August 2008

Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder- of the International Society for Consciousness Celebrating 's 40th Rathayatra Four thousand people joined the 40th Rathayatra festival in the streets of central London.Warm sunshine accompanied the crowd as the procession wound through the city in front of three magnificent chariots. Many commented how wonderful Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva and Lady Subhadra looked in their bright new Srila Prabhupada: outfits. The fifty-foot high chariots were One should be very careful of bedecked with hundreds of bright these three enemies of human life: garlands and mirror decorations. lust, anger and greed. The more The large wheels of the chariots a person is freed from lust, anger were specially made by Her Majesty the Queen’s wheelwrights, who and greed, the more his existence employed traditional methods of becomes pure. Then he can follow steaming and bending wood. the rules and regulations enjoined About 20,000 people took part in in the Vedic literature. By following the festivities at Trafalgar Square, the regulative principles of human at the end of the procession route. life, one gradually raises himself to A feast was served free of charge to everyone. Trafalgar Square the platform of spiritual realization. If resembled an Indian bazaar, with one is so fortunate, by such practice, free prasad distribution to all to rise to the platform of Krishna comers, exotic items for sale, and consciousness, then success is a main stage programme. At some of the stalls, tourists and others guaranteed for him. discussed philosophy from Srila Bhagavad Gita 16.22 Purport Prabhupada's books.

Recycling Champions 2008: Food for All receives top prize UK charity ‘Food For All’ was Parasuram das, director of Food for presented with the first prize trophy All, said: “The food business wastes at this year’s Novelis Community so much. Millions of tons of good Recycling Project awards. The food are wasted every year in the ceremony took place in central UK and end up in land-fills. London and was attended by groups “Often tons of packaged food is from all over the country who are thrown away for relatively minor pro-active in recycling. reasons. For example, over-produced Novelis, the largest recycler of products and items with incorrect aluminium drink cans in Europe, packaging.” praised the charity's collection and Food for All has been working with distribution of fresh food from Sainsburys in and Camden, supermarkets which would otherwise as well as smaller businesses. be thrown away. Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter August 2008 Manor School Provides Into the Blue: “Outstanding Provision” Post-Exam Relief for University students Last month’s OFSTED inspection In June nearly 30 students came to Students were then treated to dinner of the Manor School gave the staff, Bhaktivedanta Manor for an evening before heading out into the fields management and pupils much to of Hare Krishna culture. The event, behind the farm for the evenings celebrate. The inspector was impressed entitled "Into The Blue" was a post- highlight – devotional songs under the by the broad range of subjects offered, exam event for University students stars. The students clapped, danced and brought to life by many outings and across the country. sang around a campfire. guest speakers. The curriculum was The evening was kicked off by The evening was a great success and viewed as also having strengths in Nrsingha Swami. Visiting from just what everyone needed after a hard reading, writing and maths. Africa for the first time, he spoke year of work at University. The next “Bhaktivedanta Manor has a good about the all-inclusiveness of Krishna such retreat is planned for mid-October, school with outstanding provision for Consciousness. He emphasised that to coincide with the start of the new pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and spirituality is something people academic year. cultural development. Relationships from every country and culture can between adults and children are participate exceptionally good and as a result in, using pupils behave very well and their himself attitudes to learning are good. Pupils as an behaviour is outstanding in and out of example. class.” - Ofsted Report, May 2008 Jayadvaita Swami gave the Krishna conscious viewpoint on the current "green" debate in society.

Manor School signs on Connect.... to Krishna to Krishna The monthly ‘Connect’ Programme, The Connect programme is going from As part of the Manor School’s held at Bhaktivedanta Manor, went to strength to strength, giving young men programme on Disability Awareness, another level in June when a special 2 the opportunity to associate with each children undertook a 10 week study day retreat was held. The theme for the other, share experiences, and discuss of British sign language, organised weekend was 'Personal Resolution... Krishna Conscious philosophy. through the Harrow Deaf Association. Global Revolution' with a series of The next ‘Connect’ programme is Prema Pradip das teaches at the seminars by Govinda das, scheduled for Saturday 2nd August. A organisation and visited the Manor das and Radheshyam das from further event is planned in September. to give some lessons. He found the and Vrindavan in . children responsive and quick to learn. Next term, the children are hoping to visit a deaf school in St. Albans to practise some of their new skills.

