February 2012

Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Consciousness

Srila Prabhupada: We are printing so many books. For spreading this knowledge, that must be distributed. Home Bhaktivedanta Manor breaks to home, place to place, man to man, this literature must go own book marathon record there. If one takes one book, By Sutapa Das Brahmacari Among the books, 1150 were Bhagavad Gitas, while Bhaktivedanta Manor’s at least one day he'll read it: Last December’s Book Marathon Ananda Caitanya das distributed an was amazing. Many devotees, both "Let me see what is this book I amazing 2715 books all by himself! from the temple and the wider have purchased the other day." congregational community, made By all of the wonderful efforts of And if he reads one line his life special endeavours that month to everyone involved, I am happy to will be successful, if he reads distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books announce that the 2011 Marathon was one line only, carefully. This to the general public, and many others the most successful since 1998. It was made extra sacrifices to facilitate them. a wonderful team effort and exhibition is such literature. So therefore of unity. The Marathon is a special We targeted 25,000 books to be book distribution I am giving time of the year, and I always feel distributed... we ended up distributing blessed and fortunate to have some so much stress. 35,843! participation in this most important Lecture on in We targeted 251 distributors to preaching activity in ISKCON. participate in the marathon... we ended Hawaii (1975) up with 273! Mother Yamuna - a great pioneer In December Her Grace Yamuna dasi the daily morning program. passed away. She was one of the most She published her own cookbook influential devotees during ISKCON’s entitled, “Lord Krishna’s Cuisine: The fledgling years. She was one of the first Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking” which pioneers to enter the UK and helped open garnered multiple awards, including the the first ISKCON temple in London, in International Association of Culinary Bury Place near the British Museum. Professionals Cookbook of the Year. Yamuna dasi, well-known for her angelic voice, was the lead singer in the Yamuna Devi was well known for her own Krishna Temple Album, produced by caring, compassionate and unpretentious George Harrison. At every ISKCON nature. She was committed to following temple her singing of “Govindam” is Prabhupada’s instructions in her actions, played during “Deity Greeting” as part of words, character, and heart. Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2012

Remembering the victims of persecution Mentorship System Nila Madhava das and Radha Mohan school children and community and faith das represented Bhaktivedanta Manor representatives. It included prayers, the takes shape at Hertsmere Council’s Holocaust lighting of candles, a film and a touching Memorial Service on 27th January. performance by the Comm.unity Choir. The event, presided over by Cllr Peter Nila Madhava das read a prayer along Knell the Mayor of Hertsmere was with other faith leaders. attended by local Councillors, local

“Anyone who is committed to daily spiritual practice will occasionally need some friendly support and encouragement,” explains Sri Radhika dasi, chair of the Mentorship Committee. “We all need help and guidance Double resolutions for Bristol community sometimes, so over the past few months January 14th was the auspicious day beads and group members chose to we’ve been working on giving new life of Makara Sankranti when devotees chant either 1, 4, 8, 12 or 16 rounds. A to an old idea – and that’s become the make spiritual vows as it is considered a presentation was given by Kripamoya Mentorship System.” 'new beginning.' Coming so close to the das, who celebrated the devotees’ The Manor Mentorship System will beginning of the year, it also doubles up resolutions with a Vedic ceremony. be a network of experienced devotees as a second try at keeping New Year’s Certificates noting the occasion were who pledge to offer their support to resolutions! presented by Minaketana das other members who have more recently Devotees in Bristol took the opportunity who, with his wife Gandharvika dasi, committed to spiritual life. “The mentors to publicly express their determination runs the Bristol centre. will mainly be friends to those they help,” to recite the Hare Krishna mantra each The group meets weekly on Saturday said Sri Radhika dasi, “but they will day a certain number of times. One afternoons at The Folk Centre, 35 North offer useful information, tips on spiritual practice, and guidance whenever asked.” ‘round’ includes chanting on 108 sacred Street, Bedminster, Bristol. Devotees will be able to choose their own personal mentor, but each mentor will have a limit of ten members. The system will create opportunities for one-to-one discussions and there will be monthly meetings of all those in a mentor group. The mentorship system is currently available only to devotees who are already committed to a daily practise of chanting four rounds or more on japa beads. For more information write to: [email protected]

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA, KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE, HARE RAMA HARE RAMA, RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

