April 2013 is also noteworthy that farming andhorticultural activities. It work closely with the land with its it givestheopportunityfor peopleto the community. It is wonderful how education, culture and spirituality in "...the Manorfacilitatessomuch Manor onits40th Anniversary, adding congratulatedBhaktivedantawarmly of Lords.HerRoyalHighness House dignitaries at the River Room ofthe Bhaktivedanta Manorandahostof of Yugoslavia welcomed devotees from Her Royal Highness PrincessKatrina 40th attheHouse of LordsAnniversary Dedicated toHisDivineGrace A.C. BhaktivedantaSwamiPrabhupada,Founder-AcharyaoftheInternationalSocietyforKrishnaConsciousness Bhagavad gita2.20purport neither offshootsnorchange. soul's presence,butthesoulhas body developsbecauseofthe children ofaparticularman.The to thebody,theyappearas individual souls;and,owing children, arealsodifferent by-products ofthebody,namely has noby-producteither.The anything material.Thesoul not deterioratelikeatree,nor affect thesoul.Thesouldoes The changesofthebodydonot Srila Prabhupada: ...continued on page5 Grand ceremony marksthe40th Anniversary the event,praisedallhardworkthat R the eventwasaresoundingsuccess. ceremony with4separatekunds(pits), base, VIPs, ahostofmedia,andfire Manor’s hugecommunityandsupport- including representativesfromthe March. With awiderangeofdevotees Manor tookplaceonSunday24th the 40th Anniversary ofBhaktivedanta A adhanath grand ceremonious eventtolaunch Swami, thechief speaker at devotees struggling is atimeofreflection,handful securing The Manor. Hesaid“this of the Beatles, was instrumental in devotees tohavemetGeorge Harrison D simplicity. devotional attitudeofhumilityand of theimportancemaintaininga Manor whatitistoday, andspoke had goneintomakingBhaktivedanta hananjaya

das, oneofthefirst ...continued on page3 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter April 2013 Mentorship Retreat in the Welsh Countryside As part of the 40th Anniversary, over the April Bank Holiday members of the Mentorship system went on a pastoral skills development weekend at Buckland Hall in Wales. The event was part of the Manor's on-going commitment to training and education at all levels of community membership. Many classes were derived from the relationship values found in the sacred Ramayana and . All the lively sessions throughout the three days highlighted skills and values important for spiritual progress and particularly in guiding others. Special guests from Mumbai, India and Vancouver, Canada, were Gaura Gopal das and Visakha dasi respectively, who both delighted their audiences with stories and colourful examples. Old on 'Dharma and Decision-Making' and Looking for a mentor? hands Akhandadhi das and Kripamoya 'Developing the Attitude of Gratitude.' Email mentorship@krishnatemple. das were there for additional reflections Children's activities gave parents com with your telephone number and a the opportunity to attend classes, member of our team will contact you to and as usual the first-class catering help you find a suitable mentor. Some of and accommodation made everyone our most experienced mentors still have comfortable, despite the wintry weather some spaces in their mentee groups so of the Brecon Beacons. The weekend, contact us asap to take advantage of one of a series, was organised by the their guidance. Let your spiritual life Bhaktivedanta Manor Mentorship reach new heights! Committee.

Spring here at last! In front of hundreds of devotees, on Sunday 14th April the barn doors of Manor’s New farm were swung Jayadev rocks in honour of the cows A rock kirtan was organised by the the Mantra Choir, performed devotional open to allow its lively herd of cows and Holy Cow Foundation as part of the songs and chanted the Hare bulls to gallop onto the rich pastures, Holy Cow Festival at Select City Walk mantra. “Cow slaughter is not just cruel after they had been kept inside after a in New Delhi . The intention of the but also foolish,” he explained. particularly long winter. event was to promote vegetarianism, Jayadev’s music had the audience Everyone cheered as the herd raced across the ancient wisdom of honouring cows dancing along, and even some of the the fields, jumped, moo-ed and some of and living a more eco-friendly way of participants dressed as cows joined in. the bulls locked horns in excitement! life. Jayadev das, leading member of

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40 Years of the Manor - Precious Memories As part of the 40th Anniversary of Sri Sri Gokulananda and, of celebrations this year, Rama devi course, Srila Prabhupada's pastimes in dasi, Visakha devi dasi and Mother the London area. Kulangana shared precious memories As the year unfolds there will be other from Bhaktivedanta Manor's early devotees sharing their memories about days and their association with Srila the 40 year history of Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada. Manor. Keep your eyes on Bhaktivedanta Throughout the year there are going to be Manor’s website and Facebook a number of senior devotees sharing their page for all the latest information: precious memories from the early days www.krishnatemple.com of Bhaktivedanta Manor, the installation

Nityananda’s cakes On Lord Nityananda's Appearance day over 500 cupcakes were made to celebrate the Manor’s 40th Anniversary celebrations. Cooks ranging from Srila Prabhupada disciples to congregation members made offered and distributed the cakes. As a special treat 108 cakes had the “40th” logo on them.

