festival of chariots enchants a new generation · weekend of 5th and 6th june in the balaji temple...

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Dedicated to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the

Srila Prabhupada:

“A form of the Lord is called arca-vigraha and is expanded by the Lord by His internal potency just to facilitate the devotional service of His innumerable devotees who are in the material world. The material senses cannot perceive the spiritual nature of the Lord, and therefore the Lord accepts the arca-vigraha, which is apparently made of material elements like earth, wood and stone but actually there is no material contamination.”

SB: 1.11.24 Purport

Welcoming Local Friends

London was illuminated by a dazzling variety of colours and sounds as the annual 'Ratha Yatra’, or Festival of the Chariots, returned to the streets of the capital on Sunday 20th June.Blessed with summer sunshine, thousands of festival-goers, pilgrims and devotees from all over the world participated in this ancient extravaganza. The faithful hand-pulled the three 40-foot high exquisitely decorated chariots carrying the sacred deities of Lord Jagannatha (“The Lord of the Universe”) , Lady Subhadra and Lord Balarama from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square. The procession concluded at one of the most famous landmarks in the world, Trafalgar Square, where families enjoyed a wide variety of demonstrations and exhibitions, including a thrilling display on the main stage of dance, song, drama,and even choral music! Titikshu Das, Co-ordinator of London Carnival of Chariots says: “It’s amazing to see yet another generation of Londoners enjoying the Ratha-Yatra celebrations here in our capital”.

Open Days at Bhaktivedanta Manor always prove to be great opportunities to further build on the positive relationships we have with many locals. Even though Open Days have been running for more than ten years now, each time devotees are delighted to welcome new faces in addition to renewing old friendships. The next Open Day is on Saturday 31st July.At the Radlett Festival, as well as lending a helping hand, devotees served hundreds of plates of vegetarian food. Tulasi Harrison opened the event with an enchanting 'bharat-natyam' dance. The local papers reported that one family “agreed that the Hare Krishna bullock cart ride was the festival’s star attraction…”

Festival of Chariots enchants a new generation

Bhaktivedanta Manor Newsletter July 2010

Watford's first vegetarian cafeWatford’s first vegetarian café opened in Market Street last Month. Gokula, a family business offers a choice of tasty snacks and home made cakes and organic fair-trade drinks. Gokula is at 65 Market Street, Watford WD18 0PR, open 9am - 6pm Monday to Saturday.

A dinner was arranged at Bhaktivedanta Manor on Saturday 8th May by Gail Staveacre to thank devotees who have helped with the Preachers' Circuit. During the evening Ranchor Prime introduced his latest book 'Bhagavad Gita; Talks between the Soul and God'. He explained that the book is meant to complement Srila Prabhupada's Bhagavad Gita AS IT IS and to be a resource for devotees to introduce

people to Krishna Consciousness in a ‘gentle and accessible’ way. The book was publicly launched a week later at Alchemy, a popular new age and yoga centre in the heart of Camden Market. The book was warmly welcomed by the centre and many signed copies were bought on the spot.The book is available for purchase from the Manor shop.

Amekhala devi dasi – A Tribute

Neil Morhen, the Neighbourhood Team Inspector for Hertfordshire Constabulary, visited Bhaktivedanta Manor to advise on community and security issues.

Talks between the Soul and God

Sri Sribhuti Krishna Goswami from the Sri Vaijayanti Ashram in Vrindavan, India, was delighted to visit Bhaktivedanta Manor.

Sounds for the Soul – 24 hour kirtan goes worldwide

There was non-stop chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra for 24 hours over the weekend of 5th and 6th June in the Balaji temple near Birmingham. Organised by the local ISKCON devotees, special guests included Sacinandana Swami, the Mayapuris (now based in the US) and Madhava dasa. The entire event could also be viewed online from anywhere in the world.


A seminar was run at the Manor which provided tips and techniques for successful Krishna conscious parenting. Aruddha devi dasi and her son Radhika Ramana dasa from Idaho in the US spoke about subjects such as ‘how to teach through the Bhagavatam’, ‘discipline and character building’,

‘social life and skills’ and ‘cultivating academic success’.Aruddha devi dasi shared her experiences on home schooling and raising children using Srila Prabhupada's books. Aruddha devi dasi and her husband Anantarupa dasa started the ISKCON Temple in Boise,

USA and home-schooled their children while running the local Govindas restaurant as well. Radhika Raman dasa holds a Ph.D in Hinduism from Oxford University. He is now Assistant Professor of Religious Studies at the College of William and Mary in the US. Aruddha dasi runs a Yahoo group on the internet for devotee parents interested in homeschooling their children. www.krishnahomeschool.com

The art of Krishna Conscious home schooling Lions Club charity walk

The Lions Club of Sudbury Town are raising funds to sponsor a classroom for the Krishna Avanti School. Barry Gardiner MP attended the charity walk in Kingsbury which was well attended by many supporters. The Lions Club Chairman Mr Viren Hindocha commented “We are taking part in this project because we consider the School to be a landmark for our community in this country.”

