August 2009 Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness Srila Prabhupada: The devotee who wants to elevate himself to the higher level of understanding must know that the Lord is present in every living entity and one should be compassionate to other living entities. A devotee should worship the Supreme Lord, be friendly to persons who are on the same level and be compassionate to the ignorant. Distribution of prasada to the masses of people is essential for persons who make offerings to the Personality of Godhead. Srimad Bhagavatam: 3.29.24 Care of the Lotus Trust, a charity fun event in Cambridgeshire involved 300 congregation members. The 25-mile cycle ride and 10-mile walk raised 4,128 towards a new IT Centre and computer suite at Fairfields School in Radlett. The IT centre will also support the needs of parents with learning difficulties by providing special access in the evenings. On behalf of The Lotus Trust, I would like to thank all those who put in a tremendous effort in the background to Pie-In-The-Sky: Govinda's Cheesecake takes off Last May ISKCON Wales opened its new prasadam (sanctified vegetarian food) distribution factory, called Govindas Foods Ltd. The factory produces a special vegan and gluten-free cheesecake, soon to be followed by quiche and lasagna - both vegan and gluten-free. The ISKCON Wales project aims to increase the choice of vegan and gluten-free products available to consumers across the country. The cheesecakes will be available in 415 Holland and Barrett health food stores across the UK. The initial production will be around 6,000 cheesecakes a week. make it a possibility said Sita Rama das, Specifically those who organised the route, did all the liaising and background preparations. Everyone felt healthier and fitter for their endeavours. The Lotus Trust is based at Bhaktivedanta Manor, and was set up to support philanthropic initiatives locally and internationally. Current projects include eye camps in India for the poor and the Ahimsa Campaign in the UK - promoting happy, healthy cows. Tarakanath & Rameswara join Praghosa das in opening the factory In addition to investment from the Welsh congregation the project has been supported financially by the Welsh Assembly and Bhaktivedanta Manor. Helping Local Schools: A Charity Walk by the Manor Congregation
An audience with the Dalai Lama Krishna Priya das was honoured to receive a personal audience with the Dalai Lama during a recent visit to Dharamshala, north India. The head of Tibetan Buddhism spoke of ahimsa (non-violence) and sadbhav (harmony between people) - principles also followed by Vaishnavas. He expressed his appreciation for the work of Srila Prabhupada in promoting ahimsa around the world. Special thanks to Dr Madhav Mehra and D G Jija Harjit Singh for making the arrangements. Westminster MP praises Soho St Temple During Mark Field MP s visit to ISKCON Soho Street Temple, President Jai Nitai das informed him: We have had a vibrant, progressive and spiritually inspiring community here in the heart of London for over 40 years. Accepting the invitation from the Hindu Forum of Britain, Mark Field visited the ISKCON London temple in June 2009. I felt honoured to be invited to the only Temple in my constituency, he said, I applaud the unique contribution that ISKCON has made in adding to the quality and diversity of the social, cultural and spiritual landscape of London. In particular, your programmes for feeding the homeless are deeply appreciated and your vegetarian restaurant promotes healthy food and quality lifestyle." In a recent public poll, where the public were asked to name the three most iconic images of London s West End, the Hare Krishnas came third after black cabs and red buses. BAPS UK Leader Visits Bhaktivedanta Manor During his first visit to Bhaktivedanta Manor, Yogvivek Swami, toured the Manor buildings and grounds. While visiting the New Gokul Farm complex, he expressed appreciation for the level of care offered to the cows as well as the environmental initiatives of the design. The tour included the rooms of ISKCON s founder Srila Prabhupada. Yogvivek Swami appreciated Srila Prabhupada s efforts in publishing an immense wealth of literature. Dilip Patel, Chairman of the Patrons Council, presents Yogvivek Swami with an exclusive gift Chiltern Prayer Hall Inauguration Nila Madhava das attended the multi-faith opening ceremony of the new prayer hall at Chiltern Woodland Burial Park. Dignitaries present included the Right Reverend Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham from the Church of England Diocese of Oxford. The ceremony culminated with the releasing of doves, which traditionally symbolise peace. Chiltern Woodland Burial Park offers an environmentally friendly alternative to the existing choices for burial and cremation, open to families of all faiths. Page 2
