h cw glo ot o spring! for out gallop cows The

Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada, Founder- of the International Society for Consciousness Krishna for Society International the of Founder-Acharya Prabhupada, Swami Grace Bhaktivedanta Divine A.C. His to Dedicated May 2010 SB: 8.8.11SB: Purport cows. the to protection give must trade, and agriculture in engage who class, vaisya the of those especially varnashrama, of system the follow who men civilisation...Civilized human for is animal this impotant how imagine just can we important, are cow a of dung and urine the even Since directions. Vedicthe to according performed ceremonies ritualistic all in required are urine, cow and dung cow ghee, yogurt, cow,milk, the namely from received products five The Prabhupada: Srila fresh grass. fresh the on feast to able also are they spring of onset the freely,with but roam they can only Not fields! the across gallop and horses like air the in legs hind their kick they that again outside being at overjoyed so are cows The alike. onlookers and cows both for experience entertaining an is out cows the Letting winter.entire the for inside sheltered being after fields pasturing the into out let are bulls and cows our all spring, Every both – 1,2,3” as Gita: easy As Bhagavad “The on presentation a Desire’of and ‘Fire the on workshop a included sessions following The form. His of manifestion physical the through Krishna Lord with relationship their build to devotees allow that traditions Vaisnavathe into insights given were students Templethe the to shrine– students the introducing by opened das activity.Bhavana of Bhuta day rollercoaster a enjoyed and Manor the to welcomed warmly were Brunel and ,Portsmouth QMUL, Warwick,UCL, City,from Kings, ‘Balance’the students At retreat, them. for platform a provide which organised are events depth, greater in Consciousness Krishna of philosophy the explore to want who those for problems. material And to solutions spiritual discover to opportunity the given are students topics, diverse on discussions interactive weekly country.the across With universities twenty at run now are Socs’) (‘KC Societies Consciousness Krishna students Manor the at congregate University Brtain's new Prime Minister Prime new Brtain's CameronDavid to Congratulations opportunity to milk and feed the cows. the feed and milk to opportunity the given then were Students practical. and accessible Consciousness Krishna of messages core the making ...continued on page 2 page on ...continued Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter May 2010

Amekhala devi dasi – A Tribute

something very important to her. Her strength and conviction always amazed me. It was one of her most attractive qualities. She always remained positive in her life despite many very difficult circumstances. She used that experience to try and help others with their own hardships in the most caring way. I am happy knowing Amekhala devi On 23rd April Amekhala devi dasi dasi passed her final test and has passed away surrounded by many given me tools to help me pass mine. lotus feet of her spiritual master. This of her friends. Becoming a disciple Her example will be appreciated by so she did with remarkable dedication of Srila Prabhupada in 1974, she many for the rest of their lives. I am and fortitude. May Lord Caitanya and was a prominent member of the one of them. Bhaktivedanta Manor community and Lord Nityananda forever keep her at was mother to five children. Shortly Srutakirti das Their lotus feet." after her passing, numerous devotees "The passing of Amekhala is Visvadevi devi dasi came forward to share their moving a testimony of the shelter and "Amekhala was a kind, compassionate and affectionate tributes to her life, compassion that Srila Prabhupada and good person at heart. her personality and her loyalty. has bestowed upon us all. She was Understanding the most exalted his unalloyed spiritual daughter, and "Amekhala had hundreds of devotees position of Srila Prabhupada means we witnessed Srila Prabhupada’s pass through the hospice in the last understanding the position of those unconditional love by having her few days she was here. She wanted, who serve him with every breath, surrounded by devotees, and devotees of course, that her leaving in the UK even their last one. For me, this is everywhere praying for her final be a reason for everyone to come the parting message of our beloved journey. Krishna in His kindness to Bhaktivedanta Manor to glorify Godsister Amhekala." Srila Prabhupada, a way to bring reciprocated with her commitment to Patita Pavana das the community together. That was always get devotees together at the

University students congregate at the Manor ...continued from frontpage The kirtan, which eventually, and perhaps excitement continued in a cooking inevitably,erupted into a dance just as demonstration on how to prepare a the sunlight was fading. quick and cheap vegetarian student Presidents of the KC Socs are meal…naturally leading into a delicious considered to be true ‘Spiritual lunch! Warriors’ and leaders-in-training. Not The day ended with back to back only do they juggle their studies, workshops, ‘Balance: Mind, Body and exams, part-time work, family and Soul’ and ‘Mantra ’ – voted social obligations, but they all make by the students as the favourite session time to organise weekly sessions, of the day. It started out with chanting special events, festivals and retreats. on beads, creating a wonderfully Our appreciations to Sandipan Krishna calming experience for the young das who organised the event. active minds!. Next followed a soft

The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams met Srutidharma das and other faith leaders at the Oshwal Centre. The Archbishop spoke of the shared values that exist across religions and cultures and how working together can benefit humanity.

