By Sutapa Das Brahmacari Last December’s Book Marathon was amazing. Many devotees, both from the temple and the wider congregational community, made special endeavours that month to distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books to the general public, and many others made extra sacrifices to facilitate them. We targeted 25,000 books to be distributed... we ended up distributing 35,843! We targeted 251 distributors to participate in the marathon... we ended up with 273! Among the books, 1150 were Bhagavad Gitas, while Bhaktivedanta Manor’s Ananda Caitanya das distributed an amazing 2715 books all by himself! By all of the wonderful efforts of everyone involved, I am happy to announce that the 2011 Marathon was the most successful since 1998. It was a wonderful team effort and exhibition of unity. The Marathon is a special time of the year, and I always feel blessed and fortunate to have some participation in this most important preaching activity in ISKCON. February 2012 Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness Srila Prabhupada: We are printing so many books. For spreading this knowledge, that must be distributed. Home to home, place to place, man to man, this literature must go there. If one takes one book, at least one day he'll read it: "Let me see what is this book I have purchased the other day." And if he reads one line his life will be successful, if he reads one line only, carefully. This is such literature. So therefore book distribution I am giving so much stress. Lecture on Bhagavad gita in Hawaii (1975) Mother Yamuna - a great pioneer In December Her Grace Yamuna dasi passed away. She was one of the most influential devotees during ISKCON’s fledgling years. She was one of the first pioneers to enter the UK and helped open the first ISKCON temple in London, in Bury Place near the British Museum. Yamuna dasi, well-known for her angelic voice, was the lead singer in the Radha Krishna Temple Album, produced by George Harrison. At every ISKCON temple her singing of “Govindam” is played during “Deity Greeting” as part of the daily morning program. She published her own cookbook entitled, “Lord Krishna’s Cuisine: The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking” which garnered multiple awards, including the International Association of Culinary Professionals Cookbook of the Year. Yamuna Devi was well known for her own caring, compassionate and unpretentious nature. She was committed to following Prabhupada’s instructions in her actions, words, character, and heart. Bhaktivedanta Manor breaks own book marathon record
Transcript
By Sutapa Das Brahmacari
Last December’s Book Marathon was amazing. Many devotees, both from the temple and the wider congregational community, made special endeavours that month to distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books to the general public, and many others made extra sacrifices to facilitate them.
We targeted 25,000 books to be distributed... we ended up distributing 35,843!
We targeted 251 distributors to participate in the marathon... we ended up with 273!
Among the books, 1150 were Bhagavad Gitas, while Bhaktivedanta Manor’s Ananda Caitanya das distributed an amazing 2715 books all by himself!
By all of the wonderful efforts of everyone involved, I am happy to announce that the 2011 Marathon was the most successful since 1998. It was a wonderful team effort and exhibition of unity. The Marathon is a special time of the year, and I always feel blessed and fortunate to have some participation in this most important preaching activity in ISKCON.
Febr
uary
201
2
Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Srila Prabhupada:
We are printing so many books. For spreading this knowledge, that must be distributed. Home to home, place to place, man to man, this literature must go there. If one takes one book, at least one day he'll read it: "Let me see what is this book I have purchased the other day." And if he reads one line his life will be successful, if he reads one line only, carefully. This is such literature. So therefore book distribution I am giving so much stress.
Lecture on Bhagavad gita in
Hawaii (1975)
Mother Yamuna - a great pioneerIn December Her Grace Yamuna dasi passed away. She was one of the most influential devotees during ISKCON’s fledgling years. She was one of the first pioneers to enter the UK and helped open the first ISKCON temple in London, in Bury Place near the British Museum. Yamuna dasi, well-known for her angelic voice, was the lead singer in the Radha Krishna Temple Album, produced by George Harrison. At every ISKCON temple her singing of “Govindam” is played during “Deity Greeting” as part of
the daily morning program.
She published her own cookbook entitled, “Lord Krishna’s Cuisine: The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking” which garnered multiple awards, including the International Association of Culinary Professionals Cookbook of the Year.
