November 2012

Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada, Founder- of the International Society for Consciousness Congregating For An Inspirational Weekend

Srila Prabhupada: Our Vedic conception is that individual souls, which we call living entities, are always present, and each one of them has an intimate relationship with the Supreme Personality Over the weekend of 5th- 7th “Mantra ”, “The Power of Godhead. In material, October, The Langley Hotel in of Habits” and “Obstacles on the Tonbridge, Kent, hosted an exciting Path of Spiritual Life.” There was conditioned life, the living innovation in congregational care. music and kirtan throughout and entity has forgotten this Over 40 sanga group members also entertainment on the Saturday relationship. By rendering from Northampton, Southampton, evening, with humorous dramas and devotional service, he attains Norwich, Reading, Bristol and even classical guitar. the liberated position and Bournemouth came together for “The weekend was a resounding at that time revives his a spiritual retreat, organised by success,” explained Kanhaiya das. the Manor’s Congregational relationship with the Supreme “Everyone left feeling enthused and Development department. Personality of Godhead. spirituality enlivened. The Langely The retreat included a variety of Hotel is a great venue, I am looking “Beyond Illusion and Doubt”- workshops including the subjects forward to the next retreat there.” extract of “Connecting and Creating”,

Faith and Leadership at Lambeth Palace Srutidharma das, das and The courses are designed to provide by Mr Krish Raval. Mohan das attended a dinner participants with useful leadership The three course dinner, which and reception at Lambeth Palace to skills which they can use in their received compliments from everyone celebrate an ongoing series of courses daily lives and within their respective present, was prepared in the kitchens attended by young people from a institutions. The initiative, called of Bhaktivedanta Manor. variety of different faith backgrounds. “Faith and Leadership” is organized ...continued on page 2 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter November 2012 Kirtan comes to A new project called Kirtan London is set to bring sacred mantra music to the attention of the city with events at universities and corporations, ‘flashmob’ kirtans as well as working with the existing London yoga community. The first event, which featured Jahnavi Harrison and friends, was graced by . Actor and comedian gave a highly complementary introduction to Radhanath Swami, mentioning the early stages of his spiritual search and his visits to Bhaktivedanta Manor. Radhanath Swami spoke on the power of devotional music and reminded guests of the popularity of mantra music in mainstream London, starting with the release of The album in 1969. Events in the coming months look to expand and build communities of mantra lovers as well as providing inspiration for a more widespread project, called ‘Kirtan UK’.

Croome festival been a fantastic success. She said: Faith and Leadership at Lambeth Palace “Everyone enjoyed it and it was once continued from page 1...Special guests in a “fantastic success” again a completely unique experience attendance at the dinner included Dr Devotees from across the UK for all those who attended.” Rowan Williams the Archbishop of brought a feast of music, dancing, “Some devotees found it a real kick- Canterbury, Prof David Ford (The food and colour to Croome Court as start to revitalizing their spiritual lives,” Regius Professor of Divinity at the they returned to ISKCON's former added organizer Tribhangananda das. University of Cambridge), Rt Hon Eric Worcestershire home for a September “We had our first ever Croome Ratha Pickles MP (The Secretary of State for weekend. Yatra and there was a lot of public Communities and Local Government), As well as films, question and answer interaction. The entire estate resounded Air Marshall Sir David Walker (Master sessions, seminars and music, guests with the sound of the chanting of Hare of the Household, Buckingham Palace), had a chance to sample chanting and Krishna!” Jerry White (Assistant Deputy Secretary meditation and even had a go at llama of State, Government of the trekking! of America), Zainul Abideen Rasheed National Trust spokesman Cat Philpott (Former Senior Minister of State, and said the second annual festival had Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abdulaziz Abdullah Al-Hinai (Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman).

