By Dwaipayan DeThe lotus feet of Lord Nityananda are a shelter where one will get the soothing moonlight not only of one,but of millions of moons. If the world wants to have real peace, it should take shelter of Lord Nityananda.Unless one takes shelter under the shade of the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda, Lord Nityananda,is none other than Lord Balaram, who advents in this age of Kali, as the most merciful incarnation (Dayara avadhi) to assist His elder brother Sri Krishna in His pastimes. Sri Krishna, however sa...
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- 17 Feb 2019
By Govindananda dasCommunication achievements within ISKCON Croatia - such us meeting the country presidents, government officials, city majors and other VIPs - significantly exceed the expectations which initially were put on such a small team of communication devotees we have around the Zagreb temple (Nova Jaladuta) in Croatia. The most recent communication activities were connected to the continuity of keeping good and mutually supporting relations with the Indian embassy after a new ambassador to Croatia was appointed. During last 3 years the relations evolved to such a degree that we have been prese...
- 15 Feb 2019
By ISKCON AhmedabadThe sankirtan fields bloomed brightly in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, on Vasanta Panchami, the first day of spring! Why? More than 100 devotees from ISKCON Ahmedabad joined our temple’s 4th Monthly Sankirtan Festival. What did they do? Read on to find out. On Saturday, 9th February, HG Vaisesika Prabhu presented the philosophical significance as well as practical techniques of book distribution to the entire team at ISKCON Ahmedabad. Then, late morning on Sunday, Vasanta Panchami, the entire team got onto buses heading out to Bhadrakali – a busy shopping spot in the city for the practical se...
- 15 Feb 2019
By Karnamrita dasaThe concept that we are not our bodies is considered a preliminary basic understanding for devotees, yet this conception has proved not so easy to put into practice. We can all look within ourself and at our communities and society and contemplate how our failure to realize this truth is the cause of many of our disagreements and heated debates. Lets look at the basics of our embodiment. The soul takes on a material body and mind, with an ego that says, “This is me.” The false ego (“false” because we have a real spiritual identi...
- 14 Feb 2019
By Hari narayana dasLord Jagannath captured the attention of many thousands of people as they came to attend the 15th Papua and Nusantara Cultural Arts Day in Manokwari. Held on Tuesday (02/06/2019), Lord Jagannath Ratha Yatra started from Percetakan Sanggeng street and commenced at Borarsi Field. This activity was also held to commemorate the 16th Day of West Papua Province Reactivation Day 2019, with the theme "Unite the Knit Determination of Cultural Diversity in the NKRI Frame". A variety of performances were displayed by 52 participants.
...- 13 Feb 2019
By Shaunaka Rsi dasaA lecture, given in Iskcon DC, Potomac. What is Iskcon's position in relation to the democratic system of government? Is it true that the brahmanas adopt anarchy, ksatriyas adopt monarchy, vaisyas apply capitalism and sudras follow communism, all systems simultaneously existing? In modern, secular society religion is sometimes regarded as backward looking and the source of conflict and communalism. In this view, as scientific knowledge and technology develop, religion will fade into the past and people will leave behind a superstitious ...
- 12 Feb 2019
By Varsana SwamiSrimati lifted up Her skirt and stepped into the water and looked down to wash Her hands. And then, when She saw Her reflection in the water, She was overcome by its beauty. She was seized by this feeling “maybe I should be Gopal’s constant companion and never ever have to leave His side?” And then She began to wash her hands and the waters turned golden and the waves spread out in all directions, hitting the banks and rippling back – forming a beautiful pattern of evolving rasa. And as t...
- 12 Feb 2019
By Srimati DasiUsually a strong difference of perception and opinion will lead to conflict, harsh words, hostility and alienation. But in the transcendental world of relationship and rasa things are very different. There IS a winner, but because of the nature of the hearts involved, the outcome is blissful and relishable for both the winner and the loser. And Their love for each other increases! Such are the ways of transcendental love.
...- 10 Feb 2019
By Purushottam Nitai DasArjuna had never been defeated in any battle. But today standing between the armies of Kaurava and Pandavas he was not even able to hold his famous Gandiva bow with which he had conquered the mightiest of the warriors. He was in total panic, his body was quivering and he said to Krishna that it is better for me to beg and live than fight this war. In fact he was unable to decide what is righteous and unrighteous behavior. He understood that his expertise in arch...
