Websites from the ISKCON Universe
I was fortunate enough to attend two Nrsimha Caturdasi celebrations, one at Southport and the other at New Govardhan.
Although the New Govardhan festival was on a Tuesday evening, there were around 150-200 devotees who participated.
I led kirtan and gave a lecture and that was followed by a beautiful dance. Of course, there was also the wonderful Lord Nrsimhadeva feast.
This is the first in a series of lessons that ISCOWP plan to publish with the intent that someone who watches them should attain a good idea of how to train oxen by voice commands from the beginning of their oxen's lives to their maturity. A video by Chaya Devi.
Many works of art with sacred themes have been painted under the inspiration of ISKCON-founder A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. These paintings were originally intended to illustrate books by Prabhupada, author of many original writings and translations, and were also meant to decorate temples and houses of devotees of Krishna. Now, these Prabhupada-inspired paintings have arrived at a new, unusual place: a shopping center in Brazil.
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Radha Kunda Seva - April 2017 Photos and Updates (Album with photos)
April was a peaceful month of steady seva – cleaning and prasadam distribution. No new demolitions! The temple still stands! With our newly received permission, we are back to feeding parikrama pilgrims every Purnima (full moon). They sure do work up an appetite making the 13 mile/21 kilometer trek around Govardhan, and nicely spiced chickpeas with their high protein content are perfect for that much-needed energy boost. Today is Nrsimha Chaturdasi, the most wondrous appearance of the half man, half lion form of the Supreme Lord who appeared to save His young boy devotee, Prahlad. On this day we are praying to Him to protect our service from any and all obstacles and hindrances. Please browse our latest photos and join our efforts by visiting www.radharani.com. Your servants, Campakalata Devi dasi, Padma Gopi Devi dasi, Urmila Devi Dasi, and Mayapurcandra dasa.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/fM6T62
Narasimha Chaturdashi, Sri Vrindavan Dham, 9.05.2017 (4 min video)
Srila Prabhupada: May the glorification of the transcendental name, form, qualities and paraphernalia of the Supreme Personality of Godhead protect us from the influence of bad planets, meteors, envious human beings, serpents, scorpions, and animals like tigers and wolves. May it protect us from ghosts and the material elements like earth, water, fire and air, and may it also protect us from lightning and our past sins. We are always afraid of these hindrances to our auspicious life. Therefore, may they all be completely destroyed by the chanting of the Hare Krsna maha-mantra. –Srila Prabhupada’s translation of SB 6.8.27-28
Watch it here: https://goo.gl/IpkEdp
The Vyasa-puja festival has gone by. The Kingsday is still hurting our feet. And now you can re-live the experience or find out what was happening in the hills of Radhadesh and the streets of Amsterdhama! Here you can find the media that was recorded and links to videos on Youtube. Enjoy!
24 apr 2017
Srimad Bhagavatam 7.15.67 – Privately in public
Evening Bhajans @Temple Room Radhadesh
25 apr 2017
26 apr 2017
Srimad Bhagavatam 7.15.67 – 24 apr 2017
Srimad Bhagavatam 7.15.68 – 25 apr 2016
Srimad Bhagavatam 7.15.69 – 26 apr 2016
Kingsday 2017 – by Krishna kripa das
Some short videos by Aditya dd
Photos by the Harinam Ruci group
https://www.facebook.com/pg/harinama.ruci/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1687630181266671
See Vyasa-puja photo album on Flickr
See Kingsday photo album on Flickr
Interreligious Conference on ‘Newborn Child Care’
Sanchi, Madhya Pradesh, May 2, 2017.
According to Srimad Bhagavatam, a child’s consciousness develops tremendously from the seventh month. So at that time spiritual messages, songs, books etc must accompany the mother. Such a process will make for a child endowed with more spiritual values like faith in God, compassion, tolerance etc. that are necessary for healthy citizens. The importance of good association is paramount in the process. The importance of Garbadhana was also mentioned. Especially, he said “HH Sripad Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja, Ph.D., mentioned several times that the soul first enters through the mind of the father and then comes to the womb of the mother during conception. Therefore the mind of the parents must be trained for begetting a good child and that is called garbhadhana samskar.” This includes increased chanting of the holy names of God, serving the devotees and spiritual master. If the parents are such then there is a good reason for them to beget a child with higher consciousness. Of course, we are not independent in this and depend on the mercy of God.
