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Home , Jagannath, Krishna Janmashtami, Radhastami, Ranchor Prime, Shaunaka Rishi Das

September 2009 Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder- of the International Society for Consciousness Krishna for Society International the of Founder-Acharya Prabhupada, Swami Grace Bhaktivedanta Divine A.C. His to Dedicated Victoria to raise awareness of the welfare of dairy cattle. dairy of welfare the of awareness Victoriaraise to and Westminster Knightsbridge, through Square Trafalgar Trust, a charity based at Bhaktivedanta Lotus Manor, travelled The from representing riders fearless Thirty cows! riding bicycle- of herd a with unusal roads ’s sharing the of situation in themselves found commuters July, 26th On Happy Healthy Cows - raising awareness of the plight of dairy cattle dairy of plight awarenessthe raising of Happy- HealthyCows SB: 4.7.44 purport 4.7.44 SB: successful. be will life his and light, new a see will he change; will life one's Krishna, of topics the hears and chants simply one if that know we because Krishna Hare chant simply and us with come to everyone invite we Instead, us. to come then and position his change first to anyone ask not do Krishna…We about sources authoritative proper the from hear simply but change without position present his in remain may everyone whereby process a advocated Caitanya Lord Prabhupada: Srila f ign ad eoin hy fee heartfelt offered Krishna. Lord to prayers atmosphere they devotion the and In singing of Gokulananda. Sri they of Sri forms shrine beautiful the see magnificent to delighted the were before with eagerly bedecked they came As was activities. Krishna's which of illustrations and building, displays temple journey their the continued through Visitors fragrances. of plethora a and re-enactments audio displays, colourful with nose: and ears eyes, the for experience immersive was an into lake transformed Manor's the around walk woodland The Krishna's pastimes. from scenes glorious of presentation multi-sensory In the magical the In oxen.” and cows their manage devotees Manor the way the in and promoted actively and is cruelty without peace farming which in of way sense the was noticed I harmony amongst all the visitors. I was particularly interested in the thing one the attending the people - many so see to lovely was “It Council. Borough Hertsmere of Mayor Gilligan, Rosemary Cllr recalls Festival,” Janmashtami the to and visit Manor first Bhaktivedanta my to was “This too. newcomers by recevied well very were days, two over spanned which celebrations, The alike. young-at-heart the and young the of hearts the captured and mind the stimulated eye, experiences the caught that rich with seekers and guests pilgrims, 65,000 over delighted - festival The year world. this in appeared Krishna's this Lord since years 5,000 festival over marking Janmastami annual 37th it's celebrated Manor Bhaktivedanta style:in Janmashtami Celebrating Krishna Forest of Vrindavana of Forest milk.” organic drinking by welfare cow improving to step first the take let's public: the to saying are “We said: das spokesman Trust Lotus roam. to space and to grazing outdoor access free given be should cows all that expresses and animals of farming intensive the against is Trust Lotus The visitors were enticed by a by enticed were visitors continued on pages 4-5 pages on continued Newsletter September 2009 Presenting to a The Most Blessed Event fresh audience of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada This year, after participating in the Puja ceremony in the temple room and glorifying Srila Prabhupada with traditional prayers to the spiritual master, we moved upstairs to Srila Prabhupada’s darshan room. Devotees had beautifully decorated his residential quarters and on either side of His Divine Grace were two gorgeous urns of flowers whilst a floral arch framed his deity form. White sheets were spread on the floor as was customary when devotees and The Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Mela was guests would attend a darshan with very well attended and local devotees Prabhupada. sponsored a stand for Adi-Guru das to Disciples who had the good fortune to promote Krsna consciousness. Antardwip serve Srila Prabhupada when he was das also organized a mini personally present with us took loving (chariot procession) through the festival. care to prepare his rooms as attentively BBC Radio Suffolk's presenters donned and devotionally as possible, in the Indian dress for the event and performed hope that this would help to invoke an a live radio interview with Adi-Guru increased sense of his eternal presence das, presenting Vaishnava culture to a with us. As the devotees respectfully This year Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa Puja fresh audience. entered Prabhupada’s rooms, a murmur fell on Saturday 15th August and as on all of appreciation and an aura of awe and years, that is one day after Janmastami. reverence pervaded the atmosphere. Lesson in Recycling That’s how closely linked Krishna and Hertsmere Borough Council's Officer Srila Prabhupada are for the devotees! Here we all were, sitting in His Divine of Education, Gemma Godfrey, paid Every morning at the mangala arotik, Grace’s presence, his disciplic children a visit to the Manor School to refresh we sing: and grandchildren who have dedicated the children's commitment to recycling. yasya prasadad bhagavat prasado their lives to follow in his footsteps and After an interactive workshop involving yasya prasadanna gati kutopih commit themselves to the mission of sorting rubbish, Gemma helped the dhyam stuvams tasya yasastri sandhyam Lord Chaitanya. Rupa Vilasa prabhu, children make recycled paper. vande guroh sri caranaravindam as our master of ceremonies invited devotees to read offerings to Srila The meaning of this is that by Krishna’s Prabhupada and all were inspired and mercy we are given the association of deeply moved to hear the outpourings the spiritual master and by the mercy of love, commitment and praise of Srila of the spiritual master, we can attain Prabhupada’s glories. Krishna. Few temples in the world have quarters Srila Prabhupada, as the Founder in which Srila Prabhupada stayed so Acarya of ISKCON wrote that one of often and for such extended periods. On the foremost reasons for establishing this day of all days, in this most sacred The children also visited a quarry near this international society was to bring place, we sensed his eternal presence St Albans to learn about the recycling of the devotees together in association so with us on an even deeper level. we might keep each other strong and natural materials and the restoration of After many precious moments of the countryside after quarrying. enlivened in our spiritual practices and devotional service, in an atmosphere reminiscent and often very humorous Sports Day for the Manor of love and trust. Srila Prabhupada stories about Srila Prabhupada’s School and Pre-school emanated pure love for the Lord and merciful association, we performed the engendered trust in those who came into Pushpanjali ceremony after which arotik his association. was offered to His Divine Grace to the sound of sweet . Such a man was George Harrison of who offered this beautiful home, Please visit Srila Prabhupada’s quarters later to be known as Bhaktivedanta when you next come to Bhaktivedanta Manor, for the service of Krishna. Srila Manor. Just one moment’s association Prabhupada stayed here many times with a pure devotee can change the heart and informed us that he would eternally and the course of our existence. reside in his rooms at the Manor. by Sarva Mangala dasi

