December 2015 Dedicated toHisDivineGrace A.C. BhaktivedantaSwamiPrabhupada,Founder-AcharyaoftheInternationalSocietyforKrishnaConsciousness Srimad Bhagavatam:2.6.6purport life. which heishankeringlifeafter the highestpeaceofmindfor of theLord,hewillatoncefeel and issatisfiedwiththeblessings Supreme PersonalityofGodhead a feelingoflovetowardsthe If apersontriestoreciprocate Srila Prabhupada: ISKCON on it's50th ISKCON Anniversary. festival in 2005.Healsocongratulated to ’s Janmashtami das thathefondlyrecalledhisvisit Prime Minister Modi told Srutidharma the IndianPrimeMinistertoUK. event, where 60,000people welcomed the much publicised Wembley Stadium and PrimeMinisterDavidCameronat Prime MinisterofIndiaNarendraModi one ofthoseselected to personallygreet Temple PresidentSrutidharmadaswas Meeting with Modi day offaith-based social action. added Mohan das. Mitzvah Day is an annual are greatforbuildinglocal community spirit,” organiser LewisOsbourne. “Thesetypeofevents Green tolookforwardthis spring”,explained “The village residents should have a beautiful bulbs onLetchmore Heath Village Green. and Christian locals toplant hundreds ofdaffodil Bhaktivedanta Manor’s community joined Jewish As part of MitzvahDay, a team ofdevotees from Community Cohesion in Letchmore Heath a boxofMangala-arati sweets. das presentedPrimeMinisterModiwith amongst thespecialguests. There Gauri das, Gauridasand Vinay Tanna were Indian High Commissioner, Srutidharma Later, at a function organized by the meet both PrimeMinisters. both India and the UK, and also got to schools recited the national anthems of of theKrishna Avanti School andother During the Wembley event, children

Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter December 2015 Remembrance Day Gauri das and Devaki dasi took part in the annual Remembrance Day function on Letchmore Heath Village Green. Amongst other local faith representatives, Gauri das recited prayers and Devaki dasi laid a wreath at the foot of the War Mememorial on behalf of Bhaktivedanta Manor.

Dusshera As a huge effigy of Ravana, the ten- Outstanding reviews for IES headed demon and enemy of Lord , ISKCON Educational Services (IES) often receive very positive feedback from burst into flames following an open-air teachers, parents and students after their visit to Bhaktivedanta Manor: dramatic recreation of the epic battle “Having had many trips in the past in my 14 years of teaching, this certainly stands between them. The Pandava Sena youth out as the most interesting and beneficial experience for pupils. The opportunities group’s performance during the Dusshera that were provided for the children to gain an insight into a different religion and Festival brought to life this battle fought ways of life were delightful” wrote Sarah King, teacher at Holmer Green First long ago, as described in epic scripture School. The . The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil, and the burning of material desires in our hearts.

Manor School goes to Parliament On a trip to the Houses of Parliament and the new Education Centre, the Manor School’s class met with MP Oliver Dowden. After a tour of the House of Commons an exclusive tour of the House of Lords followed.

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The Mayor’s Civic Service During the annual Mayor’s Civic Service, Srutidharma das met the Mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Martin Worster, his wife Hosting a Bollywood Pilgrim Pam and Revd Peter Beven, the Vicar of St Mary the Virgin Anuradha dasi and Tulasi Seva dasi were happy to host Sonu and All Saints Church in Potters Bar. Nigam during his pilgrimage to Bhaktivedanta Manor. Sonu Nigam is a famous singer whose songs have been featured HARE , in many movies. He has also released Indian pop albums and appeared in Bollywood movies. KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE, HARE RAMA HARE RAMA, RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

High Sheriff’s Justice Service Srutidharma das represented Bhaktivedanta Manor at ’s High Sheriff’s Justice Service at St Albans Cathedral. Attendees included religious leaders, Judges, University of the Third Age Mayors, leading Councillors, police and Armed Forces A group from a University of the Third Age group based in representatives from across the County. Special prayers and Southampton spent an entire day at Bhaktivedanta Manor. a two minute silence were included in the service, in honour of the 130 people killed during the terrorist attacks in Paris. The University of the Third Age is a unique organisation which provides life-enhancing and life-changing opportunities Pictured- Srutidharma das with the Bishop of St Albans for retired and semi-retired people. Rt Revd Dr Alan Gregory Clayton Smith (left) and Bishop Angaelos of the Coptic Orthodox Church.