Grand ceremony marks the 40th Anniversary ...continued from page 1 against all odds to secure a temple for “Celebrating 40 years of which has now become such Gokulananda is about celebrating an important pilgrimage site.” the people and the events that have made 40 years of devotion” explained Shailesh Vara MP said "I have seen the Manor’s Project Manager of the Bhaktivedanta Manor grow into a Festival Committee Ajay Kumar. “In place of great significance for the 1973 a handful of devotees embarked community and that influence has even on a journey that provided Krishna a reached the Houses of Parliament." wonderful home in the green, tranquil Temple President Sruitdharma das said English countryside. Following on “from the struggles of saving the temple from this Bhaktivedanta Manor has to the granting of the planning brief for become the home of Lord Krishna for the new Haveli, I have seen the devotion thousands of pilgrims here in the UK.” of our congregation grow.”

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Celebrating multi-culture in Peterborough

Matilda the Musical Musical Theatre which supports Kidz The Peterborough Nama Hatta group has Come 1st, a children's charity which Bhaktivedanta Manor sponsored its been hosting ISKCON programs since helps parents with disabled children. school, pre-school, families and some the arrival of Mother Gandhari in 2010. The performance was Directed by Gopi staff members to see a performance They observe all the Vaishnava festivals, Keilman, assisted by Rasalila Grant and of "Matilda" at Berkhampstead School. including holding local mini Ratha facilitated by Gopi's mother Asta Sakhi The musical was put on by Spotlight Yatras. Nearly 100 devotees staged a dasi kirtan in a public event promoting multi- culture, attended by the local Mayor Cllr George Simon and other local Councillors.

Prayojana das visits Korea Prayojana das and Patanjali Muni das were met by two new devotees as they entered South Korea. The Academy of Arts Prayojana’s program in the country was Sakshi Gopal das, Parasuram das to assist in the daily programs at the and others hit the road and went to Vedic Cultural Centre in Seoul, and Liverpool’s Academy of Arts to take Patanjali Muni’s mission was to meet part in a special exhibition about the university students, give life of George Harrison. The devotees lectures in the Yoga Centre and to meet Hare Krishna performed bhajans, kirtan and distributed professors. in the Modern World copious prasad (vegetarian food) to all. They then combined forces at the Dr Graham Dwyer and Radha Mohan Seoul Yoga Studio: The event was das have edited and compiled a new enthusiastically received and they HARE KRISHNA book called Hare Krishna in the Modern were invited back. The president of World, published by Arktos. “It is a HARE KRISHNA, organisation is now distributing Srila deeply reflective, caring, and updated Prabhupada’s books there. KRISHNA KRISHNA probing into various aspects of the There was special help kindly given history and development of ISKCON,” HARE HARE, by Mahendra Vaidya, an Indian said Dr Graham Schweig (Garuda HARE RAMA businessman who lives in Seoul, who das). “It’s scholarly contributors seek provided accommodation and transport. to examine personal-experiential, socio- HARE RAMA, South Korean devotee Bhakta Young cultural, and philosophical-theological RAMA RAMA completed the Introductory Course at themes for purposes of addressing the Bhaktivedanta Manor in February 2013, challenges of the Movement's future HARE HARE and is seeking further training. growth”.

Page 4 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter April 2013 Launch of 40th Anniversary at the House of Lords during Her Majesty's spoke of and service “it is knowledge Golden Jubilee, she visited The Krishna through service that culminates in love, Avanti School". otherwise it will not touch the lives of President of Bhaktivedanta Manor His others”. Grace Srutidharma das said “ we are The evening reception was concluded by standing on the shoulders of previous Patti Boulaye who sang the Hare Krishna generations of devotees who with great mantra opera style, to an enthusiastic determination and devotion have left applause. She then expressed that she a lasting legacy so that now many is really looking forward to visit the thousands can worship their lordships Manor during this special year. Patti is Shri Shri Radha Gokulanda”. a British-Nigerian international singer The guest speaker Radhanath Swami and a favourite among the Royal Family.