Page 2 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter May 2010

Lord embodies all the virtues which make Him an ideal role-model for humanity - and especially those in positions of leadership in society. Throughout His life He won the hearts of His subjects through exemplary bravery, courage, kindness, sense of justice, honour, obedience, respect, compassion and adherence to dharma (religious duty). It is no wonder that Ramanavami (the birth of Lord Rama) is such an important date in the Temple calendar. Among the special guests who attended the public festival was Dominic Grieve MP, the Justice Secretary for the Conservative Party. The Deputy Mayor of , Richard Barnes, who also attended, showed particular interest in the New Gokul cow protection project because he himself was brought up on a farm. The stage program was particularly successful this year as guests and pilgrims crammed into the tent for an evening’s devotional entertainment. Thanks to the sunny weather, the Children’s Spring Festival was more highly attended than ever. Many people would like to live in a society exemplifying the sublime teachings and virtues as practiced in Lord Rama’s kingdom. This is possible only if we implement the teachings of Krishna Consciousness in our lives. Ramnavami at Krishna Avanti School As part of the Ramanavami festival celebrations, children of the Manor School performed a play about Lord Rama at the new Krishna Avanti School in Edgware. Afterwards Jahnavi delivered a workshop on hand mudras (gestures) as used in Bharat Natyam dancing. The Krishna Avanti children enjoyed their experience and it proved to be a great bonding session between the two schools.

Page 3 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter May 2010

Many new volunteers spent a day seeding Record numbers plant seeds of devotion up a whole field at the Manor. Compost was placed in hundreds of pots, and pumpkin, courgette, marrow, cucumber, okra, parsnip, beetroot and carrot seeds were sown. 45 children and 25 adults took part, including members of the Shishukunj organisation (meaning ‘a garden of children’). Based in Finchley and Kingsbury, the organisation is dedicated to the welfare and cultural development of children. A huge amount of volunteers showed up for potato planting with 45 adults and 65 children providing invaluable service on that day. “It was very inspirational to receive the help of so many volunteers this year,” explained Head of Horticulture Krishna Caitanya das. “We benefit so much from their participation. They are welcome to come to the fields and see the results of their work.” If you are interested in volunteering please apply online: www.manorvolunteering.com

Initiation – A personal commitment - By Sharan das During the auspicious month of Initiation is a relationship between three you the name Jagannath Sharan das.” As Purushottama, on the eleventh day of persons; namely Lord Krishna, the I reached forward to gratefully receive the waxing phase of the moon, known spiritual teacher and the aspiring student. my new chanting beads in the palm of as Padmini Ekadasi, fifty candidates Relationship means commitment, my hands, I once again became aware received initiation from His Holiness responsibility and love. Vows are made of the world around me as the devotees , a spiritual teacher by the aspiring spiritual student to strive shouted out blessings and cheers. and travelling , author of the to adhere to principles that will help him So how does it feel to be initiated? A few autobiographical “The Journey Home.” on his spiritual journey, a journey to weeks have passed since the day itself, The following is a personal account by uncover his dormant loving relationship and I am constantly reminded that I have Janak Rajani - one of the fifty candidates with Krishna. Why are vows necessary? It been blessed with an extended spiritual that day:- is for the spiritual teacher to understand, family of brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles Having paid my respects, it was now my “Oh, this student is serious.” Witnessed and cousins. By the encouragement and turn to go forward and receive initiation by the spiritual master, as well as the support of this loving family of devotees from His Holiness Radhanath Swami. I community of loving devotees, and the I hope to traverse through the exciting moved closer and sat within earshot of Lord Himself, these vows give strength spiritual adventure that lies ahead of him, as he looked upon me with keen and the combined blessings of each me. attention and focus. The world around witness. In return, out me froze – and I was conscious only of of his generosity and Radhanath Swami sitting before me, the compassion, the guru, beautiful painting of Srila Prabhupada or spiritual teacher that graced the wall above him, and Sri takes on a life-long Sri -Gokulananda, who lovingly responsibility to teach graced us with Their beautiful smiles the student to become - this despite being in a temple room more serious still. full of loving friends, family and well- Radhanath Swami wishers. As I proceeded to offer my spoke to me as vows of commitment, first to the process follows, “On behalf of Krishna consciousness, and then to of Srila Prabhupada, Srila Prabhupada’s family of ISKCON. I am honoured to give

