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ISKCON New York City Sri Sri Community

Newsletter 0004 November 2019 International Society for Consciousness (ISKCON) Founder Acarya His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Tapping into the store house of love of Contents at Brooklyn Borough Hall...... 2 Puja...... 2 Srila Prabhupada's Disappearance Day...... 3 Srila Prabhupada New York November 1965...... 3 Tulsi and Saligram wedding...... 4 Thanksgiving dinner...... 4 HG Vaisesika gives his blessings...... 5 Monthly Sankirtan Festival...... 6 Halloween Harinam!...... 8 Sri Vrindavana Dham...... 8 HG Malati dasi visits...... 8 Sunday Japa Club...... 9 What's cookin' ?...... 10 Spanish Classes...... 10 New Beginnings...... 11 Devotee of The Month...... 12 Alachua Holy Name Festival...... 12 "How can we show our mercy 50th celebration at Apollo Hammersmith...... 12 to everyone? There are millions and millions of poor people, so how can we show them all mercy? Are we able to supply clothing and food to all the needy persons of the wolrd? That is not possible. How, then, can we be merciful to every living entity? This is the official community newsletter of By giving them Krsna ISKCON New York City, Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple consciousness. That is how Prahlada Maharaj is showing Become a contributor! his class friends real mercy... email [email protected] If you want to show any mercy to living entities, then enlighten them in Krsna Be sure to follow us on social media consciousness, as Prahlad Maharaj did."

--Trancendental teachings of Prahlad Maharaj

1 - Celebrating Diwali at the Brooklyn Borough Hall

On October the 22nd, 2019 a grand Diwali celebration was held at Brooklyn Borough Hall, which was co-organized by ISKCON NYC; Sadhana; Coalition of Progressive Hindus; and the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Hosted by the Brooklyn, Borough President, the event featured speeches by local dignitaries and faith leaders, prayers by Hindu priests, and bhajans/kirtans by youth of ISKCON and United Madrassi Association. Councilman Brad Lander, Commissioner Bitta Mostofi, Activist Ravi Raghbir, were some of the speakers. More than 150 guests, including officials from many local and state government agencies participated in the event. A sumptuous vegetarian meal was prepared by ISKCON and distributed freely to all participants.

Govardhan Puja

Our community came together to offer their hearts and culinary talents to our beloved Giriraj! A record number of preparations were made, including doughnuts from the doughnut plant, a cake made by Sunita and so many other delicious delights. Our Govardhan Hill was expertly made by Jaya Radhe devi dasi and her team; Antaryami das, Manjulali dasi and Bhaktin Yana decorated the hill, whilst Premedhana das and Ganesh created the base, and surround. A new dress skillfully made and sponsored by Antaranga Mataji, was presented to our deities. This festival celebrates the diversity of Krsna and His devotees, and the symbiotic nature of Govardhan that brings all God's children together under one roof, and what better way than to celebrate than with a mountain of maha prasadam!

2 The day that follows Srila Prabhupada's is always a disappearance day day of mixed emotions, as we simultaneously celebrate and commemorate the life of Srila Prabhupada. It is a day where by looking towards the past we can become surcharged to push this movement into the future; by hearing the offerings and accounts of the senior devotees, what inspired them and touched their hearts, we become evermore touched by Srila Prabhupada's magnanimous mercy and feel the heartfelt desire to spread Krishna Consciousness. A day that brings everyone together, this year was no less. mataji, a sweet devotee who we had not seen for some years, lovingly sponsored and made an outfit for the deities.

Srila Prabhupada in New York November 1965

After a brief stay in building to base it from, a At this time he only had a few Pennsylvania Srila place to meet. Even though Dr more weeks on his visa and Prabhupada arrived in New Misra and Srila Prabhupada planned to return home, back York for a short while sharing both came from different to , however, despite this, living quarters with Dr Misra schools of thought, the two and despite the growing cold he then stayed at 100 West were kind to one another and weather of the West, Srila Seventy-second Street 8th, got along amicably, Dr Misra Prabhupada was determined This place had no washroom particulary enjoyed and loved to carry out the order of his or kitchen facility so each day Srila Prabhupada's cooking. Spiritual Master, and to he would travel to Dr Misra's However, of course, staying in establish the preaching of yoga studio to wash and cook. the company of Dr Misra, a Krsna Consciousness in the Mayavadi philospher, and his Western world. He continued students was less than ideal writting letters asking for for Srila Prabhupada, as he assistance in his mission, was not able to preach the hoping that the devotees of message of Krishna Krsna could somehow come Consciousness effectively. together in support of After some weeks Srila spreading Krsna Prabhupada received news Consciousness around the At this time, November 8th, from his Godbrother, and world. Srila Prabhupada began to found it unfavorable, there Less than one year later, Srila write correspondence to his was no offer of support. Prabhupada incorporated Godbrother Tirtha Maharaj, However on November 23rd ISKCON, to contemplate how asking for financial assistance Srila Prabhupada wrote him this could be achieved, by an to purchase a building in the back, elderly man with no area. Srila Prabhupada felt “It is not very encouraging. assistance from colleagues, that his preaching would be far Still, I am not a man to be to is impossible. more effective if there was a disappointed.” 3 Tulsi and Saligram wedding