Inundated at Mind Body Spirit Festival At the 2009 Mind Body Spirit Festival, held at the prestigious Horticultural Halls in Victoria, the devotees food stall was inundated for the entire six days. Such was the demand that each day extra deliveries were necessary. Next year, organiser Adi-Guru das is looking to increase the size of the devotees contribution to the event. Anyone wishing to get involved is invited to contact him on adi-guru@ pure-incense.com. He is also preparing for the Yoga Show in Olympia which is during the last weekend of October. Children from the Manor School took part in the festival stage performances Popular Prasadam at the Radlett Festival Every year devotees from Bhaktivedanta Manor work as part of the Radlett Festival Committee that orgainses the Festival. Bhaktivedanta Manor provides over 3,000 plates of free vegetarian food each year. This year the Manor School Garden Club entered the Radlett Horticultural Society s scarecrow making competition, and walked away with a cash prize, medal and certificate. European Brahmacaris convene at Bhaktivedanta Manor The first European Brahmacari seminar took place at Bhaktivedanta Manor between 1st and 4th July. Ninety brahmacaris (monks) from fifteen countries and seven sannyasis participated in a programme of seminars, harinam and sadhu-sanga. Attendees welcomed the opportunity to mix with like-minded monks, reinforcing their own level of practice and commitment. During the event Bhakta Will and Bhakta Kevin were awarded their saffron robes by Prahladanada Swami and Candra Mauli Swami. Several congregation members assisted the event organisers, by offering their time and in some cases their homes, in order to accomodate the visitors. Locals flock to family Open Days During the Yoga Family Fun Day in May and the Strawberry Fun Fair in June, as the sun shone generously, hundreds of local first-timers descended on the Manor. Visitors received tours of the Manor grounds and took the opportunity to observe the lifestyle of devotees and ask questions about the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness. Special activities included children s yoga, facepainting and bullock cart rides. In addition guests received Mehndi hand decoration and ladies tried on (and took home!) colourful saris. Delicious savouries and cakes were on offer throughout the two days. Page 3
Wedding Marquee Update On 1st July a Public Inquiry began to decide the fate of the temple s wedding marquee. An earlier planning application seeking permission for erecting the marquee had been rejected by Hertsmere Borough Council. A marquee has been erected each summer for approximately eleven weeks during each of the last eleven years. Its purpose has been to facilitate weddings at the temple, specifically those with more than two hundred and fifty invited guests, thereby avoiding excessive use of the temple room which is primarily a public place of worship. Shortly into the formalities of the proceedings, it became apparent that crucial evidence consisting of independent sound-level measurements had been received at a very late stage, and could not be considered fully within the time available. The Temple legal team proceeded to withdraw the appeal, on the understanding that the present marquee would be permitted to continue to fulfil its role for the rest of the year, and that a separate application would be made for next year. Maha-Prasad at Ernst & Young Volunteers made over 1,000 pieces of coconut sweets for Ernst & Young, the Professional Services firm where they celebrated the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi. The sweets were distributed across the company s offices in London Bridge, and their Global Headquarters in Waterloo. I am very grateful for the effort the temple has made in preparing the sweets for our Vaisakhi celebration. The fact that they were made by God conscious people I am sure added to the beautiful sweets produced. Bal Paul, Business Advisory Services and Sikh faith representative Spiritual Retreat in the Italian Countryside This year s congregational retreat was held at Villa Vrindavan in the Tuscan countryside just a 20-minute drive from Florence, Italy. Villa Vrindavan is a 16th century villa and the terrace views of the surrounding hills, dotted with olive trees and vineyards, was outstanding. Spiritual retreats offer a precious opportunity to step off the treadmill of working life for a while in order to rest and become a little more introspective. Manor Youth Forum 20 Years On For those already on a spiritual path, it s a time of re-dedication and strengthening. Perhaps it may also involve looking at existing spiritual practises from new angles and seeing how they can be better understood, or how commitment to them can be refreshed. Devotees visited local areas, including Assisi. There they saw the chapel built by the hands of St Francis before visiting his final resting place. Kripamoya das found it interesting how St Francis life paralleled that of Vaishnava saints. British and Italian devotees chanted the Hare Krishna mantra through the streets of Florence and the public s reception was wonderful. Conceived at the beginning of the 1990s the Manor Youth Forum (MYF) engaged the youth s various talents and spirit of adventure in a variety of fun-filled ways. Under the leadership of Sita Rama das and Srutidharma das, the MYF published the magazine Chakra ; took part in national youth festivals; mobilised other youth to support the Save the Manor campaign; and held retreats both in the UK and Europe. 