In this Issue Ed’s Note Society For Consciousness Founder : His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada International

A Letter 4 I remember Dlamini when he was a little boy running around the temple; willing, able, and ISKCON Turns 50 5 open. And then he grew up tall and beautiful, like a graceful demigod. Every time I speak to him, his Soul Stories convictions, which for him are “just truths,” make my Sweet Patience 6 heart joyfully leap. When you read his love letter (as I like to call it) on page 4, you will know what I mean. I Temple Focus am so proud of the young man he has become. Renovations 8 Change is the only constant in life. On this note, Family Matters we say goodbye to three of our writers this year: Colouring for Adults 10 Krishangi Radhe, Nikunja Vilasini, and Venu Gopal. For the Kids 11 I am sad to lose them as News writers. Family Competition 11 However, I am also happy as they are all pursuing their studies further. I know that whatever they set Making Memories 12 their minds to, they will accomplish beautifully.

Sri Krishna Goshala 13 Since we are drawing close to the year end and many of us are tired and thinking of what to do The Vedic Chef over the holidays, we share a few ideas: A colouring Almond Toffee Fudge 14 competition (yes, colouring has been proven to help Chinese Almond Cookies 15 adults relax) for the entire family; a drive to visit the Sri Krishna Goshala, breathe fresh country air, play Event Guide 14 with the calves, and have a vegetarian lunch; and our master chef Das’s fudge and cookie recipes Myth Buster to impress your holiday guests. Answer the Call 16 Speaking of holidays, our temple president Vibhu Temple Directory Chaitanya, invites you to holiday at the temple, and Communications - Krishangi Radhe 083 254 8339 Ananta asks you to answer the door when Facilities Manager - Akrura 072 463 8119 Festival Manager - Balaram 082 881 4521 he comes knocking. Finance - Ramvijay 084 550 4101 Operations Manager - Pyari Mohan 083 602 6008 I have answered the door, holidayed at the temple, Youth Development Officer - Sudhir 079 144 0003 made fudge and cookies, played with cows, coloured General Queries - 031 403 3328 o/h 9am - 5pm in Krishna, and have had the honour of knowing Contact the Temple directly for the following departments: Balarama. It is all good. Back to Godhead Queries (direct line 031 403 1794) Book Table Devotee Breakfast/Lunch Sponsorships - Rasalika 031 403 4600 Warmest Wishes Radhanath's Gifts Rasa-sthali Dasi Govinda’s Restaurant (direct line 031 403 4600) PS. I would love to hear from you. Departments University Programmes/Girls Programme - Write to me at [email protected] 084 579 1080 Street Chanting - Virabadra 071 870 0588 On the Cover House Programmes - Giridhari 076 190 8485 Balarama Dlamini Shyam Ghat 079 382 9410 Patita Pavan 078 455 7594 Correction to “Labour of Love” article, which appeared in Funerals - Ananta Sesa 084 686 2618 September/October Hare Krishna News: Weekend Boys Programme/Smart Box Queries - Ananta Gauranga 082 783 3599 Paragraph 3 Guest Accommodation/Weddings - Dridha Vrata 078 870 0861 In 1977, the Janmashtami festival was at the farm in Cato Deity Department - Deva Deva 076 178 6850/ Ridge, NOT in Chatsworth. Pralambhari 072 800 8329 3rd Paragraph from the end Outreach Programmes - Alanath 083 775 2760 The Deities money was almost stolen while sitting, waiting Book Distribution - Krishna Chaitanya 081 088 2493 to order the Deities in Jaipur NOT Mayapur. Email Subscription: [email protected] WhatsApp/SMS Subscription Quoted purport from Srimad Bhagavatam, and the pictures +27817590191. Save the number as SSRRT News. on page 12, 14, and 16 are © The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust Child Protection Office - www.childprotectionoffice.org | International, Inc. www.Krishna.com. Used with permission. [email protected] | 076 719 6461 Design and Layout by Lashika Ravjee - 082 309 2396 2 The Invitation Temple President’s Message

