March - April 2010 Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Consciousness Krishna for Society International the of Founder-Acharya Prabhupada, Swami Grace Bhaktivedanta Divine A.C. His to Dedicated being and another."and being living one between disturbance any be cannot there rules, prescribed the obey and shelter and food with satisfied are beings living all If content. heart's their to and sumptuously eat can animals the as well as beings human the that so vegetables and fruit milk, grains, food ample are "There Prabhupada: Srila SB. 1.4.12 purport 1.4.12 SB. ne The ‘Under titled there event special centre a Hall was Allum local a the at up evening the In brightened day. rainy particularly which End West ’s in went procession chanting devotees a on the afternoon, the In was this play.emotional an in devotees and the by commemorated order), (renounced the adopting Caitanya Lord of Anniversary 500th auspicious the marked it as especially was activities. Caitanya, year devotional This of Lord multitude of a with celebrated birth Manor Bhaktivedanta the of anniversary 524th the February, 28 On Caitanya Lord of birth Moon- The Full Under The food. the distribute and cook to co-ordinate teams as people, of of thousands reached have rice meals and beans cooked of Freshly quantities prasadam. large cook to enable team which the arrived have pots and the Indian UN building. Special cookers beside Prince Au Port in base secure established a has Global Life for Food day.”a people 5000 for volunteers in order to provide hot meals other with working “we're das, Krishna my been that’s prime motivation,” explained and Vaikuntha people, help instinct to human a is “It the area. troubled to Vaikuntha Laing, Robin - and das Krishna devotees two by sending worldwide ISKCON from to efforts contributed Manor Bhaktivedanta cause. this had been donated to The Lotus Trust for the time of going to press, over £46,000 nearby At assistance. in offer to Domingo centre Santo ISKCON an from operated and organisations relief food partner joined Manor, of arm Bhaktivedanta welfare the Trust, Lotus The 12th January. on devastating Haiti the struck that forget earthquake will one No Haiti in hand helping Devoteeslend sannyasa through lifetimes of material desires. material of lifetimes through accumulated dust, thick of layer obstructed a by is reflection our of vision mirror,the the in mirror. look we When he Siksatakam, dusty a to consciousness the our compares In mind. the on effect profound a has names Krishna's of chanting the that said Caitanya Lord prasad offerings. food) (sanctified and deities own their brought devotees Many song. and music drama, spiritual of evening an amidst artwork devotional their youth present to invited were The devotees. community and Full Moon’, hosted by the Manor Youth http://www.thelotustrust.org.visit effort more information and to assist the relief Branch and the Indian Association Oldham. For Coventry International Sewa Sahajak Association, Gujarati Shah Redbridge Fund, Jay AM Foundation, Vascroft Trust, Charitable Churchgate Mandal, Bhakta London East Swaminarayan Temple, Kutch International, Sewa organisations: following the as well as effort, the supported have that Trust Lotus would like to thank the the countless people from das Rama Sita continued on page 4 page on continued Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter March - April 2010

I-Foundation Launches Plan for Secondary Schools

The Krishna Avanti School opened its announced plans to build at least one “Parents see the school’s open ethos, doors to community leaders, politicians secondary school within the next six its work with local schools of other and the media, resulting in extensive years. faiths and of none, its curriculum which coverage both locally and nationally. The I-Foundation believes that its teaches about all major world religions During the press conference, the success in delivering the £13.5 million and its ethnically diverse intake, and they I-Foundation Director, Nitesh Gor Krishna-Avanti Primary School means see the best of both worlds. We combine that it should be given the the ethical values and moral discipline opportunity to prove it can which accompany faith education with do the same in secondary a willingness to engage with the world education. It has earmarked beyond and prepare our children to play two possible sites in North a full part in British society.” West London and another The Krishna-Avanti School building, in Leicester for secondary which opened last September, has just schools. been formally acknowledged as the Mr Gor, who is also the greenest school in Britain, according to Chair of Governors of the the widely accepted BREEAM industry Krishna-Avanti School, standard, a model which the I-Foundation explained: seeks to repeat at secondary level.