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/tGajkt
Thousands Attend Opening of Gorgeous New Baltimore Temple!
Smashing expectations, around 2,300 people attended the three-day f...
By Gauragopala dasa Deep within the "Brahmanda" universal egg or bubble that oriinates from the Body of Maha Vishnu, some trillions of miles within is where one will find the small "4 billion mile diameter Bhu-mandala Universe' exists surrounded by the large Brahmanda dome that has many layers of material elements. Continue reading "Understanding our inner small Bhu-Mandala Universe in relation to the outer greater Brahmanda covering
→ Dandavats"
Ratha Yatra Lisbon (Portugal) 2017.
Over the last decades, International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) has been presenting an attractive spiritual festival of ancient India to millions of people all over the world. Ratha Yatra is the biggest street festival organized by ISKCON. Literally meaning Festival of Chariots, this festival celebrates Krishna’s return to His home in Vrindavan, after a long period of separation from His friends and relatives.
Isopanisad’s Message of Care For Earth Shared at D.C. Climate March.
Anuttama Das: “It’s important for us to understand as Vaishnavas that we have an obligation to be active in our communities – to try to create a culture that’s conducive towards pure living and spiritual practice. We’re not meant to live in a vacuum – we need to get involved.”
To read the entire article click here: https://goo.gl/mPtHhv
The devotees of ISKCON Mayapur celebrated Narasimha Chaturdashi, the divine appearance day of Lord Narasimha Deva in the temple on Tuesday, 9th May. The festivities was spread over three days, starting on 7th when devotees fetched water from Ganga with zeal. On 8th-morning Maha-Sudarshan homa was performed and grand Lakshmi Narasimha palanquin procession was taken out in the evening. 12 hour non-stop kirtan was being rendered by devotees to mark the celebrations. In the wee hours Mangal Arti was performed, discourses from Srimad Bhagwatam glorifying the pastimes of the Lord Narasimha Deva was recited by senior devotees on 9th followed by “Darshan Arti”. At dusk, hour-long “Maha-Abhisheka” of the deity was performed by using fragrant oil, perfumes, honey, ghee, yogurt and fruit juices. It was an amazing spectacle when hundreds of devotees raised their arms danced in ecstasy while chanting Narasimha prayers. The fragrance of the oils and melodious chanting by the devotees filled the air with spiritual bliss.
The appearance day of Lord Narasimha Deva is significant because it reinforces the faith that Lord Krishna incarnates in various forms as a savior of His beloved devotee and destroyer of evil. Lord Narsimha Dev appeared to protect the devotional service of Bhaktraj Prahlad and annihilate the demon Hiranyakashipu, hence He is worshiped among Gaudiya Vaishnavas as the One who eliminates the hurdles in the path of the devotee so that he can render his service to the Lord ceaselessly.
The entire temple campus was being beautifully decorated by colorful flowers, dazzling lights. Devotees arrived in huge numbers with great joy and enthusiasm to observe this festival. Besides almost 6000 resident devotees, approximately 500 devotees came from various states of India and adjoining areas, specifically to participate in this festival.
To watch the recording of the celebration: https://youtu.be/xJXS-HUhY20
The post Daily Darshan: May 09,2017 appeared first on Mayapur.com.
The post Daily Darshan: May 10,2017 appeared first on Mayapur.com.
Nrsimhadeva tells Prahlada, “When a devotee looks at Me without hesitation and speaks to Me affectionately, My pleasure grows with every new moment. Although I am eternally free from all limitations, such behavior binds Me with ropes of love. Although I am unconquerable, My devotees can conquer Me. And although I am subject to no one’s control, I become their subordinate subject. I belong only to him who has shown his love for Me by giving up all affection for family and possessions, and such a devotee also belongs to Me. Neither he nor I has any other true friend. My desires are always automatically fulfilled, but I take various births in this world just to bestow on My devotees the satisfaction of all their desires.”
—Hari-bhakti-sudhodaya (14.28–32), quoted in the commentary on Sri Brhad-bhagavatamrta 1.4.9 by Srila Sanatana Gosvami
Hare Krishna.
Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami
Smashing expectations, around 2,300 people attended the three-day festival opening the new Vedic-style ISKCON temple in Baltimore, Maryland from April 28th to 30th. They came from India, England, and all over the U.S., and included local congregation and public as well as many Srila Prabhupada disciples who had previously served in Baltimore.
Members of the D.C. Supersonic Kirtan group and devotees from the ISKCON temple in Washington D.C. joined together to chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra at the Peoples Climate March on April 29th. They also shared a spiritual environmental message from the Sri Isopanisad.
Tw
o days after I first saw Srila Prabhupada and the devotees at Brandeis University in Boston, he gave a beautiful talk about the nature of a Vaishnava, how a devotee is an ocean of mercy, on Nrsimha-caturdasi, May 1, 1969:
“Atheist is so unkind, cruel, that he is prepared to kill his own son, beloved son, five years old. That is atheism. And theism, the father who tortured him so much—after the death of his father, he’s praying to Nrsimhadeva, ‘Please excuse my father.’ This is theism. So that is the difference between Krishna consciousness and ordinary consciousness. Vaishnavas are very kind to everyone. Vancha kalpatarubhyas ca krpa-sindhubhya eva ca. You utter this prayer, krpa-sindhubhya eva ca. Vaishnava is an ocean of mercy. There is no end. As you cannot draw all the water from the ocean—it is not possible—similarly, a Vaishnava, a devotee, is an ocean of mercy. You can draw from it as much mercy as you like; still, it is full.
“So, Prahlada Maharaja is the symbolic representation of Vaishnava. Try to be not imitator, but follower. Don’t try to imitate: ‘Oh, Prahlada Maharaja was thrown into boiling oil. Let me try, fall into the boiling oil.’ No. That is imitation. First you become like Prahlada Maharaja, then that will be possible. Don’t try to make experiment. That is not good. But try to follow. Mahajano yena gatah sa panthah. Follow mahajanas, great personalities, what they have done. You cannot imitate them. You have to follow them. You have to follow the instructions of Krishna or His representative, but not imitate them. Then you’ll fall down. Anusarana, not anukarana. Anukarana means imitation; but anusarana, following. So what Prahlada Maharaja did, we have to follow his example. His example was that in spite of continuous torturing by his father, he never forgot Krishna. This we have to follow. In spite of all kinds of inconveniences and torture by the atheist class of men, we shall never forget Krishna consciousness. There are many examples. Just like Lord Jesus Christ, he was tortured, he was crucified, but he never agreed that there is no God. So that should be our motto. This is following. Either you be Christian or Hindu or any, but be God conscious. Krishna conscious means God conscious. And in any circumstances, do not forget. That is called saranagati. That is surrender.”
I pray to follow in the footsteps of Sri Prahlada Maharaja, Srila Prabhupada, and all pure Vaishnavas in their line.
Hare Krishna.
Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami
The WORLD PREMIERE of Hare Krishna! at the Illuminate Film Festival SOLD OUT in the first half hour of tickets being on sale!
Thank you to all of the Hare Krishna! supporters who bought tickets - we can’t wait to share the film with you! For those who may have missed out, stay tuned for a possible second screening on Sunday, June 4th.By Madhava Smullen
This Spring’s ISKCON New Vrindaban (INV) and ECO-Vrindaban (ECO-V) Board Meetings saw another inspiring round of Department Head Presentations on March 25th, as everyone gears up for a busy 2017 summer season and New Vrindaban’s 50th anniversary in 2018.
Varsana Swami opened the session with an invocation reminding an audience of GBC, board members, and residents of Srila Prabhupada’s vision for New Vrindaban. He focused on the community’s status as a holy pilgrimage site, and uplifted all by quoting Prabhupada’s statement from a 1975 letter, “I am always praying to Krishna that the New Vrindaban attempt will be more and more successful and ideal for your country. That is my only prayer.”
INV President Jaya Krsna Das then reiterated goals to follow Prabhupada’s instructions for the community, care for and cooperate with each other, and make devotees throughout North America proud to be associated with New Vrindaban.
