August 2017 BHAKTIVEDANTA August 2017 MANOR NEWSLETTER International Society for Consciousness (ISKCON) Founder His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Family Fun Open day

1 4 The Great Get Together

10 4 Volunteers Retreat 16 Srila Prabhupada: Festival Galore happiness of humanity at the cost of the lives of poor animals. That is not 9 recommended herein. This 18 verse clearly says that one Vaibhava should be compassionate to all living entities. Regardless of whether human, animal, tree or plant, all living entities are sons of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. 12 Srimad Bhagavatam 6.10.9 18 purport

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© 2017, All articles & photographs copyright of Bhaktivedanta Manor August 2017

Family Fun Open Day

Report by Radha Govinda das: food stall selling many varieties of food, It was the first day of July, but it was cooked with love and devotion. There still a chilly morning. It would gradually was a Henna tent for ladies to try out warm up as the day progressed, but various designs made with the soothing for the moment nothing could be said. traditional herbs. There was also a The devotees had been preparing for face-painting tent and a shop selling months. Almost 10,000 flyers had been fresh organic vegetables. Curious distributed, the newspapers had been visitors could also find out more about covering it, shops and restaurants had Palmistry. Guests also received an ox- been displaying posters. Tents were up cart ride to the farm where they were with bright banners identifying them, told about the importance of cows and food was ready to be served, and oxen and how they should be protected. volunteers took their positions. People went on a tour of the estate The annual Open Day had always and learnt about the history of the been one of the most exciting events for movement, as well as the precious newcomers to Bhaktivedanta Manor. contribution that Srila Prabhupada has In the past, there had been Strawberry made to the world. Meanwhile, monks Open days, Cow athletics Open days answered guests’ questions and other and Theatre Open days. The legacy devotees sang . continued, and for at least four years The day attracted over 1000 people, now, the Manor had been organising over half coming for the first time. Many the Family Fun Open day. people signed up to the events and “I come to this one every year” said courses that were on offer, including Helen “It’s a fun day for the whole future cooking retreats, kirtan and Mind family and my kids look forward to it Body Soul events organised by the every single time” as she then walked Krishna Wisdom team. off to ‘try on a sari’. The two kids ran off A big success, but not without the help to have a go on the bouncy castle. of the amazing community of devotees The Open Day featured a variety of that make Bhaktivedanta Manor what it activities for everyone. There was a is today. 3 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

Westminster Interfaith The Great Get Together Over 100 members from six different Faith representatives from the across faiths came to Bhaktivedanta the UK met in Westminster to discuss Manor to learn more about Krishna The Great Get Together, a nationwide Consciousness and the wider Hindu initiative organised by the family of culture. The visit was part of an the late Jo Cox MP. The purpose was ‘interfaith pilgrimage’ organised by to encourage people of all faiths and Westminster Interfaith, which included none to strengthen bonds in the face visits to other places of worship across of adversity. Bhaktivedanta Manor was on the same day. duly represented.

Canterbury Tales Chaplains for the The historical City of Canterbury has Mayor of Harrow seen hundreds of thousands of pilgrims During her term as the Mayor of over the centuries. But there was a Harrow, Cllr Rekha Shah selected gathering of a different flavour that chaplains representing no less than five raised the eyebrows of tourists and different faiths, in order to reflect the visitors! For the very first time, devotees borough’s cultural diversity. Her final assembled outside the Cathedral gates function carried an interfaith theme. with their bullock cart to mark the beginning of a five day Walk for Peace Photo: (from left): Srutidharma das, to Folkestone. The Very Rev Dr Robert Rabbi Kalthleen Middleton, Professor Willis, Dean of Canterbury Cathedral Imam Hafiz Muhammad Akram and Dr was present for the opening ceremony. Vinod Kapashi. 4 August 2017

Bricket Wood Watford Interfaith Senior members of the Jewish Gaura was pleased to meet community in Bricket Wood had a Dr Harriet Crabtree, Director of the memorable day out at Bhaktivedanta Interfaith Network UK, at the Watford Manor, which included a fascinating Interfaith Association’s 40th anniversary question and answer session. event.

