June - July 2008

Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder- of the International Society for Consciousness Krishna-Avanti: History in the Making

Srila Prabhupada: “Increasing one's love for God is a gradual process, and the first ingredient is faith. Without faith, there is no question of progress Hailing the Krishna-Avanti school as At the site, politicians, community a milestone in British history and an leaders and project donors joined in Krishna consciousness. That asset to Harrow, council leader David priests from . Led faith is created after reading Ashton participated in a landmark by His Holiness Atmanivedana Swami, Bhagavad-gita carefully and ceremony on Saturday 7th June. The the priests, assisted by community actually understanding it as it William Ellis playing fields, soon to be children, poured offerings of clarified home to the country’s first state-funded butter into a large sacred fire. is.... One must have faith in the Hindu school, hosted a traditional The Krishna-Avanti Primary School is words of Krishna, particularly ‘ Puja’ ceremony prior to the result of years of careful planning when Krishna says, ‘Abandon all commencement of building works. and discussion with the local authority dharmas and surrender to Me. I Christine Gilbert, Her Majesty's Chief and government. It will be UK’s first will give you all protection.’” Inspector of Ofsted was chief guest Hindu Voluntary Aided state school, at the Bhumi Puja. “I look forward and as such will not charge fees. It to the Krishna Avanti School being will open in September 2008 with a Teachings of Lord Kapila, 15.36, a centre of excellence and a very Reception class, and intake of pupils purport positive contribution to the Harrow will increase one year at a time. community,” she said. continued on page 5

Draupadi the Miracle Cow In the peaceful grazing pastures of Bhaktivedanta Manor's unique farm Bhaktivedanta Manor, happy cows are regularly attracts interest from around cared for and are usefully engaged. the country. Recently BBC1 featured The farm milkman Nodar reported the farm on its Sunday morning this month that Draupadi has been ‘Countryfile’. Presenter Adam Henson providing milk for seven years - since spent a day at the Manor with a she had her last calf! film crew, and captured traditional farming in action. The episode was Astonishingly, she continues to give broadcast on 25th May and featured more and more milk every year. bulls ploughing the land and cows Records show that she gives about being hand-milked. The programme 20 litres a day, with an annual yield highlighted the use of the farm’s increasing by 500 litres every year! produce in worship and cooking. Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter June-July 2008 Street Festival goes to Ilford

One of the primary goals for the The surprised locals asked whether Manor brahmacaris Manor’s Year of the Congregation is it was ‘a festival day’ and wondered and temple leaders to encourage every member to become where all the ‘Hare ’ had including Kripamoya a messenger by facilitating enjoyable suddenly come from. das and Srutidharma and practical outreach activities in each das joined the team. neighbourhood. As parts of Ilford's high-street With the weather suddenly transformed into what felt mercifully remaining On Saturday 31st May, over fifty like a place of holy pilgrimage, over dry, devotees enjoyed devotees took time out to travel to 200 books were handed out. The a sumptuous Ekadasi Ilford in East . The day Pandava Sena’s dedicated sankirtan feast in the nearby started at 10am with sit down bhajans, team formed the core of the operation, Valentine’s park. Rejuvenated they distribution of Srila Prabhupada's supported by older congregation proceeded back into the main town books, and prasadam cakes. members from various sanga groups. centre for an ecstatic dancing street procession which ended at around 5pm.

Lord Caitanya personally introduced public hari- nama sankirtana to purify the atmosphere and to inspire devotees to continue chanting. With new seeds of (devotion) planted in Ilford, the team looks forward to the next event. If you would like to get involved with similar outreach programmes organised by the Preach Petal please contact [email protected]

Heavenly music for A festive weekend Honouring Soldiers Krishna’s cows On the weekend beginning 10th May, The Armed Forces Welcome Day enthusiast s flocked from around the was organised to honour soldiers and medics returning from Iraq, Afghanistan country to the -Krishna Temple and Northern Ireland. Marching in to a in East London. thunderous round of applause, the 254 The weekend included workshops and a General Support Medical Regiment mini- (festive procession) in was honoured in song, prayer and a the local area. Special guests included wreath laying ceremony. Bhaktivedanta , Praghosa das, Gauri Manor assisted by providing ox-cart das and Vishvambhar das. rides and setting up gazebos, in the joint-event hosted by the villages of and Patchetts Green. Organiser Brian Hyde said: “It is time to recognise the immense service to this Roxanne, a member of staff of the country of the men and women of our neigbouring Delrow centre has been armed forces around the world.” visiting the Manor farm to share therapeutic methods she uses in care. Twice a week she has been playing her harp in the cowbarn. “The cows seem to appreciate the heavenly music” said farm assistant Bhaktin Katrina, “it makes them feel so relaxed that they have been known to drift into a peaceful sleep!”