- 8 Feb 2019
By Jaya Gaursundar DasaJust as Ganga is the greatest of all rivers, Srimad Bhagavata Purana is greatest among all Puranas. When we worship Mother Ganga the reservoir of holy water, we take palm full water from the river and with devotion we put it back into the river. Similarly this humble attempt of writing on the topic of Bhagavata Purana is done even though this Purana is the reservoir of everything. It is like taking any paraphernalia for worshiping the supreme Lord which originates and belongs to Him and offering back to Him with love and devotion. From this reservoir I am taking bits and peace and rep...
- 7 Feb 2019
By Shyama Darshani dasiStepping out of the bus, the salty ocean air hit me in a wave. Tampa Bay was host to the Gasparilla Pirate Festival this January afternoon. Every way I looked I saw red and black. Young and old were all dressed in costume. Amidst this crowd was the Lord of the pirates – Jagannath Swami on His chariot! Lord Jagannath’s devotees were no less dressed up. Eighty youth from ISKCON Alachua wore bright, vibrant, colored-coordinated outfits with Harinam chaddars draped over their shoulders. Flower garlands and Ratha Yatra pins adorned each devotee. The most attractive feature of the you...
- 5 Feb 2019
By Iskcon Bangkok"Bhagavad Gita As It Is - Thai and other books by Srila Prabhupada ordered/bought (50 plus) and soon to be in display for sale/distribution in Dev Mandir (biggest Hindu temple in Bkk. Thailand)" We have had good relations with the Dev Mandir (biggest Hindu temple in Bangkok) located in Sausincha since the beginning. The annual Jagannath rath-yatra in Bangkok which is generally held on the adjacent Sunday of the Jagannath rath-yatra in Puri ends in the Dev Mandir in Bkk. The temple authorities/priest come and perform arati/greet the deities - Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladev and Lady Subhadra....
- 4 Feb 2019
By Jayabhadra devi dasiWhile in Jagannatha and Mayapur yatras in December 2018, I prayed to Lord Jagannatha, “O Lord, I am not doing any service these days. My spiritual master, Lokanath Maharaja, wants me to work hard preaching for the ISKCON Girls’ Forum (IGF), but I am not making much effort. Please guide me O Lord!” Then I thought of arranging a retreat for young women somewhere in the Vidarbha region to share our views and inspire us for the IGF preaching. When I mentioned this to ISKCON Amravati temple president Anantasesa dasa he exclaimed, “So you are organizing Vidarbha Vaishnavi Sanga!’...
- 1 Feb 2019
By Vijaya dasAmazing things happened in 2018, starting with the New Delhi devotees, who never cease to amaze us. They had their biggest year ever and the biggest year in ISKCON's history, with 1,850,250 book points. What can we say about that, but JAYA! and JAYA! again. The Nairobi temple in Kenya, Africa, which did 6,115 book points in 2017, did 57,932 book points last year. I don't know what inspired the huge increase, but something auspicious happened to the devotees' consciousness. I've distributed there before, and believe me it's not easy. In Europe, London took the lead with 69,872 book point...
- 1 Feb 2019
By Mukhya devi dasiThirty-nine Temple presidents including 4 GBCs and Support Office leaders met in a perfect facility just down the road from the Potomac Temple. We concentrated on how we wanted to work together, what resources we needed to better serve our temples and where to find them, and how we wanted the relationship between TPs and GBCs to look and feel. This took one of our days where each TP spoke to what was working, what they needed and how all of our own responsibilities and habits play into the relationship.
...- 1 Feb 2019
By Manu dasAt an event held in the historic Christ Church cathedral in Dublin, hosted by the Indian Embassy and new Ambassador Mr. Sandeep Kumar and with many signatories present, including Ireland's first lady Sabina Higgins (pictured), ISKCON was one of the prominent organizations invited. Indeed it was very notable that many attending were so appreciative of both the work that ISKCON does, as well as it being a warm and welcoming destination for the Indian community both old and new. The ambassador although new to Ireland, is a long time supporter of ISKCON so we look forward to a very fruitful relatio...