Yamuna Devi was well known for her own caring, compassionate and unpretentious nature. She was committed to following Prabhupada’s instructions in her actions, words, character, and heart.
Bhaktivedanta Manor breaks own book marathon record
Page 2
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2012
Double resolutions for Bristol community
Remembering the victims of persecution Mentorship System takes shape
“Anyone who is committed to daily spiritual practice will occasionally need some friendly support and encouragement,” explains Sri Radhika dasi, chair of the Mentorship Committee. “We all need help and guidance sometimes, so over the past few months we’ve been working on giving new life to an old idea – and that’s become the Mentorship System.”The Manor Mentorship System will be a network of experienced devotees who pledge to offer their support to other members who have more recently committed to spiritual life. “The mentors will mainly be friends to those they help,” said Sri Radhika dasi, “but they will offer useful information, tips on spiritual practice, and guidance whenever asked.”Devotees will be able to choose their own personal mentor, but each mentor will have a limit of ten members. The system will create opportunities for one-to-one discussions and there will be monthly meetings of all those in a mentor group. The mentorship system is currently available only to devotees who are already committed to a daily practise of chanting four rounds or more on japa beads.For more information write to: [email protected]
January 14th was the auspicious day of Makara Sankranti when devotees make spiritual vows as it is considered a 'new beginning.' Coming so close to the beginning of the year, it also doubles up as a second try at keeping New Year’s resolutions!Devotees in Bristol took the opportunity to publicly express their determination to recite the Hare Krishna mantra each day a certain number of times. One ‘round’ includes chanting on 108 sacred
beads and group members chose to chant either 1, 4, 8, 12 or 16 rounds. A presentation was given by Kripamoya das, who celebrated the devotees’ resolutions with a Vedic ceremony. Certificates noting the occasion were presented by Minaketana Rama das who, with his wife Gandharvika dasi, runs the Bristol centre.The group meets weekly on Saturday afternoons at The Folk Centre, 35 North Street, Bedminster, Bristol.
Nila Madhava das and Radha Mohan das represented Bhaktivedanta Manor at Hertsmere Council’s Holocaust Memorial Service on 27th January.The event, presided over by Cllr Peter Knell the Mayor of Hertsmere was attended by local Councillors, local
school children and community and faith representatives. It included prayers, the lighting of candles, a film and a touching performance by the Comm.unity Choir. Nila Madhava das read a prayer along with other faith leaders.
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA, KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE,
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA, RAMA RAMA HARE HARE
Page 3
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2012
Celebrating the birth of Lord Nityananda became especially memorable this year, as the morning pilgrimage to Bhaktivedanta Manor included negotiating roads that had been hit by heavy snowfall from the previous evening. Those who made it to the Manor were rewarded by a deeply spiritual atmosphere much more magical than a snow-covered landscape can ever be. The warmth of the devotion melted away any thoughts of the near Arctic conditions outside!Lord Nityananda appeared as Lord Caitanya’s principal associate for
spreading the congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. He is known as the adi-guru, or the original spiritual master, and is considered even more merciful than Lord Caitanya Himself. Just as Lord Caitanya is actually Krishna, Lord Nityananda is considered an incarnation of Lord Balarama, Krishna’s first expansion.Many devotees also observed the birth of this divine personality with friends and family, in the warmth of their own homes.
Manor delegation meets Hungarian official
Chanting the Holy Names together The first Holy Name Weekend of 2012 took place on 14th and 15th January, when Bhaktivedanta Manor was vibrant with devotees of all backgrounds who came together to take part in singing the Hare Krishna mantra. Special guests for the weekend included Sivarama Swami and Madhava das.
Projects which InspireGiriraj Swami and Sivarama Swami were given tours of recent projects on the site of Bhaktivedanta Manor. “It is absolutely delightful and thoughtfully designed”, said Sivarama Swami during his visit to the New Gokul farm, after also taking special note of the visitors’ facilities. Of the George Harrison Garden, Giriraj Swami said “It is inspirational, a wonderful garden within which George Harrison’s lyrics describe an inner path of love, a path shared by many mystics regardless of tradition.”