Sri Tulasi Manjari, ECO-V’s new Board Chair since January 2017, then kicked off the ECO-V department head presentations with an overview of the organization’s mission, board, and staff. She also introduced guests including Fil Paonessa, who may be joining the ECO-V team full time, and Board Advisor candidates Olivia Snider, Makara Pitts and Venkata Chalpati.
ECO-V’s department heads presented first, beginning with Ananda-Vidya Das and Lalita Gopi Dasi of Milking and Cow Care. They are milking seven cows, getting 20 gallons of milk per day, and stocking the Deity kitchen with butter and ghee. Cow care has been improved with new sliding doors, a birthing stall gate, and a new tractor for bringing hay; while new wall paneling, insulation, and heating are keeping the cowherds happy in the winter. Coming up, three new calves are due, and the team will start making sour cream, and will plant flowers around the barn.
In the Deity Flower Garden, Vidya Dasi and Suchandra Dasi plan to provide nearly all the flowers for the Deities’ day-to-day needs during the growing season. They’ll also give devotees seeds and encourage them to grow flowers and vegetables for the Deities at home. Other 2017 goals include using a new greenhouse to extend the flower season, involving guests and devotees in picking flowers and making garlands, and creating a welcome center at the Teaching Garden.
In Garden and Ox Power, Nitaicandra Das reported that four oxen are already following basic commands and will learn to pull a cart and transport logs by the end of the year. Devotees plan to harvest five to eight thousand pounds of potatoes at the Valley Field this year; and grow corn, beans, squash and grains for the cows in the Community Garden; as well as a large variety of vegetables at Nandagram. Meanwhile greens will be grown into the winter this year in a new partially underground greenhouse.
Concluding the ECO-V section of the morning, Nitaicandra also announced that ECO-V will teach courses on cow care and gardening at Festival of Inspiration from May 12th to 14th this year; and will co-host the next ISKCON North American Farm Conference at New Vrindaban from October 13th through 15th.
During a break between the presentations, board member Chaitanya Mangala Das conferred appreciation plaques upon departing board members Bhima Walker (ECO-V) and Keval Patel (INV), who each served for three years. Bhima thanked the board for the opportunity to serve and said “I really enjoyed my time,” while Keval also expressed his gratitude and said it had been “an eye-opening experience” to see the dedication and hard work at New Vrindaban. Both helped usher in a new era in the community, with many next generation devotees following their examples and volunteering to get involved in meaningful ways.
Starting the ISKCON New Vrindaban presentations, Prabhupada’s Palace manager Vraja Kishor Das outlined plans to increase visitorship by 15%; launch a capital campaign for fixing the Palace roof; renovate the tour guide’s office; increase book distribution; plant perennials around the Palace and assure excellent tours.
In Prabhupada’s Palace Restoration, Gopisa Das described how this year, Prabhupada’s kitchen will be renovated with brand new cabinets, appliances and even electrical wiring, so that offerings can be cooked onsite. Restoration of the road side of the Palace wall is almost done and will be completed with intricate window grills, while the inside is set to be completed later in the year. And the main stairs leading up to the Palace will get new fabricated handrails.
In Devotee Care, Sukhavaha Dasi is focusing on preventative health care by organizing healthy prasadam meals for temple devotees and having visiting doctors do regular check-ups. She’s also arranging for devotees with R1 visas to get free Health Rite Care. For mental health, she’s working to create a culture of clear communication and safe confidentiality. Last but not least, a Child Protection Team is making sure the temple is a safe place.
Sukhavaha also presented the Deity Department. There, each pujari has been scheduled to dress the same Deity every day, to create a relationship between the two and enhance the quality of worship. A back-up system has been created to prevent emergencies, and there’s a clear system of communication where pujaris feel they can express their needs.
Vrindavan Das reported on Communications, highlighting the 2017 goal to publish nearly 30 articles about New Vrindaban throughout the year on Dandavats and ISKCON News, and six to eight in outside regional newspapers and magazines. Social media updates will be increased to at least twice a week, and e-newsletter Brijabasi Spirit will be published quarterly.
Vrindavan also heads up Marketing. In that department devotees plan to promote New Vrindaban as a tourist destination by distributing up to 18,000 new brochures, attending regional tourism and trade shows, producing a new promotional video, and collaborating with the local Convention Visitor’s Bureau.