26th May saw the celebration of the appearance of Lord Nrsimhadeva, the half lion, half man incarnation of Lord Krishna who came to protect his great devotee, Prahlada. Nrsimhadeva outwitted the demon Hiranyakashipu, who thought that he had been blessed to never die under any circumstance. The Lord’s appearance shows us that the soul can never outwit God – even when that soul has become the most powerful in the universe! On the day, children of the Manor School performed a play about this pastime, which was followed by a fire yajna ceremony. In the Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krishna explains the vision of such a great devotee as Prahlada: “For one who sees Me everywhere, and sees everything in Me; I am never lost to Him, and he is never lost to Me.”

Divine Protection


Manor leaders attend the opening of Wembley's newest landmark

After fourteen years of construction, the Shree Sanatan Hindu Mandir on the Ealing Road is complete.

Leaders and representatives of Bhaktivedanta Manor were among the invited guests at the opening ceremony. Our heartiest congratulations to the Chairman of the Temple Narendra Thakrar and members of Shri Vallabh Nidhi UK for achieving this monumental landmark.

European Brahmacari ConventionThe second European Brahmacari Convention held at the Manor was a grand success. Seventy-five saffron-clad monks and those aspiring gathered from across the continent for seminars, workshops, public chanting and devotional entertainment. The theme was based on the importance of simplicity, sense control and study in the brahmacari (student) stage of life. Nine sannyasis (senior renunciates) presided over the week long Convention.

Members of the brahmacari ashram (monastery) organized an evening of thanks for Lad Construction and the Patrons Council. For three months Lad Construction have been working hard entirely renovating the ashram (residential) facilities and the results are magnificent! The evening included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, classes, drama and a feast.


Sat-sanga literally means “association of Krishna’s devotees.” Through such association one develops spiritual knowledge and finds fresh inspiration in their devotional life. It is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of Krishna Consciousness. There are over 25 sanga gatherings in different locations across London. They typically take place at someone’s home on a fixed day of the week, and are attended by 30-40 people of all ages. Different aspects of Krishna consciousness are discussed in a relevant, practical and engaging way. In recent months, Bhaktivedanta Manor’s sanga leaders have been working hard to improve the quality of each gathering. Each group now meets at least once a month, and systematically studies different aspects of the teachings and how to apply them in one’s daily life. Furthermore, each sanga group offers great opportunities for service at Bhaktivedanta Manor. In summary, by attending a sanga gathering, you will: Learn the basics of the Bhagavad-gitaHave the opportunity to ask questions and learn the practical aspects of the teachingsAssociate with spiritually minded individuals and make new friends To find out more contact: [email protected] das (07957 636 283)Krishna Purna Devi Dasi (079464108)

Association of Krishna’s devotees“Association

with those engaged in a similar line of business is very

conducive to advancement in that business. Consequently materialistic

persons form various associations and clubs to enhance their endeavors. For example, in the business world we find such institutions as the stock exchange and chamber of commerce. Similarly, we have established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness

to give people an opportunity to associate with those who have

not forgotten Krishna.” Srila Prabhupada


by Krishna Dharma das

Once Srila Prabhupada was in discussion with a scientist who was averring that nature was the cause of all phenomena. “Why do you propose a God?” he asked. Prabhupada replied, “But when you say nature you must also say whose nature. It cannot exist independently” It is an interesting point. We all have different natures, but who has this vast and wonderful nature we see all around us? On a different occasion he faced another philosopher who said that everything was formed from an eternal impersonal energy, again asserting that there was no need to introduce any God. Prabhupada said, “Energy means there must be an energetic source, it cannot exist independently.” This is a verifiable truth. Heat, light, s o u n d – any energy

must always have a point of emanation, a source. So what

is the source of the total material

energy? Prabhupada gave the answer.

“That is God.” Obvious p o i n t s to some p e r h a p s ,

but sadly

they seem too often elude even the brightest among us. It was therefore refreshing when Prince Charles in a recent speech attributed our current environmental crises to a “deep, inner crisis of the soul.” Suggesting that we were becoming “de-souled” by consumerism, he said that the problems we now face cannot be solved simply by green technology. It required something deeper, a return to spiritual teachings. As the poet Wordsworth said even 200 years ago, “The world is too much with us, late or soon.” The spiraling rate of consumerism is driven by an obsession with improving our worldly conditions, an insatiable material greed, both from the consumers and from those who would supply them. It is surely not sustainable no matter how hard we try to move to renewable sources. The New Economics Foundation calculated that if the whole world today consumed at the same rate as the US it would require over “5 Earths” to keep up the supply. And that is the way it is going. Much of the ‘undeveloped’ world would very much like to have the wealth and amenities enjoyed by the affluent West, and are working hard to get them. Thanks to the all-conquering TV and film industry, even the remotest of places can stare goggle-eyed at a lifestyle that seems to offer a thousand times more enjoyment than theirs. It is an illusion of course. Happiness will never come from “getting and spending”,

