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Home , Krishna Janmashtami, Nitai, Sanatana Goswami, Snana Yatra

ie o hn al hs wo u i a in put to background the who in effort tremendous those all thank to like would I Trust, Lotus The of behalf “On learning evenings. the in with access special parents providing by difficulties of needs the support also will centre IT The Radlett. in School Fairfields at and suite Centre computer raised IT new walk a towards 10-mile £4,128 and ride 25-mile cycle The members. congregation 300 involved Cambridgeshire in fun event charity a Trust, Lotus the of Care Schools:Local Helping Charity A Congregation Manor Walkthe by August 2009 Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada, Founder- of the International Society for Consciousness Krishna for Society International the of Founder-Acharya Prabhupada, Swami Grace Bhaktivedanta Divine A.C. His to Dedicated Srimad Bhagavatam: 3.29.24 Bhagavatam: Srimad ” Godhead. of Personality the to offerings make who persons for essential is people of masses the to prasada of Distribution ignorant. the to compassionate be and level same the on are who persons to friendly be Lord, Supreme the worship should entities. Aliving devotee other to compassionate be should one and entity living every in present is Lord the that know must understanding of level higher the to himself elevate to wants who devotee “The Prabhupada: Srila happy,cows. healthy Campaign in the UK - promoting the and poor the for in camps eye and support locally internationally. to include projects Current initiatives up set philanthropic was and Manor, The Lotus Trust is based at Bhaktivedanta endeavours.” their for fitter preparations. Everyone felt healthier and route, did all the liaising the and background organised who those “Specifically make it a possibility” said das, week. a cheesecakes 6,000 around be will production initial The UK. the across Holland and Barrett health food stores 415 in available be will The cheesecakes country. to the across available consumers products gluten-free and vegan of choice aims the increase to project Wales ISKCON The gluten-free. and vegan both - lasagna and quiche by followed be to soon ‘cheesecake’, gluten-free and vegan special a produces factory The called factory, Ltd. Foods Govindas distribution food) vegetarian (sanctified prasadam new its Walesopened ISKCON May Last Pie-In-The-Sky:'sCheesecaketakesoff Manor. Bhaktivedanta the and by Assembly Welsh financially supported been has project the the congregation Welsh from investment to addition In das in opening the factory the opening in das Praghosa Tarakanathjoin Rameswara & Newsletter August 2009 An audience with the Westminster MP praises Soho St Temple Dalai Lama Krishna Priya das was honoured to receive a personal audience with the Dalai Lama during a recent visit to Dharamshala, north India. The head of Tibetan spoke of ahimsa (non-violence) and sadbhav (harmony between people) - principles also followed by Vaishnavas. He expressed his appreciation for the work of Srila Prabhupada in promoting ahimsa around the world. Special thanks to Dr Madhav Mehra and D G Jija Harjit Singh for making the arrangements.

During Mark Field MP’s visit to ISKCON Soho Street Temple, President Jai das informed him: “We have had a vibrant, progressive and spiritually inspiring community here in the heart of London for over 40 years.” Accepting the invitation from the , Mark Field visited the ISKCON London temple in June 2009. “I felt honoured to be invited to the only Temple in my constituency,” he said, “I applaud the unique contribution that ISKCON has made in adding to the quality and diversity of the social, cultural and spiritual landscape of London. In particular, your programmes for feeding the homeless are deeply appreciated and your vegetarian restaurant promotes healthy food and quality lifestyle." In a recent public poll, where the public were asked to name the three most iconic images of London’s West End, the Hare came third after black cabs and red buses. BAPS UK Leader Visits Bhaktivedanta Manor During his first visit to Bhaktivedanta Manor, Yogvivek Swami, toured the Manor buildings and grounds. While visiting the New Farm complex, he expressed appreciation for the level of care offered to the cows as well as the environmental initiatives of the design. The tour included the rooms of ISKCON’s founder Srila Prabhupada. Yogvivek Swami appreciated Srila Prabhupada’s efforts in publishing “an Dilip Patel, Chairman of the Patrons Council, presents Yogvivek Swami with an exclusive gift immense wealth of literature”. Chiltern Prayer Hall Inauguration Nila Madhava das attended the multi-faith opening ceremony of the new prayer hall at Chiltern Woodland Burial Park. Dignitaries present included the Right Reverend Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham from the Church of England Diocese of Oxford. The ceremony culminated with the releasing of doves, which traditionally symbolise peace. Chiltern Woodland Burial Park offers an environmentally friendly alternative to the existing choices for burial and cremation, open to families of all faiths.