Local Faiths Get 750th Anniversary of Together Aldenham Church Local faith leaders opened their doors In celebration of the 750th anniversary to the public and to one another in a of the Church of St John and Baptist show of unity. in Aldenham, there was a weekend of The Hertsmere Forum of Faiths joined special events culminating in a multi- forces as part of the Great Get Together faith service. Srutidharma das was initiative, in memory of Jo Cox MP. among the invited guests which also included Rev Vernon White who is The Mayor of Borehamwood was Canon and theologian at Westminster also in attendance along with a wide Abbey. representative of local faiths. The initiative was designed to strengthen Photo: Srutidharma das with Rev Robert bonds between congregations, for them Fletcher (centre) and Oliver Dowden MP to listen and learn from each other, and at the Church of St John the Baptist. also to celebrate all that unites them.

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Manor devotee brings Vedic Astronomy ISKCON to Ethiopia Motivated by debates within ISKCON Mahaprasad das has translated a relating to Vedic astronomy in the number of Srila Prabhupada’s books light of the construction of the Temple from English to Amharic, the official of the Vedic Planetarium in Mayapur, working language of Ethiopia. 10,000 Radha Mohan das has made a series of copies of Introduction to YouTube presentations on the subject. and On the Way to Krishna are currently His presentations are mainly based on in the UK and will soon be shipped to the works of Sadaputa das (Dr Richard Ethiopia. Easy Journey to Other Planets, Thomson), and are presented in an The Teachings of Prahlad Maharaj and accessible way that can be appreciated Sri Isopanisad will follow. by devotees as well as those familiar This is a major accomplishment with modern astronomy. because at present none of Srila As well as drawing upon remarkably Prabhupada’s books are available in consistent data between the Surya Amharic and ISKCON has no presence Siddhanta and modern calculations, in that country. he explores connections within the 5th “This is a huge breakthrough,” Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam. explained Mahaprasad das, “Ethiopia is His YouTube presentations can be found a completely new pasture and it has the under the titles: second highest populations in Africa. I The Astronomy of the Bhagavat Purana give credit to Bhaktivedanta Manor for The : Parallels with that, because that is where I was trained Modern Astronomy in outreach.” The Solar System in the Vedic scriptures Mahaprasad was born in Ethiopia and after joining ISKCON in Kenya, for 21 Alien Identities in the Vedic scriptures years he was part of the community of Bhaktivedanta Manor. He is now based in the UK and working in the Middle East within the field of I.T Governance.

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New home for Ahimsa Gokul Café Foundation Every Wednesday evening at the Gokul As featured on the BBC, the Ahimsa Café in Watford there are spiritual Dairy Farm has moved to a new programmes, including Bhagavad Gita permanent home where it hopes to class, music and vegetarian food. provide a model for other farms around Parasuram das, who has now taken the UK to copy. over the running of the first vegetarian In the Dairy industry, cows are usually café in the town, explained, “After the culled when they get older and their renovation of the café is complete, we male calves are sold for meat almost will need devotees to volunteer their immediately. time and energy to make this a success. Available services include cooking, Yet, just like Bhaktivedanta Manor’s serving and helping to develop the dairy farm, the Ahimsa Dairy allow their Wednesday programme, as well as cows to live out their natural lifespan. services at any other time - whatever Indeed, the organisation was inspired by you feel you can contribute for this New Gokul, and das is their dynamic initiative.” Co-Director.

The Ahimsa farm was previously on rented land in Leicestershire but has The address of the cafe is: Gokula secured its future with land bought in Vegetarian Café, 65 Market Street, Manton. Watford WD18 0PR Nicola Pazdzierska, the other Director For more information, email Parasuram of the Ahimsa Dairy Foundation, das: [email protected] explained that while their milk was more expensive, many people were willing to spend the extra because they know the cows are in good care. The Ahimsa Dairy Foundation was founded in 2011 and originally produced milk in partnership with an organic farm in Kent.