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a dozen books on and The first Vaishnava Resources Exhibition spirituality, and working as an adviser to environmental projects in and , he saw the need for a publishing house bringing together these interests. www.fitzroviapress.com was founded in 1972 by Srila Prabhupada. The BBT is the world’s largest publisher of ancient and classic Vaishnava texts, epics, and contemporary works on Vedic philosophy, theology and culture. BBT UK email: [email protected] Rathayatra is celebrated by devotees all over the world after being introduced to the west in 1967 in San Franscisco by Srila Prabhupada. Rathayatra is ISKCON’s biggest street festival expanding to more than 20 places in the UK. www.rathayatra.co.uk Krishna Club (in the suburbs) is a The first Vaishnava Resources Exhibition Prabhupada. www.mayapur.tv/ sister of the Krishna Club Sunday , organised by Kripamoya das took place The Lotus Trust aims to raise the School, which is now in its 15th year at Bhaktivedanta Manor recently. It was quality of life of people throughout at the Manor. Krishna Club is now in an opportunity for creative devotees the UK, celebrate multiculturalism and three locations: East, North and West of to show what they’re offering to the diversity, and reach those who may be London. community and a time for networking and socially deprived or in isolation. The Weekend Warriors is a small street offering encouragement to innovative welfare arm of The Lotus Trust recently festival organized by a team of devotees preaching. A sample of the participants ran a Haiti Appeal, raising a substantial from Soho Street Temple. They hold a included: amount for the victims of the earthquake. programme every Saturday in different Adi-Guru das works to present Krishna www.thelotustrust.org areas of London to support the local consciousness to a variety of audiences at The Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies groups. You will regularly see them in New Age shows like the Show and (OCHS) is a Recognized Independent Ealing Broadway, Croydon and Ilford. Body Mind Spirit. www.pure-incense. Centre of Oxford University. The Email: [email protected] com, www.ashram-emporium.co.uk principal aim of the Centre is the study Ananta das is an accomplished Mayapur.tv is ISKCON’s provider of live of Hindu culture, religion, languages, ISKCON local artist whose work appears videos over the internet. It has two other literature, philosophy, history, arts and in various children’s books . Some of channels that operate: – ISKCONlifeTV, society, in all periods and in all parts of his work has recently appeared in the which has playlists of ISKCON festivals the world. www.ochs.org.uk Back to Godhead magazines and he is and classes; and PrabhupadaTV, which Fitzrovia Press grew out of the work currently working on the book called has continual classes/videos of Srila of . After publishing ‘Gita Stories’. Weekend Warriors fighting strong The Weekend Warriors - heroic devotees who hit the streets across the London boroughs and beyond – continue to battle against the illusory energy with the weapons of Srila Prabhupada’s books the chanting of the Holy Names and prasad (sanctified vegetarian food) ! If you would like to know more, contact Bhakta Sachin: [email protected]

Page 5 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter May 2010 VOTING FOR REAL