- 29 Jan 2019
By TOVP staffIn 1971, as a young devotee in Calcutta, Giriraja Swami approached Srila Prabhupada, “I have been trying to understand what your desire is, and two things seem to please you the most: distributing your books and building the big temple in Mayapur.” Prabhupada’s face lit up, his eyes opened wide, and he smiled, saying: “Yes, you have understood… If you all build this temple, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur will personally come and take you all back to Godhead.”
...- 26 Jan 2019
By Mina Sharma A new logo to commemorate the 50th anniversary of ISKCON UK has today been unveiled by the organisational team.Designed by Anantacarya Das, the striking logo encompasses the colours of the Union Jack and features a map of the UK in the background.Speaking today, Praghosa Dasa, UK GBC Chairman said:“The 50th anniversary is an historic milestone for ISKCON UK, where we lookback at the incredible story of how our first temple and deities were established in London, to today where the movement is thriving and going onto bigger and better things.“This logo is an im...
- 22 Jan 2019
By Krishna Bhagavan dasaIn recent months RVC has added many new preaching programs including "Bhakti Vriksha" - a weekly program for congregation and temple members, First Friday Art gallery event in downtown Kansas City, and monday evening drum circles at a local park. RVC has taken up as its top priority to upgrade and update: many of the temple and bhakta ashram facilities, kitchen, prasadam*dining* room, basement hall, and other needs and requirements of the devotees. During 2018 the temple installed a completely new roof, installed a new AC system, updated the restrooms, and fixed ot...
- 22 Jan 2019
By Bhakti-latā DasiSending and receiving a letter to an inmate is just as exhilarating and rewarding: connecting one-on-one with a receptive soul, even more so one who is suffering and conscious of his/her suffering and seeking help, is the most rewarding activity I have ever experienced. Given that I have in my possession the key that will unlock their prison, the knowledge that will end all their suffering, it follows naturally that it is my duty—and privilege—to make sure that as many inmates as possible get hold of it too.
...- 22 Jan 2019
By Sitalatma dasWhy is that thousands of these Orthodox monks can chant day and night non-stop but we can't? Now that many of our devotees are retired from active duties and call themselves vanaprasthas perhaps it's time for our society to start talking about increasing the number of our daily rounds. Not compulsory, of course, but for those who can it could be encouraged. Another important aspect is that in Orthodox Christianity following preceptors is the only way of spiritual progre...
- 21 Jan 2019
By Chaitanya Charana Dasa"Do we have to give up technology and return to village life?" We don't have to give up technology, but we do have to give up the illusion that technology can make us happy. If we are diseased, we don't have to give up the painkiller, only the illusion that the painkiller can cure our disease. We have to adopt the cure of spirituality for attaining real happiness. And since technology pervades our modern world, we can use the Vedic principle of yukta-vairagya, devotional renunciation: Wi...
- 19 Jan 2019
By Ananda Tirtha dasAs the United Airlines jet descended on the San Francisco Bay area, Srila Prabhupada turned to his disciple Ranacora and said, "The buildings look like matchboxes. Just imagine how it looks from Krsna's viewpoint." Srila Prabhupada was seventy-one years old, and this had been his first air trip. Ranacora, nineteen and dressed in a suit and tie, was supposed to be Srila Prabhupada's secretary. He was a new disciple but had raised some money and had asked to fly to San Francisco with Prabhupada. During the trip Srila Prabhupada had spoken little. He had been chanting: "Ha...
- 17 Jan 2019
By Mina SharmaThe Sun, a popular British Newspaper with sales of around 1.5 million copies daily has featured Prince Harry and his wife Meghan on the front cover with the headline “Harry Krishna” after the Prince revealed that he meditates daily. Whilst he is not chanting the mahamantra, for the British press to make the connection between meditation and our movement is very powerful. Prince Harry practices a form of Buddhist meditation. On a visit to a cafe and supermarket that sells discounted food to people on low incomes, they met a 69-year-old Buddhist monk who gave Harry a copy of a book e...
- 15 Jan 2019