Page 2 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter September 2009

Srimati Radharani’s Love The topmost expression of Krishna Consciousness

Radhastami, which marks the birth of are aware that devotion to Radharani interested in the welfare of all devotees Krishna’s female counterpart and eternal is the topmost expression of Krishna and that devotees can pray to Her. He divine consort, Srimati Radharani, was consciousness. explained that one cannot go directly to celebrated all day in an atmosphere of Although Srila Prabhupada was on the Krishna, but if Radharani is pleased with joyful devotion on 27th August. one hand very reserved in speaking about someone She will kindly recommend Knowledge about Radharani, Her Radharani, he nevertheless imparted a them to Krishna. The easiest way to pray relationship with Krishna and Her sweet and pure understanding of her. He to Radharani is to chant the girlfriends is present throughout the sometimes described her as Krishna's which includes the names of Gaudiya Vaisnava tradition, most tenderhearted female counterpart who Radha and Krishna: “O Energy of the notably the writings of Srila Rupa, Jiva personified love of Krishna. Srila Lord (Hara), O Lord, please engage me and Sanatana Goswamis. Devotees Prabhupada explained that Radharani is in Your service." Lord Jhulan Yatra Whenever Krishna takes birth in this material world, He brings his associates from the spiritual world with Him. Five thousand years ago when Krishna was born in , Balarama came to assist in His pastimes as His elder brother. This year His Appearance Day fell on 5th August. Garga Muni, the family priest of the Yadu dynasty, revealed to Rohini (Balarama’s mother), that the child she was carrying was divine. He named the child ‘Rama’, meaning ‘one who gives all pleasure’. Noting the immense strength of the child, Garga Muni said that He should also be known as Balarama (‘bala’ meaning strength). As the elder brother of Krishna, Balarama was the object of His love and respect. Once when walking in the forest of Vrindavana, Krishna The annual five-day swing festival took observed the trees bending down as if paying place between 1st and 5th August. Every obeisances to Balarama. When Balarama would morning Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda get tired by playing, He would lie down on the were placed on a beautifully decorated lap of one of the cowherd boys and Krishna swing in the temple room. Devotees would personally massage His feet and fan Him showered Them with flower petals and and render Him service. Such was the sweet took the opportunity to gently pull the reciprocation of love between Them. swing.

