December 2016 BHAKTIVEDANTA December 2016 MANOR NEWSLETTER International Society for Consciousness (ISKCON) Founder His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada

Diwali Celebrations

1 5 11 Diwali in London 9 6 Hour 14 Legendary Rapper

Srila Prabhupada: We can avoid idle 19 conversation and utilize our Ground Breaking 7 time in the spare moments for Avanti House for studying slokas from the Gita and Bhagavatam. Practically I have given you more than enough for 50 years at one sloka daily. If we can simply read one sloka daily, that is step by step progress. 16 Letter to Pusta Krsna -- Hyderabad 23 March, 1973 Please send your news, photos and comments to: Mohan das [email protected]

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© 2016, All articles & photographs copyright of Bhaktivedanta Manor December 2016

Prayers at Number 10 and the . During the Prime Minister’s Diwali Srutidharma das was invited to the message, she made reference to Diwali function at Number 10 Downing Srutidharma’s speech and also gave Street. Along with the Prime Minister reference to the government funded and other dignitaries such as the Indian Avanti Schools Trust, of which ISKCON High Commissioner Mr Dinesh Patnail, is the faith affiliate. Srutidharma das lit the ceremonial lamp before being invited to say a few words Other ISKCON devotees present and lead the Diwali prayers. included Mahaprabhu das (Head ISKCON European Communications Echoing the Prime Minister’s own words, and Chair of the Hindu Forum of Srutidharma das added that the fact Europe), Jai das (President of that the community is celebrating Diwali ISKCON-London Temle), Dhruva-kusa at the Prime Minister’s home is the (Head of Pandava Sena), Bijal Majithia symptom of “a fairer Britain.” He then of Veda London and Brijesh Vadhvania proceeded to recite the first verse of the from Avanti Trust. Sri Isopanisad, the Panca-Tattva mantra

Diwali at House of Commons A team of ISKCON devotees attended this year’s Diwali event at the House of Commons, organised by the Hindu Forum of Britain. Gauri das, Spiritual Commissioner of the Hindu Forum of Britain, led the opening prayers for the event. Later Priti Patel MP, the Secretary of State for International Development was pleased to receive a book about Srila Prabhupada from Devaki dasi. 3 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

Diwali Celebrations

It’s wonderful to think that hundreds Then throughout the day, the public of thousands of years after the epic festival came alive with exhilarating Ramayan took place, devotees continue , exhibitions, mouth-watering to celebrate Lord ’s spectacular snacks and refreshments. There were return to Ayodhya. The date on which also dramas which make Diwali at this event took place is still being the Manor famous. The two dramas maintained; specifically on the beautiful showcased different aspects of the temple grounds of Bhaktivedanta Manor with tremendous gusto and on 30th October this year. both included gorgeous costumes, epic An incredible fireworks display fight scenes and heart-stirring music. entranced onlookers with a tiny snippet As well as Charu Swami, a whole of what Lord Rama’s homecoming host of dignitaries attended, including must have been like, as the citizens of Lord Jitesh Gadhia, Richard Harrington Ayodhya lit up the night sky. MP, Oliver Dowden MP, Theresa Villiers That morning Bhaki Charu Swami spoke MP, Barry Gardiner MP, Bob Blackman on the Ramayana from the perspective MP and local Mayors and councillors. of Devi, the wife of Lord Rama.

4 December 2016

Diwali in EU Parliament Diwali in London The Hindu Forum of Europe organised a For this year’s Diwali in London (DIL) Diwali celebration at the EU Parliament. celebrations in Trafalgar Square, Sanjay The evening included the lighting of Gadhvi was heading it up on behalf lamps, prayers, discussions and key- of ISKCON and was the Chair of the note speeches by Geoffrey Van Orden event’s Committee. MEP and His Excellency Mr Manjeev Both Sanjay and Srutidharma das Singh Puri, Ambassador of India to the joined the Mayor of London Mr Sadiq EU, spiritual leaders and the President Khan and others on the main stage to of Hindu Forum of Europe (HFE). wish everyone a happy and devotional Mahaprabhu das, Srutidharma das and Diwali. Gauri das also contributed. 5 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