The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium Father Paul Reece The Temple of the Vedic Father Paul Reece, the Church of Planetarium is a unique representative at the Harrow and ambitious project in Admissions Forum and a soon-to-be ISKCON’s huge complex appointed Governor of the Krishna in , . The centerpiece of the design will provide visitors with a tour of the various regions of the universe and the spiritual realm as described in the Srimad Bhagavatam. Mayapur's Lotus Park has been converted into a construction site and clearing work is proceeding at a rapid pace. The next stage will include laying the foundation Avanti School, enjoyed his recent visit to for the temple. Many trees from the construction area have been transplanted and Bhaktivedanta Manor and said he looks already workers have established beautiful flower-beds and grassed parks adjacent forward to building closer relations with to the present Temple. the temple.

Page 2 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter March - April 2010 Krishna Club in the Community Bhaktivedanta - reaching out to the suburbs Manor tops book distribution in Europe

Originally, Krishna Club was formed - and they've been raised on Krishna at Bhaktivedanta Manor and has now prasadam. During the Winter Book Distribution travelled east and west, reaching East Do all children have this wonderful Marathon, the devotees of the Manor London and Harrow - with the aspiration opportunity? This question is what distributed 20,000 copies of Srila to expand to other suburbs of London. inspired the birth of Krishna Club in Prabhupada’s books to interested Understanding and appreciating the community, reaching out to children members of the public, the highest amount in Europe! the importance of nurturing Krishna within local communities who would consciousness in younger generations, otherwise not get the opportunity to At the Manor, Saci Kishore das these clubs are often run by full-time learn about and experience Krishna distributed the most copies, including working professionals who volunteer consciousness. 2539 copies of Bhagavad Gita and Srimad their time both inside and outside of the Bhagavatam. Madhurya Gaurangi dasi Children have the chance to learn about came top among the ladies. club. Vaishnava philosophy in a fun and Lord Chaitanya’s sankirtan movement creative environment. Furthermore, they Congratulations to all those involved. has spread throughout the world and are also encouraged to go beyond the many children have had the opportunity realms of philosophy and learn about the to be raised in devotee families, importance of character and the value of experiencing Krishna consciousness having an attitude of service. from the very beginning. Krishna Club instils the importance of They have experienced the bliss of developing qualities such as respect, , been enchanted by the darshan honesty, care and compassion, some of of the deities, associated with devotees the beautiful qualities of a Vaisnava. ISKCON Kumbh Mela 2010 religious gathering in the world, attracting over 75 million pilgrims who bathe in sacred waters. "One of the key features of Kumbha Mela 2010 is that we will celebrate the 500th anniversary of 's sannyasa," said Sresta das, Vice President of the ISKCON Kumbha Mela Committee. "We are hosting the World Spirituality Week that Over a million pilgrims are expected will bring together important spiritual Vikas Pota of Sewa International to visit the sprawling ISKCON camp leaders from around the world to glorify selected Bhaktivedanta Manor to bless his new book 'India Inc. How at Kumbha Mela in the holy city of Lord Chaitanya. Visitors to our camp India’s Top Ten Entrepreneurs are in India between February will be greeted by a 30-foot statue of Winning Globally' before launching it and April. Kumbha Mela is the largest Lord Chaitanya." Internationally.

Page 3 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter March - April 2010

Becoming absorbed in Krishna's names, Known as the ‘Golden Avatar’, Lord Sadly, due to heavy rain, the Holi Festival which are unlimited and ever fresh, Caitanya is the combined form of that was planned had to be cancelled. A gradually clears away this dust. As the and Krishna, and His specific mission few brave souls still braved the weather mirror is cleaned, we can see our true was to spread the congregational to visit Bhaktivedanta Manor. reflection, giving us the knowledge of chanting of the names of Lord Krishna. our eternal identity - not the body, but the everlasting soul, an eternal servant of Lord Krishna.