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End of Term Showcase On a summer’s evening at the end of audience was entertained with Krishna’s June, the Bhaktivedanta Manor School pastimes including the Aghasura and Manor Preschool hosted their End demon, the lifting of Govardhan Hill, of Year Showcase in Letchmore Heath’s the appearance of Lord , Village Hall. the Shyamantaka Jewel and also The Guests included Bhakti Rasamrita by the Pre School. There Swami, Temple Management and many were also songs, “Battle of the Slokas” parents, friends and well-wishers. The and lots of laughs and cheers!

Vaisesika das moved into the ISKCON temple in San Francisco in his teens, and with Recently Vaisesika das visited the UK the blessings of his parents, became to deliver a series of seminars about a disciple of Srila Prabhupada and the study and distribution of Srila a full-time monk. He lives in the San Prabhupada’s books. Francisco Bay with his wife and together Soon after receiving a “Back to they have developed an ISKCON Godhead” magazine from a friend spiritual community of three hundred in the spring of 1973, Vaisesika das families in Silicon Valley. 8 August 2017

Celebrating Krishna’s fearsome lion incarnation In May, the Manor community celebrated Narsingha Chaturdashi, the advent of Lord Narsingha. Narsingha is God in a fearsome form of a half-man, half-lion. Millions of years ago, , an endearing 5-year-old devotee, was regularly punished by his demoniac father, King . Hiranyakashipu was outraged to learn that Prahlada was worshipping Lord . He tried many times to arrange for Prahlada to be killed, but Prahlada was always unharmed. Finally, Vishnu appeared in Hiranyakashipu’s palace as a half-man, half-lion to protect Prahlada and kill his evil father. The festival included a dramatic re-enactment of the story of Prahlada, and a fire sacrifice comprising sacred chants calling on Lord Narsingha to protect Krishna’s community. There was a jovial musical procession in a local town, and the ceremonial bathing of a deity of Lord Narsinghadev. Visitors to the Manor of course concluded proceedings by partaking in a sumptuous evening feast.

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Volunteers unwind at uplifting mountain retreat

The Volunteer Care Council at improving our consciousness. Bhaktivedanta Manor annually organises Sutapa das explained how life is like a a spiritual retreat at Buckland Hall in jigsaw puzzle: to solve it, we first need the heart of the beautiful rural Brecon to put down the corners (understand the Beacons mountains of Wales. This year’s overall picture). edition in late March saw a record The children had a fun time going on number of attendees, including the an organised treasure hunt, as well management team and residents. There as taking part in many other activities was a total of 170 attendees who were especially arranged for them. all enthusiastic to immerse themselves in topics about Krishna for the weekend. There was also an incredibly heart- The theme was ‘Looking back, to move touching drama based on the history of forward’, centred around our meditation Lord Ramachandra and His wonderful for 2017, namely, how to afford godly devotees. hospitality to guests. Buckland Hall director Akhandadhi During the retreat, visiting guest das said, “The whole weekend had speakers delivered thought-provoking a wonderful atmosphere where Srila seminars. Vraja Bihari das, a monk from Prabhupada’s Krishna consciousness , emphasised the importance family came together to support for us to all stop, pause and take time to one another and learn in harmony, reflect on our past actions. We can thus sharing the same goals in reviving our learn lessons on how to move forward relationship with Krishna.” positively rather than lament about the Harish Baldi said, “The experience was past. excellent!” Gaur Gopal das continued the theme Haridasvarya Das and Sundari Gopika of insightful learning, conveying said: “We feel spiritually charged. the message of ‘Experience over It was a great opportunity to walk in Convenience’; the process of tolerating beautiful country surroundings.” inconveniences to concentrate on 10 August 2017

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The Krishna Wisdom, ‘Spiritual Wellbeing Retreat’ at the Brecon Beacons. In mid-April, regular attendees of one’s intentions and re-evaluate one’s Krishna Wisdom events went on a determination and enthusiasm to reach wonderful retreat at the Brecon Beacons the goal of self-realisation. of Wales. Although it was at times The retreat included sumptuous exhausting, it really gave attendees hot meals, served to delight hungry the opportunity to focus their minds on stomachs! Not to worry, as this was spiritual life, which is really a journey balanced out with energetic nature- within. walks, visiting national parks and After breakfast, there were workshops waterfalls. on Bhakti-, as well as a “Spiritual Finally, the evening ended with a music Survival” seminar led by Kripamoya das. band, complete with a singer and It emphasised the need for a spiritual musicians . Everyone enthusiastically practitioner to regularly examine chanted and danced all night long.

