April 2017 BHAKTIVEDANTA April 2017 MANOR NEWSLETTER International Society for Consciousness (ISKCON) Founder His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada

Music till Moonrise for Mahaprabhu

1 8 Initiating the spiritual journey of life

10 4 Veda Courses 14 Srila Prabhupada: Synthesizing science with happiness of humanity spirit at the cost of the lives of poor animals. That is not 10 recommended herein. This verse clearly says that one 19 should be compassionate to all living entities. Regardless Pandava Sena of whether human, animal, mentorship retreat tree or plant, all living entities are sons of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Srimad Bhagavatam 6.10.9 18 purport

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© 2017, All articles & photographs copyright of Bhaktivedanta Manor April 2017

Music till Moonrise for Mahaprabhu

In mid-March, the Manor celebrated about Lord Chaitanya’s life. Then Gaura Purnima, the advent of the Bhaktivedanta Players exhibited , who lively and interactive narrations of inaugurated the chanting of the Hare the activities of Lord Chaitanya, Krishna mantra over 500 years ago. accompanied with actors and live The temple was packed with enthusiastic music. visitors for the morning services, with Since Lord Chaitanya’s advent occurred many staying until the late evening. on a full moon evening, devotees fasted Considering the prime importance till moonrise in remembrance of the Lord Chaitanya placed on chanting the Lord and ended the day with a lovely names of God, it was apt that the day feast. featured 24 hours of musical chanting. The were dressed in beautiful outfits and the altar was similarly decorated. Senior disciples of Srila Prabhupada delivered a moving sermon on the wonderful activities of Lord Chaitanya, a sermon that was broadcast live on the internet with hundreds of viewers tuning in. As is customary on this day, the musical chanting was shared with the public in London’s West End. The devotees enjoyed singing in the rain, and many onlookers smiled as the music brought some warmth to an otherwise dreary day of rain. A marquee hosted the evening entertainment, with the resident ladies showcasing a charming drama

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Sunshine Honours RamaNavami Celebrations

In early April, the Manor celebrated with a joyful musical procession through Navami, the advent of Lord the high street. Rama, an incarnation of God in the The Sunday festival highlights included form of an ideal king. The observance taking the deities on an elegant took place over two days, midweek flowered swan procession around we observed Lord Rama’s exact advent the scenic grounds of the Manor, date, and a Sunday festival so that as everyone showered flowers upon everyone could participate on the them whilst the Temple monks led a weekend. melodious . It was the warmest The midweek observance highlights day of the year so far and that simply included a beautiful new outfit for the added to the atmosphere! The stage deities, with colourful fresh flowers programme showcased a drama beautifying the altar, as well as the by the Bhaktivedanta Players on the ceremonial bathing of the deities. heroic activities of Lord Rama and the Shyamananda das, a visiting guest from faithfulness of his wife . MPs and , delivered an excellent sermon, local Mayors were among the dignities and, on a sunny afternoon, devotees present. celebrated with the people of , 4 April 2017

The Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Peter Rutledge took the opportunity to thank volunteers at the Manor saying, “it is their tireless work each time that helps bring the Indian community together on important festivals.” Member of Parliament Bob Blackman, who has been coming to the Manor for the last 30 years spoke with pride about his pleasure that the “temple’s future is secure” thanks to the Haveli. Much of the Manor’s success in getting this far with the Haveli is thanks to support from significant members of society. 5 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

Letting the Cows out Madhu Passes away At the beginning of every spring, the In early March, at the age of 16, Madhu devotees of New Gokul farm take great one of the Oxen born at Bhaktivedanta pleasure in letting out all the cows and Manor passed away. bulls into the green pastures, after been He was a very strong oxen and could largely confined to their barns during always be relied on for demanding the winter. Due to the significance of work that was needed. Madhu was used cows and bulls in Vaishnava culture, during festivals to pull visitors cars out of there was a delightful celebration for the mud, or when there was a JCB stuck this occasion. The small utsav deities down at Holland farm, it was Madhu of Radha-Gokulananda were escorted who had to be called upon. He was an on a decorated bullock-cart across to extremely humble and compliant oxen the farm, as devotees serenaded with who worked mostly alongside his father, the Holy Names. Then, just before the Sahadeva. They were always a favorite cows and bulls were released, there was team for the bullworkers because of also a puja ceremony which included thier soft, gentle, compliant nature and offerings made from the milk of the thier strength. cows.