Page 3 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter December 2015 A Mountain of Sweets Govardhan Puja is when Lord Krishna stopped the people of Vrindavan worshipping King Indra because he had become too proud of his position. In retaliation, Indra sent torrential rains in an attempt to harm the citizens. Miraculously, Lord Krishna lifted the sacred Govardhana Hill to act as a huge umbrella. After the rains had stopped, Krishna took the huge form of the Hill, called Giri-Govardhana. The festival of Govardhan Puja celebrates this pastime of the Lord by creating a hill made from prasadam sweet delicacies.

Child Protection Training Daksina dasi and Gandharvika dasi ran training sessions with the Pre-School and Manor School children as part of the Thousand-fold devotion annual Safety Week. It is said that every act of devotion performed during the auspicious month of There was also a training session for Kartik is multiplied by a thousand times. The importance of this month is described residential devotees about how to extensively in the scriptures, especially in Srila ’s Mathura identify and report abuse. The feedback Mahatmya. There Radharani, Lord Krishna’s consort and personification of was very positive and devotees thought devotional service, is described as the presiding deity of Kartik. that the information was very valuable. Pilgrims came every morning and evening to offer candles in the Temple room and Daksina dasi is the Child Protection sing the traditional Damodarastakam prayers. Officer for the Manor as well as the national Director.

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Every December the entire ISKCON world focuses on the distribution of Srila Prabhupada’s books to the public. This year, in observance of ISKCON’s 50th Anniversary, the Manor devotees are making a special effort to distribute no less than 100,000 books this month alone! Last year the community distributed 51,000 books, and that was the most successful marathon for 18 years. So this year’s “100k Effort” is a truly marathon operation!

Page 5 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter December 2015 Ramayana - the Musical Rear Admiral leads lifts spirits from the front

Due to very wet weather conditions for days in advance, the Jaya Krishna das and Godruma Bihari das attended the Diwali Diwali festival at the Manor this year had to be cancelled. Celebration organised by the Armed Forces Hindu Network, However, those who still visited the temple were welcomed. which took place at the Royal Naval Reserves unit, HMS Those who visited included Mayors, MPs and members of President, in . other faiths. During the function many personnel took literature from us On that day, the Bhaktivedanta Players rounded off their 30th and appreciated the temple. Anniversary with performances of Ramayana - the Musical. The show was sung by a host of community devotees and was premiered over the Diwali season. It was greatly appreciated by a delegation of Hertsmere Councillors who were invited into the Theatre as honourable guests.

Prayers at Number 10 For the third year in a row Srutidharma das was invited to EU Parliament’s first chant prayers at the Diwali function at Number 10 Downing Street. Diwali celebrations Religious leaders from the Hindu, Sikh, and Jain communities, The Hindu Forum Europe (HFE) celebrated Diwali for the as well as leading businesspeople attended the function at the first time in the EU Parliament in Brussels. ISKCON devotees Prime Minister’s residence. from all over Europe were among more than 100 attendees of the historical event. Key organizer and Chair of the HFE, The Prime Minister expressed how delighted he was to receive Mahaprabhu das, explained there are plans to celebrate Diwali members from Bhaktivedanta Manor. every year in the European Parliament.