20 years on, the class of 1990 returned for its first ever reunion. Hairlines may have receded and waistlines expanded but the spirit of togetherness remains constant. A wonderful and memorable evening filled with laughter, memories and renewed friendships was had by all. A special thank you goes to Lalita Sakhi dasi, for preparing an absolutely stunning feast, thereby ensuring that the members of the MYF do not forget what it means to perform devotional austerities. Page 4
Lord Nelson: No Rival For The Lord Of The Universe The 41st annual Jagannatha Rathayatra festival was held on a hot Sunday afternoon in June in central London. Lord Jagannatha, meaning Lord of the Universe, is a special Deity form of Lord Krishna who once a year leaves the temple in a great chariot procession ( Rathayatra ). The very nature of the event is inclusive, as it takes God out of His temple on to the streets to all those who may not see Him year round. As in previous years, the festival was a particularly grand occasion because not only is Lord Jagannatha s magnificently decorated chariot pulled along the streets by His devotees, but so are two other chariots those of His brother Lord Baladeva, and His sister, Lady Subhadra continuing the 5000 year-old tradition inaugurated by the original Jagannatha temple in Orissa, eastern India. In central London the police blocked off traffic as the chariot procession wended its way from its starting point in Hyde Park, down Piccadilly, and ended at the festival site in Trafalgar Square. In what must be one of London s biggest street parties, 6000 devotees formed a river of devotional humanity that stretched out for about half a mile. All along the parade route, and throughout the afternoon, the different kirtan parties ensured that the chanting of Krishna s holy names would resound in the capital. At the festival site itself, no less than 15,000 plates of prasadam were distributed, and it is estimated that 20,000 people in total visited the site. There, in the middle of Trafalgar Square, they were surrounded by an array of spiritual exhibits from books to a Question & Answer tent, and even a mock Vedic temple, while the main stage hosted a variety of devotional musical and artistic performances. One of London's most famous tourist spots had been transformed into a mini spiritual city. The ancient Rathayatra festival was brought to the West by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in the 1960s. In 1976, he wrote in a letter that I recall how in the London newspaper, The Guardian, that when our Rathayatra ceremony was taking place in Trafalgar Square, they commented that Rathayatra was rivalling to Nelson, as there is a statue of Lord Nelson in Trafalgar Square. 33 years on, in the shadow of Lord Nelson, they came in their thousands to worship the Lord of the Universe instead. Snana Yatra This year s bathing ceremony in advance of the Rathayatra festival took place at the Soho Street Temple. Devotees streamed into and out of the building, singing on the streets, distributing books and talking to the public. Devotees from across the country formed a procession that moved across the West End, delighting all with song and dance. I am delighted that you have brought this, one of the oldest street festivals in the world, to London. This joyous occasion is made all the more special by the efforts you make to celebrate not just with the Prime Minister followers of Krishna but to welcome Gordon Brown everyone to come and share in your festival and experience your ancient traditions. Page 5
Sanatana Goswami Early July marked the anniversary of the day that a great saint, Srila Sanatana Goswami, passed away from this world, and Vaisnavas around the world reflected on his life. Even in India, not many people have heard of him, what to speak of outside India, but often the lives of the greatest souls remain a secret from the general public with only those who are greatly fortunate receiving the mercy of hearing about them. Sanatana Goswami was one of the foremost disciples of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the incarnation of Lord Krishna who appeared in West Bengal in the 15th century. He was born in 1488 in Jessore in present-day Bangladesh, with the name Amara, as the son of the private secretary of the Sultan of Bengal. On the death of his father, Amara was asked to take up the most important post of Sakara Mallika (treasurer) to the new ruler of Bengal. Having no desire to