In the Caitanya-caritamrta it is described that Lord Caitanya appeared during a lunar eclipse, during which time it was the custom of the Hindu public to bathe in sacred rivers like the and chant Vedic mantras for purification. Srila Prabhupada explained that at this time all India was roaring with the holy sound of the Hare Krishna mantra as the most merciful incarnation of the Lord Left to right: Cllr Matthew Offord, Cllr Bob Blackman, Cllr Lynne Hilen Leader of Barnet Council, descended to this world. Cllr Eric Silver Mayor of Harrow, Cllr Anjana Patel, Cllr Rosemary Gilligan Mayor of Hertsmere

The Compassion of Lord Nityananda The birth of Lord Nityananda, the eternal spoke "My dear Jagai-Madhai, you have associate of Lord Caitanya, fell on the injured Me. It doesn't matter. Please 28th January this year. The Lord was chant Hare Krishna." Lord Caitanya born in Ekachakra, a small village in heard of the episode and flew into a present , around the year rage, wanting to kill the brothers 1474. immediately. However, Lord One episode in particular reveals the Nityananda begged Him to degree of Lord Nityananda’s compassion pardon them. That made the for those who are the most fallen: sinful brothers’ hearts melt and they fell at the feet Once while chanting Hare Krishna in of Nityananda. Lord the streets, Nityananda was attacked Caitanya then by two brothers Jagai and Madhai, who accepted them as were drunk and of debauched character. His disciples. Madhai threw an earthen pot which cut the Lord’s forehead. Nityananda

Page 4 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter March - April 2010

kåñëa-varëaà tviñäkåñëaà säìgopäìgästra-pärñadam yajïaiù saìkértana-präyair yajanti hi su-medhasaù

In the age of Kali, intelligent persons perform congregational chanting to worship the incarnation of Godhead who constantly sings the names of Kåñëa. Although His complexion is not blackish, He is Kåñëa Himself. He is accompanied by His associates, servants, weapons and confidential companions. SB 11.5.31

Page 5 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter March - April 2010 All schools are ‘faith schools’ of one kind or another by Kripamoya Dasa For thousands of years, all schools were ‘faith schools’…

The Krishna-Avanti School is a very faith schools often enjoy significantly humanist committee somewhere in the modern school, carefully designed and better exam results. Morality and Department of Education we shall see built, and a place of learning for 2010 discipline within the school are higher morals coming in and out of fashion as and for decades to come. Conventional than other schools. Its always a surprise years go by, as indeed they have been education is augmented with a spiritual when critics are surprised at those doing for some years already. Besides, ethos derived from the Vedic tradition. statistics. Secular Humanism is just as much a While it may not be a traditional Indian In fact, critics mistake faith schools belief system as any other. Its adherents gurukula, where the young students to be about religion, where ‘religion’ can be every bit as fanatical as their reside in the ashram of the guru, it is means ’something which may, or may religious counterparts. nonetheless a school that will impart not, be helpful but of dubious factual And how can you have a peaceful society deeper life lessons and a unique spiritual content.’ The fact that religious teaching if everyone’s concept of what is right perspective to the children. is now regarded as something sinister and wrong is different? Of course, this All state primary schools are required to – especially in connection with the is at the heart of some critics’ protests: teach a curriculum set according to the teaching of young minds – shows how that having a faith school is by its very national standard within the UK. But far public understanding has drifted. nature socially divisive because they the culture and value system within the The fact of the matter is that for many will teach a different set of morals from school determines exactly how that is centuries education itself was the preserve other schools. taught and, more importantly, learned. of those with religious training. The But let’s give the oldest religion in the Faith schools have an ethos derived, concept of being a teacher – especially world a chance. And let’s give the parents normally, from one of the world’s great of children – and not being trained in who actually want to send their children wisdom traditions. And the world’s the source books of morality would to such a faith school the freedom to great wisdom traditions got to be have been unthinkable. How exactly do so. I have every confidence that acknowledged as such because over does a teacher impart morals to a child if any critic were actually to become the centuries they proved to be very without reference to God, the source of acquainted with the deep wisdom and useful in developing character and good all morality? thoroughly universal morality which run citizens. If, as is argued in the name of freedom, through this earliest of faith expressions, Unhappily for many who think that the very concepts of right and wrong they’d find much to be pleased with. secular education should be the standard, are to be arbitrarily decided by a secular