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Labour Lights the Lamp Godrumna Bihari das recited ‘prayers for peace’ at the Labour Party’s annual Diwali function in their Westminster headquarters. Afterwards Jeremy Corbyn MP, the Leader of the Labour Party, lit the ceremonial lamp. Celebrating at the House of Commons At the annual Diwali function at the House of Commons, ISKCON was duly represented by Farish Lakhani and Ravin Ganatra from our festivals team. The event was attended by the former SNP Leader Alex Salmond, the Leader of the Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn MP, London Mayoral candidates Sajid Javid MP and Zac Goldsmith MP, and the High Commissioner of India His Excellency Ranjan Mathai. The event was pleasantly upstaged by the arrival of the famous American Civil Rights Leader Rev Jesse Jackson who delivered a message of Peace and Unity during these troubling times.

Green Apple Award On behalf of the devotees who run the Govardhana Ecovillage near Mumbai, Srutidharma das accepted the Green Apple Award at the House of Commons. The scheme is run by The Green Organisation and the award was presented by its The Supreme Lord blesses the General Manager , Mr Mark Wolens. Supreme Court The Green Organisation is an international, non-profit The first ever Diwali reception was held at the Supreme environment group dedicated to recognising and promoting Court of the UK. The event was hosted by the Hindu Lawyers environmental best practice around the world. Association and was attended by prominent lawyers and judges from across the legal sector. The Govardhan Ecovillage, which received a ‘Gold Award’ for Environmental Best Practice, is a farm community and retreat Attendees included Srutidharma das, Alpesh Patel, lawyer and center highlighting the importance of spiritual ecology: the Principal of Praefinium Partners Ltd, the Vice President of need to live in harmony with ourselves, nature and the sacred. the Law Society, Robert Bourns; and the Minister of Justice, Shailesh Vara MP.

Page 7 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter December 2015 A Ugandan King William Gabula Nadiope IV, the Kyabazinga (king) of Busoga in Uganda made a visit the Manor recently. He and his entourage were hosted by Dhanesvara das, Radha Krishna das and Vidura das who want to develop eco- friendly farming projects in Uganda.

15th Anniversary of the Radha Krishna Deaf Association The Radha Krishna Deaf Association (RKDA) celebrated its 15th Anniversary in style with a full day event at the Jasper Centre in Harrow.

The RKDA started off as a handful of congregational members getting Lessons from Inspired Leaders together at Bhaktivedanta Manor on Temple representatives attended the Britain’s former Ambassador to the Holy Sunday mornings. It included deaf Churchill Leadership Fellows event See; Professor Mary McAleese, former members and hearing members with a at Westminster Central Hall. The President of Ireland; Jerry White, former developed knowledge of sign language. organisation draws on the resources US Assistant Secretary of State; Sir Their main objective was to make all of some of the most inspiring thought Roger Gifford, former Lord Mayor of devotional activities more accessible to leaders today to inspire others. The London and Caroline Wyatt, the BBC the deaf community. event was organised by Learn to Lead Religious Affairs Correspondent. Since then the RKDA have taken on International, founded by Krish Raval, many exciting projects, such as the to prepare undergraduates to make the Remarks from the panel included publishing of the “Sign Language in most of future opportunities. leadership lessons from the and references to Bhaktivedanta Manor, ” book, sign language courses, The event comprised a panel that its leadership and the wider significance taking part in Harrow United Deaf Club included Francis Campbell, Vice of the Save the Manor Campaign of the events and running monthly programs Chancellor of St Mary's University and 1990’s. open to all. Special guests that evening included members of the British Deaf Association (BDA) and Cllr Jean Lammiman from Harrow Council.

“The success of the RKDA proves that Krishna consciousness is fully accessible to everyone, regardless of any disability,” said Radha Mohan das, “After all the soul, our true identity, is beyond the mind, body and senses.”

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

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An Experience to Remember On Saturday the 28th of November Bhaktivedanta Manor’s Outreach department organised a very successful gathering where some 65 people they had been keeping in touch with had the opportunity to hear from and chant along with Ananda Monet, Jahnavi Harrison and accompanying musicians. All the guests relished their spiritual experience and look forward till the next event. Radhanatha swami meeting Matthew Offard MP and his wife Claire Temple of the Vedic Planetarium- Fund-Raising Tour The International Team for the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) held fun- raising events in London and Leicester.

