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August2011
Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Srila Prabhupada:
One who is therefore situated
in devotional or transcendental
loving service to the Lord
attains to the stage of buddhi-
yoga by the special grace of
the LordOnly those who are
always engaged in devotional
service out of transcendental
love does He award the pure
knowledge of devotion in love.
In that way the devotee can
reach Him easily in the ever-
blissful kingdom of God.
Bhagavad gita 2.39 purport
A meeting with the
President of AmericaOn June 13 Radhanath Swami was
invited to meet with the President of
the United States, Mr. Barack Obama at
an event in Miami Florida. Radhanath
Swami is a great inspiration to everyone
at Bhaktivedanta Manor and he will
be joining us for Janmastami to launch
his book The Journey Home: The
Autobiogrpahy of an American Swami.
The President and the Swami had a
heartfelt talk and enjoyed each other's
company immensely.
On Saturday 30th July Bhaktivedanta
Manor's Open Day was blessed with
sunshine and around 400 interested
guests. The gardens and front lawnwere dotted with stalls, arts and crafts,
face- painting and a bouncy castle for
the children. Mothers and daughters
donned colourful saris and others opted
forhenna tattoos.
Amongst the crowds were 25
employees from the Home Office
based in central London.
On tours, guests were able view the
items used for worship in the Temple
shrine. Head Priest Gadadhara das was
on hand to explain the wide variety oftraditional rituals that take place.
The ox cart ride was very popular and
the Manors organic produce was made
available. Everyone then enjoyed a
complimentary vegetarian lunch, many
returning for more!
Family Fun Open Day- a day blessed with sunshine
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Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter August 2011
Giving Shelter
If Westminster Council has its way,
a newly proposed byelaw will soon
make it a crime to give out a free cupof soup to homeless people in Victoria,
explained Food for All Director
Parasuram das. Camden and Islington
Councils are also thinking along the
same lines. Ironically the police,
day centres and charities have been
directing homeless people to us for free
meals.
Liberty, along with many other third
sector organisations, believe the
proposed byelaw is fundamentally
flawed. No one sleeps rough for a freesandwich, added Parasuram das The
proposed law fails to address the root
causes of homelessness, and will at
best only displace homeless individuals
elsewhere.
Srutidharma das has been appointed
Chaplain to the Mayor of Harrow,
Cllr Mrinal Choudhury. DuringHarrow Councils Civic Service at St
Marys Church in Harrow on the Hill,
Srutidharma das led the prayers, which
included the chanting of Hare Krishna.
After the Service all the dignitaries
assembled at Harrow School, one of
Britains leading independent schools.Mr Barnaby Lenon, the Headmaster of
the school expressed interest to visit
Bhaktivedanta Manor and the Krishna
Avanti School.
Chaplain to the Mayor of Harrow
30 Chaplains from universities across
London visited Bhaktivedanta Manor.
The trip was billed as a day out to learn
more about our tradition, lifestyle and
practice.
The day started with a talk fromShaunaka Rishi das - Director of the
Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and
Hindu Chaplain to Oxford University.
This was followed by tours of the
estate by Kripamoya das, lunch, and
an opportunity to hand-milk the cows
in New Gokul farm. The day finished
with an overview and demonstration of
kirtan. All had a wonderful day, with
many expressing interest to visit againwith their church communities.
The day was organised by Sachi
Kishore das and Gopal Lila das, both of
whom are University Chaplains.
University Chaplains The Mayor of HarrowVisits Krishna-Avanti
In July, Naina Parmar, Head Teacher
of the Krishna-Avanti School,
welcomed the Mayor of Harrow, Cllr
Mrinal Choudhury, and his wife. They
visited the school's Temple where
they received a ceremonial blessing
for peace and happiness. The Mayor
was accompanied by other dignitaries
including Councillors Navin Shah,
Nana Asante and Margaret Davine.
Srutidharma das and other School
Governors took their guests around the
classrooms as the children prepared to
leave for their summer vacation.
Spirituality ForumKripa Moya das and Citi-Sakti dasi
gave presentations at a conference
organised by the National Spirituality
and Mental Health Forum (NSMHF).