as Wordsworth put it. All that will do is agitate the heart and

mind, push us to higher levels of

anxiety as we hanker for

more and m o r e

commodities – stuff that somehow never seems to give us the satisfaction and contentment we crave. Obviously. Otherwise how would the free market survive? It runs on the principle that the consumer will always want something new, “a bigger and better illusion” as one rock singer put it. Surely it is time then for those spiritual teachings mentioned by Prince Charles. Unless we connect with the soul and indeed the Supreme Soul, we will be helplessly driven by our material desires. We must recognise the spiritual in the world and in our selves. The nature we want to exploit and enjoy does not belong to us, it belongs to God, and so do we. Everything is divine energy. Only when we realise this truth and try to act on it, engaging all things in the service of God according to his desire, will the fever of materialism subside, making way for real happiness. At the moment the fever is threatening to become an epidemic. Prince Charles pointed out that the world population, currently approaching 7 billion, will be some 9 billion by 2050. Allowing for the rapid global spread of TV and other digital media, all pumping up demand for all those nice shiny items the media companies are also selling, there is no chance that even renewable sources will be able to meet the demand, as the Prince suggests. Something has to give. Prabhupada actually said that the Earth can maintain any number of people, at least in terms of food. I doubt he meant that every household could have two cars and six TV’s. He also said that nature has her own way of adjusting problematic situations, such as a population gone mad with frenzy to lay waste her resources in the shortest possible space of time. So let’s take Prince Charles’ advice seriously. Seek the divine within and without, find peace and bring down the material fever before it goes right off the Richter scale.

Seeing the spiritual nature


Aman SunnerdAge: 22Studying: BSc Software System of the Arts (University of Hertfordshire)

What did you initially find appealing about KC?

I became curious about Krishna and so I searched on YouTube and came across IPS video clips on there. This led me onto the IPS website on which I found out about East London Jammin and I’ve been going ever since.

What made you start attending IPS events?

More than anything I found that the teachings just made sense. I had a lot of questions and the answers I was getting from outside of KC didn’t satisfy me. Two of the older members of IPS in east London took some time out for me and as a result of my interaction with them I became inspired to take control of my life and get involved.

What services are you currently involved in?I’m part of the East London Jammin team. In particular, I look after the chill-out sessions, which take place at my home on an a bi-weekly basis. They give those that come along to Jammins an opportunity to get to know about KC and each other in a relaxed way. A few of those that have been involved in KC for longer periods of time are around to answer questions that anyone has and we often prepare prasadam together as well.

Interesting fact about yourselfI’m looking to teach graphics at secondary school level after finishing my studies.

In this issue, Vishal Merai explores how the activities and structure of ISKCON Pandava Sena (IPS) gives its members the opportunities, experience and training to become present leaders of the group as well as equip and motivate them to take up leadership roles in ISKCON in the future.

IPS has numerous exciting projects that give its members the opportunity to engage their skills, which they either already have or develop as part of the training they receive through their involvement. These include developing short films, music CDs, dramas, festival exhibitions, organising retreats and graphic design, to name just a few. Along with specific skills required for these activities, those involved learn how to manage such projects as well. Efforts are made to ensure an entrepreneurial spirit remains so that members have a sense of empowerment and are able to engage themselves based on their inspiration. This ensures that a sense of ownership develops alongside skills and experience.

Several arrangements are in place to facilitate the development of a solid grasping of the teachings of Krishna consciousness (KC). These include interactive sessions given as part of Jammins as well as KC Socs (university societies) at some of the most well known educational establishments in the world. Talks are given as part of programmes at the homes of the members, often by international leaders of ISKCON. Furthermore, the weekly VTE classes provide structured and systematic learning, whereas the more intimate sanga groups allow members to share their insights and experiences with each other.

IPS has a mentorship system which ensures that all members can benefit from the care and advice of those that have benefited from many years of practising the process of KC. The group has several dedicated mentors that devote time and effort to each of their mentees, ensuring that they are given the guidance they need to make informed decisions about their spiritual journey.

A key aspect of KC is initiation, which is known as diksha in Sanskrit. It is a ceremony in which a qualified disciple makes lifelong vows to a spiritual master to maintain high standards in their spiritual practices. Through taking this important and natural step, members of

ISKCON affirm their commitment to sincerely serve the movement as well. Considering half of all of those that become initiated from the temple’s community are from IPS serves as yet another indication of the continuing value that members will prove themselves to be to ISKCON when they are no longer part of this youth group.