It was 2am and I was in a night club. I recall this precise moment clearly; I decided that this is not life and this is not real happiness. Society moulds us to use our discernment and intelligence less. We are tricked into believing that we have to get the best jobs, and that best job only comes by hard work. for the homeless. And yes, there are some who think it is for those who are trying to run away After many years of pursuing that objective, from life or so-called reality. Such a person would we may reach the top and we think it will all be be surprised to meet first-hand the talented, smooth sailing. The “top” is having the best car, dedicated and educated individual who willingly that beach apartment and a happy family. Well, chooses a labour of love over a paycheque. it sounds good and the material energy makes us believe that we can reach these goals thus Fully dedicating one’s life to Krishna consciousness achieving pleasure and satisfaction. But does it is not an easy decision and certainly not one to really happen? be taken lightly. But I assure you it could be one of the best decisions you will ever make. I made This is the function of the that choice a few years ago. material world - it makes The inner happiness I had been in touch with us forget what the ultimate devotees and knew that satisfaction is. The spiritual and love a spiritual my real happiness is with path taught by the great path brings, manifests Krishna and His devotees. saints and God Himself offers the truth: we will outwardly too. Everyone loves to party and only find real happiness by everyone loves good food. satisfying the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The party at the Hare Krishna Temple begins Pouring water on the leaves and branches of a from 4:30am every day and the feasts never tree are of little value but by watering the root end. But spiritual life is more than that. It gives directly, all parts of the tree will be nourished and us the opportunity to develop our relationship the entire tree will flourish. The inner happiness with God and utilises every aspect of our beings and love that a spiritual path brings, manifests (our talents, strengths and dreams) as offerings outwardly too. of devotion that bring us closer to God.

Many university graduates may be thinking Srila Prabhupada’s temples are also unique as about what to do next. “Should I go on the long they are embassies to the spiritual world, which awaited trip to the ultimate party destination, makes those of us who live here, ambassadors. Ibiza? Or should I maybe visit the Mother City? As an ambassador, it is my duty to invite as many What do I do with my life? Do I get a job in this people to visit the embassy. county or should I be looking overseas?” Of course, this lifestyle is not for everyone. But Making a career choice is not easy and everyone is invited to try it out. How about a sometimes circumstances force us in a particular gap year? There are some prerequisites - all direction. I would like to suggest a career that beneficial to the body, mind and soul. Consider only a rare individual may consider — the career this a personal invitation from me and you can of fully dedicating all your time and energy to write to me at [email protected] Krishna. An unknowing observer may think of the temple as an old age home, a mental Thank you. institution, a disability ward, or even a shelter Vibhu Chaitanya Das A Letter to the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Community on our 30th Anniversary

Hare Krishna Dear Vaishnavas, or scene out there can make you feel the joy I felt rocking on Holy Name Day with BB Govinda Thank you for giving me an opportunity to express Maharaja and Indradyumna Maharaja through my love and appreciation for the streets of Chatsworth and being groomed and brought I was just a half- ending up in the Food for up in the association of the Life pots or rocking for hours loving devotees of Sri Sri English speaking with Tirtha Maharaja, Radha Radhanath. Well, unlike until you was socked like an any place in this world, Sri Sri “goondu" from ISKCON bullet (a traditional Radha Radhanath Temple is in the township... Indian sweet soaked in syrup). itself complete. I had the great Rocking, rocking and rocking opportunity to directly serve in the association some more till it was time for prasada and of the world’s finest matajis and gentlemen. polishing your shoes for school for the next day. Although I was just a half-English speaking Then there were the plays by Bhaktimarg Swami. “goondu" from the township, I was given some That was my favourite time of the year—one rare opportunities and to name them all would week of intense, crazy fun for preaching and be impossible. Firstly and most important to me service to Srila Prabhupada. Krishnachandra and was being given the opportunity to do deity Rasa-sthali bringing us together; young and old, seva as a pujari backup for Their Lordships. doing back flips, flying kicks, dance moves, and This service taught me punctuality, cleanliness serious rehearsals after midnight at times. and humility. Although I still have not gotten to the high ISKCON standard, it has played such Growing up in the temple is the greatest place an important role in my existence outside the for any child. It is complete. You learn discipline, Temple. respect, care, get spiritual education and most of all, love for everyone regardless of whom Secondly, the good fortune of being given they are, or where they came from. Not to brag, the chance to render menial service to senior but unlike children raised at house number Vaishnavas, without having any qualification something on something street, we had access except being available. Thirdly, getting lost in to every room in the temple from playing the kirtan. Unfortunately I was foolish enough to guitar and drums in Laxminath’s room, maha in try and find that vibe in the material world after Radhanath’s room, learning to bake with Arthi and moving out of the Temple but no club, party, Primrose, cooking in the devotee kitchen with Mallika, Swayambhu, Guru-kripa, Jaisacinandan, Swarup Damodar and Sukumari, watching Nikunja- seva and Ananga-manjari doing puja in their rooms, the hearty laughter and dance sessions in the brahmachari ashram, chasing peacocks in the beautiful gardens to relocating the frogs from the moat late at night because they disturbed the peace. Which child not born of a millionaire or the most loving parents in this world or outside the temple can say they have had such a rich variety of activities in their life?

