Bhaktivedanta Manor Honoured at House of Lords with HH Radhanath Swami

By Sri Radharamana dasa

Built to advise the Crown Imperial since 1295, the House of Lords at the Palace of Westminster hosted a gathering to acknowledge the 40th anniversary of Bhaktivedanta Manor. Developed from the original Magnum Concilium, the House of Lords is the upper house of the UK Parliament. With the kind permission of the Lord Speaker, the event was hosted in the Principal State Room for an incredible yet intimate gathering of A-Class high profiled guests renowned in their own disciplines.

Honourable guests included members of Royal families from the UK, Europe, Burma and Russia. They were joined by one hundred A-listed celebrities ranging from show business, noble peace prize winners, UN Peace Ambassadors and consultatives, sovereign owners, fashion designers, IT entrepreneurs, Members of Parliament, actors, state musicians, Mayors, councillors, oil & petroleum tycoons, barristers, bankers, steel traders, surgeons, Lords, distinguished novelists, renowned opera singers, Viscounts, the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, restaurateurs, physicists, BBC Broadcasting and Journalism directors, celebrity models, aviation leaders, television personalities, Her Majesty’s theatre show producers, industrialists from UK, Western Europe, Mumbai and Singapore.

Through the philosophy and culture of Krishna Consciousness, Bhaktivedanta Manor has built a tremendous track record in improving the quality of life in the UK through its spiritual initiatives. The 40th anniversary this year is therefore a truly national celebration and not just for its members due to the successful services rendered daily to thousands of people.

During the State Opening of Parliament, the Queen’s Speech from the throne is delivered from the House of Lords. In the UK, there could be no better place to echo Lord Caitanya’s message through the 40 years of devotion at Bhaktivedanta Manor. Representing Her Majesty the Queen of England, Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina, the niece of the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip and daughter of Prince Tomislav of former Yugoslavia, attended to open the event.

As a close member of the UK Royal Family who frequently undertakes royal duties, Her Royal Highness Princess Katarina began by congratulating the 40^th anniversary as a great landmark celebration. She expressed the happiness of her aunt, Her Majesty the Queen, who enjoyed the hospitality of Bhaktivedanta Manor at the Krishna Avanti Primary School in her Jubilee year. Her Royal Highness continued to share notable insights from various influential people who have all similarly wholeheartedly appraised the efforts of the Manor. Her Royal Highness also conveyed the good words of her ex husband, imminent lawyer, Sir Desmond de Silva, United Nations Chief War Crimes Prosecutor. Although he visited the Manor during the 1980’s, he still recollects the exceedingly friendly and wonderful experience.

In congratulating various projects including spiritual educational initiatives and the Goshalla, Her Royal Highness encouraged firm continuation of services and expressed her commitment to visit this year. In sealing friendships with Her Royal Highness, Bhaktivedanta Manor gifted the wondrous palatial Krishna Art book with words of gratitude.

As almost the entire congregation had not visited Bhaktivedanta Manor, president, Mr Shruti Dharma das delivered the first of the two keynote speeches. Expressing his honour to be present and to share Bhaktivedanta Manor following 35 years of engagement, the president paraphrased Sir Winston Churchill to summarise the 40^th anniversary: “We make a living by what we get. But we make a life by what we give.” The president introduced the heartbeat of Bhaktivedanta Manor in its spirit of giving. He illustrated how this spirit qualifies the words of the founder of the society, His Divine Grace, A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada who spoke of selfless service: “Do not try to see God but serve in such a way that God will want to see you.”

Speaking of spiritual values as the prime duty embodied by Bhaktivedanta Manor, the president shared the teachings of ancient India which extol how there can only be world peace when there is inner peace. He summarised the vast efforts of Shrila Prabhupada to spread these values through Krishna Consciousness all over the world. Although resourceless in 1965, Shrila Prabhupada’s unshakable faith in the Supreme Lord awarded the world with the founding of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) which had spread globally twelve years later. Currently, ISKCON administers nearly 700 projects worldwide with unlimited initiatives. Here in the UK, in honour of Shrila Prabhupada, late George Harrison purchased the former Piggots Manor and renamed it Bhaktivedanta Manor. The President paid tribute to special guest Dhananjaya das, who worked tirelessly with George on the original acquisition in 1973. He added: “with the help of Olivia Harrison, a garden will be opened this year as a dedication to George for giving us all Bhaktivedanta Manor.”