Welcome Nandi It’s always a precios and treasured moment when a calf is born into the family here at Bhaktivedanta Manor and the birth of Nandi was no exception. At 6:00pm on 24th February, the auspicious day of Shiva Ratri, Anasuya gave birth to a healthy and vibrant baby boy. This was Anasuya’s first calf and it was evident from the outset that she was a natural in her role as a mother. Nandi is 5th generation in a line of protected cows born here at Bhaktivedanta Manor. 6 April 2017 Supporting Others Every year Bhaktivedanta Manor sets aside £10,000 to assist other ISKCON projects in the UK and abroad. The projects supported this year include: Renovation of New Mayapur’s kitchen: The temple community in the south of France is completely renovating New Deity Kitchen their dilapidated kitchen facilities for cooking for their Lordships. (£3000) The Manor’s Deity kitchen, where quality foodstuffs are cooked before Solar panels for New Vraja Mandala, being directly offered to the Deities on Spain: Installing solar panelling on the shrine, has been ceremoniously roofs in order to save energy bills and reopened after a complete renovation allow the Temple to focus in other areas with new facilities. The project was (£1000) overseen by the Patron Working Committee (PWC), built by Raj Gandesha and Raj Thakore, and designed by Neha Agarwal.

Africa and South America preaching: Enabling senior preachers to teach, enthuse and build up devotional communities there (£1000)

His Grace Bhajahari das Bhajahari das, one of the early British disciples of Srila Prabhupada, passed Srila Prabhupada Time-Line: Creating away earlier this year. He joined a mobile phone application and ISKCON at the Bury Place Temple interactive website which will make in London and became Temple information about the life and teachings President of Bhaktivedanta Manor on of Srila Prabhupada easily accessible two occasions in the 1970s. He was and more widespread. (£1000) particularly known for his dedication Festivals UK: To hold to the study and distribution of Srila indoor festivals across the UK, as well Prabhupada’s books and taking part in as Ratha Yatra festivals and hari namas hari nama street processions . processions (£4000) 7 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

Initiating the spiritual journey of life This first quarter, Bhaktivedanta Goswami, His Holiness Saccinandana Manor has hosted four wonderful Swami, His Holiness initiation ceremonies. Initiation is a and His Holiness Candramauli Swami. rite of passage constituting a lifetime Over 50 candidates, some from as far commitment to specified spiritual as Kuwait, took first initiation, which is a standards. twofold commitment: first to daily chant The commitment is made before a the Hare Krishna mantra for around two revered spiritual teacher, who, along hours, and secondly to follow the four with all visitors present, bestows regulative principles. blessings upon the initiate that they 30 candidates also took second may be successful in their spiritual life. initiation, a commitment to strive to The spiritual teachers who graced this imbibe in one’s life good qualities occasions were, His Holiness Sivarama such as peacefulness, self-control and Swami, His Holiness Vijana tolerance.

8 April 2017

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Avanti Court School officially opens in Redbridge The official opening of Avanti Court Primary School in Redbridge was marked by the auspicious welcoming of Gaura deities. A plaque signifying the occasion was unveiled by Srutidharma Das, Pranabandhu das and Jai Nitai das. After that there was a ceremonial cutting of a ribbon by the local Mayor Cllr Gurdial Bhambra and leader of Redbridge Council Cllr Jas Athwal.

Veda London Courses professionals to enhance their spiritual practice and was taught by Chirag Veda London brings to the workplace Ghelani LLB, a senior associate at a top the secrets of how timeless spiritual city law firm. wisdom can maximise the success Veda London also organised a seminar of companies and employees. They on the practical application of Vedic organised an “Explore” course for city teachings for the present day. Hosted professionals, hosted at Bhaktivedanta at the City of London office of finance Manor. The four-week course enables company Schroders. 10 April 2017 International Women’s Day In March, Bob Blackman MP hosted an event at the House of Commons to mark International Women’s Day. The evening focused on celebrating inspirational women with a focus on the theme ‘Be Bold for Change’. Representing ISKCON, Madhavi dasi and Braja Vadhu dasi attended the event.