Page 2 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2012 Projects which Inspire Giriraj Swami and were given tours of recent projects on the site of Bhaktivedanta Manor. “It is absolutely delightful and thoughtfully designed”, said Sivarama Swami during his visit to the New Gokul farm, after also taking special note of the visitors’ facilities. Of the George Harrison Garden, Giriraj Swami said “It is inspirational, a wonderful garden within which George Harrison’s lyrics describe an inner path of love, a path shared by many mystics regardless of tradition.” Magic falls on Lord Nityananda's Appearance Day Celebrating the birth of Lord Nityananda spreading the congregational chanting of became especially memorable this year, as the Hare Krishna mantra. He is known the morning pilgrimage to Bhaktivedanta as the adi-guru, or the original spiritual Manor included negotiating roads that master, and is considered even more had been hit by heavy snowfall from the merciful than Lord Caitanya Himself. previous evening. Those who made it to Just as Lord Caitanya is actually Krishna, the Manor were rewarded by a deeply Lord Nityananda is considered an spiritual atmosphere much more magical incarnation of Lord , Krishna’s than a snow-covered landscape can ever first expansion. be. The warmth of the devotion melted Many devotees also observed the birth away any thoughts of the near Arctic of this divine personality with friends conditions outside! and family, in the warmth of their own Lord Nityananda appeared as Lord homes. Caitanya’s principal associate for Chanting the Holy Names together Manor delegation meets Hungarian official The first Holy Name Weekend of 2012 On the 16th January a delegation state churches would be forced to again took place on 14th and 15th January, consisting of Sruti Dharma das, Gauri reapply under more 'stringent conditions'. when Bhaktivedanta Manor was vibrant das, Pranabandhu das and Shailesh Vara Mr Gergely Prohle empathized with the with devotees of all backgrounds who MP were invited to meet Mr Gergely unease felt by the Hungarian Society for came together to take part in singing the Prőhle, Deputy State Secretary of the Krishna Consciousness. He expressed Hare Krishna mantra. Special guests for Ministry of Foreign Affairs of , that he himself was also from a religious the weekend included Sivarama Swami who was on an official visit to London. minority group facing exactly the same and Madhava das. This was the delegation's second visit to scenario. Despite the hasty introduction the Hungarian Embassy, where previously of the bill he assured those present that they had met the Ambassador. The as the Society for Krishna Consciousness purpose of the visit was to raise concern was very well respected in Hungary about change in Hungarian legislation there should be no obstacles in the where religions already approved as re-registration process.

Page 3 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2012 Hands across From soul to Seoul ISKCON Leicester Prayojana das joined Patanjali Muni acquires historic the Irish Sea das, a devotee of South Korean origin, building Pranabandhu das organised a van with 2 on a special mission to the country. Devotees in Leicester have finally tonnes of food donations including rice, By invitation of the Pocheon Mandir acquired the HSBC Bank building on ghee, spices and candles for ISKCON's Committee, their tour included a variety Granby Street, a Grade II listed building Inish Rath Temple. Parasuram das drove of house programmes, classes at the built in 1875 by the famous architect the donations in his Food For All van Yoga centre in Seoul and the Pocheon Goddard. all the way to Ireland and his arrival in Temple's New Year festival. The devotees lost their original place County Fermanagh was welcomed by The devotees gave presentations on of worship last September, when the the needy community there. The special Krishna consciousness, led kirtans temple suffered a gas explosion. All mission was funded by Bhaktivedanta (devotional songs) and helped in the of the 50 devotees within the building Manor and both Parasuram das and distribution of prasad to Bengali, managed to escape the multiple blasts Pranabandhu das worked together to Bangladeshi and Korean people. During uninjured. This was referred to as a assist the remote Centre, where food that time many copies of the Bhagavad ‘miracle’ by fire fighters. supplies are not so readily accessible. gita in Korean as well as Bengali were ISKCON purchased Inisrath island in distributed. Many of them expressed After over a year of worship and 1984 and converted the large house into enthusiasm and were returning after community gatherings in rented spaces, a temple and ashram. Today it is called having attended previous ISKCON acquiring the keys to the old HSBC Govindadwipa, or “island of Govinda” functions. Bank is a dream come true. and draws many visitors and tourists Prayojana das explained: “Despite the The devotees plan to restore the building with its regular varied retreats, as well fact that modern technology plays a to its former glory and bring it back into as giving newcomers an introduction prominent role in their everyday lives, use as a place of worship with a range to Krishna conscious philosophy and the South Korean people are very service of community activities, eventually lifestyle. orientated and committed, which are providing a restaurant, yoga and good qualities in spiritual life.” meditation studio, and self-development workshops. Pradyumna das, President of ISKCON Leicester said, “We are very excited with this news. This is a great opportunity for us to bring back into use a fantastic building right at the heart of the city.” There will be a lot of work to be done before the community officially begins to use the building. Plans for the development of the site are in early stages and will unfold over the coming Krishna Avanti School to open in Ilford months. Plans to open a new Hindu School local pupils, regardless of their religious in Ilford reached a major milestone beliefs. last month. The local Council has now Edward Anobah, Krishna Avanti Primary purchased a site in Barkingside from its School Redbridge Chair of Governors, former owners the United Synagogue said, “We are very happy to be taking this Trust, paving the way to create a new definitive step in offering this service to school on the existing site. The site was the community of Redbridge. We are formally a Jewish Primary School and keen for the school to be a place that that will be transferred to King Soloman children of all backgrounds, regardless High School site. of faith, can come and receive a world The four-form entry school will be run class education.” by the I-Foundation who won the new school competition last May. They will now start preparing to open the new primary school in September this year which will provide 840 places when full. The Krishna Avanti Primary School Redbridge (as it will be known) will allocate 75 per cent of its places to any