In summarising the innumerable achievements of Bhaktivedanta Manor, the president highlighted examples of how Bhaktivedanta Manor had rapidly expanded as a place of pilgrimage for thousands of people every year. For example, the opening of Britain’s first centre for Cow protection, New Gokul, by the Attorney General and increasing its herd from one cow to sixty-five; the largest mobilisation of supporters from the native community (numbering 35,000 during the campaign years), 27,000 student visits annually, faith partnering the Avanti School Trusts with over 3,000 primary students, and most notably, the 65,000 pilgrims for its annual Janmashtami festival which has become the largest gathering of the native community outside of India. Using such examples, the president likened Bhaktivedanta Manor to a ‘Spiritual Disney Land.’

Concluding his speech, the president shared the words of the Prime Minister who acknowledged the successful community of Bhaktivedanta Manor and his privilege to personally see the living quarters of Shrila Prabhupada onsite. The president took the opportunity to invite all guests to visit Bhaktivedanta Manor for Janmashtami on the actual anniversary day. He closed the address by looking forward to the next 40 years where the next generation will surely take Bhaktivedanta Manor to newer heights.

To deliver the keynote speech on behalf of ISKCON, His Holiness Radhanath Swami kindly interrupted his European itinerary to travel to London for this event. In order to personalise and directly help guests within their influential occupations of responsibility, the speech aimed to illustrate how a spiritual leader addresses national concerns and practically applies spiritual principles. As an international spiritual guide, His Holiness was specifically requested to share his views and experiences on how spirituality during tough economic and political times can be used to build communal love, uplift people, bring society together, give them hope and certainty of a positive future.

His Holiness began by reflecting on his privilege in being present at a historical place of British Parliament where many significant decisions had been made throughout history that affected the entire world. His Holiness proceeded to describe the global propensity to quarrel over superficial objects as a waste in human life. Rather, he insisted that one should instead focus on fulfilment and love as the two sides of true importance.

Moving on to the subject of Parliaments setting a benchmark for society, His Holiness noted that in a cultural society people love people and such people use things of this world. “But all too much in this world it is seen that people love things and use people to somehow get them and keep them!” In order to check an uncultured society formed in this way, His Holiness spoke on promoting the universal principle of humanity which involves loving God and loving your neighbour as yourself. In this way one can begin to learn how to love all living beings and thus cultivate a cultured society.

To qualify the type of love spoken about, His Holiness asserted that love is required to be unmotivated to give satisfaction to the heart. “This message is especially important for today in the face of so many challenges in the economy, politics, religions and so many other aspects of life.”

Outlining the secrets of prosperity and nationwide development, His Holiness explained that humanity must learn to reach out and care for one another if it is to grow by intertwining at the root. Although this may be a difficult task, His Holiness reminded guests of reminiscing an experiential universal law for all difficulties: “when things come cheaply it is the nature to take it for granted. But when one has to struggle for the same thing, according to the nature of the struggle, one understands the value of what we receive. Therefore, struggle gives rise to the greatest of wisdom and joy.”

In summarising his personal spiritual journey throughout the globe, His Holiness annotated his experience with living in the caves of the Himalayas. “The only way to survive amongst cobras, scorpions, deadly spiders and other dangerous native residents are to see, respect and honour the living force within them – the atma. Otherwise one will be killed!” His Holiness illustrated how Shrila Prabhupada put this wisdom into context as the greatest need of the planet today. “True wisdom is to see every living being with equal vision regardless of colour, religion, belief or species. Wherever there is life, there is a sacred part of God.”

His Holiness emphasised the importance of realising the sacredness firstly of who we are so that we can then respect the sacredness of all other living entities. “This starts with loving the root in the form of the Supreme Lord for by doing so, our love naturally extends to every living being as His parts and parcels.” In addressing the concept of peace and its emphasis currently in the world, His Holiness showed how society is predominately outwardly focused. “Today in the world, we have spent a tremendous amount of energy to discover outer space. But unfortunately, we very much neglect to discover our own inner space.”