The full moon marks the end of Kartik month, and celebrates the marriage of Tulsi devi and Saligram. A stunning new dress (also see front cover) was made and sponsored by Antaranga devi dasi. As this month of increased mercy drew to a close devotees recharged and deepened themselves, gearing up for the next month, the month of giving out the mercy!

Thanksgiving dinner A delicious feast on November 28th, Thanksgiving, was beautifully prepared; brown basmati with beans; mashed potatoes; stir-fried brussel-sprouts; macaroni cheese; samosa; fried paneer slices; salad; sweet potato; pakoras; cranberry chutney; and rasgulla. Members of the community sat side by side with regulars from Govinda's, enjoying each others company and good food.

4 Monthly Sankirtan HG Vaisesika Prabhu gives his heartfelt blessings "You have contiuned to build the Monthly Sankirtan Festival and Festival now more and more books are going out... May all of you be empowered to do more and more books, to meet the nicest people and to pour the most mercy into their hearts possible." click above to watch it all.

Pow! A Hare Krishna explosion!

In a combined effort the various devotees of New York came together, November 23rd, to kick start this years Christmas Marathon. And this month HG Ramesvara Prabhu joined us leading an as well as the wonderful inspirational class, followed by Bhaktin Emily, from closer to tips and lessons by Divyangi home Tulsa, who sang devi dasi. Every month has a uplifting Harinam Sankirtan new flavour, and this time throughout. Devotees went several diciples of HH out to local areas and subways warming the hearts came from Europe to join us, of all they met. 5 event, complete with gorgeous decorations, Mahagopi Radhika devi dasi's stunning deities, distribution of Bengali Srimad Bhagavatam, a sumptuous feast and a talk by our Temple President Hansarupa Prabhu. At the end of the day a grand total of 65 maha 6 big 20 medium That same day two young 16 small devotees went out with their totalling 107 books! father, acompanying the Harinam Yuga Dharma ashram in the New York subways, to join in the mercy of Lord Caitanya! Meanwhile the Bengali Namahatta held a beautiful

656 New York Christmas book marathon begins!

Its the most wonderful time of the year! The opportunity is once again upon us to join in the fun and be a part of the family business! Our goals: 1008 Maha and big books 1508 Medium and small books There are so many ways to participate from going out with our book distribution team; to sponsoring books; to baking prasadam cookies for distribution; cooking feasts for the team; and covering services to allow other devotees to go out. There are just so many ways to involve! For more information see the front desk.

"A very sincere lady, Isabella, said that Bhagavad Gita changed her life and was happy to take more books and give an extra donation"

7 Jai Sri Vrindavana Dham!

Kartik is a month that has many of us looking towards Sri Dham, the land of Sri Krsna. October saw our Temple President give Srimad Bhagavatam class at our ISKCON Vrindavan Krsna Balaram Temple. Halloween Harinam! Devotees, around the world have a reputation for identifying popular events and bringing Lord Caitanya's Sankirtan along for the party, and Halloween is no exception! Halloween has its roots in an ancient culture long since time forgotten, a festival which celebrated the light of Summer submitting to the darkness of Winter, reincarnation and rebirth. In today's modern culture it is festival widely enjoyed by those who wish to take a step a way from the day to day, become a superhero, or to divulge in some demoniac nature, and no Whilst later in Kartik month better time for the devotees to spread the Harinam yuga HH , dharma! Enlightening all who are looking for what lies beyond HH Jayadvaita Swami, and the confines of day to day reality. HG Vaisesika prabhu The Harinam party started at Canal Street and 6th Avenue and gathered for association and went down 6th Avenue, endding around Washington Park area Bhagavatam katha at and the Northern Part of Greenwich Village. Govardhan Palace. Sri Vrindavan dham is a place HG Malati devi dasi we can recharge and connect visits NYC with Srila Prabhupada's mission, meditating on the steps that he took, travelling Malati’s warm and practical from Vrindavan to New York presence mixed with stories with very little, all those years of His Divine Grace A.C. ago, and now just look at Bhaktivedanta Swami where we are today, amazing. Prabhupada and the early days in ISKCON provided a spiritual, motherly atmosphere and a sense of familial In the second week of relationships amongst November HG Malati devi dasi devotees. stayed with us for a few days, We encourage all senior residing in the ladies ashram. devotees to visit and give During this time we were gifted association, thereby passing with her association and onto the next generation, presence throughout the devotional traditions; temple programs. understandings and skills. 8 radhagovindagifts_nyc