The team included Jananivas das, (’s Head Pujari), Ambarisa das (Chairman), Praghosa das (Vice Chairman) and Radha Jivan das (Global Campaign Director).

They gave a detailed explanation of the building and its meaning and essence, The fulfilment of the desire of spiritual- which captured the curiosity of all those visionaries, from present. Many people were inspired to to Srila Prabhupada, the TOVP is a donate, and in return they received the unique and ambitious ISKCON project. benedictions of Lord Nityananda in the Rising from the plains of the holy land form of his Padukas (shoes) along with of Sri Mayapur, on the banks of the Lord Nrsimhadeva's protection in the sacred Ganges River, the TOVP will form of his Sitari (helmet). be a shining beacon to all aspiring spiritualists.

Page 9 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter December 2015 Remembering our Founder-Acarya The Disappearance Day of Srila Prabhupada is perhaps the most significant community event in the calendar. That weekend there was a special hari nama procession in central London, and a wonderful new play by the Bhaktivedanta Players about Srila Prabhupada’s journey from Calcutta to Boston Harbour on the steamship Jaladhuta.

Community youth made a huge contribution to the food (bhoga) offerings by working in the kitchen to make a staggering 250 preparations, out of 300 altogether!

Other special features this year included the flower decorations in Srila Prabhupada's room, complete with lighting and ‘sounds of Vrindavana’, and the corridors of the Manor were adorned with beautiful photographs.

Festival of the East (End) The Nagrecha Hall, in Stratford, East London was packed out for an evening of , philosophy, dance, and delicious food.

“This was one of the many events the Hare Krishna Festival team are doing in celebration of ISKCON 50th anniversary,” explained Giridhari das.

ISKCON-London Looks Toward the Future ISKCON London celebrated 46 years in the UK at a lavish hall festival, which also looked towards future progress.

Special guests of the evening, held in Logan Hall, were three of the six pioneers of ISKCON in the UK, Gurudas, Malati dasi, and Syamasundar das all of whom spoke about the past of ISKCON, and most poignantly, made a plea to the youth for commitment towards the future of the movement.

Other special guests included Radhanatha Swami, and the celebrations were marked by a variety of dance and music.

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variety of different backgrounds, and for Manor's Lotus Trust Sanjay Gadhvi and Local Gratitude some it provides a haven of friendship Rameshwar das also attended to witness Every Wednesday Japayagya das and and a decent meal. the great work for themselves. Shantasya dasi, with help from well- wishers, cook a free vegetarian lunch for Last autumn the lunch was graced by In the middle of December, Gratitude locals. They have developed a community Oliver Dowden MP and six Hertsmere organised a popular a festive dinner, based at the Church Hall of Saint Teresa Councillors, some of whom have to which everyone was welcome. of The Child Jesus in Borehamwood, visited in the past. All of them are The event was presided over by the and the lunch is now attended by at least all highly appreciative of the project. Mayor of Hertsmere and the Mayor of 30 people. Participants come from a Representatives of Bhaktivdanta Borehamwood.

Providing refuge to January the refugees Tue 5th Saphala Ekadasi Parasuram das and other members of Fri 15th Makara Sankranti Food for All collected clothes, food, Wed 20th Fasting for Putrada Ekadasi) blankets, tents, pots, pans and funds Thur 28th App of Gopal Bhatta Goswami for the refugee camps in France and Sat 30th Disapp of Sri Jayadev Goswami Belgium.

“This was a purely humanitarian Bhaktivedanta Manor endeavour,” explained Parasuram das. Dharam Marg · Hilfield Lane “Especially with the winter weather the · Herts camps are a big health hazard. There are (for sat-nav only, please use no proper toilets and people are living in postcode WD25 8DT) makeshift tents. These are fellow human beings and we felt compelled to do what 01923 851000 www. little we could to help." krishnatemple.com Please send your news, photos Working with members of “Feeding the and comments to: 5000”, the team took two vans to the Radha Mohan das settlements just outside of Calais, where [email protected] there are over 6,000 refugees struggling to survive terrible conditions.

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