Page 6 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter March - April 2010

Michael Olabode

Age: 19 Studying: BA Business (Cass Business School, Sena’s educational programme City University) What made you start attending IPS events? In this issue we look at ISKCON over a ten week period for each booklet and I ran into Jay Shetty for the first time at a Cass Sena’s (IPS) educational programme, from take place on a weekly basis across London. Business School Fresher’s Fayre. We got which over 100 of its members have benefited Other facilitators from within IPS currently conversing and he ended up asking me what include Dina Krishna das, Nandagopa das, all humans seek. When I replied happiness he Since 2003 IPS has been successfully running Navina Krsna das and Vijay Hirani. said, “Rah, you got it first time yeah”. So I was educational courses based on the booklets thinking, “Hmm has this guy got some skills Theology and Philosophy, Vaishnava Culture Madhurananda das, 29, said “These courses yeah?” I’ve been involved the world of Krishna and Etiquette and Devotional Practice. Initially are more than just training and education. It’s consciousness (KC) and IPS ever since. they were taught directly by Bhaktivedanta about equipping students with real knowledge Manor but as members of IPS matured in their that will give them clarity in every aspect of What did you initially find understanding and practice their lives, not just the appealing about KC? of Krishna consciousness, classroom. The greatest KC appeals to me because it gives me what I like they progressed to success for us is watching to describe as an ecumenical or encyclopaedic facilitating these courses those students apply that perspective of life - of the past, present AND themselves. The knowledge and develop future. Everyday I wake up and feel a love for life Vaishnava Training and into the teachers of and also feel loved myself, as a result of trying Education (VTE) three part tomorrow.” the practical processes. It’s great associating course is now promoted at Vinay Raniga, 16, who with wise people who genuinely want to help. Jammins as each young recently completed spiritual warrior’s next step the course in Harrow, in their journey back to What services are you currently commented “The way in Lord Krishna. In particular, involved in? Navina Krsna das teaching a VTE class which the philosophy of it systematically brings in Harrow My primary service is video recording and the Vedas was presented together various pieces editing KC events at City University’s Krishna to us was interesting, dynamic and perfect of the spiritual puzzle that IPS members are Consciousness Society. I also lead the for the youth of today. We learnt the basics exposed to through the main IPS projects. icebreakers at the East London Jammin events. of Vaishnavism through dramas, debates and Come join us and have fun! One of the original students, Madhurananda other interactive activities.” das last year took up the role of the training co- Through the experience gained from facilitating Interesting fact about yourself ordinator for IPS. He has utilised his skills as these courses, IPS regularly influences the an IT lecturer to further develop the teaching of I jointly founded and currently run a business content of the booklets and the way in which these courses, which are assessed by external called CustomVisions.co.uk. It’s a customisation they are taught in ISKCON around the world. verifiers and refined each semester. They run consultancy company - check out the KC t-shirt design in the gallery!

jammin The jammin jamminjamminjammin Kirtan jammin

Fiesta jamminJammin is a fortnightly dynamic youth event organised and facilitated by IPS Treat yourself to the THE KIRTAN FIESTA 2010 Forthcoming Jammins: - the highly anticipated IPS Senagetaway eight Harrow - 05/03 - Confessions of a devotee Crawley - 12/03 - Pleasure centre day festival in Madrid, Spain. Taking over 100 East - 12/03 - Design your destiny enthusiastic students and post grads from the Harrow - 19/03 - Evolution of the delusion UK, this promises to be the most enlivening Crawley - 26/03 - I got the power experience to date. Meet new people and Croydon - 26/03 - Mastering the mind East - 26/03 - Stress management experience the inspiration, the laughter, the jokes, Crawley - 09/04 - Beautiful nightmare the excitement and so much more! East - 09/04 - Artificial intelligence For more details see wwww.psena.com Check out www.senagetaway.com NOW! Subject to change