help the exploitative Muslim rulers, Amara initially refused to take up the post, but the Sultan threatened to persecute the Hindus if he refused. He thus accepted the post just to protect the public from persecution. Although born in a Hindu family, he was rejected as a Muslim outcaste by the Hindu community, because he was working for the ruling Muslims. The saintly Amara thus tolerated being shunned by the very community he was trying to protect. Due to his post, Amara was given the most opulent palaces and mansions to live in. One such residence was in Ramakeli, where in 1510 he met Chaitanya Mahaprabhu for the first time. Inspired by Lord Chaitanya s qualities clearly indicating His divinity, he agreed to accept a new name from Lord Chaitanya: Sanatana. Being transformed, he no longer felt any attraction for his position, power and wealth and decided to renounce the world and join Lord Chaitanya and his entourage. Sanatana s resignation was refused by the Sultan. The determined Sanatana stopped coming to court and feigned sickness. But when the Sultan sent his personal physicians to treat Sanatana they returned and reported that he was in perfectly good health. The Sultan was completely dependent on the expertise of Sanatana in ruling his kingdom and thus personally visited him to convince him to continue as treasurer. But Sanatana was fixed in his resolve to resign, and so the Sultan had him thrown into prison. Determined to take all risks in order to fully dedicate himself to serving Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Sanatana bribed the jailer with money and eventually made his way to Benares. There he met Lord Chaitanya, who instructed him that the natural identity of each soul is to be an eternal servant of God. He was told to go to Vrindavan, where Sanatana became absorbed in visiting the sacred sites where Krishna performed His divine activities. After receiving further instructions from Lord Chaitanya in Puri, Sanatana Goswami returned to Vrindavan, where he relocated various lost holy places. He also established the worship of the deity of Madana-mohana and soon a rich Moghul army officer felt inspired to build a temple for the Deity. This later became one of the seven principle temples of Vrindavan. Sanatana Goswami passed away in the year 1558. His tomb is located next to the Madana-mohana temple. To this day, devotees all over the world receive incredible spiritual nourishment and inspiration from the teachings in his books, as well as the temple he established and the holy sites he relocated in Vrindavan. His accepting the governmental post teaches us that a devotee is so tolerant that he tries to protect others even at the expense of his own reputation. His giving up the post teaches us how service to God is so pleasurable that money, power and position become absolutely insignificant in comparison. Page 6
Under the Influence The centerpiece of ISKCON Pandava Sena s (IPS) marquee, titled Under the Influence, was a powerful performance that dynamically illustrated the original position of the soul and the importance of surrender. The act was originally developed for a Harrow Jammin that took place earlier in the year. Based on its success the festival team agreed to use it for Janmashtami. As part of the tent s introduction, the visitors were told that they were about to meet four personalities they knew very well. Not knowing what to expect, they entered the blacked-out area to be greeted by characters in each corner, representing lust, envy, greed and intoxication. Each influence was armed with a powerful monologue aimed at convincing the young audience about the happiness they could supposedly offer. The focus then moved to the main stage which saw a young girl (representing the living entity), becoming attracted to Maya (material nature) and choosing to leave Krishna s association in the spiritual world. As a result, she becomes absorbed and entangled by various influences who again promise her happiness, only to leave her in state of great pain and desperation. Ultimately she prays for help and chooses to surrender to Krishna, who in turn saves her. The emotive show touched many hearts and left some members of the audience in tears. Nandagopa das, the president of IPS, commented: Every year we come up with new ideas about how to give the message of Krishna Consciousness to the thousands of youth that attend Janmashtami. This year, we wanted something very special to celebrate our 15 year anniversary and sure enough Krishna empowered His various devotees accordingly. I was most impressed to see the significant number of new members who were brave enough to take up responsibility. Since Janmashtami, the show has been performed at the Manor s Janmashtami Volunteers Thank You Dinner and IPS has been invited to run it at the Crawley Ratha Yatra festival as well as at events in Birmingham and Leicester. IPS members were involved in all aspects of the Janmashtami celebrations