The Art of Hedge-laying After learning about trees and the art of Hedge-laying last Autumn, the children of The Manor School embarked on a project to further enhance the wildlife and beauty of the hedgerow along the access road. In consultation with Donato Cinicolo, a professional hedgelayer and with support of head gardener Uddhava das, the children planted over hundred trees including crab-apple, wild plum, wild cherry and spindle. The Manor School is currently accepting applications for Reception Class September 2013. www.bhaktivedantamanorschool.co.uk

The Spirit of Northampton telling and magic tricks by Parasurama A Very British Wedding das, a play by the Bhaktivedanta Players, The Festival of Spirit team, including Kathak dancing by Charlotte and, of BBC2’s “A Very British Wedding” monks based at Bhaktivedanta Manor, course, a delicious feast! featured a wedding at Bhaktivedanta organised a successful festival at the Manor including interviews with 75 locals showed up and many stayed on Quaker Meeting House in Northampton. Wedding Manager Reena Patel as well afterwards to learn more, so the evening as relatives of the bride and groom. This The evening included melodious kirtan led to a membership boost for the local documentary followed Anj and Alan, by Yamuna Priya dasi and team, story- ISKCON group. a mixed-race couple who tied the knot both at Bhaktivedanta Manor and with a Christian-style white wedding.

Page 5 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter April 2013 Bhagavad Gita A Short Summary in Acronyms by Sutapa das Based on Bhagavad Gita As It Is by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

4 - Transcendental Knowledge Spiritual knowledge is known as A - Accurate Understanding (Verses outlines the true criteria and sruti – “that which is heard”. In 11-15) - Most people know something purpose of such classification. bygone ages, people would hear such about religion, and something about knowledge, remember it, assimilate God, but their understanding can R – Removing Reactions (Verses it, and perfectly communicate it often be quite hazy and confused. 16-24) - While transcendental to the next person without any However, when transcendental knowledge helps one to clear up adulteration. Chapter Four is entitled knowledge is received through the philosophical doubts, it also helps “Transcendental Knowledge” for it eternal educational system one one to clear up their “karmic bank is this knowledge which outlines gains an accurate understanding. balance”. Karma is a universal law of how one can establish their divine In three verses, Krishna clears up nature – for every action there is an connection with God. The famous three common misunderstandings equal and opposite reaction. While Vedic aphorism thus encourages, of Eastern spirituality. Verse 11 bad karma is obviously undesirable, “Aim to see God through the ears addresses the misconception that Krishna further explains that even rather than the eyes’. all spiritual paths lead to the same good karma should be avoided since it also binds one to material E - Eternal education (Verses existence. Beyond good and 1-10) - Just as every gadget bad are activities performed comes with an instruction on the spiritual level, that manual, this entire universe is, action which yields no comes with guidelines reaction and ultimately frees which enlighten one about one from the anxieties and its purpose and function. entanglements of this world. Such guidelines are found Such action is known as inthe ancient scriptures, akarma. which contain knowledge of divine origin, imparted at S – Sacrifice (Verses 25-42) - In the time of creation. Krishna order to acquire, understand explains how this eternal and realise transcendental educational system was knowledge one must make originally set up by Him. This a sacrifice. While material system perpetuates in the knowledge is dependent on universe through qualified calibre, spiritual knowledge and saintly persons, who impart destination – Krishna explains that is dependent upon character. spiritual knowledge to the masses while there is unity in diversity, Sacrifices help refine one’s character in a dynamic, relevant and practical there are also different gradations so they become eligible to achieve way. Thus, the material creation is of spiritual elevation. Verse 12 this knowledge. One of the biggest essentially a university wherein we addresses the misconception sacrifices is to relinquish one’s rediscover our relationship with that Eastern scriptures talk of pride by humbly submitting oneself God. As the creator and maintainer, polytheism and the worship of many before the bona fide guru. By Krishna periodically appears in “gods” - Krishna re-emphasises faithful service and sincere inquiry the world to re-inject spirituality, the monotheistic stance that there within such a relationship, the heart remove materialistic influences and is only one God. Verse 13 addresses becomes fertile ground for spiritual ensure the smooth functioning of knowledge to blossom. the universe. the concern that the caste system is unfair and exploitative - Krishna http://sutapamonk.blogspot.com/

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Radhika Joshi Age: 21 SENAGETAWAY 2013 Studying Visual Merchandising @ Windsor College

