The Golden Avatar

March 2012

Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness The Golden Avatar Gaura Purnima, the festival celebrating the birth of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Krishna’s ‘Golden Avatar’ or incarnation for the present age, is one of the most important days of the year for devotees in the Srila Prabhupada: Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. The philosophical truth of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486 – 1534) took his followers onto the streets of simultaneous oneness and West Bengal with the chanting of the difference was propounded Hare Krishna mantra. With the sound by Lord Sri Caitanya of the drums and cymbals, it proved Mahaprabhu, and it is known so popular that it spread right across as acintya-bhedabheda-tattva. India. Brahma, Narada and all others The chant is a spiritual sound are simultaneously one with composed of the names of God taken the Lord and different from from the Kali-santarana Upanisad. the Supreme Lord. We are The ancient texts describe that one all one with the Lord, just who repeats this mantra quietly, as a as the gold ornaments are meditation, or one who sings together one in quality with the stock with others in congregation, will gold, but the individual gold gradually attain love of God - the ultimate aim of human life. ornament is never equal in ...continued on page 5 quantity with the stock gold. Srimad Bhagavatam, 2.6.13 A Royal Engagement

In February Sutapa das brahmacari had the opportunity to meet Her Majesty The Queen as well as the Archbishop of Canterbury. A multi-faith reception was held at Lambeth Palace, one of the first public engagements to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year. Her Royal Highness paid tribute to the spiritual contribution of all religions in the UK and showed continued support for the free practice of faith in this country. The Queen expressed how spiritual traditions provide critical guidance for the way we live our lives, and for the way in which we treat each other. Sutapa das spoke to the leaders of various denominations, discussions revolving around making spirituality applicable and dynamic in the modern world. Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter March 2012

Avanti Schools and Bhaktivedanata College Announce Plans for Collaboration Nitesh Gor (Director of I-Foundation approval of a fourth, ‘all-through’ in ‘Educational Studies, Theology and and Avanti Schools Trust) and (Primary and Secondary) school, Religion’. This pioneering programme Yadunandana Swami (Principal of scheduled to open this September. nurtures a broad critical awareness of Bhaktivedanta College, Belgium), have Bhaktivedanta College offers young education, especially in the diverse been discussing possible partnerships people an opportunity for achieving contexts where it interacts with faith, between the College and the burgeoning a UK-validated Bachelors degree, spirituality and ethics: a sound foundation number of I-Foundation/Avanti Schools while living in or near the Radhadesh for the aspirant Primary or Secondary Trust schools. The prospects look ISKCON community in Belgium. teacher. The award also opens up many promising. After fulfilling postgraduate Located in the scenic Ardennes region other career possibilities, in public, requirements, College graduates will be of Belgium, the campus is an ideal voluntary and corporate sectors, such as well-equipped to apply for teaching and setting for study and contemplation. in school leadership, tertiary education leadership posts in Avanti Schools. This By promoting professional achievement, and human resource departments. collaboration primarily aims to help the the College offers ISKCON members Anyone interested in pursuing an I-Foundation meet the unprecedented realistic, positive career prospects, as unusual and fulfilling educational career demand for qualified teachers, well as opportunity for personal and should contact one of the following: underscored by the government’s recent spiritual growth. Yadunandana Swami: Bhaktivedanta [email protected] College will Ananta Rupa Das: be teaching an exciting new [email protected] degree accredited Rasamandala Das: by the University [email protected] of Chester: a BA Avanti House School Avanti House is a new free state school for pupils aged 4 to 18. It is another project of the I-Foundation and will be the UK’s first ever Hindu state funded secondary school. The School will be based in Harrow but be open to students from any borough. There will be a dual specialism in Mathematics and Performing Arts. The School will open this September, starting with two Reception classes and going up to six Year 7 classes. For more information, visit: www.avantihouse.org