On the 16th January a delegation consisting of Sruti Dharma das, Gauri das, Pranabandhu das and Shailesh Vara MP were invited to meet Mr Gergely Prőhle, Deputy State Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary, who was on an official visit to London. This was the delegation's second visit to the Hungarian Embassy, where previously they had met the Ambassador. The purpose of the visit was to raise concern about change in Hungarian legislation where religions already approved as
state churches would be forced to again reapply under more 'stringent conditions'. Mr Gergely Prohle empathized with the unease felt by the Hungarian Society for Krishna Consciousness. He expressed that he himself was also from a religious minority group facing exactly the same scenario. Despite the hasty introduction of the bill he assured those present that as the Society for Krishna Consciousness was very well respected in Hungary there should be no obstacles in the re-registration process.
Magic falls on Lord Nityananda's Appearance Day
Page 4
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2012
Krishna Avanti School to open in Ilford
From soul to SeoulPrayojana das joined Patanjali Muni das, a devotee of South Korean origin, on a special mission to the country. By invitation of the Pocheon Mandir Committee, their tour included a variety of house programmes, classes at the Yoga centre in Seoul and the Pocheon Temple's New Year festival.The devotees gave presentations on Krishna consciousness, led kirtans (devotional songs) and helped in the distribution of prasad to Bengali, Bangladeshi and Korean people. During that time many copies of the Bhagavad gita in Korean as well as Bengali were distributed. Many of them expressed enthusiasm and were returning after having attended previous ISKCON functions.Prayojana das explained: “Despite the fact that modern technology plays a prominent role in their everyday lives, the South Korean people are very service orientated and committed, which are good qualities in spiritual life.”
Hands across the Irish Sea Pranabandhu das organised a van with 2 tonnes of food donations including rice, ghee, spices and candles for ISKCON's Inish Rath Temple. Parasuram das drove the donations in his Food For All van all the way to Ireland and his arrival in County Fermanagh was welcomed by the needy community there. The special mission was funded by Bhaktivedanta Manor and both Parasuram das and Pranabandhu das worked together to assist the remote Centre, where food supplies are not so readily accessible.ISKCON purchased Inisrath island in 1984 and converted the large house into a temple and ashram. Today it is called Govindadwipa, or “island of Govinda” and draws many visitors and tourists with its regular varied retreats, as well as giving newcomers an introduction to Krishna conscious philosophy and lifestyle.
ISKCON Leicester acquires historic buildingDevotees in Leicester have finally acquired the HSBC Bank building on Granby Street, a Grade II listed building built in 1875 by the famous architect Goddard.The devotees lost their original place of worship last September, when the temple suffered a gas explosion. All of the 50 devotees within the building managed to escape the multiple blasts uninjured. This was referred to as a ‘miracle’ by fire fighters.After over a year of worship and community gatherings in rented spaces, acquiring the keys to the old HSBC Bank is a dream come true.The devotees plan to restore the building to its former glory and bring it back into use as a place of worship with a range of community activities, eventually providing a restaurant, yoga and meditation studio, and self-development workshops.Pradyumna das, President of ISKCON Leicester said, “We are very excited with this news. This is a great opportunity for us to bring back into use a fantastic building right at the heart of the city.” There will be a lot of work to be done before the community officially begins to use the building. Plans for the development of the site are in early stages and will unfold over the coming months.
Plans to open a new Hindu School in Ilford reached a major milestone last month. The local Council has now purchased a site in Barkingside from its former owners the United Synagogue Trust, paving the way to create a new school on the existing site. The site was formally a Jewish Primary School and that will be transferred to King Soloman High School site. The four-form entry school will be run by the I-Foundation who won the new school competition last May. They will now start preparing to open the new primary school in September this year which will provide 840 places when full. The Krishna Avanti Primary School Redbridge (as it will be known) will allocate 75 per cent of its places to any
local pupils, regardless of their religious beliefs. Edward Anobah, Krishna Avanti Primary School Redbridge Chair of Governors, said, “We are very happy to be taking this definitive step in offering this service to the community of Redbridge. We are keen for the school to be a place that children of all backgrounds, regardless of faith, can come and receive a world class education.”