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George Harrison Garden Religious Leaders meet ’s life was depicted in a colourful way at this year’s Chelsea at Lambeth Palace Flower Show. His widow Olivia worked with designer Yvonne Innes, to narrate On 23rd May some of the most George’s life story. Along a mosiac path, the surrounding plants change to depict significant faith representatives from George maturing through his childhood in Liverpool, then through his era with in the 1960s. The next stage is somewhat more subdued, representing across the UK were invited to Lambeth George’s quieter lifestyle in his later years. The path turns green and crosses over Palace, including Temple President a stream of water to another level. An ornate Indian pavilion represents George's Gauri das. focus on the spiritual side of his life in his later years. After meeting Prime Minister Gordon Work has begun at Brown, guests sat with the Dalai Lama. Bhaktivedanta Manor Dr Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of to transform the sunken Canterbury, led them into a meditation garden into a on World Peace and the Dalai Lama George Harrison. Richard Sneesby, the expert shared his thoughts. designer appointed by the The assembly spoke about the need George Harrison Garden to engage not only in the vocabulary Committee met Olivia at of specific convictions but out of a the Show. She expressed her enthusiasm about the recognition of a common humanity - a upcoming garden at the ‘secular ethics’ alongside the doctrines Manor. and disciplines of faith.

Yoga and Family Fun at Bhaktivedanta Manor The relentless Bank Holiday rain in learning traditional animal poses, and proved no obstacle for eager visitors to even making up some new own! the temple, who got out their umbrellas The day proved to be a wonderful to attend the -themed Open Day. success, and visitors got a real taste for Over one hundred and fifty residents the spiritually refreshing atmosphere of from surrounding areas flocked to Bhaktivedanta Manor. As late afternoon enjoy the day's events, which included approached, and the last guests left tours, philosophical discussions, yoga, the building, one commented with an pranayama, and Indian head massage affectionate and grateful smile, “It's classes, and a delicious feast. so lovely here! You wonder whether Mothers and daughters (plus a few love really exists in the world, but I've lucky sons!) were treated to makeovers certainly felt it here today.” as they tried on saris, and had gopi dot Of course, the day could not have decorations and mehndi applied. been possible without the sincere and Children were especially catered for, as dedicated efforts of all the volunteers Ekachakra dasi, a qualified children's involved, including the cooks, cleaners, yoga teacher, led a class of almost thirty pujaris and tour guides.

Page 3 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter June-July 2008

Taking local responsibility European Cow Protection Hungarian Connection Information Syamasundar das, head of the Manor Since visiting Hungary last summer, engineer by farm and ISKCON’s European head of the and International profession, cow protection and agriculture joined Friendship Association (RAIFA) have and author representatives of ISKCON farm held discussions about twinning Radlett of a recent communities from across Europe. with Dunaharaszti, a small town near fiction book, The meeting took place at New Vraja Budapest. Arjunanatha Dham in Hungry, which is 80% self- Dr Laslo Szalay, the Mayor of das joined sufficient. Community residents use Dunaharaszti and his colleagues were ISKCON in wood to cook and heat their homes, special guests of Aldenham Councillors Liverpool in and do not rely on electricity from the and their tour of the local area included 1989. national grid. Bhaktivedanta Manor. Since his early 20s he has been an Amongst the varied presentations was a RAIFA is confident about Radlett's active member of the Green Party, scheme for selling organically produced prospective partner, which is located campaigning in many local and salads to local people, by Dhirasanta near to the capital of Budapest. RAIFA parliamentary elections. Recently he das’. Dhirasanta runs a small farm in Chairman Clive Glover said: “It has stood for North and collected Cornwall. been a very enjoyable weekend for us 100 votes! He is currently the Green “It was very enlightening to witness and I am confident we will be able to Party Parliamentary Candidate for establish links between Radlett and . the presentations given by members of ISKCON farm communities across Dunaharaszti.” He is now a member of Bhaktivedanta Europe,” explained Syamasundar das, The visit was organised by Suzzanne Manor’s Environmental Committee “many farms need to be developed but Connet, who lived in Dunaharaszti and was involved in drafting an there is also much to be encouraged before moving to Radlett. environmental policy for Bhaktivedanta by.” Manor. “I see the Krishna Consciousness movement providing vital philosophical, political and practical skills within a new world,” said Arjunanath das, “In my view devotees should be at the forefront of numerous green initiatives and the New Gokul Farm Project could not be more timely.”