These arrangements ensure those currently involved in IPS are able to contribute in similarly valuable ways in broader ISKCON activities through the transferrable skills and sense of ownership they develop while serving in IPS. Those that have made that transition include Nitesh Gor, who was the original chairman of the group. He has been the driving force behind setting up the first state funded Hindu school, called Krishna Avanti and located in Edgware. He is now the chair of the school’s board of governors and is engaged in similar projects for more such schools. Another one of the original members of IPS, Nimai devi dasi, is an editor of the soon to be released ‘open’ Vyasapuja book containing glorifications of Srila Prabhupada (ISKCON’s founder) by his initiated disciples. She is an assistant to the editor of the Indian version of ISKCON’s Back to Godhead magazine as well. Furthermore, Ajay Kumar and Bhavesh Patel, who have also been involved in IPS from its early days, now play leading roles in the temple’s festival committee, which is responsible for Janmashtami at the Manor, a festival that attracts 70,000 people each year. Sutapa das and Saci Kisore das are another dynamic duo that have their roots in IPS. They are currently senior members of the Manor’s b r a h m a c h a r i ashram (residential monk quarters) and have both had responsibility of book distribution for the temple as well as for KC Socs on a national basis.

IPS looks forward to many more following in their footsteps in their efforts to serve Lord Chaitanya mission.

Jammin is a fortnightly dynamic youth event organised and facilitated by IPS

jamminjamminjammin jamminjamminjammin

jammin

East - 02/07 - God - Fact or fiction?Harrow - 09/07 - For a life less ordinaryEast - 16/07 - God on trialHarrow - 23/07 - Mid-summer night kirtanEast - 30/07 - Vegetarianism

Forthcoming Jammins:

For more details see wwww.psena.com

Subject to change

IPS: Leaders of today, leaders of tomorrow


© 2010, All articles & photographs copyright of Bhaktivedanta Manor

Calendar DatesJuly 2010Wed 21 Sayana EkadasiSun 25 Guru (Vyasa) Purnima, Disapp of Srila Sanatana GoswamiMon 26 Month of Sravana First month of Caturmasya begins (fast from green leafy vegetables for 1 month)August 2010Wed 4 Anni of incorporation of ISKCONFri 6 Kamika EkadasiFri 20 Pavitropana Ekadasi Jhulen Yatra begins (swing festival)

Tue 24 App of Lord Balaram(fasting till noon) RaksabandhanWed 25 2nd month of Caturmasya beginsAnni of Srila Prabhupada’s departure for the USA September 2010Thur 2 Sri Krishna Janmashtami (fasting till midnight)Fri 3 App of Srila Prabhupada (fasting till noon)Sat 4 Annada EkadasiSun 5 Janmashtami Festival at Bhaktivedanta Manor

Bhaktivedanta ManorDharam Marg · Hilfield Lane Aldenham · Herts

WD25 8EZ

(for sat-nav only, please use postcode WD25 8DT)01923 851000

www.krishnatemple.comPlease send your news, photos and comments to

Radha Mohan das at: [email protected]

Devotee careB h a k t i v e d a n t a Manor has recently re-launched its mentorship system, or devotee care system, which will care for the regular congregation. A team, headed by Kripamoya das will

be working to develop this further. At its launch, special guests from ISKCON Chowpatty (Mumbai) Sridhama das and his wife Kishori dasi spoke about their experiences of promoting the system worldwide. They are on ISKCON's Governing Body Commission (GBC) Committee for Devotee Care.

Luton CarnivalThe 100,000 people who attended Britain’s biggest one day carnival in Luton were surprised and delighted to witness the devotees chanting Hare Krishna and dressed in beautiful costumes. The same devotees, with support from others, distributed thousands of plates of prasad (sanctified vegetarian food) and chanted to the early hours at the Summer Solstice Festival in Stonehenge.

Children of the Manor School visited Fairfield Junior School in Radlett to conduct an interactive workshop about Vedic culture and tradition, which was very well received.

©2007 Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Registered charity no. 235825.Charity Registration No. 1114304

The Lotus Trust

transforming lives...

©2007 Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. Registered charity no. 235825.Charity Registration No. 1114304

The Lotus Trust

transforming lives...National Trust visitStaff and volunteers from Croome Court in Worcesteshire, working with the National Trust, spent a day at the Manor to get a deeper understanding of Krishna consciousness. They also wanted to get an idea of how Croome was when it was owned by ISKCON as ‘Caitanya College’. "We had a very spiritual, tranquil and enlightening experience,” explained Joyce Wallace, the Outreach Officer for the West Midlands National Trust. “Our group were surprised and genuinely interested and respectful of the property. They felt at home and were grateful for the time and warmth of the welcome they received.”

festival of chariots enchants a new generation · weekend of 5th and 6th june in the balaji temple...

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