Bhaktivedanta Manor Dharam Marg · Hilfield Lane Aldenham · Herts (For Sat-Nav Only, Please Use Postcode WD25 8HE) 01923 851000
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October 2017 BHAKTIVEDANTA October 2017 MANOR NEWSLETTER International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Founder Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada JANMAShtami 2017 1 8 The Backbone of the Manor’s Festivals 10 10 Appearance day of Srila Prabhupada 14 Srila Prabhupada: Haveli update Our Hare Krishnaa movement is standing on three principal things: 12 chanting, dancing, and 18 eating prasadam. It is Mother Kulangana not very difficult. It is very enjoyable to chant, dance, and take prasadam. And if you like, you can hear a little philosophy of this movement. Ratha-yatra -- London, July 13, 1972 16 Please send your news, photos and comments to: Radha Mohan das [email protected] Bhaktivedanta Manor Dharam Marg · Hilfield Lane Aldenham · Herts (for sat-nav only, please use postcode WD25 8HE) 01923 851000 www.krishnatemple.com © 2017, All articles & photographs copyright of Bhaktivedanta Manor October 2017 A SPIRITUAL WONDERLAND FOR KRISHNA’s birthdAY On the 13th and 15th of August, celebrated with song and dance and a Bhaktivedanta Manor celebrated specially-decorated altar, but here we its famous Sri Krishna Janmashtami create a spiritual Disneyland, a day out festival, transforming the serene temple for the family.” grounds into a resplendent festival site A large crowd was attracted to the brimming with tents. bright and lively Kirtan (devotional As Temple President Srutidharma music) Tent, which had a band playing das said, “usually Janmashtami is a plethora of musical instruments such as guitars, the tabla (hand drum) and mridanga (clay drum). These instruments accompanied the melodious voices of singers from across the UK. It was a common sight over the two days to see the crowd joyfully dancing with devotion. The tent run by the resident monks showcased a hilarious yet thought- provoking play. It was about a king and his four wives, three of whom 3 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter represented different attachments within this world: possessions, family and proven logic to explain why the concept friends, and the body. The fourth wife of a conscious soul makes sense, represented Krishna who is neglected without using spiritual terminology or until it is too late! any philosophy. The play encouraged people pay The “Veggie Steady Cook” tent, much attention to the fourth wife by signing up like the similarly-named television show to a course or subscribing to the Back “Ready Steady Cook”, was a barrel to Godhead magazine. of laughs! Two teams of cooks had to prepare a vegetarian dish whilst One of the most innovative presenters told the audience about the contributions to the festival this year virtues of a vegetarian diet. was the Pandava Sena tent. The youth organisation put on a clever and Krishna Land, the children’s area, mesmerising shadow performance of was bursting full of colour and activity the Bhagavad Gita. A brainchild of as always. As well as having the new members of Pandava Sena, the opportunity to get face-painting, gopi- performance gave new light to the dots and henna done, children were traditional wisdom of the Gita. also able to enjoy a bouncy castle, swing baby Krishna, and watch some Science of the Soul, in its second year fantastic plays acted out by fellow kids. now, was a relatively new attraction. Led by devotees who are also qualified As the UK’s foremost centre for cow scientists, it used verified science and protection and working oxen, New Gokul farm provided adults and 4 October 2017 children alike the opportunity to feed Charu Swami delivered an interactive the animals, learn about the poor state presentation, while the Bhaktivedanta of cows in the modern dairy industry Players exclusively premiered their and understand the significance of cows “Krishna Kaliya” drama. and bulls in Vedic culture. Visitors could A musical highlight of the festival was also purchase dairy products made at the performance by the Babaji Reggae the cruelty-free farm. Band. They turned the main tent into The mantra meditation garden was a a concert full of both classical Indian beautiful, quaint escape from the hustle and reggae-style songs, that made the and bustle of the rest of the festival. crowd jump to their feet and dance to Set with 108 stepping-stones, Srila the beat. Prabhupada’s chanting playing in the The final show on the day of background, as well as lovely flowers Janmashtami was a beautifully and shrubbery dotting the area, the produced play by the older members of garden was decorated with visitors the Pandava Sena, depicting the birth of taking a moment to chant the Hare Lord Krishna. With the conclusion of the Krishna mantra. Over 7,000 pilgrims play, abhishek (ceremonial bathing) of chanted the Mahamantra. the deities was performed on the stage Meanwhile, the stage programme and the assembled devotees offered inside the main marquee was as