at Bhaktivedanta Manor this year but had specific responsibility for the Vrindavan walkway, the Krishna Avanti fundraising area as well as Under the Influence. Geena Pattni Age: 15 Studying: GCSEs What made you start attending IPS events? My brother Ravi has been an active member for several years. After going on the annual summer trips he would tell me about them and with each year my desire to go on one grew until I finally gave in and went to Italy last year with the group. What did you find appealing about KC? It was mainly the inspiration I developed through going on the Italy trip. I found that it had a warm atmosphere and I made friends with many others that came along. I particularly found the kirtans appealing and the opportunities to ask questions to better understand my faith. What services are you currently involved in? I put tilak [sacred clay markings placed primarily on the forehead] on people that visit the temple on Sundays and I often help with the serving of prasad [sanctified food] too. In IPS I help out wherever I can but I especially like to cook for my local Jammin (Harrow). Interesting fact about yourself I attend Army training courses in which I receive training in completing obstacle courses, marching and even rifle shooting! I ve been doing this for two years now through my school and have met members of the royal family through my involvement. Jammin is a fortnightly youth event organised and facilitated by IPS Forthcoming Jammins: 04/09 - Harrow - Who or what is God? 05/09 - Crawley - Going Nowhere Fast 12/09 - Crawley - The Three Modes of Nature 18/09 - Harrow - Are we Destiny s Child 26/09 - Crawley - Life in Krishna Consciousness 02/10 - Harrow - Chained? East London Jammins TBC For more details see wwww.psena.com Subject to change
Cleaning our hearts Gundica Marjana signifies the pastime in which Lord Caitanya and his associates cleaned the Gundica Temple in Puri, prior to the day of Rathayatra. Devotees of Bhaktivedanta Manor hosted a similar activity, in June. Cleaning the Manor extended to the lake where Gurukulis (Manor School graduates) manned the boats, donned waders and trudged through the lake collecting the coconuts left over from a variety of ceremonies, as well as a mountain of fallen leaves. As we glided across the lake, litter pickers in hand, singing the names of the Lord in harmony, the spiritual significance of the activity could really be felt, said Radhika. By externally Gopal s Curry Shack Jay Gopal das is running an exciting new initiative called Gopal s Curry Shack. So far this summer he has sold 4000 meals at six music festivals. He is planning to expand the project and involve more devotees over time. I hope that other devotees will become inspired to throw caution to the wind and 'have a go' at starting up their own prasadam (sanctified vegetarian food) outlets, explained Jaya Gopal das. It promotes greater awareness of how tasty, healthy and satisfying vegetarian food can be! cleaning the temple, not only were we making it a place fit for the Lord, but we were also cleaning our own hearts - what an enjoyable way to do it! Thanks to Bhaktivedanta Manor for kindly supporting the project by sponsoring the Curry Shack sign, he added. Sign Language Skills Since February the Radha Krishna Deaf Association (RKDA) has been running a course of 'Basic Sign Language' at Bhaktivedanta Manor. The course provided the basic skills to communicate with deaf people in general and especially those who attend the Temple. The next course is planned to begin this September/October. For more information contact Prema Pradip Dasa: premapradipdasa@hotmail.com Carnivals Galore! During the past two months Parasuram das and many other devotees have been racing from one carnival and festival to another to ensure ISKCON s presence is keenly felt. So far they have taken part in Luton, Bushey and Borehamwood Carnivals, the Glastonbury Festival, solstice at Stonehenge, parades in Milton Keynes, Guilford and Brighton, and even a tour of Scandinavia! www.krishnatemple.com/janmashtami Volunteers needed! Set-up takes place every evening from Monday 27th July... clear up continues until 24th August! Calendar Dates - August 2009 Sat 1st Pavitropana Ekadasi Jhulan Yatra begins Sun 2nd Disapp of Srila Rupa Goswami Wed 5th Appearance of Lord Balarama Thur 6th Anniv. of Srila Prabhupada s departure for USA Fri 14th Sri Krishna Janmashtami (fasting till midnight) Sat 15th Appearance of Srila Prabhupada (fasting till noon) Sun 16th Annada Ekadasi Janmashtami Festival Thur 27th Radhastami (fasting till noon) Mon 31st Parsva Ekadasi (fasting till noon for Vamanadeva) Tue 1st Sep App of Lord Vamanadeva & Srila Jiva Goswami Bhaktivedanta Manor Dharam Marg Hilfield Lane Aldenham Herts WD25 8EZ 01923 851000 www.krishnatemple.com Please send your news, photos and comments to Radha Mohan das at: newsletter@krishnatemple.com Page 8 2009 All articles & photographs copyright of Bhaktivedanta Manor