CHANGE by das unattainable. condition. No matter how hard we try to secure We are not meant to suffer, and hence our situation and make it permanent, our never ending battle to overcome through building solid houses, good misery in all its unwanted forms. Leaders healthcare, strong defences and whatever, always claim that they will somehow eventually everything will fall apart and alleviate our suffering and increase our we ourselves will die. “All valiant dust happiness, and allured by this promise that builds on dust.” We may work hard we give them our vote. But until they to achieve a state of uninterrupted bliss, understand how to move us toward pure but it will be always marred by the onset spiritual awareness they will always fall of diseases, anxiety, disasters, wars, and short on their promises. “The only constant is change.” In this an inventive array of miseries we inflict They need only turn to the Gita. Krishna world that is certainly true. Nothing upon one another. And our endeavours to explains that we can attain our spiritual stays the same, not even for a moment. attain knowledge will be never ending, nature by approaching him, the Supreme All things are forever moving from one for there is no end to our ignorance. As Spirit. One Vedic text says, “Come out state to another. In the case of political it is said, the more we know the more of the darkness and into the light, out of parties and leaders that often seems to be we realise we don’t know. But we want ignorance and into knowledge.” Krishna from a state of grace to one of disgrace. to know. Information or knowledge - the is compared to the brilliant sun and Sooner or later we will inevitably tire of ‘news’ - is thrust at us from all sides when we approach him the darkness of them and elect someone else. these days, day and night. It seems we ignorance and forgetfulness is completely Those therefore hoping for election can’t get enough. dissipated. Just as the sunlight purifies all often campaign on the word ‘change’. Leaders then have a real struggle on contamination so the brilliance of God “Change we can believe in,” was Barack their hands to satisfy the people they purifies our contaminated consciousness Obama’s rallying cry, and now here in lead. Unless, that is, they base their and we shine forth as our eternal ecstatic the UK the Conservative Party urged policies upon an understanding of our selves. us to “Vote for Change.” Even Gordon real spiritual nature, and how we can be How to make such an approach is also Brown at a Labour party conference restored to that happy condition. explained by Krishna. “Do everything as declared that his Party would be the This knowledge is given in the Bhagavad- an offering to me, for my pleasure, while “change makers” for the “many and not gita. First of all Krishna explains always thinking of me.” That’s Krishna’s the few”. that the main change confronting us campaign slogan. A bit different from the It’s a good platform. We all want is the changing body. It is constantly usual message of course, which always change, an improvement to our present transforming and bound for ultimate entails somehow increasing our own situation. It is a rare person who is destruction, but the soul, the person pleasure, but that’s the point, before we content. Most of us are striving to make within, is not. Through all the external can please ourselves we need to know things better, our finances, job, homes, changes the soul remains the same. who we are. If we are not the changing health, relationships, peace of mind or We all have experience of our body body there’s no point simply trying for whatever. It seems to be human nature growing through so many stages, but we bodily pleasure. As eternal beings we are to be dissatisfied with our lot, no matter know that we are still the same person. a part of the Supreme, and his pleasure is how good it may be. Knowing this unchanging person is self- automatically ours. The closer we get to What do we really want though? What realisation, or realising our true nature. Krishna the closer we get to our real self, are we looking for? When will we That is the change we need, that our our eternal identities as pure spiritual finally stop struggling to change our leaders should lead us toward; changing beings, full of bliss and knowledge. lives? According to Vedic wisdom we our consciousness. Right now we are Somehow I doubt that our leaders’ are trying to get back to our original absorbed in bodily consciousness, enthusiasm for change will encompass true nature, which is eternal, blissful identifying with so many temporary any change in consciousness. Except that and full of knowledge. However, we designations that pertain only to the we become conscious of their undoubted face an uphill battle as this world is destructible body. Hence we suffer, as eligibility for our vote. But until they described as being intrinsically the we also identify with all the miseries that incorporate Krishna’s message into their very opposite; temporary, miserable attend the body. It is only when we are manifestos we would probably have and full of ignorance. Hence science, free of this false consciousness that we voted for more of the same, changing technology, industry, indeed human become free of suffering, which means only from one state of dissatisfaction to endeavour in every field never ceases to reinstated in our constitutionally joyful another. embrace change as we strive to attain the

