February 2009 his supportfor itssuccessfulimplementation. Health, theRtHon Alan Johnson,MP, whoexpressed Chief Guestofthelaunchwas the SecretaryofStatefor natural consequenceofspirituality.” and caringforthehealth welfareofothersisa compassion andcharity...[these] springfromthesoul, “The NHSisbasedontwogreatspiritualprinciples: Kripamoya dasaddressedtheassembledguests: professionals andreligiousrepresentatives, Speaking totheaudienceofpoliticians,medical sensitive topatients’ needs. UK, andreflectsthedesireofdoctorsnursestobe Hindu patients.Itisthefirstbookofitskindin guide tovariousissuesthatcanarisewhencaringfor Hindu Patients’ aimstoprovideaclearandaccurate Launched inParliamentDecember, ‘CaringFor New booklaunchedinParliament Dedicated toHisDivineGrace A.C. BhaktivedantaSwamiPrabhupada,Founder-AcharyaoftheInternationalSocietyforKrishnaCon compatible foodstuffs.” fruits andmilkaresufficient and human being,agriculturalproduce, attention toanimalprotection.Fora human societyshouldgivemore are nevermeanttobekilled...The the protectionofanimals. Animals vaisyas of theprotectioncitizens, the and trainedtogiveincharity. As by educationinVedic knowledge the mercantilecommunitybacked of foodaretheprimaryduties butter. Agriculture anddistribution milk production,namelycurdand “Cow protectionmeansincreasing Srila Prabhupada: ksatriyas weregiventhechargeof weregivencharge SB: 1.9.26purport for thisheart-breakingincident. The soon afterwardsandsoughtjustice The Gangotricampaignwaslaunched December 2007. the RSPCA atBhaktivedantaManorin Gangotri, anelderlycow, waskilledby sad chapterinthetemple’s history. by theRSPCA,broughttoaclose Farm. The giftofacowtothetemple welcomed anewmembertotheManor On Sunday18thJanuarypriests Turmoil DonatesCow EndsasRSPCA progressive relationship. and indicateditswishtobuilda the offence andhurtithadcaused temple, theRSPCA apologisedfor In December2008,inalettertothe repeated. to ensuresuchincidentswouldnotbe politicians andlegalexpertsinorder DEFRA, the Archbishop ofCanterbury, Gangotri taskforceworkedwith continued onpage5 sciousness HappyBhaktivedantaHappy Manor Newsletter NewNew YearYear 20092009February 2009

Hundreds of devotees and guests congregated to see in the New On New Year’s Day community devotees held a function Year at Bhaktivedanta Manor, singing and chanting the Hare Krishna which included entertainment from their talented youth. mantra till the early hours of the morning. Manor School News - December 2008

The Ramayan The Manor school performed a musical rendition of The Ramayan in a spectacular end of term show which included reciting of slokas (Sanskrit verses) and a demonstration of British Sign Language they had learnt. Delrow House The children brought seasonal cheer to the residents of Delrow House, neighbouring Bhaktivedanta Manor, by singing carols and devotional songs. The children were then treated to a tour of Delrow’s workshop facilities which include pottery, weaving and the bakery, which proved to be an educational experience. Visiting the Elderly Each year the children of the Manor School visit old peoples’ homes to distribute prasad (sanctified vegetarian food), books and to put a smile on the faces of the elderly residents. They also performed items from their end of term show, and sang some Christmas carols. It was a real treat for them to meet the oldest resident at Sunrise Living, Charles, who is 103 years old (pictured here). Marathon Visiting local shops and houses, during the winter Marathon the Manor School children distributed 100 books and 300 packets of tasty cookies! Page 2 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2009 Winter Book Marathon 2008

