BHAKTIVEDANTA MANOR MARKS HISTORIC MILESTONE BY CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF ANNUAL JANMASHTAMI FESTIVAL
→ Dandavats

By Radha Mohan Das ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor, the spiritual sanctuary donated by the Beatle George Harrison in 1973, celebrated a historic milestone this week after hosting the Temple’s 50th annual Janmashtami festival. The festival featured live music, performances, clothing, jewellery, food and craft stalls, a children’s play area, a beautifully hand-decorated forest depicting scenes from
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Special Tamil Lecture | Guest Speaker
→ Hare Krishna Auckland

Special Tamil Lecture | Guest Speaker

"Glories of Vaishnava" by His Holiness Bhakti Mukunda Swami

Join us for an illuminating evening of spiritual insight as His Holiness Bhakti Mukunda Swami shares his wisdom on the "Glories of Vaishnava" in the Tamil language. This special event will take place at the Wesley Community Centre, Tarapunga Room, on September 15th, 2023.

🕡 Date & Time: September 15th, 2023 | 6:30 PM
🏛️ Location: Wesley Community Centre, Tarapunga Room
📍 Address: 740 Sandringham Road, Mt Roskill

His Holiness Bhakti Mukunda Swami, a revered spiritual leader, will delve deep into the profound significance and virtues of Vaishnava, offering timeless teachings that hold universal appeal.

This event is a unique opportunity for our Tamil-speaking community.

Mark your calendar and extend this invitation to your friends and family. Let's come together for an evening of spiritual enrichment and cultural celebration.

We eagerly anticipate your presence at this special event!

Special Tamil Lecture | Guest Speaker

Special Tamil Lecture | Guest Speaker
→ Hare Krishna Auckland

Special Tamil Lecture | Guest Speaker

"Glories of Vaishnava" by His Holiness Bhakti Mukunda Swami

Join us for an illuminating evening of spiritual insight as His Holiness Bhakti Mukunda Swami shares his wisdom on the "Glories of Vaishnava" in the Tamil language. This special event will take place at the Wesley Community Centre, Tarapunga Room, on September 15th, 2023.

🕡 Date & Time: September 15th, 2023 | 6:30 PM
🏛️ Location: Wesley Community Centre, Tarapunga Room
📍 Address: 740 Sandringham Road, Mt Roskill

His Holiness Bhakti Mukunda Swami, a revered spiritual leader, will delve deep into the profound significance and virtues of Vaishnava, offering timeless teachings that hold universal appeal.

This event is a unique opportunity for our Tamil-speaking community.

Mark your calendar and extend this invitation to your friends and family. Let's come together for an evening of spiritual enrichment and cultural celebration.

We eagerly anticipate your presence at this special event!

Special Tamil Lecture | Guest Speaker

Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold Named One of 40 Most Beautiful Places in US
→ ISKCON News

Insider Travel, with over 8 million followers on Facebook, published their 2023 roundup of the 40 most beautiful places to visit in the US, and Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold is on this prestigious list. Their recommendations are selected, in part, from a wide variety of travel sites and visitor reviews of must-see locations that span […]

The post Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold Named One of 40 Most Beautiful Places in US appeared first on ISKCON News.

ISKCON Mourns and Pays Tribute to His Excellency Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi
→ ISKCON News

It is with gratitude and deep sadness that ISKCON extends their heartfelt condolences to the Family of Prince Buthelezi, the Zulu Nation, and followers of Prince Buthelezi, Founder and President Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party. ISKCON’s relationship with Prince Buthelezi dates back over four decades, wherein he helped secure the land on which the […]

The post ISKCON Mourns and Pays Tribute to His Excellency Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi appeared first on ISKCON News.