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Roshni Vaghjiani

Age: 17 Studying: A-levels in Art, Economics, Geography, Sharing the mercy of Gaura- Maths What made you start attending IPS events? In this issue Madhvi Mulji on a long term basis. This I came to the Janmastami festival in 2008 at explains the tradition of original set now reside Bhaktivedanta Manor and as I was walking travelling Sri Sri Gaura- permanently in the home through the festival field I saw the IPS banner Nitai in ISKCON of two of group’s original which said ‘you have 24 hours to live…’. Being Pandava Sena (IPS) members and another set a fan of the action TV program 24, I decided of Gaura-Nitai deities are to go into the IPS area and take a look. After On 03 April 2010, around now blessing the lives of watching the video I was invited to the next 70 IPS members took part various Sena youth. Rahul Harrow Jammin. I was nervous as I was on my in the ceremony at the Popat, who heads up own but everyone opened their arms to me and ISKCON Leicester temple deity worship for Harrow I have never stopped going ever since. to consecrate the latest Jammin, commented set of travelling Gaura- Sri Sri Vijaya-Gauranga Dayal-Nitai - the “Serving Vijaya-Gauranga What did you initially find Nitai deities – these join London IPS travelling Gaura-Nitai deities Dayal-Nitai [the London appealing about KC? the several already being IPS travelling Gaura-Nitai deities] with my The most appealing thing about KC is how passed around IPS members so that they can sister is just amazing - it feels as though I have take it turns to worship Them. happy everyone you associate with is. It’s love eternal friends who are protecting me.” that is shared between everyone together with Being absolute, there is nothing that Lord There is another set venerated by members an appreciation of the world. Also, I love the Krishna cannot control and so although the of the IPS Krishna Consciousness Society at feeling of contentment after a rocking kirtan! deity form is made from matter, it becomes Aston University. Although the travelling deities ‘spiritualised’ through following corresponding worshipped in Crawley do not specifically What services are you currently scriptural instructions. In ISKCON there belong to Crawley IPS, they are cared for involved in? is particular emphasis on engaging in the mainly by IPS members based there. I’m helping to organise the IPS tent at devotional service of Lord Chaitanya and Lord Janmastami 2010. I enjoyed myself so much Nityananda, commonly referred to as ‘Gaura- Standards for worshipping deities vary last year that I’m sure serving again this year Nitai’ together. They are incarnations of Lord considerably, especially between those kept will be just as much fun if not greater. Make Krishna and Lord Balaram respectively and at home compared to those in temples. With sure you come and check it out! appeared around 500 years ago in the Bengal the IPS deities, those looking after Them are region of the Indian subcontinent. required to perform the aarti ceremony on a Interesting fact about yourself daily basis as well to offer Them food. The tradition of travelling Gaura-Nitai deities I do Bollywood dancing professionally and got in IPS started in 1994 to give the opportunity It is hoped that Gaura-Nitai continue to shower the opportunity to be part of a European tour in to learn this important aspect of Vedic culture Their blessings on IPS and that more such which I backing danced in ten different venues without having to commit to looking after Them deities can be introduced in the future. in five different countries.

We would like to congratulate the jammin many members of IPS that made jammin formal affirmations of their commitment jamminjamminjammin to ISKCON recently in an important jammin and natural step known as ‘initiation’, or ‘’ in Sanskrit. Initiation formally marks the acceptance of a jamminJammin is a fortnightly dynamic youth event spiritual master by an aspiring disciple organised and facilitated by IPS through which they are awarded a Forthcoming Jammins: new spiritual name. We saw members East - 07/05 - Mistaken Identity make vows to His Holiness Radhanath Harrow - 14/05 - Power of surrender Swami and we very much look forward East - 21/05 - What planet are you from? to seeing more members taking this Harrow - 28/05 - Evoloution the delusion all important step in the future. It was East - 04/06 - The Golden Avatar particularly heartening to see that out Harrow - 11/06 - He is forever young of all of the devotees initiated recently East - 18/06 - No news from God at the Manor, although they were from Harrow - 25/06 - The ultimate player around the UK and Europe, almost half For more details see wwww.psena.com of them were members of IPS. Subject to change

Page 7 The Lotus Trust transforming lives... Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter Charity Registration No. 1114304 ©2007 Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s CharitMayy. Registered charit2010y no. 235825.

The Lotus Trust transforming lives... Charity Registration No. 1114304 ©2007 Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Registered charity no. 235825.

Andrew Feldman The Chief Executive of the Conservative Party, Mr Andrew Feldman, enjoyed his visit to Bhaktivedanta Manor. He studied at the Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School in Elstree, lived in Bushey and has a variety of other local connections. He was invited to the Temple by Dolar Popat , a business entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Chanting at St. Patrick’s day Parade This was the first year the devotees were involved in London’s St. Patrick’s day Parade in London. Embracing the festive mood, Parasuram das and friends wore costumes and some even performed acrobatics! It was a great opportunity to make the mantra more famous and meet new people.

Calendar Dates July 2010 May 2010 Thur 8 Yogini Ekadasi Sat 22 App of Devi & Sun 11 Disapp of Sri App of Jahnava Devi Gadadhara Pandita and Mon 24 Ekadasi, Srila Bhaktivinoda National Vegetarian Thakur Week (Fasting till noon) Wed 26 App of Lord Mon 12 Gundica Marjana Nrsimhadev Tue 13 Ratha Yatra (fasting till noon) (Jagannatha Puri) June 2010 Wed 21 Sayana Ekadasi Tue 1 Disapp of Sri Sun 25 Guru (Vyasa) Purnima, Raya Disapp of Srila Tue 8 Apara Ekadashi Sanatana Goswami Sun 20 London Ratha Yatra, Mon 26 Month of Sravana Father's Day First month of Caturmasya London Ratha Yatra begins (fast from green Tue 22 Bhim Nirjala Ekadashi leafy vegetables for 1 th Thur 24 Panihati Cida Dahi month) Sun 20 June Utsava

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