Srila Prabhupada’s Book Distribution Marathon is an annual event that takes place every December across ISKCON internationally. Devotees make their best efforts to Srila Prabhupada’s timeless wisdom in the form of his books to the general public. Though the direct recipient of a book may not themselves avail of it, someone in the future may read it and have a life-changing experience. Indeed many such stories exist in the extensive annals of ISKCON book distribution history, explaining in part why the founder of the movement gave so much stress to this service. 53 devotees from the Bhaktivedanta Manor community went out to distribute books; from Southampton to Nottingham, Ipswich to Reading. Many others also visited contacts and knocking door to door, making a great contribution to the Marathon. Over 5,000 copies of the Bhagavad-gita were distributed and almost 17,000 other books. On Friday 9th January devotees gathered from across the UK to attend the Book Distribution Marathon Festival. The event included a lecture by Sivarama Swami, presentations and entertainment. During the award ceremony Bhakta Anil was recognised as ‘Best Newcomer’ and Bhaktin Mara recognised for “Best Effort.” Reciting the Song of God - Gita Jayanti During the winter we seek to gather strength through light and warmth more than ever, not just externally, but internally. One of the prime sources of spiritual strength and illumination for devotees are Lord Krishna’s words in the . A wonderful opportunity was presented on Sunday 21st December to chant the entire Bhagavad Gita as devotees gathered for a ceremonial reading. This is an annual event at Bhaktivedanta Manor that also gives many an incentive to distribute copies of the Gita to friends and colleagues. Purushottama Swami and Kripamoya das led the chanting of the Sanskrit verses, giving a short chapter summary after each was completed. Hundreds participated and the reading took almost five hours. Many that took part expressed a great feeling of happiness at reading Lord Krishna's words so intensively in this way. Others also commented that doing so had renewed their determination to make studying the Gita a daily habit.

Page 3 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2009 The Introductory Programme (Bhakta Course)

As well as serving as a temple, Bhakta Charlie comments, “The Bhaktivedanta Manor is also a college. devotees here are very nice. They It offers a number of residential courses basically say whatever you're to those wanting to experience a higher comfortable with doing, go at your own understanding of Vedic culture. pace.” One such course is the Introductory Bhakta Ben adds, “I thought that three Programme which takes place over months was a long time to go away a three-month period, and gives for, but those months have gone by students the opportunity to study Srila in a flash and they've been infinitely Prabhupada's books whilst getting a beneficial. I'd definitely recommend the feel for temple life. Participating in experience to others.” the morning programme, harinama This introductory course to Krishna (street chanting), book distribution, consciousness is held at the Manor scriptural study, learning Indian musical each year, and is perfect for those instruments and rendering humble wanting to go deeper into spiritual life, service are all part of the course. or to develop a sound understanding This year’s graduates, Ben and Charlie, of the Vaisnava philosophy. For more say they gained a lot from their information please e-mail above: Ben & Charlie experience. [email protected] Bhakta course graduates 2008

THE SABBATICAL 2008 - 2009

Returning from an epic adventure in India, the sabbatical programme members have embarked on a three month course at Bhaktivedanta Manor. “Life-changing and amazing” enthused the returning band of travellers. Bhakta Wilfred explained: “It brought deeper meaning to my spiritual life and my diary is now full of a whole new world of experiences. Rendering service in the holy land of and visiting the bhajan places of our spiritual forefathers was eye- opening.” The students were based at ISKCON’s temple in Chowpatty, Mumbai, but travelled extensively. They spent time in Vrindavan, Mayapur, Jagannath Puri, Nasik and even the Sun Temple in Konark, Orissa. At the Manor, their timetable For more information includes scriptural study, write to: practical training and outreach [email protected] activities.

Page 4 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2009 continued from front page... the actions of the RSPCA did truly hurt Kapil Dudakia, the chair of the Gangotri the Hindu community, I am glad that Task Force said, “We trust that the a suitable solution has been found that level of awareness has increased and the allows all key partners to move forward, RSPCA and the Hindu community can keeping in mind animal welfare and the work together, having learnt from this sentiments of the Hindu community.” unfortunate episode. This is a tremendous He was supported by the General day and it is my hope that we do not Secretary of the National Council of witness such difficulties again.” Hindu Temples, Sanjay Jagatia who said, DEFRA recently published a protocol “Cows are very important to Hindus and which guides animal welfare at Hindu in our faith we have a natural respect for temples. New Gokul is Europe’s largest all life. We are all pleased that a matter Cow Protection Centre and is set to open that shocked us into disbelief has now in August. Farm manager Syamasundara been concluded on a positive note.” das was positive about the outcome of The Gangotri task force consisted of the campaign: “This resolution will now members from Britain's Sikh, Jain and help to protect all our cows and I believe Hindu communities. They hailed the the Temple and the RSPCA can now outcome as a positive conclusion to the work together for animal welfare.” campaign. The cow Aditi - which means Ramesh Kallidai, Secretary General of ‘free and boundless’ - is due to give birth the Hindu Forum of Britain said, “Whilst in February.

