July 2010 Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the of Founder-Acharya Prabhupada, Swami Grace Bhaktivedanta Divine A.C. His to Dedicated SB: 1.11.24SB: Purport contamination.” material no is there actually but stone and wood earth, like elements material of made apparently is which arca-vigraha, the accepts Lord the therefore and Lord, the of nature spiritual the perceive cannot senses material The world. material the in are who devotees innumerable His of service devotional the facilitate to just potency internal His by Lord the by expanded is and arca-vigraha called is Lord the of “Aform Prabhupada: Srila celebrations here in our capital”. our in here celebrations Ratha-Yatrathe enjoying Londoners of generation another yet see to amazing “It’ssays: Chariots of Carnival London of Co-ordinator TitikshuDas, music! choral even drama,and song, dance, of stage main the on display thrilling a including exhibitions, and demonstrations of variety wide a enjoyed families where Trafalgarworld, Square, the in landmarks famous most the of one at concluded procession The TrafalgarSquare. to Park Hyde from Balarama Lord and Subhadra Lady , Universe”) the of Lord (“The Jagannatha Lord of deities sacred the carrying chariots decorated exquisitely high 40-foot three the hand-pulled faithful The extravaganza. ancient this in participated world the over all from devotees and pilgrims festival-goers, of thousands sunshine, summer with Blessed June. 20th Sunday on capital the of streets the to returned Chariots, '’,the annual of Festival or the as sounds and colours of variety dazzling a by illuminated was London Chariots generation new a enchants of Festival attraction…” festival’sthe star was ride cart bullock Hare the that “agreed family one that reported papers local The dance. enchanting an with event the opened Harrison Tulasifood. vegetarian of plates of hundreds served devotees hand, helping a lending as well as Festival, Radlett the At July.31st Saturday on is Day Open next The friendships. old renewing to addition in faces new welcome to delighted are devotees now,time years each ten than more for running been have Days Open though Even locals. many with have we relationships positive the on build further to opportunities great be to prove always Manor Bhaktivedanta at Days Open WelcomingFriends Local

'bharat-natyam' Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter July 2010

Neil Morhen, the Neighbourhood Team Inspector for Hertfordshire Constabulary, visited Bhaktivedanta Manor to advise on community and security issues.

Amekhala devi dasi – A Tribute Talks between the Soul and God A dinner was arranged at Bhaktivedanta people to Krishna Consciousness in a Manor on Saturday 8th May by Gail ‘gentle and accessible’ way. Staveacre to thank devotees who have The book was publicly launched a helped with the Preachers' Circuit. week later at Alchemy, a popular new During the evening Ranchor Prime age and yoga centre in the heart of introduced his latest book 'Bhagavad Camden Market. The book was warmly Gita; Talks between the Soul and God'. welcomed by the centre and many Sri Sribhuti Krishna Goswami He explained that the book is meant signed copies were bought on the spot. from the Sri Vaijayanti Ashram in to complement Srila Prabhupada's , India, was delighted to AS IT IS and to be The book is available for purchase from visit Bhaktivedanta Manor. a resource for devotees to introduce the Manor shop.

Watford's first vegetarian cafe Watford’s first vegetarian café has opened in Market Street. Gokula, a family business, offers a choice of tasty snacks and home made cakes and organic fair-trade drinks. Gokula is at 65 Market Street, Watford WD18 0PR, open 9am - 6pm Monday to Saturday.

Sounds for the Soul – 24 hour goes worldwide There was non-stop chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra for 24 hours over the weekend of 5th and 6th June in the Balaji temple near Birmingham. Organised by the local ISKCON devotees, special guests included Sacinandana Swami, the Mayapuris (now based in the US) and Madhava dasa. The entire event could also be viewed online from anywhere in the world.

Page 2 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter July 2010

Divine Protection

26th May saw the celebration of the appearance of Lord Nrsimhadeva, the half lion, half man incarnation of Lord Krishna who came to protect his great devotee, Prahlada. Nrsimhadeva outwitted the demon Hiranyakashipu, who thought that he had been blessed to never die under any circumstance. The Lord’s appearance shows us that the soul can never outwit God – even when that soul has become the most powerful in the universe! On the day, children of the Manor School performed a play about this pastime, which was followed by a fire yajna ceremony. In the Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krishna explains the vision of such a great devotee as Prahlada: “For one who sees Me everywhere, and sees everything in Me; I am never lost to Him, and he is never lost to Me.”

The art of Krishna Conscious home schooling Lions Club charity walk

A seminar was run at the Manor which ‘social life and skills’ and ‘cultivating provided tips and techniques for academic success’. successful Krishna conscious parenting. Aruddha devi dasi shared her Aruddha devi dasi and her son Radhika experiences on home schooling Ramana dasa from Idaho in the US and raising children using Srila spoke about subjects such as ‘how Prabhupada's books. Aruddha devi to teach through the Bhagavatam’, dasi and her husband Anantarupa dasa ‘discipline and character building’, started the ISKCON Temple in Boise, USA and home-schooled their children while running the local Govindas restaurant as well.