The session was an interfaith look atwhy and how people of different faiths
may attribute mental health problems to
possession. Citi Sakti dasi, a Consultant
Psychiatrist and a trustee for NSMHF,
facilitated a case based discussion
to illustrate some of the challenges
that this topic raises for clinicians,
patients and faith groups. The audience
of 100 included doctors, nurses,psychologists and other allied health
care professionals.
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Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter August 2011
Radlett Festival 2011
Bhaktivedanta Manor, working with
the Radlett Festival Committee, once
again provided the main stage and tents
for local charities, and free vegetarian
food for everyone. Cllr Ron Worthy,
Chair of Aldenham Parish Council,
was impressed by the Manor Schools
entries to the Build a scarecrow
competition! Unfortunately the popular
bullock cart rides were cancelled due to
the rain, but locals are looking forward
to it next year.
The Hare Krishnas once again won the first prize at Borehamwood Carnivalwith their Ratha Yatra float.
German Guests
The twin town association Radlett and
Aldenham International Friendship
Association (RAIFA) celebrated 30
years of ties with a German village
by inviting their counterparts for a
weekend visit.
28 guests from the village of
Lauteral, in Hesse, stayed with
families in Radlett. Members took
their German guests on a packed
weekend that included a special visit
to Bhaktivedanta Manor. RAIFA
Chairman Clive Glover said: "The
whole visit was a huge success
and we're looking forward to more
exchanges between our communities."
Summer AdventuresScandinavia
Devotees from the Manor community,
including the brahmacari ashram,
travelled across Scandinavia to help
the local devotees put on Ratha Yatra
chariot festivals in six cities including
Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm.
Magic at Glastonbury
People go to the famous Glastonbury
festival to experience somethingdifferent but there is one oasis amongst
the madness - The Hare Krishna tent!
Festival-goers received free vegetarian
food and a chance to learn something
about mantra meditation.
Special Guests at Stonehenge
The devotees received a special
invitation to the Summer Solstice
Festival in Stonehenge, organised by
the English Heritage Foundation. Over
1000 plates of prasad were distributed
and many of the revelers presentparticipated in the chanting of Hare
Krishna.
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Radlett Rabbi andKrishnas CowsForty members of Radlett
Reform Synagogue spent a day at
Bhaktivedanta Manor. New Gokul farm
made a particularly good impression,
and Rabbi Paul Freedman described it
on the Synagogues website as havingThe grandest cows in England.
Devotees from ISKCON farms all
over Europe attended the fourth annual
ISKCON European Farm Conference at
Bhaktivedanta Manor to gain inspiration
as well as practical advice for theirvarious rural projects.
Devotees hailed from farms in
Sweden, Czech, Slovakia, France and
Hungary. Some wanted to establish ox
programmes, some were developing
businesses based on selling vegetables
and other natural products, and some
simply wanted to learn more about the
principles of agriculture and sustainable
living.
We are currently hand-milking thirteen
of our cows, and that produces about
42,000 litres a year, explained farm
manager Syamasundar das. We also
have a very active ox-working program,
with ten working oxen that logged in
about 3,000 ox hours last year.
Eight of Bhaktivedanta Manors 100
acres of farming landmainly grazing
pasturesare ploughed by oxen.
Another programme that can be set
up to draw volunteer workers to our
farms is WWOOF, or Worldwide
Opportunities on Organic Farms, said
Shyamasundara.
WWOOF gives volunteers often traveling
students, food and accommodation in
return for learning and an experience of
the organic, sustainable lifestyle.
The Art of FarmingChildren of the Manor School and
Fairfield School in Radlett worked
together to paint a wall mural at the
"Care Farm" situated on Holland
Farm, Bhaktivedanta Manor. The
Care Farm provides a facility where
members of the local community can
work on various projects in a farming
environment. The children painted
whatever inspired them on a farming/
wildlife theme and it was a wonderful
exercise in community cohesion.
Farmers leave European conference with newideas and inspiration
Sacred cowsBefore 17 Indian holy men flew to the
Britain to lead a six day Vedic ritual in
Harrow, they made a specific request
for cows to be present. As the Manors
New Gokul farm is Britains foremost
centre for cow protection and working
oxen, the organizers of the event had
no doubt whom to approach.