Page 2 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter August 2008 Laying the foundation of Krishna Avanti School Vegetarian Day Care Centre Opens A new day care centre run by Shyamala Sakhi dasi has been operating for six months. Situated in , it is five minutes drive from Bhaktivedanta Manor. The UKI day centre in Radlett works on the basis that there are young adults and older members of the community who, for various reasons, now find themselves less able to get out unaccompanied but still have the desire to enjoy a day out. They have the opportunity to share a cooked lunch and join in various activities with others.

Work has already begun on the site of The pit was then filled with sacred the Krishna Avanti School on Camrose herbs. At precisely the right time during Avenue in Stanmore. Following the ceremony the heavens opened the initial Bhumi Puja ceremony to and rain fell on the pit - an auspicious seek blessings of Mother Earth, the occurence. subsequent rites involved installing a Participants included Bhakti Charu deity of Ananta Sesa at the building’s Swami as the special guest, members foundation. of the I-Foundation, Naina Parmar Nine bricks, bathed in five products of the Head Teacher of the School, the cow and covered in coloured cloth Bhaktivedanta Manor Senior were placed into the ceremonial pit. Management and Mansell PLC, the After sacred prayer, the form of Ananta building contractors. Sesa was bathed. The Proud Merchant Bharat Natyam lessons The Bhaktivedanta Players entertained for Congregation UKI Day Centre makes an key members and supporters of the important contribution to London Ratha Yatra team and Sunday community awareness by acting as congregation with their new play a preventative measure for problems ‘The Proud Merchant”. A wealthy and caused by lack of social contact arrogant man enters the Temple in and stimuli. It facilitates people in Jagannath Puri, Orissa, but is quickly continuing to lead an independent humbled and becomes a great devotee. life by allowing members choice, control, independence and dignity through various activities and events. Members have many opportunities to contribute to the life of the day centre, through activities that encourage self-esteem and self- fulfillment. The centre can cater for upto 45 people. Shyamala Sakhi dasi provides facility for users of the centre to Jahnavi and Tulasi Harrison, Manor visit the temple during darshan School graduates and members of a times. A pickup and drop off service dance school, have been teaching the is available for those unable to traditional Indian dance of Bharat make their own way there. For Natyam to congregational children and further details contact Mayapur adults alike. House on 01923 855856.

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Strawberry Fair is Cream Radlett Festival 2008 of the Crop Bhaktivedanta Manor supported the More than 300 first-time locals enjoyed Radlett Festival once again with the sunshine at Bhaktivedanta Manor’s attractions, rides and a free feast. Strawberry Fair Open Day on Saturday Ron Worthy, Chairman of 28th June. An array of food including Parish Council, said the ‘fabulous’ strawberry pastries, pancakes and weather on Sunday 8th June had chocolate strawberries and cream were helped to attract a large number of sampled by local guests and the Manor people to Radlett's summer fair. farm’s home-made strawberry ice “It is a village fair,” he added, “all cream was a particular success. the local societies come and even There was a variegated line up of though they might not make that activities: , pranayama breathing much money they raise publicity. workshops, head massage, mehndi, That’s what it is all about.” face painting, 'try on a sari', bullock cart rides and informative tours of the “On behalf of the Radlett Festival Commitee, I am once again extremely grateful building and estate. to the Hare Krishna Team led by Nila Madhava das who offered the festival some tremendous help with stewarding, stage, sound equipment, ox-cart rides and the food provided was also enjoyed by many people at the festival. “What really makes the Hare Krishna helpers so special is that each and every one of them helps us with a smile on their face and it is so obvious to me to see the inner peace which you all have. My thanks just never seem enough.” Vicky Churchill, Chairperson of Radlett Festival Commitee

A Carnival of Cows stalls. Home-grown organic vegetables were sold and local groups such as the North Vegetarian Society also took part. The Cow Carnival was organised by the Lotus Trust, an educational, relief and development agency seeking to transform lives and improve the Special guests of the day included the environment. It aims to raise the quality Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood, of life of people throughout the UK Councillor Farida Turner and Patricia On Sunday 20th July guests enjoyed and celebrates multiculturalism and Strack, Councillor for Kenilworth. diversity. a Cow Carnival open day! The event “This is my first time to Bhaktivedanta raised awareness of the sacred nature of Manor and I found it absolutely cows and bulls and promoted ahimsa, fascinating,” said the Mayor, “The (non-violence) towards all animals. gardens were magnificent and the There were cow-themed children’s hosts were extremely hospitable and sports, opportunities to meet the delightful.” Manor’s cows and bulls, ox-cart rides, exhibitions, workshops and various