Next Vasudeva Das reported on the Palace Lodge. The rooms are getting more repairs; the cabins’ thirty-year-old furniture is being replaced with high class Hampton Inn furniture; and the Welcome Center is being upgraded with new décor and guest seating. Other 2017 plans include getting uniforms and name tags for staff; installing security cameras, and promoting to more target groups. Vasudeva also hopes to renovate the last two rooms in the temple guest wing.
The Finances department now has an all-new team for the new season, with Bhaktin Angie, who has previous experience in the field, and former lodge manager Gaura Bhakta Das. The two will be trained up and hope to implement several improvements to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s instruction that every penny should be tracked and meticulously accounted for.
In Festivals, new coordinator Pradeep Sethi reported that he had put together a new festival committee. As well as all the regular Vaishnava holidays, he said they would inaugurate the new Yoga Shala on April 15th and 16th; organize a second annual japa retreat with Gita Nagari’s Ekavira Das and Vraja Lila Dasi from April 21st to 24th; and hold the redesigned Festival of Inspiration in May. Finally from September 29th to October 1st, the second Prabhupada Festival will reconnect with previous residents ahead of next year’s NV50 festival.
Meanwhile Brihat Kirtan Das is overseeing both the Restaurant and Devotee Kitchen, allowing them to share cooks, groceries and preparations. This will increase efficiency and reduce waste. In addition the devotee kitchen aims to set a weekly menu that keeps devotees’ health in mind. And the restaurant will be open seven days a week during the season, and will expand its menu to cater more to the health-conscious yoga crowd.
In Maintenance and Construction, Bhagavan Das reported new flooring in the temple hallways, and wood-look tile in the entranceways. There’s a new maintenance building where construction staff can meet and have a convenient one-stop storage space for all their construction tools and materials. The Yoga Shala, a beautiful new yoga venue on the lakeside has been completed and inaugurated. Coming up, new siding will be put on the Lodge and Wellness Center, the swan boat house and lake chattras will be renovated, and the original Vrindaban farmhouse wll be restored in time for NV50 next year.
In Congregational Development, Gaurnatraj Das presented plans to expand the Kartik outreach program, visiting many donors and introducing Damodarastakam to them. He also laid out plans to continue Facebook Live lectures, offer a Gita Crash course, and reach out to East and West Coat ISKCON temples to bring more pilgrims to New Vrindaban. Finally, he said his department would reach out to Western guests through the new Yoga Shala and would hold daily and extended retreats, and special programs for youth, children and yoga teachers.
Finally, Gopal’s Garden Homeschool Co-Op, headed by Ruci Dasi, has seen its students increase substantially in number. To make space, the preschool room has been renovated and expanded and will become home to the elementary students; while their old classroom will now be home to the Preschool, run by Sundari Dasi and Mercy Mack.
Devotees attending the presentations felt enthused to hear about the work already done so far this year, and about what’s planned for the rest of 2017. With many departments now maintaining the impressive progress they’ve made in the past few years, and exciting new construction projects being completed, things are coming together ahead of New Vrindaban’s 50th Anniversary celebrations in 2018.
Congratulations!
Prtha Goldman, daughter of Puskar das and Sukhada devi dasi, graduated from University of Florida on Friday, April 28, 2017. She was presented as Dr. Prtha Goldman when she received her diploma. She is now a Doctor of Physical Therapy and is looking forward to her new career and serving the devotees as well. We offer Prtha all blessings on this very special occasion. Prtha would like to thank her family and friends for all the support and appreciation she has received over the years.
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Vrinda Shah, daughter of Dharmaraja das and Prema Manjari devi dasi, graduated from UF in Microbiology and is moving on to pursue her dental studies at UF in August. THANK YOU TO ALL OUR GLORIOUS VAISHNAVAS who have always stood by us in our journey and achievements in our lives.
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Marisha Innis, daughter of Cetanarahita das and Viracita devi dasi, graduated from Santa Fe College with an AA in Engineering with Highest Distinction and a High School Degree. She will be enrolled in UF College of Engineering. Contratulations to a highly succesful dual enrollment student!
The devotees ran out of books at the Clearwater Ratha-yatra!
Clearwater Beach Ratha Yatra Festival was a great success. Mr. Geo...