Page 2 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter August 2009 Inundated at Popular Prasadam at the Radlett Mind Body Spirit Festival Every year devotees from Bhaktivedanta Manor work At the 2009 Mind Body Spirit Festival, as part of the Radlett Festival held at the prestigious Horticultural Committee that orgainses the Halls in Victoria, the devotees’ food stall Festival. was inundated for the entire six days. Such was the demand that each day extra Bhaktivedanta Manor provides deliveries were necessary. over 3,000 plates of free vegetarian food each year. Next year, organiser Adi- das This year the Manor School is looking to increase the size of the Garden Club entered the Radlett devotees’ contribution to the event. Horticultural Society’s scarecrow Anyone wishing to get involved is making competition, and walked invited to contact him on adi-guru@ away with a cash prize, medal pure-incense.com. He is also preparing and certificate. for the Show in Olympia which is during the last weekend of October. European Brahmacaris convene at Bhaktivedanta Manor The first European Brahmacari seminar took place at Bhaktivedanta Manor between 1st and 4th July. Ninety brahmacaris (monks) from fifteen countries and seven sannyasis participated in a programme of seminars, harinam and -sanga. Attendees welcomed the opportunity to mix with like-minded monks, reinforcing their own level of practice and commitment. During the event Bhakta Will and Bhakta Kevin were awarded their saffron robes by Prahladanada Swami and Candra Mauli Swami. Several congregation members assisted the event organisers, by offering their time and in some Children from the Manor School took cases their homes, in order to part in the festival stage performances accomodate the visitors.

Locals flock to family Open Days During the Yoga Family Fun Day in May and the Strawberry Fun Fair in June, as the sun shone generously, hundreds of local first-timers descended on the Manor. Visitors received tours of the Manor grounds and took the opportunity to observe the lifestyle of devotees and ask questions about the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness. Special activities included children’s yoga, face- painting and bullock cart rides. In addition guests received Mehndi hand decoration and ladies tried on (and took home!) colourful saris. Delicious savouries and cakes were on offer throughout the two days.

Page 3 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter August 2009 Wedding Marquee Update Spiritual Retreat in the Italian Countryside This year’s congregational retreat was held at Villa in the Tuscan countryside just a 20-minute drive from Florence, Italy. Villa Vrindavan is a 16th century villa and the terrace views of the surrounding hills, dotted with olive trees and vineyards, was outstanding. Spiritual retreats offer a precious On 1st July a Public Inquiry began to opportunity to step off the treadmill of decide the fate of the temple’s wedding working life for a while in order to rest For those already on a spiritual path, it’s a marquee. An earlier planning application and become a little more introspective. time of re-dedication and strengthening. seeking permission for erecting the Perhaps it may also involve marquee had been rejected by Hertsmere looking at existing spiritual Borough Council. practises from new angles A marquee has been erected each and seeing how they can be summer for approximately eleven weeks better understood, or how during each of the last eleven years. Its commitment to them can be purpose has been to facilitate weddings refreshed. at the temple, specifically those with Devotees visited local areas, more than two hundred and fifty invited including Assisi. There they guests, thereby avoiding excessive use saw the chapel built by the of the temple room which is primarily a hands of St Francis before public place of worship. visiting his final resting Shortly into the formalities of the place. Kripamoya das found it proceedings, it became apparent interesting how St Francis’ life that crucial evidence consisting of paralleled that of Vaishnava independent sound-level measurements saints. had been received at a very late stage, British and Italian devotees and could not be considered fully within chanted the the time available. through the streets The Temple legal team proceeded of Florence and the public’s to withdraw the appeal, on the reception was wonderful. understanding that the present marquee would be permitted to continue to fulfil its role for the rest of the year, and that a Manor Youth Forum…20 Years On separate application would be made for Conceived at the beginning of the 1990s the Manor Youth Forum next year. (MYF) engaged the youth’s various talents and spirit of adventure in a variety of fun-filled ways. Maha-Prasad at Under the leadership of Sita Rama das and Srutidharma das, the MYF published the magazine “Chakra”; took part in national youth Ernst & Young ; mobilised other youth to support the “Save the Manor” Volunteers made over 1,000 pieces of campaign; and held retreats both in the UK and Europe. coconut sweets for Ernst & Young, the 20 years on, the ‘class of 1990’ returned for its first ever reunion. Professional Services firm where they Hairlines may have receded and waistlines expanded but the spirit of togetherness celebrated the Sikh festival of . remains constant. A wonderful and memorable evening filled with laughter, The sweets were distributed across the memories and renewed friendships was had by all. company’s offices in London Bridge, and their Global Headquarters in Waterloo. A special thank you goes to Lalita Sakhi I am very grateful for the effort the dasi, for preparing an temple has made in preparing the absolutely stunning sweets for our Vaisakhi celebration. feast, thereby ensuring The fact that they were made by that the members conscious people I am sure added to the of the MYF do not beautiful sweets produced. forget what it means Bal Paul, Business Advisory Services to perform devotional and Sikh faith representative austerities.