Safe Cycling for Gurukula Children As part of the Manor School’s policy of school sustainability, the children of the Class embarked on a cycle training course organised through Herts County Council. The pupils were taken through many aspects of safe cycling, bicycle maintenance and the Highway Code before venturing out onto the roads surrounding Bhaktivedanta Manor. The students were all tested and successfully reached level 2 proficiency. The pupils and teachers’ practices relating to the environment were also highlighted in the recent OFSTED inspection. The classrooms recycling all their plastic, paper, cardboard and tins and the school Ready for the Road has recently been nominated for an award - Safety First! for its contribution to sustainability by the National Teaching Awards Scheme.

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Krishna-Avanti School - continued from front page The School will be established as a Council, Cllr David Ashton. “It is one-form of entry, mixed primary also highly appropriate for Harrow school with attached nursery. to have this honour because of our Pupils will have dedicated yoga ethnic diversity, in particular, a large and lessons and will grow Hindu population. This is about giving vegetables, in line with the vegetarian people choice. We look forward to the principles of the school. A Hindu school being a focus of both academic achievement and community inclusion. temple will take pride of place in the Christine Gilbert, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector courtyard of the new school. When This is history in the making.” of Ofsted, and Peter Hamilton, Headmaster of Haberdashers’ Aske’s School for Boys at full capacity, it will have about Peter Hamilton, Headmaster of 240 pupils. Nitesh Gor, Chariman Haberdashers Askes school for Boys, is within Primary of governors and member of the a Governor of the new school. He looks Education. She I-Foundation, said there has been no forward to bringing his experience of is an Oxford Hindu state school until now because leading one of the highest performing Farmington the community has not been ready. “It schools in country to helping Krishna- Fellow and has taken the Hindu community the last Avanti to achieve excellent standards. Advanced few decades to establish its roots in this “This is a school where we will hold Skills Teacher country...only now are we coming up to high esteem that every child and for Religious to a level of expertise to say “we can adult matters”, said the Krishna Avanti Education. deliver this’,” he said. Head Teacher Naina Parmar School’s new Head Teacher Mrs Naina She is also outlines her commitment Praghosa Das, ISKCON's Governing Parmar, “we will foster positive and a consultant to delivering a quality Body Commssioner (GBC) for lasting relationships within the school, for the educational experience Britain, France and Ireland, was a with parents, the local community, Qualifications Curriculum Authority for keynote speaker. He highlighted the the school’s faith partner and local Religious Education and the Primary environmental aspects incorporated into schools in Harrow. We will ensure curriculum. the design. “The school is being hailed our pupils are equipped with life long as one of the most environmentally skills and attitudes essential to enable friendly ever built,” he explained, them to make not just positive but “It will have solar panels to generate electricity and grass on the roof to keep outstanding contributions to all aspects heat in the building.” of contemporary British society.” “Harrow is proud to have the first Naina has been involved in various and only state-aided Hindu school in leadership and executive roles during For further information visit: the country,” said Leader of Harrow her time as a teacher and Senior Leader http://www.krishna-avanti.org.uk