Radhika Raman dasa holds a The Lions Club of Sudbury Town are Ph.D in Hinduism from Oxford raising funds to sponsor a classroom University. He is now Assistant for the Krishna Avanti School. Barry Professor of Religious Studies at the Gardiner MP attended the charity College of William and Mary in the walk in Kingsbury which was well US. attended by many supporters. The Lions Aruddha dasi runs a Yahoo group Club Chairman Mr Viren Hindocha on the internet for devotee parents commented “We are taking part in this interested in homeschooling their project because we consider the School children. to be a landmark for our community in www.krishnahomeschool.com this country.”

Page 3 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter July 2010

Manor leaders attend the opening of Wembley's newest landmark

After fourteen years of construction, Members of the brahmacari ashram (monastery) organized an evening of the Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir on the thanks for Lad Construction and the Patrons Council. For three months Ealing Road is complete. Lad Construction have been working hard entirely renovating the ashram Leaders and representatives of (residential) facilities and the results are magnificent! The evening included Bhaktivedanta Manor were among the a ribbon-cutting ceremony, classes, drama and a feast. invited guests at the opening ceremony. Our heartiest congratulations to the Chairman of the Temple Narendra European Brahmacari Convention Thakrar and members of Shri Vallabh Nidhi UK for achieving this The second European Brahmacari Convention held at the Manor was a grand monumental landmark. success. Seventy-five saffron-clad monks and those aspiring gathered from across the continent for seminars, workshops, public chanting and devotional entertainment. The theme was based on the importance of simplicity, sense control and study in the brahmacari (student) stage of life. Nine sannyasis (senior renunciates) presided over the week long Convention.

Page 4 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter July 2010 Association of Krishna’s devotees Sat-sanga literally means “association of Krishna’s devotees.” Through “Association such association one develops spiritual knowledge and finds fresh with those engaged in a inspiration in their devotional life. It is undoubtedly one of the most similar line of business is very important aspects of Krishna Consciousness. conducive to advancement in that There are over 25 sanga gatherings in different locations across London. business. Consequently materialistic They typically take place at someone’s home on a fixed day of the week, persons form various associations and and are attended by 30-40 people of all ages. Different aspects of Krishna clubs to enhance their endeavors. For consciousness are discussed in a relevant, practical and engaging way. example, in the business world we find In recent months, Bhaktivedanta Manor’s sanga leaders have been working such institutions as the stock exchange hard to improve the quality of each gathering. Each group now meets and chamber of commerce. Similarly, at least once a month, and systematically studies different aspects of the we have established the International teachings and how to apply them in one’s daily life. Furthermore, each Society for Krishna Consciousness sanga group offers great opportunities for service at Bhaktivedanta Manor. to give people an opportunity to associate with those who have In summary, by attending a sanga gathering, you will: not forgotten Krishna.” Learn the basics of the Bhagavad-gita Srila Prabhupada Have the opportunity to ask questions and learn the practical aspects of the teachings Associate with spiritually minded individuals and make new friends To find out more contact: [email protected] Sutapa das (07957 636 283) Krishna Purna Devi Dasi (079464108)

Page 5 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter July 2010 Seeing the spiritual nature by Krishna Dharma das

