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The Bhagavad Gita perspective on the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Social media and mainstream media is now filled with images of thousands of missiles being sent by the Hamas, which is the Palestinian extremist group in the Gaza Strip, attacking Israel in various cities. How do we see this terrible conflict with which thousands of people have been killed and uncountable number of people have been taken hostages, and the conflict seems to be on the verge of escalating?

I’ll talk about it from three different points, three Ns. The first N is the Nature of the violence, second is the Necessity for confrontational approaches, and last is Need for approaches beyond the confrontational. So first, while violence is an unfortunate and unavoidable part of life in this world, at the same time, the Bhagavad Gita is very careful in ensuring that violence is used within limits.

The Kshatriyas are a specially trained class of people who are meant to protect others from harm and to use force if required for that purpose. They are meant Kshatriya. They are meant to protect others from hurt and Kshatriyas never attack civilians.

That’s why the Kurukshetra war was fought at a particular designated venue, namely Kurukshetra, where the civilians were neither targeted nor killed. But the terrorist violence that we are seeing in these current attacks where missiles are launched indiscriminately, including largely on civilian targets and territories, is the antithesis of Kshatriya violence, where unarmed and unprepared, unsuspecting civilians alone are targeted for the purpose of creating fear and intimidation and terror. So, such violence against civilians needs to be condemned in the strongest possible terms.

The second point is the necessity of confrontational approaches at times. While we all would like that conflicts be minimized or avoided or resolved by peaceful means, the reality is that sometimes some people are so maddened by their hunger for power, by their memories of grievance and the cravings for vengeance, or by their extreme ideologies, that they essentially become wicked, and that means that there is no talking sense with them.

In fact, trying to have a peaceful negotiation with such elements ends up essentially appeasing them, and appeasing people who are wicked only empowers and emboldens them to do far worse things in the future. That’s how in one way the Second World War escalated with Victor Chamberlain, the British premier, appeasing Hitler repeatedly while his expansionist activities engulfed much of Europe. So, appeasement will not work with extremist elements, and the need for confrontational approaches to weed out such elements has to be acknowledged. This in fact is the purpose of Kshatriyas.

The Bhagavad Gita says that when such approaches are required, Kshatriyas, the warrior class, they are the martial protectors of society, they do not flinch from violence. They are ready to fight where it is required. Having said that, the third point is the need for solutions beyond the confrontational.

While confrontation is required for those who are power hungry or maddened into war, whatever reason, most people from any demographic are not power hungry like that. Most people simply want to go ahead with their lives. And that’s why it’s vital that no community be lumped together in any particular way.

This particular conflict can be seen solely in religious terms and one religion attacking another and another religion trying to defend itself. And yes, the religious dimension is important in that, but humans are complex beings, and religious ideologies might motivate some people toward extremism, it is not the sole motivator for most people. We see that in the Abrahamic Accords which were inconceivable maybe a few years ago, but Israel has been able to have some kind of peaceful relations and some accord being established with UAE and also with the Saudi Arabia by de facto. So, the factors other than solely religious can guide decisions and that’s where the Bhagavad Gita’s analysis of human nature into the three modes, sattva, rajas and tamas is helpful.

The mode of tamas is associated with complaining and violence and destruction. The mode of rajas is associated with craving and fighting or doing whatever is required to fulfil the craving. The mode of sattva is associated with clarifying, trying to understand.

So, solution will not come simply by thinking that we will eradicate the enemy and thus we alone will reign. Once we go on the path of eradicating those whom we oppose or those who oppose us, where is it going to stop? Because there will always be someone or the other who opposes us. That’s why those who are extremists, those who are influenced or controlled by the mode of ignorance, they need to be neutralized.

But the vast majority is not that destructive or vindictive. Especially those who are in sattva, those who are with somewhat risen consciousness, if they are engaged with, if they are empowered, then they can come together and find a solution of some level of meaning. Now, the Bhagavad Gita says this world is a place of distress, dukhalaya. What that means is that there will never be any perfect solutions. No one will have a world in which they have no enemies, but what we can do is, even if we can’t have perfect solutions, we can at least have trade-offs. If not the most tolerable trade-offs, at least the least intolerable trade-offs. If with hard-eyed realism, people in sattva from both sides come together and have discussions, of course, after the extremist elements have been purged, then the non-confrontational approaches can also help us to come towards some level of peace. This is where the Bhagavad Gita’s wisdom offers humanity in general and seekers in particular, thoughtful seekers in particular, resources for raising human consciousness.