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Passing the test: Bhakti Shastri students receive awards £15,000 for Midday Meals The College of Vedic studies launched Dr Ghatak and wife, Head of the Lions the Bhakti-Shastri course two years Club, Enfield, donated £15,000 to the ago. Congregation members and Lotus Trust as part of their charitable resident devotees benefit from the work. opportunity to carry out scriptural The money will be used to support degree studies at Bhaktivedanta Manor. the Midday Meals project in Mumbai, The course focusses on four key books: which currently provides 100,000 hot Bhagavad-Gita, Nectar of Instruction, prasadam meals to schoolchildren every Sri Isopanishad and Nectar of Devotion. day. The course is headed by Jivadoya das who has prepared an enlivening course full of interaction and humour. The course follows the standard specified by the Vrindavana Institute of Higher Education and the ISKCON Examinations Board. The first batch of students successfully “Until I enrolled on the course, I had completed their one-year course in no understanding of what devotional April. Their achievements were service to Krishna really meant. I celebrated at a special ‘graduation’ would come to the temple and offer ceremony where they received official homage to Krishna, as a form of a certificates. ritualistic process that one simply The College of Vedic studies plans carries out under the family traditions. to run the Bhakti Shastri regularly Having completed the Bhakti Shastri every year, starting in September. It course under the guidance of the aims to assist devotees in their quest authority, I am aware of who I am, and who Krishna really is, and how and in for a deeper understanding of Srila The Lotus Trust actively identifies what mood I should serve Him. Any Prabhupada’s books. If you are one of international projects that alleviate person who is serious about spiritual those devotees and would like to find poverty and distress, and seeks to realization, MUST enroll himelf on this out more, please contact: provide assistance. To assist the lotus course without delay.” [email protected] or phone trust please contact: Jivadoya das on 07788 078 4515. Rajesh Amin [email protected]

Stepping Down Top of the class A Ratha Yatra in Ipswich On 14th July, Gauri das stepped down Gaurav Sharma from his position as temple president, received the after six years of dedicated service at highest marks in Bhaktivedanta Manor. Agra University for his Bachelors A recent decision of the ISKCON CPO Degree in means that Gauri das will not act in the Commerce. capacity of temple president; instead the senior management team will Gaurav, from the continue to run the temple. Goswami family of Vrindavan's Obviously, this decision has come Raman temple attended the as something of a blow to our ISKCON Gurukula in Vrindavan and On 12th July the people of Ipswich congregation. Gauri das’ vigilance in felt he benefitted from the experience. experienced the Rathayatra chariot overseeing Bhaktivedanta Manor’s “ISKCON education gave me festival for the first time. The parade development year after year means that confidence and taught me discipline was held in conjunction with an Indian his leadership will be missed. to focus my mind,” explained Mela, a local celebration of Indian arts His contribution to the Manor’s Gaurav, “That experience contributed and performance as part of the Ipswich diverse activities has earned him much immensely to my successful result Arts Week. Devotees paraded through affection from those who have served at Agra.” Gaurav will be starting his the streets of the old town and up to the under him. Masters Degree in Commerce this park where thousands had gathered for September. the Mela.

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CUTTING THE ROOT OF SOCIAL ILLS by Krishna Dharma das