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Gita Jayanti - reciting the Song of God During the winter we seek to gather the Gita and this year 1200 copies regular basis. To round off a great day, light and warmth more than ever, were sponsored for that purpose. the Bhaktivedanta Players performed not just externally but internally too. Kripamoya das and Sutapa das led a poetic version of the classic work One of the most important sources the chanting of Sanskrit verses, giving entitled “The Song of God”. of spiritual strength and illumination summaries of each chapter. for devotees are the teachings of Those who took the Bhagavad Gita. On Sunday 18th part expressed December devotees gathered to recite a feeling of the entire text of the sacred book, happiness and in honour of Gita Jayanti. This is an satisfaction and annual event which marks the famous others felt the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna experience had which took place over 5000 years ago. renewed their The event gives an incentive for determination to participants to distribute copies of study the Gita on a

Siberian court throws out case against Bhagavad Gita A Siberian court has dismissed a call to resolved and is now behind us.” religious freedom ban the Bhagavad Gita in the Russian “We are happy that the court showed in Russia. region, in a case that triggered protests reason and competence in passing the Earlier this in India. correct verdict, “ said Segei Zuyez, month Indian A lawyer representing ISKCON in vice-president of ISKCON in Tomsk. MPs demanded Tomsk, Alexander Shakhov, welcomed “It is not right for secular courts to try the government the judge’s decision, saying it “shows religions.” protect religious that Russia really is becoming a The trial began in June 2011 and rights in Russia, shouting: “We will not democratic society.” concluded in December. tolerate an insult to Lord Krishna.” India’s Ambasaddor to Russia Ajal India’s Foreign Minister, Mr SM Krishna, Ambassador Kadakin, quoted by the Malhotra, who had fiercely opposed complained to the Russian Ambassador AP news agency, distanced himself the trial, welcomed the court ruling. to India, Alexander Kadakin, about the from the Tomsk prosecutors, saying “The verdict of the Honourable Judge Tomsk prosecution. “any holy scripture, whether it is the in dismissing the case deserves to be Koran, Bhagvad Gita, the Bible, Avesta Mr Krishna said Indians had reacted very applauded,” he said. “It is very nice to or Torah cannot be brought into court”. negatively to the alleged infringement of see that this issue has been conclusively