HARE KRISHNA , KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE, HARE RAMA HARE RAMA, RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

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Bapushree shares fond memories When Bapushree (Mahant Devprasadji Maharaj) visited the Manor he recalled his visits to Sumati Morarji's home in . She showed him some of Srila Prabhupada’s personal belongings used on the Jaladuta, as well as the copy of the Srimad Bhagavatam that he presented to her. World Seva Day Touches the Hearts of the Homeless The Jaladuta was the cargo ship that On the 7th October Bhaktivedanta concept, which involves performing an Srila Prabhupada sailed on to reach Manor played host to a group of 24 act of kindness without expectation of America in 1965, facilitated by Sumati young City professionals from all over reward. Morarji who was the head of the Indian the corporate sphere to get involved in National Steamship Owners Association Roshni Thakrar, a coordinator and a some Corporate Social Responsibility of at the time. team leader for London said ‘‘getting a different kind. The likes of Barclays involved in Seva Day is a humbling Bapushree is the President of the Shree Capital, Network Rail and Ernst & experience-making a real tangible Anandabawa Seva Sanstha which is Young each had representatives who difference to people and spreading some famous for its medical, educational and prepared hundreds of 3 course meals, of the goodness that our community has farming services across . which were personally delivered and to offer”. distributed to homeless shelters in and European Leaders around Watford. This year they partnered with the Watford Meeting New Hope Trust which services the homeless and vulnerable people from different locations in Watford. These include six houses and hostels; five support services; and three development services. The project is one of many equally

worthy causes where people from all Various community leaders from across England over the world take part in the initiative gathered at Bhaktivedanta Manor to discuss the known as Seva Day. Seva is a universal preparations of Seva Day 2012.

Brighton Ratha Yatra - Lord completed his UK 2012 tour in the vibrant Members of Bhaktivedanta Manor's seaside town of Brighton. Temple Council joined 70 other ISKCON leaders for the recent European Leaders Meeting at the Simhacalam Temple and farm community in Bavaria, Germany. Themes for the two-day conference included Sustainability, Social Development and Education, Farm and Eco-Village development, and - wide Spiritual Tourism.

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A Spiritual Cruise

In past years Bhakti Charu Maharaja had arranged Spiritual Retreats, but this year something more dynamic was organised: For the first time in ISKCON, a Retreat was held on board a Cruise Ship. When Radhanatha Maharaja, Sacinandana Maharaja, Candramauli Maharaja, Bhakti Purusottama Maharaja, Mother Malati and Yadubara das heard about the venture they also climbed aboard. 250 devotees from South Africa, America, India, Dubai, Singapore, including , La Coruna and commented, “I don’t know what you Europe and the UK took part. Bilbao in Spain, and La Rochelle in are singing but it is giving me so much The ship left Southampton in August France. peace in my mind. Please come every and sailed around the coast of Western In La Rochelle the local Mayor attended, month to our town and sing and dance Europe for 8 days, stopping at towns to along with TV and radio stations which here for us.” perform huge harinamas (processions), covered the event. One local man

Dhananjaya das spoke of how he first The Beatles Connection discovered the 17 acre estate in 1972 which was then known as Piggot's Last October marked the 50th Manor and run as a Nursing College for anniversary since The Beatles' first ever St Bartholomews. single hit the charts, observed with an International Beatle week. Meanwhile Impressed with what he saw, Dhananjaya Dhananjaya das, one of the most senior das picked up the phone and called British disciples of Srila Prabhupada, George Harrison who was in the US at was invited for interviews with BBC the time. After hearing what Dhananjaya Asian Network and BBC Three das had to say about the Manor and Counties Radio over his connection with its location, George Harrison agreed to George Harrison and the attainment of purchase and donate the Manor there Bhaktivedanta Manor in 1973. and then. Page 4 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter November 2012