Diplomats and Academics Show Support ISKCON at EU 50th Anniversary Event

Devotees from across Europe gathered for the European Union, Belgium and at the BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts in Luxembourg, who said: Brussels for an evening of culture. “You have given 50 beautiful years for The lively stage program included a humanity. You have brought the world collaboration between singer Ananda together by peace, love and kindness. Monet and the Samadhi Dance I hope you continue to do so for many Company, depicting scenes from the years in the future!” Mahabharat. The Bhaktivedanta Players Academics, including Prof Anna King performed a drama about the early from Winchester University, spoke days of Srila Prabhupada’s mission in about ISKCON as not only an authentic New York, and to round off the evening tradition with an ancient heritage Jahnavi Harrison led . but also one that has achieved many Devotional artwork adorned the wonderful things. BOZAR, curtesy of The Museum of “This is an historic year for the Sacred Art (MOSA). movement, which over the past fifty Kripa Moya das, who MC’d the years has gone from strength to proceedings, introduced special guests, strength,” said Mahaprabhu Das. “It has including the Chief Guest Mr Manjeev been an incredible journey and this was Singh Puri, the Indian Ambassador a fitting celebration.”

6 December 2016

Govardhana / Annakut/ Go Puja

On Monday 31st October, the Hill and later taste it! Manor celebrated Govardhan Puja.. This was followed by Go Puja which The occasion was celebrating an is when the cows are venerated and extraordinary event that happened in the honoured with beautiful music, arati small but sacred village of Vrindavana. ceremonies, decorations and lots Specifically, when Lord Krishna of loving strokes! Just like Krishna miraculously lifted Govardhan Hill to and Balaram did with their cows in protect the villagers from thunderous Vrindavana. storms, courtesy of the disgruntled The Annakuta spectacle took place on celestial monarch, Lord Indra! the beautifully adorned shrine in the Celebrating the beautiful and esoteric Temple room, and many devotees had pastime included the opportunity to view cooked literally hundreds of delicious a huge sacred mound of flavoursome delicacies for their Lordship’s pleasure! sweets, arranged in a way to resemble Over a 1000 different varieties of Govardhan Hill. Participants were given sumptuous offerings were made. the opportunity to circumambulate the

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Yoga community’s 6 Hour Kirtan In October Kirtan London hosted their final 6 Hour Kirtan of the year at the Swiss Church in Covent Garden, observing that the type of people attending had become more consistent - many from the ‘ community’ as well as many who have just found out about them online. “We consistently receive very warm feedback for the 6 Hour kirtan events which is very encouraging,” explained Jahnavi Harrison.

Bhakti Weekend Retreat Bhakti Sanga Kirtan London hosted their second Kirtan London have started a new weekend retreat of the year, at West regular event called Bhakti Sanga. It Lexham Manor near King’s Lynn. is held in the same Covent Garden Each morning participants gathered venue as Mantra Lounge, and is an for morning meditation and a yoga opportunity for regular attendees to get class. Later, discussion groups were to know each other and to learn the held followed by Ayurvedic cooking basics of Krishna conscious philosophy. workshops and, of course, kirtan.

8 December 2016

Prabhupada remembered with sweet songs and beautiful decorations

On 3rd November, devotees honoured achievements in sharing the light of the anniversary of the day Srila spiritual knowledge to dissipate the Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, darkness of ignorance. After the left this world. Heartfelt memories bathing of Prabhupada’s image, of Prabhupada were shared by his as is also customary on this day, disciples and followers and the area hundreds of delicious savouries, sweets around his seat in the Temple was and drinks were offered to Prabhupada beautifully decorated with a multitude of in his room upstairs. Temple visitors illustrations, colours, flowers and plants. were able to participate in a solemn offering of flower petals to honour him. Above the seat was displayed a banner reminding everyone of Prabhupada’s