Page 5 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2012 Becoming a True Hero by das I expect few readers will have missed is a perennial favourite, even though constant hard work, we would soon be an important piece of recent news about it has so far claimed over 200 lives. I overcome by all kinds of trouble. the two men who attempted to cross can’t say I have it on my personal list of The simple reason for this is that we the Atlantic ocean stark naked (so their things to do before I die, but I kind of do not belong in this world. We are salt laden clothes would not chafe their understand why some people would be spiritual beings who belong in the bodies) in a pedalo. It was their third attracted. The sense of achievement in spiritual atmosphere. When we are try and they had real hope that their overcoming eight mile high obstacles; within matter we are like fish out of previous experience would see them in tolerating tremendous hardship to water. Krishna says, “The living entities through on this occasion, but alas, after accomplish one’s goals, which of course in this conditioned world are my eternal only a week on the high seas, struck can prove a useful asset in today’s tough fragmental parts. Due to conditioned life down by illness and terrified by the world. in material bodies they are struggling menacing waves, they had to be hauled While I can admire such indomitable very hard.” from their craft by helicopter. “It was spirit, I would question where it can best The struggle comes when we try to probably not one of my best ideas,” said be applied. Vedic knowledge tells us independently defeat the conditions of Kieran Sweeney, one of the valiant souls that the attempt to overcome nature by this world without reaching out to God. who undertook this death defying stunt. bodily and mental strength is ultimately All of the laws we face here are made His partner merely nodded in silent doomed to failure. In the Bhagavad- by him. That should be obvious; can agreement. gita Krishna describes the material there be any laws that have no maker It seems to be in human energy as “insurmountable”. Although and indeed no one upholding them? nature to challenge the we may conquer the tallest mountains, This world is under God’s infallible elements, even at the or even plunge down to the bottom of laws and it is a futile endeavour to try to risk of life and limb. the deepest seas, at the end of the day overcome them in defiance of his power. Climbing Mount we are still bound by stringent material We simply become further entangled in Everest laws that we cannot overcome. Even their complexities, just as a person who as we undertake our heroic exploits we tries to break the state laws will only must still respect such laws. The Law fall foul of still more conditions. As the of Gravity, for example, is a serious famous quote goes, we cannot break factor to be considered when ascending divine laws, we can only break ourselves mountains. Under the water is the rigid against them in the attempt. Our only condition that we cannot breathe without hope is to abide by those laws and accept mechanical assistance. When we soar off their creator as our well wishing Lord. into space in our efforts to reach other This is where our real challenge lies and planets we face so many universal laws where we should apply our heroism. The that limit us to being hardly able to go great obstacle to divine surrender is the beyond our own moon, what to speak of false ego of wanting to be independent the immense vastness of the cosmos that enjoyers of this world, of wanting to lies out there. conquer and exploit it for our selfish Closer to home are the awkward ends. One great Vaishnava saint said in problems of birth, old age, disease a poem, “So push thy onward march, O and death that stare us in the face and soul/against an evil deed/that stands with are impossible to avoid. These are the soldiers hate and lust/a hero be indeed.” primary conditions imposed upon this Lust and hate, along with their cohorts world, laws that bind us all, and when greed, anger and illusion, are formidable we are not tackling mighty challenges foes, and defeating them can sometimes such as pedalling across the Atlantic, we seem a Himalayan task. But Krishna are fully engaged with those difficulties. assures us that success is certain if we Indeed human endeavour is all about constantly seek his shelter. The divine trying to counteract the conditions of this helicopter of his mercy will extract us world and achieve some sort of security from our struggle and take us to his and comfort. Without such endeavours, eternally blissful abode. in the shape of science, technology and