Once Srila Prabhupada was in discussion they seem too often elude even the commodities – stuff that somehow with a scientist who was averring that brightest among us. It was therefore never seems to give us the satisfaction nature was the cause of all phenomena. refreshing when Prince Charles in a and contentment we crave. Obviously. “Why do you propose a God?” he asked. recent speech attributed our current Otherwise how would the free market Prabhupada replied, “But when you say environmental crises to a “deep, inner survive? It runs on the principle that the nature you must also say whose nature. crisis of the soul.” Suggesting that consumer will always want something It cannot exist independently” we were becoming “de-souled” by new, “a bigger and better illusion” as It is an interesting point. We all have consumerism, he said that the problems one rock singer put it. different natures, but who has this vast we now face cannot be solved simply by Surely it is time then for those spiritual and wonderful nature we see all around green technology. It required something teachings mentioned by Prince Charles. us? deeper, a return to spiritual teachings. Unless we connect with the soul and On a different occasion he faced another As the poet Wordsworth said even indeed the Supreme Soul, we will be philosopher who said that everything 200 years ago, “The world is too much helplessly driven by our material desires. was formed from an eternal impersonal with us, late or soon.” The spiraling We must recognise the spiritual in the energy, again asserting that there was no rate of consumerism is driven by an world and in our selves. The nature need to introduce any God. Prabhupada obsession with improving our worldly we want to exploit and enjoy does not said, “Energy means there must be conditions, an insatiable material greed, belong to us, it belongs to God, and so an energetic source, it cannot exist both from the consumers and from those do we. Everything is divine energy. Only independently.” who would supply them. It is surely not when we realise this truth and try to act sustainable no matter how hard we try on it, engaging all things in the service This is a verifiable truth. Heat, light, to move to renewable sources. The New of God according to his desire, will the s o u n d – any energy Economics Foundation calculated that fever of materialism subside, making must always if the whole world today consumed at way for real happiness. have a point of the same rate as the US it would require emanation, a At the moment the fever is threatening over “5 Earths” to keep up the supply. source. So what to become an epidemic. Prince Charles is the source of And that is the way it is going. Much pointed out that the world population, the total material of the ‘undeveloped’ world would currently approaching 7 billion, will be energy? Prabhupada very much like to have the wealth some 9 billion by 2050. Allowing for gave the answer. and amenities enjoyed by the affluent the rapid global spread of TV and other “That is West, and are working hard to get them. digital media, all pumping up demand God.” Thanks to the all-conquering TV and for all those nice shiny items the media film industry, even the remotest of places companies are also selling, there is no Obvious can stare goggle-eyed at a lifestyle that chance that even renewable sources will p o i n t s seems to offer a thousand times more be able to meet the demand, as the Prince to some enjoyment than theirs. suggests. Something has to give. p e r h a p s , but sadly It is an illusion of course. Happiness will Prabhupada actually said that the Earth never come from “getting and spending”, can maintain any number of people, as Wordsworth put it. All that will at least in terms of food. I doubt he do is agitate the heart and meant that every household could mind, push us to have two cars and six TV’s. He also higher levels of said that nature has her own way of anxiety as we adjusting problematic situations, such hanker for as a population gone mad with frenzy to more and lay waste her resources in the shortest m o r e possible space of time. So let’s take Prince Charles’ advice seriously. Seek the divine within and without, find peace and bring down the material fever before it goes right off the Richter scale.

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Aman Sunnerd

Age: 22 Studying: BSc Software System of the Arts IPS: Leaders of today, leaders (University of Hertfordshire) What made you start attending of tomorrow IPS events? I became curious about Krishna and so I In this issue, Vishal Merai explores how the ISKCON affirm their commitment to sincerely searched on YouTube and came across IPS activities and structure of ISKCON Pandava serve the movement as well. Considering half video clips on there. This led me onto the IPS Sena (IPS) gives its members the opportunities, of all of those that become initiated from the website on which I found out about East London experience and training to become present temple’s community are from IPS serves as Jammin and I’ve been going ever since. leaders of the group as well as equip and yet another indication of the continuing value motivate them to take up leadership roles in that members will prove themselves to be to What did you initially find ISKCON in the future. ISKCON when they are no longer part of this appealing about KC? youth group. IPS has numerous exciting projects that give its More than anything I found that the teachings members the opportunity to engage their skills, These arrangements ensure those currently just made sense. I had a lot of questions and which they either already have or develop as involved in IPS are able to contribute in similarly the answers I was getting from outside of KC part of the training they receive through their valuable ways in broader ISKCON activities didn’t satisfy me. Two of the older members of involvement. These include developing short through the transferrable skills and sense of IPS in east London took some time out for me films, music CDs, dramas, festival exhibitions, ownership they develop while serving in IPS. and as a result of my interaction with them I organising retreats and graphic design, to name Those that have made that transition include became inspired to take control of my life and just a few. Along with specific skills required for Nitesh Gor, who was the original chairman get involved. these activities, those involved learn how to of the group. He has been the driving force manage such projects as well. Efforts are made behind setting up the first state funded Hindu What services are you currently to ensure an entrepreneurial spirit remains so school, called Krishna Avanti and located in involved in? that members have a sense of empowerment Edgware. He is now the chair of the school’s I’m part of the East London Jammin team. In and are able to engage themselves based on board of governors and is engaged in similar particular, I look after the chill-out sessions, their inspiration. This ensures that a sense projects for more such schools. Another one of which take place at my home on an a bi-weekly of ownership develops alongside skills and the original members of IPS, Nimai devi dasi, basis. They give those that come along to experience. is an editor of the soon to be released ‘open’ Jammins an opportunity to get to know about Vyasapuja book containing glorifications of KC and each other in a relaxed way. A few of Several arrangements are in place to facilitate Srila Prabhupada (ISKCON’s founder) by his those that have been involved in KC for longer the development of a solid grasping of the initiated disciples. She is an assistant to the periods of time are around to answer questions teachings of Krishna consciousness (KC). editor of the Indian version of ISKCON’s Back to that anyone has and we often prepare These include interactive sessions given as Godhead magazine as well. Furthermore, Ajay prasadam together as well. part of Jammins as well as KC Socs (university Kumar and Bhavesh Patel, who have also been societies) at some of the most well known involved in IPS from its early days, now play Interesting fact about yourself educational establishments in the world. Talks leading roles in the temple’s festival committee, I’m looking to teach graphics at secondary are given as part of programmes at the homes which is responsible for Janmashtami at the school level after finishing my studies. of the members, often by international leaders Manor, a festival that attracts 70,000 people of ISKCON. Furthermore, the weekly VTE each year. Sutapa das and Saci Kisore das classes provide structured and systematic are another dynamic duo that have their roots jammin learning, whereas the more intimate sanga jammin in IPS. They are currently groups allow members to share their insights jammin senior members jamminjammin and experiences with each other. jammin of the Manor’s IPS has a mentorship system which ensures brahmachari that all members can benefit from the care ashram (residential and advice of those that have benefited from monk quarters) jamminJammin is a fortnightly dynamic youth event many years of practising the process of KC. and have both had organised and facilitated by IPS The group has several dedicated mentors that responsibility of devote time and effort to each of their mentees, book distribution for Forthcoming Jammins: ensuring that they are given the guidance they the temple as well East - 02/07 - God - Fact or fiction? need to make informed decisions about their as for KC Socs on a Harrow - 09/07 - For a life less ordinary spiritual journey. national basis. East - 16/07 - God on trial Harrow - 23/07 - Mid-summer night kirtan IPS looks forward A key aspect of KC is initiation, which is known East - 30/07 - Vegetarianism as diksha in Sanskrit. It is a ceremony in which to many more a qualified disciple makes lifelong vows toa following in their spiritual master to maintain high standards footsteps in their For more details see in their spiritual practices. Through taking efforts to serve Lord wwww.psena.com this important and natural step, members of Chaitanya mission. Subject to change