Page 2 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter March 2012 Bhakti Chris - known for his brilliant smile We are sorry report the sad news that Bhakti Chris passed away recently. Well known for his brilliant smile and willingness to take up any service, he helped with Rathayatra, the Manor farm and gardens and Food for Life in India. His initial encounters with ISKCON including joining in Hari Namas in 1977. Despite going through many difficult times in his life, Chris always remained strong and sincere on his spiritual journey and passed away in the most A Living Fence for Wildlife Holy place of Sri Mayapura Dham. Bhaktivedanta Manor’s access road was The hedge is cut near its base and pulled planned as part of the scheme that would over in one direction. There is a small plant a double hedge row and plant section of trunk that remains connected trees every 15 metres. The bank that to the base. The branches are laid at the hedge sits on was the spoil that was about 30 degrees for the sap to flow moved to make way for the road. upwards and overall this will create a As the hedge is now established it is labyrinth of branches and shoots. being laid in a traditional fashion. In There are also stakes placed along the England there are many different styles hedge line with supple branches twisted of hedge laying and HRH Prince Charles along the top to form a neat finish as is President of the National Hedge well as a structure to keep the hedge in Laying Society. place. A basket weave effect is produced There is a style unique to Hertfordshire which makes the hedge strong and thick, and the Manor has assigned the local making it ideal to attract wildlife: in Hedge laying Champion Donato essence it is a form of living fence. Cinicolo to the job. Solar Panels for New Gokul The roofs of the cow and hay barns a further step towards self-sufficiency paying us for doing this!” at the Manor’s New Gokul farm have at Bhaktivedanta Manor,” explained A kilowatt is equal to one thousand recently been fitted with solar panels. It Farm Manager Shyamasundar das. watts, a unit used to express the output is a 50 kilowatt system and it is expected “There is a government incentive to power of engines, machines and that it will produce about 50,000 reward those who produce their own heaters. A typical household light bulb kilowatts of electricity a year. “This is electricity. Electrical companies will be has a power rating of 25 to 100 watts.

Page 3 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter March 2012

Manor awash with colours of Spring

On Sunday 11th March Bhaktivedanta into a huge blazing fire by Holika, by Manor staged it’s most colourful of order of his demoniac father. However, festivals: Holi is a celebration of the by divine providence Prahlad was not coming spring and as part of an ancient burned. Prahlad is therefore the symbol tradition revelers were granted the of faith and purity and the fire represents opportunity to throw powdered colours the burning away of all our impurities, over each other, to emerge multicoloured such as egoism, vanity and lust, through from head to toe! the fire of devotion and knowledge. The traditional Holi bonfire was ignited The festival is also to remember ceremoniously by the Mayor and Krishna’s playful pastimes of Krishna. Mayoress of Hertsmere, whose clothes Young Krishna would run around and were thankfully spared the full brunt of shower the local villagers with colours, festival frivolity! drowning them in an ocean of divine The bonfire is to remember the great love. saint named Prahlad who was taken "Thank you for a very enjoyable day. It was interesting to learn about the Manor and see it’s extensive grounds. I was pleased to join in many events and went home with a coloured face!” Cllr Mrs Bren Perryman Deputy Mayor for the Borough of Broxbourne

“The Temple welcomed devotees, It was an absolute delight in starting friends and pilgrims to share in a the Holi bonfire and seeing the great occasion. The Temple is a credit enthusiasm and enjoyment of all those to the community and a beacon of who attended the Festival of Colours. openness.” It’s always a privilege to be invited to Mike Freer MP the Manor and I always leave with a feeling of warmth and love.” Cllr Peter Knell, Mayor of Hertsmere

Page 4 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter March 2012

...continued from page 1 Chaitanya time I descend Myself" (4,7). When March (this year’s calendar date of Mahaprabhu introduced the mantra the Lord descends, teachings relevant Gaura Purnima) the shoppers, business whenever He travelled, preaching to the people’s needs are taught, and a people, revellers and tourists of central the sublime philosophy of Krishna new opportunity is provided to know London were thrilled to witness consciousness through the chanting of and love God. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu hundreds of devotees in a blissful Hari the Holy Names.His appearance was is that same Krishna who took birth Nama procession, dancing, singing striking. Very tall and dressed in the during an age of huge spiritual decline. and playing musical instruments to flame-coloured robes of a mendicant, Now his message is taught in every the accompaniment of the chanting of he had the complexion of molten gold city of the world, causing a spiritual the Hare Krishna mantra. Those who and eyes that would melt the heart of renaissance in the hearts of all those returned straight back to the Manor all who saw Him. who chant Hare Krishna. were then treated to a great dramatic performance by ISKCON Pandava In the Bhagavad-gita Lord Krishna Just as the people of 15th Century Sena about Lord Caitanya and the explains "Whenever and wherever there Bengal and other parts of India were Chand Kazi. is a decline in religious practice and a startled and enlivened by the devotees’ predominant rise in irreligion- - at that public chanting , on Thursday 8th