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Krishna Dattani Age: 17 Studying: A levels (St James School) In every school and sixth form… What made you start attending IPS events? Trying to follow in the footsteps of Prahlad participate in discussions about topical issues At the age of 15 I saw the IPS production Under Maharaj, members of ISKCON Pandava Sena such as the riots that took place last summer, the Influence at the Manor’s Janmashtami (IPS) have recently started running Krishna the idea of success and reducing exam stress festival and it really inspired me. After the play I Consciousness Societies (KC Socs) every or the notion that we have an identity beyond met one of the girls with a clipboard and it sort fortnight at some of the top ranking schools in this body. In this way, students are brought of went from there! From then on the IPS events the country. to the realisation of I attended were everything that the girl had Krishna Consciousness At the moment, these described them to be - dynamic and stimulating using practical tips they KC Socs run in Watford - and nothing has stopped me from going back. can use in any area of Grammar Boys’ School, their life whether it is What did you initially find Queen Elizabeth’s Boys’ academic or social. School (QE Boys) and appealing about KC? Haberdashers’ Aske’s Societies at the various In Krishna Consciousness (KC) people you Boys’ School. They are schools have the backing meet become your true friends without wanting currently being set up in of many senior staff anything from you. It’s great! Furthermore, KC St James Girls’ School, members, who have seen from the beginning offers relevant and topical North London Collegiate the value of such events. philosophy that can be applied in a modern School and St Dominic’s Sixth Form. The head of Queen Elizabeth’s Sixth Form context. said ‘In a time where everyone is using people Abhishek Joshi, who developed this idea and and cherishing things, this Krishna society is What services are you currently started the first society at Watford Grammar good for building our pupils character, personal Boys’ School, said ‘We began running these involved in? qualities and moral value which makes them events last year using the concept of university Currently, I am part of the Harrow Jammin stand out from the crowd with UCAS university Krishna Consciousness Societies but have team, co-coordinating prashadam for the applications.’ tailored it for a younger crowd.’ He added sessions. I am hoping to set-up a KC Soc at ‘People are mainly drawn to the sessions by the An event is also currently being planned with my own school and have it running by the end quality of the speaker, who is normally an urban His Holiness , a spiritual of March. monk residing at Bhaktivedanta Manor, by the teacher, to speak at these top London schools interactive and practical sessions relating to on his extraordinary journey during the cultural Interesting fact about yourself everyday life we have and, most likely, the free revolution of the sixties. Most people have loads but unfortunately I lunch we provide!’ only have two interesting things about me. For more information please contact Vinay Firstly, I know how to read and write Sanskrit On average, there are between 40 and 50 (07534 333 884) or visit www.krishnasoc.com. – the oldest language ever and I play for the students between the ages of 16 and 18 who Middlesex Lacrosse team.

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Police Training Hertfordshire Police Constabulary sent Training Officer Lee Emmerson, “I look their newest trainee officers to several forward to the next time, when I hope community and religious organisations we can stay longer.” within Hertfordshire as part of their Trainee Officer Remi Whates added, County Counsellor commends education in cultural awareness. “We just had the most fantastic day. The Manor’s Community Service “We had a great day all round at warmth and hospitality of our hosts was Bhaktivedanta Manor”, explained brilliant!”. Cllr David Hewitt, Vice Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council, presented Manor School children broaden their faith horizons Mrs Sue Flood the head of the Library Archives at the County Hall, with copies the beauty of the different stained glass of Bhagavad Gita As It Is, and The windows, woodwork and very grand Journey Home- An Autobiography of pulpit. an American Swami by His Holiness The children next ventured to the Sikh Radhanath Swami. Gurudwara in Watford, where they “After reading The Journey Home observed the priest reading from the I have come to have a much better Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, understanding of the contribution and watched a video and participated in a work which the Temple is doing for the question and answer session. people in Hertfordshire and surrounding Their final visit was to the Bushey United areas,” explained Cllr David Hewitt, “I The children at the Manor School visited Synagogue where Rabbi Salasnick do promote this to my fellow Councillors various local faith communities in engaged the children in a discussion and our friends and believe we can all January. This year the school visited St. about the similarities and differences learn from the from the volunteering, John the Baptist Church in the Parish of between Judaism and Vaisnavism. They service and community work which Aldenham, where the children not only had the wonderful opportunity to see Temple followers do”. heard from Reverand Robert Fletcher a holy scroll uncovered and to also about Christianity but he also made learn of the history of some of the historical links to the Second World scrolls. The children were fascinated by War, so a bit of history was learnt as the handwritten Hebrew script and the well. The children were truly amazed at parchment upon which it was written.

March 2012 Bhaktivedanta Manor Sun 4th Amalaki Vrata Ekadasi Dharam Marg · Hilfield Lane Mon 5th Disapp of Sri Aldenham · Herts Thur 8th Gaura Purnima: App of Sri (for sat-nav only, please use Caitanya Mahaprabhu postcode WD25 8DT) (fast till moonrise) Sun 11th Festival at Bhaktivedanta Manor 01923 851000 (Gaura Purmina and Holi) www.krishnatemple.com Thur 15th App of Sri Srivasa Pandit Sun 18th Papamocani Ekadasi Please send your news, photos Tues 27th App of Sri Ramanujacarya and comments to: April 2012 Radha Mohan das Watford’s High Street shoppers were Sun 1st Ramanavami: App of Lord Sri treated to one of the largest Hare [email protected] Ramacandra (fast till sunset) Krishna street processions for months in honour of the Disappearance Day HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA, KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE, of Srila Prabhupada’s spiritual master HARE RAMA HARE RAMA, RAMA RAMA HARE HARE Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur.

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