Exactly echoing a message found in the meltdown” would be seen over the next It should be obvious that a family where Bhagavad-gita, a senior judge recently twenty years to be “as destructive as husband and wife live happily together declared that “almost all of society's global warming.” is best for the children and indeed for social ills can be traced directly to the The family unit is of course the society as a whole. And that is where the collapse of the family life.” above spiritual practices are so helpful. foundation of any society. This is As the old wisdom states, “A family that In a speech in Brighton to lawyers from where we imbibe most of our values prays together, stays together.” Krishna Resolution, formerly the Solicitors' that take us through life. Therefore in consciousness certainly makes us peaceful Family Law Association, Mr Justice the Vedic system family life revolves and gives us a higher happiness beyond Coleridge warned of a “cancerous” around spirituality. From an early age the flickering pleasures of this world. increase in broken families and said the children are instilled with a strong sense government must take “comprehensive of morality and habituated to regular This takes the pressure off of our action”. He described his experience of spiritual practice. The great saint Prahlada relationships, which so often fail when handling increasing numbers of cases in said that this should start “from the very one or other partner fails to give the family courts as being a “never ending beginning of childhood.” pleasure and enjoyment they once gave carnival of human misery - a ceaseless to the other. When we become partners Translating this into a practical river of human distress”. in a spiritual quest rather than in just an programme for today, Srila Prabhupada attempt to mutually gratify our senses states in the Gita: “The best process for we take our relationship to another level. almost all of society's social making the home pleasant is Krishna And if we can set such examples for our consciousness. If one is in full Krishna ills can be traced directly to children, while at the same time involving consciousness, he can make his home them in the spiritual practises, then surely the collapse of the family life. very happy, because this process of things will improve all round. Peaceful Krishna consciousness is very easy. One people produced from peaceful families need only chant Hare Krishna, accept the will mean peaceful societies. remnants of foodstuffs offered to Krishna, The judge was not mincing his words; have some discussion on books like It will even have serious economic just as Arjuna in the Bhagavad-gita Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, benefits, as the cost to society and the some 5000 years previously had and engage oneself in Deity worship… taxpayer for dealing with the problems not minced his words either. “With One should train the members of his of dysfunctional families is astronomical. the destruction of family the eternal family in this way.” An expert on the subject, Bob Rowthorn, traditions of religious practises are Professor of Economics at Cambridge destroyed,” he said to Krishna. And the Most of us need to enter family life, at University, has said that with one in ultimate end of such destruction would least we should. People want to liaise three children expected to experience be “dwelling in hell.” with the opposite sex, but increasingly parental divorce or separation, the the necessity of this being within the It seems such hellishness is already potential cost to the Exchequer runs context of marriage is being seen as old being experienced if the good judge is into billions of pounds. “The long-term fashioned. But the Vedas describe this as to be believed. Largely concurring cost of subsidising family break-up is illicit sex, productive of so many other with Arjuna’s analysis of the unsustainable,” he said. “It is time to problems. problem, he went on to switch resources towards a system that state that the effects For example, “unwanted progeny”, one of encourages and supports two-parent of “family the ills listed by Arjuna in the Gita. This families to ensure their survival.” means children born or raised outside That system is Krishna consciousness. of a functional marriage and who are Sadly the good judge did not recommend therefore more likely to be problematic. spirituality as a solution, but this is surely As Mr Justice Coleridge put it, “I am the only way to stabilise our families and not saying every broken family produces society. It is, as Prabhupada said, simple, dysfunctional children but I am saying and furthermore it costs nothing at all that almost every dysfunctional child is beyond a little investment of time. Why the product of a broken family.” not give it a try in your family?

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Ushma Patel Age: 21 Currently: Recently graduated having studied Nutrition at Three fights, one love song The University of Nottingham and a bunch of diamonds What made you start attending IPS events? Three fi ghts, one love song and have developed our own 20-minute a bunch of diamonds … sorry - soundtrack with three fi ghts, a love Having just graduated from Nottingham demons. song and loads of modern music. University and moved back home, I reached We’ve seen the likes of Dina Krishna, a stage in my life where I asked myself ‘what If asked the question, the average Sunny, Anshu, Rupa Manohara next?’, ‘what’s the purpose of my life?’ I was then IPS member will usually start by (‘Posh Raj’) and Nandagopa (Chirag) recommended through a friend to go to Harrow saying that they cannot act, dance play Lord Ram while Kanchan, Jammin’. or fi ght on stage. A sentence like “I Archana and Geeta have made don’t have the time” can sometimes beautiful renditions of Devi. At What did you find appealing mean “it sounds a bit scary” or most least 30 guys have played demons about KC? commonly “but I can’t act!” and been so good that we’ve started calling them diamonds. The fi rst book I read was ‘Perfect Questions, What’s magical about IPS theatrical Perfect Answers’. From there I wanted to learn productions is that a bunch of Srila Prabhupada said that theatre more and gain a deeper understanding of unlikely guys get together in a is a powerful means to preach and Krishna Consciousness (KC). When I went to family cast and somehow always this is evident when you see the my fi rst Harrow Jammin’ I saw how friendly and manage to pull off a brilliant audience’s imagination captured by dedicated IPS really are at spreading KC and it performance that delights the the performance. Gasps of shock and inspired me to learn more. audience. It is the best thing ever sorrow still come from children when to watch (sometimes shy) people demon King Ravana rips off Jatayu’s What services are you currently with no acting experience grow wings while most people also feel like involved in? into their characters and put on somersaulting into action when the glittering performances. The play monkeys and demons thunder onto Currently I am not involved in any services as takes on a life of its own and stage to fi ght. this is all new to me, however I look forward we catch a glimpse of the Lord’s to taking part in more events and helping to transcendental pastimes - the These plays are a sure way to exit organise them in the future. I am planning to stuff of heroism, adventure and boredom and enter a world of spiritual help out at Janmashtami this summer. I am excitement. action. The stories are peopled by excited about attending the PSummer retreat to devotees who sacrifi ce and surrender Italy as well. The IPS has taken themselves to the Lord – and we put centre-stage during the Dusshera on these plays in the hope that some Interesting fact about yourself festival at Bhaktivedanta Manor for of their goodness and humility may One of the most diverse experiences I ever had many years. We fi rst took the show rub off on us. was moving out in my fi rst year of university to a on the road in 2004 at the LSE farm in the middle of nowhere with a population Diwali show where we used the Recruitment for this year’s play is of 200 students. It was a really big change from soundtrack by the Bhaktivedanta on – contact Jay Shetty - j_psena@ Players. Four years later, we hotmail.com/07903 351 416 city life.