Page 4 LordBhaktivedanta Nelson: Manor Newsletter No Rival For August 2009

The 41st annual Jagannatha Rathayatra festival was held on a hot Sunday The Lord Of The Universe afternoon in June in central London. Lord Jagannatha, meaning ‘Lord of the Universe’, is a special form of Lord Krishna who once a year leaves the temple in a great chariot procession (‘Rathayatra’). The very nature of the event is inclusive, as it takes God out of His temple on to the streets to all those who may not see Him year round. As in previous years, the festival was a particularly grand occasion because not only is Lord Jagannatha’s magnificently decorated chariot pulled along the streets This year’s bathing ceremony in by His devotees, but so are two other advance of the Rathayatra festival chariots – those of His brother Lord took place at the Soho Street Temple. Baladeva, and His sister, Lady Devotees streamed into and out of – continuing the 5000 year-old tradition the building, singing on the streets, inaugurated by the original Jagannatha distributing books and talking to temple in Orissa, eastern India. the public. Devotees from across the country formed a procession In central London the police blocked off that moved across the West End, traffic as the chariot procession wended delighting all with song and dance. its way from its starting point in Hyde Park, down Piccadilly, and ended at the festival site in Trafalgar Square. In what must be one of London’s biggest street parties, 6000 devotees formed a river of devotional humanity that stretched out for about half a mile. All along the parade route, and throughout the afternoon, the different parties ensured that the chanting of Krishna’s holy names would resound in the capital. At the festival site itself, no less than 15,000 plates of prasadam were distributed, and it is estimated that 20,000 people in total visited the site. There, in the middle of Trafalgar Square, they were surrounded by an array of spiritual exhibits from books to a Question & Answer tent, and even a mock Vedic temple, while the main stage hosted a variety of devotional musical and artistic performances. One of London's most famous tourist spots had been transformed into a mini spiritual city. The ancient Rathayatra festival was brought to the West by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in the 1960s. In 1976, he wrote in a letter that “I recall how in the London newspaper, The Guardian, that when our Rathayatra “I am delighted that you have ceremony was taking place in Trafalgar brought this, one of the oldest street Square, they commented that Rathayatra festivals in the world, to London. was rivalling to Nelson, as there is a statue This joyous occasion is made all of Lord Nelson in Trafalgar Square.” the more special by the efforts you 33 years on, in the shadow of Lord make to celebrate not just with the Prime Minister Gordon Brown Nelson, they came in their thousands to followers of Krishna but to welcome worship the Lord of the Universe instead. everyone to come and share in your festival and experience your ancient traditions.”Page 5 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter August 2009