left: Tears and ashes as Gangotri is taken from the community - turn to feelings of re-concilitation (above) with the welcoming of a pregnant cow to Bhaktivedanta Manor

Greening the Manor The Bhaktivedanta Manor Environmental of any item and use the bins accordingly. • Paper is recycled Committee has launched a campaign Please use the black box bins and Cans are transformed mainly into to encourage the residents, staff and encourage others also. We need your • new cans. Steel has various uses core congregation to be more conscious help to spread the message so please tell including building work of their practice and encourage better everyone about the scheme.” environmental standards in terms of Special thanks to Guru Carana Padma • Paper plates and cups and food recycling, composting and saving dasi and Moksa Laksmi dasi who are waste are transformed into compost energy. All this is very much in line encouraging the Manor School pupils • Glass is used for road aggregate and with Srila Prabhupada's instructions on to use their recycling facilities. “the to make new glass bottles ‘simple living, high thinking’. children have learnt the slogan ‘Reuse, “We want to show people that there is Reduce, Recycle and Repair’ explained a sustainable alternative to thoughtless Guru Carana Padma dasi. “We have modern exploitation,” commented Kripa many initiatives Moya das, “visitors to the Manor will within the start to see changes this year. We’ve school including already stopped using polystyrene plates, inviting we’re eating home-grown potatoes and speakers from we’re beginning new strategies to deal local authorities, with the large amount of recycling that recycling our needs to be done. New energy-saving waste, making measures have been put in place and compost we’re drawing our electricity from a and growing green source”. vegetables”. Sita Rama das, head of the Manor What happens Environmental Committee added, “The to the separated Manor now has the facility to recycle waste produced waste and a food compost scheme for by the Manor? paper plates and cups is being piloted. Please be conscious when you dispose

Page 5 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2009

Bus Ride to Nowhere - by das

we cannot prevent. Even scientists, and Governments don’t only enforce law and it was a prominent one who funded the punish offenders; they also administer and bus campaign, spend their time trying manage the state, keeping things going to find and understand the laws of the smoothly (we hope), so we have food, universe. Laws. Those things that cannot shelter, money and everything else we be changed or contravened, which uphold require if we are to live happily. our existence and which obviously must Surely then there must be a universal have an upholder. Laws mean a lawmaker, government maintaining the cosmos and and no matter how proud we may become providing our necessities. The sun draws of our learning and progress, we can never water from the ocean, which then goes up claim to have made any universal laws. to the sky, over the land and rains down on As for a judge, well we have to ask why, our fields; and we eat. A wonderful system, despite our best efforts to avoid it, do we and one over which we have no control, suffer? All our work aims at one end, to along with all such perfect universal enjoy life and be happy. In accordance arrangements. To date no scientist has with our best understanding of cause and been able to manufacture even one seed, effect we work in ways calculated to never mind a sun. produce desirable results, but we often reap Who is the fool who will suggest that a rather a different harvest. So why is that? there is no intelligence behind all these Honest thought should conclude that we intricate universal systems; and that they are doing something wrong; that we have go on by chance? Day after day they not yet properly understood the universal continue working. If chance brought them Travellers laws and are therefore transgressing them, into being, and if chance is truly supreme battling to our cost. and there is no controller, then we should through the That does not mean there must be a expect no predictability. Everything should Westminster traffic this month are likely stern God sitting somewhere in judgment, run wild with random occurrences popping to encounter a bleak message emblazoned waiting for us to sin so he can rain down up everywhere without rhyme or reason. on buses. “There’s probably no God. pestilence and death upon us. I can quite But as we all know that is probably not Now stop worrying and enjoy life,” is understand people wanting to get away going to happen. Again, the very point of the dubious legend plastered to a number from that kind of fierce deity. But as in science is to fathom out the rhymes and of the vehicles meandering around the any state or country, there are laws and reasons behind nature, so we can predict nation’s capital. I’m not sure how its consequences that will ensue if we break the outcome of our endeavors with some authors think we should respond to this them. We need those laws. The Vedas certainty. call. Should we breathe a sigh of relief and say that in the absence of law and order, But how well are we doing that? Which immediately rush off to engage in all sorts enforced by good government, then the brings me back to my point above. of licentious behaviour so long denied us ‘law of the fish’ will soon prevail. The There is a higher power, let’s call it God, by God? That sounds worrying to me, I bigger fish will swallow the smaller one. determining the consequences of our work. have to say. Such so-called enjoyment is Honest citizens are therefore happy to see We are obliged to accept those results inevitably indulged in at considerable cost the rule of law in place. It is only criminals and no slogan on any bus can change to the world, to others and ultimately to who revel in a lawless state. that. Our best hope is to accept the very our own selves. Intoxication, illicit sex, The message on the bus could well have high probability of God’s existence, try to stealing, gambling, killing and other such said, “There is no government. Now go properly understand his desires, and then sins generally vetoed by religion are not out and party.” But honesty must again carry them out to the best of our ability. activities we should lightly unleash on the intervene to point out that if there is no Only then will we truly stop worrying and world at large. government the party will soon be over. enjoy life. What do the proponents of this Bhakta Adventures message mean by No thanks, I don't ‘God’ anyway? As believe in reincarnation we know the term is variously interpreted, No thanks, I don't believe in but if we assume reincarnation they mean a supreme controller and judge OK, fine! of our acts, then just I'll take a book... how probable is his non-existence? It is not very probable that there is no power moving us in ways