From Student to Teacher Lalita dasi began to study at Bhaktivedanta College in Radhadesh right after graduating from high school, resulting in a Bachelor degree in Theology and Religious Studies awarded by the University of Chester. “Bhaktivedanta College has shaped my ISKCON Redbridge celebrates Anniversary life in so many different ways,” she In celebration of it’s second anniversary allowed us to celebrate our progress explained. “Academically, mentally, ISKCON Redbridge had a chanting and show our gratitude to the people emotionally and most importantly procession in Ilford town centre led by that have helped make ISKCON spiritually. I am now working at the Kripamoya das, who plays an advisory Redbridge a success. We will continue Krishna Avanti School and it is a role for the community. Later graduates to develop into a community that wonderful place to be. I could not have from the Bhakti Sastri course were empowers individuals and continually asked for better. I actually love my job!” awarded certificates for passing the experiments so that we can remain course run at the centre. vibrant in the ways in which we present Vishal Merai, Chairman of the the teachings in the context of modern, Feeding the 5000 in Paris British society.” community’s leadership committee, Supermarkets discard vegetables that are commented “Our anniversary event over-produced, with an unusual size or attended the event. shape. The Feed the 5000 project brings "Leap”- a Documentary attention to this waste by cooking and The audience of some 60 conference distributing free meals to the public. about ISKCON participants, many of whom were Originally in London, the project took distinguished and highly celebrated a European flavour when Canal Plus, a A Documentary Film about Faith British and international religious was shown at the annual British French TV Channel, sponsored the first studies scholars, commented that the ever Feed the 5000 in Paris. Association for the Study of Religions film was both inspirational and a helpful (BASR) conference, which was resource for use on academic courses “It was a great opportunity to speak to held at Winchester University. The of study. Dr Graham Dwyer and Dr the French public about , screening of the film, which explores Anna King (Winchester University) food economics and spiritual solutions,” the devotional world of ISKCON, introduced the film and responded to explained Food for All Director with a particular focus on the lives questions about it. Parasuram das. of Radhanath Swami and his Finnish disciple Keshava Madhava das, was To learn more about "Leap" and to view enthusiastically received by all who it, visit: www.leapthefilm.com

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Executive Event at HSBC

Radhanath Swami and people, including Chairmen, corporate attended. (Ambarish das) were Guests of Honour at partners, and CEOs from a variety of The event was co-hosted by the retired an exclusive Client and Executive Event industries to hear keynote speeches on private secretary of Her Majesty the in St James’s sponsored by HSBC Private the subject of ‘creating a culture towards Queen of England and a board director Bank, London. Event rganizer and host, wealth management.’ MPs, Lords and for HSBC. Sri Radha Raman das arranged for 120 the UK High Commission of India also

Ambarish Das Visits Ahimsa Dairy Foundation Aryan Vaid Visits the Manor Bhaktivedanta Manor holds first open day

Whilst in the UK Ambarish das was Supporters from the organic dairy Aryan Vaid, the famous Bollywood given a special tour of Bhaktivedanta farming world attended an open day Actor, model and columnist with the Manor. As Chairman of the ISKCON held at Commonwork, the organic farm , enjoyed his visit to Sri Mayapur Temple of the Vedic in Kent, home of The Ahimsa Dairy the Manor along with his family and Planetarium, he was impressed with the Foundation’s cows. friends. recent achievements by the Manor and The day included a presentation by Sita especially the New Gokul farm. Rama das about the Ahimsa sanctuary in Wales, where retired cows and young bulls go. The guests, interested in increasing the longevity of cattle, were impressed by what they learnt that day.

Hertsmere Civic Service Reverend Tim Warr and the Mayor of Hertsmere Cllr Pat Strack warmly greeted Srutidharma das at the Annual Civic Service held at the historic All Saints Church in Borehamwood.

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Nilee Joshi What’s going on in IPS? Age: 16 Studying GCSE’s

University students of Pandava make them happy by adding Sena were very excited of the a spiritual dimension to their annual return of the Krsna everyday lives easily. Consciousness Society (KCSoc), and it started off with a bang! A special event at SOAS held More than 3,200 students ‘Interview with a Guru’ where signed up to KCSoc across Radhanath Swami attended and 18 Universities in the UK as it a total of 175 people attended! launched in September! Everyone had the opportunity to meet with His Holiness and got How did you find out about Psena? an opportunity to personally ask questions to His Holiness. I found out about PSena through the manor, as I’ve been going since I was a little girl and my cousin went, so I followed!