While pursuing violent means to curb extremists, simultaneously non-confrontational methods are pursued to eventually establish a more workable peace, that is the way to go beyond such horrifying confrontations that are happening. Our prayers for the souls of all those who have unfortunately lost their lives and our prayers for strength to all those who have survived such losses. We hope that higher consciousness manifests and peace prevails soon.

End of transcription.

🪔 Diwali Festival 🪔

Join us for this radiant occasion on Sunday, October 22nd, 2023, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

📅 Date: Sunday, October 22nd, 2023
🕚 Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

🪔 Highlights of the Event:

• Food Stalls: Delight in a sumptuous feast and a variety of delectable dishes from our food stalls.
• Soulful Kirtans and Bhajans: Immerse yourself in the melodious tunes of devotional songs that touch the heart and elevate the spirit.
• Cultural Performances: Enjoy cultural dance and music performances that reflect the richness of our heritage.
• Kids Activities: Engage your little ones in a world of fun and creative activities designed just for them.

Come together with family and friends to celebrate Diwali and embrace the positive energy of this auspicious occasion.

Dear Esteemed GBC and Leaders, Please accept our most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. **Executive Summary: World Holy Name Festival Report 2023 CALL TO ACTION FOR GBC MEMBERS More than 10% participation from the Global Centers is required. We need the help of the GBC to integrate this festival into the fabric of
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Dear Devotees, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. The Annual General Meeting of the ISKCON GBC Society will begin in February 2024. Following the ISKCON GBC Society’s Rules of Order, the GBC Secretariat requests proposals, duly sponsored by two GBC members, to be submitted by December 15, 2023. Note that no
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Hare Krishna!

The TOVP Tour is coming to your local UK temple with Lord Nrsimhadeva in the form of His Satari (helmet) and Lord Nityananda’s Paduka’s (shoes) to bless devotees and bring news of the Grand Opening of Lord Nrsimhadeva’s completed TOVP Temple from February 29 – March 2, 2024.

Accompanying the Lord in His forms above are Jananivas, Ambarisa and Svaha, Praghosa and Braja Vilasa prabhus. Don’t miss this event. Bring your family to attend this ecstatic and inspiring program with abhisheka, arati, kirtan, videos, talks, gifts, seva opportunities and prasadam. Refer to the tour schedule below for details.

Miracle in the Making ~ Home of Our Divine Protector

“The more you help develop Mayapur, the more Lord Chaitanya will bless your area of the world and it will flourish”

S.P. Letter to Hari-sauri

“Those who are trying their best to keep intact the flow of service to Sri Mayapur, will be considered the benefactors of the world of Vaishnavas.”

Bhaktivinoda Takura (Sajjana-tosani 12/1)

TOVP UK Tour Schedule

8th October
Bhaktivedanta Manor
Time: 2pm

11th October
ISKCON South London
Time: 6:30pm

14th October
ISKCON Birmingham
Time: 6:15pm

15th October
ISKCON Leicester
Location: Avanti School
Time: 4pm

17th October
ISKCON Manchester
Time: 6:30pm

21st October
ISKCON Cardiff
Location: Bayview House
Time: 3pm

22nd October
ISKCON London
Time: 3pm

UK LEADERS SPEAK ABOUT THE TOVP UK TOUR YOUTUBE VIDEOS.

 

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The first red leaf greeted me this morning Among the dull colors of the other fallen leaves It’s redness smiled a reminder of time passing A reminder of cycles of birth and death Of leaves separating from the trees As the body separates from the soul We stand and watch the leaves fall As we […]

The post The First Red Leaf appeared first on ISKCON News.