Page 6 Vijayata Hirani Age: 25 Currently: Working as a Pre-Registration Pharmacist at St Mary’s Hospital Studied: MPharm Pharmacy Happy 15th Birthday (London School of Pharmacy) ISKCON Pandava Sena! What made you start attending ISKCON Pandava Sena (IPS), recently place only in Harrow, but later also ran in east IPS events? celebrated its 15th birthday. Vishal Merai and west London. University Societies were I had met the “Hare Krsnas” and was reading investigates how the group has developed since set up as well. Through its involvement in the their books. I was intrigued by the philosophy its humble beginnings back in January 1994 campaign, PS had developed a rapport with and so asked them whether there was a way in which I could become involved. I was 15 at Pandava Sena (PS), as it was originally known, many senior members of ISKCON, who in turn the time. They told me about ‘Pandava Sena’ was set up by a small group of radical devotees facilitated the group’s events. They included HH and explained they are the youth group of the to assist in the battle to keep Bhaktivedanta Sivarama Swami, HH Bhakti Caru Swami, HH movement and that they are very active. Manor open. At the time, attempts were made , HG Tribuvannath Dasa and by the local council to close many more senior devotees. Their inspiration What did you find appealing down the temple due to and guidance led to another cultural shift its increasing popularity. in PS – sincere study about KC? Gradually, the local council of Srila Prabhupada’s Ooh difficult one. The catchy kirtans, the sweet and the government took books. caring devotees, the mind-blowing philosophy. It away the right of worship An annual summer trip had the answers, and made so much sense, and by the Hindu community, became a regular feature when practising the process - what a feeling! The and something needed to in the PS calendar, devotees were so enthused, and would go out of be done. now attracting over a their way to share Krsna with others. I wanted to The very idea of a youth hundred youth each year. be like that. group was a collective A sabbatical system was What services are you currently idea, and headed by initiated, giving Senas Navina Krsna Dasa the the opportunity to visit involved in? small group, less than ten several dhamas (places Currently, my main services include MC’ing members, rallied support of pilgrimage) in India at the East London IPS Jammin and serving from around the country, as well as studying and Krsna’s beloved cows in the Manor’s goshalla organised protests and experiencing life in the (cow shed). lobbied politicians and, by ashram (monk quarters) doing so, played a crucial of Bhaktivedanta Manor. Interesting fact about yourself role in the campaign. PS increased its involvement in I went to a private independent girls school the Manor’s festivals, especially Janmashtami. A in South Kensington. It was unique in that we What was initially a human mentorship scheme was set up, which ensured learnt to read and write Sanskrit using the rights campaign for many of the young members that younger Senas could benefit from the Ramayan as our text book, mathematics was to keep the temple open led to an insight as to guidance and support of the older members. taught via the Vedic approach of ‘Nikhilam’, and what Krishna Consciousness (KC) was all about. The campaign had a deep spiritual impact on all Subsequent chairpersons – Sandipan Krsna at the age of 10, we were initiated into a sacred these younger people. Dasa, Yuvraj ‘UV’ Rana and Jay Shetty – mantra meditation which we practised as a have built on the successes of previous years class at the beginning and end of the day for 10 “Through their involvement in the campaign, many and have taken the group to new heights. IPS minutes with regular mentoring. members developed a stronger appreciation has expanded to Leicester, Birmingham and of the value of the temple and the philosophy Crawley, and there are branches of IPS in USA, of the movement and thus became inspired jammin Canada, Australia, India, Malaysia and Holland jammin to participate to a greater extent” commented as well. The large number of members that jammin Navina Krsna Dasa. jammin jammin have undertaken diksha (spiritual initiation) is a jammin At the heart of it, these youth became exposed significant indication of the group’s success - at to the profound clarity of Srila Prabhupada’s least 35 people thus far in this country. teachings which cleared their cloudy ideas of jammin The next issue will look at IPS’s plans for the Hinduism. future After the campaign was Jammin is a fortnightly youth event organised won, PS focused its We would like to congratulate the and facilitated by IPS efforts on cultivating its members of IPS that made formal Forthcoming Jammins: members and attracting affirmations of their commitment to 23rd Jan - Harrow - Easy journey to other many, many more ISKCON recently in an important and planets youngsters to KC. natural step known as ‘initiation’, or 30th Jan - East - The real world Bi-weekly Jammin’ ‘diksha’ in Sanskrit. Initiation formally 31st Jan - Crawley - Vedas and Islam events were established, marks the acceptance of a spiritual 6th Feb - Harrow - Just give me the light initially to focus on kirtan master by an aspiring disciple through 13th Feb - East - When a man loves a woman (devotional singing and which they are awarded a new 14th Feb - Crawley - Bhagavad-gita dancing) but developed spiritual name. We saw members chapter 9 to sessions that included make vows to His Holiness Sivarama interactive discussions Swami and we very much look forward For more details see wwww.psena.com on the philosophy of to seeing more members taking this Subject to change KC. Initially they took all important step in the future. Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2009 Sharing the Shabbat Community Faithful Kripa Moya das and Guru Carana Padma dasi represented Nadiya-Mani dasi, a disciple of Sivarama Swami, graduated Bhaktivedanta Manor at the interfaith Community Service on with a B.Ed (Hons) in Primary Teaching at the University of 29th November, at the Radlett and Bushey Reform Synagogue. Hertfordshire. The event fell She has been a close member on the Jewish of the Manor community all holy day her life, attending the Manor Shabbat, a time Nursery, Manor School and, for families in the Tutor Group, she and friends continued her education at the to gather Manor up to 16 years old. for meals, prayer and "I would love to teach at relaxation. the Manor School,” Nadiya explained, “then I would have Kripamoya das is come full circle and be able shown the ancient scrolls of the to give something back to the Torah community I grew up with.”

