May 2016 Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness PERMISSION Srila Prabhupada: Celebrating Lord Rama’sGRANTED Appearance The Lord's original form is that of Sri Krsna, and He expands Hertsmere Borough Council Planning existing poly tunnels, greenhouses and Committee have unanimously given playground. consent for an exciting new community Himself into an unlimited Managing Director Gauri das said: “We facility at Bhaktivedanta Manor, the are exceptionally pleased to receive number of forms, such as Shree Krishna Haveli. planning permission. Over many years Baladeva, Rama, Nrsimha and The Temple applied to build a two of work including the development storey building as well as relocating the of a planning ....continued on page 9 Varaha. All of these forms are one and the same Personality of Godhead. Similarly, the arca- vigraha [deity] worshiped in temples is also an expanded form of the Lord. Sri Isopanisad, Mantra 8, Purport © M Singara Celebrating Lord Rama’s Appearance This year the actual day of Ramanavami, epic Ramayan, describing both historic the birth of Lord Rama, fell on Friday and symbolic meanings. 15th April. That day beautiful new After the abhiseka (ceremonial bathing) outfits were offered to Their Lordships of Lord Rama, community and ashram on the shrine. Morning celebrations devotees joined forces in central included informative presentations by Watford to perform jubilant harinama, Gaur Gopal das and Vraja Bihari das, and many books and prasad sweets who opened the treasure trove of the were distributed ....continued on page 3 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter May 2016 “My Sweet Lord: The Hare Krishna Movement Turns Fifty” Academic Conference at Bath Spa University, UK By Zayani Bhatt Sanskrit speakers and a senior associate researcher at University of Oxford’s As part of ISKCON’s 50th year Centre for Hindu Studies, spoke at celebrations, devotees from length about the history of ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor, academics within the Vaishnava tradition. from around the country and students from Bath Spa University gathered Rasamandala Das gave a presentation there on Saturday 23rd April to talk on the education ISKCON provides about their shared interest in the and the aims of this, including further Hare Krishna movement. The day, propagation of Krishna Consciousness. organised in collaboration with The academics, Gauri Das, Rasamandala Religions, Philosophies and Ethics at Das and Dr Suzanne Newcombe, a the University, was dedicated to talks, research officer at INFORM (Information presentations and a panel discussion Network on Religious Movements) on the history of ISKCON including its had a panel discussion about their first greatest achievements and challenges, encounter with ISCKON, whether it its position within the British Hindu can be considered a cult and the future community and the potential challenges challenges ISKCON might face. it may experience going forward. The essence of the day as explained The academics included Dr Dermott by Devaki Dasi, the ISKCON 50 UK Killingley of Newcastle and Professor National Coordinator was that “there Kim Knott of Lancaster University, were people from all walks of life and both of whom have extensively every one of them was interested in studied the Holy Scriptures such as the the movement.” Ultimately for the Bhagavat Gita, and the theology of Srila devotees, it was a learning experience. Prabhupada’s movement. In the words of His Grace Vraja Bihari das Brahmachari, “Often when we are Professor Kim Knott spoke openly and spiritual, we miss the world around us. positively about ISKCON’s development By engaging with academics, we have within the UK: from engagement with the opportunity to see how far we have the Beatles to enter the awareness of the come and improve.” public, to the arduous struggle with local government over planning permission. Dr Killingley, one of the country’s best Page 2 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter May 2016 Celebrating Lord Rama’s Appearance continued from page 1....to the public. The huge public festival on the following Sunday was blessed with sunshine and evidence of the good weather was evidenced by the smile on everyone’s faces. The festive Radha Krishna deities, arriving at the colourfully decorated lake after being on parade, were carried ceremoniously on a swan boat which was covered in red, pink and white flowers. Meanwhile, children ran around the estate carrying bows and other toys, curtesy of the Spring Fair organised by © V Mistry the Manor School. Many Members of Parliament, local Councillors and Mayors also took part in the festivities and were very impressed with the community work of Bhaktivedanta Manor. The highlight of stage program in the marquee was the Bhaktivedanta Players’ performance of The Ramayan, which was enjoyed by children and adults alike. © V © V Mistry © V © V Mistry © V © V Mistry © M Singara Page 3 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter May 2016 © H Jeevan Gaura Purnima This year’s