A Source of ComfortDevotees attended the funeral of
Richard Meadows at West Hertfordshire
Crematorium. The priest acknowledged
the fact that Richard received much
comfort and friendship at the Manor.
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Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter August 2011
It was the 12th June and as we drove
into Central London it was clear it was
going to be a wet Ratha Yatra this year.
But would the rain dampen our spirits?
We arrived at Hyde Park Corner to
find the colourful domes of the three
chariots standing high above the sea
of devotees that were standing under
umbrellas. It was still raining, and as I
looked around many were huddling
for shelter under the surrounding trees.
Would my concern manifest as the rain
washed away everyones enthusiasm?
Almost in response to my doubts, a
group of devotees started an uproarious
kirtan chant with drums and cymbals,and conches were blown from each
of the chariots, marking the official
start of the festival. Immediately the
devotees began to flock from under the
trees towards the chariots. The energy
from the kirtan seemed to be infectious,
as everyone very quickly started to
welcome the Lord with loud chants in
response. The umbrellas disappeared,
and the festival procession began with
gusto.
After two hours of singing in the rain,
hundreds had taken up the ropes to
pull the three chariots from Hyde
Park Corner to Trafalgar Square,
accompanied by joyous musical
chants. It was almost as if we were
basking in glorious sunshine. I smiled
in disbelief - despite the weather, TheLord Reigned Supreme On His Parade.
By Jagannath Sharan das
Smiling Faces
Smiling faces framed on the wall
Remind me of someone I have to call
When a smiling face enters the room
It dissipates the darkness, removes the
gloom
A smiling face without conceit
Is the name of a guest that can't be
beat
It's not so hard to pay the bill
to a smiling face at the till
It's the best way to seal a dealWhen buying a car or a take-away
meal
Smiling faces becoming grins
Chase away so many sins
Smiling faces breaking into laughter
I pray for now and forever after
But if your smiling face is a mask
There is one thing of you I must ask
That is first you feel it in your heart
The mood will follow like a horse and
cartAnd of carts and smiles think of the
famous three
Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra,
They hold the key
To happiness here and now and
forever after.
Ananta Sakti das was initiated as
a full-time member of ISKCON
in 1978. Since that time he has
dedicated himself to portraying
Krishna consciousness through art
and writing. Many of his paintings
decorate the walls of Bhaktivedanta
Manor, and
he has written
and illustrated
several
children's
books, including
Vaishnava
Saints, Creation
and Gita Stories.
The LordReigns Supreme
on His Parade
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Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter August 2011
CiT An Alternative toDarwin and Adam and EveYou say you dont acceptDarwinian evolution, sowhats your explanationof where the world comesfrom?
This is a common challenge to
devotees. If someone values the Vedic
scriptures, they will appreciate the
description of the cosmic manifestation
given in Srimad Bhagavatam. But,
what of the general public, fed
continuously on the propaganda thatlife, the universe and everything in
it are the result of blind chance and
arbitrary universal laws. What have we
got to offer them?
At the moment, the only options to
them are: Darwin or Creationism.
We often have fun highlighting the
many holes in Darwinian evolution,
but that, on its own, doesnt provide
an alternative explanation. I estimate
that most people instinctively feel
that there is more to life than chanceand chemical reactions. Some may
even recognise the deficiencies of
evolutionary claims. But, they cannot
accept what seems the only alternative:
the Genesis creation story. Creationism
is associated with Christian literalism
and its contention that the Earth is
only 6,000 years old. So, also is the
idea of Intelligent Design, which,
although it seems broadly in accord
with our theistic understanding,
contains significant differences to our
philosophy.
We need our own model of life &
the universe which draws on Vedic
insights, and stands as a scientific
model not just a theological belief.
To qualify as science, such a model
must be derived from and be
consistent with current reputable
scientific evidence. This differs from
previous strategies within ISKCON by
first focusing on the scientific data. Our
argument is generally not with the raw
data, but with the dodgy interpretations
applied to it. Many so-called scientific
theories that purport to explain the
facts are fallacious, contradictory or
limited in their scope. We have a better
explanation of the facts as they are.