Sanatanaruler of . Having Goswamino desire to help , Sanatana bribed the exploitative Muslim rulers, Amara the jailer with money and eventually initially refused to take up the post, but made his way to Benares. There he met the Sultan threatened to persecute the Lord Chaitanya, who instructed him that if he refused. He thus accepted the natural identity of each soul is to the post just to protect the public from be an eternal servant of God. He was persecution. Although born in a Hindu told to go to Vrindavan, where Sanatana family, he was rejected as a Muslim out- became absorbed in visiting the sacred by the Hindu community, because sites where Krishna performed His divine he was working for the ruling Muslims. activities. The saintly Amara thus tolerated being After receiving further instructions shunned by the very community he was from Lord Chaitanya in , Sanatana trying to protect. returned to Vrindavan, where Due to his post, Amara was given the he relocated various lost holy places. most opulent palaces and mansions He also established the worship of the to live in. One such residence was deity of Madana-mohana and soon a rich in Ramakeli, where in 1510 he met Moghul army officer felt inspired to build Chaitanya Mahaprabhu for the first time. a temple for the Deity. This later became Early July marked the anniversary of Inspired by Lord Chaitanya’s qualities one of the seven principle temples of the day that a great saint, Srila Sanatana clearly indicating His divinity, he Vrindavan. Goswami, passed away from this world, agreed to accept a new name from Lord passed away in the and Vaisnavas around the world reflected Chaitanya: Sanatana. Being transformed, on his life. Even in India, not many year 1558. His tomb is located next he no longer felt any attraction for his to the Madana-mohana temple. To this people have heard of him, what to speak position, power and wealth and decided of outside India, but often the lives of the day, devotees all over the world receive to renounce the world and join Lord incredible spiritual nourishment and greatest souls remain a secret from the Chaitanya and his entourage. Sanatana’s general public with only those who are inspiration from the teachings in his books, resignation was refused by the Sultan. as well as the temple he established and greatly fortunate receiving the mercy of The determined Sanatana stopped coming hearing about them. the holy sites he relocated in Vrindavan. to court and feigned sickness. But when His accepting the governmental post Sanatana Goswami was one of the the Sultan sent his personal physicians to teaches us that a devotee is so tolerant foremost disciples of Chaitanya treat Sanatana they returned and reported that he tries to protect others even at the Mahaprabhu, the incarnation of Lord that he was in perfectly good health. expense of his own reputation. His giving Krishna who appeared in in The Sultan was completely dependent up the post teaches us how service to God the 15th century. He was born in 1488 in on the expertise of Sanatana in ruling his is so pleasurable that money, power and Jessore in present-day , with kingdom and thus personally visited him position become absolutely insignificant the name Amara, as the son of the private to convince him to continue as treasurer. in comparison. secretary of the Sultan of Bengal. But Sanatana was fixed in his resolve to On the death of his father, Amara was resign, and so the Sultan had him thrown asked to take up the most important post into prison. Determined to take all risks in of Sakara Mallika (treasurer) to the new order to fully dedicate himself to serving

Page 6 Geena Pattni Age: 15 Studying: GCSEs

Under the Influence What made you start attending IPS events? The centerpiece of ISKCON Pandava Sena’s Ultimately she prays for help and chooses to (IPS) marquee, titled ‘Under the Influence’, surrender to Krishna, who in turn saves her. My brother Ravi has been an active member was a powerful performance that dynamically for several years. After going on the annual The emotive show touched many hearts and left summer trips he would tell me about them and illustrated the original position of the soul and the some members of the audience in tears. importance of surrender. with each year my desire to go on one grew until Nandagopa das, the president of IPS, I finally gave in and went to Italy last year with The act was originally developed for a Harrow commented: “Every year we come up with the group. Jammin that took place earlier in the year. Based new ideas about how to give the message of on its success the festival team agreed to use it Krishna Consciousness to the thousands of What did you find appealing for Janmashtami. youth that attend Janmashtami. This year, we As part of the tent’s introduction, the visitors were wanted something very special to celebrate our about KC? told that they were about to meet four personalities 15 year anniversary and sure enough Krishna It was mainly the inspiration I developed through they knew very well. Not knowing what to expect, empowered His various devotees accordingly. going on the Italy trip. I found that it had a warm they entered the blacked-out area to be greeted I was most impressed to see the significant atmosphere and I made friends with many by characters in each corner, representing lust, number of new members who were brave enough others that came along. I particularly found the envy, greed and intoxication. Each influence to take up responsibility.” appealing and the opportunities to ask was armed with a powerful monologue aimed Since Janmashtami, the show has been performed questions to better understand my faith. at convincing the young audience about the at the Manor’s Janmashtami Volunteers’ Thank happiness they could supposedly offer. You Dinner and IPS What services are you currently The focus then moved to has been invited to run the main stage which saw it at the Crawley Ratha involved in? a young girl (representing Yatra festival as well as I put tilak [sacred clay markings placed primarily the living entity), at events in Birmingham on the forehead] on people that visit the temple becoming attracted to and Leicester. on Sundays and I often help with the serving of (material nature) IPS members were prasad [sanctified food] too. In IPS I help out and choosing to leave involved in all aspects wherever I can but I especially like to cook for Krishna’s association in of the Janmashtami my local Jammin (Harrow). the spiritual world. As celebrations at a result, she becomes Bhaktivedanta Manor Interesting fact about yourself absorbed and entangled this year but had specific I attend Army training courses in which I by various influences responsibility for the receive training in completing obstacle courses, who again promise her Vrindavan walkway, the marching and even rifle shooting! I’ve been happiness, only to leave Krishna Avanti fundraising doing this for two years now through my school her in state of great area as well as ‘Under the and have met members of the royal family pain and desperation. Influence’. through my involvement.