MP lauds 40 years of Holi celebrated at the community service Foreign Office Bob Blackman MP and Lord Jitesh At the Foreign and Commonwealth Gadhia organised an event in Office (FCO), Holi was celebrated conjunction with Dr Lalit Sodha, for the first time. Alok Sharma MP, celebrating 25 years of his chiropractic Minister for Asia, organised the festival clinic. At the event, different awards at the famous Durbar Court. Other were given to members of the special guests included the Indian community, with a focus on holistic High Commissioner Mr Sinha and healthcare, of which chiropractic is an Srutidharma das. During his speech important part. Srutidharma reminding everyone that Holi is a very important day, on During the function, Bhaktivedanta which the advent of Lord Chaitanya Manor’s Temple President Srutidharma Mahaprabhu is also celebrated. das received an award in recognition of his 40 years’ service to the community. Srutidharma then reflected on how In his acceptance speech, Srutidharma for 79 years from 1868, important mentioned how wholesome health decisions about had been made requires three aspects: catering to in that very place. At that time, little did physical, emotional and spiritual needs. the politicians know that 150 years later He also explained that an important Holi would be celebrated in that very foundation for good health is some sort same building. More history was made, of personal spiritual practice such as as the Hare Krishna mantra was heard . and recited in the FCO for the first time during the Holi celebration. 11 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

Searching for the spirit within You’ve thought about Discover the golden you familiarise yourself taking out some time waves of devotion in with the ancient texts, you from your hectic lifestyle Mayapur, as you move will be able to share the but don’t know what across the nine islands knowledge to bring about to do or where to go? of Navadvip, where transformations of the Well look no further, as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu heart. the men’s residence of and His friends performed Bhaktivedanta Manor’s their activities. Veda Course: has got the perfect Absorb yourself in the Three astonishing months solution for you! divine chants of the of profound knowledge Sabbatical: Temple, where from Vedic culture and the delicious sacramental education, allowing you Brace yourselves, as you food will leave you to dwell in the ocean of journey across the great wanting to return for spirituality. Go beyond the land of India, in pursuit of more! ordinary, as you focus on spiritual awakening. Three the secret gems of Eastern months of inward journeys Bhakti Sastri: wisdom. that can bring about A four-month course transformation without the comprising teachings of hassle of British weather. the greatest saints that Delve deeper into the can help you dive into exuberating loving the depths of the Vedic atmosphere of scriptures. Experience where Krishna’s activities 21st century monastic come alive through in- life and find your true depth tours of the holy self in an atmosphere place. bathed in spirituality. As

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Rejuvenation at University Retreat 100 students from 25 Many students were given Students were given the UK universities arrived the unique opportunity opportunity to learn how for a day-long retreat at to learn how to milk to play the cymbals, Bhaktivedanta Manor. and take care of a cow. harmonium and clay Entitled ‘Meditation 101’, This was one experience drum. it was the second retreat during the day that no The highlight for many of the year, helping one had ever experienced students was the play students truly understand before and certainly one performed by the youth and find their inner that they were never drama group, ‘Something spiritual potential through going to be able to Spiritual’. Taking a a mixture of seminars and forget! light-hearted angle on workshops. Workshops The kirtan workshop meditation, the play was included cow-milking, discussed the significance amusing, captivating vegan cooking, , and power of mantra and enlivening, leaving kirtan, dance, and mantra meditation, and how it the audience in fits of meditation. differs from music they laughter whilst conveying The cooking workshop may listen to at university. a thought-provoking demonstrated how vegan dishes can be both tasty and easy to make. Craig from The University of Nottingham said, “The best part of the workshop is that we can take what we have made back to university for lunch the next day.” 13 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

Krishna Consciousness and Science Synthesising Science with Spirit By Ryan Bissett