This is the inductive method whichis generally anathema to devotees,
as it cannot reveal transcendental
reality. However, because we have the
incredible wisdom from Vedic sources
to guide us in the understanding of
the scientific data, we can construct
a model of the world and life within
it which is more comprehensive and
consistent that any of the current
theories and which therefore can be
promoted as valid science theory.
I have been working with a group
of devotees in the UK who havebackgrounds in various areas of science
research. Together, we are formulating
a model that explains the key findings
in the fields of quantum physics,
cosmology, bio-chemistry, genetics,
neuroscience etc. within a single
scientific paradigm.
From many observations of current
data, it is observed that intent affects
the form of matter. Hence, it can be
suggested that conscious intent is a
primal energy one that is distinctively
different from and seems to pre-date
physical matter. Further, drawing
on the descriptions of the Vedic
descriptions of the eight elements,
it appears that reality is formed of a
spectrum of energy/matter states that
relate to and transform into each
other. At one end of the spectrum is
what we may term physical matter.
Using an analysis of these energy
states and their respective functions,
(which is a more voluminous than
this article will allow) we can show
how they progressively condition and
encode intent thereby determining
the way physical matter manifests.
This provides a fresh understanding
of how matter appears at the quantumlevel; how the cosmos unfolds; and
how living organisms manifest and
proliferate as many species. It also
tackles the still unexplained mysteries
of consciousness, memory and
perception - all with reference to the
latest scientific research and evidence.
The working title for this model
is Co-intentional Transformation
indicating that the physical world is
produced from the transformation of
various states of energy driven bythe combined and individual input of
conscious intent. So, next time you are
asked what you believe in, you can
reply: Co-intentional Transformation.
But, you may want to read up on it a
bit first.
If you would like more information
about Co-intentional Transformation
or would like to help this project,
please contact Akhandadhi das by
email on [email protected]
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Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter August 2011
Kishan PaunAge: 16
Studying: Starting A-levels in
Biology, Chemistry, Maths and
Economics
What did you initially findappealing about KC?
I used to go to Bhaktivedanta Manor quite
often and I heard about IPS but I never felt like
going as I thought I wouldnt know anyone at
the groups events. However, in 2009, when
my friend Abhishek told me that he was going
to Harrow Jammin, he invited me along. I had
such a good time that Ive never stopped going.
Its become an important part of my life.
What made you start attendingIPS events?
At rst, the most appealing thing I found wasthe amount of fun I had associating with
different kind of people who, at heart, all shared
the same interest. I also loved how interactive
all the Jammins were so you actually felt like
you were properly involved.
What services are you currentlyinvolved in?At the moment, Im on the Harrow Jammin team,
so I help to organise the event every two weeks.
In particular I manage the Matchless Gifts stall.
Im also involved in the preparation for this
years Janmastami festival at Bhaktivedanta
Manor - Im really looking forward to it as I had
such a great time last year!
Interesting fact about yourself
Good Morning Mr PresidentSahil Agarwal, leader of ISKCON Pandava
Senas (IPS) fortnightly youth programme,
Harrow Jammin, has become the organisations
youngest ever president, aged only 17 years.
Before Sahil
took over, the
youth group was
managed by
the IPS Board,
which oversaw
the activities of
the organisation.It was made up
of experienced
members of
IPS that were
a s s i g n e d
responsibility of
specic projects,
working closely with younger members so as
to train them up on taking on the corresponding
duties.
Under the new system, Sahil will be responsible
for all IPS projects, unifying them with a single
fresh dynamic vision to revolutionise the
presentation of Krishna Consciousness (KC) toyoung people. He will be especially involved in
overseeing the activities of IPS in Harrow, east
London and Crawley, making the important
choices of where the future of this buzzing
youth group should lie. His spiritual mentor,
Nanda Gopa das, said It is about time youth
group had someone who is actually young
in charge! Sahil has always been keen to
take up responsibility for Krishna and quickly
clocked on that
its an easy way
to make spiritual
advancement...I
wish him all the
best for his new
service.
Sahil wasintroduced to
IPS through the
groups summer
trip to Germany
in 2009 and,
after feeling
inspired from his
experience during the time, he got involved
in the IPS tent at Janmashtami that year as
well as joining the Harrow Jammin team. His
conscientious attitude led him to be offered the
role of Harrow Jammin coordinator in 2010,
which he accepted and has been holding since.