And yes, we had to go to school but even that could not kill the A Letter to the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Community on our 30th Anniversary ISKCON turns 50 Compiled by Nashvin Gangaram vibe. Whenever Indradyumna Maharaja was at the temple, I had the privilege of cleaning his Fifty years seems room and helping with his puja in the mornings. like a long time, Sometimes he would want to do the puja after doesn’t it? It is 7:30am and this would mean that I would not significant because be able to help him. Swarup would then remind it represents a Maharaja that I have to go to school and he lifetime for us. would do the puja earlier, just so I could get to However, in the do some service before leaving for school. What context of world great fortune was bestowed upon me. history, it is just a drop in an ocean. On our way to school eating srikhand, khir and Very few events cause mangal sweets, we would have kirtans in the back an impact that is felt fifty years later. of the Venture or the station wagon or the Isuzu One such event occurred on 13 July 1966, when and on our lucky days the white Corsa, which Srila Prabhupada legally incorporated ISKCON. was our favourite because it had a CD player, Although ISKCON was once considered a cult and we rocked Sri Prahlad’s Village of Peace all that was brainwashing the youth of America, the the way. After school, we would go pick flowers Hare Krishna Movement is now widely respected with Japamala, pick up the cooks with Siva, or in society, consisting of people from various rush off to the airport in our school uniform to backgrounds all over the world. ISKCON's meet Indradyumna Maharaja or Bhakti Chaitanya contribution to the world includes: Maharaja or Lokanath Maharaja and visiting artists. Homework was not an issue. We had • Over 600 centres, where 7 million worshipers qualified accountants, engineers and doctors attend annually. at our disposal. Growing up in temple means • 54 Educational Institutes, including primary you have dozens of brothers, sisters, mothers, schools, secondary schools and tertiary fathers and grandparents. All these well wishers colleges. took such good care of us and the best part • 65 Farms and Eco Villages demonstrate was, they weren’t doing it out of obligation or sustainable, simple living and high thinking. responsibility but simply out of love and care. • 75000 devotees in ISKCON have taken initiation (taken clerical vows). I would like to once again, from the bottom • 2000 home study and worship groups meet of my heart, thank Their Lordships Sri Sri regularly worldwide. Radha Radhanath, the temple devotees and • Over 500 million books have been published congregation members, for making my growing by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust and up in the temple the best thing that could have distributed worldwide. happened to me in this life. It is the Temple of • 110 Vegetarian Hare Krishna Restaurants. Understanding indeed, because after my stay • Over 3 billion plates of sanctified vegetarian there I understood the purpose of life, love, the meals (prasada) have been served worldwide, mood of service, care, protection and to take including 1.2 million plates served daily to spiritual life to heart for it’s the only thing that is Indian children as part of the “Midday Meal” real and constant in this life. “There is no place or “Annamrita” by ISKCON Food Relief like the association of Vaishnavas whether you Foundation. realise this now, whilst in it or later, when you • 1000 Harinama parties go chanting on the wishing on it”. streets worldwide every week. Much love. • 6000 Vaishnava festivals such as Sri Krishna Your servant, Janmashtami, Naumi and Sri Balarama Ratha-yatra held every year globally in ISKCON Centres. Balarama Dlamini lived at the Sri Sri Radha • Devotees have walked 210000km on Radhanath Temple from 1996 until 2009. He now Padayatra (walking festivals) worldwide lives in Johannesburg with his wife, Mpumi and son, visiting 52000 villages in 110 countries. Aindra Sweet Patience more than twenty-five years I had observed his Soul Stories calm and unassuming nature, and his steady By Nikunja Vilasini Dasi service to the Deities and devotees. Swayambhu Das, a behind-the-scenes person, is always I eagerly gathered my utensils and ingredients welcoming others with a smile and generous to prepare my favourite Mangal* sweet—burfi. gifts of Mangal sweets. I needed to find out what I couldn’t wait to offer this decadent, creamy, was behind his mood of unconditional service, condensed milk fudge to the Lord on Diwali and humility, and patience. Patience—something I Govardhan Puja. I boiled four litres of milk in realize more and more that I have none of. a sturdy thick-bottomed pot and began to stir. “How hard could it be?” I thought. “After all, it’s Patience is a hard discipline. It is not just waiting just a matter of continuously stirring the milk and until something, which we have no control over, sugar until it’s reduced to a brown sticky mass.” happens: the arrival of a late bus, the end of But I was in for a surprise. One hour passed, and the rain, the return of a friend, the resolution the milk reduced only by a fraction. Two hours of a conflict. Patience is not waiting passively passed, and I began to feel until someone else does tired. Three hours trudged Patience asks us something. Patience asks on, and I started looking at to live the moment us to live the moment to the clock, praying that what the fullest, to be completely had become a mammoth to the fullest, to be present, to taste the here task would soon be over. In and now, to be where we are. less than four hours, my arms completely present, When we are impatient, we and legs ached. I needed to to taste the here try to get away from where we sit down. On a chair by the are. We behave as if the real stove, I broke into a sweat. and now, to be thing will happen tomorrow, I called my kids, who took later, and somewhere else. turns to stir. Five hours ticked where we are. We forget that the treasure by, and soon they too were sitting by the stove, we look for is hidden in the ground on which moaning that they could not continue. I urged we stand. Swayambhu clearly understands this them to persevere when I saw the thickened principle; he feels that his moments in Krishna’s condensed milk starting to turn into a golden service are most precious. His patience comes gooey texture. But the end didn’t seem to from knowing that Krishna will be pleased. It come. When six hours drew closer and our comes from seeing Krishna’s service as a rare patience died off, we refrigerated the slightly gift, one to relish and appreciate. After all, in the undercooked burfi, and eventually rolled it spiritual world only Lord Krishna’s most intimate into balls. They tasted delicious, but my kids devotees are privileged to serve Him in this commented, “Mangal personal way. “It is not sweets from the temple always easy,” Swayambhu are better and easier to acknowledges, “but I get.” am able to persevere by the grace of my spiritual “How true,” I thought, master.” He recognizes “but who are those that just as his spiritual devotees who have been master has given him making these sweets this rare opportunity to daily for the past thirty progress in his spiritual years at the temple?” I journey, the grace of his was now convinced that spiritual master helps him they couldn’t be any less overcome the internal than saints. struggles.