Page 5 Serenity ...... and Success by Devesh Modi

The beauty of the Welsh hills and countryside ‘congregation’ meant to me but hoped that had energised the congregation and bonds was breathtaking, as we drove through the as the retreat progressed over the three days between the devotees had tightened. At this winding roads on our way to Buckland this would become clearer. point I thought of a quote that summarised Hall. The air was fresh and crisp, a contrast Over the following days I had the pleasure concisely the lesson I had learnt over the to my regular journey to work everyday of listening to a variety of world class three days: through the concrete jungle of Central speakers present aspects of building a more “A family that prays together, eats together London. The saying "Man made the cities, vibrant and stronger spiritual community. and learns together, will certainly stay God made the countryside" encapsulated Both young and old attended the seminars together.” the difference between Buckland Hall and and expressed a thirst for knowledge and my London way of life. wisdom that I had not witnessed before, It is futile to intellectually try and As we parked up outside Buckland Hall, even at University. understand what the Manor congregation I was happy to know that this was going However, just as important were meal means. The Manor congregation needs to to be home for the next 3 days, in this times and . During meal times, I had be experienced and felt. My experience impressive historic mansion, surrounded the opportunity to rekindle old friendships was that it's a loving family, which keeps by luscious green hills and not more than and to ignite new friendships for the future, on growing because of its affectionate a few minutes from a free flowing stream. and of course, enjoy the wonderful cuisine. members. It's a congregation that welcomes Buckland Hall was the perfect setting for a During , I prayed, danced and sang everyone and tries its best to nurture those spiritual retreat. The Manor congregation in unison with fellow devotees, celebrating who wish to be part of this spiritual family. could rejuvenate themselves, inspire each in a most profound way. All the way On the last day, as I travelled back to the other and laugh as loud as possible without through the retreat, laughter and fun was concrete jungle, I was grateful to have had the worry of the next door neighbours integral to everything especially the drama, such a wonderful spiritual experience in complaining! comedy show and a quiz on the the serenity of Buckland Hall. I surely will The theme of the retreat was how to last day. be coming back. develop the congregation and to build As the retreat to on our successes both individually and Buckland Hall as a community. At the beginning came to a close, of the retreat I couldn't it was clear comprehend that it what the

Page 6 Snana Yatra This year, Lord Jagannatha's annual pastime of Snana Yatra was celebrated in style. Their Lordships Jagannatha, Baladeva and devi left their home in central London to be greeted at the main gate with a colourful, flower filled procession. Accompanied by uplifting kirtan, they were placed on a beautifully decorated bullock cart, and taken down to the main tent, where devotees eagerly waited to participate in the bathing ceremony. Hundreds braved queuing for an hour or more just to have darshan of these wonderful forms of the Lord. The abhishek bath was performed using items such as honey, yoghurt, milk, mango pulp and fruit juice. Later, an enlightening class on some of the pastimes of Lord Jagannatha was given by and Devamrita Prabhu. The kitchen was a hive of activity, with a great number of volunteers working together to cook a delicious feast for everyone. The Snana Yatra festival takes place two weeks before the grand Rathayatra procession, during which the Lord parades through the streets of London to give His mercy not just to His devotees, but to everyone.

Page 7 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter June-July 2008 Chaturdashi 18th May saw the appearance celebrations of Lord Nrsimhadeva, the half lion, half man incarnation of Krishna who came to protect His great devotee, Prahlada. Lord Nrsimhadeva is glorified, described and explained in the Vaisnava scripture Srimad-Bhagavatam. Devotees pray to this form of the Lord for protection, not only from physical threats but also from the selfish attachments in our own hearts.

Signifying the great importance of Lord Nrsimhadeva in devotees lives, celebrations were conducted with great pomp and this year. Highlights of the morning programme at the Manor included an entertaining play by the resident brahmacaris retelling the story of Prahlada and his demon father, Hiranyakashipu, as well as a vivacious class by His Grace Gaur Gopal das from Mumbai, India. A special Nrsimha Kavacha fire yajna for the protection of the temple and devotee community followed, after which the devotees travelled by coach to the West End of London for Harinama sankirtan (public chanting), joining amongst others the devotees from the Soho Street temple. Fortunately the weather held up and the devotees returned to the Manor enthused and enlivened, having shared the holy name with so many thousands.

The festivities continued in the evening with some melodious bhajans/kirtans in glorification of the Lord. This was closely followed by a feast consisting of close to ten items. With many of the devotees fasting for the day this was much awaited and highly rated by all, bringing an eventful day to a close. Let us all pray that Lord Nrsimhadeva showers his blessings upon us and protects us from all forces that may be inimical to our devotional service.