Page 5
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2012
During the winter we seek to gather light and warmth more than ever, not just externally but internally too. One of the most important sources of spiritual strength and illumination for devotees are the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. On Sunday 18th December devotees gathered to recite the entire text of the sacred book, in honour of Gita Jayanti. This is an annual event which marks the famous dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna which took place over 5000 years ago. The event gives an incentive for participants to distribute copies of
the Gita and this year 1200 copies were sponsored for that purpose. Kripamoya das and Sutapa das led the chanting of Sanskrit verses, giving summaries of each chapter.Those who took part expressed a feeling of happiness and satisfaction and others felt the experience had renewed their determination to study the Gita on a
regular basis. To round off a great day, the Bhaktivedanta Players performed a poetic version of the classic work entitled “The Song of God”.
Siberian court throws out case against Bhagavad GitaA Siberian court has dismissed a call to ban the Bhagavad Gita in the Russian region, in a case that triggered protests in India.A lawyer representing ISKCON in Tomsk, Alexander Shakhov, welcomed the judge’s decision, saying it “shows that Russia really is becoming a democratic society.”India’s Ambasaddor to Russia Ajal Malhotra, who had fiercely opposed the trial, welcomed the court ruling. “The verdict of the Honourable Judge in dismissing the case deserves to be applauded,” he said. “It is very nice to see that this issue has been conclusively
resolved and is now behind us.”“We are happy that the court showed reason and competence in passing the correct verdict, “ said Segei Zuyez, vice-president of ISKCON in Tomsk. “It is not right for secular courts to try religions.”The trial began in June 2011 and concluded in December.India’s Foreign Minister, Mr SM Krishna, complained to the Russian Ambassador to India, Alexander Kadakin, about the Tomsk prosecution.Mr Krishna said Indians had reacted very negatively to the alleged infringement of
religious freedom in Russia.Earlier this month Indian MPs demanded the government protect religious rights in Russia, shouting: “We will not tolerate an insult to Lord Krishna.”Ambassador Kadakin, quoted by the AP news agency, distanced himself from the Tomsk prosecutors, saying “any holy scripture, whether it is the Koran, Bhagvad Gita, the Bible, Avesta or Torah cannot be brought into court”.
Gita Jayanti - reciting the Song of God
Page 6
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2012
by Krishna Dharma dasBecom ing a True HeroI expect few readers will have missed an important piece of recent news about the two men who attempted to cross the Atlantic ocean stark naked (so their salt laden clothes would not chafe their bodies) in a pedalo. It was their third try and they had real hope that their previous experience would see them through on this occasion, but alas, after only a week on the high seas, struck down by illness and terrified by the menacing waves, they had to be hauled from their craft by helicopter. “It was probably not one of my best ideas,” said Kieran Sweeney, one of the valiant souls who undertook this death defying stunt. His partner merely nodded in silent
agreement.It seems to be in human nature to challenge the elements, even at the risk of life and limb. Climbing Mount
Everes t
is a perennial favourite, even though it has so far claimed over 200 lives. I can’t say I have it on my personal list of things to do before I die, but I kind of understand why some people would be attracted. The sense of achievement in overcoming eight mile high obstacles; in tolerating tremendous hardship to accomplish one’s goals, which of course can prove a useful asset in today’s tough world. While I can admire such indomitable spirit, I would question where it can best be applied. Vedic knowledge tells us that the attempt to overcome nature by bodily and mental strength is ultimately doomed to failure. In the Bhagavad-gita Krishna describes the material energy as “insurmountable”. Although we may conquer the tallest mountains, or even plunge down to the bottom of the deepest seas, at the end of the day we are still bound by stringent material laws that we cannot overcome. Even as we undertake our heroic exploits we must still respect such laws. The Law of Gravity, for example, is a serious factor to be considered when ascending mountains. Under the water is the rigid condition that we cannot breathe without mechanical assistance. When we soar off into space in our efforts to reach other planets we face so many universal laws that limit us to being hardly able to go beyond our own moon, what to speak of the immense vastness of the cosmos that lies out there.Closer to home are the awkward problems of birth, old age, disease and death that stare us in the face and are impossible to avoid. These are the primary conditions imposed upon this world, laws that bind us all, and when we are not tackling mighty challenges such as pedalling across the Atlantic, we are fully engaged with those difficulties. Indeed human endeavour is all about trying to counteract the conditions of this world and achieve some sort of security and comfort. Without such endeavours, in the shape of science, technology and