Next, His Holiness described the role of values both for oneself and the nation and how easy it is to spiritualise our occupations. In quoting Shakespeare, His Holiness commentated: “if you lose your wealth you lose nothing; if you lose your health you lose something; if you lose your values you lose everything.” The role of our individual values and occupations were described by His Holiness as either material or spiritual depending on ones personal intent. In giving the example of a thief using a knife to steal, His Holiness reminded us that the same knife can be used by a surgeon to save life with compassion. “Therefore, everything in the world: abilities, wealth, technology and sciences, when used for egoistic selfish purposes then its material. But when used in the service of God, in harmony with His will, in the spirit of compassion for others, then its spiritual and will do great good for the world.”

In discussing the Vedic model for wealth management, His Holiness asserted that wealth is considered the energy of Lakshmi, the Supreme Mother and Goddess of Fortune; perhaps the first time ever in parliament, a speech claimed that wealth is sacred! “When we understand that we are not the proprietors but trustees of wealth, we then understand how wealth is meant to be utilised for higher purposes.” In considering that guests were either successful millionaires or billionaires, the assembly broke into a round of applause when His Holiness concluded this topic with an outstanding revelation: “If you want to find out how rich you are then find out how many things there are that money cannot buy. That is real wealth.”

In terms of spiritual efforts, His Holiness established the benchmark for recognising genuine spirituality in any claimant before one makes any serious consideration. “People talk about loving God; but seeing everyone with equal vision and being an instrument of humility, forgiveness and compassion is the actual testimony that there has been love of God awakened within us.” Moved by this statement, the entire assembly expressed their united agreement.

Sharing an episode in his own life, His Holiness described something forever etched in his memory when he enquired why two people from different politically opposing religions were able to genuinely interfaith. He recollected the reply: “A dog recognises his master in whatever dress he takes. If we cannot recognise our beloved Lord when he comes in a different dress, different form to different people throughout history in different parts of the world, then we have so much to learn from a dog.”

To summarise the medium of success and prosperity for any nation, His Holiness commented: When we learn and teach our children of our true values and wealth then only will the world prosper, economically, politically, in religion, education and all other aspects of life.” In addressing the issue of maintaining integrity despite being in a world of duality, His Holiness suggested that one gives time to develop a strong spiritual foundation from where one can remain equipoised, fulfilled and integral even in the face of great storms in life. Using history as an example, His Holiness reminded the assembly that such storms in life appearing as trials and failures should be seen as opportunities to grow. When trials and failures are seen in this light then that is a sign of human greatness.

Quoting from the Bhagavad-gita, His Holiness described how the actions of leaders in society tend to establish examples for the common people. With the assembly consisting mainly of individuals who are in the upper echelons of their own occupations, His Holiness rightly encouraged: “it is a desperate need in the world for leaders to really set examples of true moral and spiritual values.”

Detailing the sacrifices and efforts of his spiritual master to bring the message of Krishna Consciousness throughout the entire world, His Holiness shared how in his personal life he found such a perfect example of these principles in Shrila Prabhupada. His Holiness specifically took delight in sharing the prayers of Shrila Prabhupada after the celebrated Jaladuta cargo journey from India to US. He revealed how Shrila Prabhupada prayed to the Lord to please make his words relieve people from suffering and make them truly happy. In describing how Shrila Prabhupada inspired people all over the world in this way, His Holiness spoke about George Harrison who was inspired to actually purchase Bhaktivedanta Manor for ISKCON. His Holiness concluded: “He was inspired to utilise what God had given to him to educate and inspire humanity in a wonderful way and in this great place, the House of Lords, we are celebrating the 40^th anniversary of this offering of love and compassion. Thank you very much”

Maybe for the first time at the House of Lords, an entire assembly came together equally to display agreement and appreciation for such profoundly inspirational elucidations. An extended round of applause concluded the wisdom of ISKCONs philosophy delivered in the precision required to make relevant for such a high profiled gathering. Guests were left marvelled at the way in which His Holiness managed to cover an extensive variety of subjects to ensure that each and every individual left feeling touched, inspired and enthused. Considering the wide variety of occupations and backgrounds present, all felt that His Holiness achieved an impossible task by successfully addressing them all.

An international favourite in show business and a celebrity icon in the UK echoed this gratification on behalf of the entire assembly during the next speech. Despite being a famous actress, singer and celebrity, Ms Patti Boulaye began by saying: “I have never been so nervous following the speech of His Holiness. I was hanging on to every word. All that I prepared to say is out of the window because we heard from the expert!”