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Historical Save Yamuna The first ever full scale Maha Vishnu Campaign Yajna has taken place outside of India. The London venue included no less Sritidharma das and Parasuram das than 55 sacred fires (kunds), each with had a meeting with Radhapriye ji of a priest simultaneously performing Barsna who is part of the team heading ritualistic offerings. It was conducted the Save Yamuna Campaign. The Save by the famous South Indian priest yamuna campaign is trying to bring Bashyakarasannidhi Vangepuram Yamuna back to Vrindavan, which is the Nambi Ramapriya. The event was most important river for all worshippers organised by the Gurukul Parivar (UK). of Krishna. Did you know that Yamuna River disappears after Hathani Kund Barrage in Haryana? 97% water of Yamuna river is sucked in by canals just before Hathani Kund barrage. Rest evaporates after running few kilometers. Around 150 kilometers of Yamuna bed is completely empty. What flows in Delhi and after that is EU Communications nothing BUT untreated filthy dirty drain water from various drains dumped into This year’s European Communications Yamuna bed. Seminar, which was attended by eight representatives from Bhaktivedanta The government has accepted all the Manor and ISKCON-London, was held demands and has promised action. in the Villa Vrndavan community near The task now is to make sure that the . Devotees from across Europe government actions the solution which and beyond attended lectures and has been passed by the supreme court participated in seminars on subjects of India. including the necessity for political http://saveyamuna.org engagement, interfaith dialogue, media and religious freedom, and how to improve on one’s presentations. 13 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter Sri Krishna Haveli project update

After many months of looking at tenders TOTAL from over 6 different companies, 9.6 we are now working with Vascroft Construction Ltd on valued engineering 9 with a view to signing a contract soon. 8.5 Vascroft contractors have over 40 years STILL TO RAISE 8 experience in the contruction industry £3,101,413 and have built many luxury hotels, 7.5 private homes and restaurants delivering them on time and budget. 7 6.5 What happening now: 6 • The Pre-School has been relocated 5.5 for the construction peroid. • The construction of the interim 5 facilities for the Manor School is PLEDGES 4.5 ongoing. Outstanding £3,940,510 4 • The pre-works to secure the site and provide amenbities to construction 3.5 crew have begun. 3 • Value engineering to make sure the 2.5 costs stay withing budget are being carried out before the full work 2 commences after Janmashtami. 1.5 • The roads leading into the car parks 1 are currently being constructed. COLLECTED £2,558,077 0.5 0 14 August 2017

Our Heartfelt thanks to all who have pledged their support. A further £3.1 million is required. We need another 206 families to give £4 a day for 10 years.

To contribute towards the Shree Krishna Haveli, Contact Vaisnava Sarvabhauma das: [email protected] - 07907 809 006 - www.krishnatemple.com/haveli

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Festivals Galore

These days there are an incredible was the world famous Ratha number of festivals, carnivals and other festival and procession in London events that ISKCON is conducting all attracting thousands of visitors every over the country. year. After a procession that goes From doing with the bohemian through some of the most iconic gathering at Stonehenge; to having landmarks in the city, the sacred Ratha a pop up temple at the cutting edge yatra chariots finally congregate in the Mind, body Spirit expo at the plush heart of the capital, Trafalgar square London Olympia where over 500 where the festivities carry on with BBT books were distributed, and 300 exhibitions and marquees showcasing japa meditation lessons were given. different aspects of our wonderful From doing kirtans and dramas in philosophy and culture. villages like Yate, Carmarthen and Suffice to say, the spirit of reaching out Borehamwood to Ratha in large to everyone is very much alive. After towns like Leicester, Reading and the recent festival in Northampton, one Cambridge; to cultural evenings in cities gentleman who’d been depressed for like Northampton where even the local over 30 years, rang his friend the next radio show presenter came to interview morning to thank him for inviting him devotees to having a massive kirtan tent along and said ‘I don’t feel depressed at a mega festival like Glastonbury. anymore. I can feel the power of Krishna And of course the piece de resistance in my life!’ 16 August 2017