Sunday Japa Club letter to Kirtananda Maharaj Bombay October 18th 1973. Many of us have heard that The Sunday Japa club was Srila Prabhupada would often formed in this spirit, offering a use the example from Aesop's space for practioners young Fables of the father of many and old to deepen their children with the bundle of practice. sticks. “When the father asked his children to break the bundle of sticks wrapped in the a bag, none of them could do it. But, when they removed the sticks from the bag, and tried one by one, the sticks were easily broken. So this is strength in unity. If we are bunched up, we can never be broken, but when divided, then we can become broken very easily.” Srila Prabhupada 98 What's cookin' at association with one another? And that's not all, a Radha Govinda? Sukanti Gaurangi has been soughdough bread making Srila Prabhupada would often with us for just three months, workshop took place offering say that ours is a kitchen and already she has shown community members the religion, and he himself was an great talents and ability in chance to learn a new skill, as expert cook. A Vaishnava many things, including well as provide good should be skilled in many launching our first cookery wholesome bread prasadam things and cooking is definitely classes! Participants came for all! up there as one of the along for an evening of Delicious! topmost, for what other service culinary exploration and can at once make so many tuition, learning how to cook devotees and guests a like at with devotion and finally offer once so happy and share good the dish to the Lord.

Bhagavad Gita; Clases en español

New York City has an extraordinarily diverese population. It is one of the few cities in the country in which four different racial/ethnic groups each make up at least 10 percent of the population. Around 26 percent of the cities residents are Hispanic, and this is reflected within the members of our community. Many of our Spanish speaking devotees speak varrying levels of English, so there was a need to facilitate their needs for both philosophical and cultural exchange. The first class, lead by Citta Hari das, was a great success with members coming together from across the community. “As we move forward, we plan to add more classes in different languages.” Says Bhakta Blake, one of our resident event organizers. 10 New beginnings...

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For more information email: [email protected] 11 Devotee of the month Krishna Spectacular in London Attracts 3,000 People On November 24th, the UK ISKCON devotees celebrated their 50th Anniversary in grandeur at the famous Apollo Theater in downtown London. The show brought together performing arts from East and West, theatrical acrobatics, live music and sacred song, immersive mantra choir experience, award-winning dance and incredible 3D visuals. One year ago two very special devotees embarked on the huge task initiating the big clear up, sorting through and getting rid of several years of debris. Mahaprabhu das and Naam Sankirtan das, served back in 55th Street, and amongst many services, cleaning and maintenance was one, at that time their Bhakta leader was Hansarupa das, so when the two heard that Hansarupa prabhu was Temple President the pair excitedly rushed to the temple to help. Their initial help created a domino effect and many subsequent others felt inspired to join in, a maha cleaning day was announced, and many devotees came from all over. We thank them for their inspirational efforts!

Festival of the Holy Name Alachua to Hold Ten Days of Kirtan for Tenth Anniversary For the team behind Festival of the Holy Name, it’s such service that has transformed their lives. THE COMMUNITY “A lot of us already had friendships, but doing this service NEWSLETTER OF ISKCON together made them even stronger,” says Govinda. “And it says NEW YORK CITY a lot that although it’s exhausting work, everyone on the team DIRECTOR OF PUBLICATION: keeps wanting to do it, even after ten years.” Hansarupa das Festival participants of all backgrounds also feel inspired by the festival. “Every year, we get feedback that it’s a lot of people’s CONTRIBUTORS: highlight of the entire year,” Govinda says. “Many gurukulis and Caitanyanda das, Citta Hari das, Bhakta Blake, Jaya Radhe other devotees, old and young, have found their bliss in coming devi dasi, Bhaktin Yana, together with their family, their community, their tribe, and Divyangi devi dasi, Sukanti chanting together. Even the kids talk about it constantly – it’s a Gaurangi devi dasi, Bhaktin big deal for them. So the festival has been spiritually Brooke, Aditya devi dasi. transformational for many.” Do you have a story you would Govinda hopes Festival of the Holy Name’s success will inspire like to see in our next others around the world to make similar efforts. newsletter? “Find a team, and find something you can do together that email: [email protected] 12 serves your community,” he says.