When I came to know who The art of cooking one of those devotees is, Mangal sweets can be I wasn’t surprised. For compared to the art of living. We start off with boring or stagnant. plain ingredients, and My spiritual master with time we see the especially presented me challenges of life (internal with initiation and external) boiling fifteen years ago so that over and sometimes I could make Mangal almost consuming us. sweets for the Deities. If we enthusiastically So I feel inspired to persevere through the follow his instructions and purifying process, endure please him.” Not many with confidence knowing devotees are able to do that the Lord is helping this service, but those us, and patiently use the who have been part of moment to take shelter the Mangal sweet-making of the Lord, the result crew and those who have will be sweet, saturated, recently joined the team, condensed devotion. brave the challenges and experience the joys of this For most of us to develop service. They cannot be such devotion and patience can take a long time, ordinary! but for some, like Yashoda-mayi Devi Dasi, they are inherent qualities. I was shocked to hear that If preparing Mangal sweets for the Lord is this sixty-seven year-old lady has been steadily such a herculean task and is only one of the six making Mangal sweets for the Deities for the food offerings made to the Deities every day, I last fifteen years. Yashoda-mayi sees her service wonder what it takes to arrange the myriad of as a blissful experience, a personal offering to other services to the Deities: sewing intricate the Lord, and a way to express her devotion. It deity outfits, creating breathtaking flower takes her about five-and-a-half hours, not only arrangements and altar decorations, stringing to make burfi but also to prepare the other gorgeous flower garlands, dressing the Deities Mangal sweets like sandesh, rasagulla, and with such creativity and flair, cooking opulent sweet rice. She has become expert in making dishes, organizing elaborate festivals, and other all kinds of authentic Vedic sweets for Sri Sri aspects of the daily worship of the Lord. It could Radha Radhanath. Her sweet countenance and only come from knowing and experiencing that blissful serving attitude are evidence that these service to God is the highest and most blissful divine virtues emanate from using our lives for occupation. Krishna. How difficult it is to be patient by our own efforts? Yashoda-mayi explains that hearing The Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple, itself, has about Krishna and chanting His names before been built with great sacrifice and patience. It has and during the cooking enables her to have the become the heart of our community, pumping proper consciousness and focus. “The sweets the life of God consciousness into our diseased come out differently every time,” she adds, society, and healing it from the influences of “Krishna is showing us that He is a person, and corruption and vice. The temple re-instates that He reciprocates with the pillars of truth, non-violence, austerity, and our efforts. So this cleanliness; and reminds us of the importance of service can making Krishna a part of our lives, of coming to never love Him. b e When that saturated love in the form of Mangal sweets enters my mouth, I feel it acting like a soothing balm. I taste its divine sweetness, recognizing that all good things, especially spiritual results, come from diligence and patience.

