Bhaktivedanta Manor December 2016
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December 2016 BHAKTIVEDANTA December 2016 MANOR NEWSLETTER International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Founder Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Diwali Celebrations 1 5 11 Diwali in London 9 6 Hour Kirtan 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: Radha Mohan das [email protected] Bhaktivedanta Manor Dharam Marg · Hilfield Lane Aldenham · Herts (for sat-nav only, please use postcode WD25 8HE) 01923 851000 www.krishnatemple.com © 2016, All articles & photographs copyright of Bhaktivedanta Manor December 2016 Prayers at Number 10 and the Hare Krishna mantra. 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 Nitai 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 kirtans, exhibitions, mouth-watering to celebrate Lord Rama’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 Ramayana 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 Bhakti 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 Sita 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 bhajans. 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 Puja / 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 7 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter 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 ‘yoga 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 murti 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 9 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter 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.