constant hard work, we would soon be overcome by all kinds of trouble.The simple reason for this is that we do not belong in this world. We are spiritual beings who belong in the spiritual atmosphere. When we are within matter we are like fish out of water. Krishna says, “The living entities in this conditioned world are my eternal fragmental parts. Due to conditioned life in material bodies they are struggling very hard.”The struggle comes when we try to independently defeat the conditions of this world without reaching out to God. All of the laws we face here are made by him. That should be obvious; can there be any laws that have no maker and indeed no one upholding them? This world is under God’s infallible laws and it is a futile endeavour to try to overcome them in defiance of his power. We simply become further entangled in their complexities, just as a person who tries to break the state laws will only fall foul of still more conditions. As the famous quote goes, we cannot break divine laws, we can only break ourselves against them in the attempt. Our only hope is to abide by those laws and accept their creator as our well wishing Lord.This is where our real challenge lies and where we should apply our heroism. The great obstacle to divine surrender is the false ego of wanting to be independent enjoyers of this world, of wanting to conquer and exploit it for our selfish ends. One great Vaishnava saint said in a poem, “So push thy onward march, O soul/against an evil deed/that stands with soldiers hate and lust/a hero be indeed.”Lust and hate, along with their cohorts greed, anger and illusion, are formidable foes, and defeating them can sometimes seem a Himalayan task. But Krishna assures us that success is certain if we constantly seek his shelter. The divine helicopter of his mercy will extract us from our struggle and take us to his eternally blissful abode.
Page 7
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2012
Krishna DattaniAge: 17Studying: A levels (St James School)
What did you initially find appealing about KC?
At the age of 15 I saw the IPS production Under the Influence at the Manor’s Janmashtami festival and it really inspired me. After the play I met one of the girls with a clipboard and it sort of went from there! From then on the IPS events I attended were everything that the girl had described them to be - dynamic and stimulating - and nothing has stopped me from going back.
What made you start attending IPS events?
In Krishna Consciousness (KC) people you meet become your true friends without wanting anything from you. It’s great! Furthermore, KC from the beginning offers relevant and topical philosophy that can be applied in a modern context.
What services are you currently involved in?Currently, I am part of the Harrow Jammin team, co-coordinating prashadam for the sessions. I am hoping to set-up a KC Soc at my own school and have it running by the end of March.
Interesting fact about yourself
In every school and sixth form…
Trying to follow in the footsteps of Prahlad Maharaj, members of ISKCON Pandava Sena (IPS) have recently started running Krishna Consciousness Societies (KC Socs) every fortnight at some of the top ranking schools in the country.
At the moment, these KC Socs run in Watford Grammar Boys’ School, Queen Elizabeth’s Boys’ School (QE Boys) and Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School. They are currently being set up in St James Girls’ School, North London Collegiate School and St Dominic’s Sixth Form.
Abhishek Joshi, who developed this idea and started the first society at Watford Grammar Boys’ School, said ‘We began running these events last year using the concept of university Krishna Consciousness Societies but have tailored it for a younger crowd.’ He added ‘People are mainly drawn to the sessions by the quality of the speaker, who is normally an urban monk residing at Bhaktivedanta Manor, by the interactive and practical sessions relating to everyday life we have and, most likely, the free lunch we provide!’