*Mangal means “auspicious.” Temple Exterior Wall Towers Painted Marble Tiling New Signage

Refurbish Temple Room Benches

LED bulbs, Solar Geysers & Power Generator Govinda’s Facelift New Temple Room Art Temple Decor Moulds New Signage Polished & Painted Opening of Radhanath’s Gifts

Refurbish Temple New Reception Room Benches New Wall Paper

Govinda’s Facelift New Sound System & Camera New Altar Door For the Kids

Did you know Lord Krishna can speak every language, including all animal languages. Here, He is talking to the Vrindavan parrots.

Colouring for the Adults

Here is a fun way to spend quality time with your young ones over the holiday. Adult colouring has recently become popular and now you can colour alongside your children. Once completed, you may cut out and laminate your colouring, and place on your altar to make a beautiful backdrop. Family Competition We have decided to add to this potentially addictive family activity by holding a competition. Everyone is invited to enter our colouring competition. Parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, guardians, etc. must colour in the peacock and a child must colour in the picture of Krishna talking to the parrots. Photocopy more copies if needed. Take a photograph or scan your art and submit to: [email protected]. or staple all your entries together and drop off at the book table at the Temple. Please include your names and telephone numbers. Winners will be announced in the January/February 2016 issue of Hare Krishna News. The competition will close on 31st December. Note that entries will be judged for creativity. The prize is a puja done in the winners names and maha-prasad gifts. 11 Making Memories Srila Prabhupada By Krishangi Radhe Dasi offered the love of a father to a son by Memories are so precious saying, 'Whatever that they can last a lifetime. you have done, As we stand at the beacon of I forgive you… a new year, I ask: What is your now come inside fondest memory of 2015? On and join us.'" the flip side, there will surely be This is the loving something that stands out as a relationship that painful memory, which we may Srila Prabhupada carry forward with us. Such is life offered and it in a world where happiness is always reminds me never guaranteed. The choices of his great quality we make will determine the of understanding. memories we create. From Srila Memories are all around us. Be Prabhupada’s it with a parent, sibling, spouse, example, we find child, a colleague and even a true that whatever stranger – we create memories action we perform at every step. We all have experienced a particular or word we utter – the memories it creates scent or sound transport us to a specific time, or become etched not only in the mind but in the a taste or sight trigger a memory. With this in heart. Harsh words spoken are not easily erased. mind, we can view every moment as a memory Therefore we should watch what we say, and in the making. How we engage our time, the way how we say it. In all our relationships we need we relate to each other and the remembering of to strive to maintain the qualities of a devotee God is essential in creating good memories. which, includes tolerance, forgiveness, humility, and trust. I must admit that I enjoy reading the memories ...we can view every Whether 2015 has been a of Srila Prabhupada’s moment as a memory year of positive memories disciples and of their or otherwise, it is never interactions with him. in the making. too late make the choice Today, devotees of the Hare Krishna Movement of change. Connect with your inner self, the reach into the third generation after Srila jiva or better, the Supersoul, Who resides in Prabhupada’s passing – still that relationship your heart. Sometimes we may feel that there or connection to Srila Prabhupada as our great is nobody to listen to us, but by remembering acharya is felt through the memories shared that we are never alone, and that Krishna, as the by his disciples. Srila Prabhupada used every Supersoul is seated in our heart. Our relationship opportunity to create a meaningful memory in with God is the most important relationship we the lives of his disciples. One particular memory will ever have. So, devote time to establish and that I often think about: Swarup Das shares, "It nurture that relationship and notice how all other was summer of 1969 in New York, at 61 Second relationships will take natural a course. Avenue. All the devotees were eagerly awaiting Srila Prabhupada’s arrival. Everyone settled in and With the end of this article, culminates my Srila Prabhupada was about to offer a discourse writing for the Hare Krishna News. It has been a when there was some commotion at the door – fantastic journey being a part of the team since Yamunacharaya Das