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During the MAN-Tra retreat, this beautiful drama, directed by Bhaktimarga Swami, was performed. It’s called Witness Gopal, and we’d love to share it with you. Enjoy! Watch it here: https://bit.ly/3RLRvtQ
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Mother Earth is a new agricultural, religious and cultural project of the Devotees of Iskcon that is in development. Jiva Tattva Das, the leader of this project, is currently going through serious health problems and now needs our urgent help to be able to pay the debt he incurred to buy the Ecovillage. We are
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Yogesvara Gopinath Das The vibrant streets of Ilford came alive with color, music, and fervent spirituality as the community gathered to celebrate the 10th Annual Jagannath Rathayatra, the Chariot Festival. This auspicious event, steeped in tradition and devotion, marked a decade of joyous processions and community celebration.
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More photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/199248363@N03/sets/72177720311649459/ Celebrating the Grand Opening of ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in South Bangalore In a momentous event that will be etched in the records of spiritual history, the grand opening of the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in South Bangalore was celebrated with great devotion. The inauguration of this sacred
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Ekadasi is the 11th day of the lunar phase of the Moon. Indira Ekadasi is celebrated in the Krishna Paksha (waning Moon phase) in the month of Ashwin (September–October). Since this Ekadasi falls on the Pitru Paksha (15 days in the month of Ashwin dedicated to ancestors), it is also known as ‘Ekadasi Shraddh.’ This is widely celebrated in Northern India to pay rituals to ancestors.

It’s recommended to chant extra rounds and stay up all night chanting and hearing the Lord’s glories. It is also auspicious to donate to Vaishnavas and Lord Krishna’s service on Ekadasi and we invite our readers to consider this Indira Ekadasi to donate towards the Give To Nrsimha Fundraiser. We are focusing on the completion and opening of the entire Nrsimhadeva hall and altar during the 2024 Gaura Purnima Festival from February 29 – March 2 as a forerunner to the Grand Opening of the TOVP in 2025 when all the Deities will be relocated into Their new home. Please go to the Give To Give To Nrsimha Fundraiser page TODAY and help complete this offering to the Lord.

  NOTE: Indira Ekadasi is observed on October 9 in U.S. and October 10th in India. Please refer to your local calendar through www.gopal.home.sk/gcal.

  View, download and share the TOVP 2023 Calendar​.

 

The Glories of Indira Ekadasi

From Brahma-vaivarta Purana

Yudhishthira Maharaj said, “Oh Madhusudana, killer of the Madhu demon, what is the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Ashwin (September-October)? Please describe its glories to me.”

The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna then replied, “This holy day is called Indira Ekadasi. If a person fasts on this day, all his sins are eradicated and his forefathers who have fallen into hell are liberated. Oh best of kings, one who simply hears about this sacred Ekadasi achieves the great merit earned by performing a horse sacrifice.

“In the Satya-yuga there lived a king named Indrasena who was so powerful that he destroyed all his enemies. His kingdom was called Mahishmati-puri. The glorious and highly religious King Indrasena took good care of his subjects, and therefore he was rich in gold, grains, sons, and grandsons. He was greatly devoted to Lord Sri Vishnu as well. He especially enjoyed chanting My name, calling out ‘Govinda! Govinda!’. In this way King Indrasena systematically dedicated himself to pure spiritual life and spent much time meditating on the Absolute Truth.

“One day, as King Indrasena happily and peacefully presided over his assembly, the perfect orator, Sri Narada Muni, was seen descending. White as a conch, shining like the moon, like a jasmine flower, like a lightning bolt, Narada Muni descended from the sky. He was decorated with matted locks of reddish hair. The king offered Devarishi Narada, the saint among the devas, great respect by greeting him with joined palms, inviting him into the palace, offering him a comfortable seat, washing his feet, and speaking sweat words of welcome. Then Narada Muni said to Maharaj Indrasena, ‘Oh king, are the seven limbs of your kingdom prospering?’

“The seven limbs of a king’s domain being; the king’s well-being himself, his ministers, his treasury, his military forces, his allies, the brahmanas, the sacrifices performed in his kingdom, and the needs of the king’s subjects. ‘Is your mind absorbed in thinking of how you can properly perform your occupational duty? Are you becoming more and more devoted and dedicated to the service of the Supreme Lord, Sri Vishnu?’

“The king replied, ‘By your kind grace, Oh greatest of sages, everything is quite well. Today, just by your presence all the sacrifices in my kingdom are successful! Please show me mercy and explain the reason for your kind visit here.’