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200k Book Marathon: The Final Offering As ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary draws You can get involved in the following to a close, Bhaktivedanta Manor would initiatives: like to make an epic final offering. Every 1) Sacred Street Party – go out on December the entire ISKCON world Saturdays with a team of devotees from focuses all attention on distribution of the Manor! transcendental literature, something 2) Door-to-Door – go out in the devotees all know was so close to Srila evenings / weekends and visit homes! Prabhupada’s heart. He was incredibly eager to hear the figures of how many 3) Street distribution – visit the books were being distributed. Indeed, bustling town centres during the week! he said it gave him life. When a new 4) Sanga Groups – if you would like to book was printed, Prabhupada felt as participate as a sanga / nama hatta though he had conquered an empire. 5) Gita Jayanti / Sponsorship – He told one disciple - “the best of me is Sponsor books which will be placed in in my books.” Schools, Universities, Hospitals, & Jails! Last year’s historic “100k Effort” was For more Information: a resounding success, with a record Facebook: “200k – The Final Offering” number of devotees participating. Now the team is planning something bigger Please contact Sutapa das if you have and better. This year they are aiming to any ideas, and he’ll do his best to assist. distribute 200,000 books! [email protected]

10 December 2016

Celebrating Mother Yashoda’s love for Krishna From mid-October to mid-November, To remember this wonderful loving the Manor celebrated the month exchange, during this month, devotees of Kartik. Lord Krishna is famous daily offered candles in the morning for attracting us by His enchanting and evening to deities of Mother activities. One such enchanting activity Yashoda and child Krishna. While was performed by the Lord when He candles were offered, devotees sang was a small child in that month. The the Damodarastakam, a beautiful mischievous Krishna stole butter from eight-verse poem about Yashoda and the pantry of His mother, Yashoda, Krishna. On the first day of Kartik, the and proceeded to feed it to the village Manor community was treated with monkeys. Mother Yashoda tied naughty discourses on the tying of Lord Krishna Krishna up with rope around His belly to by Subhag Swami and Radhanath make sure He would learn not to act so Swami, aiding the devotees in their daily mischievously again. meditation.

Dusshera - The dramatic burning of Ravana In mid-October, the Manor celebrated Dusshera, the festival commemorating the day Lord Rama killed the ten- headed demon Ravana. A drama on Ramayana was acted out on the fields by members of the youth group, Pandava Sena. A huge image of Ravana was made and burnt as a re- enactment of the when he was killed. Ravana was a victim of lust, having kidnapped Lord Rama’s wife, Sita. On this day, devotees pray to Lord Rama to destroy all the vices in their hearts, just as He destroyed Ravana. 11 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

Swamis’ book launches As part of ISKCON 50th Anniversary, son, Krishna, sprang a most remarkable and Bhakti Charu pastime which is central to the month of Swami launched their new books at kaartik. Bhaktivedanta Manor. In Ocean of Mercy, Bhakti Charu Sivarama Swami’s book, Sri Damodara Swami recounts his spiritual journey Janani, is a unique retelling of the and in particular his experiences with damodar-lila. It focuses on the Srila Prabhupada during his latter days, exceptional mercy receive by Mother together with the wisdom and mercy he Yashoda from whose love for her baby received from him.

Subhag Swami Chaitanya Charan das As part of his ISKCON’s 50th Distinguished Indian speaker and Anniversary campaign, Subhag Swami spiritual scholar Caitanya Charan is travelling and preaching in 50 das visited the Manor for the very different countries this year. His visit to first time. He began with a series of Bhaktivedanta Manor brought back seminars on the Ramayan, confronting many happy memories from when he challenging issues and the related stayed in England during the early underlying principles with a sensitive 1970’s. and innovative perspective. 12 December 2016

50th Anniversary of ISKCON hosted at House of Lords

Bhaktivedanta Manor hosted a Anniversary and Managing Director, gathering at the House of Lords at the Gauri das, presented the journey in Palace of Westminster to acknowledge receiving planning permission to build ISKCON’s 50th anniversary. The the Haveli. His Holiness Bhakti Charu event was hosted in the Principal State Swami presented the keynote speech Room for an incredible yet intimate and reflected on the many sacrifices gathering of profiled guests. The peer made by Srila Prabhupada in the sponsor, Lord Dholakia recollected on establishment of ISKCON. Shailesh Vara the challenging yet exciting journey of MP closed proceedings by describing ISKCON in the UK. Srutidharma das, the unique contribution that ISKCON described the significance of the 50th brings to wider society.