Srila Prabhupada mentioned the word minded devotees. They want to be in ‘scientist’ 206 times in his commentaries touch with those who are excited by the of the Srimad Bhagavatam. So what possibility of heading up their own part- was his vision for science within time online research projects, or those ISKCON? who would like to keep up to date with In 1974 Srila Prabhupada formed the our advancements, courses, educational Bhaktivedanta Institute to promote the materials, festival events etc. Synthesis of Science and Spirituality. If you’re not a trained scientist and Today its Head Office is in Kolkata, would like to help in another capacity, West Bengal. there are plenty of services involving Now devotees are happy to announce website development, networking, that a new wing has been established festival- and event planning etc. in the UK, called Science-Philosophy SPi will be producing publications, initiative (SPi). Those affiliated so far video courses, apps, interdisciplinary include devotees from across communication systems. If you are and Wales: Akhandadhi das (Philosophy already involved in a program to share and consciousness specialist), KC with others, why not invite us along Kunal (Postdoctoral researcher to add some science spice! in astrophysics), Vaishnava das The late and great Sadaputa das, (Postdoctoral researcher in cosmology), member of the Bhaktivedanta Institute, Yamini (PhD biophysics), Pradyumna leaves us with some invaluable advice: das (PhD student in neurobiology) and “...There exists a vast amount of Ryan (PhD parasitology). evidence that supports the Vedic world Their aim is to fulfil Srila Prabhupada’s view and contradicts the modern fervent desire to build a national- and scientifc world view. All we have to do is international dynamic network of systematically gather this evidence and scientifically- and philosophically- present it in a scholarly way.” 14 April 2017

New centre in Camden Town Camden Town is arguably London’s hippest part of London, attracting thousands of tourists daily. Food for All have been preaching there over the last 17 years and now they have managed The Sages of to open a nice centre: A four story Naimisharanya building just off the high street. They have daily prasad distribution, yoga After giving us his popular retellings classes and there are even plans to of and , open a juice bar. The main thing feature , along with his wife however is the Friday evening gathering, Chintamani dhama dasi, has embarked which includes feasting, chanting and upon a similar treatment of the Srimad philosophy. Bhagavatam. This time the work will be serialised into its separate cantos, and they have just published the first volume entitled ‘The Sages of Naimisharanya’. “Many people find the Bhagavatam challenging to read,” says Krishna Dharma. “We have therefore tried to make it more accessible and hopefully understandable.” Like his other bestselling works, the book is a dramatic retelling which nevertheless adheres closely to Nityananda Trayodasi the original text. Krishna Dharma This year’s Lord Nityananda explains, “We worked mostly from Srila Appearance Day celebrations included Prabhupada’s translation and purports, a drama by members of the men’s although we did also weave in some of Sabbatical and a huge Hari Nama the commentaries of other .” street procession in central Watford. 15 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter Sri Krishna Haveli project update

Before site construction work on TOTAL Bhaktivedanta Manor’s new Haveli 9.6 buildings can begin, some of our current services at Bhaktivedanta Manor’s 9 nursery, school, gift shop and bakery, to 8.5 be relocated to different areas. STILL TO RAISE 8 • The Primary School will be relocated £3,321,413 to a temporary place while the 7.5 haveli construction will be carried 7 out. Building works for this is taking place at the moment. 6.5 • The Temporary nursery for the 6 children is being fitted at the moment to house the children in the 5.5 New Gokul farm. 5 • The new tulsi houses are also being 4.5 fabricated and will be placed in the 4 summer. PLEDGES • The Poly tunnels used for growing Outstanding 3.5 £3,720,510 Krishna’s flowers have moved near 3 the overflow car park. We are receiving tenders from various 2.5 companies and are currently looking 2 through them. We should be in a 1.5 position after finalising details to select one, to get the work on the COLLECTED 1 actual Haveli buildings started before £2,558,077 0.5 Janmashtami. 0 16 April 2017

Our Heartfelt thanks to all who have pledged their support. A further £3.3 million is required. We need another 265 222 families to give £4 a day for 10 years.