Page 5 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter March 2012 Bhagavad Gita A Short Summary in Acronyms by Sutapa das Based on Bhagavad Gita As It Is by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Chapter 1- Observing the Armies on the Battlefield of Kuruksetra bent on usurping their cousins’ the situation, Arjuna takes time to kingdom. Sitting in his palace, reflect. Life may be crammed with King Dhritarashtra inquires about responsibilities and pressing issues, the latest events on the battlefield, but attendance to such demands while his son Duryodhana is busy should not be at the expense of firing up his army as it prepares quality spiritual introspection. for fratricidal war. Dhritarashtra is Unfortunately, the chronic disease physically blind, but he and his son of modern man is the excuse of “no are also blinded by greed, envy and time” when it comes to such soul- material desire. When the individual searching. starts to think in terms of “I, me and mine”, primarily interested B - Bewilderment (Verses 28-30) – in selfish gain and personalForeseeing the imminent suffering aggrandizement, then anxiety, and death that is the inevitable frustration and disappointment are consequence of war, Arjuna begins inevitable. Unfortunately, one who to analyse his predicament. At this is materially entangled becomes stage, bereft of broader spiritual oblivious to the ill-effects of his vision, his uncertainty intensifies and he becomes bewildered. When spiritual journey usually starts actions. The one lacks an understanding of his with a doubt. Over the years, our O - Ominous result (Verses 13-20) spiritual identity, his relationship friends, family, society and the - Despite Duryodhana’s boastful with God, and the critical purpose media paint the perfect picture words, the ominous result of this behind this world, one inevitably of “success” and we subsequently confrontation is made clear from becomes disturbed and frustrated shape our lives in determined the onset. Too many signs indicate by life’s challenges. pursuance of it. At a certain point, his inevitable defeat. Those who however, we begin to doubt whether stand on the side of purity and T - Turning point (Verses 31-42) that “perfect life” is achievable or righteousness are always victorious, – Arjuna justifies his decision to will actually make us happy. We regardless of whether the worldly retreat from fighting: 1) It would be begin to question the materialistic odds seem stacked against them. cruel and heartless to prematurely goals, aspirations and milestones of One who is a carrier of goodness is terminate the lives of so many success that have become deeply never overcome by evil. soldiers; 2) Even an unrivalled ingrained within us. Could there be kingdom would bring no happiness, some deeper purpose to life? While U - Uncertainty (Verses 21-27) - since he’d be bereft of the company this initial doubt can often bring Despite knowing that he defends of his near and dear ones; 3) One great uncertainty and confusion, virtue, Arjuna is still uncertain would surely accrue bad karma as it can also bring us to the start of about fighting his opponents, who a result of such brutal violence; our spiritual journey. It is this very are also his relatives. The chariots 4) The wholesale killing involved doubt that Arjuna expresses at the are readied, arrows are drawn, would destroy the family unit and onset of this sacred conversation. battle cries are sounded, but Arjuna social structure, causing havoc for wants to take a final look at the future generations. Thus, his mind Dhritarashtra & Duryodhana D - armies. He orders Krishna, who overwhelmed by grief, Arjuna sets (Verses 1-12) – Innumerable assumes the role of his charioteer, to aside his weapons and resolves not soldiers have assembled on the drive to the middle of the battlefield to fight. battlefield of Kurukshetra due to the so he can satisfy his curiosity. To obstinacy and deep-rooted material his credit, despite the intensity of http://sutapamonk.blogspot.com/ aspirations of these two characters,

Page 6 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter March 2012

The Manor Planning Brief Over the last two years the Temple has engaged consultants to assist Hertsmere Borough Council in developing a comprehensive Planning Brief for the estate. As part of the Local Development Plan review, the Brief seeks to address the current and tangible needs of the temple while setting parameters for any development over the next fifteen years. The request for the Planning Brief exercise was made by the Council's Planning Committee in 2010 in response to various applications being submitted by the Temple. We are pleased that the council has recognised the difficult circumstances we face here at the Manor. On March 15 the Brief was presented to the Planning Committee for comments and it is now expected to move on to local consultation. It is important to note that this is not a planning application. The document identifies how to meet current demand, within the constraints of our rural setting and the Grade II Let there be a Temple listed status of the Manor, as opposed to A message from the Campaign Chair of from across the globe and help place plans for future intensification. the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, them on the path of salvation. It is a rare Ambarisha das: opportunity to be part of something truly Dear friends, supporters and well- historical. wishers Take a once in a million lifetime The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium opportunity and join me on this is one of Srila Prabhupada’s most dear incredible, historic journey. Hare desires. He wanted to build an amazing Krishna. and wonderful Temple in Sridharm -- Mayapur [ISKCON’s headquarters in The Tempe’s construction work is going West Bengal] to attract people from all ahead on schedule and is expected to over the world to the holy dharm and be complete in 2016. It will be home ultimately to the lotus feet of Caitanya to the stunning Deities of Sri Sri Radha Mahaprabhu. Madhava, the Sri Panca-tattva and Sri We know there are many worthwhile Nrsimhadev and will include models of ventures to support in the world. Please the universe, educational displays and consider the unique benefits from classrooms. supporting this project. It is a rare www.tovp.org opportunity to touch countless souls

