January 2011 Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Consciousness Krishna for Society International the of Founder-Acharya Prabhupada, Swami Grace Bhaktivedanta Divine A.C. His to Dedicated purport 4.31.14 Bhagavatam Srimad accomplished.’” automatically is everything Godhead, of Personality Supreme the Lord, the of service devotional the in engaged is one ‘If caritamrta: Caitanya- in confirmed As complete. is everything seva), (krishna- Krishna serving by that is conclusion senses...The the of all satisfy we stomach, the to food supplying by Simply havoc. only is result independently,ears the or eyes his feed to tries one If satisfied. automatically are senses the stomach the to food supplying “...by Prabhupada: Srila heatwarming words of the Bhagavad Bhagavad effect. magical the their had Gita of words heatwarming hour the as - five away melted cold the the recitation, led das Kripamoya and Swami Purusottama Bhakti While page. Facebook and website Manor’s the on and another 150 Manor, tuned in the to live at broadcasts celebrations the attended people 200 around Nevertheless was years. previous in celebration than lower Jayanti understandably Gita this year's at attendance heavy roads, icy to and snow due journeys essential make only to advised being travellers With MahaYajnaGitajayanti Borehamwood: Maxwell Hillside Park Hillside Maxwell Borehamwood: in parks two in litter volunteers up pick to helped Manor of group Another others.” to who example good a and project MP,wonderful Clappison attended the work in Radlett. “This is a James said involved,” everyone to thanks big “A in Street Watling area. picnic communal a into Radlett) on Club the Tabard Rugby (near transform Field to Rose overgrown begin to groups faith other joined and gloves their on put wellies, their donned Volunteers Manor Bhaktivedanta das. Srutidharma President explained the Mitzvah, essence is selfless community or service”, Seva by, it call you name “Whatever causes. good to time Mitzvah Day, a Jewish from led initiative to volunteer came inspiration The worked community.local the serve volunteers to together many Faiths, of Borough Council and Hertsmere Forum Seva Day. In partnership with Hertsmere National for together came community Manor’s Bhaktivedana from volunteers of hundreds November 21st Sunday On DaySeva National on smile a with Serving protection and working oxen. working and protection cow for Manor,centre Britain’sleading Bhaktivedanta at farm Gokul New the and Parkfields. Many helped to clean up ...continued on page 4 page on ...continued Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter January 2011 10th Anniversary of the Krishna Deaf Association Reaching out in local towns The Radha Krishna Deaf Association Patron of Harrow Council Alderman (RKDA) recently held its 10th Keith Toms. Sukadev das, Ananta Purushottama das and other members of the Saturday Anniversary and Diwali celebration in The RKDA organises events aimed at Victoria Hall in Harrow. afternoon Hari Nama (street procession) deaf and non-deaf devotees of Lord team organised an evening of Krishna The evening of devotional activity and Krishna. As well as organising regular consciousness in a local Watford hall. entertainment was attended by special events and producing resources for guests including the Mayor of Brent deaf people, they provide sign language The event included drama, dance, a Cllr Harbhajan Singh, Angela Dias the training to non-deaf devotees, who then philosophical discussion, devotional Chief Executive of Harrow Association volunteer their time to translate during music and a vegetarian meal. There are of Disabled People and the Honourable discussions, lectures, classes, dramas. plans to repeat this every two months, and the next local towns in line are St Albans and Hemel Hempstead. If anyone who would like to get involved, please contact Ananta Purushottama das: [email protected].

Observing Remembrance Sunday On Sunday 14th November devotees were honoured to attend the Remembrance Sunday Service for the local Parish of Aldenham. Held at Letchmore Heath’s Village Green, Srutidharma das laid a wreath at the foot of the War Memorial on behalf of Bhaktivedanta Manor. Along with local priests he recited a prayer. Bhaktivedanta Manor supported the Service by provided seating and a gazebo.