Page 3 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter September 2009

Labour of Love Made up from a number of key exhibits and experiences, the Janmastami festival is put together by a volunteer base of over 1000 members. Their labour of love started many months before in preparing exhibits and planning logistics to safely cater for the thousands of pilgrims. On the evening of 22nd August, the festival committee members personally thanked all the volunteers for their selfless service, wrapping up another successful Janmashtami. Festival Committee co-chairman Dilip Patel presents the Janmashtami report

ShriPage 4 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter September 2009

Some Highlights...

Shri Krishna Janmashtami Page 5 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter September 2009 POWER... TO WHICH PEOPLE ? Among the many gifts the West appears easy. All you have to do is to tell them by Krishna das intent on bestowing upon the rest of the they are being attacked, and denounce Great sages know that life has a higher world – such as TV, burger bars, pop the pacifists for lack of patriotism and purpose than simply satisfying the bodily music etc -- democracy is perhaps top exposing the country to danger. It works senses like the animals. They know that of the list. We cherish our democratic the same in any country.” true happiness comes from realising our institutions and are prepared to endure There spoke a man who knew a bit spiritual nature as eternal parts of the great pain and difficulty, sacrificing our about manipulating public opinion. And Supreme. And they know that real care for soldiers and heaps of cash, to ensure that have things changed? Constantly we others is demonstrated not by indulging voting is embraced in far flung places encounter a barrage of ‘news’, views and them with whatever they immediately like Iraq and Afghanistan. Even, it seems, ‘expert’ opinions, all of which shape our want, but by training them toward the when they don’t really want it anyway. outlook and hence who we choose as our goal of ultimate and everlasting peace The recent elections in Afghanistan leaders. and happiness. were very poorly subscribed, with many Perhaps in the absence of too many polling stations remaining more or less Which is fine if our outlook is enlightened enlightened seers we are safest sticking empty. At a gathering on polling day of and we are able to recognise a truly with democracy for now, but whether many tribal leaders from all around the qualified person, one who will lead us elected by the people or selected by the country a Sky journalist asked them why. on to the promised (by them) land of spiritually advanced sages, leaders have They unanimously responded by saying milk and honey. But how well are we a grave mission to perform. Prabhupada that they were happy enough with their making that call? Are the politicians and says, “The kings or the executive heads own way of doing things and resented leaders who culled our votes living up of all states must fulfill the mission of Western interference. This, they said, was to our expectations? How often are we human life, which is to make an end to all the general view of the people. disappointed? miseries of material conditions.” Nevertheless the voting went ahead and Winston Churchill once said, “the best argument against democracy is a five And chief among those conditions of a leader was elected, one with which the misery is repeated birth and death. So West no doubt hopes to ‘do business’. But minute conversation with the average voter.” This was a point Srila Prabhupada let’s see, whose manifesto promises to what of democracy? So called power to end that? the people. Does it really work? Certainly often made. Leaders must be selected by it is not propounded by the , where the most qualified persons in society; theistic monarchies are the general model those who know the goal of life and how encouraged. They are hardly in fashion to attain it. In Vedic society, although the these days, but is democracy that much feelings of the people were not ignored, better? it was always the pure-hearted sages and who were chiefly consulted Apparently so, as it seems we are free to in matters of who should lead the state. make a choice about who rules over us, Prabhupada said, “if you ask a criminal and we are unlikely to select candidates or a drunkard to vote for a leader who look like they will make life then what can you unpleasant. Well, who at least promise us expect?” very sincerely that they won’t. It is a bit like asking How free though is our choice? Obviously a young child to vote we must form our views based upon the for his available information, and that is often parents. presented by those who would seek our Most kids vote. Consider this from Herman Goering. would like a mum “Naturally the common people don't want and dad who let them war; neither in Russia, nor in , more or less live on crisps nor in America, nor in Germany. That is and chocolate, take very few understood. But after all, it is the leaders baths, chill out all day and of the country who determine policy, and never attend school. What a it is always a simple matter to drag the life. But mum and dad know people along, whether it is a democracy, better, and in the same way the or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, state leadership, according to or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no Vedic wisdom at least, should voice, the people can always be brought also know what is best for the to the bidding of the leaders. That is citizens.