“My Cherished Desire”
→ Dandavats

Vyasa Puja Offering 2023 “My Cherished Desire” Dear Srila Prabhupada, Please accept my most humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to you! My dear spiritual master, as we find ourselves in the twilight of our lives, my godbrothers, godsisters and I are coming face-to-face with the harsh realities of material
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Vyasa-puja Poem –  by Sesa das
→ Dandavats

‘Twas Srila Prabhupada on the Vyasasana A Poem Composed by Sesa das Jaya Radha Madhava Kunja Bihari Eyes closed, karatalas ringing Head trembling, full voice singing Tempo building then crescendoing Obeisance to Guru, blessing to all beings ‘Twas Srila Prabhupada on the Vyasasana Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya Three times the Sanskrit invocation rang out Calling
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Batam Indonesia Ratha Yatra Promotes Unity and Spreads Joy in Community
→ ISKCON News

On September 2nd, in a remarkable display of devotion and cultural unity, residents of Batam, Indonesia, witnessed the Jagannath Ratha Yatra festival. As part of the esteemed Indonesian Cultural Week, known as “Pekan Budaya Indonesia,” this festival illuminated the depth of tradition and the spirit of togetherness, surpassing the expectations of the organizing committee. You […]

The post Batam Indonesia Ratha Yatra Promotes Unity and Spreads Joy in Community appeared first on ISKCON News.

Batam Indonesia Ratha Yatra Promotes Unity and Spreads Joy in Community
→ ISKCON News

On September 2nd, in a remarkable display of devotion and cultural unity, residents of Batam, Indonesia, witnessed the Jagannath Ratha Yatra festival. As part of the esteemed Indonesian Cultural Week, known as “Pekan Budaya Indonesia,” this festival illuminated the depth of tradition and the spirit of togetherness, surpassing the expectations of the organizing committee. You […]

The post Batam Indonesia Ratha Yatra Promotes Unity and Spreads Joy in Community appeared first on ISKCON News.

Srila Prabhupada Appearance Day
→ Ramai Swami

On the occasion of Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasapuja ceremony, I would like to offer some of my homage to him:

It became apparent the movement would spread

Because Śrīla Prabhupāda was at the head

On and on to every village and town

A transcendental flood of rain came down.

Everyone was amazed to see the effect

Lord Caitanya’s desire could not be checked

One man’s effort would not go in vain

To transfer all to the spiritual domain

What is the duty of a disciple who is faithful

He must show that he is always grateful

To his guru, who gave him a precious jewel

Follow in his footsteps; that’s the golden rule

We should never imitate the powerful ācārya

Otherwise we will be captured by māyā

Nevertheless, we should try our very best

To forward the mission so that he’ll be impressed

Satisfying him is our desire and success

The more we do it, the more we progress

For what is advancement in spiritual life

If not to please the guru who frees us from strife

I pray to always remain at his holy feet.

That one day, I may again directly meet

The wonderful person who guided me well

To the abode where I may eternally dwell

Diary of a Traveling Monk, Vyasa Puja Offering 2023 * * * Подношение на день явления Шрилы Прабхупады – 2023
→ Traveling Monk


Dear Srila Prabhupada: Please accept my most humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to you!

My dear spiritual master, as we find ourselves in the twilight of our lives, my godbrothers, godsisters and I are coming face-to-face with the harsh realities of material existence that you so poignantly warned us about in the innocence of our youth: birth, disease, old age and death. The stark experience of these sorrows serves as a sobering reminder that your words of wisdom about the material world always ring true. However, even more significant to us – and indeed to devotees of any age – is the positive alternative you compassionately bestowed upon us all: the path back home to the spiritual world, where life is eternal, full of knowledge and bliss. If there is any advantage to growing old, it is that we now hold this alternative closer to our hearts than ever before!

I am eternally grateful for your direct guidance and blessings. Your instructions to “preach boldly and have faith in the holy names” have been the guiding principles of my life in Krsna consciousness. Your unwavering faith in the power of the Hare Krsna mantra has instilled a deep conviction within my own heart. Your dedication to spreading Krishna consciousness through large-scale events has been the source of inspiration for the same service I offer to your lotus feet. And your profound love for Vrindavan, that sacred abode which you so mercifully revealed to us all, has been the motivation for my ongoing research efforts and weekly lectures on the dhama. Through your grace alone, I have spent the last 50 years sharing the joy of Krsna consciousness with others; my goal has been to make your divine presence felt in every kirtan I lead, in every lecture I deliver, and in every soul I meet on this sacred journey.

My dear spiritual master, your arrival in the Western world was a turning point – a pivotal moment – in the history of spirituality on this planet. Your journey from the shores of India to the distant land of America was not just a physical one; it was a transcendental voyage on which you carried the eternal wisdom of our scriptures to the eager hearts of seekers across the globe. Your Bhagavad-Gita As It Is has become a timeless classic, and your Srimad Bhagavatam will continue to illuminate the path of bhakti for many generations to come. May your words continue to resonate in the hearts of all those who encounter them and may your legacy shine eternally as a ray of hope and love in this world. Your literary contributions are a veritable treasure trove of spiritual knowledge, and I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to share these jewels with others. May I always remain a faithful servant in your divine mission to spread the glories of Krsna far and wide, as I know this pleases Your Divine Grace.