Page 2 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter January 2011

Winter Marathon 2010

Over the course of 2010, between coldest in a hundred years, the reference of the very advanced ten and fifteen devotees based at devotees had a tough time, but they devotees being like a swans - which Bhaktivedanta Manor travelled braved the temperatures and the are able to separate milk from water. around the country distributing the sometimes unforgiving public, and The devotee’s ability to separate transcendental literature of Srila soldiered on, doing their duty. What matter from spirit and focus on the Prabhupada to the general public. inspired them to carry on? For many, latter, makes him or her swan-like. the opportunity to share with others During the month of December The large swan-wings protruding divine wisdom that changed their however, these efforts were stepped-up from the Acarya’s seat were not only own lives; for others the and to as the Winter Marathon commenced. beautiful but each feather contained please Srila Prabhupada during this the name of a devotee and their story Many devotees spent between eight blessed month and for some the sheer and twelve hours a day on the streets, challenge of the cold, rain and snow. of how they received their first book. during the first three and a half weeks Back at the Manor, some devotees In all, during the month of December of December, meeting people from arranged a wonderful Marathon devotees from the Manor distributed all walks of life, ages, and cultures, Display around the altar of Srila just short of 15,000 books. We thank giving them books on spirituality. Prabhupada (pictured above). The all the devotees involved for their With this winter being one of the theme is based around a scriptural laudable efforts.

Page 3 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter January 2011 Manor School embraces Interfaith Week “Energise” University Retreat warms over 85 students on a A celebration of faith was held at Allum a small exhibition and mendhi (hand Hall in Elstree as part of Interfaith decoration) workshops, something cold winter’s day Week. Organised by the Hertsmere particularly appreciated by Cllr Linda At the Energise Retreat in November, Forum of Faiths the event was attended Silver the Mayor of Hertsmere! students from across England managed by Manor School pupils who to beat the frost and snow to attend mixed with local Jews, Christians an action-packed day at the Manor. It and Muslims of all ages. The included a wide variety of interactive evening included music, dance, workshops and a spectacular multimedia and drama performances from presentation on the by local pupils. . Children from the Manor School After a tasty lunch, the students were charmed everyone with a play given the opportunity to milk and feed about the importance of the the cows. The final session, entitled soul and the singing of the Hare ‘The Power of Sound’, included mantra Krishna mantra. There was also meditation and kirtan (devotional song), which brought everyone to their feet Yogvivek Swami visits New Gokul The head of the BAPS dancing the evening away. Temple in Neasden made a special visit to the Manor’s New Gokul farm. He praised ISKCON’s unique contribution in the area of cow protection in the UK and expressed his wish to see such projects set up in other parts of the UK.

Srutidharma das and Lord National Seva Day .....continued from front page Sacks worked together to build bird boxes at Food for All, volunteers from Barclays Each event organised was based on Canley Street Natural Capital, Deutsche Bank, EY, JP Morgan, at least one of the following guiding Park in Kings Cross Lloyds Banking Group and RBS joined principles: forces to prepare meals for Watford’s • To relieve hardship and poverty homeless community. Cooking was done • To bring a little joy where none exists at Bhaktivedanta Manor’s kitchens. • To help the environment Project leader Prashant Joshi, from Together, Mitzvah Day and National Seva EY’s Financial Services Performance Day attracted around 20,000 volunteers Improvement team commented: “The to support at least 250 projects and project was an overwhelming success, initiatives across the country. While both with volunteers building strong bonds events were organised by faith groups, between each other, working hard, and everyone was welcomed to take part in serving the community in a powerful Mitzvah Day and National Seva Day, and gracious way.” regardless of race, religion or belief.