Borehamwood Festival A visit to the Manor Cllr Clive Butchins, the Town Mayor The Chair of Hertfordshire County of Elstree and Borehamwood, was the Council Cllr Francis Button and Cllr main guest at the cultural evening in Rabbi Alan Plancey enjoyed their Fairway Hall, organised by the Hare special visit to Bhaktivedanta Manor. Krishna Festival Team. 13 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

Legendary rapper Norwich restaurants expresses appreciation distribute 10,000 KRS-One, a legend in the world of books Hip-Hop, made a special visit to The Namas Te India restaurant chain the ISKCONTemple in Leicester. He in Norwich has distributed no less expressed his appreciation for prasad, than 10,000 copies of The Higher telling the devotees that he used to Taste. Restaurant manager Mr receive it as a homeless youth in Vijay Jatani and his family became New York. “You never know who you devotees through the local Nama are feeding...I was one of them!” he Hatta (meeting) group. They have explained. “The New York devotees two vegetarian restaurants in the city would distribute food to the poor, and and over the last five years they have gave copies of the Gita to those who distributed the books as complimentary would help out,” explained KRS- gifts to their customers.

Science of Ayurveda and its growth in the West One of the annual events at the Manor is the Ayurvedic retreat, conducted by Dr Vasant Lad. Hailing from Maharashtra in India, Dr Lad is one of the foremost authorities in Ayurveda and comes from a long line of practitioners. Ayurveda is the Vedic science of healing that incorporates medicine, diet and herbology. Ayurvedic practices even featured in the Ancient epic Ramayana, specifically when Sushena ordered to retrieve the Sanjivani herb to revive Laxman from his injury.

14 December 2016

Building a strong, happy community

Focus of the Mentorship System (MS) Krsna, and never forget Him”. Mentors is on the all-encompassing care, both assist us in becoming more conscious spiritual and material, of existing of Krsna and keep us focused on our devotees and not on expansion. ultimate goal of life of going back Mentees have the facility also of having home, back to Krsna. As a result of one-to-one personal meetings with their feedback, to cater for devotees of mentor based on ’s differing levels, our meeting formats “Tree of Life” concept. have flexibility to be more tailor made Devotees feel part of an extended family for the individual groups. and by regular training and positive, We are very delighted to be able to healthy, devotee association, they will offer a new prasadam service to those naturally become more stronger in their in the MS and we are looking for more spiritual lives and happier too! devotees to assist in our new initiative After some years of being in ISKCON of cooking and/or delivering prasad to we often tend to mechanically perform mentees in times of illness etc. Please our sadhana and service, by getting email us at mentorship@krishnatemple. together in the mentee groups we com if you can help. To find out more are reminded of the most important about the MS visit the “departments” regulation which is to “Always remember section on krishnatemple.com

Offering a helping hand A lively team of employees from the construction firm “Skanska” spent the day at Bhaktivedanta Manor to offer a helping hand. Commenting on the day spent volunteering, Raj Kumar said: “The team really enjoyed the day spent at the Manor. Everyone got involved and helped make the day a success.”

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The Synthesis of Shree Krishna Haveli Science and Religion Model Radha Mohan das delivered a thought- “At the Manor, one hopes to be able to provoking presentation and answered serve Lord Krishna at their highest levels questions at a public seminar on the of cognizance,” explained Harish Patel, subject of science and religion. Other “This dream became a reality for me panellists included Revd Prof Nick when Gauri and Srutidharma prabhus Goulding PhD, Prof Polina Bayvel FREng approached us to make the model FRS and Barney Leith OBE and the for the Shree Krishna Haveli. With event was organised by the Revd Canon assistance from my graduating students Dr Tim Bull from St Albans Cathedral. Amit Bhagat and Pradeep Hirani, “Science and religion seem opposed this devotional service was taken on. like the thumb and forefinger are Kamal Chunilal from India helped us opposed- - but actually they are joined overcome the most complicated parts! at the hand,” concluded Radha Mohan After about 300 hours of service our das. “If you use the two together: Then prayers were answered and the model and only then can you truly grasp was complete!” The model of the Haveli things- - the entirely of reality, both can be found within the visitor’s section physical and non-physical ”. of New Gokul farm.

A Tale of Five Temples A recent BBC documentary explored the history of five different temple communities within the Hindu diaspora in the UK. The program included extensive interviews with Akhandadhi das and Dilip Patel, who reminisced on the campaign to save Bhaktivedanta Manor from closure.

