana Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda!
What the modest delegation of devotees returning home to Switzerland from the 2017 Ukraine Bhakti Saṅgam Festival lacked in numbers, they surely made up for by their unbridled enthusiasm and immense happiness.
In this connection, I’d like to share with you a spontaneous testimonial (see below) which I received from Ramadas (Ramabiriya Krishnadas) (waving in photo) and which made my day as I was in the process of “riding out” Hurricane Irma back in Florida.
I’d like to take this opportunity to express my profound thanks to you and and the leaders of the Ukrainian Yatra, especially to Acyuta-priya, Gaura Pūrṇimā, Viṣṇudāsa, Devatātma and Mathurānātha Prabhus, and of course to the amazing Ukrainian devotees themselves for the many kindnesses and warm hospitality extended to the devotees visiting from Switzerland. Once again, I am in awe of the Ukrainian yātrā’s great zest for the seva of Lord Kṛṣṇa, Śrīla Prabhupāda and the Vaiṣṇavas.
Your servant always,
Guru Gaurāṅga dāsa
____
Begin forwarded message:
Hare Krishna, dear Guru Gauranga Prabhu
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
We arrived [back home] in Zurich today, and I want to express my infinite thanks to you. The [2017 Ukraine Bhakti Sangam] Festival was an incredible experience. Before going to Ukraine, I had some idea how the Festival would be, but the Festival actually left a much bigger impression on me.
When we arrived at the Festival place in the night, the driver shocked me by saying that my accommodations would be in a room separate from the other Swiss devotees and that the distance between the two locations would be a 15-minute walk.
I soon realized, however, how merciful Krsna was with His plan. My room was just in front of the main pandal and since I wished to remain every day until the very end of the kirtans, this was the best situation which could happen to me!
The organization of the Festival was amazing and perfect. The seminars were all inspiring and nourishing, the aratis were so beautiful (especially the Deities were so sweet and beautiful, that it appeared that they are dancing with us), the prasadam was delicious (we could, in fact, take prasadam with the Maharajas!), the kirtans were so ecstatic. Most of all, the enthusiasm of the Ukrainian devotees was incredible. I have never seen such a huge willingness for service.
The only negative point is that the festival only lasted just five days. It could have lasted one week more. Nevertheless, I am bringing with me such unforgettable memories, that I am very glad and thankful to you, that you contacted me to attend. My parents are also very happy that they let me go for this trip and are already inspired to attend the [2018 Ukraine Bhakti Sangam] Festival! They would also like to express their thanks to you.
With Hrvoje Kušanić Prabhu, we have taken many pictures and videos. In the upcoming days, we will compile them together and present them to the devotees of the Swiss Yatra.
I wish you a good time, my prayers will also be with your mother and you and may the Lord give your family the best protection against the hurricane.
Looking forward to see You soon.
Your servant,
Ramadas
Matchless Gifts and Harinam in the East Village (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Yesterday our festival crew visited “Matchless Gifts,” the very first of Srila Prabhupada’s temples in ISKCON. It was a deeply emotional moment for many of the devotees. Later we went on harinama samkirtan throughout the streets of New York’s famous East Village. People Ioved it - and so did we! [ All black and white photos are of Matchless Gifts. ]
Find them here: https://goo.gl/M2wDTd
[Talk at One Yoga Center, New York, USA]
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By Damodara Pandita das The Vande Arts Team would like to offer this special drama script depicting Srila Prabhupada's epic voyage on the Jaladhuta. Devotees are welcome to use the script for there own celebrations of Srila Prabhupada's arrival in the USA and throughout ISKCON. This play is heavily musical (the main soundtrack theme is the beautiful “Prayers to the lotus feet of Lord Krishna” as recorded by Indradyumna Swami), with carefully choreographed scenes. A professional soundtrack has been recorded that provides background noise and the musical soundtrack (not the actual lines). Continue reading "“Swamiji at Sea” drama script
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