Page 7 Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter March - April 2010

New Look Centre in Bristol The life of Maha Local gatherings in Bristol were started Vishnu Goswami thirty years ago by Anandamoya das, and local devotees have always had a desire to see an established centre in the city. Mineketana Rama das has been running meetings and festivals in the South West of England for over twenty years, and has been running the Bristol Nama Hatta group since 1993. recently welcomed Bhaktin Helen, The present centre was established in who, after completing an Introductory 2006 and has recently undergone a major Programme at Bhaktivedanta Manor is upgrade due to the strenuous efforts taking care of day to day activities at the of Bhaktin Gail and others. The centre centre, including feeding the homeless.

On 25th January Mahavisnu Goswami peacefully left his body at the age of 90, A Legacy of Hope in the Bhaktivedanta Swami Hospital, Kripa Moya das represented the . He was born in the outskirts Manor at the Holocaust Memorial Day of the city in a family of Vaishnavas at Hertsmere Council Chamber. The going back eight generations. service included prayers, the screening of a short film and choral music, on the He left India in 1955 and spent 35 years in London. Along Oxford Street theme “Legacy of Hope”. he saw devotees chanting and dancing. He had been searching for a deeper Protecting ’s sacred heritage understanding of devotional service, Alongside the official Kumbha Mela, environmental groups, working under and the sight of the devotees chanting thousands gathered at the river Yamuna the ‘Save Yamuna to Save Vrindavan’ with sincerity impressed him, and soon in Vrindavan, the village where Lord campaign, are saying that the planned he was attending the nearby Temple in Krishna appeared on earth 5,000 years bridge needs to be re-located. Bury Place. ago. This year, however, there has been At long last, he was gaining deep They fear that the noise, dirt and pollution an added urgency to the participants’ will make the historic and sacred Keshi satisfaction by receiving answers to prayers. all his life-long questions. In 1980 he Ghat a place that is no longer peaceful completed his family responsibilities Many devotees say that the sanctity for spiritual reflection. and entered the retired (vanaprastha) of the area is in danger from outside stage, where he took up residence in construction. ISKCON youth have the Soho Street Temple. Eleven years launched “Global Kirtan for the Yamuna later, Maharaj accepted the renounced River,” a prayer which is offered with order of life (sannyasa). the intention to protect the sacred river. He helped in the construction of The development currently attracting ISKCON’s temples in Dwaraka and the most attention is a large bridge Rajkot in Gujarat, India. To many being constructed near the Keshi Ghat The future of the bridge is currently devotees around the world, Maharaj was the kind loving spiritual father bathing area alongside the Yamuna. under review in the courts. that they could turn to, who inspired Local and international devotees and them in their moments of spiritual Calendar - dates for your diary struggle, and guided them with his March Bhaktivedanta Manor wealth of experience. Dharam Marg · Hilfield Lane Sun 7 App of Srivasa Pandit Thur 11 Papamocani Ekadasi Aldenham · Herts Sat 20 App of Sri Ramanujacarya WD25 8EZ Wed 24 Ramanavami: Appearance of Lord (for sat-nav only, please use Ramachandra (fasting till sunset) Fri 26 Kamada Ekadasi postcode WD25 8DT) Sun 28 Ramanavami Festival at the Manor 01923 851000 Mon 29 Balarama Rasayatra Tue 30 App of Sri Hanuman www.krishnatemple.com April Please send your news, photos Thu 8 Disapp of Srila Vrindavan das Thakura and comments to Radha Mohan Sat 10 Varuthini Ekadasi The Bhaktivedanta Players had their audience Wed 14 App of Sri Gadadhara Pandit das at: laughing in the aisles with their performance “The Thu 15 Purusottama Adika Masa begins [email protected] Saga of Sabul Singh” Sat 24 Padmini Ekadasi

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