“Sri Narada, the sage among the devas, then said, ‘Oh lion among kings, listen to my astonishing words. When I descended from Brahmaloka to Yamaloka, Lord Yamaraja praised me very graciously and offered me an excellent seat. As I glorified his truthfulness and wonderful service to the Supreme Lord, I noticed your father in Yamaraja’s assembly. Though he had been very religious, because he broke an Ekadasi fast prematurely, he had to go to the Yamaloka. Your father gave me a message for you. He said, “In Mahishmati lives a king named Indrasena. Please tell him about my situation here – that because of my past sinful deeds I have somehow been forced to reside in Yamaraja’s kingdom. Please give him this message from me: ‘Oh son, kindly observe the coming Indira Ekadasi and give much in charity so I can go upward to heaven.’ ”

Philosophically we can understand that every living entity is an individual, and individually everyone has to practice Krishna consciousness to traverse back to home, back to Godhead. As stated in Garuda Purana, someone who is suffering in hell cannot practice Krishna consciousness, because this requires some mental peace, which the reactionary tortures of hell make impossible. If a relative of a sinner suffering in hell gives some charity in the name of the sinner, he can leave hell and enter the heavenly planets. But if the sinner’s relative observes this Ekadasi fast for his suffering kinsman, the kinsman goes directly to the spiritual world, as stated in this narration based on Brahma-vaivarta Purana.

“Narada continued, ‘Just to deliver this message, Oh king, have I come to you. You should help your father by observing the fast of Indira Ekadasi. By the merit you gain, your father will go to heaven.’ “King Indrasena asked, ‘Oh great Naradji, please be merciful and tell me specifically how to observe a fast on Indira Ekadasi, and also tell me during what month and on what day it occurs.’

“Narada Muni replied, ‘Oh king, please listen as I describe to you the full process of observing the Indira Ekadasi.’

1. This Ekadasi occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Ashwin.
2. On the Dashami tithi, the day before Ekadasi, rise early in the morning, take bath, and then do some service for God with full faith.
3. At noon, bathe again in running water and then offer oblations to your forefathers with faith and devotion.
4. Be sure not to eat more than once on this day and at night sleep on the floor.
5. When you awaken on Ekadasii morning, cleanse your mouth and teeth thoroughly and then with deep devotion for the Lord take this sacred vow: ‘Today I shall fast completely and give up all kinds of sense enjoyment. Oh lotus-eyed Supreme Personality of Godhead, Oh infallible one, please give me shelter at Your lotus feet.’
6. At noon, stand before the sacred form of the Sri Shaligram Shila and worship Him faithfully, following all the rules and regulations; then offer oblations of ghee into the sacred fire, and tarpana directed to help your forefathers.
7. Next, feed qualified Brahmins (non-grain prasadam) and offer them some charity according to your means.
8. Now take the food pindas you offered to your forefathers, smell it, and then offer it to a cow. Next, worship Lord Hrishikesha with incense and flowers, and finally, remain awake all night near the Deity of Lord Sri Keshava.
9. Early in the morning of the next day, Dvadasi tithi, worship Sri Hari with great devotion and invite Brahmin devotees to a sumptuous feast.
10. Then feed your relatives, and finally take your meal in silence.

‘Oh king, if you strictly observe a fast on Indira Ekadasi in this way, with controlled senses, your father will surely be elevated to the abode of Lord Vishnu.’ “After saying this, Devarishi Narada immediately disappeared from the scene to bless someone else with his presence.

“King Indrasena followed the great saint’s instructions perfectly, observing the fast in the association of his relatives and servants. As he broke his fast on the Dvadasi tithi, flowers fell from the sky. The merit that Indrasena Maharaj earned by observing this fast released his father from the kingdom of Yamaraja and caused him to attain a completely spiritual body. Indeed, Indrasena saw him rising to the abode of Lord Hari on the back of Garuda Vahan. Indrasena himself was able to rule his kingdom without any obstacles, and in time when he handed over the kingdom to his son, he also went to the spiritual realm of Vaikuntha.

“Oh Yudhishthira, these are the glories of the Indira Ekadasi, which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Ashwin. Whoever hears or reads this narration certainly enjoys life in this world, is freed of all reactions to his past sins, and at the time of death returns home, back to Godhead, where he lives eternally.”

Thus ends the narration of the glories of Ashwin-krishna Ekadasii, or Indira Ekadasi, taken from the Brahma-vaivarta Purana.

This article has been used courtesy of ISKCON Desire Tree

 

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TOVP NEWS AND UPDATES – STAY IN TOUCH

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