On average, there are between 40 and 50 students between the ages of 16 and 18 who
participate in discussions about topical issues such as the riots that took place last summer, the idea of success and reducing exam stress or the notion that we have an identity beyond this body. In this way, students are brought
to the realisation of Krishna Consciousness using practical tips they can use in any area of their life whether it is academic or social.
Societies at the various schools have the backing of many senior staff members, who have seen the value of such events.
The head of Queen Elizabeth’s Sixth Form said ‘In a time where everyone is using people and cherishing things, this Krishna society is good for building our pupils character, personal qualities and moral value which makes them stand out from the crowd with UCAS university applications.’
An event is also currently being planned with His Holiness Radhanath Swami, a spiritual teacher, to speak at these top London schools on his extraordinary journey during the cultural revolution of the sixties.
For more information please contact Vinay (07534 333 884) or visit www.krishnasoc.com.
Most people have loads but unfortunately I only have two interesting things about me. Firstly, I know how to read and write Sanskrit – the oldest language ever and I play for the Middlesex Lacrosse team.
Page 8
Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter February 2012
March 2012Sun 4th Amalaki Vrata Ekadasi Mon 5th Disapp of Sri Madhavendra Puri Thur 8th Gaura Purnima: App of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu (fast till moonrise) Sun 11th Festival at Bhaktivedanta Manor (Gaura Purmina and Holi) Thur 15th App of Sri Srivasa Pandit Sun 18th Papamocani Ekadasi Tues 27th App of Sri Ramanujacarya April 2012Sun 1st Ramanavami: App of Lord Sri Ramacandra (fast till sunset)
Manor School children broaden their faith horizons
Hertfordshire Police Constabulary sent their newest trainee officers to several community and religious organisations within Hertfordshire as part of their education in cultural awareness. “We had a great day all round at Bhaktivedanta Manor”, explained
Training Officer Lee Emmerson, “I look forward to the next time, when I hope we can stay longer.” Trainee Officer Remi Whates added, “We just had the most fantastic day. The warmth and hospitality of our hosts was brilliant!”.
County Counsellor commends Manor’s Community Service
Cllr David Hewitt, Vice Chairman of Hertfordshire County Council, presented Mrs Sue Flood the head of the Library Archives at the County Hall, with copies of Bhagavad Gita As It Is, and The Journey Home- An Autobiography of an American Swami by His Holiness Radhanath Swami. “After reading The Journey Home I have come to have a much better understanding of the contribution and work which the Temple is doing for the people in Hertfordshire and surrounding areas,” explained Cllr David Hewitt, “I do promote this to my fellow Councillors and our friends and believe we can all learn from the from the volunteering, service and community work which Temple followers do”.
The children at the Manor School visited various local faith communities in January. This year the school visited St. John the Baptist Church in the Parish of Aldenham, where the children not only heard from Reverand Robert Fletcher about Christianity but he also made historical links to the Second World War, so a bit of history was learnt as well. The children were truly amazed at
the beauty of the different stained glass windows, woodwork and very grand pulpit.The children next ventured to the Sikh Gurudwara in Watford, where they observed the priest reading from the Sikh scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, watched a video and participated in a question and answer session.Their final visit was to the Bushey United Synagogue where Rabbi Salasnick engaged the children in a discussion about the similarities and differences between Judaism and Vaisnavism. They had the wonderful opportunity to see a holy scroll uncovered and to also learn of the history of some of the scrolls. The children were fascinated by the handwritten Hebrew script and the parchment upon which it was written.
Watford’s High Street shoppers were treated to one of the largest Hare Krishna street processions for months in honour of the Disappearance Day of Srila Prabhupada’s spiritual master Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur.
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA, KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE, HARE RAMA HARE RAMA, RAMA RAMA HARE HARE