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Second National unity, cooperation, trust and positive communication between devotees, Convention there was opportunity to hear from The Convention took place at the newly a variety of leaders from across the renovated temple in Leicester, bringing UK. Presentations were delivered together over a hundred devotees from on a number of topics, including across the UK. book distribution, how to grow the Organised to promote one UK congregation, end of life care, deity , and encourage a mood of worship and devotee care.

Child Protection Bhaktivedanta Manor, the Global Headquarters for ISKCON Child Protection, hosted a child protection training seminar for more than 20 leaders, GBC members, Temple Presidents and ISKCON charity Trustees from across the UK. The training was delivered by Paul and Derek from RWA Child Protection Services and the Manor Child Protection Team. Ray Wyre Child Praghosa das commented: Protection Services are an independent “It is always most interesting and child protection specialist organization engaging listening to experts, not least that, for the last eight years, have been because they know their brief inside assisting the UK Regional Director, out. When the subject is of such crucial Daksina devi dasi, in an advisory importance for the well-being and safety capacity. of our children, that listening becomes The GBC Chairman for the UK, quite magnetic. 17 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

University Retreat 170 university students attended an difference in result between serving uplifting meditation retreat called “The Krishna and serving ourselves.” Treasure Within” at Bhaktivedanta One student mentioned, “This was Manor. a wonderful event that provides an Organised by the Krishna opportunity to anyone and everyone Consciousness Societies (KCSOC), who to experience an insight into Krishna have over 30 running weekly events, Consciousness. The talks and Q&A each with food, kirtan and a lot of sessions were very interesting and philosophical discussion, this year’s thought-provoking!” retreat brought students from across the A huge congratulations to the University UK. Retreat team of Jahnavi Raniga, Lila “Young people need excitement, Sara Harbal, Nalisha Patel and Krishna education and entertainment.” said Caitanya Patel, led by Mabick Thapa. organiser Mabick Thappa. “The day The National University Team also consisted of seminars on ‘happiness’, played a huge part in making this cow milking and mantra meditation. retreat a success. The drama was also a hit showing the

18 December 2016

Ground-breaking Ceremony for Avanti House Secondary School

After years of effort, support and hard address. The mayor for Harrow, Rekha work, the ground-breaking ceremony Shah, Bob Blackman MP, Navin Shah for Avanti House Secondary School’s GLA Member, Sachin Shah Head permanent site of 20 acres took place. of Harrow Council and other Local The event saw the first spade being councillors were present, along with dig into the ground by special guest, students from year 10 and year 11 and , who spoke about members of staff. The Avanti Trust now the need for education based on moral has a total of 8 schools with capacity to and spiritual principles in his keynote educate over 7000 children.

Volunteers Thank you To Appreciate the immense contribution as an offering to Srila Prabhuspada of over 1900 volunteers who serve at to mark the 50th Anniversary. The Bhaktivedanta Manor an evening of temple is indebted to the commitment entertainment, reports and Prasdam and selfless service given by all our was organised. Many volunteers had volunteers. performed over 50 hours of service 19 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

Seva Day at The Call of Dharma Bhaktivedanta was invited to give a keynote speech at the Ernst and Young HQ for Veda London’s Manor collaboration Diwali event with its Hindu Network. The Veda London and The event was titled ‘The Call of Dharma’ and was a Food for the Mind, Body cultural showcase. With over 100 professionals from and Soul teams came across the city in attendance, His Holiness explained together at Bhaktivedanta how one can take lessons from the story of Diwali and Manor for this year’s Seva reflect them in ones’ professional life. He also spoke Day initiative. The project at other financial and professional intuitions including has grown significantly the HSBC bank in Canary Wharf, Clifford Chance and and this year’s team Accenture. consisted of a wide range of 100 volunteers, with the youngest aged just two! The day included cooking for nine homeless shelters across Watford, spending time at three Dementia Care homes, raking leaves at the Manor, making care packages for the Remembrance Sunday homeless at Matchless Srutidharma das laid a wreath and recited prayers Gifts in Kings Cross, of Remembrance at the annual Remembrance Day assisting in an abandoned service at Letchmore Heath War Memorial. The service animals sanctuary, was particularly poignant because it marked exactly helping to maintain the 100 years since the Battle of the Somme. grounds at the Learning Through Horses charity Hare Krishna Hare Krishna and raising funds for the Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Sandipani Muni School in Hare Rama Hare Rama . Rama Rama Hare Hare 20