did not want to enter the the inception of the new-look Hare Krishna News room. He felt that he would prefer listening from in 2009. It was wonderful sharing insights and the outside; for some reason Yamunacharya felt experiences that have shaped me over these down and unworthy of being in Srila Prabhupada’s years. Thank you. association. Srila Prabhupada enquired about the commotion and the devotees explained. Sri Krishna Goshala The Goshala now has a restaurant open from 10am By Govinda Dasi to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Not only are the preps purely vegetarian, they are prepared in a I am a lover of cows. So for me, a Saturday morning vegetarian-safe environment. Be sure to try out their outing with the family couldn’t be better than being paneer burgers. The patties are made from the milk served off a delicious meat-free menu under the of the cows on the farm. There is also a little organic shade of a patio umbrella. The Sri Krishna Goshala vegetable stall that stocks cauliflower, broccoli, is set against an endless carrots, kale, sweet potatoes, green backdrop, surrounded various types of lettuce and by the sounds of birds and herbs, as well as raw honey, occasional “mooo…” from cow dung and cow urine. the local residents and The Goshala itself is open the main attraction of this seven days a week from 8am picturesque spot. to 4pm. Since the grand re-opening this year, the Just outside Pietermaritzburg, Goshala has hosted family in Thornville is where you events, holy events and find this gem. A home to numerous religious groups. nine cows: elegant Nandini, sweet-natured Laxmi, gentle The gravel road to the Gaurie, the granny Radhika Goshala is a bit bumpy, but and her two daughters, Diya not noticeable once your and naughty Jyoti, Diya’s attention is lost in the lush baby Yajna, and the “new green and airy surroundings. kids on the block” Ganga Not too far down the road and Yamuna. you will be greeted by the ever so welcoming cows and Srila Prabhupada explains: calves. Do bring vegetables “…there is no law to protect like carrots, cabbage, the descendants of Surabhi, lettuce, spinach, and mielies who can give all protection to feed them. You can be to men by supplying the part of a unique prayer miracle food, milk...The to the cow, known as Go- human society should puja. Not only do the cows recognize the importance enjoy the special treatment, of the cow and the bull and it is also beneficial to the thus give all protection to individuals taking part in this these important animals… prayer. Go-puja can be done For protecting the cows at any time as long as you and brahminical culture, the make an appointment with Lord, who is very kind to the the Goshala. cow and the brahmanas, will be pleased with us and will Volunteers are always bestow upon us real peace.” needed at the Goshala Srimad Bhagavatam 1.17.9, on weekends, and for purport. special events. Contact [email protected] or 033 The Sri Krishna Goshala is run by hard working 2516110. A little help goes a long way. “In this life volunteers, who in accordance to Srila Prabhupada’s we cannot always do great things. But we can do teachings are driven by the importance of cows and small things with great love,” Mother Theresa. protecting them. Their aim is to restore, sustain and protect the health and integrity of the environment Directions from Pietermaritzburg: Head south on Alexandra with the vision of changing attitudes, actions, and Rd (R103/R56) for 15.3 km. Turn left onto Umlaas Road lifestyles, individually and in groups. Their aspiration (P338) Continue for 1.2 km. Turn left at the Sri Krishna is to be an authentic organisation driven by sincerity Goshala Sign. Co-ordinates: 29.7414542,30.4051669 Directions from Durban: Travel 58 km on N3, take exit to maintain a culture of mutual respect, solidarity and 61 (Umlaas Road, Umbumbulu, Richmond R56, R603). love, open communications, cross-cultural outreach, At the cross road turn right into R56 towards Thornville. and education. Continue for 11.2km. Turn right at the Sri Krsna Goshala sign. Co-ordinates: 29.7414542,30.4051669 13 The Vedic Chef Cook for a few minutes more until it develops We share two recipes this holiday season to a light caramel colour. The caramelised sugar delight house guests and at parties. The first will give off a light toffee fragrance. Be careful recipe is innovatively used as the filling in the to avoid over-darkening the sugar at this point; second. Remember to offer to Lord Krishna and excess caramelisation will give the fudge a bitter enjoy. These recipes are from purevege.com flavour. The butter will probably be completely separated from the caramelised sugar at this Almond Toffee Fudge stage, but that's normal. For "Fudgeaholics" By Kurma Das