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Anil Goyal Age: 23 Currently: Staying in the brahmachari ashram at Bhaktivedanta Manor Studied: Economics at Harrow Cambridge University What made you start attend- Jammin’ ing IPS events? Having come into KC via the society at university, a friend there talked me into Harrow Jammin’ is ISKCON Pandava Sena’s (IPS) flag- attending my local jammin’ in east London. ship programme and has been running for over 10 years, The event was more entertaining and attracting the youth from all over north London. informative than I expected and I found the other people to be very amiable. I also It all started in 1995, when some young, enthusiastic found the mood of the organisation inspiring, devotees, fired up from saving Bhaktivedanta Manor, providing a realistic spiritual alternative to set their sights on the London Borough of Harrow, with a youth, giving them almost everything they got desire to share Krishna Consciousness (KC) to an area elsewhere, and more. known for its high population of . With an initial objective of giving the holy name, the first programmes What did you find appealing would simply be kirtan followed by prashad in a small hall about KC? on Pinner Road, attracting senior personalities such as The list is endless. The first thing that struck HH Lokanath Maharaja and HG Tribuvanath prabhu. me was that there were answers to all my questions. Growing up in a devout ‘Hindu‘ Over the next few years, numbers continued to rise, and family, there were lots of practices/ideas newer devotees took up responsibilities. The format of which did not make very much sense, but the programme also developed to become more dynamic the philosophy was so complete that things and thought provoking. However, after some time, a need quickly began to fit into place. It was then that was felt to revitalise the sessions and reintroduce the strict I began to realise how much I had missed out on all my life! Then over time, the association, practices of Vaishnavas (devotees) to ensure that this did kirtans, prasad and missionary vision all grew not become a mere gathering of young people, but rather on me and I realised that KC is the essence that it gave a spiritual experience. In 2001, some visionary of life. devotees took charge of the reigns. They went back to the basics of looking after devotees and nurturing their What services are you current- spiritual lives. As a result, the attendee numbers grew to such an extent that it became necessary to move to a new ly involved in? hall – one in the heart of Harrow with a capacity of 300. Based at the Manor, my main services include book distribution and university preaching. In addition to attracting many senior speakers, Harrow Jammin frequently now sees older members of IPS giving classes, having been through the system and averages an attendance between 60 and 80 youth at each session.

There are bi-weekly sangas (gatherings), which allow we’re members to delve deeper and discuss practicalities of practicing Krishna Consciousness as a student. Harrow Jammin’ continues to go from strength to strength and is jamminin the name of the Lord an ideal starting block for young people who want to be Forthcoming Jammins: part of a vibrant, fulfilling and enlightening youth group. 07/06 - South - Identity of the soul 13/06 - Harrow - The Matrix: how to get out 20/06 - East - Chariots - HG Jai Das 21/06 - South - Perfection of Yoga PSankirtan 27/06 - Harrow - KC - an economical perspective Do you like the taste of the holy name? Talking about 04/07 - East - Demon Qualities - Vandna & Krishna? ...or just relaxing with devotees? If YES Kanchan PSankirtan is the place for you, whether it be 05/07 - South - Inter-planetary travel 11/07 - Harrow - Religion: the ultimate distributing books, honouring prasadam or engaging retirement policy in various services please call Kishan on 07889 921 For more details see wwww.psena.com 114 to get involved or see www.psena.com Subject to change

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Vedic Perspective By Jahnavi Harrison EATING GREEN