Srila Prabhupada, I long for the day I can be with you again in person. But I know I must earn that privilege through the medium of service to your lotus feet. Throughout this past summer, amidst the exhilarating kirtans we held with the many guests who attended our festivals along the Baltic Sea coast in Poland, I often gazed towards the heavens and wondered if you were watching. I earnestly prayed for a sign that you were aware of our efforts to please you.

Then, one night, I had a dream that I was chanting japa while strolling through a picturesque park. Suddenly, you were there! You were walking towards me in the company of several of my esteemed godbrothers. Overwhelmed, I prostrated myself at your feet. As I rose, you passed by and turning towards me, you kindly said, “You are doing well. I am pleased with you. Continue as you are.”

I took great inspiration from that dream, Srila Prabhupada. My godbrother Hayagriva dasa recounted in his book, The Hare Krsna Explosion, that you told him that although most dreams are simply functions of the mind, dreams of the spiritual master are of spiritual significance.

“If the guru gives instructions in a dream,” you said to him, “the disciple is supposed to follow them. When I came to the West my spiritual master repeatedly advised me in a number of dreams.”

Srila Prabhupada, I am determined to continue “doing well” so that you will be “pleased with me” and so that my cherished desire to be with you again will come true. Honestly, nothing else matters to me in this world. I stand prepared to accompany you to any corner of the three worlds in order to propagate Krsna consciousness. I beg you, my dear spiritual master, to please be present with me when I leave this mortal frame one day. Please take me by the hand and lead me to my next service. I promise wholeheartedly to try to make you proud! And sometime in the future, when the day arrives that your mission in this world has been achieved, perhaps you will take me home to Sri Vrindavan dhama to serve you eternally in that transcendental abode.

Until then, I will keep memories of days spent with you locked safely within my heart. From time to time, I will unlock those treasures and gaze upon them with relish. One time you left your chaddar on the vyasasana after a lecture on a grassy lawn in New Mayapura in France. Seizing the opportunity, I grabbed that chaddar and carefully carried it back to your quarters in the chateau. After knocking softly on your door, I entered to find you motionless, staring out the window at the large assembly of devotees and guests starting to take prasadam on the lawn. After a minute, you turned around and with tears flowing down your cheeks, you said softly, “Let them take Krsna prasadam!”

Srila Prabhupada, I miss you more than words can express. I relive that moment again and again in hopes of meeting you once more.

The Vrajavasi poet, Rasika dasa, has written:

(1)

kabahu dekhun ina nainana, udata upraina sundara cala, nasata tapa hridaya te bhapa

(2)

kabahu dekhun ina nainana, sundara-mukha daya jhalakata hai, kripa sisya pe karata rasala

(3)

kabahu sunu jhankara sri-mukha ki, sravanana milata rasa jhalakata hai

(4)

rasikadasa-vira kabahu men calatahu pache, prita-rita me punha-milana ki bata

TRANSLATION:

1) When will I see again the glorious gait of my guru who, with his chaddar flowing in the wind, removes the distress in the hearts of his disciples?

2) When will I again behold with these eyes the beautiful and merciful face of my guru, whose eyes are dripping the most condensed form of mercy which melts the hearts of his disciples?

3) When will I again hear his nectarian words which reveal the blissful pastimes of the Divine Couple in my heart?

4) The poet Rasika dasa says, “Oh brother, tell me please, when will that day come when I will walk beside my guru again, relishing our sacred reunion?”

Srila Prabhupada, I am and will always be,

Your eternal servant,
Indradyumna Swami

HG Nand Maharaj Prabhu Departs in Chandigarh on September 6th
→ ISKCON News

On Wednesday, September 8th, at 10 am, in Chandigarh, under the shelter of Sri Sri Radha Madhav, HG Nand Maharaj Prabhu departed from this material realm. A very senior disciple of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj, who had been serving Sri Sri Radha Madhav and the community of ISKCON Chandigarh and Panchkula with pure devotion […]

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