Have you ever wondered who and what makes the IPS Janmashtami extravaganza every year so successful? The aim is always to create a shree krishna spiritual revolution of Krishna consciousness amongst the youth, by the youth. So please come and help us in this exciting and dynamic challenge. WE NEED YOUR HELP on none janmashtami other than Lord Krishna’s divine appearance day.

Come along from Monday 4th August to build, paint, decorate, innovate, motivate, and celebrate the festive mood. On the actual festival days, 24th/25th August, you can help in areas including promotions, management, membership, audio- visual, cooking, and even sales. Simply contact Jay Shetty on [email protected]/07903 351 416. We look forward to serving Lord Krishna in your company.

Page 7 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter August 2008 Hay-making New Gokul report Every year the Manor grows over 100 The New Gokul project is ploughing tons of hay on 53 designated acres of ahead. Construction began in February land. Hay is the general name for a this year and will continue for some number of dried grasses, flowers and months. The timber frames of the barns other plants used as food for cattle. On have been constructed and the structure the fields, the hay was cut by a mower can now be seen clearly. The roof is which was pulled by oxen. Afterwards due to be completed soon. the hay was turned, dried and placed in During Janmashtami visitors will be rows by equipment adapted for oxen. able to walk through the site and see There were numerous happy faces the progress. along the local country lanes as people watched the oxen transport bales of hay The geo-grid car park is part of the from a rented field near to the Manor. landscaping aspect of New Gokul. The multi-layered creation is at its final stage; the topsoil has been seeded and grass is growing. The field will be used to park cars safely during busy periods.

Janmashtami Begins! Adi-vesa: prior to the start of any substantial project, blessings are sought through the performance of a special yajna. With Janmashtami just around the corner, team leaders and volunteers assembled in the festival field for a variety of activities. The yajna was part of a volunteer family fun day, complete with children's activities. Health and safety training sessions Calendar - dates for your diary have been taking place. Compulsory August September for all volunteers, they are seen as Thur 4th App of Srimati Sita Thakurani essential for the safety of volunteers Tue 5th Disapp of Sri Raghunandana Thakura & Sri Vamisdasa Babaji Sun 7th Radhastami (Fasting till noon) and for the smooth running of the Tue 12th Pavitropana Ekadasi App of Srimati Radharani festival. Volunteers will be gathering Jhulana Yatra begins (swing festival) Thur 11th Parsva Ekadasi from 4th August every evening upto Wed 13th Disapp of Srila Rupa Goswami & (fasting till noon for Vamanadev) the Janmashtami festival. Everyone is Sri Gauridasa Pandita Fri 12th App of Lord Vamanadev & invited to come and participate during Sat 16th App of Lord Balarama (fasting till Srila Jiva Goswami this period. noon) (Fasting done on Ekadasi) Raksabandhan Sat 13th App of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura (Fasting till noon) Jhulan Yatra ends Sun 14th Disapp of Srila Haridasa Thakura Sun 17th Srila Prabhupada's departure for the Mon 15th Acceptance of sanyasa by USA Srila Prabhupada Sun 24th Sri Sun 21st Srila Prabhupada's arrival in USA Appearance of Lord Krishna (Fasting till midnight) Thur 25th Indira Ekadasi Festival at Bhaktivedanta Manor Tue 30th Navaratri starts Mon 25th App of Srila Prabhupada (fasting till noon) Festival at Bhaktivedanta Manor Janmashtami Festival Wed 27th Annada Ekadsi 24th & 25th August

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