Instead Patti explained that she would like to speak a little about herself since it happens to tie in with the purpose of the event. Everyone was eager to know what the relationship could possibly be between her and Bhaktivedanta Manor!

Patti explained that she started show business 40 years ago purely by accident. While on holiday she went to Madame Tussauds. However, she mistakenly arrived and stood in an audition queue for a show called Hair at Shaftesbury Theatre. After queuing for two hours she asked the doorman how much it was to enter; “you don’t pay you sing! Wow! I thought that was so cheap. I put my money back in my pocket because…I can sing!”

When she arrived at the stage she noticed that all where singing the same song. She continued: “When it came to my turn I got the job because they were looking for a soprano which I wasn’t, to sing: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.” The entire assembly were stunned to hear Patti’s connection and to hear the maha-mantra sung in an exquisitely beautiful traditional tune through her sweet voice. Everyone joined in singing and delightfully clapped along!

“So my job in show business thanks to Hare Krishna started with that! And it is an honour to be here tonight and hear His Holiness. I look forward to come to the Manor.”

Patti introduced her husband, financier Count Stephen Komlosy, to provide the closing speech. Apart from being a City of Westminster entrepreneur, Stephen has been very successful in floating various companies on the stock exchange. Along with supplying equipment to the North Sea oil business and as a manufacturer for the Ministry of Defence, Stephen has considerable influence in show business. He was the first to bring Stevie Wonder at the age of 12 to England and finance notable celebrities including Diana Ross and Elton John to name a few.

Stephen commenced his closing speech by sharing his gratitude to his wife of 36 years as the most wonderful person. He revealed however his only problem: “with the other men in her life ranging from Yves Saint Laurent, Ralph Lauren, Christian Dior and some guy named Burberry!”

As a financier, Stephen admitted the difficulty in the synergy of spirituality and finance since they are seen to be diametrically opposed to each other. However, in actuality he claimed that the two are not opposing subjects. Stephen humoured how finance is in the Bible: “Noah floated his stock when all else where in liquid-ity. The Pharaohs daughter went to the Nile and got herself a little profit.” On a serious note, Stephen discussed how the two supposedly opposing subjects were reconciled in the form of George Harrison and any similar individuals who lead by practical example. Highlighting the permanence of spirituality over a material life, Stephen shared: “I asked my 94 year old mother if she had any enemies. She said no, I out lived them all.” He continued to explain how a spiritual man or lady may use finance to promote and strengthen the role of spirituality in a practical way. And by doing so, society both benefits and is encouraged to take up the task of reconciling spirituality and finance as well.

Stephen took the opportunity to remind guests that the Government does not have any money but it earns money when it taxes its industry. Thus, unless you have an economy and industry the government cannot pay for the needs of society. In conclusion, Stephen showed how man has the ability to reconcile spirituality and finance and lead the way to both set an example to society and make the government and nation function through ethical and moralistic foundations.

The assembly showed their immense appreciation both for Patti Boulaye and Count Stephen Komlosy for sharing pearls of wisdom and enlightening all with equal humour. Bhaktivedanta Manor extended a personal invitation for guests to witness the offering of love and compassion on its 40^th anniversary day.

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Acknowledgements: Gerry McCulloch at Darshanaphotoart.co.uk for providing exceptional photography, Barnaby Booth (Director BEI Films at Birkbeck College) for the filming, the 40^th Anniversary and Festival Team for catering and co-sponsorship, Bhaktivedanta Manor Communications Team for resources, Lord Popat for backing the event at the House of Lords and Lord Speakers office for site hosting. Finally, to my outstanding intimate organising team: Ananga Sakhi devi for strategy and setting up a professional level of guest hospitality, Priya Taneja for event advising and using her lawyer talent to expertly set the topic and theme of keynote speech for His Holiness, Anshu Taneja for his kind reviewing and thorough editing of this report, and to the wide variety of volunteers who assisted with the event ushering and services. Thank you!

View the online photographic album: http://www.darshanaphotoart.co.uk/40th

View the entire event footage online: https://bloomsbury.mediacore.tv/media/hol-final-master

View the promotional video on youtube: http://youtu.be/HgwYS36TLxA

Readers interested in this subject matter or for DVD enquiries, please contact event host:

Surinder Shandilya

(Vice President, HSBC Global Private Bank)

surinder.shandilya108@gmail.com