Above: local faith leaders, James Clappison MP, the Chair of Aldenham Parish Council Cllr Ron Worthy and das of Bhaktivedanta Manor’s Lotus Trust

Page 4 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter January 2011 Canary Wharf: Bhakti at the Banks Bob Blackman MP and CB from fellow banker Sri Radharamana Patel visit Krishna Avanti das. Session organiser Ashika Patel Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East commented: “The success of our and C.B. Patel, the Editor of the Asian sessions can be gleaned from the Voice made a special visit to the Krishna fact that most of our attendees are Avanti School in Edgware. In his from non-Indian origins who highly column in Asian Voice Bob Blackman appreciate the thought-provoking wrote: “I saw at first hand the excellent Vedic version on banking.” work undertaken to build a state of the art school incorporating the Hindu ethos. Bankers individually met His Holiness The children gain knowledge of all the and left with answers to their deepest world religions and understand all of 11th November saw history in the making of questions. Many pledged to meet the various festivals that are held. The with the first corporate sponsored event him in Ujjain (India) while others felt school is a worthy addition to all the in the financial industry to host a Gaudiya that he had introduced them to their other excellent schools in Harrow.” Vaisnava sannyasi (holy renunciate). In spiritual potentials. the heart of the UK’s financial district, In particular, a banker who through his Canary Wharf hosted over 200 bankers and traders in Barclays’ 512-feet high PhD in physics helped to pioneer the skyscraper for an evening with His Large Hadron Collider (the world's Holiness Bhakticaru Swami. largest and highest-energy particle This event marked the finale of sessions accelerator) had a lengthy dialogue at Barclays Wealth over the past year, with His Holiness in German. He is which saw bankers and traders from now looking forward to following directors to analysts gathering fortnightly up his discussion when Bhakticaru to hear about the Vedic view on banking Swami next visits London.

Our illustrious Founder-Acarya The Disappearance of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, a day that commemorates the passing from this world of ISKCON’s illustrious Founder-Acarya, is the most introspective event in the Temple calendar. The day, which included films, remembrances, offerings, arati and glorification was a reminder that Srila Prabhupada’s divine personality, teachings and purity continue to have a profound impact on the lives of his disciples, and indeed on all members of ISKCON. His Holiness was the special guest and Rupa Vilasa das was the Master of Ceremonies for the morning session. The highlight of the day included a special performance by Bhaktivedanta Players entitled “That was a Great Fight!”. The play was a dramatic portrayal of Srila Prabhupada and his disciples’ arduous struggle to establish the ISKCON temple in Juhu, Bombay.

Page 5 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter January 2011 Spiritual or economic growth? by Krishna Dharma das

As 2011 rolls in we face cuts in public spending, huge job proprietorship we lay claim to the world and then lay waste to losses, benefit reductions and pay freezes in almost every her resources; the recent Gulf of Mexico oil spill disaster being sector. It’s the ‘Big Society’ folks, but without the Big Money. a graphic example. As Government looks to local communities for new ideas to That crisis along with other market forces has seen oil prices tackle old problems with the Localism Bill, at the same time soaring over the past year. It’s made me renew an old love they are scything funding to local authorities, with cuts of affair with the bicycle and indeed wonder if our whole high- almost 30% expected over the next four years. tech lifestyle needs a review. For sure the burgeoning demand It’s looking decidedly grim in many quarters as our national for material goods sweeping the world cannot be sustained. finances struggle. And struggling they are. The UK's debts in The West, with 12% of the world’s population, accounts for total are 466% of annual economic output once consumer debt 60% of private consumption spending. The undeveloped is included. In other words if the country was an individual he countries are some way behind us, but they don’t plan to stay would almost certainly be declared bankrupt. that way. TV and Hollywood have shown them a splendid vision of the other side, and they are now jostling in the world While we may be running short of cash, at the end of the day market place along with the rest of us. The competition looks it only represents material set to get fierce. Something’s got to give. resources. So are we running out Maybe it’s time for a new approach. Government is perennially of those? obsessed with “growing” the economy, but is that helpful? They I don’t want to see a ‘healthy’ cash flow, more business, more people think so. working, more spending and generally more consumption all All our needs round, but this can only exacerbate the problems we face, both are provided by globally and personally. God. We The more absorbed we become in striving for material may be improvement the more we neglect our spiritual lives, and able to consequentially become increasingly victimised by lust and p r i n t greed. It’s a vicious cycle. m o n e y but we cannot We have to reduce demand, not increase it. Consume less, manufacture food or bring down the fever of materialism, find a bit of inner peace. any other natural resource. After all, can we honestly say that having that latest car, phone Earth, sun, rain, fresh air, or TV has actually increased our happiness? Probably it only fruits, vegetables, grains -- one increased our debt and anxiety. of this lies in our power to provide, The Bhagavad-gita speaks about simple living and high thinking and none of it is in short supply. God as the human ethic (reflected in the Lifestyle Movement’s can provide unlimited amounts. All catchy “live simply so everyone may simply live” slogan). we have to do is manage it properly Keep our external needs to a minimum and focus on finding As everything comes from God it the divine within ourselves. There is a reservoir of pleasure in also belongs to him. We have our hearts if we only take the time to look. And to give us that no factual claim over anything. time God supplies our material needs in abundance, as long as Naked came we to the world and we do not mismanage them in a frenzy of greed. naked shall we As Gandhi said, there is enough for our needs but not for l e a v e . our greed. Are we really taking only what we need? That F o r g e t t i n g depends. Those advanced on the spiritual path happily survive G o d ’ s with minimal resources -- one or two moderate meals a day, a few (non-designer) clothes and a simple dwelling. We may not be quite ready for that level of frugality, but we can work towards it by steady spiritual practise. We will definitely feel better for it and so will the world. And as for growing economies; that’s also recommended by Krishna in the Bhagavad-gita, although perhaps not the type of growth sought by the government. “Grow food,” says Krishna. “Practise religion and be happy.” It’s a local solution, anyone can do it, we can grow food anywhere, and it’s completely sustainable. An idea whose time cannot be far away.