vibrant flowers during the midnight aarti (lamp as ever, with a variety of kirtan and offering). dance groups. His Holiness Bhakti 5 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter 6 October 2017 7 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter THE BACKBONE OF THE MANOR’s FEStivaLS Bhaktivedanta Manor is described Krishna Purna dasi. She heads a aptly as a true sanctuary for the soul, team of 22 dedicated VCC members, a spiritual haven. And so what better who helped manage administrative place can there be to volunteer for duties, organise volunteer training and Janmashtami 2017. His Holiness registering. They allocated volunteers Bhakti Charu Swami (GBC Chairman, to various Janmashtami services. Each ISKCON) describes the Janmashtami service was led by a team leader, most celebration at Bhaktivedanta Manor of whom have worked in that service for as the best in the whole world. This is over 20 years. For all volunteers training only possible because of the sincere was mandatory, with VCC members commitment from a huge team of ensuring their assigned volunteers were dedicated volunteers who take part in all nicely looked after. the temple’s activities. Preparation for Janmashtami started 3 In preparation for the festival, volunteers weeks before the festival. The kitchens attend a training programme and this were busy every day from noon to year, our theme was “Atithi Devo Bhava” 10pm. About 200 volunteers came after meaning “the guest should be treated work to serve every evening. Evening like God.” The focus was on being very meals of prasadam (food offered welcoming to guests and serving them to Krishna) were daily provided for nicely. volunteers during this period. “This year alone, roughly 1,600 served There was an air of pure excitement and on both festival days,” said Volunteer positive energy during the preparation Care Council (VCC) Team Leader, work, as well as a great degree of 8 October 2017 anticipation. Srutidharma das reminded everybody When asked “Why do you like of the importance of serving and that volunteering at the Manor” these were there are no age limits in order to some of the responses: volunteer. He mentioned how the late Mother Kulangana, gave 45 years “Volunteering at the Manor helps me to of continuous dedication in serving connect to other devotees.” at the Temple. Lila Masi was also “Volunteering is a devotional mentioned, who at the age of 85, is experience.” another example of an exemplary role “It gave me a chance to explore model. Then there was an update on new experiences and create beautiful the Sri Krishna Haveli by Gauri das, the memories.” brilliant shadow performance on the “I want to please Srila Prabhupada.” Bhagavad Gita, by the Pandava Sena. Finally, Krishna Purna dasi, the volunteer Volunteers Thank You Evening coordinator thanked everyone for their The Evening was held on 1st September hard work and enthusiasm in helping to this year, which was attended by over make Janamashtami so successful this 1000 volunteers! year. The VCC team arranged a fun quiz with If you are interested in volunteering some great prizes, with the pizza tent for Bhaktivedanta Manor, contact: team taking away the first prize! [email protected] After an introduction by Farish Lakhani, 9 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter Radhashtami: Festival of the Supreme Goddess The birthday celebrations of Lord Krishna’s consort Radharani, known as Radhashtami, is always the sweetest of events. It is described that She is the chief associate and devotee of Lord Krishna, and the origin of all goddesses. Apart from being the topmost worshipper of Krishna, She is also an expansion of His energy. Since She is also an extension of Krishna, She is the feminine aspect of God. Thus, the followers of Lord Chaitanya’s teachings understand God as both male and female: Krishna expands into two, Himself and Radharani, for divine pastimes. On Radhashtami, twenty beautifully decorated cakes were offered on the shrine, which was adorned with over a thousand flowers. As well as devotional songs and an informative class by Kripamoya das, there was a play about the pastimes of Radha and Krishna. The performance had the audience beaming with smiles. Later there was an abhisheka (bathing ceremony) for the deities and a special musical procession in Watford. 10 October 2017 Appearance Day of Srila Prabhupada ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya, His Divine his disciples and followers. Kirtan Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami and ceremony enlivened all who Prabhupada was very pleased with observed this joyous day, and Manor Bhaktivedanta Manor and its extensive School graduates prepared and grounds. He would especially take time offered first class food preparations. out of his global itinerary to spend time It was an extraordinary day on which in his quarters upstairs at the Manor. devotees acknowledged their debt to They are to this day maintained as Srila Prabhupada by honouring and they were in Prabhupada’s physical celebrating his life.