If you ever watch TV, read a A 2006 United Nations report found newspaper, or listen to the radio, that the meat industry produces more it's not just about the effect on the chances are you'll have heard of the greenhouse gases than all the SUVs, environment. Giving up meat is also term 'carbon footprint' by now. In our Hummers, cars, trucks, planes, and recommended for its positive effect increasingly green conscious society, ships in the world combined. Here's on our bodies and consciousness. If it's the buzzword of the minute, and an even simpler way of looking at it: it's true that out of sight means out of refers to the impact human activities eating 1lb of meat has the same effect mind, then it’s no wonder we don't have on the environment. on the planet as driving a Hummer 40 always make the connection between miles. what we eat and how it influences our Of course, most of us like to think thoughts and actions. We buy nicely that we do our bit for the planet, and It's not just the air that's polluted either. packaged meat off the shelf next to advertisers have been quick to catch on The amount of manure produced by the innocuous foods like cheese and milk, to this. Today, everything from washing meat industry is a problem that's near but it is anything but innocuous. detergents to hybrid cars are sold with impossible to deal with. Even when a the promise of reducing the heavy portion of it is used for fertilizer, the When an animal is slaughtered, its impact of our daily activities. These majority ends up dumped in fields and feelings of intense pain and fear slickly packaged claims can be pretty rivers, leaching excess minerals into the experienced at death remain within its convincing, but how much do these soil and upsetting the fragile balance of body, and these have an effect on those little things actually help, and isn't there the earth's ecosystems. who consume this flesh later. As these a simpler way? Raising and feeding the livestock puts feelings arise in us, it also becomes a major strain on the environment also. harder to feel compassion for others, 'refusing meat is the About 44% of all the grain in the world whether animal or human. Ultimately, single most effective is used for animal feed. Therefore, this lack of compassion can be found most farm animals will, at any moment at the heart of many major world thing you can do to of their lives, have consumed more problems, as well as many difficulties food-energy or protein than they can within our day to day lives. reduce your carbon ever deliver in the form of meat. After The legendary mathematician and footprint' reviewing the tens of millions of acres philosopher of Ancient Greece, of agricultural land being used for Pythagoras, stated 'For as long as men animal feed and grazing in Europe, the massacre animals, they will kill each The answer, according to a huge European parliament commented last other. Indeed, he who sows the seed of number of environmentalists and those year, that 'European farming is capable murder and pain cannot reap joy and in the know, is a resounding yes. In of feeding Europeans, but not their love.' This message has been repeated the official handbook for the Live farm animals'. by saints, philosophers, and great Earth concerts, organised by American thinkers throughout the centuries. politician, Al Gore, it is stated that Even with all this land being used, it's 'refusing meat is the single most still not enough to meet the demands Krishna also tells us to only offer him effective thing you can do to reduce of the commercial meat industry. Every vegetarian foodstuffs, and devotees will your carbon footprint'. They've even year, large areas of forest throughout never eat any food not first offered to enlisted famous faces, such as Paul the world, are cleared, creating new their Lord. By so doing the Bhagavad- McCartney to promote this message. grazing land, and ultimately often gita tells us that we will avoid the Of course, some might say that this creating new areas of desert-like, “great sinful reactions” that are is just another form of propaganda, infertile land, as a knock on effect of otherwise incurred. but look past the high profile events the deforestation. If we follow Krishna's simple directions and celebrity endorsements, and the This evidence is clear proof of the for our diet we will be healthier, statistics speak for themselves. importance of vegetarianism. However, happier and save our planet.

Page 10 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter June-July 2008 Washington DC - Traditional Hare Krishna Greeting for Pope

Radhika Raman das (Dr Ravi Gupta), a “I greeted the Pope with our traditional graduate of the Oxford Centre of Hindu Hare Krishna greeting,” he added. Studies met Pope Benedict XVI at an “Then I said, ‘Your Holiness, you interfaith gathering in Washington. are well aware of the richness within The Pope, the spiritual leader of , including a strong tradition the Roman Catholic Church was of monotheism and religious tolerance. in Washington as part of a North I hope these can be a foundation for a American tour. strong and continued dialogue with the The interfaith event was organised [Catholic] Church.” by the United States Conference of “It was an historic occasion,” said Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and Anuttama das, ISKCON's Minister included representatives from all faith of Communications and a Governing traditions. Body Commissioner. “The tensions on “It was a great honour to meet His the world stage call for religious leaders Holiness Pope Benedict”, said Radhika to understand each other better and to Ramana das, “I was impressed by teach their respective congregations to the intimacy of the gathering, and the not only respect, but to learn from one Pope’s genuine interest in meeting us”. another.”