“Here's the original almond fudge, immortalised in print. You should know that the best-tasting fudge requires top quality unsalted butter, premium quality cream and, most important, full-fat powdered milk.”

Preparation and cooking time: about 30 minutes Yield: about 50 pieces of fudge

250g good quality unsalted butter 1 1/2 cups (375 ml) raw sugar 1 cup (250 ml) pouring consistency pure cream 1 cup (250 ml) whole unblanched almonds, oven- Remove the pan from the heat and allow it roasted or fried, and very coarsely chopped to cool for 2 or 3 minutes. Stir in the cream About 3 1/2 cups (875 ml) full cream powdered and nuts. Using a wire whisk, gradually mix in milk the powdered milk a little at a time, whisking Extra toasted, crushed, slivered, flaked or whole vigorously to avoid forming any lumps. When almonds for decorating the surface of the fudge the mixture just hangs onto the whisk, it is ready. (optional) If it reaches this stage before you've added all the powdered milk, don't add any more. If it's Gently melt the butter in a heavy 5-litre saucepan still too runny after adding it all, add a little more. over low heat. Add the sugar, increase the heat to moderate and, stirring constantly, cook for Very lightly butter a 25cm - 30cm tray. With a about 3 minutes or until the sugar melts into spatula, scrape the hot fudge mixture into the the butter and becomes frothy. tray. Smooth it out and sprinkle the top with the

Gita Jayanti Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Srila Jiva Gosvami’s 21 December | Monday Thakur’s Disappearance Disappearance 29 December | Tuesday 12 January | Tuesday Fast until midday optional nuts. Allow the fudge to set in a cool Chinese Almond Cookies place for 1 hour. Cut into approximately 3.75 cm By Kurma Das squares. Preparation and cooking time: 30 minutes NOTES by Wennäkoski-Bielicki Yield: 1 dozen

For the amount of butter above, I use a little less ½ cup (125 ml) softened butter sugar and much less milk-powder, about 600 ml. 1/3 cup (85 ml) raw sugar I could’ve caramelised the sugar a little longer. 1 cup (250 ml) plain flour It should have a darker colour. If you make the 3 tablespoon (60 ml) ground almonds A few drops almond essence 1 dozen blanched almonds

Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Cream the butter with sugar in a bowl. Add the flour, ground almonds, and the almond essence and combine thoroughly.

Roll the mixture into 12 balls. Press each ball firmly in the palms of your hands to flatten. Press a blanched almond in the centre of each cookie.