Sahil, who is currently studying for his A-levels,commented I aim to present KC specically to
the youth in modern, innovative and energetic
ways so that young people may take to the path
of spirituality based on their inclinations. By the time I was six years old, I had lived in
four different continents of the world - Europe,
Africa, Asia and North America.
Sahil (centre) during the IPS Christmas panto 2010
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Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter August 2011
Calendar dates for your diary
August 2011
Sat 13 Appearance of Lord Balaram(fast till noon)
Raksabandhan
Second month of Caturmasya
Sun 14 Month of Bhadra begins
Anniversary of Srila Prabhupadadeparture for USA
Sun 21 Janmashtami Festival
Mon 22 Janmashtami
(Fating till midnight)
Tue 23 App of Srila Prabhupada
(fasting till noon) Nandotsava
Thur 25 Annada Ekadasi
September 2011
Fri 2 App of Srimati Sita Thakurini
(Sri Advaitas consort)
Mon 5 Radhastami -
App of Srimati Radharani
(Fasting till noon)
Thur 8 Parsva EkadasiApp of Lord Vamanadeva and Srila
Jiva Goswami((fasting till noon)
Fri 9 App of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura(fasting till noon)
2011, All articles & photographs copyright of Bhaktivedanta Manor
Bhaktivedanta Manor
Dharam Marg Hilfield Lane
Aldenham Herts WD25 8EZ(for sat-nav only, please use
postcode WD25 8DT)
01923 851000
www.krishnatemple.com
Please send your news, photos and
comments to Radha Mohan das
Organic milk from cows that will be
retired to a sanctuary once their milking
days are over has started its first
deliveries, bringing about a revolution
in milk production.
No cow, calf or bull will ever beslaughtered to bring this quality product
to the breakfast table and they will
instead be protected for life, ensuring
families can be confident no animal
suffers to bring them milk.
The breakthrough has been made
possible by the Ahimsa Diary
Foundation (ADF) working in
partnership with the Organic Milk
Suppliers Co-operative (OMSco) and
one of their supplier farms in Kent,
Commonwork, which seeks local and
global sustainability.
In the present pilot, the milk, which
costs 2.25 a litre and 15p for doorstep
delivery through subscription, is being
distributed in North-West London and
parts of Hertfordshire.
Sita Rama das, director of the Ahimsa
Dairy Foundation, said There is so
much suffering in the production of
conventional milk. Cows are killed
years before their natural time and malecalves often killed at birth or sold as
veal.
None of our cattle will ever face the
abattoir and we are exploring new
ways of sustainably and productively
working with bulls. We think people
will really be able to taste the difference
in the milk we sell.
The Ahimsa Dairy Foundation is a
not-for-profit organisation. It takes its
model of caring for cows from the farm
at Bhaktivedanta Manor, where a herdare kept to supply the Hare Krishna
Temple. The Foundation has links with
the Manor, but is independent.
Website: www.ahimsamilk.org
Ahimsa Slaughter-Free milk now on sale Spiritual Consultants
HH Bhakti Rasamrita Swami and
Gaur Gopal das gave presentations
at the Global Headquarters of Big
4 Professional Services firm, Ernst
& Young LLP in London Bridge,including representatives from Morgan
Stanley, Citigroup, Barclays Capital,
and Deutsche Bank amongst others.
The address by Bhakti Rasamrita
Swami was entitled 'how the Mighty
Fall, based on the book by best-
selling leadership author Jim Collins.
He drew parallels and explored the
commonalities between the famous
examples of decline in the corporate
world, and the declines from the
Mahabharata over 5,000 years ago. The
parallels were drawn based on Collins'
5 stages of decline, beginning with
the arrogance that often accompanies
success, leading to an denial of risk,
later manifesting in grasping for
survival, and ultimate capitulation to
irrelevance or death.
Gaur Gopal das delivered a seminar
based on the famous book by Robin
Sharma entitled The Monk who Sold his
Ferrari. He said that to be spiritually
driven, you do not need to renounce
your profession. Rather, you shouldrespond to the challenges of the modern
world with a balanced outlook that does
not lose sight of spiritual perspectives.