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