jammin jammin jamminjamminjamminjammin

jamminJammin is a fortnightly youth event organised and facilitated by IPS Forthcoming Jammins: 04/09 - Harrow - Who or what is God? 05/09 - Crawley - Going Nowhere Fast 12/09 - Crawley - The Three Modes of Nature 18/09 - Harrow - Are we Destiny’s Child 26/09 - Crawley - Life in Krishna Consciousness 02/10 - Harrow - Chained? East London Jammins TBC For more details see wwww.psena.com Subject to change Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter August 2009 Cleaning our hearts Sign Language Skills Gundica Marjana signifies the pastime in Since February the Krishna Deaf which Lord Caitanya and his associates Association (RKDA) has been running cleaned the Gundica Temple in Puri, a course of 'Basic Sign Language' prior to the day of Rathayatra. at Bhaktivedanta Manor. The course Devotees of Bhaktivedanta Manor hosted provided the basic skills to communicate a similar activity, in June. Cleaning with deaf people in general and especially the Manor extended to the lake where those who attend the Temple. Gurukulis (Manor School graduates) The next course is planned to begin manned the boats, donned waders and this September/October. For more trudged through the lake collecting the information contact Prema Pradip Dasa: coconuts left over from a variety of [email protected] ceremonies, as well as a mountain of fallen leaves. “As we glided across the lake, litter pickers in hand, singing the names cleaning the temple, not only were we of the Lord in harmony, the spiritual making it a place fit for the Lord, but we significance of the activity could really were also cleaning our own hearts - what be felt, “said Radhika. “By externally an enjoyable way to do it!”

Gopal’s Curry Shack Jay das is running an exciting new initiative called Gopal’s Curry Shack. So far this summer he has sold 4000 meals at six music festivals. He is planning Carnivals Galore! to expand the project and involve more During the past two months Parasuram devotees over time. das and many other devotees have been “I hope that other devotees will become racing from one carnival and festival to inspired to throw caution to the wind another to ensure ISKCON’s presence is and 'have a go' at starting up their own keenly felt. So far they have taken part prasadam (sanctified vegetarian food) in Luton, Bushey and Borehamwood outlets, “explained Jaya Gopal das. “It “Thanks to Bhaktivedanta Manor Carnivals, the Glastonbury Festival, promotes greater awareness of how for kindly supporting the project by solstice at Stonehenge, parades in Milton tasty, healthy and satisfying vegetarian sponsoring the Curry Shack sign,” he Keynes, Guilford and Brighton, and food can be!” added. even a tour of Scandinavia!

www.krishnatemple.com/janmashtami Volunteers needed! Set-up takes place every evening from Monday 27th July ... clear up continues until 24th August! Bhaktivedanta Manor Dharam Marg · Hilfield Lane Calendar Dates - August 2009 Sat 15th Appearance of Srila Prabhupada Aldenham · Herts · WD25 8EZ Sat 1st Pavitropana Ekadasi ( till noon) Jhulan Yatra begins Sun 16th Annada Ekadasi 01923 851000 Sun 2nd Disapp of Srila Janmashtami Festival www.krishnatemple.com Wed 5th Appearance of Lord Thur 27th (fasting till noon) Thur 6th Anniv. of Srila Prabhupada’s Mon 31st Parsva Ekadasi (fasting till noon for Please send your news, photos and departure for USA Vamanadeva) comments to Radha Mohan das at: Fri 14th Sri Tue 1st Sep App of Lord Vamanadeva & (fasting till midnight) Srila [email protected]

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