Page 6 Geena Pattni Age: 15 Studying: GCSEs

Under the Influence What made you start attending IPS events? The centerpiece of ISKCON Pandava Sena’s Ultimately she prays for help and chooses to (IPS) marquee, titled ‘Under the Influence’, surrender to Krishna, who in turn saves her. My brother Ravi has been an active member was a powerful performance that dynamically for several years. After going on the annual The emotive show touched many hearts and left summer trips he would tell me about them and illustrated the original position of the soul and the some members of the audience in tears. importance of surrender. with each year my desire to go on one grew until Nandagopa das, the president of IPS, I finally gave in and went to Italy last year with The act was originally developed for a Harrow commented: “Every year we come up with the group. Jammin that took place earlier in the year. Based new ideas about how to give the message of on its success the festival team agreed to use it Krishna Consciousness to the thousands of What did you find appealing for Janmashtami. youth that attend Janmashtami. This year, we As part of the tent’s introduction, the visitors were wanted something very special to celebrate our about KC? told that they were about to meet four personalities 15 year anniversary and sure enough Krishna It was mainly the inspiration I developed through they knew very well. Not knowing what to expect, empowered His various devotees accordingly. going on the Italy trip. I found that it had a warm they entered the blacked-out area to be greeted I was most impressed to see the significant atmosphere and I made friends with many by characters in each corner, representing lust, number of new members who were brave enough others that came along. I particularly found the envy, greed and intoxication. Each influence to take up responsibility.” appealing and the opportunities to ask was armed with a powerful monologue aimed Since Janmashtami, the show has been performed questions to better understand my faith. at convincing the young audience about the at the Manor’s Janmashtami Volunteers’ Thank happiness they could supposedly offer. You Dinner and IPS What services are you currently The focus then moved to has been invited to run the main stage which saw it at the Crawley Ratha involved in? a young girl (representing Yatra festival as well as I put tilak [sacred clay markings placed primarily the living entity), at events in Birmingham on the forehead] on people that visit the temple becoming attracted to and Leicester. on Sundays and I often help with the serving of (material nature) IPS members were prasad [sanctified food] too. In IPS I help out and choosing to leave involved in all aspects wherever I can but I especially like to cook for Krishna’s association in of the Janmashtami my local Jammin (Harrow). the spiritual world. As celebrations at a result, she becomes Bhaktivedanta Manor Interesting fact about yourself absorbed and entangled this year but had specific I attend Army training courses in which I by various influences responsibility for the receive training in completing obstacle courses, who again promise her walkway, the marching and even rifle shooting! I’ve been happiness, only to leave Krishna Avanti fundraising doing this for two years now through my school her in state of great area as well as ‘Under the and have met members of the royal family pain and desperation. Influence’. through my involvement.