Soldiers in Iraq take Solace in the Holy Name Chanting on the Thames by Partha-Sarathi das It's my fifth year on duty as an US people see death regularly, for a time army sergeant in Iraq. I still rise early my soldiers forgot their troubles and and chant Hare Krishna as if I can were able to gain profound spiritual die at any moment - which, here, is a insights. reality. Twenty-two soldiers now come One night we were sent to help victims for the Krishna conscious programs I of a bomb attack which was reported to hold in the dormitories. have killed 200 people. Upon arrival During one of these, a rocket impacted we were met with the horrific sight of near- by, so I directed everyone into ten dying children. the nearest bunker, grabbing my drum I grabbed one child in my arms, a boy along the way. who was no more than 5 years old. Everyone in the bunker started Immediately I tried to render first aid asking me questions about spiritual and as he passed away I softly chanted life, listening to my replies with rapt in his ear. As the day drew on I realised attention. As I taught them how to that amongst all the suffering in this chant Hare Krishna, I could see that world, much relief can be given by the Over 200 chanting enthusiasts climbed their minds were gradually becoming chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. aboard a riverboat with international more peaceful. spiritual leader Swami, Soon everyone and sailed down the River Thames. was singing. The journey went from the Houses of As we left the Parliament right down to the Thames bunker some Barrier, and included music and talks. asked if they If the singing was heard by anyone in could come the House of Commons, no doubt they chant with me would have benefitted! every day. Indradyumna Swami organises one of Once again I the largest festivals in the ISKCON experienced world: the Polish Woodstock Festival. the mercy and The festival attracts over 300,000 compassion youth every year. An area set up in that Srila the centre of the festival, the Village of Prabhupada has Peace is one of the main attractions of given us. In the festival and hosts a non-stop stage a place where programme of kirtan, drama and dance.

Page 11 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter June-July 2008 Unique new marriage Lakeside Walk restored website The grounds department have chalked out a number of phases which will further Along with technical help from beautify the Manor’s grounds. Mick, Sunder Govinda das, Jagannathesvari with help from Bhakta Lior and new dasi heads a team who have recently volunteer John have planted many launched a new UK-based website: trees, plants and bulbs around the www.krishnamarriage.com. lake area. They have also removed The site helps and supports members overgrowth around the lake, restored of the community , both locally and the walk and seeded internationally, the soil with grass. The path around to find the lake has been restored with compatible gravel and complements the extra partners, with work that has been done at the far a view to side of the lake, including some marriage. It is special new features. unique because it has been Saturday Harinam - Congregational Chanting tailor-made by in a town near you devotees, for devotees. The Local areas: site includes a reference check system. • Meet at the Manor Everyone who registers is obliged to at 12 noon - return provide names of devotees for character at 2pm references. “ISKCON is Srila Prabhupada’s Central London: family and, as in any family, the older • Minibus leaves members like to see youngsters well from the Manor at situated,” explained Jagannathesvari 6.30pm - returns at dasi. “The new site expands the pool 10pm of options available. Many devotees are quite shy but this service will be private and confidential at all times.” Free Temple Bus service in action www.Krishnamarriage.com The new bus service has now The service is running every Sunday started to run between Wembley and until 17th August inclusive and it is Calendar - dates for your diary Bhaktivedanta Manor. Kath and Co bus already growing popular. The route service is a new initiative by the temple includes Wembley Central Station, June to go green. Sudbury and Harrow Road Station, Sun 22 London Rathayatra “Many visitors have been waiting Harrow on the Hill Station, Kingsbury, Mon 23 App of Vakresvara Pandit a long time for something like this” Queensbury Station, Queensbury Sat 28 Disapp of Srivasa Pandit explained Radha Mohan das, “if you Sun 29 Yogini Ekadasi Circle, Canons Park Station and near don't have access to a car then the Edgware Station in both directions. temple can be very difficult to reach July from north-west London. Because The service is free but donations are Thur 3 Disapp of Sri Gadadhara Pandit & of John's initiative, new doors have welcome. For detailed bus timetables, Bhaktivinode Thakura opened and the prospects are exciting.” visit www.krishnatemple.com (fasting till noon) Fri 4 Disapp of Swarupa Damodara & Sivananda Sena Tue 8 Disapp of Vakresvara Pandit Bhaktivedanta Manor Mon 13 Sayana Ekadasi Dharam Marg · Hilfield Lane Aldenham · Herts · WD25 8EZ Fri 18 Guru Purnima Disapp of 01923 851000 Caturmasya begins www.krishnatemple.com Wed 23 Disapp of Gopala Bhatta Goswami Sat 26 Disapp of Lokanatha Goswami Please send your news, photos and comments to Sun 27 Anniversary of the incorporation of Radha Mohan das at: ISKCON in New York Sun 28 Kamika Ekadasi [email protected]

Page 12 © 2008 All articles & photographs copyright of Bhaktivedanta Manor