ISKCON Leadership Sanga During the annual meetings of ISKCON's bring together the Governing Body leadership, developing a constitution, Governing Body Commission, over Commission with ISKCON's middle tier methods for strategic planning and 300 international leaders gathered for of leadership who are highly responsible communications. From Bhaktivedanta a week of workshops, presentations for major projects throughout the world. Manor, Srutidharma das, Gauri das and and networking. The gathering which The task in coming together to create a Pranabandhu das attended and made took place in Sridham Mayapur, West coherent strategy for a world movement several presentations on fund raising and Bengal was organised to facilitate a is certainly not an easy task. Talks were sustainable economies for temples. dynamic and informative discourse translated into over thirty languages and between leaders, and specifically to covered topics such as: the culture of

Page 7 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter March 2012

Making Friends in St Albans

As a follow up to chanting processions in St Albans, Sukadev das, Ananta Purushottama das and Atmeshwar das have been organising local get-togethers . Will you be a winner? “There’s devotional music, an interactive class and a vegetarian meal. The Over 100 Students attended the “2012: whole thing is informal and friendly,” Will you be a winner?”” University explained Ananta Purushottama das. “In Retreat on a sunny February day at the January we had a turnout of 14 people Manor. and we hope for similar numbers in the At the Olympic styled Retreat, students future. During last month’s meeting we from across England experienced ‘Power invited members of the Quaker group to Yoga’, a multimedia presentation on the join us for dinner. It was a pleasurable theme of the Bhagavad Gita, and a experience. “ hands-on session of milking the cows, The meetings are at the Friends Meeting while ‘Veggie Steady Cook’ had all House on 7 Upper Lattimore Rd, St Rabbi Relations students competitively flip pancakes and Albans AL1 3UD, from 7pm- 9.30pm on create their own unique fillings! Srutidharma das joined Chief Rabbi the first Friday of every month. Contact Lord Jonathan Sacks, James Clappison An energy fuelled workshop followed, Ananta Purushottama for more details: MP and the Mayor and Mayoress of called ‘Mind Games’, which included a [email protected] Hertsmere in celebrating the induction challenging team-based activity on the of Rabbi Leo Dee at the Radlett United front lawn. The final Mantra session had Synagogue. Lord Sacks was delighted to everyone on their feet and was voted the meet Srutidharma das again and Rabbi best activity by over 95% of students! Dee expressed interest to learn more Get Involved! www.krishnasoc.com | about Bhaktivedanta Manor. [email protected]

April 2012 Fri 6th Sri Balaram Rasayatra Bhaktivedanta Manor Dharam Marg · Hilfield Lane App of Sri Hanuman 8 London Bridges Cow Challenge Mon 16th Varuthini Ekadasi Aldenham · Herts Sat 21st App of Sri Gadadhara Pandita (for sat-nav only, please use postcode WD25 8DT) Walk – Run – Cycle Tues 24th Aksaya Tritiya This is the Olympic year of getting fit Mon 30th App of Srimati Sita Devi 01923 851000 App of Srimati Jahnava Devi and healthy and The Lotus Trust wants www.krishnatemple.com you to join in. Why don’t you mark this May 2012 Wed 2nd Mohini Ekadasi Please send your news, photos historic year by either choosing to walk, and comments to: Fri 4th Disapp of Sri jayananda Prabhu run or cycle the 8 London Bridges for Radha Mohan das 6 km to find sponsors and raise money Sat 5th App of Lord Nrsimghadeva fast till twilight [email protected] for the UK’s first Slaughter-free Milk Wed 16th Apara Ekasdasi campaign? Sunday 15th April HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA, KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE, for more info please visit: HARE RAMA HARE RAMA, RAMA RAMA HARE HARE http://www.thelotustrust.org/