Soleggiato Italia vi aspetta. Si excitement will come when we sarebbe uno sciocco a perdere! To add one thing: Kirtan. all you Italians out there reading Kirtan is a mantra meditation this ignore the grammar. I used experience like none other; a google translate but, what this form of yoga which awakens the means is “Sunny Italy is waiting individuals spiritual nature. Russell for you. You would be a fool to Brand says ...’some connect to miss it!” God through prayer, some connect through speaking to him … I How did you fi nd out about Psena? This year, Senagetaway is ying connect to God through Kirtan.’ you to the rolling hills of Florence, All over the world, especially in the a stone’s throw away from the USA, this divine art of loving God, Initially, I heard about this youth group ‘Pandava leaning Tower of Pisa, to the which bring peace to the mind Sena’ while coming to the Manor. I asked a few and is the best ever experience is people around the temple about it and found taking o and we’re bringing it to out the nearest event for me is ‘Harrow Jammin’ you in one of the most picturesque which is literally minutes from my house! To my locations on the planet. Kirtan is surprise I found my brother Abhishek already like chocolate fudge cake with attends and he encouraged me to come. What did you like about the events? beautiful olive gardens of the There are so many events that take place within renaissance mansion of Villa Pandava Sena I feel like their is always some- Vrindavana. What is senagetaway thing to do. From fortnightly Jammin’s, taking I hear you ask? part in drama’s, designing the website, promot- ing and especially something you should not Every year, for the last twenty hot caramel on top: you have to miss out on are the ‘Summer Trips.’ They are just years Pandava Sena has been try it to see why it’s so good. Our amazing and honestly you come back inspired taking over a hundred-and- fty special guests this year are world with all the fantastic activities that we do. I truth- students and professionals renowned singer of Kirtan His fully can’t de ne how many things I like about all across Europe to summer Holiness BB Swami and the events and can’t forget the fact of meeting spiritual retreats and this years is Gaur Gopal das who is known so many new people and making so many life- no di erent except it’s going to for his thought provocative and long friends. be bigger and better than ever. entertaining seminars. Spiritual seminars, festivals in Florence, fresh Italian cuisine The trip dates are between 9th What do you do in Psena? August – 18th August and is for a price of £375, which includes I am in charge of cooking for Harrow Jammin’. everything from ights to food. From, Italian to Indian to Chinese I love experi- This Kirtan Experience is not to menting and letting between eighty to a hundred be missed. Non vediamo l’ora di students taste my cooking – which doesn’t vedervi lì! (We can’t wait to see always go well! I also help with promoting on you there!) Sunday Night Kirtan @ the Manor, where we interact with young people on the range of activi- For more details and to see videos ties we do. at the Villa, a trip to one of the of previous trips visit www.psena. Top 5 European Theme Parks, com laughing with likeminded people are only some of the things we have planned. However, the real Page 7 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter April 2013 Under the Full Moon: Lord Caitanya is born Join a Spiritual Retreat This year’s Gaura Purnima festival in the Italian countryside celebrating the birth of Lord Caitanya, fell on 27th March. During the morning, special guest Radhanath Swami spoke of the glories of the most merciful incarnation of Krishna, and this was followed by abhikseka (bathing of the sacred deities). In the afternoon, the devotees went on a chanting procession in London’s West End which warmed up a particularly cold day. In the evening From June 14th- 18th there will be at the local Allum Hall there were a spiritual retreat at one of ISKCON devotional performances by the Manor Europe’s most scenic spots with daily School, and the Bhaktivedanta Players’ classes from Kripamoya das and a drama endeavoured to portray the deep lively temple program. Villa emotions experienced by Lord Caitanya is situated near the township of San during the latter period in His life. Casciano, close to Florence in Italy. The In the Caitanya-caritamrta it is described main building, a sumptuous Renaissance that Lord Caitanya appeared during a villa dating back to the first half of lunar eclipse, during which time it was the sixteen century dominates the 198 the custom of the public to bathe in sacred acres of property, with its lush woods rivers and chant mantras for purification. and hundreds of olive plants. Beautiful At this time all India was roaring with the exotic plants embellish the grounds and holy sound of the Hare Krishna mantra as peacocks freely roam the property. Lord Caitanya descended to this world. The fee is 200 Euros which includes accommodation, prasad and travel from Multi-coloured snowballs the airport. All devotees are welcome. On the morning of Sunday 24th March, For more information contact Ganga: the day of the Manor’s festival, [email protected] it was zero degrees and a thin layer of snow carpeted the ground. Holi is traditionally an event to celebrate the coming of spring, but as the snow came down the weather seemed anything but that! Yet, that didn’t stop hundreds of brave and some might say gallant festival- goers from playing Holi to the fullest! During the evening there were even a few of the younger revellers pelting each other with multi-coloured snowballs! “It turned out to be a lovely occasion,” said congregational member Vithal www.ahimsamilk.org Patel, “it was our Holi in zero degrees cold, very unlike India! I wish all my May 2013 friends in different parts of the world Sun 5 Varuthini Ekadasi could witness this festival being enjoyed Mon 6 Early May Bank Holiday at the Manor in such a unique way.” Thur 9 App of Sri Gadadhara Pandit Sun 19 App of Srimati Sita Devi Bhaktivedanta Manor (consort of Lord Sri Rama) Dharam Marg · Hilfield Lane Aldenham · Herts App of Srimati Jahnava Devi (for sat-nav only, please use postcode WD25 8DT) (consort of Lord Nityananda) Tues 21 Mohini Ekadasi 01923 851000 www.krishnatemple.com Fri 24 App of Lord Nrsimhadeva Please send your news, photos and comments to: (fast till twilight) Radha Mohan das Sat 25 App of Sri Madhavendra Puri & [email protected] Sri Srinivasa Acarya

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