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Page 7 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter January 2011

Wishing you a spiritually uplifting and happy new year

A sweet start to the New Year Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda's special midnight darshan brought a sweet start to 2011 at Bhaktivedanta Manor as hundreds of devotees came to celebrate and offer prayers for an auspicious year ahead. As devotees joined in the temple room kirtan, outside on the streets of central London another kirtan party cheered up the crowds. Headed by Parasurama das, around 70 devotees had everyone singing and dancing as they wove their way through Oxford Street, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and Chinatown.

January 2011 Prime Minister receives Bhagavad Gita Sat 15 Putrada Ekadasi At the recent Downing Street Diwali Mon 24 App of Srila Gopala Bhatta; Disapp pf Srila Jayadeva Goswami function Srutidharma das presented Sat 29 Sat-tila Ekadasi a copy of Bhagavad Gita As It Is to February 2011 Prime Minister David Cameron. Tue 8 Vasant Pancami; App of Srila Raghunatha Das Goswami & On receiving the book the Prime Srimati Visnupriya Devi; Minister said, “I remember coming to Disapp of Srila Visvanatha Bhaktivedanta Manor and I enjoyed Cakravarti Thakura Thur 10 Appearance of Sri Advaita my visit immensely. I shall keep Acarya (fast till noon) this Bhagavad Gita in 10 Downing Mon 14 Bhaimi Ekadasi, fasting till noon for Varahadeva Street.” Tue 15 Appearance of Lord Varahadeva Wed 16 Appearance of Sri Nityananda Prabhu (fast till noon) A gift to Great Ormond Street Hospital Fri 18 App of Srila Narottama Das Thakura On behalf of Tue 22 Appearance of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura B h a k t i v e d a n t a (fast till noon) Manor’s Lotus Mon 28 Vijaya Ekadasi Trust, Japa Yajna das presented Great Bhaktivedanta Manor Ormond Street Dharam Marg · Hilfield Lane Hospital with Aldenham · Herts WD25 8EZ a cheque for over (for sat-nav only, please use £3000. The funds postcode WD25 8DT) were raised during the 01923 851000 Ahimsa Charity Walk, www.krishnatemple.com which took place in Please send your news, photos and Fryent Country Park comments to Radha Mohan das last summer. [email protected]

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