Page 7 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter July 2010 Devotee care B h a k t i v e d a n t a Manor has recently re-launched its mentorship system, or devotee care system, which will care for the regular congregation. The A team, headed by Lotus Trust Kripamoya das will transforming lives... be working to Charitydevelop Registration No. 1114304 this further. At its©200 7 launch,Great Ormond Street Hospital special Children’s Charity. Register edguests charity no. 235825. National Trust visit The from ISKCONLotus T rust Chowpatty (Mumbai) Sridhama das and his Staff and volunteers from Croome Court in Worcesteshire, wife Kishori dasitransforming spoke lives... about their experiences of promoting working with the National Trust, spent a day at the Manor to the system worldwide.Charity Registration No. 1114304 They are on ©200 ISKCON's7 Great Ormond Street Hospital Childr e n’s GoverningCharity. Registered charity no. 235825. get a deeper understanding of Krishna consciousness. They Body Commission (GBC) Committee for Devotee Care. also wanted to get an idea of how Croome was when it was owned by ISKCON as ‘Caitanya College’. "We had a very spiritual, tranquil and enlightening experience,” explained Joyce Wallace, the Outreach Officer for the West Midlands National Trust. “Our group were surprised and genuinely interested and respectful of the property. They felt at home and were grateful for the time and warmth of the welcome they received.” Luton Carnival The 100,000 people who attended Britain’s biggest one day carnival in Luton were surprised and delighted to witness the devotees chanting Hare Krishna and dressed in beautiful costumes. The same devotees, with support from others, distributed thousands of plates of prasad (sanctified vegetarian food) and chanted to the early hours at the Summer Solstice Festival in Stonehenge.

Tue 24 App of Lord Calendar Dates Children of the Manor School visited Fairfield Junior School July 2010 Balaram(fasting till Wed 21 Sayana Ekadasi noon) Raksabandhan in Radlett to conduct an interactive workshop about Vedic Sun 25 Guru (Vyasa) Purnima, Wed 25 2nd month of culture and tradition, which was very well received. Disapp of Srila Caturmasya begins Sanatana Goswami Anni of Srila Prabhupada’s Mon 26 Month of Sravana departure for the USA Bhaktivedanta Manor First month of Caturmasya September 2010 Dharam Marg · Hilfield Lane Aldenham · Herts begins (fast from green Thur 2 Sri Krishna WD25 8EZ leafy vegetables for 1 Janmashtami (for sat-nav only, please use postcode ) month) (fasting till midnight) WD25 8DT August 2010 Fri 3 App of Srila 01923 851000 Wed 4 Anni of incorporation Prabhupada (fasting till www.krishnatemple.com of ISKCON noon) Fri 6 Kamika Ekadasi Sat 4 Annada Ekadasi Please send your news, photos and comments to Fri 20 Pavitropana Ekadasi Sun 5 Janmashtami Festival Radha Mohan das at: Jhulen Yatra begins at Bhaktivedanta (swing festival) Manor [email protected]

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