jammin jammin jamminjamminjamminjammin

jamminJammin is a fortnightly youth event organised and facilitated by IPS Forthcoming Jammins: 04/09 - Harrow - Who or what is God? 05/09 - Crawley - Going Nowhere Fast 12/09 - Crawley - The Three Modes of Nature 18/09 - Harrow - Are we Destiny’s Child 26/09 - Crawley - Life in Krishna Consciousness 02/10 - Harrow - Chained? East London Jammins TBC For more details see wwww.psena.com Subject to change Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter September 2009 Plans for environmental change in Oxford ’s UK tour of Religions and Conservation (ARC), The name of Lord Jagannath, the Lord the Oxford Centre for of the universe, is being heard in more (OCHS) and backed by the United towns across the UK than ever before. Nations Development Programme. “This year was Leicester’s first Ratha , researcher on Yatra with local deities,” explained environmental issues, explained, “…as Antardwip das. “With three chariots, the environmental cost of meat is right Leicester stages the second largest Ratha National Hindu leaders have pledged at the top of the global climate change Yatra in Europe, after London. The to work together to create long-term agenda, feel they have something chariots are only possible because of the plans for environmental protection and to say. One of their key concerns is to tireless work and dedication of Titiksu education. Ideas considered include change public perceptions of the cow as prabhu and his team across Europe and a benchmark for a range of products simply a source of food.” especially the UK.” and services, endorsement for ethically “This meeting was historical because Ratha also took place in sourced food, and to advocate sustainable the larger Hindu temples in the UK have Birmingham, Cardiff, Crawley, Plymouth lifestyles. These plans will be developed agreed to work closely together, which and Glastonbury. and implemented over the next 9 years. is very encouraging and a very good The leaders met in Oxford as part of an example,” noted , international initiative led by the Alliance Director of the OCHS. Marking 15 years of Krishna Club Krishna Club, the Manor’s Sunday people and their parents – all of whom school, has been running since 1994 participated in the full temple morning and is led by Vasana-harini dasi and programme. There was also for the Shyama- dasi who are both children. The following day everyone qualified teachers. climbed aboard a coach to Drayton To mark 15 years of service, a celebratory Manor Theme Park. function was held during the last If you are interested in placing your weekend in July. The Manor’s Temple child’s name on their list, please email room was packed with children, young [email protected] Patrons Gathering

Residential course: Introduction to Krishna Consciousness 15th Sept – 20th Dec 2009 Over 1,000 patron members and their families attended a thank you evening at Experience a unique opportunity to spend three months in the beautiful Bhaktivedanta Manor. They participated countryside setting of Bhaktivedanta Manor, UK. The residential course provides in a programme of entertainment, encompasses theoretical and practical aspects of devotional life, and a wide range presentation of highlights from the of activities. For more information or to enroll please email Bhakta Pravin at: previous year and of course, dinner. [email protected] Bhaktivedanta Manor Calendar Dates - September 2009 Tue 15th Indira Ekadasi Dharam Marg · Hilfield Lane Fri 18th Sradha ends Tues 1st App of Lord Vamanadeva & Sun 27th Dusshera Festival at Manor Srila Aldenham · Herts · WD25 8EZ Mon 28th Dusshera Wed 2nd App of Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura 01923 851000 App of Sri Madhvacarya ( till noon) Wed 30th Pasankusa Ekadasi www.krishnatemple.com Thur 3rd Disapp of Srila Haridas Thakura Disapp of Srila Raghunatha das, Fri 4th Acceptance of by Please send your news, photos and Srila Raghunatha Bhatta and Srila Prabhupada Srila Krishnadas Kaviraja Goswamis comments to Radha Mohan das at: Shradha begins Fri 11th Srila Prabhupada's arrival in USA Sat 3rd Oct begins [email protected]

Page 8 © 2009 All articles & photographs copyright of Bhaktivedanta Manor