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UK’s first Bhakti Vaibhava Course

Students at Bhaktivedanta Manor modern life this often proves difficult. recently completed a five-year journey Individuals can therefore benefit from with the Srimad Bhagavatam. They a guided approach which allows many embarked on the Bhakti Vaibhava topics to be explored, discussed and course in January 2013, the first to be debated. Svayam Jyoti das, one of the held in the UK. senior students remarked: “My , His While the thought of a five-year Holiness Mahavisnu Goswami, always course may discourage some, it wanted me to study the Bhagavatam also has a special appeal. As Jasu properly and I am grateful to the temple Kalan comments “It has become a for giving me this in-depth knowledge.” dependable part of our lives. We Course coordinator Navadvip Chandra are missing it already!” Srimad das also teaches Bhakti Vaibhava at Bhagavatam, like spiritual life in ISKCON London. After studying in general, is a long term project. Sridhama Mayapur, he was encouraged Devotees understand the importance to offer the Bhakti Vaibhava course at of developing a deep relationship Bhaktivedanta Manor in 2013: “The with Srila Prabhupada’s books. In course is run in collaboration with Mayapur Institute and students are 18 August 2017

encouraged to complete some modules to learn how to react to the difficulties in Mayapur if they wish. Those who in my own life and to learn how to help complete the assessments are awarded others.” ISKCON’s Bhakti Vaibhava degree. It A highlight of the course was the has been a special period for me, and “Bhagavatam Trail” – a three-week I could not have wished for a better adventure centred around holy group of students.” places connected to the Bhagavatam. Participants are generally expected to Students enjoyed visiting Naimisaranya, have completed Bhakti Sastri – a study Sukratal, Haridwar, Hriskesh, Ayodhya, of Bhagavad Gita, Nectar of Devotion, Dvaraka and many more. Nectar of Instruction and Sri Isopanisad. Each canto of Srimad Bhagavatam is With this foundation in place studying taught as a self-contained module and the Bhagavatam becomes a rewarding lessons take place once a week. 20 experience. students in total attended the course Harsharani devi dasi developed her at the Manor, with many opting to attachment to the Bhagavatam during complete homework and assignments the course. “I appreciated learning to deepen their study experience. The how devotees in the Bhagavatam next course is scheduled to start early in approached difficult situations,” she 2018. said. “This detailed study helped me 19 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter

NOHO TV Russell Brand NOHO TV film company were hosted at During a visit to Bhaktivedanta Manor, Bhaktivedanta Manor whilst they filmed Russell Brand (comedian, actor, author scenes for the spoof “The Windsors” and activist) spent time with many in Letchmore Heath village. Famous community members and received a comedian and actor Harry Enfield plays copy of the Srimad Bhagavatam. Prince Charles in the series. Russell also met with Kripamoya das, “There were quite a few vegetarians and Gauri das and Srutidharma das and vegans amongst the group” explained was given a tour of the New Gokul Radha Mohan das who took members farm, the George Harrison Garden and of the cast and crew on a tour of attended kirtan in the Temple room. the Manor, “Harry Enfield had some For the last 3 years Sandipan intelligent questions, and reminisced on Krishna das has been working with the times he had spent time with George Bhaktivedanta Manor and ISKCON- Harrison”. London to share cookies and cupcakes for everyone who attends Russell Brands events across the UK.

The Prime Minister’s Faith Advisor Jonathan Hellewell LVO, Special Adviser on Faith to the Prime Minister, made a special visit to the ISKCON-London Temple, where he met Jai das and Srutidharma das. Mr Hellewell has been appointed to Downing Street to help the build connections among community groups across the country, understanding the needs of faiths across the UK. 20