City of London got the most sign What did you like about the events? ups of 407, followed by Kings with 400 and 350 from Leicester! I like the fact that everyone is on the same level in terms of what they’ve All the KCSoc presidents of each come for; to develop their Krishna university were very pleased Our very own Harrow Jammin’ Consciousness, and we’re all either with the students they met and featured in the Harrow Observer studying or working so we’re able to are raring to go with planned this month. They held a ‘Show relate to each other. interactive discussions, mantra Off’ where musical, dance and meditation and prashadam. So comical performances took far there has been a positive turn place. A panel of judges which What do you do in Psena? out from all the sessions and the included our president and Krsna Conscious message is a senior mentor of Pandava In PS, I’m part of the Harrow Jammin’ spreading out to more and more Sena gave comments which team and I take care of the decor for vari- young people. 20 events have entertained the youth. ous Jammin’s, such as Halloween, and I already taken place and over 500 also do registration service. students have attended. We get different themed Jammins every fortnight, like a Talent Show, or Hallow- een, so I get to create new decor for each event through making posters, bringing props etc. I really enjoy being able to use my creative talents at Jammin!

Finally, Pandava Sena are Some of the topics that were currently in the process of discussed were ‘What would you creating their Vyas Puja book do if you had 24 hours to live?’ consisting of offerings made and ‘Life was so much easier by all the members of Pandava when apples and blackberries Sena. it will be presented to His were just fruits.’ These life related Divine Grace at the Prabhupada topics got students thinking tribute festival at the manor on deeper about the purpose of their the 1st of December. existence and what can really Page 7 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter November 2012

The Ambassador of Hungary Food Glorious Food

After the Ambassador of Hungary Neasden and then both a tour and lunch Parasuram das entered a nationwide Mr János Csák helped clarify matters at the Manor. cookery competition run by the popular in regard to the Church Status of That evening the Ambassador hosted a ITV1 station. He cooked a "Poor Man's the Hungarian Society for Krishna dinner in honour of Maharani dasi the Feast Fit For a King", which included Consciousness, he promised to visit head of the Bhaktivedanta College in delicious kitchari served on a traditional Bhaktivedanta Manor. In October the Budhapest. The event was attended by leaf plate. Senior Management were honoured to MPs and leading members of the Hindu “They came to the Manor four times, arrange his visit to the BAPS Mandir in community. filming in the temple room, kitchens and Food for All’s feed the homeless Bhakti Centre Opens operation in London,” explained Parasuram das. The Bhakti Centre, a youth hostel run Passing through the first few stages by devotees, has opened its doors. of the competition, he was invited to Hospitality is taken seriously at the Knebworth House to join 50 other Centre, which accepts applications from contestants. The judge was celebrity young people aged between 18 to 30. Lloyd Grossman who loved the kitchari The room charges are nominal and the and the interview was spent discussing full vegetarian meals are free of charge. spiritual life. Lloyd recalled that in The Centre has a beautiful temple room his youth he would joyfully eat Hare with Gaura . It is located a Krishna food at music festivals. few minutes walk away from Harrow- For more information, visit on-the-Hill tube. www.bhakticentre.com November 2012 Sat 10th Rama Ekadasi Heart and Soul together Sun 11th Remembrance Sunday Tues 13th Diwali (Deepavali) Wed 14th Govardhana Puja, Annakuta Sat 17th Disapp of Srila Prabhupada Sun 18th Diwali Festival at Manor Fri 23rd Utthana Ekadasi Bhisma Pancaka begins Disapp of Srila Gaura Kishore das Babaji Wed 28th Sri Krishna Rasayatra The British Heart Foundation asked the was holding a marathon fund-raising Tulasi Saligrama Vivaha Milton Keynes Bhakti Vriksha group to event and wanted the devotees to liven December join them inside the Kingston Shopping up their day and attract more attention! Sun 9th Utpanna Ekadasi Sun 23rd Gita Jayanti Centre to perform kirtan. The Foundation (App of Srimad Bhagavad-gita) Bhaktivedanta Manor Mon 24th Moksada Ekadasi Dharam Marg · Hilfield Lane Aldenham · Herts Tues 25th Christmas Day (for sat-nav only, please use postcode WD25 8DT) 01923 851000 www.krishnatemple.com HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA, KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE, Please send your news, photos and comments to: HARE RAMA HARE RAMA, Radha Mohan das [email protected] RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

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