Gaura Purnima Festival, which celebrates with great pomp the birth of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the incarnation of Krishna for the Kali-yuga known as the Golden Avatar, boasted several special features. Right from the early hours of the morning devotees raised their arms in surrender, sang and listened to glorifications of © H Sharma © H Sharma the Golden Avatar. Later that morning Manor devotees climbed aboard buses destined for Central London’s harinam procession. The evening program that day was held in a beautifully decorated marquee on Bhaktivedanta Manor’s grounds. In the early 1970’s Srila Prabhupada requested devotees from all over © H Sharma the world to come together at Lord Caitanya’s birthplace in Mayapur in joint celebration. Along those same lines this year’s Manor Gaura Purnima festival was jointly celebrated with ISKCON-London devotees. Lord Caitanya’s activities were extolled in the form of storytelling, song and dance and theatrical performances by the ladies ashram and Pandava Sena. © H Sharma © H Sharma Page 4 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter May 2016 Cooking Masterclass Dairy Queen Honoured in Bali Devotees on the sunny island of Bali, The Manor honoured Lalita Sakhi dasi, such as jams and chutneys, made from Indonesia, invited Satya dasi from who is moving on after three years of fresh ingredients grown on the fields the Manor to visit them and share her innovation in her role of managing the surrounding the Manor. cooking expertise as they embarked on Dairy. pioneering a new hotel and restaurant. Lalita Sakhi explained, “Twelve years Under Lalita’s stewardship, the milk Using her extensive experience in of managing the main kitchen helped produced by the cows that graze on catering she delivered an extensive prepare me for making this contribution the Manor fields was transformed into series of practical classes to the local by overseeing the dairy. It provided rich butter, yoghurt and ghee. These cooks for a month. me with invaluable health and safety items form the core ingredients in the training necessary for this service.” HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA, famously delicious savouries, main meals and sweets made by the Manor’s Lalita will now concentrate on book KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE, deity department. Lalita also pioneered distribution and increasing her service of HARE RAMA HARE RAMA, the production of palatable condiments, deity worship. RAMA RAMA HARE HARE Krishna Wisdom The Krishna Wisdom department at the Yoga Retreats are day retreats for a helped me progress really well in my Manor is continuing to share knowledge healthy, positive lifestyle. They teach spiritual life. I feel as though I have a of Krishna Consciousness with new how to meditate, practice yoga and be new family!” seekers and nurturing them throughout inspired by the wisdom of the Bhagavat- their spiritual journey. Gita. – Anna Hallett Their flagship events include: The most recent Soul Expressions “I always enjoy the events here, and attracted a huge crowd. The monks rocked everyone is so welcoming, and you Mind Body Soul is held every it to the point people spontaneously got never leave hungry!” – Ian Whitaker Wednesday. Guests partake in guided up to express their joy through dancing! meditation, a thought provoking talk For more information about upcoming Here are some testimonials from their events and to learn how to get in touch: and kirtan. regulars: http://krishnawisdom.com Soul Expressions is a free once-a-month “The monks have supported and Saturday kirtan extravaganza with short encouraged me, and events like Soul email: [email protected] philosophical intermissions. Expressions and the Retreats have Page 5 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter May 2016 Bath Spa Students Bath Spa University students visited the Manor as part of a module in their Virtual Mantra Choir Religion, Philosophy and Ethics degree 70’s pop star Jayadeva das (John Richardson) released his studio recordings of a about the contemporary relevance of choir singing mantras to celebrate ISKCON’s 50 Anniversary. With 450 singers Hinduism. Impressed by the diversity from over 25 countries, the eclectic blend of choir and eastern music is making a of practitioners in terms of age, lifestyles splash among online music enthusiasts. Jayadeva aptly showcased samples from his and roles, senior lecturer Dr Catherine Caitanya-themed album at the Gaura Purnima festival. Robinson wrote “Thank you for making To hear what all the buzz is about, visit www.mantrachoir.com. the visit so memorable. It may amuse you to know that, when the coach broke down on the way back from the Manor, the students suggested chanting the maha mantra and indeed did so!” Winter Survival Kits Last winter Food for All distributed "winter survival kits" to two hundred of London's homeless and under privileged. The kits included a rucksack, waterproof coat, sweater, socks, hats and gloves, which were freely distributed to the needy as they came for their meals.