New Gokul Update New Gokul continues to develop with several barns nearing completion. Two of the old barns have been demolished to make way for a new milking parlour, ox power mill and visitors’ facilities. The cows have been temporarily re-located to one of the new barns for the duration of winter. The new high quality buildings will allow cows and their human carers to work in a purpose-built environment.

Calendar - dates for your diary Bhaktivedanta Manor February 2009 Sat 21st Disapp of Sri Dharam Marg · Hilfield Lane Mon 23rd Maha Siva Ratri Mon 2nd App of Sri Advaita Acarya Aldenham · Herts · WD25 8EZ (fasting till noon) Wed 25th Disapp of Srila Jagannatha Das Babaji Wed 4th Disapp of Sri Madhvacarya 01923 851000 Thur 5th Disapp of Sri Ramanujacarya

Fri 6th Bhaimi Ekadasi App of Lord Varahadeva March 2009 www.krishnatemple.com (fasting till noon for Lord Varahadeva Sat 7th Amalaki Vrata Ekadasi & Sri Nityananda Prabhu) Sun 8th Disapp of Sri Please send your news, photos Sat 7th App of Sri Nityananda Prabhu Tue 10th Gaura Purnima: Appearance of and comments to Radha Mohan Mon 9th App of Srila Narottama Das Thakura Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu das at: Fri 13th App of Srila Bhaktissidhanta (fasting till moonrise) Saraswati Thakura (fasting till noon) Sun 15th Gaura Purnima & Holi Festival at [email protected] Fri 20th Vijaya Ekadasi Bhaktivedanta Manor

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