To contribute towards the Shree Krishna Haveli, Contact Vaisnava Sarvabhauma das: [email protected] - 07907 809 006 - www.krishnatemple.com/haveli

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Soul Expressions with Radhanath Swami and Kirtan London The Manor’s Outreach team, called Govinda das who entertained the guests Krishna Wisdom, organised a special with wisdom and stories in between ‘Soul Expressions’ event with Radhanath the singing. Radhanath Swami spoke Swami, which was a great success. wonderfully about the wisdom from his They were also joined by about 60 books ‘The Journey Within’ and ‘The guests from ‘Kirtan London’ who visited Journey Home’. the Manor on a day retreat. After Feedback various activities like milking cows, “Radhanath Swami offered a joyful Q&A sessions with Kripamoya das, and uplifting and insightful message and the seminars, they were joined by another kirtan [music] players Jahnavi and Ravi 80 guests at the Soul Expressions were awesome...kirtan for me works evening. so naturally in the temple room. Best The evening saw the temple room Wishes” - Lee packed with over 140 new and regular “I found the whole experience very guests singing along with Jahnavi overwhelming. Fantastic.” - Debbie and Ravi. The event MC was Radha 18 April 2017

Cooking Workshop Music Masterclass Krishna Wisdom, Bhaktivedanta It is a fascinating time for ‘The College Manor’s Outreach program was of Vedic Studies’ (CVS) because several back with another cooking retreat exciting new kirtan (music) training facilitated by cooking expert Mother seminars have begun. It all started with Satya. During the workshop, guests a harmonium course last November, got hands-on experience making pioneered by Balaram Nityananda das, tomato and tamarind rice, soya-mince with about ten students. Sixty students samosas, cauliflower and pea samosas, enrolled on the Kartal (cymbals) course cauliflower and pea curry, and puris earlier this year, followed by a mridanga Satya also explained the importance of (clay-drum) course in March. eating a healthy, non-violent diet that is For more updates on kirtan training: favourable for spiritual practices. www.krishnacollege.co.uk

Pandava Sena transform one’s life. This retreat was full of dynamic dramas, an Mentorship Retreat entertaining quiz, as well as seminars The annual ISKCON Pandava Sena and workshops on a range of subjects Mentorship Retreat, was once again such as Ayurveda, mantra meditation held at Buckland Hall in the scenic and marriage. It’s safe to say that mountains of South Wales. They were the Mentorship Retreat is always the fortunate once again to be addressed highlight of the year, bringing members by , whom this together for spiritual nourishment, year shared insights on the Srimad so they can subsequently share that Bhagavatam and its ability to truly wisdom and happiness with others. 19 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

Volunteers going the Honouring the Manor’s extra mile guests and visitors Last year, as an offering to ISKCON’s Last year Bhaktivedanta Manor was 50th Anniversary, over 85 volunteers saturated with the theme of ISKCON’s offered an extra 50 hours of service at 50th Anniversary. This year the Bhaktivedanta Manor. The 50 hours were focus is the code of conduct known in addition to all the hours most of the as Atithi Devo Bhava, meaning, volunteers already regularly perform. ‘An uninvited guest is worthy of the As part of a special thank you evening, hospitality afforded to divinity’. It the Volunteers Coordinator Krishna Purna prescribes a dynamic of the host- dasi and her team organised devotional guest relationship which embodies entertainment for those volunteers who the values of service and hospitality. had made that special effort. Proceedings Devotees at Bhaktivedanta Manor included a traditional dance, a drama are being reminded and encouraged about Srila Prabhupada arrrving in to incorporate this principle into America in 1965 and a song by Sakshi their everyday lives. There have been Gopal das. inspiring lessons during the monthly gatherings.

Hertsmere Mayor Supports Gratitude The Mayor of Hertsmere Cllr Peter Rutledge chose Gratitude as one of the local charities to receive Mayoral support, in the form of practical gifts. Founded by Yajna das and Shantasya dasi, Gratitude works with locals to cook and serve free vegetarian meals at St Theresa’s community hall in Borehamwood. 20