Place the cookies on an ungreased biscuit sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden around the edges. Allow fudge a little thinner and softer, you can use it cool before serving. as a spread in filling cakes, pastries and cookies. You might want to omit the coarsely chopped NOTES by Lakshmi Wennäkoski-Bielicki almonds and try vanilla or some other flavour. I had so much left-over fudge that I decided to fill I omitted the almond essence and blanched cookies with the rest. Because both, the fudge almonds. Instead, I gave the dough a squeeze and cookies, were rich, I accompanied them of lemon. I used a cookie-cutter to get uniform with black-currant & chokeberry jam. A match size cookies. made in heaven! Once the cookies were cool, I piped a circle of almond fudge around the edges and placed a spoonful of jam in the middle. Finally I Chinese Almond Cookies decorated the cookies with sugar-paste made with powdered sugar and a drop of jam. EKADASI Fast from all grains, beans and legumes. This fast awards spiritual benefits and detoxifies the body and mind.

7 December | Monday 5 January | Tuesday Break fast Break fast 8 December | Tuesday 6 January | Wednesday 04:47 - 09:06 09:40 - 09:41

21 December | Monday 20 January | Wednesday Break fast Break fast Srila Gopal Bhatta Gosvami’s 22 December | Tuesday 21 January | Thursday Appearance 04:52 - 09:33 05:14 - 05:51 29 January | Friday

15 Answer the Call Myth Buster By Ananta Gauranga Das

The Hare are beggars. Is it because we have nothing better to do with our lives? Hells no! Or have we gone insane in the membrane? Well, some think we are a little loony. We go to the rich and poor, the young and aged, Africans, Europeans; we would even go to Mars if there were intelligent life there. We appeal to all sentient beings: “Please wake up to reality, take a tentative step onto the promenade of enlightenment. It's not that we want your money (don't get me wrong we accept all donations), we care for you, we respect you but most of all, we love you.” the Kingdom of God. Bhagavad-gita describes So we come in the mood of a beggar. Begging the Absolute Truth, a blackish blue Dude who all to rekindle their connection to the eternal loves cows, dancing and, believe it or not, us. realm. This is real wealth; it's the opulence of the He loves you more than you will ever know. soul and the yearning of the heart. A sane person makes his first business self realisation because In the final hours of this life will you long to spiritual wealth is imperishable. When you hug your university masters degree? Will you open a spiritual bank account, all deposits and request to be wheeled to the garage for a ride investments never depreciate and are honoured in your silky smooth German saloon car with forevermore by the Lord. When you give to number plate 6E 6E 1 ZN? Unlikely. What will Krishna, it's not that you have that much less, matter are your relationships, so shouldn't that rather you have that much more. It is in giving matter now? Humanity spends its existence on that we receive. The nature of love is to give, forming partnerships, be it business, familial, or and the nature of lust is to take. All too often a social fellowships. I agree, these natural bonds in this rat race of an existence we see humanity bring us untold joys but can you even begin to using people and cherishing things. When will fathom the unending euphoria the cultivation the day dawn when we use things and cherish of a relationship with God yields. What Krishna people? consciousness offers is an opportunity to commune with God, with the goal of one day So next time you hear a knock on your door and having Him put His arm around you, whispering its us, don't turn your lights down low, bolt the in your ears, “Welcome home,” whilst held in locks or release the hounds. We come to you His pure loving embrace. What is this you may because we love you, in reality we are family, ask? This is God's love and no other love can be part and parcel of the All Attractive Absolute defined until that love is understood. I humbly Truth. That which is eternal cannot enjoy in submit to you, please search the recesses of this fleeting existence. Insanity is believing your inner self and sincerely question, just who our hallucinations to be real. Bhagavad-gita is bonkers? declares that we are not these temporary bodies but eternal spirit souls. It's not that we ignore So, the next time the God-crazed servants of the our earthly responsibilities. We pursue worldly Supreme come for a visit, give them a chance, responsibilities with an understanding of their listen to their words, which satisfy the heart and temporariness. You are not Mr Soobramoney increase the wisdom of even the wise. “And homeowner at 16 Woodhurst Drive, you are not those who were seen dancing were thought a middle aged balding man, with two young to be insane by those who could not hear the kids - Michelle and Manoj Jnr. , who goes by music” (F. Nietzsche). We hear the song of God, Little Shorty. Rather, your eternal residence is in come dance with us.

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